June 30, 2010

Release Day Celebration!



Today's the day... BY HEART AND COMPASS is now available, so dive into a good read! This romantic sea adventure is all about following your heart. You can pick up BY HEART AND COMPASS at Desert Breeze Publishing today and many other online bookstores like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Keep reading to find out more or win a free copy by entering a contest.




BY HEART AND COMPASS...So what's this about?

Set between the Caribbean island of Antigua and the fictional town, Newton, Georgia, BY HEART AND COMPASS features a small town bookworm with wandering feet and the mysterious diary of a notorious privateer's wife. When that diary leads to a descendant and a location of a treasure ship's resting place, there's no time for hiding beneath research books and paperwork. Here's a little video to give you an idea:



Now, You Tell Me

The oil disaster in the Gulf is on everyone's mind these days and it should be. My love of the sea and sea life has become a passion as I've infused these themes into my writing. My family has spent many wonderful times at our favorite gulf beach, Pensacola, on the Florida panhandle. The beaches of Pensacola have just recently been hit by the oil spill, and the mess, like everywhere else, is heart-breaking. Now, you tell me, how do you feel about the oil disaster in the gulf and how has it affected your life? Surely there is nothing to compare to actually wiggling your toes in the sand--even reading about it!

But back to the story where Boy Meets Girl...

...as every romance begs, and BY HEART AND COMPASS is no different. Check out the following excerpt for a glimpse of Lacey Whitman's first meeting with the dive bum she couldn't forget.




BY HEART AND COMPASS
Excerpt:


Sitting outside, one of the divers looked busy replacing the o-ring on a scuba tank.

"I'm looking for Max?"

The long haired employee didn't bother to stand, much less look up.

"So?"

"I'm Lacey Whitman, and I'm looking for the Max that owns the museum."

"You call that worthless shack a museum?"

Dumbfounded, Lacey couldn't think of any reply.

"What do you want?"

"I'm looking for Max," she repeated, feeling a flash of impatience. "I have some papers for him."

"Warrant, restraining order, or paternity test?"

After a pause in which she realized he was serious, she replied in frustration, "I have some research for the Bertrand family and someone at the museum told me to come down here."

Lacey caught herself biting her lip.

Finally, the man of absolutely no assistance put down the tank and stood up. Short and compact, he had amazing turquoise eyes that glowed from a dark, tanned complexion. Loose strands of sun-kissed brown hair blew about his face in the breeze.

"Max doesn't need anymore paperwork. He doesn't want to see your research, and he is not giving dive lessons."

"I didn't ask for a dive lesson."

The diver sat back down again, crossing thick tattooed arms over himself. They stared one another down until he won. It was cheating to look her over as if she was a sweet little morsel, but it worked.

"I just want to talk to Max," she demanded.

He stared back with no expression. "You just did. Now get off my beach."

Lacey's cheeks were already flushed from getting the once over by this beach bum. His insult made her red all over.

"I'll be sure to let them know at the Bertrand Museum," she threatened, as if it mattered.

She turned on her heel and stalked off but he called after her, "Lady, I am the Bertrand Museum!"


Intrigued?

I hope so. BY HEART AND COMPASS is my third sea-themed novel length adventure. If you've heard of or read THE PRIVATEER or TURTLE SOUP, you'll want to pick up a copy of this treasure hunting mystery that brings the legacy of privateers and pirates to the present day.

Download a copy right now by visiting Desert Breeze Publishing!



Contests

Feeling lucky? Why not comment to win a free copy of BY HEART AND COMPASS?

Contest One: Every visitor to this site today that leaves a comment will be entered in a drawing for a free copy of the book. You must leave me your email address, too! Don't make me have to "hunt" you down!

Contest Two: Swap! Post my book cover on your blog or website and send me the link. In exchange, I will post an image or link on THE BALANCED WRITER to your homepage, blog, or business site, whichever you'd like to share with the world (as long as it's Rated G!). This contest is open to the first three participants and will run for three months. Contact me at danithorne at yahoo dot com.

Contest Three: Think Fast! Read Fast! Review Fast! The first reader to purchase and review BY HEART AND COMPASS will receive a $10 Walmart gift card. The review must be posted at either Goodreads.com or Amazon.com, and again, you must send me the link with your contact information so I can send you your prize! Contact me at danithorne at yahoo dot com.

Last but not least...

If you enjoy a good romantic suspense, you must check out my sister-in-writing, Anne Patrick at SUSPENSE BY ANNE as she celebrates the release of her new novel, FIRE AND ASH. Anne is the author of eight novels and her newest story looks to be just as exciting as her last!





Thanks for coming by today, and come back anytime! Leave me a comment, question or buckets of praise--I'm not picky! Make sure and check back Saturday morning for winners! And if you want to learn more about me, go to my website!

39 comments:

PolkaDotGirl said...

I'm so excited for you! And I am totally going to read this. Can I get a copy at B&N? Or just online? Congratulations! And we loved the Blueberry Pie recipe.
Beth

Miss Mae said...

Love your excerpt, and oooh, that Max is somein' else! What an attitude! LOL

Okay, I've entered contest one, and I wanna enter two! :)

Congrats on your release day, this sounds wonderful, Danielle.

And yes, my heart bleeds at the destruction in the Gulf, and I'm praying every day that the Gentleman in charge will plug it shut.

I'm still reading about the original Bertrand, and loving it! :)

Linda Swift said...

Congratulations, Danielle, on your first release from Desert Breeze. You are a wonderful writer and a great friend and I wish you much success with this book. I loved the excerpt. It sizzled with attraction and I am gong to buy the book today. Linda

Diane Craver said...

Great excerpt! And I love the vivid colors in the trailer. Also liked the pacing of it - made it easy to read the text.

And I LOVE the cover too!

The oil spill is very upsetting to me.

Ann said...

Intrigued? ... By Heart and Compass, you bet I'm intrigued. I always did like the 'bad boys' and Max seems to be very bad. Can't wait to read it. I don't normally read novels online, but if I can't get a hard copy, I will be compelled to do so.

Congratulations on the new book.

DanielleThorne said...

Thanks for coming by this morning, ya'll and thanks to the early birds who came by on my previous announcement post. Everyone will be entered in the drawing! If you're hungry you can find the Blueberry Pie recipe PolkDotGirl mentioned in my previous posts--good stuff.

Big hug to Miss Mae and Anne Patrick for the mentions of BY HEART AND COMPASS on your blogs. Love you girls.

Who's keeping up with the storm effect on the Gulf spill? I watched a little on the news last night--it's very frustrating to stand by and just wring our hands--I'd do anything to help if I could--I wish more leaders would take some action with their hands instead of their mouths.

Thanks for coming by. I'll be hanging around all day to say "hi" --I have some Nook e-reader research to do for my dad. He's thinking of getting one!

Moon_Pie said...

I love the mauve colors on your blog! Wannville@Gmail.Com ilena holder

DanielleThorne said...

Two folks have already filled the slots for Contest #2. There's one more spot available for the next person who emails me about swapping book, business or blog images!

Gail Pallotta said...

Hi Danielle,
Wow! What a great read. I love your video, and your excerpt is inticing. Congratulations on this book. It sounds wonderfu.

momof6 said...

Hey Danielle....this sounds like an awesome read! I haven't read any of your books, but sounds like I need to find them! Thanks for sharing, and I hope you have lots of success! <3

ps...would love to win! :) sswaite@comnett.net

Pat Brown said...

Congrats on your latest release. About the oil spill. I find it horrifying and painful to watch. I'm a great lover of all things marine and the thought of all that beauty being destroyed breaks my heart. But I have to say my biggest issue, and what makes me almost as mad as the spill itself is how many politicians and their supporters are using this to gain political points. Like pointing fingers and trying to bring down a political opponent with lies and innuendo is appalling. This is one time everyone should be working together to solve this problem instead of shouting about whose fault it is.

DanielleThorne said...

I think you hit the nail right on the head, P.A. There are too many able-bodied organizations that could and want to organize cleanup and solve this problem. It seems there are far more willing people to work then there are opportunities. We need leaders to literally put on some boots and go get dirty. It is exasperating that we have yet another U.S. tragedy and we've yet to get programs worked out that enable fast, organized and volunteer-run responses. Something's got to give. Meanwhile, the coastline of the Southern US will become a memory for our children, I fear. And so might sea turtles, brown pelicans, and all of the other endangered species who have just made comebacks.

DanielleThorne said...

Contest #2 is CLOSED--but leave a comment anytime today and be entered in the drawing for a free copy of BY HEART AND COMPASS! And don't forget, the first reader to purchase and review the adventure wins a $10 gift card!

Anonymous said...

I'm excited for you! Once I'm home from Colorado, I'll purchase this book. I'm so proud of you! CONGRATS, my friend!

Linda Swift said...

Hello again, Danielle. My only excuse for not commenting on yur video first time around but that it was earrrrlly in the morning and I was not awake. The video is great! And about that oil spill. My heart goes out to all the people whose way of life is destroyed and all the innocent wildlife involved. We live on the Gulf half the year and I expect our beautiful beaches at Anna Maria Island, Conquina, Holmes, and Bradenton to be affected soon.
Happy Party Day. Enjoy. You have worked hard for this. Linda

E.A. West said...

Wow, Danielle! That excerpt definitely has me intrigued. And your cover is gorgeous!

Wishing you much success and many sales! :)

CityGirl said...

Hi Danielle - congrats on your book release - it sounds really, really good - full of adventure! If I'm not lucky in this contest, it will be on my TBP list!

The gulf disaster breaks my heart - especially the animals. I an a huge animal lover and they are truly innocent victims in all of this. Every time I see the images it makes me so sad - I agree with P.A. - less finger-pointing and more working-together is needed.

Grandma Connie said...

Hey Danielle,
I am kind of new to this online book thing. The excerpt to the book has drawn me in and I want to read more.
I have a Aunt that lives down in the Gulf area and they were hit very hard by Katrina, and now this. Kevin Kostner (the actor)had the technology and the equipment and could have been a first responder, but thanks to the powers that be in our Government he was not allowed in there until recently. I don't understand why.

DanielleThorne said...

EA, Margo, Connie--thanks for stopping by. I was intrigued by Kevin Costner's idea to help and have to admit I was curious abt what a "movie star" could do--but I am super impressed with his motivation and his courage to stand up and tell the government that something needs to be done--I saw him talking to Congress or some committee, and was impressed with his sincerity. Props for that. @Connie--bless your Aunt's heart. The people of the gulf region have really been knocked around--they deserve better treatment. I hope we all take this opportunity to step up. So many people are going to lose their income and lifestyle after this...fingers-crossed for a new solution...soon. I have heard today an enormous tanker that will filter the oil has moved into the gulf--and is now sitting there (of course) waiting for permission to get started.

HeatherWright said...

Ooooohhhhhh, I can't wait! Heading over to get my copy right now. I've been waiting anxiously ever since I put down The Privateer! Congratulations on the release!

DanielleThorne said...

Hi Heather! Thanks for coming by! You are such an inspiration and I miss you so much! Hope you have gotten settled in, in your new hometown. Thanks for coming to visit me today! Miss you so much. *tears*

Hywela Lyn said...

Hi Danielle, happy release day and congratulations. 'By Heart and Compass sounds like a fantastic readand I love your cover. (we were 'rivals' in the cover contest at 'Classic Romance Revival' and if I couldn't win I would really have loved you to.)

As for the Oil disaster, it makes me angry that all the 'powers that be' seem to care about is how much money it's all costing. My heart breaks to think of the cost to the environment and the poor birds and sea creatures that are suffering and dying horrible deaths because of it.

Dawn! said...

I'm so excited for you Danielle, congratulations! I'm only 45 pages in, but loving it so far. GREAT JOB!!!

Dawn! said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anne Patrick said...

Hi Danielle,
I just purchased my copy and can't wait to read it!

Congratulations, my friend! I wish you many sales.

The oil spill breaks my heart. I never will forget the first time I stepped barefoot into the ocean down at Ft. Lauderdale, the rush I got as the sand retreated underneath my feet. I get excited just thinking about it. And to think that later generations my not get that chance is sickening.

DanielleThorne said...

Hi Lyn--thanks so much for stopping by--and too bad neither one of us won the CRR cover contest--but that's okay. Thanks for the kind words--I like it when people I know win--it doesn't matter too much to me--just fun to compete and get the word out about stuff. I hope your book sales are going well. Thanks for coming by today. :)

DanielleThorne said...

Dawn and Anne--thanks so much for your support. I really appreciate it--it means a ton to me. I hope you enjoy the book!

Kaye said...

Many congrats on your new release!
I really enjoyed the excerpt and this book sounds like a fun and exciting read with interesting characters and setting! Much success to you, Danielle. Happy Release Day Celebration!!

Elizabeth Morgan said...

It sounds like such a fun book.

4everareader@comcast.net

DanielleThorne said...

Thanks Kaye and Elizabeth. *Hug*

DanielleThorne said...

Gulf Update: There are report coming in of sea turtles being caught in the oil burns being conducted by BP. Please visit the NWF to learn more. Sign up for updates--or at the very least, sign the petition to help draw attention to this cruelty.

Visit:
http://blogs.nwf.org/arctic_promise/2010/06/sea-turtles-dying-in-bp-burn-boxes-firsthand-account-from-shrimp-boat-captain.html

Unknown said...

Like I said before, I am not much a romance novel kind of guy but I would like to read this book. I am interested in reviewing your 2 other books also. Do I have to order a copy of the book on-line or can I get it at a book store close by?

Dawn White said...

Congrats Danielle - I'm very excited for you with this release. I love the cover and am going to purchase it right now and start reading!!! Hope you guys have a great July 4th weekend.

DanielleThorne said...

Hi @Paul--BY HEART AND COMPASS is an e-book only. You can download it to your computer or e-reader or phone, and read it electronically. It can be purchased at the publisher, Desert Breeze Publishing, as a PDF file, and it is also available at Amazon and B&N. Thanks!

Larry Hammersley said...

Hi Danielle: I'm so sorry for not making it yesterday. Your new release sounds great. I like the lightening between hero and heroine and have always liked that approach. I'm glad yours sold. Hope mine does. I guess I'll have to opt for the computer version of The Privateer and then on to your new release.
Yes, the oil spill is horrible. I wonder how much effort goes into the technology of these off shore rigs. Like the other commenters I want to see action rather than words on the clean up, but of course I know they are working on it. Larry

Karine Jones said...

Hi Danielle,
My name is Karine. I am Connie's niece. I am very interested in reading this book! From reading a sample of your new book, you sound like a wonderful writer.

DanielleThorne said...

Thanks for coming by, Larry. I know you are busy with your own work.

Karine, it's very nice to meet you. Thank you for visiting--I really appreciate it!

DanielleThorne said...

WINNERS:
Thank you to everyone who came by this week to help me celebrate the release of BY HEART AND COMPASS. I'm touched by all the support. This morning the drawing was held for the winner of the free copy of this e-book. There were so many in the drawing, I decided to draw a second name for a free copy of my September 2009 release, Turtle Soup.

The winners are:

BY HEART AND COMPASS: "EA West"

TURTLE SOUP: "Kaye"

Winners, please contact me here or email me at danithorne at yahoo dot com for your prize.

Thanks so much all of you!
daniellethorne

E.A. West said...

Thanks, Danielle! I sent you an email. I'm looking forward to reading By Heart and Compass. :)