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Tuesday, May 23, 2017

New Release -- MUSIC OF THE HEART -- Giveaway!

MUSIC OF THE HEART BOXED SET
Some song titles evoke memories not only of the song, but also of the time…the era…the place. They call for stories all their own, and at Fire Star Press they’ve inspired a new boxed set!

From the 1940’s through the 1980’s, each decade is represented by a song that was made powerhouse-popular during the time.

NEARBY by Tanya Hanson
With a marriage of convenience and an unexpected baby on the way, Stella Klenner fights her feelings for her bridegroom, the brother of her dead G.I. fiancé. But Coast Guard signalman Titus Myers keeps secrets of his own. Two lonely people in war-time wish for “Someone to Watch Over Me”… But can they work through guilt and grief to find new love and their own happy-ever-after?
           
LOVE AND PREJUDICE by B.J. Betts
Kort and Rebekah’s star-crossed love is torn apart by family bigotry. Though Kort’s been away at college, his return immediately kindles the old flame of passion for both of them—and they won’t let anything stop them from wondering what could happen “If I Loved You”… for love is the only thing that can break the bonds of hatred between two small town families.

CRAZY HORSE HIGH by Sara Swann-Barnard
Cynthia Ann Johnson is devastated to leave her California home for a barren Sioux Indian reservation just before her senior prom. When some of the Native high school thugs corner her, she is rescued by heartthrob Danny Silver Sky who risks everything to save her. Romance blossoms between them, and Danny must stand up to those who condemn their relationship—including Cynthia’s father. Can true love happen in “This Magic Moment”—an instant in time that defines everything?

A MELODY IN THE DARK by Ella M. Kaye 
Meladee Lerner is a single mom and struggling songwriter in hiding, escaping a marriage she never wanted. When a snow storm paralyzes the city, she and her young daughter run into Niall Dillon, a handsome, hard-working Pittsburgher with strong Irish roots and plenty of captivating charm. When near-tragedy strikes, Meladee and Niall fall under love’s spell quickly and realize that while they’re together, everything that comes their way will be “Wonderful Tonight”…

A DANCE TO REMEMBER by C. A. Jamison
Glamorous New York fashion designer, Erica Lime, has a messy life. She can’t cook and has lost her muse—and that elusive promotion is just out of reach. Because of one impulsive decision, she falls for stripper Ken Donovan, aka “The Phantom”, headlining in a nearby strip club. Though she tries to hold her emotions apart, memories of a magical night with The Phantom leave her with one burning thought:“I’m On Fire”… Will she complicate her life with an honest love?

Pull up a chair and settle in for five music-inspired love stories through the decades that will take you down a breathless walk through memory lane…  

Be sure and leave a comment for a chance to win a free ebook!

     

51 comments:

  1. I'm honored and excited to be part of this incredible volume of musical stories! I'll be around today if you have questions or comments for me. Thanks so much to Cheryl, Livia, and Fire Star Press!

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  2. I loved every one of these wonderful stories, and to me, they all seemed so realistic for the time periods. So glad to have you with us at Fire Star Press!!!

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  3. I've been looking forward to this anthology since Cheryl and Livia put out the submission call. Yay!! and congratulations to everyone involved.

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    1. Thank you, Kaye. A great idea, for sure. And so much fun to write. I love the music from our past and some of the great sayings we had because of lyrics.

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    2. Thank you! It was impossible to resist the music through the decades theme. It hit me where I live in my head, so to speak. Hope you enjoy it!

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    3. Thank you Kaye. It was going back and researching the 50's. The songs, the cars, the styles and slang.

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  4. I think this will be a very successful anthology and I look forward to reading these stories. Congratulations to all of the talented authors who contributed.

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    1. Thank's Sara. Fun for readers and us--as the Beatles would say, "Paperback Writer" The Red Album.

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    2. Thanks, Sarah! I know the music thing hits you at home, also.

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    3. Sara you always say the nicest things. Thank you. I love the fifties,and the song "If I loved You." The song fits perfectly for the young couple I wrote about. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for those you love. That and prejudices come in many shapes and sizes.

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  5. Music, romance, star-crossed lovers, what's not to love about this group of stories. Congratulations to all the authors and thank you for making us believe in "The Impossible Dream". Doris

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    1. Doris. Your an Andy Williams fan! The song was released in 1971, I believe. Everyone loved Andy! Thank you.

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    2. I loved Andy Williams, too. My big sister got to go see him when she was in college, and she raved on about how great he was...I'd never been to a concert and sure did envy her! LOL

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    3. A handsome guy in his day. Dang. She didn't take her little sister with her? Lol At least you experienced it second hand.

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    4. Doris, one of my favorite songs from way back when! It's one of those you can't hear the title of without singing it in your head. Or is it just me? Thank you :)

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    5. I always loved his song Moon River. So romantic.

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  6. What a fabulous idea for a book bundle. Music is such a part of our lives. Each and every story sounds wonderful! May the sales numbers be music to your bank accounts. :-)

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    1. I really enjoyed reading these! Lots of fun to put together, for sure!

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    2. Now there is some Classic Rock.(my favorite.) "Money" by Pink Floyd. "1973" Ella's story decade. Thanks Keena. I agree, music is a big part of our lives and inspirational. Thank you.

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    3. Thanks, Keena! C.A., nice grab there. :) Now I'm hearing it in my head. (from Keena's words...)

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    4. As for me, I love the song I'm On Fire, such a sexy song. It really works in Cindy's story.

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  7. Sounds like a fantastic collection! I hope for every author the theme song becomes, "We've Only Just Begun!" Best wishes everyone!

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    1. Carpenters!! I like the lyric, "A kiss for luck and we're on our way." The song has some beautiful flute parts. Thanks so much for the wishes, Maggie.

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    2. That's cute Maggie. I hope the same for all of our autors at Prairie Rose. The song is so fitting.

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  8. I've talked about my "80s"story, A Dance to Remember to readers at several book events. Faces lit with excitement at the musical inspired romance. Then the reader ask the questions--"When and where?"
    I'm super excited to say. Now! "Here it is! From Fire Star Press!" And now that I've read the other stories, I can talk about how "fantabulous" they all are. And how much they will enjoy reading each one. Yeah! Happy Day!

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    1. Cindy, I agree! I wish I'd had time to write a story for this collection--I loved the concept and the great story ideas that everyone came up with!

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    2. I loved your story Cindy. It took great imagination to write such a peice. Where did you get your inspiration for making your male lead a stripper? I konw i enjoy doing research. Perhaps you did a bit of it? I hear the Thunder from Down Under is pretty good.

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    3. Barb--Although I've visited NY and know they had strip shows in the night clubs, I lived in Atlanta in the late 80s and early 90s. Left all my single friends in Indiana. But when one came to visit--I knew where the action was. The male strip shows. In Atlanta they had some really hot looking guys. They preformed a great show. Not tacky or vulgar. They strutted their stuff in an amazing assortment of costumes and flashy cloths. The strippers had great moves as they demonstrated their other assets. We always had a blast.

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    4. sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to do research.

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  9. It looks like a winner! As a musician, I tend to lean toward stories with music. Best wishes on the new set!

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    1. A Musician! I have some musician friends. The are hard working, disciplined people who understand that nothing comes easy. Artist. My son learned a lot by playing the drums in High School and even more when he formed a band. Just like writing--it takes dedication and practice and we all have our own style. Nice to meet you and thanks for good wishes, Julie.

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  10. This looks appealing. I just bought the Kindle Version--hope someone else who would love the set is the winner!

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    1. Celia! People could write songs about how sweet you are. Thank you very much.

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    2. Yes, indeed she is Cindy. Celia your kind words often give us hope. I hope you enjoy the stories.

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  11. So glad to see your wonderful story finally out! I wish you and the other writers great success with this boxed set.

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    1. Thank you, Maryanne.
      I loved my trip to New York, but you being from there, gave me great and helpful advise. There are so many songs written about the Big Apple, one could write a book on that alone. I'll make sure you get a copy. And from all of us authors, thanks for the good wishes.

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  12. Sounds like a fun set! Congrats, Cindy!

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    1. Thank you, Caroline. Had such fun writing in the 1980s time spot. When I started writing the first chapter, I listened to The Four Seasons. "Oh What a Night." Lyrics-- You know I didn't even know her name, but I was never going to be the same. What a Lady. What a night. LOL

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  13. What a wonderful theme to build a set around. Music is such a big part of many of our lives. I know for me certain songs bring back memories of a time and people. The blurbs for the individual stories sound good. Will be a good set for a summer read. I hope the release goes well for all of you.

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    1. librarypat, nothing better than a good, pool-side romance read in the summer. I agree, songs bring back the memories and add a feel for the time. I have some romantic memories from the 80s, but I better not discuss them here. Lol Thank you for encouraging words and for stopping by the blog.

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  14. I am very happy to be included in this wonderful group of authors and their wonderful stories. A walk through the decades shining a light on songs that touched our hearts and made sweet memories.

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    1. My Mom just read your 1950's story Barb, and like me, she loved it. A time when prejudice was strong, but the heart was stronger.
      Did you know the song, "Black and White" was actually written in 1954 by David I. Arkin and Earl Robinson. The most successful recording of the song was the pop version by Three Dog Night in 1972.
      We'll have a great time talking music and sharing this awesome book set.

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    2. Awesome. I am so happy you both loved it. I loved writing it.

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  15. This book sounds AWESOME! I can't wait to start reading it. Of course, I'm on a deadline for the Medieval anthology but hey, fitting it in is a must. I've always loved the oldies, adore any time period and type of music. When music is on, I jive in my seat half the time---or more, and still love to dance to all those oldies. This box set will certainly draw many a reader and is sure to be a big success. Best wishes to all.

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    1. So your a dancer-in-the-seat person. I am too. Weddings, parties, I've even been know to move a little in my seat at a restaurant if the music is loud enough. LOl When I'm writing I take the time to read also. I'll be sure to check out your anthology when it's ready. Thanks for the good wishes, Bev.

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  16. Love love love this anthology!! Such a group of talent -- I'm proud to be included!!

    Love is the music of the heart. Is that a quote yet? It is now ;-)

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    1. Great story, Sara. And if it's not a quote it should be.

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  17. Congratulations everyone!!!

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    1. Thank you, Jean. Thanks for celebrating with us. Released in 1980-- "Celebrate" by Kool and the Gang. Celebrate good times, come on!

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  18. Thanks, everyone, for joining us in our CELEBRATION of this new boxed set release! There are a ton of excellent stories here--you won't want to miss them.

    And the winner of the drawing for the FREE DIGITAL SET is ....MAGGIE TOUSSAINT! Maggie, if you will contact me at fabkat_edit@yahoo.com I will send you your copy of MUSIC OF THE HEART!

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