A new release!

I wrote a contemporary romance novella and had it as part of an anthology.

I'm now going to release it as an ebook and just wanted to share the cover and synopsis with you.

The second I got this cover in my email I was in love with it. Steve Novak did an awesome job and I'm really excited to have him do my other covers on some projects in the works. 

SO here's what Sink or Swim is about: 

Shelly can’t believe she’s fallen for another cheater. The last few weeks swimming at the pool next to Brandon had almost convinced her she could get over her ex-fiancé and date again.

Brandon is excited to be back home with a career that can finally hold a candle to his twin brother’s success. But when Shelly suddenly turns cold, Brandon has to figure out why.

I had a lot of fun writing this and am looking forward to doing more romance novellas. They're a nice break from my usual genre of YA fantasy and sci-fi. and it's kinda fun to stretch my writing muscles and do something out of the norm for myself.

Book Review Rules of Engagement

What the books says for itself:

For Annemarie Whitted, her youngest sister’s engagement starts as a happy event, and ends as a slap in the face when she comes to the harsh realization that she’s a failure at relationships, a person in stasis. Annemarie is motivated and organized, a woman on a mission, and she’s getting married now.

Her Rules of Engagement ensure she’ll make the right choice, and her committee will find her potential eternal companions. She assigns the job to her closest sister, Lisa, and Lisa’s husband, Tanner. Of course, Tanner comes with baggage— his brother, Ben, Annemarie’s lifelong nemesis.

The war between the two of them gives a brand new meaning to Annemarie’s Rules of Engagement, and his presence isn’t helping her at all. Especially when he disapproves of her methods and questions every step she makes. Especially when their forced proximity makes each of them really see each other for the first time. Especially when she discovers that her heart has secret corners she never knew, and that the Rules might have been her biggest mistake of all.


What I have to say about it:

This was a pretty cute book. The characters were fun and lovable. I did wonder why Annemarie was so set on finding someone to marry, just because that's what good Mormon girls were supposed to do. She insisted on going about it in a way that matched her personality just right. And though I didn't agree with her personally on her motivations, I could believe Annemarie was doing it her way and she was fine with it. Ben was a cutie, and trying his best to be helpful in such unhelpful ways.

The way their relationship evolves from enemies to friends was organic and believable. And all those horrible dating experiences Annemarie goes through in the process of finding her eternal mate were fun and entertaining. It's a lighthearted story, that though silly, doesn't make light of a serious decision. Annemarie learns her way of finding an eternal companion might work, but will it really be what she wants in the end?  If you are looking for a clean romance, this is for you.


To buy it on Amazon click HERE
To buy it on Barnes and Noble click HERE

Author bio:
Amber Gilchrist lives in New Mexico with her husband and three children. She writes YA for upper teens, as well as LDS Romantic Comedies. She calls her lifetime of jumping from one job to another 'experience' for her books and not an inability to settle down. Amber loves mysteries and a good, happy romance. She also loves to laugh. Sometimes she likes all of them together.
A fan of quirky movies and indie books, Amber likes to be with her family, is socially inept, and fears strangers and small yippy dogs. She alternates between writing and being a mom and wife. She tries to do both at the same time but her kids don't appreciate being served lunch and told, "This is the hot dog of your discontent." So mostly she writes when everyone else is in bed.
Amber loves to hear from readers and can be reached at ambergilchristbooks@gmail.com
If you would like to be added to her newsletter please email your address to be notified about future releases and events.

To learn more about Amber, check out these links.

Author Website
Amber's facebook page
Amber's Amazon Author page


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I have a book coming out soon

I don't know why I haven't been screaming this here yet, but I guess I'd have to say I've been trying to figure out what to say.

I have a Young Adult Sci-fi coming out from Astraea Press on February 25, 2014.  It's been so fun seeing it go from a rough draft nearly 5 years ago, to polished and ready to meet the world.

In that time since I started writing in 2009 til now, I've managed to write 5 full length novels, and have 2 more in progress, (about 1/2 way through) and a couple more brainstormed and notes on. Writing has gone from a hobby, to a career. And while I own the title of Author now and will wear it proudly, I am first and foremost a wife and mother. Blending those responsibilities sure require some flexibility and there is always going to be some give and take in all areas of life, but I'm sure excited to see where this journey takes me.

Book Review: A Perfect Fit by Heather Tullis

What the book says for itself:

Cami DiCarlo doesn’t agree with her father that her life has been stuck in a rut, so she is not happy when he forces her hand into heading up guest services at his newest five-star hotel. The fact that he unveils the existence of four half-sisters at the same time, and insists that they live together while they launch the new resort, only makes things worse. When she meets Vince Talmadge, the sweet, sexy landscaper her father would never have approved of, Cami can’t say no. If only she could be sure she is on the right track—and that they will be able to stop the person who is trying to destroy everything she and her sisters are working to build.

What I had to say about the book.

I sort of struggled with this book and I couldn’t decide at first why it was I didn’t immediately like it. I could have been that the story is about one couple, but ALL the sisters are involved in this book as the set up to the series begins. The names of the girls were all about flowers but I couldn’t really remember what each girl was supposed to be in charge of in the running of the Hotel their father forced them into working in. They are all sisters, but only 2 share the same mother and the other 3 have different mothers. They struggle to come to terms with their relationships as sisters, and their feelings for their cheating father. And though I did like that part of the story where I could see the inner turmoil and how they interacted with each other and eventually learned to get along. It was still difficult to grasp the love story I wanted to read about because of all the extra family involved in the plot.

I totally guessed the “bad guys”. One right from the start and the other pretty quickly afterward so it was kind of predictable, but there were still fun twists and surprises I didn’t see at first. The whole issue the “Bad guy” had was a little cheesy and overblown, but desperate people do desperate things.

The love story should have had me riveted, but it kinda happened really fast, then they started sleeping together (though nothing is given in detail so it could still be considered basically a clean romance) and I was really annoyed. Their kissing started to get boring for me since there was no “sexual tension” because they were already a couple, just afraid to commit to the long term relationship at first.  I’m sure I’ll read the others that come out for the series (the teaser for book 2 at the end of this book 1 was interesting), but I’m not dying for them right away. 

Book Review: Seeking Persephone by Sarah Eden

Here's what the book says for itself:

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses, and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he's offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger. Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke's castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul. But the Duke's steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke's armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

Here's what I have to say about it:

I LOVE it when a romance is clean and sweet and you are left wishing it wasn’t clean, but so relieved when it really is clean. Sarah Eden is a masterful writer and none of her plots are the same or feel forced.  This was such a cute book, and I wondered how on earth people back then did what they did, and why they would possibly consider marrying someone they had never met to save their family from ruin. It would never happen today, but by Sarah's wonderful storytelling, you can see how the characters would do just that. And still believe it was all logical.  The only thing I didn't really love in this story is the villain and the harm he caused seemed slightly odd. His retaliation seemed a little too mean for the offense given to him. But of course, he was a jerk, so they do those things right?

Persephone went through a lot, but held up really well. She was such a positive thinker and tried so hard that I was getting really irritated at Adam for not realizing how fortunate he really was sooner. I loved how Adam was a mean bear, but still had a soft spot, and his friend Harry is so awesome. (He's featured as the Hero in a follow-up book "Courting Miss Lancaster" and I absolutely recommend it too since Persephone and Adam are in it as well) See my review on it coming soon.

Wonderful book all around. Get it. You won't be disappointed.

Find it on Amazon HERE

Find it on Barnes and Noble Here

Book Review TIDE EVER RISING by Mandi Tucker Slack

BOOK REVIEW of TIDE EVER RISING by Mandi Tucker Slack



What the book says about itself:

Kadence Reynold’s favorite pastime is exploring old ghost towns, but when she and her sister, Maysha, stumble across an old journal and cheap pendant hidden in the depths of a crumbling foundation near Eureka, Utah, their world is suddenly turned upside down. Immediately, strange dreams and premonitions begin to haunt “Kadie” as she learns more about the author of the journal, Charlotte Clark. Kadie sets out on a journey to learn more about Charlotte and her family, and she and Maysha travel to Bremerton, Washington, where they discover Charlotte's still living twin sister, Adelaide and her family.

Kadie and Maysha, upon arriving in Washington, are immediately immersed in Adelaide and Charlotte’s story. Kadie soon learns that Charlotte disappeared the night of a tragic fire that took the lives of Adelaide’s entire family. With the help of Logan Mathews, Adelaide’s handsome grandson, and Charlotte’s ever disconcerting presence, Kadie delves into the past. Hoping to solve the mystery of Charlotte’s disappearance, Kadie immediately discovers the secrets contained in the journal will toss her and Adelaide’s family into a world filled with mystery, past regrets, and dark unknowns.

  

What I have to say about it:

This was a good book with a great plot and fun storyline. The little hints of supernatural elements like a ghost were well done and something that even I could accept. I liked the characters and felt I was really getting to know them. (Little sister Maysha was one of my favorites) I even developed an understanding for the bad guy. The motivations of the bad guy seemed a little strange at first, but people want to keep their secrets buried deep and not ever admit to wrong doing. The only thing I didn’t buy in this story was how fast the relationship developed between the love interests. Through their experiences together, it was natural and evolved in a way I could accept, but it was just way fast for me. Mandi’s other story THE ALIAS was a quickly developed relationship too, but for some reason I accepted it better.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and finished it quickly. It’s a clean romance with hints of religion, but nothing preachy.

Find it on AMAZON HERE

Find it on Barnes and Noble HERE

Book review. THE ALIAS by Mandi Tucker Slack

 Book Review:  THE ALIAS by Mandi Tucker Slack




What the book says about itself:

Jacey Grayson is an average, young, divorced mother struggling to build a new life for her son, Blaze. But when the FBI discloses some disturbing information about her ex-husband, Jacey's life becomes anything but average. At the risk of losing her identity, her future, and her heart, Jacey and Blaze flee to Utah, hoping to hide and start over once again. But no matter how far she runs or who she pretends to be, her past is always lurking nearby, bringing old fears with it. Thrilling action and a suspenseful plot make this novel an edge-of-your-seat-read. 



What I have to say about it:

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed. The story seemed to flow very well without making me feel like there were things happening just to move the story forward. I loved how though Jacey was going under a different name, I never got confused when they used the other name. The romance in this was just perfect for me. Nothing blushworthy ever, and it developed in a way I could accept without making it feel like it was forced. But it was still very sweet and romantic and I couldn't help rooting for the couple.
Jacey stayed in an abusive relationship for many years and when she eventually got out of it, she works hard at making a new life for herself. I loved how the author made us aware of how women from abusive relationships are all different, but may have similar reasons for sticking with it. But I also loved how Jacey changed and made a person for herself that wasn't going to ever allow herself to be abused again.
The only problem I had with this story was Jacey's ex, John. Of course he was a creep, and I did get his motivations for why he did what he did, but there were a couple places where when he was talking to his partner in crime he sounded a little too "tough guy". Besides that one little thing that's hardly worth mentioning, I really loved this book. It was a fast read and I never once wanted to put it down and go look for something else to do.




Check out her website HERE
Find it on AMAZON HERE
Find it on Barnes and Noble HERE

Book Review. Fair Maiden by Cheri Schmidt

Fair Maiden by Cheri Schmidt

 

This was a fun read. Magical and seemingly paranormal, but with a twist I didn't expect. The characters were well developed. I loved them. Christian Sparks, an Earl moves into an old Castle. When his presence wakes up the "ghost" who's been trapped for centuries in a hidden room. She can't remember who she is, or where she came from, or how she died. He can see her but no one else can, unless she chooses for them to. She's transparent though so she can't be passed as anything but a ghost. 

Christian can't get his inheritance from his father to maintain this castle and grounds until he gets married. (Silly parents) but he doesn't have any prospects for marriage and he's of course fallen for this ghost. 

The ghost (who we eventually learn her name is Tessa) knows she can't have him, but is still connected to him. She can't leave the castle grounds because of the spell around it, but when Christian goes to a ball to meet some ladies his mother is insisting he pick a bride from, Tessa calls his name and is transported there. And that makes things fun because sometimes she flits back and forth from being ghost like to being flesh and blood. But no one knows when it's gonna happen. Through the workings of a spell and with the help of a witch, they figure things out and learn who Tessa really is, but that's just the beginning of what they need to do. They've got to end the spell that's on her, and save her from the threat that caused her to be under that spell in the first place. 

This book was fast paced, engaging, romantic without getting blushworthy, and like I mentioned, not what I expected when I first started it. Nice twist. The only thing I didn't like was the epilogue where I'm not sure if they were leaving things open for a sequel or if it was just a tease for me to think of what happens next on my own.

 

Check it out on AMAZON HERE.

 

Check it out on Barnes and Noble HERE

 

 

Book Review. The Tyrant King by Cheri Chesley

    

Here's what the book has to say about itself:

Krystal's peaceful life as queen of Fayterra is shattered when a stranger arrives with a connection to Jareth that threatens to change everything. Soon her loved ones are threatened, her people are under attack, and Krystal must face a devastating loss. As the future becomes bleaker and the mystery continues to unravel, Krystal's enemies will learn just how far she will go to defend the people she loves.

Here's what I have to say about it:

This was a fun read. Krystal was the Peasant Queen (see below) so some of what I say here will be a spoiler for the Peasant Queen. Now that she's married to King Jareth and they have a son and her Sister-in-law's wedding is coming fast, we get to meet the son of King Greggory (the bad guy from the Peasant Queen.) But Krystal didn't know Greggory had a son, so his arrival is a surprise. One they aren't sure what to think of.
Donovan is a good looking friendly type guy, but you can't help wondering about his motives. He comes to the castle to attend his cousin's wedding, and get a feel for the people and life there. Then  he shows his true colors as an angry and jealous man. He wants what would have been his had his father lived to give him the kingdoms he gained by his own betrayals.
Donovan demands the kingdoms be given to him, and when he's refused he wages war against them. Krystal isn't your typical queen. She grew up on a farm and has some ideas that aren't quite in line with a perfect queen, but she isn't going to let anyone stop her from protecting the people and country she loves. Krystal even gets to work some magic, but she doesn't solve her problems with magic, she gets into things by pulling up her sleeves and using a sword. (something I loved since magic can't take care of everything.)
There is sweetness and romance. Kissing and babies, but you don't have to worry about it being inappropriate. No blushing going on here. The romance is throughout the story. The characters are all well developed and I found myself really rooting for them. Though there is war and fighting, and one scene where there's a bit of blood, it isn't going to give you nightmares either. I'd recommend this book to anyone. But I'd also suggest you read the others first. They are available in print or ebook form.


The other books in this series are also available.

  Where we learn about Greggory's mother, and King Jareth's grandmother. (one warning about this. Though it is excellently written and the story is very engaging, it has a non- traditional ending that some readers didn't like. (not your happily ever after, but who really has those all the time anyway.)

 

 

  Where we get the story of Krystal who loves Jareth, but is kidnapped by Greggory.

Read the Peasant Queen first, then the Wild Queen, then The Tyrant king if you're looking for what order to start.


check them out on Amazon HERE
Barnes and Noble HERE
Smashwords HERE

See Cheri's website HERE . You can learn how to enter in for a $50 amazon gift card just for reading this review.