Author Jodi Thomas: New Release, Writing And A Giveaway

I’m delighted to welcome New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jodi Thomas back to Thoughts in Progress as she prepares for the release of the fourth novel in her award-winning Harmony series, JUST DOWN THE ROAD. 

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book: When Tinch Turner lost his wife, he gave up on living. Now he spends his nights brooding, boozing and brawling. When one of his escapades lands him in the ER, he finds himself staring up at the beautiful new doctor in town. For the first time in years, he feels a spark, but Addison Spencer wants nothing to do with the unruly rancher—or any man for that matter. She’s only in Harmony four months, long enough for the trouble she left behind to be over. But then a vulnerable little boy barrels into both of their lives, forcing them out of the
past —and into a future where love is just down the road… 

Thanks to Jodi, I have a copy of JUST DOWN THE ROAD to giveaway to a lucky visitors who comments on this post by 8 p.m. (EST) on Monday, April 2. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only. Be sure to leave your email address in the comment, if it’s not included in your profile.

Jodi joins us to talk about her new book and her writing. 

 
JUST DOWN THE ROAD is my 36th novel and I believe one of the best I’ve ever written. Whenever I write I always think about the kind of story I love to read. I want to laugh and cry and fall in love. I want to care. I want to stay with the story longer than planned because I just have to know what happens next.  

I think, as you read JUST DOWN THE ROAD that I will take you on that journey. You’re going to love my people, not because they’re rich or famous, or powerful, but because they’re kind. They’re trying to survive in a world where doing what is right matters. 

  
Whenever I begin to plot I like to mix my stories together so that one plot forms out of the life of several people. In JUST DOWN THE ROAD I have the beginnings of young, first time, love and the sweet love of two people who thought they were destined to live their lives alone. 

In the opening I introduce two people who are running, one from life and the other toward it. One, because of fear, thinks she’s never lived and the other feels his life is over. They are not a couple anyone would put together but as they grow to love each other. Tinch and Addison realize they’re a perfect match. And, for a man just learning to live again, Tinch has to also realize that there are some things in life worth risking his life for. 

 
I’d like to welcome you to step into my town, Harmony, Texas, and get to know the people. The streets of Harmony, the ranches and farms around, the vast open land that molds a special kind of people, all form together in my head as real as a road map.  

My characters, spurs and all, step into my imagination, “have a set” and tell me their stories. They are as real to me as family and friends and they’ll come alive to you also. Who knows, when you finish the book, you might just feel like you have another home town. 

 
Remember, always be kind to one another, and enjoy my newest story.

Jodi, thanks so much for returning and sharing about your upcoming release. JUST DOWN THE ROAD (ISBN: 978-0425246924) is slated for release on April 3 by Berkley. Does that cover just invite you to pick it up and meet new friends?

Here are a couple of quick quotes about the book: “Extremely powerful and gripping writing...full of passionate moments, hidden secrets, and likable Characters.”  ~  Roundtable Reviews 

“Even for readers new to the series, the intricate relationships between these affable men and eccentric women are easy to follow and even easier to love.” ~ Publishers Weekly 

Now let me share a bite about Jodi.  A fifth generation Texan, Jodi chooses to set the majority of her novels in her home state. With a degree in Family Studies, she is a marriage and family counselor by education, a background that enables her to write about family dynamics. Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Jodi enjoys interacting with students on the West Texas A & M University campus, where she currently serves as Writer In Residence. When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Jodi enjoys traveling with her husband, Tom, renovating a historic home they bought in Amarillo, and "checking up" on their two grown sons. 

WELCOME TO HARMONY, the first book in her series, won a RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America in June 2011. SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY, the second in the series, won the Reviewers Choice Award from www.twolipsreviews.com. 

For more on Jodi and her writing, visit her website at www.jodithomas.com or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jodithomas

Get a sneak preview of the book through this lovely book trailer for JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

Do you enjoy a small town atmosphere in the books your read? Do you enjoy feeling like you know the characters when you finished the book? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of JUST DOWN THE ROAD.

Sunday Salon: Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb

Thanks for stopping by. Pull up a comfortable chair, make sure your cup is filled to the brim with your favorite beverage and let’s discuss the wonderful world of books during another Sunday Salon.

Though I’ve been absent from the blogdom this past week (life gets crazy sometimes), I’ve had the chance to listen to several interesting thrillers. Among the audios I’ve recently finished is the newest addition to a favorite series.

CELEBRITY IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

Author J.D. Robb once again tantalizes readers and listeners with the latest release in her Eve Dallas series, CELEBRITY IN DEATH.

Lt. Eve Dallas and her team are in the spotlight, sort of. A former case is being turned into a movie. It feels odd seeing herself re-enact the case, but finding her partner Peabody’s look-alike dead is even more distributing for Dallas.

As Dallas and her team investigate the murder, they find the world of Hollywood holds many secrets and much hatred.

Robb packs a lot of intrigue and suspense in this latest release, while adding bits of humor. The story moves along at a steady pace with twists and turns and another a murder or more along the way. As the story progresses, fans also get a little closer look at the cast of familiar characters.

While a huge fan of the series, I am so because of the combined talents of Robb and narrator Susan Ericksen. Susan brings the characters to life giving each their own unique voice and emotions. Her cadence is smooth and enticing, but filled with the proper emotions when necessary. She has you believing there are several narrators instead of just one.

CELEBRITY IN DEATH is a stand alone read and new readers of the Eve Dallas series aren’t left in the dark. However, for those new to the series, The Icove Agenda refers to a cunning father-son murder mystery Dallas and her team solved in ORIGIN IN DEATH and well worth reading or listening to.

Dallas, Roarke, Peabody and the rest of the team will take you on another interesting adventure into the world of life and crime in New York in the future.

Author J.D. Robb’s website is www.jdrobb.com

Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb, An Eve Dallas series, Read by Susan Ericksen, Brilliance Audio, @2012, ISBN: 978-1455818259, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time 14 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

What was on your reading list this past week? Thanks again for stopping by. Please join me tomorrow when delightful author Jodi Thomas stops by to talk about the fourth novel in her Harmony series, JUST DOWN THE ROAD. Have a wonderful and safe Sunday.