Unsung Military Heroes
First off, I’d like to thank Cori and Donna for allowing me to bounce onto their blog to let me chat about my latest release, STARTING FROM SCRATCH! This novella is one half of Carina Press’s holiday duology, GIFTS OF HONOR (and in case you’re interested, the fabulous Rebecca Crowley’s HERO’S HOMECOMING makes up the other half—yay! ^_^ ).
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When a publisher calls for manuscript submissions, I’m usually all over it the same way girls are all over a cologne-wearing dude in those lame AXE commercials. So when an open-call at Carina Press came out for a holiday romance collection, I was thrilled!… at first. Military homecoming holiday romance was how this particular submission call was described. At first all I could think was, “Crap, I don’t know anything about being in the military.” I was so convinced this sub call wasn’t right for me that I put it out of my mind. Or at least I tried to. The thing is, I might not know what it’s like to survive on the battlefield as a soldier, but I have plenty of friends who know the strength it takes to hold down the fort here at home. So instead of focusing on battles and guns, I chose to write what I know, and that’s about the courage of the loved ones who are left behind. Courage like the kind my friend Celyne has, when her Marine husband suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the line of duty. Courage like my sister Cindy displayed, smiling every day despite the fact that she hadn’t heard from her Air Force son for eight long weeks due to an information blackout. Courage like my friend Stacy “Jr.” showed, falling asleep every night with the phone in her hand while her new husband was in the Middle East.
If you have someone you care about who’s in the military, I decided to write this for you, because your strength is nothing short of inspirational.
I was genuinely shocked when STARTING FROM SCRATCH was accepted, because let’s face it—I’m a rebel, and I didn’t exactly give them what they’d called for (even went waaaaay over on the damn word count *sigh*). But my editor got it. She understood that there are all kinds of heroes, both on the battlefield, and here at home. Sadly, the loved ones of a soldier never get ticker-tape parades or shiny medals to celebrate their bravery, but at least they’re getting this book.
STARTING FROM SCRATCH is my thanks to all of you who serve right along with your loved ones in the military. I might not know who you are, and we’ll probably never meet. But I’m aware you’re there behind the scenes, holding the world together with the strength of your will alone. So please believe me when I say thank you. You’re amazing, you beautiful and brave unsung heroine.
BLURB:
Christmas is the perfect time to start from scratch
Lieutenant Sully Jax saved his unit during an IED attack, but he couldn’t save his marriage. He can’t even remember it. Recovered from his injuries, he’s come home to the family and friends he knows—and an ex-wife who’s a stranger to him.
Lucy Crabtree was heartbroken last Christmas when Sully announced his plan to go on one last tour of duty, and devastated when he asked for a divorce after he awoke in the hospital with no memory of her. She’s finally moving on from her hurt and from losing the man she loved more than anything, and her cookie-baking business is taking off just in time for the holidays. But now Sully’s back, and she can’t deny she still loves him. But how can she trust her heart to someone who breaks it every time she sees him?
Sully might not remember Lucy, but something inside won’t let her go. With every bite of her cookies, he finds a new love for Lucy, and he soon realizes he wants to rebuild his life with her by his side.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe | iTunes |Google Play
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About Stacy Gail:
A competitive figure skater from the age of eight, Stacy Gail began writing stories in between events to pass the time. By the age of fourteen, she told her parents she was either going to be a figure skating coach who was also a published romance writer, or a romance writer who was also a skating pro. Now with a day job of playing on the ice with her students, and writing everything from steampunk to cyberpunk, contemporary to paranormal at night, both dreams have come true.
To take a peek at Stacy Gail’s upcoming projects, find her at:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest
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Hey there! Do you like gift cards? Cookies? Ebooks? Then you’re going to LOVE my giveaway. ^_^ Why don’t you enter and help me spread the word about STARTING FROM SCRATCH in the process? C’mon, you know you want to. ;P
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Gifts of Honor: Starting from Scratch\ Hero’s Homecoming by Stacy Gail and Rebecca Crowley
Publication Date: November 21, 2013
Reviewed By: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated: 4 Stars
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
I’ll be home for Christmas…
A batch of special Christmas cookies helps a wounded ex-Ranger remember the love of his life. A surprise phone call reunites a woman with the soldier who once broke her heart. There’s no place like home for the holidays, and there’s no better way to spend them than with the one you love.
Edited by Angela James, this anthology includes:
Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail
Hero’s Homecoming by Rebecca Crowley
REVIEW:
Starting from Scratch by Stacy Gail
This is a story of Sully, a wounded soldier returning home with partial amnesia and Lucy, the woman who loves him. This heartfelt romance was touching and at times tense as they work their way through their love and constant longing. I thought the author did a good job making it realistic and compelling with just the right amount of heat.
Hero’s Homecoming by Rebecca Crowley
This is a story of Chris, a wounded soldier’s returning home and with out knowing what his future will bring. He is unexpectedly in need of help from Beth, the woman whose heart he broke months ago. This story was at times gut-wrenching, but also quite touching. The anxiety and apprehension was realistic in showing how they both overcame the obstacles and gave in to their undeniable passion.
Both stories were thought provoking and provided a glimpse into what many in the military go through on a daily basis.
*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
BUY LINKS:
Kindle $3.82 | Nook $4.99 | Kobo $4.39 | iTunes $4.99
Reading in Pajamas 