Blog Tour: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford - Trailer, Review & Giveaway

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Home Matters
Julie N. Ford

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach. When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.

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My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

Home Matters is a sweet romance, enjoyable, perhaps a bit predictable, but fun nonetheless. Lately. I've really enjoyed reading novellas. It's nice to pick up a story and read it from start to finish in about an hour. And one can never underestimate the power of a nice, happy ending.

I really liked Olivia. She's so intelligent, yer vulnerable since she comes across as a bit naive. How she can be naive after braving the sharks in LA is beyond me, but she still radiates some old-fashioned innocence that''s rather refreshing. Olivia is no push-over. She hates being the pretty parrot, pretending the designs are hers while reading from teleprompters. Olivia is a talented woman, but she's pursuing her mother's dream for her rather than considering what she wants from life.

Case in point: I never would've expected her to fall from her uber-handsome costar, William. He's so shallow and annoying. Perhaps she liked the attention. I don't know, but it just seemed out of character for her to continue to date him. One weekend, sure, why not. More than that... not so much. Though two guys vie for her attention, I wouldn't really call it a love triangle. I just sat back and patiently waited for William to show his true colors. When he did, Olivia was shocked, I wasn't.

I liked Pete quite a bit. He had a snarky sense of humor I found to be endearing. He didn't ooze charm and savoir-faire like William which I considered a wonderful thing. But Olivia's goals spurred her away from Pete and right into William's arms. Overall, I thought the characters were well-written, though William is somewhat cliche. I enjoyed the story, especially the interactions between Olivia and Pete. The ending was nice and happy as it should be in a sweet romance.

Author Julie N. Ford

Julie is a forty-something, dangerously close to becoming a fifty-something, graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of four women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, a Betta named Bob, and a Scottish fold kitten, Ardweal.

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The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series

Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors. "Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love." Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/31/14   Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY
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