Monday, July 12, 2010

ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE: REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE

BY JULIA LONDON

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Should some questions be left unanswered?
Adopted as an infant, Jane Aaron longs to know the identity of her birth mother and why she gave her up. Her only clue is the name of the small Texas town where she was born, so she's come to Cedar Springs for answers. Handsome ad executive Asher Price lost his wife, the beautiful, mysterious Susanna, in a terrible car crash eighteen months ago. When he hires Jane as the nanny for his two children, sparks fly. Jane finds herself falling in love with both Asher and his children, but begins to suspect that Susanna was not the perfect mother and wife the family portrays her to have been. As Jane gets closer and closer to finding out the truth about both her own and Susanna's past, devastating secrets begin to emerge that may be more than anyone can bear. Will the truth bring Jane and Asher closer together or tear them apart forever?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


JULIA LONDON is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous historical romance and women's fiction novels. She is a four-time finalist for the prestigious Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction. A native Texan, Julia lives in Austin. You can write to her at P.O. Box 228, Georgetown, TX 78627, or email her at julia@julialondon.com.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:

1. Welcome to BOOKIN' WITH BINGO, Julia. Before we get started, can you share any websites or other social networks where people can find you?

Hi Bingo. Thank you so much for inviting me to blog with you. My website is http://www.julialondon.com, and readers can also find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon.

2. Where did you get the inspiration or idea for this book?

From a piece I read about a woman who had come to Texas to soak up the Texas vibe. She had been given up for adoption at birth, and the only thing she knew was that she’d been born in Texas. She had come to Texas to just feel what it was like. I thought it was remarkable that she would cling to something so vague about herself. It made me wonder what it would be like to not know some very basic information about me, and the concept of not having that history of person intrigued me. The book started out as a woman’s search for her identity, but it turned into something more than that. It turned into a novel about how the past influences all of us, no matter what you may or may not know about your beginnings.

3. How did the title of your book come about?

It was slated to be a summer book, and the novel takes place in summer, and it seemed like a season, so….One Season of Sunshine was born. We actually went through many different titles with the “season” theme before we came up with this one. Sometimes, coming up with titles are harder than coming up with the entire book. Sometimes, they just come easy. But they usually come easy for my editor. I am never very good at it.


4. Do you see yourself in your characters? Which characters are easiest or more difficult to write?

I see parts of me in characters, but usually, my characters are their own person. In ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE, Jane is listening to Pearl Jam when she runs. I listen to Pearl Jam when I run. She has that part of me, but that’s about all of me that you will see in Jane. As for which characters are easiest to write, that would be the periphery characters. In this book, that would be Carla, and Laru, and Linda Gail, and Emma. They are composites of the sort of women I have known all my life and are friends with today. They are easy and fun to write because I don’t have to delve into their emotions. The hardest characters are the hero, the heroine, the families—particularly in this book—because I have to get inside their heads and plumb them for emotion. For me, that is the hardest part of any book—getting the emotion onto the page.

5. What books would you say have made the biggest impression on you, especially starting out? What are you currently reading?


Judith McNaught’s books, when I discovered them, inspired me to write, but it was one of Iris Johansen’s old romances, whose title escapes me (I think it was the Lion’s Bride), that made me believe I could write. I don’t know why that particular book, but something about it made me think I could do it and I wanted to do it. Books that have transported me are many, but some that stick out in my memory are Sharon Kay Penman’s Here Be Dragons, and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Currently, I admire writers such as Neil Gaiman, Mark Twain, Bret Easton Ellis, and Marian Keyes. At this moment, I am reading Sherri Browning Erwin’s Jane Slayre, which is a Jane Eyre retold with zombies. Very funny!

6. What is the next or current book/project you are working on?


I am currently working on A LIGHT AT WINTER’S END. It’s about a conflict between two sisters and a lonesome cowboy who steps into the fray. That lonesome cowboy is the husband who was left twisting in the wind at the conclusion of SUMMER OF TWO WISHES (I won’t name him for those who have not read it). I want to give him closure. My next book to be published is THE YEAR OF LIVING SCANDALOUSLY, which will be out in October. This is an historical romance with a bit of a mystery.

7. What is something about you that you would want people to know about you that we probably don’t know?


You know, I am pretty open with my life. I am active on the internet and most of my mundane life is on display. The one thing most people don’t realize is that my husband and I are raising a grandson who is three. He has been with us since he was eight months old.

8. What is your best advice to anyone, including young people, who want to be writers?


You have to write. It’s like anything else you do that you want to be good at – you have to practice the skill to become really good. The best way to do that is to write something every day. Even if it is just a paragraph, write something and try and improve on what you did the day before. I know that when I take a couple of weeks off, I get rusty. I find my writing is better when I at least touch a project each day. Thank you so much for having me, Bingo! I am thrilled to be able to share ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE with your followers. Please know that there is a sweepstakes in progress for readers of the book. You can enter through my website at http://www.julialondon.com.

MY REVIEW:

Julie London has written about school teacher Jane Aaron who is in search of one thing and finds more than she went after in ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE. Set in Cedar Springs, Texas, where Jane was born, the story follows her as she grew up knowing that she felt different from the rest of her family but there is a reason. Jane was adopted and although she loved her adopted parents, the older she got, the more she wanted to find out about her real parents and where she came from. She takes it so much to heart that when Jonathan, her boyfriend proposes to her, she says no. She wants to find out who she is first. Moving back to Texas, Jane begins her search. In order to pay the bills over the summer that she has given herself to live there and find her birth parents, Jane looks for a job to pay her expenses. Thinking it would be easy work so Jane can have time to work on finding her birth parents, she accepts the job of being a nanny for a recently widowed father of two, Ashton Price.

Price, now a single dad, is raising two children, Riley and Levi, 12 and 5 respectively. Their dad is an executive who works way too much and his life is very stressful so Jane does her best to keep things with the often rambunctious boys at home in line. Having recently lost their mother, both boys have their own issues and with a father often working, it falls on Jane to try to help the boys, so she quickly becomes very involved in all their lives. Their mother, Susanna, was mysteriously killed in a car crash less than two years ago. Although outwardly Susanna is made out to have been a perfect mother and mate, Jane begins to suspect that there may have been deeper issues than would appear on the surface. Jane also starts to find out some things about her real parents and it is amazing how lives can suddenly take on a new direction. Ashton is aware of Jane and her impact on the home in more ways than one. Could he be feeling something for this woman who is caring for his children? Would Jane feel something in return or will she work things out with Jonathan? And will Jane’s goal of finding her birth parents in the small town ever be achieved? London has written a good solid story that will quickly capture your attention, have you wondering which way things will go, and is easy to pop into a bag and take along anywhere this summer and have a relaxing read.

GIVEAWAY

THANK YOU TO AYELET AND THE GOOD
FOLKS AT SIMON & SCHUSTER, I HAVE
TWO COPIES OF THIS LOVELY BOOK
TO GIVE AWAY! READ BELOW HOW
YOU CAN WIN ONE OF THE COPIES!



--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FOUND INTERESTING ABOUT THE INFORMATION FOR ONE SEASON OF SUNSHINE ABOVE THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO WIN

+1 MORE ENTRY:
BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND THEN COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE OTHER CURRENT GIVEAWAY YOU HAVE ENTERED. ONLY ONE THIS TIME, PLEASE!

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, JULY 24

63 comments:

CMash said...

I entered the Hachette Beach 5 Book Giveaway.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com

CMash said...

Never thought about it before, but wonder how I would feel if I knew nothing of my beginnings. Sounds like a good read.
CMash
Mash1195(at)aol(dot)com

Steve Capell said...

Sounds like writing is like a lot of other things it takes practice and that is probably very good advice if you want to become a good writer you must must have the focus to write daily. Great interview and thanks for hosting this book giveaway.

steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com

Suburban prep said...

My mother was also born in a small town in Texas. I have been there but once quite a bit ago and I would love to read about the goings on.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

gcpeach17 said...

First, I love reading about people looking for their past. It's so different from my life that it draws me. The interview was great and it is very interesting that the author is raising a small Grandson....I have mine living with me as well, although, my son is here too.
Please, enter me to win this book.

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

gcpeach17 said...

I am also entered in "The Island" giveaway.

gcpeach17 at aol dot com

traveler said...

I entered Between Two Worlds Giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

The interview and thoughtful topic is riveting reading. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Shannon said...

I entered the Mr. Rosenblum giveaway.
tiredwkids at live dot com

Shannon said...

I didn't know writers could get rusty. It makes sense to me, but it just never occured to me before.
tiredwkids at live dot com

Renee said...

I've known adopted folks that have and have not searched for their birth parents. Interested in how the story will be played in fiction

reneesuz82(at)msn.com

holdenj said...

I think it's interesting how Jane even got her small clue of Cedar Springs, TX to begin her search. I'd love to win and read this. Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the giveaway for the 6 RITA award winners.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

rubynreba said...

I entered Cowboy & Willis giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I like that the book shows that the past influences all of us no matter what our beginnings are.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Margie said...

+4 Swag
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

I entered the giveaway for Cowboy and Wills.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Margie said...

This book sounds fascinating...the search for your roots. I'd be interested in how this search ends, as well as the possible romance.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Linda Kish said...

I like that the idea actually came from a woman who was adopted at birth who came from Texas and that was all she knew.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I entered the April & Oliver giveaway

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

CherylS22 said...

I entered the "The Rule of Nine" giveaway
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

CherylS22 said...

I want to win because I like the storyline of searching for your identity & past.
Thanks for the giveaway!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

Theresa N. said...

I want to know as much about Susanna as Jane.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

debbie said...

It would be hard to not know about your past, this should be a good book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered the rita award nominees giveaway.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Sounds like a really good that I must read. Please enter me in contest. Thank you. Tore923@aol.com

Shirley H said...

+4swag shundelt@yahoo.com

Jeff H said...

+4swag jeff72768@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Hi! I think it will be a good book to read because of the main characters and that it is set in Texas. :)

Connie
connie_bryant@hotmail.com

Debbie said...

It sounds like a great book that will hook us in emotionally very quickly and then provide some twists and turns.
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com

carole said...

I would love to win this book,One Season of Sunshine for it sounds like a good book about someone who's trying to find her birth mom, and where she belongs. I wasn't adopted but I would like to find who my parents were, and the story sounds compeling. I like these kind of books.The interview was good too, I didn't know she was raising her 8month old grandson.

Laura said...

Please enter me. Sounds like a good book. I am a follwer.
Laura
laura.leahj@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

The premise of this book sounds fascinating--the idea of someone researching his/her past and finding out something unexpected.

Anonymous said...

I entered the Hachette Beach 5-Book-Giveaway.

Benita said...

How fascinating it must be to try to find out your past. I'd love to read this book.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

I entered April and Oliver.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Pamela Keener said...

I entered The Cowboy & Wills giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

The story sounds intriguing. I also like how Julia describes picking the title of the book. I love author insights like those.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Ruthie said...

I am a retired school teacher.

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I entered the Hatchette Beach giveaway.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Misusedinnocence said...

I love stories about adoption, especially when characters are looking for their birth parents. I'd love to read this.

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Allison said...

Thanks for all your giveaways! I've entered a few.

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Allison said...

It was interesting to learn how she came up with the title.

allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

This story sounds interesting and i find it kinda cool that the author is currently reading a mash up novel.

count me in on this giveaway

bookventuresbookclub AT gmail DOT com

Unknown said...

https://twitter.com/Romantic73/status/18965786574

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000641625482&v=wall&story_fbid=133852863319234&ref=mf#!/profile.php?id=100000641625482&v=wall&story_fbid=144622202217484&ref=mf

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/chirth7/review/44083664/

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/chirth7/review/44083664/

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=533391661&messageID=6676716460&hash

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I entered BETWEEN TWO WORLDS GIVEAWAY chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful story, I'd love to win! chirth7@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

https://twitter.com/Grandmamaof10/status/19046783973

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100001087052807&v=wall&story_fbid=133794346657066&ref=mf

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/shundelt45/review/44117127/

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&authorID=540593519&messageID=6675851218&hash

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

I've entered BETWEEN TWO WORLDS GIVEAWAY shundelt@yahoo.com

Nancye said...

I learned that Julia London has been a "four-time finalist for the prestigious Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction." That's quite an honor! I can't believe I haven't read any of her books before!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/19109927614

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I entered the giveaway for "Between Both Worlds"

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

rbooth43 said...

Finding out about an adopted childs real parents can be the best or worse situation for that child. Very suspenseful either way.

rbooth43(at)yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

The interesting part of this story is what are the secrets about her past.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I also entered "Shoulder Bags and Shootings'.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Ruthie said...

Entered Cowboy & Wills

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

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