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Killer Exposure & a Killer Giveaway!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Another book is about to emerge into the world tomorrow, kicking and screaming. Okay, the characters are kicking and screaming–some due to a killer trying to wrestle them to death and some emotionally being forced forward.

Sometimes, I think we all try to move forward emotionally even if we’re kicking and screaming. Because staying in the past. Living in the past. It simply isn’t rewarding. It’s like spinning wheels in mud.

But enough of the heavy.

How about a giveaway? Yes! I’m so excited about Killer Exposure.

PURCHASE A COPY FOR YOU OR/AND A FRIEND!
Choose your favorite online retailer!

I’ve always wanted to try my hand at a secret baby trope. How do you make one super believable? Can I? Lord, help me! And I think it worked out pretty believably.

Also, I love weather disaster movies and plots. It creates extra tension and raises the stakes. It’s sinister in itself. So I threw in a tornado. Cold Case Christmas is set with a blizzard as a backdrop. And the next book, Recovered Secrets (September 2019) will be set along the banks of the Mississippi and floodwaters prove deadly! In fact, let me be the first to share with you the cover for it!

One of my favorite movies (yeah, I know most of it is unbelievable but isn’t that what fiction is for? To stretch the imagination–to imagine!) is Twister. It’s an oldie but a goodie. I love the idea of storm-chasing, so yep, my hero is a storm chaser and he’s really good at capturing it on video and in still shots.

Throw in a small town carnival, a killer on the loose, and romantic thrills…well I’d say you’re all set for one wild, action packed ride! Just don’t get on the Ferris wheel. Trust no ride at this carnival. (Or any really lol)

So here it is. I’m giving away 5 signed paperback copies of Killer Exposure. U.S. ONLY. 18+ Enter the giveaway below!

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I hope ya’ll have a KILLER of a day!

Much love,

Jess

Welcome to a Brand New Series!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Romance is in the tropical air. Okay, it’s freezing pretty much everywhere but not on Joy Island in the Bahamas. The weather is perfect. Feel the sun on your skin, the smell of coconut and fruit filling your senses, and love falling at your feet…possibly tripping you up!

I am super excited to be a part of a fabulous new romantic series that begins releasing next Tuesday, February 19th!

But you can preorder the ENTIRE series right now and save $20!!!

The Resort to Romance Series is unique for sure. And you are SURE to love it!

WHAT IS RESORT TO ROMANCE ALL ABOUT?

It’s Matchmaking Week at an all-inclusive resort on a private island in the Bahamas. Each guest has been expertly paired and is here to enjoy one full week with their match. While there’s no money-back guarantee on the paid trip, the participants are guaranteed to find love!

Get ready for ten weeks of romance in the Bahamas with a new series brought to you by some of the best authors in the inspirational and sweet romance genres…

Ten delightful – and standalone – novellas linked by one matchmaking week. You’ll want to devour each one!

Jill Kemerer kicks off with her release A Meddled Match. And then my book, A Messed-Up Match releases February 26th.

A Kindergarten teacher with fears to overcome.
An infamous blogger and magazine writer with a cynical view.
And one romantic week that will bring second chances.

Neeley Valentine has spent nearly all of her savings to participate in a matchmaking week on Joy Island in the Bahamas. But she’s not looking for a love connection so much as someone who will force her out of her comfort zone.

Pax Cannon is known to the online world as the Love Curmudgeon, and he’s ready to prove in one of his biggest articles yet that matchmaking weeks are a joke and men should run as fast they can from them.

When one of the resort’s rules is broken, bringing these two together, neither are prepared for the unexpected twists and turns that will school them on the subject of love. 

What Early Readers Are Saying about A Messed-Up Match

“A Messed-Up Match sizzles with romantic tension. Patch tosses in loads of her trademark banter along with characters wading through deep personal issues. Throw in a few unexpected twists, and this book is the perfect escape from the winter blues.” ~ Jill Lynn, Author of The Rancher’s Unexpected Baby

“I’m normally not a fan of novellas because they can come across as shallow and underdeveloped. Not this one!” ~ Denise, Goodreads

“From the first pages of A Messed-Up Match, readers will be chuckling, because Neeley is hilarious! And Pax’s initial reactions to this strange woman who overshares only enhances that.” ~ Suzie, Goodreads

Join us next week as we kick off these releases with a HUGE, like HUUUUUGE giveaway to celebrate!

You can preorder these 10 novellas at just .99 cents a piece now. The price goes up each book after the individual release week!

Check them all out at Jill Kemerer’s site! RESORT TO ROMANCE FULL SERIES

Dear Daughter, Tomorrow You Graduate

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Tomorrow marks the day you graduate into adulthood. But lying in the hospital with you in my arms seems like only yesterday. You cried so loud, a ripple of fear went through my veins. Would I be able to calm you? Make you feel safe, loved, cared for?

I was only a young girl myself really. Twenty-three isn’t much older than you are today. But I was just a girl. With a baby. With dreams for you. 

To be happy. To be kind. Generous. Sweet. 

You’re all those things.

Be brave. Be strong. Be a leader.

You are all those things.

Watching you grow, I never felt you’d actually become an adult. But your long cotton top hair than hung to your tailbone was cut.

It turned into a dirty blond bob. 

You lost your baby teeth. Mostly you tore them out for cash. *See be brave. Be strong.

Slowly, you developed into an adolescent. You wanted freedom and your room changed from sweet pink and mint green into a “big girl” room. 

Then you were a teenager… starting high school. We walked together. Made mistakes together. Lost our cool…together. Figure it out…together.

Slowly…surely…you needed me less. You were sprouting wings. It pained me. It made me proud. 

You’re beautiful. Inside. Out. 

I treasured our nights laughing and talking about life, relationships…your crazy antics at school. 

I admire your tenacity. I respect your outspoken personality.

I secretly wish I’d been more like you instead of like me.

Time hasn’t been slow. It’s been a blink. You fit on a couch cushion once.

Now you have to find your fit in the world. It’ll feel small at first. But do not despise the day of small beginnings, my love. 

Small starts, if respected, result in big finishes. 

I want that for you. A big finish. I want to stand in glory beside you one day and watch as Jesus fills your crown with jewel after jewel. More than I could ever have received. I want you to have fulfilled all your purpose. I want you to know that you can achieve your dreams, hand in hand with God. I hope you see me and know this truth. Bailey's Photo

I want a line so long of people to surprise you in heaven with how much you’ve sowed into their lives.  You’ve sowed into mine. 

You, darling, are my treasure. But I can’t keep you in a treasure chest for myself. I have to give you to the world and trust that I’ve done good enough but whether I have or not, you’ll make choices that will disappoint me. You’ll have to learn so many things the hard way and I won’t be able to make them all go away.

You’re leaving here. This will never be your house again, not like it was once before.

Your room will feel so empty without your larger than life presence. I’ll miss your voice calling our names. I’ll ache for late nights in your bed when we watch TV and giggle.

But you’re always in my heart. Always in my prayers. A phone call away. Not a terribly far drive.

Go and fly, darling girl. Go and be all that God wants for you. All I want for you.  Never forget who you are, to Whom you belong.

I want you to soar. To be happy. To be content. 

I want you to study hard. Remember it’s a calling. 

I want you to fall in love with a man like your daddy–who will love you and treasure you. He’ll cherish and honor you. And spoil you like a rotten brat! A man who loves Jesus and imitates Him and His love for you.

 I love you. I support you. 

I’m your biggest fan.

I always have been (and Daddy too). We always will be.

 I’m going to cry a lot without you here. But I have strong shoulders to cry on. Remember, you do too. 

With all my love,

Mama.

 

 

 

 

 

Dynamite Dialogue

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
 

What makes dialogue good? What kind of lines do you remember–quote often?

Before you can make dialogue good and believable, you have to know your characters. What makes them tick? Do they have a phrase they say often? Are they serious? Sarcastic–if so what kind of sarcasm do they use? Humorous, mocking, snide? Are they whimsical? Aloof? Are they witty, shy, dry?

Once you know who your characters are, how they think, what drives them, motivates them, moves them, then you’re ready to make them talk!

Dialogue comes naturally for some, while for others it’s difficult. I’m one of those writers. It just flows smoothly, I don’t have to think about what my characters are going to say. They tell me. Loudly. But then, I have to think about the senses around me. I have to work at that.

Dialogue doesn’t always need a tag.
If your characters are bantering, you don’t have to put in a “she said, he said” every time. It will flow smoother, deliver the tone you’re going for and engage the reader. Here’s an example of bogged down dialogue tags:

Win a Kindle Fire and a Signed Copy of Final Verdict!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
BUY NOW

Hey everyone! Welcome to my new website. I’m so in love with it and can’t thank Jason Walker at Website Ministries enough for his amazing design, patience, and nailing my vision. I highly recommend him if you’re in the market for a new website or even an upgrade.

Also, today not only marks my new online home, which I hope you’ll peruse, especially my BOOK CLUBS page which is full of bonus features and extras for all the books that have released, but today is RELEASE DAY for Final Verdict! And to celebrate…

I’m giving away a Kindle Fire and a signed paperback copy of Final Verdict to one winner. U.S. Only. 18+  This is no April Fool’s joke! The contest is open for the entire month of April! I’ll draw a winner and email them/announce it here May 1st!

You could win a kindle fire, a signed copy of Final Verdict and this bracelet (there’s a bracelet in the book and it’s important!)
 
Here is a closer look at the bracelet! The Love centerpiece fits easily into the bracelet. It’s a magnet and Beckett’s famous line to Aurora: “You and me. We’re magnets from here on out.” I love the symbolism and a big thanks to Gayle Adams, a Magnabilities Consultant and friend who donated this precious piece.
 
 

Final Verdict is about a sheriff and a defense attorney. Talk about opposites attracting. Tell me, if you had to choose to be a prosecuter or a defense attorney, which one would you choose and why? 

 

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Win a copy of Final Verdict & Unleashing Love Releases TODAY!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Guess what? I’m giving away 5 signed paperbacks of Final Verdict! All you have to do is enter the giveaway on Goodreads for a chance to win 1! 

Woohoo!

In Other news, my novella Unleashing Love releases TODAY in the Love at First Laugh Collection! It’s only .99 for all 8 novellas! That’s a deal. Grab it up!

Have a great week, ya’ll! 

Join the Patch Pack!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

***Update 2/21/2017 Thanks, everyone, the spots have now been filled. There was an overwhelming response (to which I’m grateful) and not everyone could squeeze in. However, know that the Patch Pack will open up again in the near future. Those who filled a slot have been notified personally by email and added to the private facebook group. Thanks again for your support!***


Hey ya’ll!

Guess what? My 4th Love Inspired Suspense novel, Final Verdict, is releasing in April and there are a few limited spaces in the Patch Pack for those of you who might be interested in joining up to help me spread the word!

By joining the Patch Pack, you’ll receive a FREE advanced digital copy of Final Verdict. Here’s  a peek at the book:

FATAL JUSTICE 
When Aurora Daniels becomes the target of someone seeking their own twisted justice, Sheriff Beckett Marsh is the only one who can rescue her. As a public defender, Aurora has angered plenty of people in town—and in her past. And while Beckett constantly clashes with the feisty lawyer professionally, it’s his duty to protect and serve. Guarding her 24/7 is now his sole assignment. He may not have been able to save his fiancée from a dangerous felon, but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Aurora alive. Even if working with her to catch and convict this ruthless killer puts his heart in the crosshairs.

Sound like a book you’d like to read? Great! Let me share a few other perks of being in the Patch Pack. You’ll be added to a “secret” group on  Facebook. We have a lot of fun over there as we chat about books, life, and sometimes Patch Packers help me brainstorm ideas and help out with character names and the like…also…with each book they commit to promote, they’re entered into an exclusive giveaway full of fun prizes. This last book I gave away a kindle fire, signed paper back, cool coffee mug and coaster to boot!

 Basically, the Patch Pack team helps me spread the word about the book through their circle of influence such as social media sites, church friends and family, word of mouth, and of course, honest reviews!

Space is limited, so if you feel like this might be something you are interested in, please fill out the Google form: PATCH PACK GOOGLE FORM

Thanks again for considering teaming up with me!

Kiss or Miss? Featuring Melanie Snitker!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Thanks for playing. The contest is now closed and the winner has been notified. For those of you who guessed if Melanie’s excerpt below was a “kiss or miss” it was a MISS! I’m going to call it a miss!
 Parker really wants to kiss her and brushes a whisper of a kiss on her cheek, but he walks away when he wants to give her a true kiss. Instead, he lets her have the space she wanted – or at least she thinks she wants!

Welcome to the “Kiss or Miss” Scavenger Hunt.
I am so glad you’ve stopped by today to play along. Today is stop #6, but you can journey through all eight stops, following the order in the schedule. Each stop will include two or three clue words in red. Collect them all and enter to win our grand prize at the final stop on February 17th on Crystal’s site.

Along each stop, you’ll get to meet an awesome author friend, read a super fun excerpt from one of their favorite kiss-or-miss scenes, and enter some sweet giveaways.

Here Are the Deets:
Scavenger Hunt Schedule: February 13th through the 17th.

Once you have all the words, arrange them in order to complete the mystery quote and enter it at the final stop of the event on Crystal’s site, 2/17.

Grand Prize: A paperback from each participating author, as shown in the image below.

Ready to Dive in? Follow the blog hop order below:

Stop 1 – 2/13/17: Crystal’s blog, featuring Pepper Basham
Stop 2 – 2/13/17: Pepper’s blog, featuring Stacy Claflin
Stop 3 – 2/14/17: Stacy’s blog, featuring Juliette Duncan
Stop 4 – 2/14/17: Juliette’s blog, featuring Sarah Monzon
Stop 5 – 2/15/17: Sarah’s blog, featuring Jessica Patch
Stop 6 – 2/15/17: Jessica’s blog, featuring Melanie Snitker
Stop 7 – 2/16/17: Melanie’s blog, featuring Melissa Tagg
Stop 8 – 2/16/17: Melissa’s blog, featuring Crystal Walton
Stop 9 – 2/17/17: Crystal’s blog, final entry

Stop #6 Featuring Melanie Snitker Thanks so much, Melanie, for being here today. I’m stoked for everyone to read your Kiss or Miss scene!

Thank
you so much, Jessica, for hosting me on your blog today! I’m looking forward to
sharing more about my new release, Finding Joy.
Sometimes, what looks like a dead end, is
really a new beginning.
A horrific
accident changed everything for Parker Wilson. The beautiful new employee his
mom hires is the last thing he needs and he’ll do whatever it takes to make the
girl quit. All he wants is to regain the peace and quiet he prefers.
Chelsea Blake
had been under the influence of her parents for ages,
but nothing short of desperation would force her to work on a local cattle
ranch. She may not be cut out for ranch life, but her determination to succeed
is stronger than her handsome employer’s efforts at forcing her to leave.
Unprepared to
discover all they have in common, if they set aside their initial dislike, they
might find joy beyond measure.
 Finding Joy is available for $0.99 through February 19th.
Click here to snag your
copy!
For your chance to win a digital copy of Finding Peace, the first
book in this series, read the excerpt below. Then vote below to enter your choice of “kiss” or “miss” in the Rafflecopter form. A winner
will be chosen randomly on February 18th, 2017.
Excerpt from Finding Joy:
Chelsea
nodded slowly. “That makes sense. It hurts when people don’t see us for who we
really are.”
There
was no doubting the sadness in her eyes. “Are things still not going well with
your parents?”
She
gave a half shrug. “I don’t know why it always surprises me. You’d think I’d be
used to it by now. You were right, though. My parents never knew me.” She took
a long drink. “I’ve always been their daughter and Laurie’s sister. Never
Chelsea. I’m not even sure I know who I really am.” 
“Well,
I do.” Parker reached across the table and cradled her hand in his. Not even
the hot drink had warmed her skin after being outside. He covered it with his
other hand. “You, Chelsea Blake, are a beautiful, intelligent woman. You never
give up, no matter how many obstacles get in your way. You were willing to fly
in the face of what your parents expected of you in order to find your own
direction in this world.” She was blushing furiously now, but he wasn’t done.
“And you were able to single-handedly drag a grumpy man out of his misery with
a broken bottle of tea and your stubbornness.”
Chelsea
laughed then and covered her face with her hands. Her eyes brimmed with tears
as she shook her head. “You’re something else.”
“Oh?
A good something, or a bad something?” He hiked one eyebrow at her.
“Good.”
She peeked at him from beneath her lashes.
Someone
else came into the coffee shop, bringing with him a blast of cool air. As much
as Parker didn’t want his time with Chelsea to end, he kept in mind the area of
town she lived in. It was nearly dark, and he’d rather she got home sooner than
later.
Chelsea
sighed and reached for her coat, apparently realizing the same thing.
Parker
escorted her to her car and held the door open. Chelsea started the engine and
cranked the heat up all the way. Instead of retreating, he waited, one hand on
the roof of the car and the other on top of the door.
She
turned toward him, lifting her chin. “Thanks for the hot chocolate.”
“You’re
welcome.” He leaned down, his face inches from hers. “Chelsea?”
“Yeah?”
So, what do you
think? Do they kiss? Or is it a miss? Vote below to enter for
your chance to win a digital copy of Finding Peace.
About the Author:
Melanie D. Snitker has enjoyed writing for as long as she can
remember. She started out creating episodes of cartoon shows that she wanted to
see as a child and her love of writing grew from there. She and her husband
live in Texas with their two children who keep their lives full of adventure,
and two dogs who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics.
In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, crochet, baking,
archery, target shooting, learning about essential oils, and hanging out with
family and friends.
Follow Melanie:
Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads | Pinterest

Ready for Stop #7?
Did you collect your clue words in red above? Jot them down and hop over to Melanie’s blog for the next set of clues, goodies, and more.

Great read, Melanie! Okay, everyone don’t forget to go to all the blogs to find the words and enter for a chance to win! Yay! 

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Win 1 of 2 Prize Packages!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch

Drum roll…

Through the month of January, my good friend, Jodie Bailey, and I have teamed up to give away TWO super cool prize packages which includes a signed copy of each of our January releases: Dead Run by Jodie and Concealed Identity by moi! (Must be 18 or older. U.S. only.)

Using Rafflecopter, we’ll draw two winners on Tuesday, January 31st and announce them on Wednesday, February 1st! 

Check out the prize packages:

Jodie’s Prize Package

Wake up to THE good book with a journal for notes, a cup of pumpkin spice coffee in a sweet Fort Brag mug, and a two good books! And hey, don’t forget sweet treats, more coffee (or tea) from Starbucks ($10)!  


Jess’s Prize Package


On a cold night, stop by Starbucks ($10) for your favorite hot drink (or sweet treat), come home and curl up in some warm fuzzy socks (emoji heart eyes because, hellooo, you’re reading romance!), pop some popcorn, and enjoy signed copies of Dead Run and Concealed Identity… and don’t forget before bed, a little moment with God, some Burts Bees to soften those lips (xoxoxo) and a journal to keep notes!
Ya’ll just don’t know how cool it is to have a book releasing with Jodie! We met during a pre-published excerpt competition and have been fast friends since. 

Tell me, have you made a life long friend through a chance encounter? Share the deets in the comments!


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And I Quote… Plus Win a Copy of Concealed Identity!

Posted on by Jessica R. Patch
Buy the Book
Ya’ll another book baby has been born. Concealed Identity released in Kindle on January 1 and in paperback on January 3. It’s surreal. Like for real. 

Here are just a few quotes from the book. Feel free to check out my Pinterest board to see who I cast as the characters and get a picture of the fictional small town of Hope, Tennessee. 

Holt McKnight is definitely one of my favorite characters! I hope you’ll think so too!

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book!

And here is a meme one of my readers created on her own! 
Stay tuned…Friday I’m teaming up with my author pal, Jodie Bailey and we’re giving away some super sweet prizes! I’d love for you to swing by and enter for a chance to win. Let’s say there are gift cards, fuzzy slippers, books, Burts Bees, and much more to drool over! 
Do you have a favorite quote or a line from a song? I’d love for you to share it. 

Comment below (and add your email address) and I’ll draw a random winner for one signed paperback copy of Concealed Identity! U.S. Only on Friday, January 6th at NOON CST.