This weekend was the Orlando Public Library Book Signing Event and what fun!  Several area romance authors were on hand for book signing as well as meet and greet.  For me it was a double pleasure, because not only did I get to see my readers, I was able to reconnect with author friends from the Central Florida Romance Chapter like steamy author Wynter Daniels and YA writer Jax Cassidy, aka my cover designer.

Which is so valuable to me as a writer.  I spend so much time holed away in my office crafting novels, I don’t get out much! Kids think it’s so uncool.  But they enjoyed hearing stories about my readers!

My number one twitter friend stopped in today with her daughter which was so great–especially in light of the fact that my own daughter was supposed to be in attendance with me, but ditched me last-minute for a sleepover!  Go figure.

And here’s a lovely Bloomin’ Warrior sporting her fabulous T-shirt and smile.  Talk about excitement, I’m not sure who was more excited to be there, her or me! (What’s a Bloomin’ Warrior?  Find out here.)

But in reality it really was a pleasure.  And more proof that it’s a small world out there.  One of my fellow romance authors signing today, Maria Geraci, was a member a my spring Authors in Bloom Blog Hop AND it turns out, good friends with a girlfriend of mine who lives in the Orlando area.

WOW.  How neat is that?  In my book, very.  As was meeting all the new readers, a few of which were also gardening fans!  Great day.  Simply great.  Thank you all for coming and look forward to the next signing. :)  And for those of you local to the area, be sure to look for my series on the shelves of the Orlando Public Library ~ in the local author section!

With the Olympics over, it’s time to announce the winner of my Olympic-themed giveaway!  Drum roll, please…. 

The winner is Lorelei, one of my very own Bloomin’ Warriors!!  Congratulations, Loralei and thanks for entering. :)  Your package of hair care and a copy of my latest release WHISPER PRIVILEGES will be on their way to you this week.  And for my donation to the Special Olympics, I received a total of 50 comments/entries, so I’ll round it up to an even $100 donation to the Special Olympics.

Appreciate all who took part, including fellow authors Shirley Hailstock, Cheryl Malandrinos, Barbara Phinney and Shari Brady.  Great job, team!

WHISPER PRIVILEGES is set for release August 8th!

Miami, Florida is the venue for the Special Olympics National Games and Clay Rutledge’s son is competing in swimming. A sure bet to win the gold, father and son plan to ride their tropical victory to the World Games—until an unexpected turn of events jeopardizes their plans for fortune and fame.

Tasked with managing the games,Sydney quickly learns that Clay’s quiet, sexy confidence demands special attention, something she’s more than willing to oblige.  But a jealous ex-lover of a boss has other plans, as does her office nemesis.

Trapped between a desire to mix business with pleasure and a boy who reminds her of a life she swore to move beyond, Sydney is at a personal crossroads.  She can have career or love—but to attain both requires a consent she yearns to give but fears impossible…

And to celebrate the release, I’m giving away a copy of my book (ebook or print) along with a set of Malibu Wellness Swimmers Hair Care shampoo and conditioner. It’s the perfect shampoo for swimmers as it removes chlorine, minerals and salts from the hair and restores shine and manageability.  I love mine because it keeps my blonde color clear and bright between salon visits—despite the fact that I live and shower with well water.

But the giveaways don’t stop here!  Shirley Hailstock will host a gymnastics-themed giveaway on July 31^st followed by Barbara Phinney on August 9^th hosting football, Cheryl Malandrinos will be offering up some hockey fun August 10^th and Shari Brady will be serving up volleyball August 11^th  for our grand finale.

So while you’re enjoying the competition of the Summer Olympics in London, be sure to stop by these author sites for your chance to win!

Also, in light of the fact that I’ve chosen the Special Olympics as the setting for my current novel, WHISPER PRIVILEGES, I’m donating $1 for every comment and/or entry made during the entire two-week giveaway–even if it’s just to say hello!

For those who have yet to read JENNIFER’S GARDEN, the first in this series, I’m setting the ebook version FREE for the duration of the Summer Olympics.  For your free copy, visit Smashwords.com and use code VP55P for a variety of versions compatible with most ereaders on the market today.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Officially starts July 28th. Good luck and happy reading!