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Twitter Chat with Sicily's Corretti Dynasty Authors on April 23!
by Amy Wilkins, Harlequin Digital
On Tuesday, April 23, we’ll be celebrating the launch of Harlequin Presents’s new 8 book continuity series Sicily’s Corretti Dynasty with a live Twitter chat! If you love scandals, epic family tales, passionate romance and Italian heroes
Harlequin Blog News Round-Up: April 18, 2013
Each week we post the best news coming out of Harlequin and Carina Press. Usually it means a few sales. 
But there’s also free books, contests, community spotlights and the latest video-in-convos with our authors and book trailers to check out.
Find out what’s behind the curtain below.
Celebrate Debbie Macomber Day Digitally
Four wonderful titles every month – now available in ebook format!!
SHOP NOW ► http://goo.gl/4Yr0M
Sophie Littlefield’s Aftertime Series Gets a New Look
by Amy Wilkins, Harlequin Digital
Pippa Heart’s Online Pitches! + Top Writing Tips from Authors
Pippa Hearts Presents
The journey of one (relatively) young, single girl’s romance with Harlequin Presents!
How do you take your revenge?
by Carol Marinelli, author of Uncovering the Correttis (the digital prequel to Sicily’s Corretti Dynasty series from Harlequin Presents)
“Living well is the best revenge.”– George Herbert
That is one of my favourite quotes. Mainly because in my real life I don’t have the energy to plan, let alone execute revenge. But haven’t we all had a little daydream where we’re thinner, curvier, sexier, richer, tidier than we really are when we face that ex/bully/boss/mother-in-law…?
One of the reasons I love writing is, that, in my writing I do have the energy to plot and execute revenge — and nowhere could the desire for revenge be more rampant than among the Corretti’s! A notorious, Sicilian family they are both bound and divided by their pasts and secrets and naturally they have made a few enemies along the way.
I had a lot of trouble working out how to introduce the readers to the Corretti’s without giving too much away. Also, given that these were Presents heroes I was dealing with, trying to pin them down before the series started proved almost impossible! They were all far too busy, living their jet-set lifestyles and being suitably bad, to commit to anything I had planned.
Thankfully, my heroine, Emily, came to mind. An investigative journalist, Emily is very put out when her boss, who happens to be her ex, sends her to Sicily to cover a wedding for a travel feature her paper is doing. It is there she meets Anton – he is every bit as dark and brooding as a Corretti, so much so that for a little while Emily thinks he might be related to them. But the truth is he loathes them and has only revenge on his mind – I can’t wait until you to find out why!
I loved getting that first glimpse of the Corretti’s through Emily’s eyes. They really are the most fascinating, complex (as well as sizzling hot) family and I just know you are going to enjoy the series!
Oh, and in a lighter moment, near the end of the story, Emily gets her own sweet taste of revenge! I shan’t spoil it but, suffice to say, I did smile as I wrote a certain few lines. What’s that other saying…revenge is best served cold?
I beg to differ — revenge is best served warm, in bed, with a gorgeous lover, seeing first hand how your weekend could have turned out had you not met the Corretti’s!
I can’t wait for you to meet them.
About the Book:
The more powerful the family…the darker the secrets. Meet the family everyone’s talking about in this prequel novella to the Sicily’s Corretti Dynasty series, bought to you by Harlequin Presents.
Investigative journalist Emily Hyslop is furious when her editor—and ex—reassigns her from a career-making exposé to a frivolous wedding in Sicily. But scandalous secrets lie behind the union of the rival Corretti and Battaglia families. Things start looking up when Emily meets the most intimidating, not to mention sexiest, man she’s ever encountered….
Detective Anton Soranno has valuable insight into the Correttis and their scandalous dealings…and plenty of reason to hate them. He’s the perfect source of information—and the more he helps Emily with her story, the more time they have to explore their intense desire. But even as their passionate nights uncover surprising feelings in both of them, Emily and Anton know that she must leave Sicily once the wedding is over.…
Look for more books in the Sicily’s Corretti Dynasty series from Harlequin Presents, beginning with A Legacy of Secrets by Carol Marinelli.
Download Uncovering the Correttis for FREE from the Harlequin Deal Spot!
Do you believe in an eye for an eye, or to turn the other cheek?
Native Inspiration
by Sheri Whitefeather, author of The Texan’s Future Bride (Harlequin Special Edition)
I’ve become known for incorporating Native American and First Nations characters into my books. My ex-husband is a tribally enrolled member of the Muscogee Creek Nation and so are our grown children. Oftentimes my characters are searching for their roots. My ex’s grandmother was a strong influence in that regard because she had been stripped of her heritage when she was a child. Many of my books are a tribute to her and the struggle she endured. Grandma is gone now, but I’m still friends with my ex and have remained close to his family.
The current man in my life is Native as well. We met online four years ago and now he is my dearest friend and muse. He works as an artist and art model. I have a photo of him (a classic nude) on my wall that I use as inspiration.
Add it to your shopping cart!
Write What You Know
by Deborah Cloyed, author of What Tears Us Apart (Harlequin MIRA)
As What Tears Us Apart officially releases nationwide, I find myself doing interviews and posts that relate not only to the characters and the love story at the book’s center, but also attempting to answer questions about the very tricky problems that relate to the country the story is based in. I’m asked for my opinions on Kenya’s past and future (especially in the wake of the current presidential elections)—very hard questions to answer.
I spent the summer of 2007 volunteering in East Africa, assisting women with micro-finance initiatives. What does that mean, really? I cleaned out chicken coops, brainstormed ideas to ramp up cashew production, tried out soap recipes and colors, taught computer classes, and saw how a single cow can represent an entire life and income for a family of ten. Between homestays in rural villages, I spent time in Nairobi and visited orphanages in the Kibera slum.
The heat, dust, absence of plumbing, even a bout of malaria—I took in relative stride. What I found myself unprepared for was the challenge to my basic belief systems. As an American, I was raised with a dogged belief in both charity and capitalism. As a woman, I am sensitive to sexism, bound to history. Gay rights, religion, political party system, you name it—in Kenya, I found myself confronting and debating hot button topics we often skirt in our everyday lives.
I returned to the States and a few months later, after the fateful presidential elections of 2007-2008, violence broke out across the country I’d just left. I was already reeling from my experience, and the reports of the riots and murders served only to deepen my confusion. It would be years before I felt ready to write about anything I’d experienced.
The book was my way of processing and understanding and finding the beauty that pokes through the terrible. Because the book is a love story at its heart, exploring not only the things that tear us apart, but also—and more importantly—the things that bring us together.
I hope you’ll read What Tears Us Apart and write to me through my website www.DeborahCloyed.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/writer.DeborahCloyed
One organization to look at for more information about Kibera is Carolina for Kibera http://cfk.unc.edu/
Check Out April’s New Releases!
New Release Tuesday is upon us again and we’re excited about April’s releases because it means two things: spring is here and we have more great reads! April showers got you down? Grab one of these new Harlequin or Carina Press titles, make yourself a cup of tea and escape into a fantasy.
There’s something for everyone in the selection below, so take a look at what’s coming up.
Click on the title or the book cover to purchase the new release from Harlequin.com!
The Wanderer by Robyn Carr
Harlequin MIRA
From Robyn Carr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the popular Virgin River novels, comes Thunder Point-the highly anticipated new series that will make you laugh, make you sigh, and make you fall in love with a small town filled with people you’ll never forget.
Add to Shopping Cart ► http://goo.gl/GXF6H
What She Wants by Sheila Roberts
Harlequin MIRA
Jonathan Templar and his poker buddies can’t figure it out. Take Jonathan, for instance. He’s been in love with Lissa Castle since they were kids but, geek that he is, she’s never seen him as her Mr. Perfect. He has one last shot-their high school reunion.
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Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods
Harlequin MIRA
In a trade-off she’s lived to regret, Emily Castle left home years ago to become an interior designer. The youngest of three sisters, Emily desperately wanted to prove herself. Success, though, came at the cost of leaving behind the man she loved.
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Currant Creek Valley by RaeAnne Thayne
Harlequin HQN
Alexandra McKnight prefers a life of long workdays and If you build it, love will come…short-term relationships, and she’s found it in Hope’s Crossing. A sous chef at the local ski resort, she’s just been offered to Hope’s Crossing. her dream job at an exclusive new restaurant being built in town. But when it comes to designing the kitchen, Alex finds herself getting up close and personal with construction foreman Sam Delgado….
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Too Hot to Handle by Victoria Dahl
Harlequin HQN
Merry Kade has always been the good girl. The best friend. The one who patiently waits for the guy to notice her. Well, no more. Merry has just scored her dream job, and it’s time for her life to change. As the new curator of a museum in Wyoming, she’ll supervise a lot of restoration work. Luckily she’s found the perfect contractor for the job.
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Evidence of Life by Barbara Taylor Sissel
Harlequin MIRA
As her husband, Nick, and daughter, Lindsey, embark on a weekend camping trip to the Texas Hill Country, Abby looks forward to having some quiet time to herself. She braids Lindsey’s hair, reminds Nick to drive safely and kisses them both goodbye. For a brief moment, Abby thinks she has it all-a perfect marriage, a perfect life-until a devastating storm rips through the region, and her family vanishes without a trace.
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The Rule-Breaker by Rhonda Nelson
Harlequin Blaze
Ranger Eli Weston always does the right thing—even when it means defying orders. Now he’s back in town to help with a memorial in honor of his fallen military buddy. This time it’s not just about what’s right. It’s about ensuring that a secret never comes to light. A secret that only he and his friend’s ex-girlfriend know…
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Cardwell Ranch Trespasser & Big Sky Stand Off by B.J. Daniels
Harlequin Intrigue
The Cardwell clan has a new, mysterious member. Dana Cardwell warmly welcomed her Justice cousin into the family fold and to the ranch for a reunion. But this cunning kin has other plans for Dana…and designs on her husband, Hud.
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The Secret Wedding Dress by Ally Blake
Harlequin KISS
Paige Danforth isn’t interested in setting herself up for an unhappy-ever-after—thanks to her father’s betrayal, the closest she’ll ever get to walking down the aisle is as a bridesmaid. But one bridal sale later, Paige is left clutching her own champagne chiffon wedding dress! Clearly she needs to end her self-imposed dating drought….
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Beauty’s Beast by Jenna Kernan
Harlequin Nocturne
Samantha Proud doesn’t think her life could get any more complicated—or tragic. Since she dared to save a human boy from evil spirits, Nagi, the Ruler of Ghosts, has been actively stalking her family. Still, she never expected well-meaning Thunderbirds to scatter them to the four winds, dumping her at the feet of Alon Garza, a gorgeous Halfling, for safekeeping.
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Heir to a Desert Legacy by Maisey Yates
Harlequin Presents
Thrust reluctantly to the throne, Sheikh Sayid is shocked to discover a child who is his country’s true heir, and he’ll do anything to protect him, even if it means taking on the child’s aunt!
Chloe James might behave like a tigress protecting her cub, but this trained soldier can see her weak spot. Taking Chloe as his bride would appease the people of his kingdom, and provide the perfect outlet for the blistering chemistry between them….
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The Texan’s Future Bride by Sheri Whitefeather
Harlequin Special Edition
Jenna Byrd’s ready to say “I do.” But the only potential groom within kissing distance is the injured stranger the Texas cowgirl spies wandering along a dusty road. The tall, dark stranger is a mystery Jenna’s itching to solve—though there’s no mystery about the feelings he’s arousing. Only how can she fall for a man when he can’t tell her who he is?
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Saved by the Bride by Fiona Lowe
Carina Press
As acting mayor, Annika will do anything to revive the economy of the town that’s been her refuge ever since her art career imploded and her fiancé walked out. Even if it means crashing an engagement party to talk business with the bride’s billionaire father. But the evening starts with a kiss from a gorgeous stranger–and ends with a night in jail.
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Rush Me by Allison Parr
Carina Press
When post-grad Rachael Hamilton accidentally gate-crashes a pro-athlete party, she ends up face-to-face with Ryan Carter, the NFL’s most beloved quarterback.
While most girls would be thrilled to meet the attractive young millionaire, Rachael would rather spend time with books than at sporting events, and she has more important things to worry about than romance.
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Beauty Detox Foods by Kimberly Snyder
Harlequin Nonfiction
In her bestselling book, The Beauty Detox Solution, Kimberly Snyder-one of Hollywood’s top celebrity nutritionists and beauty experts-shared the groundbreaking program that keeps her A-list clientele in red-carpet shape. Now you can get the star treatment with this guide to the top 50 beauty foods that will make you more beautiful from the inside out.
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Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures by Amber Dusick
Harlequin Nonfiction
Of course you love being a parent. But sometimes, it just sucks. I know. I’m Amber Dusick and I started my blog Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures because I needed a place to vent about the funny (and frustrating) day-to-day things that happened to me as a parent. Turns out, poop is hilarious! At least when you’re not the one wiping it up.
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More Peas, Thank You by Sarah Methany
Harlequin Nonfiction
You really can teach your family to love their veggies. That the best foods don’t come with a special prize inside. That health doesn’t come in a package or have a nutrition label.
Sarah Matheny, creator of the popular blog and the New York Times bestselling book Peas and Thank You, returns with even more mouthwatering recipes that are guaranteed to please the whole family.
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With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent
Harlequin TEEN
After not really surviving her junior year (does “undead” count as survival?), Kaylee Cavanaugh has vowed to take back her school from the hellions causing all the trouble. She’s going to find a way to turn the incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another in order to protect her friends and finish this war, once and forever.
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Your Face…Transformed by the Foods You Eat!
by Kimberly Snyder, C.N., author of Beauty Detox Foods (Harlequin Nonfiction)
Hello, my name is Kimberly Snyder, C.N.—and this post is all about how you can transform and enhance the beauty of your face and skin, simply by the foods you put into your body each day.
Part of the reason I know the information I’m about to share with works is because it’s backed by real nutritional science.
However, I’ve also seen the results first-hand, while working with a variety of high-profile, celebrity clients. They trust me to help them look their absolute best. I’ve also heard the same great results from dozens of readers in my web community.
More Beauty Foods = More Beautiful Skin
Before we get into specific foods to eat for more radiant, youthful skin—let’s cover a few core principles:
1) No cream or treatment can ever fully reverse or mask the effects of a sub-optimum diet. In other words, your skin is a direct reflection of what you eat and your health as a whole—and that’s true whether you are 30 or 60. (I’ve met 30-year-olds who look much older, and 60-year-olds who you’d swear couldn’t be more than 45!)
So, if you want naturally soft, youthful, vibrant skin, it absolutely begins with your diet and health plan. In particular, the quality of your digestion is crucial. It affects the flow of nutrients to your skin and the removal of toxins that can show up as blemishes and aging on your skin. But more about this in a moment.
2) Hydration is key. But I’m not just talking about water! Most women think they need to chug a gallon or more of water in order to stay hydrated and keep their skin supple, but in reality, much of your skin’s hydration depends on your consumption of watery plant foods.
Think about it: In nature, there isn’t always a perfect water source close by. Yet, plants are often everywhere—in fruit, in green leaves, and countless other vegetables. We humans evolved getting a good portion of our daily water from plants and it’s important we continue to do this now. Adding fresh fruit, salad greens and watery vegetables such as squash to your diet will work wonders for the softness and inherent moistness of your skin and face.
3) Fiber, fiber and more fiber! But I’m not talking about a fiber supplement. As you begin to incorporate more naturally fibrous plant foods into your diet you’ll quickly notice that both your digestion and elimination vastly improve.
This helps your skin in a wide variety of ways. First, better digestion means your body breaks down and absorbs more nutrients from every bite of food you take in. Second, the fiber keeps your colon clean, regular, and reduces the re-absorption of toxins or unneeded calories. And third, the fiber actually binds to, and sweeps away, toxins from your digestive tract, helping all your cells rejuvenate more quickly.
Again, the best way to get fiber is directly from your diet—via raw or plant foods cooked in low-fat ways. Only plant foods have fiber! One example of a recipe that utilizes these principles and makes your skin more beautiful is:
My Raw Purple Cabbage Slaw Recipe
This recipe is one I eat weekly and often prepare for clients—it’s fast, inexpensive and so yummy. Here’s what you’ll need:
INGREDIENTS:
(Organic if possible)
- 3 cups purple cabbage, shredded
- 2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. tamari
- 1½ Tbs. nutritional yeast
- 3-4 drops liquid stevia
- 1 Tbs. tahini
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pitted black olives or capers (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Shred the cabbage, using the shredding attachment to your food professor or a mandoline, or finely by hand, and place into a large bowl.
Whisk together the other ingredients, adding the tahini last. Pour over the cabbage and mix well. Add the optional ingredients, if desired, and mix well again.
Allow to chill covered in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Beauty Nutrients in Every Bite
This recipe is especially potent for your skin because of the variety of skin-enhancing nutrients it contains. The vitamin C and sulfur in the cabbage help you build collagen… the apple cider vinegar is a potent alkalizer and detoxifier… the nutritional yeast is abundant in B vitamins and amino acids needed to rebuild skin cells… and that’s just scratching the surface!
In fact, this is just one of the eighty-seven beauty-enhancing recipes found in my new book that’s about to release just days from now, called Beauty Detox Foods.
Beauty Detox Foods is Kimberly’s second book. In her first, The Beauty Detox Solution, she shared her revolutionary food-based, natural approach to health and beauty. This is not theory for Kimberly—but rather, a lifestyle she lives and teaches every day. Some of the benefits include:
- Detoxifying
- Providing optimal nutrition
- Maximizing digestion
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Strengthening immunity
- Enhancing beauty
- Optimizing energy
Her passion for healthy living without medication, chemicals, or supplements favors a simple, natural approach to eating that works with your body’s natural needs and rhythm. She believes that when you provide your body with whole, healthy, plant-based foods in the right combination, it will function optimally, protecting you from disease and enhancing your beauty.
Today, Kimberly shares her knowledge through her books, and website, as well as with appearances on television shows like The Dr. Oz Show, Today, Good Morning America, and E! Her celebrity clients include healthy, beautiful superstars like Kerry Washington, Channing Tatum, Drew Barrymore, and Fergie.
Congratulations to Maggie Shayne – 2013 RITA Award Finalist!
by Amy Wilkins, Harlequin Digital
Congratulations to Sarah Morgan, 2013 RITA Award Finalist!
by Amy Wilkins, Harlequin Digital
Congratulations to author Sarah Morgan, who was nominated for a 2013 RITA Award this week!!! Sarah is a finalist in the Short Contemporary Series Romance category for her Harlequin Presents book,