Today I'm pleased to share my Interview with Marie Astor and my review of her latest novel "On the Rim of Love," which as of 2013 has been retitled too "Smitten At First Sight!" Below you'll see this novel talked about using both titles.Also -- to celebrate this book tour Marie will be awarding a custom made jewelry set (necklace and earrings) to one randomly chosen commenter (USA & Canada only)!!! So make sure you comment and follow her book tour, leaving comments at each stop, and you may just win!! [Book Tour will run from January 9 - February 3, 2012]
Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre.Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels, "On the Rim of Love," "Lucky Charm," and a short story collection, "A Chance Encounter and Other Stories."
In addition to being a writer, Marie is an avid hiker, an excellent swimmer, a good skier, and a capable badminton player.
Currently, Marie is working on her next novel - stay tuned for details!
If you would like to receive updates about book releases and events, please visit Marie’s website or visit Marie at her Facebook Page.
All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are. **
My Q&A with Marie Astor :
Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?
Marie : "The Hobbit" by J. R. R. Tolkien and "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" by C. S. Lewis were my favorite books while growing up and are still among my favorites – there is just something magical about these books and I reread them every holiday season. I also loved The Pippi Longstocking series and Karlsson-on-the-Roof series by Astrid Lindgren.Jess : What sparked the idea for your most recent novel, "On the Rim of Love?"
Marie : I think that there is something unique to the atmosphere of ski towns and tightly-knit communities that inhabit them, which is why I chose a ski town as the setting for "On the Rim of Love." Skiing is one of my favorite pastimes (when I get a chance to do it!) and I always have to have a love story in my book, so I thought that it would be an exciting concept to combine the two concepts.Jess : Which of your characters would you most/least to invite to dinner, from which book and why?
Marie : Definitely Taylor Denton – when I was writing his character, I had a major crush on him!
Jess : If you had to describe Maggie & Taylor (from "On the Rim of Love") in one word, what would it be?
Marie : Enamored
Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Marie : I have written three books so far: "Lucky Charm" – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship, "On the Rim of Love" – a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love and a collection of short stories about love and everyday life: "A Chance Encounter and Other Stories."I can’t really say that I have favorites – each book is unique to me because of the characters and plot lines that I’ve created and I hope that readers will enjoy reading them as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them.
Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?
Marie : I am currently working on my next contemporary romance - it is a love story (of course!) about letting go of one’s inhibitions, finding true love and learning to tango. The main character, Claire, is an architect who is engaged to marry her real estate magnate fiancé, but when a handsome tango instructor moves into the apartment above hers, Claire begins to question her seemingly perfect life.
The release date is scheduled for March of 2012 – please visit my website, www.marieastor.com to join my distribution list if you would like to receive updates.
Jess : What book are you reading now? How do you like it so far?
Marie : I just finished reading "The Peach Keeper" by Sarah Addison Allen and I absolutely loved it.
- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 353 KB | Expected Release Date: October 7, 2011 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions"Smitten at First Sight" by Marie Astor
(Originally published as "On the Rim of Love," which is what it was called when this reviewer read it and interviewed Ms. Astor about it.)
My Book Summary : Maggie's life seems to be on course, at least to where everyone else in her life thinks it should be, she just graduated college, recently she got engaged to her long-time boyfriend, and her mother is encouraging her to go to law school. Now she is off on an engagement trip to Vancouver, to ski and spend time with her friends and Jeffery (her fiancé) or so she thinks. However, soon Jeffery informs her that the trip is more for his work then their engagement and he'll be a little tied up because of it.
During their trip Maggie sees a side of Jeffery that she really doesn't like, she falls in love with the area they are visiting, and she meets Taylor--a man whom is the star of Jeffery's new movie while being sweet he's also a wonderful and adventurous skier. Soon Maggie comes to a crossroads about what she wants to do with her life and who she wants in it, but what will she decide and who will she choose??
My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! This novel is about finding out who you really want to be and following through with your dreams. It is a fun novel with great descriptions of the mountains and landscape. In addition, it shows the wonders that Maggie sees and feels while skiing.
I couldn't help but automatically like Taylor and the relationship/friendship that slowly grows between Maggie and him. Their connection just flies off the page and you just want to root for them!!
About the Characters:
• Maggie: Throughout this book, she grows from a girl who is content with everyone around her choosing things for her into a woman who sticks up for what she wants and believes in.
• Taylor: Someone who knows what he wants. Stands by his family and friends no matter what.
• Jeffery: Arrogant prick. (I just wanted to smack him sometimes.)
• Charlie: Jeffery's childhood friend. He seems sweet.
• Bethany: Maggie's childhood friend. Snobbish. I think she means well in her own weird way.
• Shawn & Hannah: Taylor's childhood friends. They both have problems with unrequited love.
Even with all of the good stuff this novel has I will admit to not liking a part here and there (mostly Jeffery's scenes). However, the last few chapters really bring everything together and make this into one enjoyable novel!
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a good contemporary romance!! =0)
Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1
“Wow – this is a great shot,” Taylor said at length as he stared at the still shot of himself flying down an almost vertical incline – by the looks of it, it was taken on the Heaven Ridge.
Maggie blushed and Taylor could guess that she had not intended for him to see this shot. “I took it on my second day here – I was up on the lift and then I saw you fly down the mountain and I just had to take that photo. I didn’t know it were you at the time – please don’t think that I’m a stalker or anything like that.”
“Why would I think that?” He shrugged, amused by her embarrassment. ~ within Chapter 16
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Marie, then please check out her Amazon Page.
Book Excerpt :
The bulletin board was filled with countless notices and announcements, but the one that drew Maggie’s attention was a picture of a skier flying down an endless expanse of snow. Taylor Denton having another great day on the mountain, said the caption next to the picture. Maggie stared at the photo, as though she were frozen still. The skier in the photo was wearing helmet and goggles, but the same confident grin shone on his face, the same golden ponytail flew down his shoulders, and the same neon jacket covered his back.
Now, she had a name to connect with the face, and, suddenly, Maggie realized the true reason why she had been so nervous about coming to the Owl Lodge.
“I’m Taylor, Taylor Denton.” The younger man stepped forward without waiting for Jeffrey’s introduction.
I already know that, Maggie thought. For a moment, she was rendered speechless as her gaze remained glued to the dazzling green of Taylor’s eyes: there was something in his open, fearless gaze that unnerved her. “Very nice to meet you, Taylor,” Maggie struggled to keep her voice leveled as she shook Taylor’s hand – his hand was warm, and his grip had just the right amount of pressure. He held her hand in his for a moment longer than necessary, or it might have been just her imagination, but the electrifying sensation she felt at the touch of Taylor’s hand filled her with guilt anyway: her fiancé was standing right there, and she had no business having these kinds of thoughts about some daredevil skier she had just met.
Find Marie Astor :
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Thank you for hosting Marie today.
ReplyDeleteYour welcome! It was a good book and a fun interview!! =0)
ReplyDeleteHi Jess,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your insightful review of On the Rim of Love and for hosting me today - it was a pleasure being your guest!
Marie
Your welcome Marie!! =0)
ReplyDeleteAnd I just noticed that my 'Teaser #1' link was linked to a different teaser before ... OPPS -- SORRY!! .. but it's all fixed now. =0/ I hate it when that happens. =0P