How Woman of Substance came about

In 2011, I participated in the Brenda Novak on-line auction for diabetes. Soul Mate Publishing www.soulmatepublishing.com donated a fifty page critique. When I read, ”Whether you enjoy traditional romance or are searching for stories that push the limits, you'll find what you're looking for. We are NOT the same old thing!” on the webpage, I hoped this would be the place for my manuscript.
My story didn’t quite meet the usual contemporary romance or the women’s fiction guidelines. I watched the bids carefully and won. Therefore diabetes and I were winners.
I submitted my first fifty pages and Ms. Gilbert replied with many helpful suggestions and encouraged me to revise the novel and resubmit because she “got” my story. I cried.
I revised, resubmitted and Ms. Gilbert offered a contract. Woman of Substance became available on 12/12/2012.
Many of the Soul Mate authors have published early in their writing careers. I have not. I worked at the craft and found support through writers groups, published short stories and soon, two novels. Woman of Substance is my second published novel.
My advice to writers is look for opportunities to submit your work, and if a charity wins as well as you. All the better.
Good night and thank you all for coming to the Goddess Fish Party Pavilion. Good night Judy and Marianne.

I can be found at: www.annettebower.com

Available on Soul Mate Publishing: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/woman-of-substance/, Barnes & Noble, http://tinyurl.com/dyxjguk Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/cmcc5me and Kobo http://tinyurl.com/btuqcvo .

Why I wrote Woman of Substance

My stories are more relationship stories than true romance. I enjoy discovering what is under the persona that we present to the world whether it is a costume, affected, or learned response to situations. I write to discover more about people. I am interested in why people do what they do. I research, read and write to try and understand and then perhaps share the tiny bit of what I have learned with my reader through a well told story.
We have all met a man who we hope would grow to understand the importance of many things in a woman’s life and when we found him we hoped for a long term relationship. But this takes time. The relationships in Woman of Substance are built upon a foundation of friendship and shared experiences which can lead to a long term love.

www.annettebower.com
Available on Soul Mate Publishing: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/woman-of-substance/, Barnes & Noble, http://tinyurl.com/dyxjguk Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/cmcc5me and Kobo http://tinyurl.com/btuqcvo .

A blend of Women's Fiction and Romance

Woman of Substance by Annette Bower is a blend of women’s fiction and romance. Women’s fiction includes subjects and themes that range beyond romance. Woman of Substance is a contemporary story where Robbie is the star of the story and her growth and emotional development is foremost. However, Woman of Substance is a story that centers primarily on women and on society’s view of women’s bodies. This is a subject women can relate to in their real lives.
Professor Jake Proctor and his dying grandfather Frank are catalysts for her growth and in this book the hero, Jake Proctor, may be waiting for Robin at the end of her journey, if he can forgive her deception with love.

www.annettebower.com
Available on Soul Mate Publishing: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/woman-of-substance/, Barnes & Noble, http://tinyurl.com/dyxjguk Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/cmcc5me and Kobo http://tinyurl.com/btuqcvo .

Woman of Substance endorsement

R. Barri Flowers, Bestselling Author http://www.rbarriflowers.com says: Woman of Substance by Annette Bower is an intriguing romance that puts the spotlight on prejudices faced daily by people who are overweight in today's society. When slender graduate student Robbie Smith dons a fat suit to gauge reactions for her thesis, she ends up falling for a professor, Jake Proctor, who in turn is attracted to her in disguise, reminding him of his late grandmother. Will Robbie's deception cost her a chance at real love? Or will the point she was trying to make be enough to give her the happily thereafter of romance? The book reminds me a lot of recent television movies, "To Be Fat Like Me" and "The Pregnancy Project." Recommended for romance readers and anyone who wonders what it might be like to walk in someone else's shoes.

www.annettebower.com
Available on Soul Mate Publishing: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/woman-of-substance/, Barnes & Noble, http://tinyurl.com/dyxjguk Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/cmcc5me and Kobo http://tinyurl.com/btuqcvo .

Woman of Substance

Good morning and thank you for stopping in at the Goddess Fish Party Pavilion. Thank you Marianne and Judy for the invitation. I hope all of the visitors today find books they'd like to read and will have a few minutes to leave a comment.

Woman of Substance by Annette Bower and published by Soul Mate Publishing hit the virtual book shelves on 12/12/12. What can be better than that? Woman of Substance is a blend of the woman’s concern for body image, the mortality of a generation, and of course romantic love.
Robbie Smith deceived Jake Proctor for all the right reasons. She needs him to forgive her for love.


www.annettebower.com
Available on Soul Mate Publishing: http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/woman-of-substance/, Barnes & Noble, http://tinyurl.com/dyxjguk Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/cmcc5me and Kobo http://tinyurl.com/btuqcvo .

Woman of Substance TBR Fall 2012 and Moving On

You have heard about Moving On: A Prairie Romance
Author: Annette Bower
Title: Moving On A Prairie Romance
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance
Publisher: XoXo Publishing ™
Pages: 118 pages
Cost of Book: $3.49
ISBN: 978-1-927027-82-0
Release date: Dec. 2011

RT Book Reviews September 2012: Page 82 and 90 Give it 3 stars: Enjoyable--Pleasant Read.

Buy links:

XoXo Publishers: http://tinyurl.com/d4xk8pw

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/dyblrn6

ARE: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-movingonaprairieromance-667850-149.html
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/moving-on-a-prairie-romance


Woman of Substance

Robbie Smith tries walking a mile in another woman’s shoes to validate her master's degree research. Even though her professor doesn’t approve, Robbie disguises herself and moves in the world as a large woman, because the women in her research group declare, “You will never know what it’s like to be fat.”

All Jake Proctor wants to do is to spend as much time as he can with his dying grandfather Frank, the only father he's ever known.

While in and out of disguise, Robbie sees Frank and Jake. Robbie is drawn to the tall, dark, kind man in her neighborhood, but she can’t divulge the truth about her about her oversized self and jeopardize all the hard work she's put into her research. She has to see her thesis through to the bitter end. Even if it means deceiving the man she's grown to care about.

Soul Mate Publishing: ISBN: 978-1-61935-110-3
TBR: Fall 2012

www.annettebower.com


I am offering a copy of Moving On: A Prairie Romance to a comment about Moving On or Woman of Substance. I will contact the random winner and ask their preference: Kindle, XoXo Publishing e Pub or ARE format. Thank you for stopping by.

What people are saying about Moving On: A Prairie Romance

Author: Annette Bower
Title: Moving On A Prairie Romance
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance
Publisher: XoXo Publishing ™
Pages: 118 pages
Cost of Book: $3.49
ISBN: 978-1-927027-82-0
Release date: Dec. 2011

In “Moving On: A Prairie Romance”, Annette Bower explores the
redemptive power of affection. When we meet Nick and Anna, the
characters at the centre of the novel, both are reeling from
devastating personal tragedies, and both are fearful of making a
connection that would open them to future pain. In the course of the
novel, Nick and Anna slowly but surely learn to trust and to hope.
Bower’s warm tale of the coming together of her two very likable
protagonists is told with a keen eye and an understanding heart. This
lake-side romance is perfect summer reading.
….Gail Bowen, author of the Joanne Kilbourn series.

***

I have just been reading MOVING ON on my Kindle. It's lovely, Annette--
a gentle, feel-good book with a nice variety of individualized
characters and a positive over-all message. The familiar setting was a
treat too. Congratulations! I would recommend it.
…Mary Balogh, New York Times Best Seller

I just finished reading Moving On-A Prairie Romance. I really enjoyed the book, brought back lots of memories of life at Regina Beach. I am currently reading a book by Nora Roberts and I have to say that I am having trouble getting it done, there is nothing there that holds my attention.

I have to say that I am not fond of reading on the computer it would not be my first choice, but having said that I was drawn to the desk so that I could finish the story. It was a nice, light easy read totally enjoyable. It is so special to have a friend who has accomplished such a feat. Congratulations. ~Carol A Reader~

Moving On-A Prairie Romance is a tale for everyone. While readers of Romance will
identify with Bower's characters who, having been hurt by loss, are
caught in the age-old fear of unending pain but bravely do more
than endure, this novel is for those who either have or wish to leave
the bustle of city life for the peace of the country. Her people are
so real, they almost leap off the page and you swear they live just
down the road from you. Read on and Move on with them.
~Byrna Barclay, Award-winning author of novels and short story collections~

Moving On- A Prairie Romance
Having read many romance novels over the years, I was pleasantly surprised to find a new variation on an old theme. A modern-day tale of a soldier coming to terms with his limitations resulting from a war-related injury. A practical heroine, at a turning point in her life, attempting to overcome personal tragedy by moving to a new community, and establishing new relationships. The characters are credible and relatable, and the love story is inspiring.

~Stephanie D.A Reader~

Buy links:

XoXo Publishers: http://tinyurl.com/d4xk8pw

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/dyblrn6

ARE: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-movingonaprairieromance-667850-149.html
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/moving-on-a-prairie-romance


www.annettebower.com


I am offering the gift of Moving On: A Prairie Romance to a comment posted during this release party, about Moving On or later Woman of Substance. I will place the names in a computer program and the winner will be notified. I will ask for their preference of Kindle, XoXo epub or ARE format.

Thank you for stopping by.

Moving On: A Prairie Romance


Anna is a mysterious woman that has just moved to Regina Beach. The residents of the small town know everyone’s business and they are very interested in discovering Anna’s secrets. Nick was a Sergeant in the Canadian Army, doing active duty until a horrific accident sent him home to recover. He helps Anna feel safe and comfortable in her new environment, just as he has always done for his men in strange, dangerous places. Meanwhile, he focuses on preparing for his future physical endurance test to prove that he is capable of returning to active duty.


Anna doesn’t talk about her past, and Nick doesn’t talk about his future therefore she is shocked to discover that his greatest wish is to return to active duty. She won’t love a man who may die on the job again. Intellectually, she knows that all life cycles end, but emotionally, she doesn’t know if she has the strength to support Nick.

Buy links:

XoXo Publishers: http://tinyurl.com/d4xk8pw Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/dyblrn6

ARE: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-movingonaprairieromance-667850-149.html
Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/moving-on-a-prairie-romance


Mary Balogh, Regency New York Times Best Seller

I have just been reading MOVING ON on my Kindle. It's lovely, Annette--
a gentle, feel-good book with a nice variety of individualized
characters and a positive over-all message. The familiar setting was a
treat too. Congratulations! I would recommend it.

…

www.annettebower.com

Moving On: Random comment draw. Details below

Moving On is a sweet contemporary romance with a subtitle of "A Prairie Romance" because I live in Saskatchewan, Canada,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saskatchewan. The lower third of a province appears flat when driving on the highway and it feels as if you can see forever.

Anna Jenkins comes here from a large city to start over in the small community of Regina Beach http://esask.uregina.ca/entry/regina_beach.html . The house she inherited from her deceased fiancé "The windows were dirty and the exterior paint cracked and flakes. This was just the place she needed if as they say, your environment reflects your state of mind. Maybe in this place they would get off her back."

Amy Lignor in the RT Book Reviews Sept. 2012 comments,

...the descriptions of the small-town attitude are right on the money....

Nick Donnelly is a sergeant in the Canadian Army home recovering from the loss of his leg. Even though he grew up as the son of a farmer, it was not his intention to be part of the land. However, while he is in Afghanistan he begins to dream of the safety of the deep rich soil where he grew up. Nick works hard and does everything he can to become physically fit and pass the required tests to return to the front. Anna helps Nick realize there may be a future for him back in his home town.

Amy Lignor states:

But after the romance begins to bloom, they each learn to trust again.

If you're ready for an enjoyable read, give Moving On a chance. Available at for $3.49: XoXo Publishing: http://tinyurl.com/d4xk8pw Amazon Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/d4xk8pw Also available at ARE and Bookstrand.

www.annettebower.com

I would like to give a gift of Moving On, A Prairie Romance to a posted comment about Moving On or later Woman of Substance TBR. The names will be placed in a random draw program. I will contact the winner and ask if Amazon or XoXo epub or ARE format is preferred.