Escaping home to Oxford, Mississippi, seemed like a good idea. Until it wasn’t.

A year after a tragic accident in Los Angeles flipped her world upside down, advertising guru Sarah Beth LeClair is still hiding away in her charming hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. And she may well be stuck there forever. Suffering from panic attacks, she prays for healing. Instead, her answer comes in the form of an arrogant football coach and an ugly puppy.

Former celebrity college quarterback Jess McCoy dreamed of playing pro football. One freak hit destroyed his chances. Although he enjoys his work as the university’s offensive coordinator, his aspirations have shifted to coaching at the highest level. His plans of moving up are finally coming together—until he falls for a woman who won’t leave town.

As the deadline for Jess’s decision on his dream career looms, the bars around Sarah Beth’s heart only grow stronger. But it’s time to make a decision about leaving Oxford.

Praise for Leaving Oxford:

“Southern humor and charm shine through in Leaving Oxford, with characters you’ll feel like you’ve always known and a theme eternally relevant.” – Misty M. Beller, Christian historical romance author.

Author Bio:

Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and four too many cats.

I recently followed a question someone posted in an author support group. It asked why most authors chose and preferred self-publishing over traditional publishing. Although I did not even have to think about my answer, as my decision was an easy one, I was surprised that so many other authors chose to self-publish for the same reason.

For me, I love the artistic control, along with the entrepreneurial aspect. After putting my heart and soul into writing a novel, which is extremely time consuming, I don’t want someone else deciding on the title and design of the cover. I’ve heard many complaints from authors who hate their covers but had no say in the decision. My art is a complete package.

I also don’t want anyone telling me what to write, and I can honestly say all my plots come from completely unhindered creativity. Surprisingly, this is the number one reason most self-publishing authors turn down traditional publishers. I’ve spoken to several authors and heard many best-selling authors who left traditional publishing say they could not stand what the publishing companies expected from them. “This needs sex.” “This needs more sex.” “Male on male is selling, so find a way to add that.” “There’s no market for this story.” “____ is what’s in right now. This story is outdated.”

Christian publishers offer a similar problem. “This story is too gritty to be considered Christian.”

Once upon a time, writers had to have their work approved by a select group of gatekeepers if they ever wanted to share their art with the world. Like the producers in Hollywood, those gatekeepers kept up with the latest trends. They even manipulated the market, flooding the stores with what they thought would sell the most.

Thank goodness those days are gone! I had to stop reading my favorite genre–urban fantasy– years ago, as it suddenly became saturated with human sex, creature sex, and even orgies. I’ve been reading that genre since childhood, but it suddenly took on a dark side. (I’m sure the gatekeepers from the big publishing companies took it to the extreme, telling their writers to push the boundaries.) And I’m not the only person this affected. I know many urban fantasy readers who switched to young adult fantasy due to the changes in the industry. Not everyone wants that in their books, yet it took over the genre.

How has self-publishing helped readers? Authors are no longer forced to go through the gatekeepers. We write what we want. Obviously, there’s a huge market for erotica, as I’m told that’s where the money is. However, I can now find clean urban fantasy. I can even find Christian romances that don’t contain horse and buggies or sweet characters I can’t relate to. (I just can’t do “sweet.” Christians are humans. They aren’t perfect, and God can turn a dark past into great things. Give me realism, but do it in a tasteful manner. If you’re creative enough, you can tell the darkest story in a way that doesn’t put certain images into my mind.)

I know there are a lot of complaints when it comes to self-publishing. “The standards are lower.” “Did this author use an editor?” “How is this even a story?” My advice is to read some of the reviews before downloading, and when you find a great author, write your own review and check out other books he/she has written. Be aware that anything goes now. There aren’t any rules when it comes to what’s in a book. If you’re anything like me, you don’t just go along with the latest fad. Know what you love, and seek it out. Don’t settle for books that take you where you don’t want to go.

Oh, and if you do find a book you love, tell the author how much you enjoyed it! (Reviews are always the best way.) Authors put a lot of work into their writing, and they often feel insecure (just like regular people). Do them a favor and brighten their day.

Title: Drawn To You

Author: Liwen Y. Ho

Genre: Christian Romance, Asian American Romance

Release Date: March 21, 2016

Blurb:

Wanted: A man who can handle his alter ego. Quick reflexes recommended.

Feisty and adventurous, art teacher Sam Koo is used to getting what she wants, including talking her way out of traffic tickets. When it comes to money matters though, she’s a lost cause. Her studio is in trouble, and there’s no way of charming herself out of this mess.

Police officer Lucas Choi is the last person she expects to rescue her. Handsome and rule-abiding, he was the best—and worst—part of her high school experience. When they meet a decade later, he’s still on her case and quick to point out her flaws.

Their differences drive each other crazy, but also draw them closer. The attraction is tangible, yet so are Sam’s fears. Will she choose to protect her heart or trust the only man who ever rejected her?

Get it now on Amazon.com. Add to Goodreads.

***This novella is part of the Taking Chances series, but each book in the series is a STANDALONE book.***

Can love overcome the past?

Can love be colorblind?

Can love embrace differences?

Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and referee by day (AKA being a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary, and she loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children, and blogs about her adventures as a recovering perfectionist at www.2square2behip.com.

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * YouTube

BookBlast Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends 3/31/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Get your romance fix!

Do you love that “ahhhh” feeling you get when you read a sweet romance? Especially when you get to that inevitable happy ending?

Tamie Dearen’s romantic comedy series, The Best Girls, can satisfy that craving. And the first book of the series, Her Best Match, is currently free. But beware…. it’s addicting!

The limited-time price-reduction for Her Best Match is already in effect, in preparation for March 13, the day of the big sale and the release of A Rose in Bloom, a serial romantic comedy. Unlike anything you’ve ever read before, A Rose in Bloom was written and published in small parts, week-by-week, on Tamie Dearen’s blog, to the simultaneous delight and frustration of her devoted readers. Now, for the first time, the complete serial romance will be available to read as a novella.

Blurb:

Feisty, stubborn, and bored with life in Texas, Anne Best is about to get more than she bargained for.

The lovely widow heads off to the Big Apple for a job interview, expecting no more than a few days adventure in New York City, only to find herself with a new job working for the most infuriating man she’s ever met.

Billionaire Steven Gherring is one of New York’s Most Eligible Bachelors, and he has every intention of staying that way. But Gram has other ideas. She’s on a not-so-secret campaign to find a wife for her grandson.

As fearless as she is clumsy, Anne tackles every challenge (including her new boss) enthusiastically, with two lone exceptions… public speaking and recognizing her own feelings. Passions rise along with hemlines as Gram joins forces with Anne, a veteran matchmaker, to find the perfect match for Steven.

Get Her Best Match free on Amazon, Nook, iTunes, and Kobo!

Own the entire Best Girls Series for $9!

New Release–Preorder Now!

Blurb:

Elyssa Rose has delicate flowers in her hands and a muscular guy on her mind.

BIO

Tamie Dearen lives with her very romantic husband of thirty-three years. She has two beautiful daughters, two amazing son-in-laws, and one awesome grandson. She plays piano, flute, harmonica, keyboards, and guitar, and loves composing and art. And she hates housework. She has been a dentist in private practice for thirty years. She stays busy playing on her church’s praise team and leading a weekly Bible study. In her spare time, she writes books.

Tamie specializes in writing “clean’ books without excessive violence, offensive language, or explicit sex. She has published a Romantic Comedy series called The Best Girls, which includes a free novella and four full-length novels, and recently published her first Christian Romance, Noelle’s Golden Christmas. She has also published the two books in a Young Adult Fantasy series, Alora: The Wander-Jewel, and Alora: The Portal. To combine her love of music with her writing, Tamie composed the background music for the Alora Series video trailer and a Christmas song, which is linked in the back of Noelle’s Golden Christmas. Her latest book, A Rose in Bloom, a romantic comedy serial story, is available for pre-order and will be released March 13.

Tamie met her husband as a freshman in college when she acted out of character on a whim. One night in the library lobby, she spied a cute guy with his first name written on the back of his shirt. She called out his name. When he approached to talk to her, she pretended that she’d met him before, asking about his classes and how he liked college. To her surprise and delight, he also pretended that he knew her, but of course he didn’t know her name. They continued this false relationship for two months. Each time they saw each other, an event that occurred three times per week at the cafeteria, he would pretend he knew her. Meanwhile, all of Tamie’s friends were careful not to reveal her name to him. When he finally admitted his ignorance of her name, he was astonished to learn the truth. And the rest is history.

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for the cover reveal of Unexpected Beginning. If you’ve signed up for my newsletter, you’ll get to see it today.

Are you ready for the next one?

          

It’s that time of year again. Are you ready for it? Have you wondered what Alissia’s unexpected beginning will be like? I promise you’ll love this one! Filled with amazing imagery, new creatures and surprises, Alissia’s story is heating up. Her adventure will soon be over. I think it’s only fitting to have it end in a bang!

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 1, as the big day for the cover release. If you’re signed up for my newsletter, you’ll get it sooner. Also, stay tuned for more details on the second edition of Unexpected Metamorphosis, now available in the ebook version.