BIG NEWS FEATURE FRIDAY

It's official folks! The holiday season is now in full swing and (as usual) quite a few people are ALREADY sick of the Christmas decorations and ready for the New Year. *sigh* It's one of the many ways I've come to recognize when the holiday season has officially kicked off. Hearing the telling sounds of swears and curses mixed with the youthful squeals of joy as I walk through the swishing doors of the local Walmart and find myself greeted by a twinkling Christmas tree and sweet old Betty-Sue. I simply know.

Welcome to November! Because as some of you may know from previous posts (25 Random Things About Me) I love, love, love, love, love this time of year! Total holiday addict.  No, seriously. I'm someone who thoroughly enjoys the gradual transition of season and weather this time of year brings, along with the holidays, the food, festivals, parties, movies, music, and (of course) all the BOOKS!

Which is why I also LOVE doing BIG NEWS FEATURE FRIDAY (which has officially returned after a very brief week off).  But much has already happened for me in November.  Week one has definitely been a busy one, with one very important something being...NaNoWriMo!!! Woot woot! Yes, that's right people, this is my first year participating in the insanity that is NaNo and I am having a BLAST! 

So this holiday season has already started off with an all mighty BOOM for me! And looks like it will only get better as we move toward the end of the year with some pretty spectacular book releases and movies on the horizon.  But here are a couple of authors that have particularly caught my eye.

BIG NEWS:

Today's first #BNFF is the witty and wickedly funny romantic comedy author, Tawna Fenske.  When not blogging, or writing the most laugh out loud books that I have ever read, Tawna can usually be found satisfying her lust for world travel or tending to a menagerie of beloved (albeit, ill-behaved) household pets.

While this up and coming romantic comedy author currently resides in Bend, Oregon, and may appear to lead just a simple humble existence, this rising star author has recently been nominated for "best contemporary romance" in the RT Book Reviews 2011 Reviewers' Choice Awards for her debuting novel MAKING WAVES! Congratulations Tawna, you've definitely earned your place among the greats in my opinion.

 "Making Waves"

"There are normal ways to cope with job loss, and most don’t involve plotting a revenge-fueled diamond heist in the Caribbean with a crew more suited to the boardroom than the poop deck.

But Alex Bradshaw isn’t feeling very normal when his unscrupulous boss kicks him to the curb after 20 faithful years as an executive with the world’s largest shipping company. Alex wants payback, and maybe a chance to reclaim his dignity and his pension while he’s at it. Assembling a team of fellow corporate castoffs, he sails to the Caribbean to intercept the boss's illegal diamond shipment. None of them counted on a quirky blonde stowaway with a perplexing array of talents, a few big secrets, and an intoxicating romantic chemistry with Alex.

And while Juli Flynn certainly didn’t plan to be a part of the most dysfunctional high seas caper in history, it’s a rare chance for her to feel like she belongs. She’s spent a lifetime being “different” from everyone else, though the reasons for that are something she’d prefer not to share with her newfound shipmates. Juli just wants to be normal for a change, but as she finds her place with the misfit crew – and in Alex’s heart – she discovers normal isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And sometimes, being weird can be wonderful."

Want more then check out this EXCERPT!

I give Tawna's book the BK 5-star rating, and HIGHLY recommend MAKING WAVES to anyone who enjoys taking down their romance with a healthy dose of quirk and humor. 

MAKING WAVES is available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powell's Book.

For more information on Tawna please visit her website! For a daily dose of great writing and various other naughty shenanigans you can also stalk *ahem* I mean follow this fantastic author on her blog, twitter (@TawnaFenske) and/or Facebook!

*****

The last author featured in today's #BNFF is Patti Roberts, writer of the dark supernatural/fantasy series, PARADOX.  This Australian author has received rave reviews from readers across the globe for her debuting series, and with so much support behind her Roberts is showing no signs of stopping until the job is done. In her debuting series, Patti effectively captures and pulls her readers into the dark world of the Guardian Angel.

Readers are calling this novella..."so totally different from anything I’ve read recently and I have to say… WOW." and one that "...definitely gives you something to think about."

Book one of her series PARADOX - The Angels Are Here is available at: Amazon (US), Amazon (UK), Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, and The Book Depository (free world wide delivery).

"Paradox: The Angels Are Here"

"Nine hundred years ago, I died...

A journey crossing Two Worlds.  One Ancient - One New.

How do the heartbreaking visions experienced by a little girl fit into this Ancient World of Angels, Myth & Legend? 

Where lives are bound by blood - and nothing is as it seems.  This journey will leave you wanting and have you asking... Who, When, Where?

In a World where there are more questions than answers.

Is your Guardian Angel From Heaven or Hell...?"

For more check out this EXCERPT!

The second book of the PARADOX Series, PROGENY OF INNOCENCE will be available soon.

For more information on Patti you can visit her website! For more updates you can also follow her on twitter (@PattiRoberts7) and Facebook!

MY FAVORITE BOOK TRAILER of the WEEK:

This week's book trailer favorite goes to Patti Robers for her Paradox Series. Enjoy!

Happy Writing & Happy Reading!