Teresa Tysinger, Author

Cover Reveal: Someplace Familiar

It’s an exciting day for me. Much like posting the first photo of a newborn into the family, it’s my true honor to finally SHOW you my debut novel, Someplace Familiar.

Artist Livy Johnson needs a fresh start. That’s what a broken heart and forgotten dreams can do to a person. On little more than a whim, she reclaims her grandmother’s old home in quaint Laurel Cove, North Carolina and vows to restore its original charm. When she literally collides with childhood friend, Jack Bowdon, Livy wonders if she’s back for an entirely different reason.

Jack can’t believe his childhood crush is back. As the owner of Bowdon’s Supplies, and once again the town’s most eligible bachelor, he offers to help Livy with repairs. Together they embark on the project—and an undeniable whirlwind romance.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Together they must find a way to survive the destructive pain of their pasts and ultimately discover God’s grace waiting to renovate their hearts.

And, there you have it! So, what do you think? I’d love to hear your feedback. Be sure to visit my Facebook page tomorrow for a chance to join the Grace Givers — the street team to help launch Someplace Familiar to readers over the next few months.

Want to start supporting the book TODAY? I’d be thrilled it you added it to your Goodreads WANT TO READ list!

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Book Review: That’s When I Knew by Laurie Tomlinson

Before we get down to business with today’s book review, there are a few exciting things I want to tell you about happening the rest of this week:

TOMORROW (THURSDAY): Cover reveal for Someplace Familiar will take place here and all my social media channels. Once posted, SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
FRIDAY: Street team for Someplace Familiar launches on Facebook — limited to only 50 spots for those who are anxious to give the book some extra TLC leading to release day in late May.

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Now, on to a really fun(ny) book review!

Wondering where you’ve heard the name Laurie Tomlinson before? Well, this sweet and brilliant lady is editor extraordinaire for Someplace Familiar through her business 1624 Communications! She also happens to be celebrating the release of her first novella That’s When I Knew, part of the Love at First Laugh collection.

I enjoyed reading Laurie’s story of Nick and Chelsea SO MUCH.

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About That’s When I Knew

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On most days, Chelsea Scott feels like her rapidly growing planner and stationery business should belong to someone else. Maybe if it did, it wouldn’t be hovering near the red due to one costly decision. But the collaboration that will save her company awaits her pitch at the trade show she’s keynoting. When her transportation falls through at the last minute, she accepts help from Nick Pearson, who’s unexpectedly come back into her life.

The last time Nick saw Chelsea, he told her he loved her, and she ran. Twelve years later, their lives are different, more complex than the summers they spent playing baseball and eating ice cream cones at their dock with their toes in the lake. But as they spend time together on the road, their feelings for each other become clear: all those years couldn’t take away how good they can be together.

When Chelsea’s past decisions resurface at the convention, her newly rekindled relationship with Nick – and her business – are in jeopardy. Will their love be enough to keep them together or will another summer end with them apart?

My Review

This was so fun!!! “That’s When I Knew” introduces us to Nick and Chelsea, former loves who reunite quite unexpectedly years later. They embark on a stressful-turned-fun business trip that’s either going to make or break Chelsea’s career. Tomlinson had me giggling one minute and sighing the next. I especially love how real the characters are, flawed but redeemed by being loved for who they are. In fact, Chelsea reminds me of myself a little bit — a bit frantic under pressure and willing to retreat under a table with a donut when things go wrong! The story was full of just enough surprises and the sweetest happy ending all romance readers long for. Well done and two thumbs up for Tomlinson! I can’t wait to finish the rest of the collection!

Find Love at First Laugh on Amazon

About Laurie Tomlinson

Laurie Tomlinson visits the Authors' Open House at https://teresatysinger.com. Laurie Tomlinson is an award-winning contemporary romance author living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her stories are fueled by faith, steaming mugs of tea, and her belief that life should be celebrated with cupcakes and extra sprinkles. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking with her two little sous chefs and testing new recipes on her husband—especially if she doesn’t have to do the dishes.

Find Laurie on Facebook or her website.

3 Books to Get Excited About in 2017

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I have a lot of friends who get squirmy at movie previews, itching to see what’s coming up in the world of cinema. Maybe the next Star Wars installment, super hero saga, or Oscar-worthy epic. Me? I get giddy over news of new book releases! And I’m super thrilled to share my own debut novel release with releases from some of my favorite authors.

Here are three books coming out this year that I am super excited about.

Count Me In (Emerald City Romance #1) by Mikal Dawn

16996219_651475855054351_2236377957144815235_n Releasing May 2017
MikalDawn.com
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Allegra Spencer has been living a careful life. Her safe job as an accountant is book-ended by going to church and the gym. Okay, sometimes the gym.

Fine. She goes to church. And the coffee shop.

She avoids risk at all cost, preferring to stay safe in her cozy condo. Until her accounting firm goes belly up and she’s suddenly out of a job.

Tyler Hawk had a glorious career as a star NFL Tight End. He retired on a high note and is now living a second dream of owning his own business leading others on extreme outdoor adventures. But he needs help with his books–and his heart.

When Allegra takes the job, sparks–and water–fly. Will Allegra be able to show Tyler he’s worth so much more than his star-status while being open to the most thrilling adventure of all…love?

This book and author are extra super special to me. Mikal is one of a few ladies who made up my original critique group. We’ve written our first books together, side by side. She’ll be releasing this romantic comedy novel the SAME MONTH as I’ll be releasing Someplace Familiar. God is so good. Of course, I’d support Mikal publishing her version of the phonebook. But trust me, Count Me In is sweet, funny, feel-good, and even a little surprising.

Just The Way You Are (Pleasant Gap Romance #1) by Pepper Basham

Releasing April 2017
PepperDBasham.com
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Single mom, Eisley Barrett, prefers to keep romance safely housed within a centuries-old mystery, but when she travels to England to unearth the secret, an actor with a sordid past offers her reluctant heart a very different type of discovery.

Wes Harrison has a past he’s ashamed to confess. Suspicious and cyncial, he’s managed to avoid romantic entanglements since a tragedy upended his career and life, that is until American Eisley Barrett comes along. Her authenticity and kindness upend his bitter assumptions and send his heart into unscripted territory.

When his past threatens to ruin a second chance at love, can some Appalachian matchmaking and letters from the grave salvage their unexpected romance?

Are you really surprised that I’d include an Appalachian story on the list? Pepper has fast become one of my go-to authors when I need my fix of Blue Ridge fiction. Having found success in both historical and contemporary romance novels, what could make one of Pepper’s books any better? Mix both the Appalachian and British cultures! Pepper calls this story a “Britallachian” flavor, combining two favorite settings into one book. It’s already received a coveted Romantic Times 4 1/2 Star, Top-Pick rating. Swoon! I can’t wait.

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright

Releasing December 2017
JaimeJoWright.com
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Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather’s Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house’s dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide.

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy’s search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives–
including her own–are lost?

It’s true that we authors have a flare for the dramatic. I admit that. However, please do not doubt how genuine I am when I say that I believe this will be THE book of 2017. I just have a hunch. I’ve always loved split-timelines, a little edge of suspense, and the cover design is EVERYTHING. But I also happen to know Jaime’s writing is some of the most captivating. It will suck you in and make you forget where you are — bring you into the lives of characters you can’t forget when you put the book down. Yes, Jaime is my friend and has often mentored me through my own writing journey. But, make no mistake, my bias has nothing to do with making the claim for The House on Foster Hill being the most anticipated debut novel. Mark my words, people: Book of 2017.

**BONUS! Love at First Laugh Novella Collection**

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I know, I know…the blog post says 3… but there’s one more release coming NEXT WEEK you must know about. Check out the Love at First Laugh: Eight Romantic Novellas Filled with Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever After with romantic comedy novellas from:

Pepper Basham
Christina Coryell
Heather Gray
Elizabeth Maddrey
Jessica R. Patch
Krista Phillips
Laurie Tomlinson
Marion Ueckermann

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Laurie’s novella, That’s When I Knew and will be reviewing it in my next blog post, so stay tuned!

What books are YOU looking forward to this year?

5 Ways You Can Help Promote Your Favorite Author’s New Book

I made a pretty huge announcement yesterday on my Facebook author page. Were you there? If so, thank you again for the overwhelming support. Isn’t it funny how sharing exciting news with your community makes it become suddenly celebration-worthy?

If you missed it, let’s recap… After many long hours, ups and downs of motivation, and lots of encouragement from friends and family, I will be releasing my debut novel, Someplace Familiar, in late May! In just a few short months, you’ll meet Livy and Jack and stroll with them through the quaint mountain streets of Laurel Cove, North Carolina. This is the first in a 4-book series, each book stand-alone, all set in this sweet fictional town.

Of course, I’ll be sharing more about this book that’s so near and dear to my heart in the weeks ahead. The inspiration for the story, the characters, my process, and the many partners I have in my wheelhouse helping to get the book ready.

But last night’s thrilling Facebook announcement “party” left me with thoughts about how to harness all of the genuine shared excitement of readers and fellow writers. In full disclosure, you all are an author’s best asset! Have you heard the adage that there’s no better marketing than a personal invitation? Chances are, you’ve read lots of books recommended in one way or another by someone you know.

So, if you’re curious about ways you can help your favorite author promote his or her new book, look no further.

SHARE. You see on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. that one of your favorite authors has a new book coming out. You squeal with excitement into your phone or tablet. You spend the morning fist-pumping because that brand new contemporary romance e-book you’ve been waiting for is on sale for $0.99. Go all “Extra! Extra! Read All About It!” with that post and share! All social media platforms have Share tools built right in, so use them! Make that book news go viral!
REVIEW. One of the best things you can do for a book’s success is review it! The more reviews a book receives, the more likely it is to be featured on lists curated by sites like Amazon, Goodreads, etc. Like above, be sure and SHARE your review once you’ve written it. Repost on your blog, social media, etc. Not sure what should be included in a review? The most helpful reviews often include a short plot review, your reaction (what you loved about it, what surprised you, which characters resonated with you, etc.), and maybe a comparison to other popular books so readers know what to expect. But please note, SPOILERS have no place in reviews!
CREATE. I’ve seen you guys out there….you’re so creative! Use those skills to create visuals with your favorite line(s) from the book. I’ve seen some amazing ones on Instagram lately, like the one above created by reader/writer Toni Shiloh for author Pepper Basham‘s upcoming book Just the Way You Are. Even if you don’t consider yourself handy with design, there are tools out there that make creating memes and social cards super easy-peasy. Canva and the Ripl app are two that I’ve used and find super easy and fun. These become like free advertisements for books! And, remember to always tag and/or link your creations back to the author or buy page for an easy connection point.
TALK. “Hey, read any good books lately?” Yes, you have! Chat about your favorite books and authors over coffee with friends, the Sunday family dinner table, the PTA meeting, at the park with other moms, to your dentist in between opening wide, when your UPS guy is waiting for your signature, in the long grocery store line, while huffing and puffing on the treadmill, while browsing at your favorite book store, to the librarian (ask them to get it; they might just seek out the book if they don’t already carry it!), or even your babysitter while you’re trying to figure out the latest payment app she’s using now. Use your voice!
JOIN. I’m not the first author to see the potential in their excited readers. And we all love feeling a part of something EXCLUSIVE. So, many authors create “launch teams” for readers to join — members essentially become an extension of the authors marketing team, agreeing to be a cheerleader for the book in a variety of ways. This can include all of the above ways to promote and more! I’ve been a part of several launch teams and have really enjoyed feeling a part of making a book release successful. In case you’re wondering, YES, I’ll be having a launch team for Someplace Familiar. Keep an eye out for the invitation!

What other ways do you help promote books that you love?

Keep Reading…

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Get EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK at Someplace Familiar‘s Cover!

On March 1, I’ll be revealing the cover art for Someplace Familiar exclusively to my newsletter subscribers. Sign Up Here to join the fun!

Disclaimer: I have not received payment for any affiliate links included within this post. All opinions expressed are mine and reflect my experience and preferences as a reader and customer only. Thanks!

BIG NEWS COMING

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When you’ve got big news to share, don’t you think it’s fun being able to do so with a group of your friends and family? I’ll be doing just that on Thursday, February 23 at 7 PM (CST) over on my Facebook Author Page.

RSVP for the event here.

There will be a few fun surprises and prizes, but you have to be present to win. After the big news is revealed, we will hang out to chat and get to know one another over some fun activities. I really hope you are free to join me!

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