RRBC

#RRBC October-Ween book, blog and trailer block party!

/ lizziechantree / 63 Comments

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My winners! Miranda L has won the £20/$20 Amazon voucher and Irma has won a signed copy of my romance book, If you love me, I’m yours! Congratulations. 

Welcome to the #RRBC October-Ween book, blog and trailer block party! There are some incredible prizes to be won each day on the tour, so don’t forget to visit, share and comment on each blog post. Today, as we have a spooky theme, I’m going to tell you a little bit more about my book, Ninja School Mum. My main character, Skye, is trying to fit in with the other parents at her son’s new school, but Skye has a secret past and throughout the book the tension builds, as she feels her past life is catching up on her and someone is following her. She wants to keep her son safe, but is desperate to be able to settle in one place and give him the stability he craves. She is used to leaving at a moment’s notice, but this time she wants to stay. That means beating her demons and obliterating her past.

Reviews for Ninja School Mum:

1.  ‘Lizzie Chantree’s books are like fine wines – they just keep on getting better! As always the main characters fizz and entrance, with underdogs and divas, harassed hunks and devilishly attractive but flawed rogues… The espionage aspect helps the seemingly workaday schoolyard environment along famously with catty cliques and beastly little brats, as well as adorable, yet still edgy kids.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading one of Lizzie’s books yet – treat yourself! She gives Jilly Cooper a run for your money in the racey stakes, coupled with the knowing charm of Jane Austen, in hilarious settings with characters that show contemporary chick-lit romances can hold their own when it comes to ballsy, brash behaviour!’

2.  ‘I thoroughly recommend this novel – that combines lots of humour with the hard-hitting subjects of bullying and loneliness. The characters are memorable and I’d love to have Skye as a friend.’

3.  ‘What a delightful change this book was, I normally read paranormal and fantasy but the title really called to me. I’m so pleased I picked it up as it was so full of secrets and intrigue that I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The main two female leads, Skye and Thea are brilliant but certainly not what incredible was expecting, Skye is totally mad! But her son Leo keeps her somewhat grounded

Thea is a little shy and it takes a bit longer to get to know her. Then there’s bruised and disgruntled Zack who is bringing up his daughter on his after his wife left them to go off with a millionaire.

The story was non-stop fun, with lies and revelations and a bit of romance thrown in.
I loved it and couldn’t get enough of it!!! This was my first book by this author, Lizzie Chantree but I certainly hope it won’t be my last! Brilliant writing…. ‘

Buy link: Ninja School Mum.

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My prize is a signed copy of my book, If you love me, I’m yours, and a £20/$20 Amazon voucher!

To be in with a chance of winning, please share this post on social media, tell your friends to pop by and leave a comment to tell me if you have a skill that not many people know about,  in the comments section below. One winner will be selected by RRBC Book Club and notified of their win by the end of the tour.

Click here for the the daily list of blog hop sites and prizes.



 

Introducing D.I. Finn.

/ lizziechantree / 36 Comments

I’m absolutely thrilled to showcase this talented author today. She’s a wonderful lady and I met her when I became a member of the #RRBC book club. She shows endless support to others and it’s my great pleasure to tell you more about her latest work today.

Thank you, Lizzie, for having me on your blog today to help celebrate the release of my first poetry book, “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul.”

Finn Facts:

  1. My grandson declared after watching the Disney movie, “Moana” (and seeing the grandma come back as a stingray) that I would be a dolphin. Which is: D-L-F-I-N-N.
  2. I try to write poetry in as many places as possible, including while riding on the back of a Harley. I haven’t figured out how to write underwater when I’m snorkeling—yet.

Blurb:

Take a journey with D.L. Finn as she blends her love of nature with her deepest emotions. Sit with her on the forest floor observing its tranquil beauty, or stroll along the ocean’s shore admiring the vastness of its horizon. Here in these peaceful moments you’ll be able to experience her thoughts and feelings in the light—and in the darkness. This is a thought-provoking collection of poetry that invites the reader into all the seasons of a soul.

Excerpt from NATURE Spring and Summer

SIT ALONE

I sit alone on our deck

Blanketed in the sun’s warm rays,

The bird’s chirps and trills

Fill the silent space.

 

Our big black cat

Looks for his prey,

And chases away the bees

Who wander into my presence.

 

Our dogs lazy on their backs

In the backyard with their paws in the air,

Like a yoga pose

Welcoming the warmth.

 

Distant pond frogs sing their loud chorus

A lone cloud floats by,

Reminding me of the winter past

And storms yet to come.

 

But right now it is time to bask

In what spring has brought,

So, for this moment

I sit blissfully alone.

 

Author Bio:

D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

D.L. Finn Links:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

D.L. Finn blog



Visit the #RRBC pop-up book shop!

/ lizziechantree / 5 Comments

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This December 2018, marks the start of a 15-day BOOKS & BUDZ HOLIDAY “POP-UP” BOOKSHOP for my book group which is called RRBC. Check out the selection of romance books in the store with this link: ROMANCE

This amazing promotional event is popping up for two weeks only, to help you make your holiday shopping a breeze for those bookworms and big book lovers on your list.

The venue has so much to offer, and although I want to tell you all about it here, I’d rather wait for you to drop in to see it all for yourself, as there are so many new authors to discover there.

When you visit certain areas of the (virtual) venue, you will see dollar signs ($) around everywhere.  This is a reminder that there are some really good book deals here and we want you to not leave without first making a book purchase (or one, or two, or three…well, you get my drift).

Let me tell you what you will get for making a one, two, three or more book purchase:  one lucky randomly drawn winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card, and a few other randomly drawn lucky winners, will also win Amazon gift cards, in varying amounts!

To earn entry into this wonderful drawing, you must purchase a title from the “pop-up” and you must email us proof of that purchase (made between Dec. 1st and Dec. 15th) to RRBCInfo@gmail.com. (Simply take a snapshot of your Amazon receipt with your phone or computer).

For every purchase receipt that you send to us, you get 1 entry into the drawing.  Some books are FREE, some are $.99 cents, some are $1.99, $2.99, $3.99…again, you get my drift.  You’ll be able to shop under each price point that you’d like to spend in.

Click the link below to visit the location:  #RRBC pop up bookshop

(This link should be live from the start of December 2018)

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Prize day!

/ lizziechantree / 2 Comments

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It’s back and i’m thrilled to be part of this year’s #RRBC Holiday train, Book trailer and block party! Each year members of this amazing book club, join together for a month long book trailer tour. Check out the line up here: RRBC Book Trailer line up. 

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Grab a great Christmas present for a loved one: Today my book is Ninja School Mum

Today I have a great prize: A £10 Amazon voucher and a week of tweet support for your book/business/Twitter account from @Lizzie_Chantree with over 51.5K genuine followers. 

All you have to do to enter is to watch my book trailer in full and leave a comment on the YouTube video. You will then be entered into a prize draw. The winner will be notified a few days later. Click the ad above or this link to be taken to the YouTube video. 

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Book blurb: 

Obsessive-compulsive school mum, Skye, is a lonely elite spy, who is running from her past whilst trying to protect the future of her child. She tries hard to fit in with the other parents at her son’s new school, but the only person who accepts her unconventional way of life is new mother, Thea.

Thea is feeling harassed by her sister and bored with her life, but she suspects that there is something strange about the new school mum, Skye. Thea has secrets of her own and, although the two become unlikely friends, she hesitates to tell Skye about the father of her own child.

Zack’s new business is growing faster than he could have dreamed but, suddenly, he finds himself the owner of a crumbling estate on the edge of a pretty village, and a single parent to a very demanding child. Could he make a go of things and give his daughter the life she deserved?

When three lives collide, it appears that only one of them is who they seem to be, and you never know who the person next to you in the school playground really is.

Amazon link: Ninja School Mum

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Happy Christmas everyone! 

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The #RRBC book trailer party!

/ lizziechantree / 11 Comments

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It’s back and i’m thrilled to be part of this year’s #RRBC Holiday train, Book trailer and block party! Each year members of this amazing book club, join together for a month long book trailer tour. Check out the line up here: RRBC Book Trailer line up. 

I am taking part on two days, but will be visiting all of the other author’s book trailers to see news about new books they have out.

Today I have two great prizes: A £10 Amazon voucher and a week of tweet support for your book/business/Twitter account from @Lizzie_Chantree with over 52K genuine followers. 

All you have to do to enter is to watch my book trailer in full and leave a comment on the YouTube video. You will then be entered into a prize draw. The winners will be notified a few days later.

Babe Driven YouTube Link, click the photo.

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Babe Driven by Lizzie Chantree.

Driving straight out of trouble and into paradise! A laugh out loud, contemporary romance read full of entrepreneurial women, powerful men and exotic locations.

Harriet’s crazily successful business idea is under serious threat, and the danger seems to be coming from inside her own family. She whisks her sister and her friends away to an exotic location to try and work out whose side they are on. It’s time to start damage limitation.

When the girls arrive at the glorious villa owned by Harriet’s maverick business partner Nikki, they find a gorgeous band and their sexy lead singer Max staying next door, out to entice their new neighbours into all kinds of trouble.

This isn’t a holiday for Harriet and she can’t afford to be distracted. She has to sell her business idea to the powerful resort owner, the elusive Mr Grant, while she is there, or she may not have a business to go back to. Harriet will have to choose between family and friends, business or pleasure. For someone who stays out of the limelight, even though her new company is the hottest ticket in town, she’s going to have to avoid the front pages of every newspaper if she wants to survive the ride!

What reviewers are saying about Babe Driven:

1. ‘A great read! The story gripped me from the start and I couldn’t put the book down. The plot was intriguing as the relationships develop and some people aren’t who they appear to be! A great holiday read or indeed curled up cosy in front of the fire!

’

2. ‘A real hoot all the way through and very entertaining. Love the authors style of writing and the characters she creates, read it over two days and would have read another one. Really rather good!’

3. ‘Light, entertaining fun read which would make the perfect companion on a summer holiday. I liked the characters, and thought the plot was quite original, hoping to see more from the author in the near future.’

4. ‘This was a fun light read. There is romance involved but it’s more than that. It’s mostly the story of a strong independent businesswoman who’s trying to save her business. She happens to be beautiful, and so everyone underestimates her. I really like this character and enjoyed the plot. You keep getting little surprises along the way that keep you guessing. I would call this a great book when you want to be distracted from all of the real worries you have in life. I’m a sucker for happy endings, so this book left me with a big smile!

’

Believe in yourself. Be you.

/ lizziechantree / 18 Comments

believe in yourself

I love this photo. It can be easy to doubt yourself as a writer, but learning to believe in yourself and be who you are, can help tremendously. Here are a few ideas to bring inner confidence.

Do something that you love.

If you can find small pockets of time during the week to do something that you love, this will bring more confidence, as you will feel happier on the inside.

 

Stop procrastinating.

Don’t keep putting off getting things done. Task left unfinished will just drag your mood down.

 

Put on a happy face.

Research has shown that smiling makes us feel happier, even if we don’t fully commit to it. Try smiling a few times during the day when you wouldn’t normally and see if it lifts your mood.

 

Celebrate your achievements.

Pat yourself on the back for even the smallest achievement. If you did something well, feel proud of what you have done.

 

Be kind to others.

This is something that makes everyone feel good. Kindness to others is not something everyone can achieve.

 

Getting active.

Moving your muscles every so often increases oxygen flow to the body and helps your mind to focus. You won’t have time to doubt yourself when you are on the move.

 

Throw away any negative thoughts.

You don’t need them. Bin them!

 

Be you 🙂 

Relaxing view

 

Author Branding

/ lizziechantree / 20 Comments

Branding

I’ve been reading quite a bit about author branding lately and the topic really fascinates me. I have run my own businesses for years, which is why my romance novels are focused around entrepreneurs, but I remember back to my first business logo and how awful it was! I was 17 and my first business was called Juniper Berry. The logo was quite unimaginative with a tree in a brown square box with some text underneath.

When I invented my first product, I was attending The School of Communication Arts in London and had begun to learn about product design and branding. We were set tasks to design new branding and packaging for some big companies as a project and the results were anything from funny shaped boxes to business cards made from a jigsaw! It did make me realise how important the identity is to a product and as authors, our books are our product and we are brand ambassadors.

When someone looks for your book or product, can they easily identify that they are from you? Can they read the label clearly, even from a phone screen or iPad? Does your branding follow through across all of your novels, or does it confuse your readers? This might sound obvious, but when you look at a selection of work from some authors, its not always easy to see which ones belong together.

I often identify my favourite author’s books online by their book covers. I know their style and expect their latest covers, merchandise or social media to be uniform. My books are all romances about various businesses and their quirky owners, but they are still very different. One is a sizzling beach read, one a romantic mystery novel and one is full of magic. Here are my covers:

 

Even though they are different, I always use similar colour palettes and type faces. My author picture and social media branding is the same on all platforms:

Vector illustration of a portable modern tablet pc e-book reader.

I understand that it might seem strange to think of writing books as a business, but we are making a product that we really hope others will love and packaging it in a way that appeals to those people is vitally important.

I’m in the process of designing bookmarks and have asked some of my readers what they would like to see on them. Most would like the cover design work followed through, as they enjoy bookmarks that match the books they are currently reading. Again, this is all branding and a wonderful way to connect with our amazing readers. I’ll let you see the finished design when they are done, but I will be listening to my readers and carrying through my brand design.