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Surprise Story! (And a giveaway)

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If you’re a faithful reader of this blog (with an especially sharp memory), you might remember this post from last July in which I blogged about the novella I was working on. I told you about Eli, my fighter pilot hero. And Penelope, the heroine and owner of a mobile pie shop.

That’s the one and only time I mentioned the novella anywhere because, soon after that post, I finished the rough draft and put the novella away in favor of more pressing and contracted projects. I honestly wasn’t sure whether I’d have the time in my writing schedule or the heart or the ability needed to whip it into shape and then indie-publish it.

A few weeks before Thanksgiving, I printed out the manuscript of the novella and read it. My reaction: Eeep. This manuscript is in rough shape.

Over Thanksgiving break, I rewrote it. Shortly after, I sent it to Wonder Editor Charlene Patterson (who used to be my editor at Bethany House and now works freelance). She told me the thing no writer wants to hear about their writing. She basically said, “Becky, this isn’t working.”

It was a stomach-churning moment. Immediately, however, I knew she was right. The way that I’d conceived the story initially wasn’t working. At all.

At that point, I wasn’t sure what to do. A) Scrap the project? Or B) Massively rewrite the whole thing? I’d only allotted one week at the start of January to work on the novella and I knew that an extensive rewrite would take me longer than that. I didn’t technically have enough energy or enthusiasm.

But look, friends, what I very quietly uploaded to bookstores two days ago…. Surprise!

After nine prior novels and three prior novellas, I’ve learned that my energy or enthusiasm level isn’t really of any consequence. The thing that matters is this… I have a God who is strong when I am weak. He can be counted upon to equip.

I prayed about what to do with Eli and Penelope’s story and I felt a tug in my spirit toward rewriting. Plus, I really wanted to give this story as a free gift to my readers. Plus, I couldn’t just leave poor Eli and Penelope in the lurch. Plus, I wanted to offer a prequel novella that would introduce readers to my new Misty River Romance series and Sam, the hero of Stay with Me. Plus, I’ve learned that some stories come together easily and some don’t. The hard ones can achieve the same level of quality as the easier ones if their writer is willing to put in one not-so-simple ingredient: effort.

I brainstormed with writer friends. Reader friends Joy, Crissy, and Amy prayed for me and encouraged me. And I rewrote.

Charlene gave it another read-through. She loved the new direction, but had more suggestions. I implemented those. She performed a line edit/copy edit and then five wonderful Beta readers read it for typos. I sent it to a professional formatter. And voila! Take a Chance on Me was done.

Here’s a peek at the plot:

When baker Penelope Quinn steps in to help her brother’s family through a medical crisis, she’s forced into close proximity with charming Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price.

Penelope has one iron-clad dating rule—she does not date airmen. Months ago, she relaxed her rule with Eli and immediately lived to regret it. After a long deployment, he’s now back in Misty River and, to her dismay, she finds him just as tempting as always.

Eli’s spent months thinking about funny, feisty, creative Penelope. He once leveraged his focus and drive to become a pilot, his childhood dream. Now he’s set on leveraging that same focus and drive in order to convince Penelope to give him one more chance.

Take a Chance on Me is now available for free at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Google Play! For those of you who prefer print, I’m happy to say that you’ll be able to purchase Take a Chance on Me in print soon. Hopefully within the next week!

Congratulations to Dezi, winner of the below candle giveaway!

I was delighted when I found a Georgia peach candle because the new series is set in the Blue Ridge mountains of northern Georgia and because Eli’s favorite flavor of pie to order from Penelope’s food truck is peach.

Before I go, I wanted to mention two important things:

#1 The e-book of Falling for You is priced at 99 cents this month! Click here for a list of links to the book at online retailers.

#2 Applications are now open for Stay with Me’s launch teams! I’ll be running one team. There will also be a team of bloggers and a team of Instagrammers. If you love to spread the word about new books and have a platform of some kind, I invite you to apply! Click here or on the image below for links to the various applications.

What do you think of Take a Chance on Me’s cover and/or plot line?

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Becky Wade

Author at Bethany House
Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children. She absolutely loves writing funny, heartwarming, and inspirational contemporary Christian romance.
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Comments

    • The cover is beautiful, vibrant, and eye catching. The story sounds amazing as well! For sure going on my reading list!

  2. I was just thinking about if there was going to be a pre-series novella like with the Bradford sisters. I thought I remembered you mentioning it. So happy to read your post today! Live the cover and can’t wait to read!

  3. I love that the cover is just the main male character. Most of the covers are either the female character or the couple. It’s a nice change and sounds very interesting. I will definitely be adding it to my TBR once it comes out in print.

  4. I have downloaded Take a Chance on Me and look forward to reading it. The blurb sounds inviting . Thank you for the free download. Nice way to start a series. Thanks, too, for the opportunity to win the yummy candle!

  7. I ordered Take a Chance on Me and have placed Stay with Me on my Wish List at Amazon. They both sound fascinating, and I look forward to reading them.

  10. Thank you for the opportunity to read “Take a Chance on Me”! Sounds like a wonderful story. Love the cover!

    Sometimes it’s when we have to struggle, step back and rethink and pray about it that the answers and rewards come to us. They definitely make us appreciate the outcome more. <3

    • “Sometimes it’s when we have to struggle, step back and rethink and pray about it that the answers and rewards come to us. They definitely make us appreciate the outcome more.” Yes! I couldn’t agree more.

  12. This is awesome. Thank you for working hard and being so dedicated. Your books are doing good for people!

  15. Once burned in love, it would be difficult to give someone another chance. I look forward to tea about Eli’s efforts!

  16. This is awesome!! I canNOT wait to read this novella, and become acquainted with your new characters!
    I enjoyed reading about how this story came to be, and I’m so glad you put forth they effort and made it happen!!
    Keep on writing amazing stories!! 🙂

  17. I love the premise of the book and oh my goodness – that cover! I may need to get out Meez Carrie’s fainting couch. Lol. Thanks for the free download! I look forward to the print version.

  18. We are looking at riding our motorcycles in northern Georgia soon and am really looking forward to this book set in that area!!

  19. I think the plot sounds great! I downloaded the book and can’t wait to read it. I’m adding Stay With Me to my TBR list as well. 🙂

  21. I’m looking forward to reading this novella, and for your next novel! Loved all those “pluses”! And how God provides just what you need for these wonderful stories. Thank you, Becky!

  22. Thank you, Becky! Just downloaded it. As a native Virginian, I have made many wonderful trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, always beautiful, and am looking forward to this series set in Georgia. I love the cover.

    Thank you for persevering and blessings to you.

  23. Always enjoy seeing the hero on book covers and Eli does not disappoint! So happy you put in the extra effort to get it completed and looking forward to what I know will be a wonderful result.

  24. Guess my weekend plans are finalized!! It’s cold and windy, so here’s my excuse to stay in and snuggle!

  25. Beautiful cover! I have a family full of airmen so I can’t wait to read your story. Thank you for the story and for the encouragement, I am in the middle of writing a story that I am struggling to make ‘great’ and am glad to hear I am not alone. Thank you, Becky!

  30. Congratulations Becky, on another gorgeous book. I went to amazon and I downloaded the free copy. I might have to get the book too because it’s so beautiful. And your Newest Book Taking chances on me is also gorgeous.

    I would love to win the candle. Candles are my absolute favorite. Thank you friend for letting me participate in the giveaway. And also for the free Kindle book.

  31. I have mixed feelings about the cover. But I am so looking forward to reading the story. Thanks for the chance to win!

  33. Becky, I’m so glad and thankful that God is using you to inspire others through your writing. Thanks for being available and willing. Thanks also for the opportunity to win a candle. Who wouldn’t want to win a sweet-smelling relaxer?

  34. I would love to win this and can’t wait to read both books….the download and Stay With Me.

  35. What a testimony of perseverance and reliance on the master Author! I’m so proud of you for sticking with it, Becky. You have come through the fire, and I bet this story is all the better for it. Congrats on making it through, my friend!

  36. Love the cover! Looks very interesting. I’m reading, Sweet on You, right now. Love it. I can just smell the peach candle. Love candles.

  40. I love the cover of your book! Makes you want to know what he is thinking. And I LOVE the fragrance of peach! I just purchased some peach lip balm and had ordered a peach soap but she was out of it. A Peach candle would be yummy! 😀

  45. Oh Becky,
    I love everything about it…the plot, the location in The Blue Ridge Mountains (reminds me of home) and the cover. I can’t wait to read this novella and your new release in May, that will be one of mom’s birthday gifts for sure! 😉

    • Thanks, Brooke! I’m loving setting this series of books in the Blue Ridge. For one thing, it gave me an excuse to travel there. 😉 Loved it!

  47. I read Reading is My Superpower blog before your blog here and was excited to learn about your novella. I immediately got it from Amazon.Thank you! I’ve read all of your books (and have them in either print or ebook). I’m very much looking forward to this new series.

  49. I’m glad you persevered! Thank you for the novella to whet our whistles and for the opportunity to win! Georgia Peach – makes me long for long summer nights and yummy peach cobbler lol.

  50. I love the cover. It is truly beautiful.
    I am also attracted to the plot as my father-in-law was an Air Force pilot.

  51. Sounds very interesting. Sometimes promises has to be broken. Thanks for the giveaway and free book!

  52. I love the cover! I am also excited to read it because I live in the blue ridge mountains and love reading books that are set in the same location. It makes them special reads! Thanks for the chance to win!

  53. Thanx for the giveaway!!!! I love Georgia peaches, I ate a lot when stationed there in the Army Signal corps. Looking forward to a great book!

  56. I love the pretty pastel colors!

    The candle sounds like it would smell wonderful!

    Thank you for all the opportunities!

  58. Love the story! Too often we’re not willing to put in the work – or to trust God that it can be done. Can’t wait to read it!

  60. I love this story. More importantly I admire this genre and your faith. Have a blessed day!

  62. It sounds awesome and the couple on the cover look like they’re very much involved in a tender love. Makes me want to read it!

  63. I have my copy and can’t wait to read the book! Thank you for the opportunity to win the candle and Thank you for the prequel!

  64. Great cover, story sound very interesting would love to read it. I bet the candle smells so good. Thanks for the chance & keep up the good work.

  67. I really like the cover, the shaded colors at the bottom look nice. The book sounds interesting, I’ll pick up a copy of the digital. 🙂

  70. I loved the story! I would have never guessed it had gone through so many changes before publication! Thank you!

  74. I down loaded the novella and cannot wait to read it. The cover of your book is gorgeous!

  77. I’m so excited! I ordered TAKE A CHANCE ON ME! And every other book you’ve written for that matter! Hahaha and the Bath & Body three wick candles are my favorite! ❤️😍

  78. I literally just smelled that candle scent at White Barn a couple of days ago and it is so good! I almost bought the wallflower plug in refill for it and I’m now kicking myself haha

  80. I got it. I read it! I loved it! The cover on it and Stay with Me are beautiful! I can’t wait to get paperbacks of both!

  82. Love the cover Becky and Congratulations on your release Love the peach candle!

  85. I loved this sweet book. I’m so excited for this series. It’s been a slow reading year for me. I have started and stopped so many books. The writing has been subpar. That’s why I can’t wait to get into these Misty River books. In the meantime, I’ll go back and reread some of my favs of yours. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve read them, they always hold my attention. Sign of a master. Thanks for sharing your talent and relying on God to magnify your talent.

  86. I love that story of all the work you had to put into it. Sometimes it’s easy to think writing must just be easy and fun when the final products are as amazing as they are. Can’t wait to read this one!

  90. I love the cover and I can’t wait to read it! And Stay With Me, too! They both sound like amazing books! I’m so glad you were able to write this novella and absolutely blessed that you’re choosing to share it for free right now with your readers! Thank you!

  94. Awesome! I’m glad you pushed though and completed the story! I’m looking forward to reading it!

  96. I have to say the plot is very intriguing.. and you have to know if you make any rules about love they will always fail – the heart does whatever it wants … I gotta find out the ending!

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