Turning Thirty-Twelve ~ Write Touch Finalist!!

I'm pleased to announce that Turning Thirty-Twelve is a mainstream finalist in the Write Touch Readers Choice Awards!! This book also won the Aspen Readers Choice Award for best contemporary romance and finaled in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence!!
*hugs*
Sandy

Turning Thirty-Twelve
By: Sandy James | Other books by Sandy James Categories: Mainstream Romance, Contemporary, Women's Fiction Word Count: 72,000 Heat Level: STEAMY Published By: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc. Jackie Delgado didn't want a new man in her life until a dreaded blind date turns out to be more exciting than she'd ever imagined. When her youngest son leaves for college, Jackie is hit hard by empty nest syndrome and pours herself into her work as a teacher. Bowing to pressure from friends, Jackie agrees to a blind date. But when Mark Brennan calls, she realizes the date won't be "blind." He's the father of one of her students. Widower Mark Brennan isn't looking for love. After only a few dates with Jackie, he realizes he's quickly forming deep feelings for her. Wracked with guilt that he's "abandoning" his late wife, Mark resists the pull toward dynamic Jackie. When Mark's daughter begins to date Jackie's son, things become more complicated. Can Jackie and Mark find the courage to leave the past behind and embrace a new love? And how will a surprise pregnancy affect all their lives? "Forty should never be considered 'over-the-hill.' When I passed that milestone, I decided to write a strong, sexy forty-something heroine who broke the stereotypical romance mold. Jackie Delgado lives life out loud, refusing to surrender her vitality and passion simply because of a number. And for a dynamic character like Jackie, I just had to create equally passionate hero, Mark Brennan." ~Sandy~ A BookStrand Mainstream Romance 18 Ratings Avg - 4.8 5 4 3 2 1		Turning Thirty-Twelve Available in: Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Reader, HTML, Mobipocket Price: $5.50 View Larger Cover Image Cover Art by Jinger Heaston Trade Paperback $14.99
Professional Reviews Winner, Best Contemporary, Aspen Gold Readers' Choice 2009 Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence Finalist for Mainstream Romance Best Book: "Ms. James did an outstanding job writing Turning Thirty-Twelve. I most definitely did not see the twists and turns coming. This book grabbed a hold of my heart and did not let go until the very last page. I still find myself thinking of this book and the characters who made this book so special. I highly recommend Turning Thirty-Twelve to anyone who enjoys a laugh out loud, exceptionally written book that will keep you coming back for more. I would love to see this book either have a sequel or become a series so I can see where my favorite characters are today and how they are faring. Turning Thirty-Twelve was simply an amazing book that I would read many times over which is why I would like to give it the LASR Best Book Rating! I will most certainly be keeping my eye on Ms. James for any books she may have coming out." -- Violet, Long and Short Reviews 5 HEARTS: "Ms. James did a fabulous job creating this storyline and she developed characters that you just can't help but fall in love with, quirks and all. I found this story to be a little bit sweet with a whole lot of hot and sexy mixed throughout. I loved Ms. James' sense of humor that she sprinkled throughout the pages and I found myself laughing out loud numerous times as I was reading. I would highly recommend this story to others and it's a definite keeper in my library. Don't pass this one up!" -- Diana Coyle, Night Owl Reviews 5 CUPS: "This story is full of the emotions, courage, insecurity and humor of a real woman. Jackie is not a perky young ingenue and is definitely more likeable and sympathetic because of it. Her marriage and divorce have really killed her self esteem and I loved how Mark makes her see herself differently. He is a wonderful and sexy man with the patience to see just how great Jackie is. Their romance is by no means an easy one and both of them have issues that are addressed and very well. This story is a real gem. The characters are wonderfully drawn and real, the plot is riveting, and the love scenes are very hot, showing the reader that love lives do not end at thirty." -- Maura, Coffee Time Romance Reviews 5 KISSES: "Turning Thirty-Twelve is a sweet read that kept a smile on my face the entire time. Sandy James does an amazing job of making me feel like I've known Jacqueline and Mark for years. When you want a read that makes you smile and believe that true love does really exist you want Turning Thirty-Twelve." -- Tina, Two Lips Reviews 4.5 HEARTS: "Ms. Sandy James has written a good book about second chances and the problems with blending two families. The entire cast was plagued with difficulties. The more they tried to merge the families, the harder it became. The children, as well as Jackie's ex-husband, threw all sorts of crises into the mix. At times the obstacles seemed insurmountable. Ms. James's personalities were strong and so typically shown that it was impossible not to find the story intriguing. The two main individuals were attracted to each other. However, "life" just kept interfering. The storyline was poignant and I shed tears. It was true-to-life and easy to delve into. The ending was a total surprise to me. I had no idea it would take the twists and turns it did. I was totally engrossed in the book. I recommend that, especially if you love sentimentality, you read this book. You will be glad to have read it. It's the type of book that stays with you even after the last page." -- Brenda Talley, The Romance Studio 4 STARS: "Snappy dialogue, plot twists and endearing characters enhance this wonderful story of middle-aged angst. There are laugh-out-loud moments and tearful ones too, generally caused by Jackie and Mark's children from their former marriages." -- Donna M. Brown, Romantic Times 4 STARS: "Sandy James offers readers a touching romance. I like the characters in Turning Thirty Twelve. Love does not stop when a woman's hair turns gray. The plot of this book is very realistic. James demonstrates the trials of parents everywhere. Fans of romance will enjoy Turning Thirty Twelve." -- Anne Boling, ReviewYourBook

Turning Thirty-Twelve ~ Best Book of 2009!

It's with great pleasure I announce that Turning Thirty-Twelve was named Best Book of 2009 by Long and Short Reviews!



Blurb:

Jackie Delgado didn't want a new man in her life until a dreaded blind date turns out to be more exciting than she'd ever imagined.

When her youngest son leaves for college, Jackie is hit hard by empty nest syndrome and pours herself into her work as a teacher. Bowing to pressure from friends, Jackie agrees to a blind date. But when Mark Brennan calls, she realizes the date won't be "blind." He's the father of one of her students.

Widower Mark Brennan isn't looking for love. After only a few dates with Jackie, he realizes he's quickly forming deep feelings for her. Wracked with guilt that he's "abandoning" his late wife, Mark resists the pull toward dynamic Jackie. When Mark's daughter begins to date Jackie's son, things become more complicated.

Can Jackie and Mark find the courage to leave the past behind and embrace a new love? And how will a surprise pregnancy affect all their lives?

"Forty should never be considered 'over-the-hill.' When I passed that milestone, I decided to write a strong, sexy forty-something heroine who broke the stereotypical romance mold. Jackie Delgado lives life out loud, refusing to surrender her vitality and passion simply because of a number. And for a dynamic character like Jackie, I just had to create equally passionate hero, Mark Brennan." ~Sandy~

Turning Thirty-Twelve Honors

Amazon.com has named Turning Thirty-Twelve as one of their “Great Romances”!

What a great week that book has had! I also found out that a review for it will appear in the November edition of Romantic Times. A 4 star review! My thanks goes out to Donna Brown for the beautiful write-up!

Here’s what Donna had to say:

****

RT Rating: 4 stars

Category: CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Publisher: BOOKSTRAND

Published: June 2009

Type: Contemporary Romance
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Snappy dialogue, plot twists and endearing characters enhance this wonderful story of middle-aged angst. There are laugh-out-loud moments and tearful ones too, generally caused by Jackie and Mark’s children from their former marriages.
——————————————————————————–

Summary: When Jackie Delgado discovers her blind date is the father of one of her students, she almost doesn’t go. Not only is she suffering empty nest syndrome with both sons now in college, she’s battling low self-esteem from her divorce. But her several dates with widower Mark Brennan are a big success, aided by his matchmaking daughter. The chemistry between them is electric, so Jackie is confused when he backs off.

Mark has issues of his own. He’s still mourning the wife he lost to cancer two years earlier, which hinders the strong feelings he has for Jackie. Can they work through their problems and leave the past behind? Then an unexpected pregnancy hits a little too close to home. (BOOKSTRAND, Jun., 204 pp., $14.99) HOT

—Donna M. Brown

Turning Thirty-Twelve gets 4.5 stars!

The Romance Studio just posted a great 4.5 Heart review for Turning Thirty-Twelve! My thanks to Brenda Talley for the great write-up!

Here's what she had to say:

****

Jacqueline Delgado taught high school science and was the mother of two college boys. Patrick, 21, was a seasoned student and Nate, 18, was a freshman. They both attended Indiana University. Jackie was determined to not grow old. Therefore, her 42nd birthday was her Thirty-Twelfth. It was a running joke between Jackie and her school teacher friends. Jackie’s empty nest syndrome was hitting her so hard that her friends were determined to fix her up with a blind date. Finally she relented. Her second thoughts really started when she met him.

Mark Brennan was the father of one of Jackie’s students, Carly. They were new to the area and the oldest daughter, Kathy, was a freshman at Indiana University. Mark’s wife, Elaine, had died of breast cancer. He tended to lose himself in his work as a detective with the police force. He was extremely interested in Jackie from the first introduction.

Ms. Sandy James has written a good book about second chances and the problems with blending two families. The entire cast was plagued with difficulties. The more they tried to merge the families, the harder it became. The children, as well as Jackie’s ex-husband, threw all sorts of crises into the mix. At times the obstacles seemed insurmountable.

Ms. James’s personalities were strong and so typically shown that it was impossible not to find the story intriguing. The two main individuals were attracted to each other. However, “life” just kept interfering. The storyline was poignant and I shed tears. It was true-to-life and easy to delve into. The ending was a total surprise to me. I had no idea it would take the twists and turns it did. I was totally engrossed in the book.

I recommend that, especially if you love sentimentality, you read this book. You will be glad to have read it. It’s the type book that stays with you even after the last page.

Overall rating: 4.5 Hearts

Sensuality rating: Very sensual

5 Heart ~ Reviewer Top Pick for Turning Thirty-Twelve

Diana Coyle at Night Owl Romance just gave Turning Thirty-Twelve a "Reviewer Top Pick - 5 Heart" review! Thanks so much, Diana!

Jackie Delgado, a forty-something year old science teacher at Harrison High School, just doesn’t want another man in her life again. The only good that came out of her marriage to David is that they have two sons, Patrick and Nate. After a bitter end to her twenty-one years of marriage, Jackie wants nothing to do with having another relationship with a man. She is content raising her boys and between the boys, work and her friends, she is quite happy at the moment. But as her youngest finally goes off to college like his big brother did, Jackie starts suffering from a bad case of empty nest syndrome. The only comfort and companionship she now has in the house with her is Jellybean, her TV theme show singing cockatiel.

Her girlfriends, who are also teachers at the high school, are always trying to set her up even though she says she’s not interested. Finally, Abby convinces her that there’s this one guy that she thinks Jackie might actually like. Reluctantly, Jackie tells her girlfriend to give him her number. When he calls her to ask her out, she’s in for the biggest surprise of her life.

Who does the blind date turn out to be? What does she think of this guy overall? Does this turn out to be a match made in heaven for the both of them?

Ms. James did a fabulous job creating this storyline and she developed characters that you just can’t help but fall in love with, quirks and all. I found this story to be a little bit sweet with a whole lot of hot and sexy mixed throughout. I loved Ms. James’ sense of humor that she sprinkled throughout the pages and I found myself laughing out loud numerous times as I was reading. I would highly recommend this story to others and it’s a definite keeper in my library. Don’t pass this one up!

LASR Book of the Week and a New Release

Stopping by the BookStrand blog with two pieces of good news.

First, Turning Thirty-Twelve not only received a fantastic "Best Book" review from Violet at Long and Short Reviews, but it was also named as their "Book of the Week." Here's what Violet had to say:

Jackie had gone through a divorce that left her self esteem shattered and her best friends constantly trying to set her up on blind dates. Mark's wife had died of cancer two years earlier and his friends were also hoping for a Cupid to strike up a relationship with the next woman of his dreams. Both Jackie and Mark have children from their previous relationships and now, my friends, it's time to watch the fireworks.

Jackie was hilarious, captivating and had issues with trusting men. So many women, including me, can relate to Jackie's character. Mark's character was seductive at just the right moments, knew what to say and just when to say it. His overall character was stunning and very very real. The secondary characters in this book were sensational. The situations between David (the ex) and Jackie had me laughing till it hurt. They all added a very real element to the book with their emotions and the way situations were handled. When Jackie and Mark's character got around each other, it was electric and you could feel the sexual tension between the two. This was a very believable book and was written in such a way that during the tense moments, it ripped my heart out. During the happy moments, I found tears in my eyes.

Ms. James did an outstanding job writing Turning Thirty-Twelve. I most definitely did not see the twists and turns coming. This book grabbed a hold of my heart and did not let go until the very last page. I still find myself thinking of this book and the characters who made this book so special. I highly recommend Turning Thirty-Twelve to anyone who enjoys a laugh out loud, exceptionally written book that will keep you coming back for more. I would love to see this book either have a sequel or become a series so I can see where my favorite characters are today and how they are faring. Turning Thirty-Twelve was simply an amazing book that I would read many times over which is why I would like to give it the LASR Best Book Rating! I will most certainly be keeping my eye on Ms. James for any books she may have coming out.

*********

The second piece of news is that the second of my Damaged Heroes series releases tomorrow. Free Falling brings back the popular Murphy's Law character attorney Ross Kennedy. He deserved a great heroine, so I wrote Laurie Miller. Not only is she a psychologist, she's also an empath, able to read other people's emotions. She's a great heroine who is spunky and full of life even though she often says she feels like a "size fourteen in a size four world." I strand these two in a blizzard just to watch the sparks fly.

Here's the blurb for Free Falling:

Workaholic Ross Kennedy never learned to enjoy life until he meets the woman of his dreams. If only Laurie Miller can convince him that's exactly who she is.

A psychologist with empathic abilities, Laurie rescues Ross, who has been stranded in the middle of a Montana blizzard. The two strangers are completely snowed in and out of contact. In just a few days, their attraction to each other is overwhelming, but Laurie is troubled. Her empathic gift seems to have vanished. Fascinated by his pretty rescuer, Ross struggles to open up his heart enough to let this woman in.

When the two return home to Chicago, they try to solve a mystery revolving around a Prohibition Era journal they discovered in Montana. Will they find the missing treasure the journal points to? And as a former boyfriend begins to stalk Laurie, how will Ross be able to protect her?

Thanks to all of you who helped vote to make Turning Thirty-Twelve LASR's Book of the Week! And I hope you'll give Free Falling a look.

*hugs*
Sandy

http://www.sandy-james.com/

http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/sandyjames