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Status: Drafting the fourth book in the PERILOUS series!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Bumpy Landings and the Underdog (and chocolate)

Now that I've had my first novel published, there's something I've noticed about publicity that seems a bit unfortunate for the small, independent author.

The biggest way of spreading your book is word-of-mouth. And unless people have something negative to say, they usually don't talk.

So here I'm going to talk. From now on (and I reserve the right to change this), I'm only going to review books by small press authors. Those that aren't getting the national attention that they deserve to.

Starting with Bumpy Landings.



This is a novel by Don Carey, and it is a romance. My favorite part about this romance: It's from a male's POV. But at the same time, I could totally relate (did I just admit that?) because it's a guy who seems to always fumble his encounters with the opposite sex. 

Set in Hawaii, there couldn't be a better time of year to read this book. I could almost feel the tropical sunshine and smell the ocean breezes. Ah, refreshing. And Jordan, the MC, is going through a growth spurt: breaking away from Mom's tyrannical reign, learning you can kiss a girl and really like her but not LOVE her, and finally getting his wings. (Literally. He's a pilot.)

Honestly, like all guys, there were times when he frustrated me, especially where Mom is concerned. I wanted to scream at him, "Stand up for yourself! Get a backbone! Throw the kitchen sink at her!" That was the only disappointing thing, I didn't really get to see a stand-off between him and Mom, and I really wanted to. But he did go against her wishes and follow his heart in the end.

This is a fun book that took me only a few hours to read. And I was updating my husband as I read, who kept saying, "Hurry and finish the book so I can know the ending." Great job, Don!

Now, if you hadn't heard of that book before today, here's where you come in. Open your mouth and spread the word. Help Don became a household name. Tell people about his book.

Oh, it gets better. There's a contest involved. Every comment on this post gets entered into a chocolate giveaway. Plus a copy of the book. Plus a CD.

Cool, huh?

And there's a book trailer contest going on on Don's blog. Not sure what that's about, but hop on over, meet this real live author, and congratulate him on his wonderful efforts.


21 comments:

Unknown said...

chocolate, a book, AND a cd? goodness, I'm posting a comment right now! Never heard of the book, but if you can read it so quickly, I'll give it a go.

Crystal Collier said...

=) I would have commented anyway, but way to go backing other small press authors!

Taffy said...

Love how authors help each other! Thanks for the review!

Shanda said...

Hey Tamara. :)

At LDSWBR, we don't mind mixing it up a little, but most of the books we review are LDS authors, and several are from the smaller presses. A lot of good books are being missed because people aren't open to reading books from smaller presses. In their defense though, smaller presses have a reputation for sometimes meaning lesser quality. I can see the improvements over the last several years though and I'm excited about more and better quality books out there for all of us readers!

Shanda :)

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

you got it, Elisa! The books I review will be virtually unknown, excellent books! So pass the word on!

shanda--I totally know what you mean, and unfortunately the rep often happens for a reason. But I think if readers can look past the typos and a few other menial things, it won't be difficult to find a gem of a book!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

Awesome idea for helping small press authors, Tamara! You are brilliant! Thanks for this review!

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

Terry!!! Your book is next on my list to buy!!

Lyle said...

I read the book and loved it! I was like Jordan in so many ways, it is almost creepy, but at least I knew when to yell at him "Don't do it, you fool!".

I will make it a point to recommend this book to my friends to whom I haven't already done so.

kbrebes said...

So cool. The book and the chocolate!

Unknown said...

Tamara this is a brilliant idea! I think it's a great way to get the attention out there that awesome books are all around! Not only with big publishing houses!

I think you're onto something here! You also have created a new addiction for me!! I am really looking forward to snagging a copy of this book!

Don said...

Tamara, thanks so much for being a stop on the blog tour, and for taking the time to review Bumpy Landings. I really appreciate your efforts, and hope the small-press promotion program is wildly successful!

And I'll make sure Mom gets her comeuppance in the sequel. :-)

Aaron and Emily said...

Ooo, i want chocolate and i want to read the book!

M Pax said...

Sounds like a fun read indeed. :)

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

Sequel, Don? Wow, how come I didn't know about this??

Thanks, everyone, for commenting! Now go spread the word!

Hillary said...

Looks like fun Tamara! I'm headed to Don's blog to see a little more what he's about!

Jolene Perry said...

LOVE male pov. And hawaii... I'm freezing right now.

Anonymous said...

I'm like Jolene, I'm freezing right now too. But somehow a good book and chocolate always seem to make that better. I love the idea of promoting small press books. I'm very interested in this one. It's on my list of books to read!

Mary Gray said...

You know, I loved meeting Don. His book seems sweet like him.

Kristin said...

Tamara-
Loved your guest post over at crazy-for-books! I'm your newest follower-drop by and say hi if you get a chance!
Kristin
MyBookishWays

Tamara Hart Heiner said...

Thanks everyone for helping promote Don! And Kristin, I'll definitely come say hi!

Melanie Jacobson said...

I agree with you about the book. He did a great job of putting the reader right there in Hawaii with Jordan.

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