Monday, May 2, 2011

Today's Special - - Jacquie D'Alessandro

Expect lots of squealing around the blog today because one of our very favorite people has come to visit.  Have you ever met someone for the first time and felt like you've known them forever?  That person is Jacquie D'Alessandro.  It's the feeling all four of the Dishes had the first time each of us met her and something I've witnessed numerous times, with many different people, at various conferences and book signings.  This talented author is, first and foremost, a warm, open, vivacious, friendly, caring woman (with fabulous taste in shoes and a smile that lights up a room!) who genuinely likes and appreciates her readers...and it shows.  The author of more than thirty published books and novellas (historical and contemporary),  she's here today to give us a "behind the scenes" look at the creation of her May 3rd mainstream contemporary romance, Summer at Seaside Cove.  (You can read Buffie's 5-Star review here.)


Please help us give Jacquie D'Alessandro a very warm welcome to the Romance Dish! 


Thank you, Fabulous Ladies at Romance Dish for inviting me to blog today! Since Summer at Seaside Cove comes out tomorrow, I thought I’d take this opportunity to give all you Dishers a behind the scenes look at the book. It’s my first contemporary mainstream novel, and I’m so excited about it! All my previous contemporary stories have been either short, category length books or novellas that, because of their tight word count, have focused solely on the romance between the hero and heroine. While Summer at Seaside Cove is at its heart a romance, it’s also a multi-generational story, exploring the intricacies and difficulties of the heroine’s relationships with her mother, sister, and teenage niece. So, while it’s a romance, there’s also a lot more going on. I like to call it Romance--But More.




First--the location. Seaside Cove is a fictional barrier island on the North Carolina coast and is based on a combination of two of my favorite places—the south shore of Long Island (where I grew up), and the North Carolina coast where I love to visit. The beach has always been my “happy place.” There is just something so soothing about the sound of the ocean, the scent of salt water, the feel of sand beneath my feet.




Second--the characters. When a book begins forming in my mind, it starts with either the hero or the heroine, and in the case of Summer at Seaside Cove, it was the heroine who “spoke” to me first. I could see Jamie Newman very clearly in my mind—a woman whose life has fallen apart. A woman who’s been betrayed by her sister, and whose high-maintenance mother is driving her nuts. All she wants to do is escape—to a place where no one knows her, no one wants or expects anything from her. A place where she can re-evaluate, re-group, and re-assess. And what better place than the beach? But of course I couldn’t make things too easy for her!

Which brings me to her “sanctuary" — which was also very clear in my mind, and was nothing like the pristine, cozy beach cottage depicted on the internet photos Jamie found. No, Jamie’s summer rental turned out to be the cottage from hell, complete with a leaky roof, broken stairs, and an absent landlord. And that brought me to the other main character--Jamie’s landlord…a man who, when he finally showed up, turned out to be much more than Jamie had bargained for. A man who also escaped to Seaside Cove for reasons of his own. And maybe if Jamie’s family would quit showing up on her doorstep, she might actually get to discover what those reasons are.



Then I had to create a cast of secondary characters. I already had Jamie’s family, but then I needed some Seaside Cove folks for Jamie to interact with. And Seaside Cove activities for her get involved in — or dragged into as the case may be. Which led me to create what I hope are some colorful neighbors (who will carry over into the next book) and the annual Clam Festival — the sort of event that is hugely popular in small towns everywhere.



I love putting pets in my books and knew that a chocolate Labrador retriever would be featured in the story. One of the gals in my neighborhood book club had a chocolate Lab named Godiva and I fell in love with that name. I told her, “that’s going in a book!” At the time I wasn’t sure what book, but I knew I’d be using that name. As soon as Summer at Seaside Cove began forming in my mind, I knew it was the perfect Godiva book. Sadly, the real-life Godiva passed away a few months ago. I hope I did her namesake proud — she was a great dog.

Summer at Seaside Cove was both enjoyable and challenging to write. Unlike my historical books which all contain mysteries, there was no mystery to solve. And unlike my shorter contemporary stories, I had the word length to really delve deeply into my characters’ emotions, as well as the time frame (an entire summer) for those characters to get to know each other and themselves. I wanted to convey the full range of feelings involved with heartbreak, loss, betrayal, desire, love, and redemption. Jamie’s summer in Seaside Cove changes her life, and it’s a journey I hope readers will take with her and embrace.

So tell me — do you have a “happy place” where you love to go to decompress? Or somewhere you dream of going to decompress? Tell me about it — and please feel free to ask me any questions about Summer at Seaside Cove — or any other book. Or heck, about anything! Wanna talk about the Royal Wedding? Fine by me! (Wasn’t it fabulous, aren’t they a great couple, and isn’t that Harry too cute??! And maybe he should think about dating Pippa??) I’ll send one randomly chosen commenter a signed set of my Mayhem in Mayfair series (Sleepless at Midnight, Confessions at Midnight, Seduced at Midnight, Tempted at Midnight). Good luck! xox

Thanks, Jacquie!  I can't wait to pick up my copy of Summer at Seaside Cove!

Okay, readers, here's your chance to win a complete set of Jacquie's historical Mayhem in Mayfair series so start commenting!  

To learn more about Jacquie, visit her website, friend her on facebook and check out her regular blogs at Whine Sisters.

82 comments:

  1. Thank you for the interview and giveaway. I would love to win this because they sound great. I love a good mystery and the setting of the books is beautiful. I have not read any of the series yet but they do sound really good.

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  2. Congrats on the new release. I dream of decompress on a beach somewhere like Tahiti or Hawaii, a nice place to relax.

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  3. Sounds just wonderful! Congratulations!

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  4. My happy place is where ever my feet take me when I go for one of my walks. When I return my mind is clear & I feel refreshed.

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  5. Congratulations on the new release, Jacquie! This has to be one of my favorite blog posts here. It was great reading about how you got your ideas for the book and I'm really excited to read it.

    Will you release other contemporary novels in the future? And what about full-length historicals?

    As for my getaway place - as long as I have a nice book to curl up with I'm happy.

    Oh, and Prince Harry = rake :D Gotta love him.

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  6. Gotta love a lab, forever puppies, they just get bigger.

    My happy place is reading, I can go anywhere, anytime and chill.

    Loved the Mayhem series. All of your historicals were a hit for me and looks the contemps will win a place in my heart as well.

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  7. You said, "Or heck, [talk] about anything", so I will. (Do you hear, "Na na na na na", LOL?)

    I recently read your story, HOLIDAY INN BED, and just loved it. You had me turning pages quickly, and I could actually feel the H/h frustrations throughout. What made me smile, though, was your use of the word "absolutely" in conversations. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Nice "touch"!

    Many thanks for my subsequent sweet dreams....

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  8. June, hope you'll enjoy Jacquie's new book and give her back list a try too.

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  9. Jane, I'm sure I wouldn't have any trouble at all decompressing on one of those beaches! :)

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  10. fsbuchler, thanks for stopping by! As soon as I read Buffie's review I knew this was a book I had to have and reading Jacquie's "behind the scenes" blog has only made me want it more!

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  11. Marybelle said, My happy place is where ever my feet take me when I go for one of my walks. When I return my mind is clear & I feel refreshed.

    Isn't it amazing what a long walk can do for you? Even when I come home exhausted I still feel refreshed in spirit.

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  12. Whoo Hoo Jacquie is visitng the Dishes YAY.

    Jacquie you are an auto buy author for me love your books I have a full set of all of your historicals and they have given me hours of reading pleasure.

    I will be putting in an order next week and this new one will be on it :)
    For me I love to decompress by the water as well and there are some great beaches around Australia all I need now is the time to get there LOL.
    Congrats on the release Jacquie I can't wait to read it.
    Are you looking forward to the French Open soon Jacquie?

    Thank you Dishes for inviting Jacquie along today although I have never met her personally we have exchanged a few emails and totally agree you can see the smile even in an email.

    have Fun
    Helen

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  13. Antonia said, Oh, and Prince Harry = rake :D Gotta love him.

    LOL! I so agree! Didn't you just love it when he stole a peek at the bride coming down the aisle then turned to his brother with that huge grin?

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  14. Dianna said, Gotta love a lab, forever puppies, they just get bigger.

    Having been "mom" to several labs, including the two who currently share my life, I totally agree!

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  15. Laney4 said, I recently read your story, HOLIDAY INN BED, and just loved it.

    That was a great read, wasn't it? For those you interested in HOLIDAY INN BED, it's including in the Harlequin Blaze anthology titled A Blazing Little Christmas (Dec. 2007) which also includes stories by Joanne Rock and Kathleen O'Reilly.

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  16. Congratulations on the new book and different type of story. I do like to go to the beach and look forward to a couple of trips this summer. Although I easily burn I do love to sit under the beach umbrella and read a good book.

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  17. Congratulations on the new book and different type of story. I do like to go to the beach and look forward to a couple of trips this summer. Although I easily burn I do love to sit under the beach umbrella and read a good book.

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  18. We got to a place in Florida--Anna Maria Island--every year to decompress. It is like entering another world. Island time is different from anywhere else. And like you said, there's something about the ocean--walking on the beach, sand between your toes, the sound of the waves...OK, now I want to go back to Florida! Your book sounds terrific :)

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  19. Maureen, I just returned from five days at the North Carolina shore and it was heavenly. Enjoy your beach trips this summer!

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  20. TiceB, I love Anna Maria Island! I lived in Sarasota for many years. Those beaches along the Gulf Coast are so beautiful.

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  21. Ohhh this is my 2nd incentive to get this book. It really looks amazing! I've not yet read any of Jacquie's books but she's on my list for the next round of spending ;). Since I live in Florida, and only 30 min drive from the beach, I should say my decompression time would be going there but I never seem to get there when I don't have my 6 yr old and her friends with me! I think I need to change that! My true decompression is curled up with a good book. I am launched into my own little world where no one can find me (or I'd like to think that anyway).

    Thanks for the wonderful interview and I am looking forward to finally reading your books Jacquie!

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  22. Good morning, Jacquie! I'm so happy you're going to be dishing with us today. :-)

    I can't wait to read SUMMER AT SEASIDE COVE. Maybe I should read while lounging at the beach. ;-)

    My happy place can be any number of places. I'm lucky enough to live in the mountains and it's quite beautiful, especially now with everything in full bloom and green with the glory of spring. Give me a good book, and I can be happy almost anywhere.

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  23. My true decompression is curled up with a good book. I am launched into my own little world where no one can find me (or I'd like to think that anyway).

    Jennifer, I feel the same way.

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  24. Can't wait to read this, it sounds like what I love to read. I love stories set in small sea side towns.. This sounds like a keeper to me. Loved the interview and thanks for the great giveaway...

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  25. Wow! I'm so excited to check in and see so many comments! And I'm totally blushing at the lovely things the Dishers said about me. To which I can only respond, "Right back atch!"

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  26. @JuneM--you're welcome! Yes, there is a mystery in all four of the Mayhem in Mayfair books. There's actually a mystery in all of my historicals. Because guess what my favorite type of book is after romances? Yup--that would be mysteries, lol!

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  27. @Jane--yes, Tahiti is on my list of Places I REALLLLLLY Want to Go (I really do have such a list, btw!)

    @fsbucher--thank you so much, and thanks for "dishing" with me!

    @Marybelle--I, too, find walking very relaxing and head clearing. In fact, I do a lot of book plotting while walking.

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  28. @Antonia--so glad you liked the post! Yes, I am planning more contemporaries. Right now I'm working on the sequel to Summer at Seaside Cove, which will come out in early 2012. When I finish that I'll be writing a historical novella for a very special anthology that I'll be announcing details of later this summer. I have a historical series in mind, plus I'd love to continue doing Seaside Cove books.

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  29. I should mention that books make my happy place happier.
    I think that adorable Prince Harry should show up at my happy place beach. I picture him sitting on a towel. Reading Summer at Seaside Cove. And saying, "This is a bloody marvelous story! Wills, Kate, Grandmummy--you simply MUST read this!"
    Yes, that image puts me in a very happy place indeed :)

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  30. @hrdwrkdmom Dianna--That is the PERFECT way to describe a lab! Hmmm...that may end up in a book :)
    Thank you so much for the kind words re my historicals. I hope you enjoy SASC!

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  31. I think that adorable Prince Harry should show up at my happy place beach. I picture him sitting on a towel. Reading Summer at Seaside Cove. And saying, "This is a bloody marvelous story! Wills, Kate, Grandmummy--you simply MUST read this!"

    LOL! I love it Jacquie!

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  32. @Laney4--I'm so glad you enjoyed Holiday Inn Bed! Here's some "behind the scenes" sccop on that story: My editor told me she wanted my story to be about a married couple whose marriage was on the brink of breaking up, and who escape to the inn to put their relationship back on track. I pondered for WEEKS, trying to come up a way to write that story and I just couldn't. Every reason for a marriage to be breaking up was sooooo sad and depressing, and that is NOT my strong suit. I think it could have made a good story, but I wasn't the right person to write it. So, after weeks of agonizing and still being plot-less, I finally called her and told her my problem and asked if they really had to be married--couldn't they just be engaged--and have the future in-laws from hell? She said, "Sure!" And that's how the story was born.

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  33. @Helen--how great to see you here! Let's meet up on a beach somewhere (Australia works for me, LOL!) and decompress together. WHO'S WITH US?!?! Dishers Beach Party!
    As for the French Open--can't wait! I already have my Rafael Nadal photos ready to post on Facebook. Someday the DH and I are going to see Rafa and Federer play in person. That's on our bucket list.

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  34. @PJ--LOVED Harry's cheeky peek and grin! He is adorable!

    @TiceB--Thank you! I've never been to Anna Maria Island, but it sounds perfect! And you're so right--Island Time is different. In the best of ways!

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  35. @Jennifer--growing up I had cousins who lived in Florida and they NEVER went to the beach (unless we were visiting) and I couldn't figure that out, LOL! I was twelve and just KNEW if I lived in Florida I'd be at the beach EVERY day! Ha!

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  36. @Gannon--yes...I see it now...you at the beach. Cabana boys (who oddly enough look like Rafael Nadal and Prince Harry) serving you frosty drinks, as you listen to the waves and read Summer at Seaside Cove...
    To be continued...

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  37. I added Summer at Seaside Cove to my list when I read Buffie's review. Another great contemporary is always reason to celebrate. Yay!

    I prefer mountains to the beach, but I also find that sitting alone on the banks of the river, watching sunlight playing on the water, and thinking long thoughts is a great way to decompress.

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  38. Jacquie, you know, I thought the same thing before we moved here 6 years ago. I lived in the Philadelphia area so had no chance to go to the beach without making a huge ordeal of it. Since living here, I have hardly gone at all. I am making more of an effort now but its just a pain! Go figure right? Maybe next week while the munchkin is at school and its a day I don't have to work I'll give it a go! LOL! Maybe by then, I'll have one of your books that I am looking forward to hunting down too :)

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  39. I can hardly wait to get this book. It sounds so good and love your pics too. Any more plans for more like this?

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  40. I just returned from decompressing at my roommate from college house on a farm near Towanda, PA. I cannot begin to tell you how peaceful and serene it is just looking out her ceiling high windows into the valley below.
    It was a girls weekend and it was a blast.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  41. I am a beach girl at heart though and I love decompressing there in an off the beaten path beach.
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  42. @Janga--I hope you enjoy the book! Your decription of sitting by the river bank makes me with I was there!

    @Jennifer--It just shouldn't be so hard to get to the beach! We need another day added to the week. Beachday! We can squeeze it in between Friday and Saturday. Who do we talk to about making that happen?

    @deerdoe69--Hi and thanks for stopping by! Yes, I'm planning more Seaside Cove books. I'm working on the second book in the series right now (well, not right NOW--right now I'm here :)) and it will come out in early 2012.

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  43. @Pam--your girls' weekend sounds like such fun! It's been way too long since I had a weekend with my gal buds (darn this deadline!). When I'm in NY this summer for RWA I'm looking forward to spending some girl time with my mom and sister.

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  44. Love your books, would love to win

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  45. Thanks for the interview and giveaway! I love when authors put pets into their books - it actually tells alot about a person's personality by the pets that they have, their names, etc. Of course, I am a huge pet lover and have pretty much had everything that one can have that is legal...and I am a firm believer that animals have a better sense of someone than humans do. Hoping more historicals are floating around in your head begging to be written!!!

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  46. @chilosa2004--Thank you! I'm so glad you've enjoyed my books. Man, oh man, I LOVE coming here--it's such a day brightener!

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  47. @dtchycat--It occurs to me as I'm sitting here that I've had pets in the majority of my books. And although they've mostly been cats and dogs, I've used some other animal friends as well. For instance, there was Waldo the racoon in Naked in New England (funny story about how THAT book got its title, LOL!), an eat-everything goat named Petunia in Not Quite a Gentleman, and a very naughty talking parrot in Confessions at Midnight. I love adding pets because I think they really help to round out characters. Plus, pets are so fulfilling in our own lives--I want my characters to have that fulfillment, too. Of course, many times those pets are the cause of mischief--but that's half the fun!

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  48. Hi Jacquie! I cannot wait to read this book! I have been waiting for school to be over so I can finally get some good reading done! :)
    I love going to the beach, but anywhere is good for me as long as I have a great book. :)

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  49. LOL! I so agree! Didn't you just love it when he stole a peek at the bride coming down the aisle then turned to his brother with that huge grin?


    @ PJ: Yes! And I loved seeing him in the carriage with the flower girls after the ceremony. :D


    May I suggest Prince Harry for Hot Dish in the near future? ;)I could photoshop a picture of him at Jacquie's happy place beach! :D

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  50. Squeeeeeee, Jacquie's in the house!!! Party over here!! :-)

    It is so wonderful having you with us, Jacquie. And I think you know how much we all just adore you!!!

    Once again I will say that SUMMER AT SEASIDE COVE is just the best book!!!!

    Got to add my 2 cents here ... I think Prince Harry is just so hawt!! Man, oh man! Definite rake material *wink wink*

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  51. Jacquie!!!!! We're so glad you can be with us today! Sorry I'm late to the party--I had to work today and then help my kids with homework. Congrats on the release of SUMMER AT SEASIDE COVE!! I will be stalking--er, asking for it at B&N tomorrow. *g* Can't wait to read it!!

    Since I was born and raised in Florida, I love the beaches....but not as a place to read! I never brought a book with me for fear that I would ruin it. LOL! I prefer the mountains for that. Actually, I prefer just about anywhere (not near water) to read. :)

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  52. May I suggest Prince Harry for Hot Dish in the near future? ;)

    Antonia, have you been peaking at my Hot Dish material??? ;-)

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  53. I enjoyed the interview and info on your new book. I love the beach. I found a place down from St. Augustine where you step off the deck onto the beach.

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  54. I have been waiting for school to be over so I can finally get some good reading done! :)


    Trisha, be sure to put Jacquie's book at the very top of your summer reading stack. It is SO good!

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  55. Janga said: I prefer mountains to the beach, but I also find that sitting alone on the banks of the river, watching sunlight playing on the water, and thinking long thoughts is a great way to decompress.

    Yes! My thoughts EXACTLY, Janga!

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  56. an eat-everything goat named Petunia in Not Quite a Gentleman

    Jacquie, I loved Petunia!! Actually, I am a fan of animals in books. And this time I'm not referring to the hero in the sack! Hehehehehe

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  57. Just realized I didn't answer Jacquie's question.

    I love spending the weekend with some girlfriends scrapbooking. It's always a nice diversion and we always eat well too - LOL!

    Sometimes I think the best way to decompress is to just unplug. No internet, no cell phone, no tv. Aahhhh, bliss.

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  58. Jacquie, I loved your post on this blog today! And I really enjoy the beaches of the Outerbanks and Sandbridge in Virginia Beach - I find them so relaxing and calming, I never want to go home! Summer at Seaside Cove sounds like the ideal story for an idyllic vacation. It's on my Amazon Wishlist! Oh,and I loved every minute of the Royal Wedding and yes, Harry is too cute, especially in his uniform. He and Wills are handsome, urbane young men; I'm sure their beautiful mother would be extremely proud of them both.

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  59. growing up I had cousins who lived in Florida and they NEVER went to the beach (unless we were visiting) and I couldn't figure that out

    You know, Jacquie, when I lived in Florida we rarely went to the beach either. We had the pool and the boat, so we just didn't go to the beach.

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  60. Ohhh this is my 2nd incentive to get this book. It really looks amazing! I've not yet read any of Jacquie's books but she's on my list for the next round of spending ;).

    Oh, Jennifer, are you in for a treat!! You really need to read EVERYTHING by Jacquie. You won't be disappointed at all. Lucky you to have all those great books ahead of you.

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  61. Pamela Keener said: It was a girls weekend and it was a blast.

    Sounds like a fun time, Pamela!

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  62. I think that adorable Prince Harry should show up at my happy place beach. I picture him sitting on a towel.

    Jacquie, when you are done with Harry, please send him right over to me ... I'm sure I can figure out something to do with him ;-)

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  63. I'm sure their beautiful mother would be extremely proud of them both.

    Sandy, I so agree with you. In fact, everytime the sun poked out from around the clouds I imagined it was Diana showing her love from heaven.

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  64. Dtchycat said: Hoping more historicals are floating around in your head begging to be written!!!

    Me, too, Dtchycat!!

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  65. I cannot begin to tell you how peaceful and serene it is just looking out her ceiling high windows into the valley below.
    It was a girls weekend and it was a blast.


    Oh Pamela, this sounds like a fabulous weekend. So glad you had a wonderful time.

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  66. TrishaM said: I have been waiting for school to be over so I can finally get some good reading done! :)

    TOMORROW!!! :D

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  67. Congrats on the new release Jacquie. It looks really good. Was it hard going from writing historicals to contemporary?

    iqb99@yahoo.com

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  68. Great post and congrats on your new release. I have been seeing this book around and it looks really good. Can't wait to read it. Thanks for sharing with us today.

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  69. Hi Jacquie:
    I'm so excited to read your new book. I will download it tomorrow and then read it after submitting my last research paper of the semester. It will be a welcome break from reading about library science and computer stuff!
    Thanks for the giveaway as well.
    Love,
    Michelle from Athens, GA

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  70. Zipping through to wave hello to everyone who's stopped by today! I'm just home from work and need to feed the dogs then leave for a meeting. Something tells me today's happy place is going to be my bed...when I finally get there! lol!

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  71. @Karyn Gerrard--Thanks! And yes--that's it exactly--the beach is where I feel most serene.

    @Trisha--Hey, cutie! Yes, young lady--get that school work done! xox

    @Antonia--I am TOTALLY into photoshopping Prince Harry onto the beach, surrounded by all us Dishers as he reads Summer at Seaside Cove! LOL! I'd make that my Christmas card!

    @Buffie--Adore you gals right back! I think we should make a Romance Dish road trip to England (we'd actually have to fly there since there's no road that goes there, LOL!) and invite Harry out for drinks!

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  72. @Andrea (Romance Dish Andrea)--So glad to "see" you! Based on your "no books by the water" comment I'm guessing you're not a bathtub reader :)

    @Andrea l--your place near St. Augustine sounds FABULOUS!

    @Buffie--I agree--no internet, no phones, no NOISE really helps me decompress.

    @Sandy--That's exactly what I kept thinking as I watched the wedding--that Princess Diana would have been so proud.

    @Buffie--you would most certainly
    have gone to the beach if *I* had been there because I would have dragged you there, LOL!

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  73. @Danielle G--I didn't find the transition from historical to contemporary difficult as it's basically what I've always done. What I found most challenging was passing the length of an entire summer in a book (or at least two months of it). I've never had a story that spanned that length of time before. Of course, I had a hard time doing just the opposite in one of my contemporary Blaze books that had to take place in 24 hours. One extreme to the other!

    @Virginia--thank you! It's great to be here!

    @ChelleBelle--good luck on getting that last paper in! My son is frantically working on the last of his term papers as well. We MUST meet in Athens some time for coffee or lunch and girl talk. Would be lovely to meet you!

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  74. Congrats on your new release!

    For me, nothing beats the beach for decompressing. Just talking a walk and breathing all that sea water are wonderful for me. Also, since the California coast has kelp, there's mor minerals in the water and in the air. It's all good no matter the weather.

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  75. I have always been partial to Virginia Beach which is where I used to "get away" from it all and go to visit my cousins who really know how to spoil someone!

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  76. My "happy place" to decompress is anywhere I have a good book and a comfortable chair. Reading a wonderful story can take me away from everything, that's why I love reading so much.
    Yes, I loved the Royal wedding. I didn't get up early to watch it, but I did watch highlights when I got home from work that night. Kate's dress was lovely and they make such a cute couple.

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  77. Looks like a lot of beach "babes" around here. *g* There's something about the sound of the waves that just lulls you into a state of relaxation.

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  78. Something tells me today's happy place is going to be my bed...when I finally get there! lol!

    PJ, I hope you get there soon. LOL

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  79. Wow! Can’t wait to grab this book. I had not heard about it until reading the Romance Dish preview this weekend. Already have it bookmarked on my Buy list and can’t wait to see how the story plays out. Love the idea of the quirky family and then the people in town.

    You mentioned the wedding, LOVED IT!!!! I have been getting all kinds of grief for taking Friday off (I took the day off from work to help hubby get our yard ready for sod. BUT I have to be honest and say he did most of the work while I was up at 4 am and then stealing time away throughout the day to get updates after the wedding and kiss). I LOVED the little girl’s reaction on the balcony, the perfect picture of a couple in love, and then the commentary from people who were lip reading the comments made during the ceremony. This was definitely a day any romantic will remember for some time.

    Thanks for blogging today! Love the background on the story. Can’t wait to read it.

    Tami

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  80. @Sheree--I've walked some California beaches--so beautiful!

    @dchevlen--I've never been to VA Beach, but I love visiting people who spoil me. Now where exactly do your cousins live, LOL?!

    @BarbaraE--isn't it great to just be taken away by a terrific book? I LOVE that! And yes, I loved Kate's dress--so gorgeous and elegant.

    @Tami--I definitely think royal wedding watching takes precedence over sod. And I agree, the little girl's reacion to The Kiss was classic! I also loved the way Kate peeked back over her shoulder as she and William were leaving the balcony.
    I hope you enjoy Summer at Seaside Cove!

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  82. I can so relate to Jamie. I am the oldest of six, have 16 aunts and uncles plus their families. I lost count of the cousins at 70. We would often have 15 kids at our house over the weekend. Of course, now there are the cousin's families. Needless to say, there were many times when some alone time was desired if not needed. We had a rustic little camp on a small lake in the Adirondack woods. It probably made the one in your story look good. Even when we were there as a family (or extended family) I could get away. I hiked in the woods, took the canoe out, and went for walks. When I was old enough, I spent time there alone or with my best friend.
    I love the sound of SUMMER AT SEASIDE COVE and look forward to reading it. I hope you do well with the release.

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