As a gardener, I love anything with the word bloom in it. As a romance author Love in Bloom takes it one step further. :)

This month I’ve joined the Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop to feature my latest release, Ladd Springs. Perfect for the YA crowd, this contemporary novel is part mystery, part romance, and 100% Tennessee. It’s also Book #1 in a series of 5 set for release THIS year!

“I really enjoyed the fun of this book. There was a bit of steam & intensity but nothing a teen couldn’t handle. It really was a bit suspense, a bit romance, and a bit western — but completely a perfect mix! What I didn’t like: Sorry, nothing!”

~ Regina Hott, Amazon review

Delaney Wilkins finds herself at odds with hotel developer Nick Harris over a deathbed promise and a mysterious find in the Tennessee forest.  Both are after title to Ladd Springs, a mecca of natural springs, streams and trails in the eastern Tennessee mountains, a tract of land worth millions.  But Ernie Ladd, current owner of the property and uncle to Delaney, is adamantly opposed to them both.

Felicity Wilkins, Delaney’s daughter, deserves to inherit her family’s legacy, but neighbor Clem Sweeney is working against her, ingratiating himself with Ernie Ladd.  Clem is also harboring a secret that will make him a very wealthy man—unless the others stop him before he can bring it to fruition.

Complicating matters is Annie Owens.  Ex-girlfriend to Jeremiah Ladd, Ernie’s estranged son living in Atlanta, she declares her daughter Casey is Jeremiah’s, making Casey every bit as entitled to the property as Felicity—only Annie hasn’t proven this claim.  Yet.

All are fighting to get the property, but only one will walk away with the gold.  Which will it be?  Find out in the first installment of Ladd Springs…

 As part of the Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop, I’m puttin a $20 gift card up for grabs ~ reader’s choice, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  To enter, simply leave a comment and register your email in the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Speaking of Love in Bloom…my award-winning debut novel, Jennifer’s Garden is FREE for ereaders!

“Frame by frame, Venetta’s easy prose tells of a storybook romance woven into the joys and heartbreak of everyday life.  From the glamour of the art world to the tension of the operating room to the glories of nature, this novel resonates on every level.”  ~ 4 1/2 stars RT Book Reviews, May 2012

Check out your ebook retailer to download or Smashwords makes it easy!

This one’s for everyone who loves books, especially those summer reads. It’s that time of year when we browse the shelves–virtual and otherwise–to find that next great read for our vacation…beachside, by the pool, patio, garden.  You name it and we likely read there. :) To celebrate the RT Booklovers Convention and the beginning of warm weather, I’m giving away the following prize to one lucky winner…

It’s a set of four plastic glasses–perfect for those chilly beverages you’ll be craving while reading–plus matching drink stirrers, two fun lemon-wedge shaped molds for icing down those drinks and a tube of my favorite lotion, Radiance by Burt’s Bees.  This stuff is awesome because once applied, your skin will shimmer in the sunlight.  The secret is the natural mica used to enhance skin tone. You’ll also receive one of my favorite silk floral gift boxes, made by Bloem Boxes.  Not only gorgeous, but inside you’ll find sunflower seeds packed on 15′ biodegradable seed ribbons for effortless planting.  (Retail value: $45)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you say?  Are you ready for your next summer read?  Ladd Springs would make the perfect addition to your TBR list.  The reviews are already coming in…

“Ladd Springs was one of those books that I couldn’t put down – at first because it drew me in with a ton of questions to be answered about the pasts of the characters, and a great story. Second because of how heart pounding it gets towards the ending!”

~~ Debbie Jean’s Blog

“I really enjoyed the fun of this book. There was a bit of steam & intensity but nothing a teen couldn’t handle. It really was a bit suspense, a bit romance, and a bit western — but completely a perfect mix!  What I didn’t like:  Sorry, nothing!”

~~ Regina Hott

And “Be the first to know” when the next installment in the series releases by signing up to receive email notifications ~ box is located in the upper right hand corner of my website.  Subscribing via email enables you to be a Bloomin’ Warrior whereby you’ll receive all sorts of great freebies and special gifts!

Pssst…  For you kindle lovers, Jennifer’s Garden — awarded 4 1/2 stars from RT Book Reviews — is currently FREE. Enjoy!

Vegas wins the horse race!  Watch for this little foal to be born in an upcoming book in my series, Ladd Springs.  Which is ironic, as “Vegas” plays a bit of a theme in the series. :)  This name was submitted by Martha Schlegel.

For those looking for comfort in the kitchen, Chicken & Dumplings is your remedy.  Go figure.  It’s my daughter’s favorite, too!  Look for the recipe this fall from Toni Moser Graham (or a combination thereof!).

Thanks again to all who participated!