In With the New, Out With the Old

No, I am not talking about the New Year - although that is a little more than just a week away.

I am talking about book covers. Book covers attract readers, at least a recent poll I've taken says that 30% of readers pick up a book because of the book cover (40% said they pick up a book because of author name recognition)... You can go to the post before this one to enter your own votes in this poll.

Two of my novels are putting on new faces: Bartlett's Rule, first published by Vanilla Heart Publishing in April 2008 - and Courage of the Heart being re-released by Vanilla Heart Publishing in late January (it was first published by "another press" in 2001)

Bartlett's Rule

NEW OLD

Courage of the Heart

NEW OLD

About the NEW Bartlett's Rule cover - While the original design got a lot of kudos, some readers told us that they thought a slightly older and more sophisticated couple would better represent Paige and Lon. We listened! And here is the exciting result:

When Courage of the Heart was first published in 2001, the publisher did not provide cover design in our contract - and I did not know how crucial an attractive cover was to book sales. The soon-to-be-released updated Courage of the Heart from Vanilla Heart Publishing was fitted with an intriguing, sexy cover that is sure to catch many eyes! Kimberlee did a terrific job with design to come up with this:

So please everyone -
keep your eyes open for my books...
some bookstores even have them
right on the store shelves
(and if yours doesn't,
ask them WHY NOT?)

You can also order my books online from Amazon.com. Barnes & Noble.com (or go to their IN-Store info desk), or direct from the publisher Vanilla Heart Publishing.

...and by the way,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Please take my survey...

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Easy to get & Great reads when you are snowed in!

I just posted this info on another site and decided it might be helpful here too. Did you know that EACH of my novels is available in THREE formats?

Yes! Each of my novels is available in good-old-fashioned print as well as Kindle from Amazon - and also in easy downloadable .pdf. So, whether you like the feel of a book's pages under your fingers or you are looking to get the novel instantly and save on shipping - you got it.

Bartlett's Rule - Bartlett's Rule shares the story of Lon and Paige's love affair; a romance filled with hardship, emotion, danger and triumph. Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real ; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient.

print http://tinyurl.com/6dqhzj

Kindle http://tinyurl.com/5gbdyh

pdf http://tinyurl.com/5nvozz

Forgotten - Forgotten is an unforgettable romance about two people who meet by chance, love by choice and are torn apart by intrigue. Their romance survives a foreign threat to national security, kidnapping, personal tragedy and a murder attempt.

print http://tinyurl.com/47cv45

Kindle http://tinyurl.com/4asrfb

pdf http://tinyurl.com/3ow4u2

Within the Law - Tom gave up on ever falling in love again the day that he buried his high school sweetheart and fiance. He started a career in law enforcement just so that he could find her murderer and rapist. Just when he is about to see justice done, he meets Alli Davis-the defense attorney for the murdering rapist who took his love from him. Alli and Tom share a mutual and passionate attraction but Alli refuses to make any commitments. She is hiding a huge secret. Tom falls in love with her and pursues her despite a false arrest, kidnapping and attempt on his life. Forgotten and Within the Law are two highly sensual, romantic and edge-of-your-seat tales. Although Forgotten and Within the Law are two separate stories, they are woven together by a common thread-cousins Caitlyn Smythe and Tom Hughes. Some favorite characters appear in both novels and allow the reader to become totally absorbed into the family.

print http://tinyurl.com/538q5g

Kindle http://tinyurl.com/4rw85j

pdf http://tinyurl.com/4bewbn

And please be sure to let me hear your feedback! Post your reviews on Amazon, GoodReads, Barnes & Noble or send me an email (ChelleCordero@gmail.com) and I will post it here.


By the way - several bookstores throughout our country have ordered my books for their shelves - so be sure to ask if there is a Chelle Cordero novel in the store.

~~~~~~

Another Guest Blog

Please tune your dials today to Ashley Ladd's Happily Ever After Blog. I had a lot of fun with this interview.

I absolutely adore all of the folks who are hosting my "virtual blog tour".

Please check out Ashley's blog and LEAVE COMMENTS (have I told you that I love comments?)

Guest Blog on Romance Junkies

Please check out my guest blog on Romance Junkies today -

Romance Fiction - not just Porn!

http://tinyurl.com/65ug5y

Christmas Eve - Courage of the Heart style

Since the Holiday season is literally just around the corner - here's a Christmas Eve scene from Courage of the Heart:

Back at the house, Liz got the boys off to bed early before they put presents under the tree. Davie explained to Adam that no one under the age of eighteen was allowed to see the pile of presents until Christmas morning.

The immediate household would have some time together to rip into their packages and enjoy muffins and cider for breakfast before the onslaught of relatives descended. She forewarned Adam that her father still took his costumed-Santa role very seriously for the little ones.

Adam had brought a few presents along to hand out as well and he took his turn placing them under the tree. He had asked Davie several questions about the household decorating scheme and colors before their visit so he could choose something appropriate for her father and Liz. When he turned to drop a small package for Davie into her Christmas stocking, he saw that she had hung a stocking with his name alongside hers. Piles of gaily-wrapped gifts were placed under the tree; Davie brought the two shopping bags of presents downstairs and added her packages to the pile.

Liz brought in a tray of hot-mulled-cider and warned them that she had spiked it liberally. The two couples sat in the den and enjoyed the crackling fire that Albert had started in the fireplace.

"So Adam, I imagine this was even crazier than Davie had described." Liz spoke good-naturedly.

"Actually, she was pretty accurate."

"You didn't have any family back in Pennsylvania?" Albert couldn't picture anything but crowds for the holidays.

"No sir, it was just my father and me. And he really wasn't around often."
Albert sat forward on the couch.

"Listen Adam, the name is Al. I really can't get friendly with someone who keeps calling me sir."

Adam nodded

Liz and Albert explained that the boys were off from school for a few weeks; they would be staying at the house with them. In January, the four of them would be going back to Maryland to close out the condo and put it up for sale.

Al asked Adam if he would be coming back down for the wedding. Adam looked at Davie and said he'd love to.

Liz asked Davie to help her clean up from the refreshments. While the two women were alone, Liz turned to Davie with some encouragement. "I think your father likes Adam. He is a very nice young man." She stopped and smiled. "I think we just have to understand Al is going to occasionally have bouts of jealously about the young man who has obviously stolen his daughter's heart."

"Thanks Liz." Davie put the tray down in the kitchen and turned to Elizabeth. "You are a very good influence on Dad. Me too."

"Merry Christmas, Davie." Liz hugged her. She didn't let Davie see the happy tears welling up in her eyes.

Courage of the Heart
(coming February 2009)

Love this Review!

I love this review of Forgotten posted by Namid on GoodReads:

"Holy crap! Ok, I know that's not a good literary term, but this is PHENOMENAL!!!! I've only been reading for a short period of time, but this story just engulfs you right away! There is so much depth, intrigue - this book is WAY more intricate than I had had expected. It is BEAUTIFULLY crafted. Not a book you can put down by any means. If you haven't already, you HAVE to read this book! Thank you so much, Chelle! This book ROCKS!!!! :) "

Namid rated it: 5 stars

12/10/08 bookshelves: currently-reading
Read in December, 2008
recommended to Namid by: Kimberlee
recommends it for: EVERYONE

Forgotten by Chelle Cordero

~~~~~~~~~~

Hubby's Birthday today!

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Today is my hubby's birthday - yes, this is the man that is referred to on my book jackets as my husband AND lover (One Man, Double Wonderful)

Mark is truly the inspiration for ALL of my book's heroes - he is my best friend, my business partner, my inspiration, my life...

I am a writer of romance - and Hubby is the man who taught me all about love.

Today, December 11, I want to publicly say to my guy... I want to shout it to the world -

I LOVE YOU MARK!

A Chance to Win TWO books!

Hi, I just posted this comment at Lost in a Good Book where Bartlett's Rule has been chosen as a book club discussion in January:

Hi everyone, I am so pleased and excited that Lost in a Good Book is going to be discussing Bartlett's Rule in January - this book, although fiction, deals with a very important contemporary issue and has been the topic of some very lively discussions in local book groups.

For a special treat and thank you for participating, anyone who posts a (hopefully good) review of Bartlett's Rule (on Amazon, B&N, GoodReads, their own blog, etc) and sends me the URL (by Jan 20) to ChelleCordero@gmail.com will get a chance to win an autographed copy of Bartlett's Rule.

In the meanwhile, you can also go to Which is YOUR favorite book cover? - Win a Book! and leave a comment to get a chance to win an autographed copy of my newest book Courage of the Heart.

Thank you for participating in this online discussion group and thank you to Lost in a Good Book for hosting this.
http://tinyurl.com/57sh4q

Purchase Bartlett's Rule and Courage of the Heart (coming in February) from Vanilla Heart Publishers or Amazon.com

Book Discussion Time - Lost in a Good Book

LOST...IN A GOOD BOOK, A Book Club for Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction will feature Bartlett's Rule during January 2009.

January's Discussion Selection Bartlett's Rule by Chelle Cordero

Falling in love was never the challenge; being there for each other, knowing just what to say and making it work is the real test. Paige and Lon are real; they are human, they cry and they laugh. Paige has to learn to trust. Lon has to learn to be patient. When Paige Andrews is given the assignment of courting a famous writer for the publishing company she works for, she meets and entices the sexy, charming and thoroughly dangerous womanizer, Lon Bartlett. Lon immediately takes a not-so-professional, personal interest in the young woman and pursues her. Lon is thrilled when Paige finally succumbs to his charms only to find that her haunting past sets off a terrifying reaction. Lon learns a heartbreaking reality - Paige is a rape survivor.

January book discussion will begin on January 15th. Make your selection now and prepare to join in the fun. Discussion comments will be made in the comment section of each book. (found at the bottom of each posted selection) - moderated by Annette Snyder-Novelist

Other January discussions will include
Corruptions Child by J.R. Lindermuth and The Stone of the Tenth Realm by Eva Gordan

Buy Bartlett's Rule from Amazon, from Vanilla Heart Publishing, or Barnes & Noble bookstores (ask for it at the info desk if it isn't on the shelf)

A teaser from Courage of the Heart (soon!!!!!)

Sometime during the evening, Adam woke to feel a cool rag on his forehead.

"Sssh… You were moaning from the fever." Davie drew the rag across his shoulders and down his chest. "How are you feeling?"

"Sick.” He groaned. “What time is it?"

"Two o'clock. At least you managed to get some rest." She dampened the rag in a small bowl she had next to the bed and held it behind his neck.

"Thank you for staying." He caught her hand as she ran the rag down an arm. "Don't leave…"

"Don't worry. I'll be here."

Davie had fallen asleep while watching television in the living room after she had seen that he was resting. His thrashing sounds woke her and at first he seemed to fight against her touch when she felt his forehead. She had to admit that he had even scared her a little, his initial reaction to her presence had been violent and unexpected. It had only been after she tried to cool his forehead that his sleepy anger turned to moaning.

"I'll bring you some aspirin." She went to get the medicine from the bathroom.

After he swallowed the aspirin and another dose of cold medication, Adam lightly touched her hand again. "Davie…would you stay with me…please?"

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving."

"I mean here, next to me." He gently patted the bed.

She hesitated a moment. "Okay." After clearing away the bowl with cool water and returning the aspirin to the cabinet, Davie settled next to him. She sat with her back against the headboard and her legs stretched out on top of the bed covers.

Adam put his head in her lap, murmured a thank you and dozed off again. She ran her fingers through his hair thinking of the independent air he usually had and how vulnerable he seemed now when he wasn't feeling well. He put an arm around her as if to make sure she didn't go anywhere. Davie could feel the heat from his fever and worried because, even though she hadn't taken it with a thermometer, she knew his fever was much higher than an adult's should be.

Although she hadn't meant to spend the night, she was glad to be there for him. In the morning she'd go home to pack her overnight bag for the short trip home. If Adam still were so feverish, she'd convince him to call his doctor first and maybe get some antibiotics. She had to get home to her dad.

Sometime just before daylight, Davie dozed off while Adam held on to her. She woke suddenly, alarmed to find him lying on top of her, his hands working at the waistband of her jeans.

He was having that repeated nightmare again and he felt trapped. Escape was impossible, just as it had always been.

"Adam?" She tried to push him off. "Adam? Adam, wake up."

Although his eyes were open, she could tell he wasn't really awake. His skin felt even hotter than before. He managed to unsnap her jeans and was pulling at her clothes.

"Adam, stop!" She squirmed under him. He used his free arm to hold her down. "Adam, let me go…Adam! Adam!"

Davie tried to pull her knee up when Adam clasped one hand over her mouth and pushed the other one under her panties. Tears welled in her eyes.

She shook her head furiously and tried to uncover her mouth. He grabbed at her, hurting her at the same time. She bit his hand and he stopped fighting her suddenly. With one huge shove, Davie managed to push him off of her. She fell unceremoniously onto the floor.

Adam looked startled. He realized in seconds that he was in his own bedroom and he had been fighting with Davie, not the monsters in his memory. It had been a long time since he had dreamt with such violence.

Within moments, a look of horror grew on his face. "Oh my God, Davie…I'm sorry." He stood remembering to take the bed sheet with him. He reached for her and she instinctively recoiled. "Davie, I would never hurt you…I would never want to hurt you."

Davie scurried backwards, away from him, and finally stood. "Are…are you awake now?" She sounded terrified of him.

He looked at the open waistband of her jeans and then at her terrified eyes. "What did I do to you?" The room started spinning and he sat heavily on the bed. "What…Did I hurt you, Davie?" His dreams had transported him to another place, another time. He was someone else in his dreams. Adam had no idea how far that someone else had gone and that terrified him.

"Who are you?!" Her voice sounded calmer.

"I'm sorry Davie…"

"Tell me your name." She tried to sound stern.

"Adam Sherman. Why?"

"What day of the week is this?"

He had to think about that. "Uh, Tuesday, I think."

"What's my name?" Davie pulled her jeans closed.

"Davie Prescott." Adam tried to take a deep breath; it hurt. The fear in her eyes hurt."I'm awake, Davie. God Davie, I'm so sorry. Please…are you okay?"

"Yes." She relaxed her posture a little bit. “Are you okay now?”

He could see the unshed tears and hated himself. It angered him. It frightened him. Davie stepped closer to him and touched his forehead. He flinched.

"You're burning up."

She was so innocent and trusting. "Get out of here, Davie."

"What?" She couldn't believe what she had just heard.

"I said get out of here. You're not safe…" He realized he was too sick to be in control.

"Adam, you were delirious from your fever."

"Get away from me. Leave." He tried to stand, but his knees were too weak. "I don't want you here."

"Adam," she tried to get closer, "I'm not scared of you. You're sick with a fever."

"Get out!" He raised his voice and found that his throat hurt from the effort. "I didn't ask you to be here."

"But…"

"Leave…me…alone!" His chest heaved and he suffered a spasm of coughs.

"Adam?" A tear embarrassed her and rolled down her cheek.

"I almost raped you, Davie.” He couldn’t hurt her like that. “Get the hell out of here, now!"

"But you didn't mea…"

"Leave, Davie. Please." He had to get her away from him before he did her any more harm. "Davie, I don't plan to help you lose your virginity, especially not like that. Get the hell out of here, now." He had to make her leave, he was too scared not to. He forced his next words out. "Get out before I finish what I started."

She stared at him in silence and tried to tell herself he didn't mean what he said. But he was awake, he was aware of what he was threatening. Another tear escaped, she couldn't argue anymore.

"Get out." He sounded defeated.

She sounded choked up. "Get help. Call your doctor." The tears ran down her cheeks.

Adam stared at her in stony silence.

Davie picked up her books and shoes on her way out.

Adam barely heard the door close before he stumbled to the bathroom to heave. He sat on the cold tile floor, naked, and felt the coolness against his skin. It wasn't long before he realized that even the tile had picked up the heat from his body and began to feel warm. He had hurt her. Davie was the best thing that ever came into his life…and he hurt her. Then he had thrown her out and hurt her even more.

There was no way he could ever undo what he had done. He hated himself. Adam couldn't excuse himself for attacking her. He called himself a monster among other things. An apology wasn't enough, but he didn't know what else to do. He was glad she had finally left, but he wanted her there to see that he really wasn't so hateful. He tried to stand and had to lean against the wall as he worked his way back to his bedroom.

Adam had never felt so sick before He had to speak to Davie. He had to let her know he never wanted to hurt her. He struggled to get dressed and nearly gave up when he couldn't button his shirt. After he found her and apologized again, he was going to see his doctor. He felt sick.

Adam struggled to get to his front door and the exertion made him breathless. He wondered if the pain he felt in his chest was even worth the effort to breathe. Adam pulled the door closed behind him and only made it a few steps away from his door when he felt himself falling forward. He remembered thinking how far away the floor was when darkness surrounded him.

Coming SOON from
Vanilla Heart Publishing

*******

Click here to learn how YOU can win a FREE copy

The True Story Behind Courage of the Heart

This true story isn’t about the love affair between Adam Sherman and Davie Prescott, the hero and heroine of my book. This isn’t about the shame that Adam feels or Davie’s innocence, or about the way he fears that he will taint her.


This is a true tale about the publication of a novel and the dreams of an author. You see, I first wrote Courage of the Heart in 1999 and it was published in June 2001. At the time, the publisher was an innovative print-on-demand company and one had to apply to be published. And while they never promised to move mountains to market the book, they indicated that they would help.

So my book went to “press” and I experienced the wild euphoria of seeing my name on the spine of the book. Between the time that I signed the contract and my book actually was made available, the company had changed its policy and became an all out self-publishing company. There was nothing wrong with that except that even the limited help with marketing I thought I would get was nil since I had not paid any money or purchased any packages. And… I knew absolutely nothing about marketing a book on my own.

Courage of the Heart received a few very favorable reviews (no, they were NOT all relatives!) and not many more books were actually sold. My copy sat filed away as a frustrating memory of what could have, should have, been. It was frustrating, but I had a book in my name even if less than 20 people had read it. I still felt some accomplishment.

I kept writing and in 2008, Vanilla Heart Publishing published my novels Bartlett’s Rule, Forgotten and Within the Law. Then Kimberlee Williams, managing editor of VHP, asked if I would consider re-releasing Courage of the Heart. My heart took a leap! Could it really happen? VHP and I had worked as a team to promote my other books and things were moving along very nicely. Did I dare to hope?

So I sent Kimberlee the manuscript – and legal looked into the question of rights. Kimberlee liked the story with some updated scenes (mostly to reflect the more modern world of computer technology that the story relied heavily on). Right now I am soooo excited I could squeal – Courage of the Heart will be re-released in a few months by Vanilla Heart Publishing!

Kimberlee designed a magnificent cover that so perfectly reflects the heat and intensity of Davie and Adam’s love story.

And while I don’t remember the music I listened to when I wrote the first version in 1999, I do know that I listened to Keith Urban singing “Once in a Lifetime” while I made the changes to make my story fit into the 21st century. So I guess that "Once in a Lifetime" is the theme song to Courage of the Heart.

Keep your eyes wide open for this romance… You know that I will let you know as soon as it is available. And in the meanwhile, keep coming back here for bits and pieces of interest about Courage of the Heart as well as Bartlett’s Rule, Forgotten and Within the Law.

Forgotten & Within the Law are featured at NYCIP

Celebrate publishing's independent spirit with over 100 indie publishers from around the world, all under one roof, selling books you can't get at your big box bookstore. The Indie and Small Press Book is one of New York City's favorite annual literary events. It's free, open to all, and packed with an exciting line-up of public events. Saturday, December 6 (10am-6pm) & Sunday, December 7 (11am-5pm)NYCIP, The General Society, 20 West 44th Street, NY.

See the FULL Announcement

Forever Friends Blog Tour

I am pleased to announce that yesterday on my Xanga blog was the very first posting for the Forever Friends blog tour!

Forever Friends is a celebration of the power of friendship and human relationships. The breadth and depth of the stories cover all ages from young to old. Filled with love and respect for family, friends, pets and even a telescope, these stories are guaranteed to entertain the most discerning reader. Thoughtful poems of friendship and love will bring smiles or tears and encourage readers to read the next story. The fiction and non-fiction works in this book express friendship as timeless, enduring and forever.

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Buy Forever Friends

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Please follow the tour to learn more about the book

December 1 Chelle Cordero

December 2 Zada Connaway

December 3 Mary Muhammad

December 4 Helen Wisocki

December 5 Pam Robertson

December 6 Dick Stodghill

December 7 Philip Spires

December 8 Grace Bridges

December 9 L. Sue Durkin

December 10 A. Ahad

December 11 Malcolm R. Campbell

December 12 Lynn C. Johnston

December 13 Dianne Sagan

December 14 Donald James Parker

December 15 Karina Kantas

December 16 Milena Gomez

December 17 Tiziana Rinaldi Castro

World Aids Day

The Importance of HIV/AIDS Prevention
Dr. Julie Geberding, Director of the CDC, and Kenneth Cole, Chairman of the American Foundation of AIDS Research (amfAR), discuss the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention.

Download MP4 (2.5 MB)
Download MP3 (612 KB)
Download WMA (419 KB)

transcript:
Announcer This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC - safer, healthier people.
Kenneth Cole In the less than three decades since HIV/AIDS surfaced in this country, we’ve made remarkable strides.
Dr. Julie Gerberding Still estimates show there are more than 56,000 new infections a year in the US.
Kenneth Cole We need to create new opportunities and methods for preventing this disease.
Dr. Julie Gerberding Local and state health departments are our partners in prevention efforts.
Kenneth Cole But we need you to share our sense of commitment, purpose, and urgency.
Dr. Gerberding For more information, please visit CDC.gov, Discoveryhealth.com, or AMFAR.org.
Announcer For the most accurate health information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO, 24/7.