Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Welcoming Patricia Kiyono & Stephanie Michels, Authors of The Friendship Star Quilt

Today I'm welcoming author duo Patricia Kiyono & Stephanie Michels. They're talking about their new book The Friendship Star Quilt

Quilts are an important part of American history. Originally created to simply keep warm during winter months, the art of quilting became popular once fabrics no longer needed to be imported or hand woven. Amish quilts are known for their beauty and craftsmanship, and during the mid-1800s some quilts were used as signals and maps in the Underground Railroad.

Anne Brown is a battered woman, all alone in the world, but somehow she stumbles into The Stitching Post Quilt Shop, where she finds the help she needs. Encouraged by her new friendships, she starts to create a quilt using a pattern called The Friendship Star. It’s symbolic of her new hopes and dreams. But her dark past is always lurking, ready to shatter her newfound peace.

The Stitching Post Quilt Shop is the setting for the weekly gathering of a group of women who come to sew, but leave with lasting friendships. The first book in the series, The Calico Heart, was nominated for a RONE award for Best Contemporary Book of 2013. Patricia Kiyono and Stephanie Michels are pleased to announce the release of the second book in the series, The Friendship Star Quilt.

BLURB:

Anne Brown loves her job at The Stitching Post Quilt Shop in Grandville, Michigan, but she keeps a suitcase packed so she can leave at a moment's notice. Living under the radar, she longs for a normal life, but settles for listening to family stories told by the friendly ladies of the quilting club who meet at the shop on Tuesday evenings. When she meets Brad, the handsome band director of an area high school and his adorable daughter, Anne begins to hope for a happily ever after of her own. But someone has far different plans.

Brad Carmichael is juggling the demands of his job as band director at Rivertown High School with trying to be a better father to his daughter. When Brad is late picking Jennie up from a birthday party, the pretty young clerk from the local quilt shop comes to his rescue. Kind-hearted and talented, Anne becomes a vital part of Brad and Jennie’s lives. But her past threatens to destroy their relationship.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Patricia Kiyono retired from public school teaching, and is now an adjunct faculty member at Grand Valley State University, where she instructs future teachers. Born in Japan, she lives in southwest Michigan with her husband, not far from their five children and nine grandchildren. In addition to writing, she enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, playing in local bands and orchestras, and taking care of grandchildren.


Stephanie Michels considers herself a “Jill of All Trades.” During her corporate career, she worked as a computer trainer, advertising copywriter, personnel agent, radio DJ, magazine columnist, and a financial planner among other things. She recently left those behind in order to focus on writing full time. Raised in Michigan, she lived in South Carolina, Missouri, and Germany, before returning to the Mitten State to raise her family. When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her reading or spending time with family, friends, and Beta Sigma Phi sisters. The Friendship Star Quilt is her second novel with writing partner, Patricia Kiyono.



The Friendship Star Quilt is available at:


GIVEAWAY!


Stephanie Michels is giving away a $5 Amazon gift card at each stop of our blog tour to a random commenter. To win, please leave a comment about how important friendships are to you! And to increase your chances, visit author Linda Caroll-Bradd's blog tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Cover Reveal: Acting Up, Book 2 - Covington Falls Chronicles

I can't wait to share the cover for my new release ACTING UP, which bows April 22!!!


If you read Marry Me you will recognize the hero. Ethan Thomas is one of Seth's best friends. Like Seth, Ethan lost his wife. He's also trying to raise twin 8-year-old boys and juggling his job as the high school principal. Speaking of his job...It's time for the spring musical and the show is a BIG DEAL in Covington Falls. Ethan is short one director and if he doesn't find someone to take over he's about to have a mutiny on his hands. 

Enter Addison Covington, television's reigning Ice Queen. (Think Alexis Carrington from Dynasty.) Addison's career implodes after her husband (who happens to be the producer of her show) has an affair with her on-screen daughter. Fired and disgraced, Addison escapes to Covington Falls where she once lived as a teenager. Before Addison can say "Casting Call" she's been asked to direct the musical. And wondering how to resist the boy-next-door turned sexiest high school principal she's ever met.

This is such a fun book! I know you will love sassy, snarky Addison and sexy Ethan who will make you wish you'd been sent to the principal's office more often.