This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC drawn commenter via the Rafflecopter at the end of the post. Click the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Gigi Jenson, an up-and-coming Broadway star, finds herself in Willow Springs, Vermont, for the summer as director of their first annual community revue. This sleepy town is worlds away from her vibrant and beloved New York City, but the experience she’ll gain will be invaluable to her career.
Jason Simmons has lived in Willow Springs his entire life. Working several jobs while writing music, he yearns for a contract to record his songs. The one chance he had to make it in Nashville he blew due to stage fright.
When Jason volunteers to help Gigi with the revue, sparks ignite but their dreams are taking them in different directions. Will their love for each other ever guide them to the same path?
I really enjoyed this novella from Maria Imbalzano. I've never had the pleasure of reading anything by her previously, but I'll have to rectify that. She is a very skilled author with the ability to paint a picture with her words. Skillfully using all the senses, she puts the reader right into the story and has it play like a movie through your mind.
It honestly took me a little bit to warm up to Gigi. I get she's a big-city woman, but much of her attitude came across as snobbish and superior to me. Thankfully, her interactions with Nate, from the very start, show that she is also a warm, caring person. With him (a person from her past) she's relaxed and can be more herself, I think.
I did like Jason very much. He has his issues, to be sure, but he's just a solid, good man. He wants to do what he loves, but has a lot to get past, first. It's an interesting twist on the norm: a confident, ambitious heroine and a hero who lacks confidence and drive. As the story progresses, you can definitely see how they complement each other, one providing what the other needs. While, largely due to the length of the story (and of her work commitment to the town), they fall in love pretty quickly, I still both enjoyed and believe their story.
I'm glad I had the chance to read this story. Maria Imbalzano is definitely an author to keep an eye out for. I'm rating this 4 solid stars.
Halfway through the song, the air in the tavern seemed to change. His gaze followed that of a few of the guys sitting nearby. Giselle had walked in. Not exactly walked. Glided. His heart picked up a quicker beat, as he concentrated on the words to the song he was singing. Thankfully, he could sing this song with no brain cells.
Dressed in black jeans—designer no doubt—a black silky tank top, and black-heeled sandals, she stuck out in the crowd like a glittering star in a dark, moonless sky. Her long blonde hair was pulled up into a high ponytail showcasing her elegant neck and dangly, silver earrings. Silver bangles graced her wrist. Definitely overdressed.
Her gaze clicked on his, and surprise lifted her perfectly arched brows.
She found an empty bar stool, perused the menu, and ordered something from Sarah. Apparently she was staying for a while. Maybe he’d join her on his break. She probably knew no one in town, which had to be difficult. The least he could do was introduce her around so she’d feel more at ease.
Maybe he’d even give her some tips on how to dress when coming to Finnigan’s.
Although she sure looked hot in those upscale black jeans.
In addition to writing fiction, Maria is on the Friends of Thomas Edison State University Foundation Committee and is still involved with Dress for Success Central Jersey, having been a founding Board member. She also serves on the finance committee for The Present Day Club. She has received the distinguished Family of Edison Award for her work with The Thomas Edison State University Foundation, the Iron Mike Professional Achievement Award from Trenton Catholic Academy and was inducted into the Italian American National Hall of Fame.
Her novel, “Unchained Memories,” won the Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers’ Award and the ACRA Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award. “Sworn to Forget,” the first of the four-book Sworn Sisters Series was a finalist for the illustrious RONE award as well as the Book Buyers Best Award.
Visit Maria at http://www.mariaimbalzano.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariaimbalzanoauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaImbalzano
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I've enjoyed following the tour and can't wait to check this one out. Thanks for sharing all of the great posts along the way :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting!
ReplyDeleteHi Victoria and Rita: thanks for stopping by. Good luck with the raffle.
ReplyDeleteTo Librarian Judith: Thanks for hosting me.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover and look forward to reading the book.
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