Sweetly Reviewed gave Design for Life a great review! In the reviewer's words, "Wow!" It was wonderful. A double surprise, as I wasn't expecting a review so quickly!
Here's what the reviewer said in part: "Ok, So I'm a softy and I love a story that gets me a warm and mushy inside and this one totally did it. I LOVE Ms Master's ability to make me feel the ups and downs along with the characters. It makes for a really good read."
Come on over to Emma Lai's blog, where I'll be giving away another PDF copy of Design for Life! It's my birthday today too, so it's a double celebration. Woot!
I love release days! Today The Wild Rose Press releases Design for Life! Joanna Aislinn is graciously allowing me to celebrate at her blog. Come on over! I'll be giving away a PDF copy to a random commenter. [As I write this, we're getting round 2 of Snowmageddon: another foot to two feet expected on top of the weekend's two feet of snow, so fingers crossed that the power and my Internet connection holds! If I'm not there, you'll know why!]
Here's the story blurb: Becca Lyndon puts her dreams on hold by leaving art school to care for her ailing mom. Working full time at The Flower Basket leaves precious little time, but she squeezes in night classes at the local college. When Mike Hunter fills in as a substitute teacher, she worries about a repeat of the critical reviews he gave her work when he substituted at her high school three years earlier. His reason comes as a complete surprise, but can she trust him? Or will he disappear like her father? When that possibility looms all too real, she’s determined never to let the design for her life unravel again. Following her bliss requires work, but pays off in more ways than she ever imagined. She also learns that one door might close, but another can open—and lead to unexpected opportunities.
Here's the excerpt: “Morning, ladies!” Becca took a moment to inhale the scent of fresh flowers permeating the air. With a smile, Steffie waved as she talked on the phone. Hitting a series of keys, Grace turned. “Hey, Becca.” Donica Laurent entered from the back of the shop. “Good morning!” The homey atmosphere in the shop always unraveled Becca’s wound nerves. Walking to the counter, she reached into her handbag, oversized to double as a briefcase to carry her art supplies. Her presentation last night had gone well, but she hoped this morning’s would surpass it. “If you have a minute, can you take a look at these designs and let me know what you think? I used them for my class project last night.” Grace laid a hand on her arm, her face alight. “Did you wow them?” With a grin, Becca pulled out her sketch pad. “Not exactly. But Mr. Hunter said they were good.” Her brow furrowed, Donica stepped next to her. “Who’s Mr. Hunter?” “A substitute teacher.” Her words came out in a sing-song tone. Steffie clucked her tongue. “Something about the way you say that makes me think he’s kinda cute.” Becca couldn’t help but smile. “Not kind of. Very.” At home last night, she found herself sketching Mike Hunter. His dark hair, tapering to the top of his collar, made her want to run her fingers through its waves. She wanted to remove his black rectangular-framed glasses, peer into his dark brown eyes that sparkled when his gaze met hers. Press her lips against his and push his corduroy jacket from his shoulders. Drawing his features gave her a sense of intimacy, one she wanted to experience. Hoping the women didn’t notice, Becca fanned the warmth from her neck. Thank goodness they were too busy laughing. Since she’d been hired at The Flower Basket, the three co-owners had come to feel like her sisters. Warm. Supportive. On the days she had to bring Mom to her doctor appointments, all encouraged her not worry about them, even though the shop had attracted so much new business, they sometimes put in sixteen hours. Becca hoped to give something back. Something worthwhile.
Yesterday I finished the trailer for Design for Life, which will release on Feb. 10 from The Wild Rose Press as part of its Flower Basket Series. So what do you think?
Yay! The Wild Rose Press will release Design for Life on February 10, 2010. Two days before my birthday - nice present, huh?
Here's the story blurb: Becca Lyndon puts her dreams on hold by leaving art school to care for her ailing mom. Working full time at The Flower Basket leaves precious little time, but she squeezes in night classes at the local college. When Mike Hunter fills in as a substitute teacher, she worries about a repeat of the critical reviews he gave her work when he substituted at her high school three years earlier. His reason comes as a complete surprise, but can she trust him? Or will he disappear like her father? When that possibility looms all too real, she’s determined never to let the design for her life unravel again. Following her bliss requires work, but pays off in more ways than she ever imagined. She also learns that one door might close, but another can open—and lead to unexpected opportunities.
Today I received the beautiful cover for my Sweetheart Rose story, Design for Life. I wrote this story for the Flower Basket series, but also to encourage my youngest daughter, Becca, to follow her dreams no matter what life might throw at her. Ironic, since this week, life threw us a hugely unexpected curve ball from left field and I spent the week in the Intensive Care Unit with my husband. We were lucky that he followed his instincts and we went to the ER in time, so his heart attack was mild. A cardiac catheter’s not the most pleasant procedure, but it found 95 percent blockage in an artery, and the stent the heart surgeon implanted will prevent a future occurrence, with some diligence on our part. It’s times like these that really throw life into sharp perspective, and priorities fall immediately into line. Having my husband well enough to come home again took the number one slot, and everything else fell away. So if I owe you anything, please be patient, I’m working my way through everything. Life’s lessons can sometimes be harsh, but it’s what we take away from them that’s important. Yes, following your dreams is still important, but having someone to love who loves you equally provides the essential basis from which everything else flows and grows. Something else I hope Design for Life conveys. I’m still working on the final edits, but here’s the story blurb: Becca Lyndon puts her dreams on hold by leaving art school to care for her ailing mom. Working full time at The Flower Basket leaves precious little time, but she squeezes in night classes at the local college. When Mike Hunter fills in as a substitute teacher, she worries about a repeat of the critical reviews he gave her work when he substituted at her high school three years earlier. His reason comes as a complete surprise, but can she trust him? Or will he disappear like her father? When that possibility looms all too real, she’s determined never to let the design for her life unravel again. Following her bliss requires work, but pays off in more ways than she ever imagined. She also learns that one door might close, but another can open—and lead to unexpected opportunities.
As promised in my earlier post, here is more info about the new story contract with The Wild Rose Press. Last year, TWRP put out a call for submission in its Sweetheart Rose line for a series called The Flower Basket. Stories had to conform to series guidelines: be set in Almendra, California, and include the Flower Basket shop and its three owners. My youngest daughter's name is Rebecca Lynne, and we call her Becca, hence Becca Lyndon became the heroine. Design for Life is intended to inspire her to follow her own dreams. Becca's a very talented artist who deserves every good thing life has to offer. Below are the story blurb and excerpt. Hope to have more on this soon!
Blurb: Becca Lyndon must leave art school to care for her ailing mother. When she begins a job at The Flower Basket, her goals appear to be on hold though she’s taking night classes. Mike Hunter, her former high school art teacher, substitutes at her night class, and she panics. He made her senior year a nightmare with his constant criticism. When she learns the reason why, it comes as a complete surprise. She also learns when one door closes, another can open - and lead to unexpected opportunities.
Excerpt: “Morning, ladies!” Becca called as she closed the door behind her. With a smile, Steffie waved as she talked on the phone. Hitting the total key, Grace turned. “Hey, Becca.” Donica Laurent entered from the back of the shop. “Good morning!” The homey atmosphere in the shop always unraveled Becca’s wound nerves. Walking to the counter, she reached into her handbag, oversized to double as a briefcase to carry her art supplies. Her presentation last night had gone well, but she hoped this morning’s would surpass it. “If you have a minute, can you take a look at these designs and let me know what you think? I used them for my class project last night.” Grace laid a hand on her arm, her face alight. “Did you wow them?” Becca pulled her sketch pad out with a grin. “Not exactly. But Mr. Hunter said they were good.” Her brow furrowed, Donica stepped next to her. “Who’s Mr. Hunter?” “A substitute teacher.” Her words came out in a sing-song tone. Steffie clucked her tongue. “Something about the way you say that makes me think he’s kinda cute.” Becca couldn’t help but smile. “Not kind of. Very.” At home last night, she found herself sketching Mike Hunter. His dark hair, tapering to the top of his collar, made her want to run her fingers through its waves. She wanted to remove his black rectangular framed glasses, peer into his dark brown eyes that sparkled when his gaze met hers. Press her lips against his and push his corduroy jacket from his shoulders. Drawing his features gave her a sense of intimacy, one she wanted to experience. Becca fanned the warmth from her neck, and hoped the women didn’t notice. Thank goodness they were too busy laughing. Since she’d been hired at the Flower Basket, the three co-owners had come to feel like her sisters. Warm. Supportive. On the days she had to bring her Mom to her doctor appointments, all encouraged her not worry about them, even though the shop had attracted so much new business, they sometimes put in sixteen hours. Becca hoped to give something back. Something worthwhile.
When Becca Lyndon puts her dreams on hold, could she lose them?
Three years earlier, art teacher Mike Hunter criticized her work. When he substitutes in Becca’s night class, she’s surprised to see him again. And even more surprised when he invites her out.
When her trust in him wavers, she’s determined not to let the design for her life unravel again.
She also learns that one door might close, but another can open—and lead to unexpected opportunities.
Reviews
Ok, So I'm a softy and I love a story that gets me a warm and mushy inside and this one totally did it. I LOVE Ms Master's ability to make me feel the ups and downs along with the characters. It makes for a really good read. Sweetly Reviewed - 17.5 out of 20
I love a story with an artsy angle. Real people who remind me of my friends fill this story. Cate Masters’ novella brings in characters I felt like I knew all along and a sense of being in the small town with them. When I sat down to read this story, I found myself transported to Almendra and the Flower Basket.
If you want a story that will stick with you long after the last page, then you need to read Design For Life. Long and Short Reviews - 4 books
Ms. Masters created a heroine that was determined to see her dreams come true. Ms. Masters also gave the heroine a wonderful value system combined with supportive friends. Overall, Design For Life was a delightful read. Two Lips Reviews - 4 lips
Excerpt
The door creaked as Becca eased it open, and her stomach churned. At five foot ten, she had trouble remaining inconspicuous. Her height and auburn hair had always felt like a double whammy—the combination made her stand out in any crowd. She couldn’t risk angering Mrs. Leonard. A big percentage of her overall grade depended on the presentation. For the past month, she’d concentrated on it every spare moment, but those moments were few and far between. Tonight, she had to dazzle them.
Her classmate Andy White stood at the podium in front, his sketches on the easel, his presentation already in progress. Only a few heads turned as she slipped into her seat with a breath of relief.
Their teacher’s desk sat empty. Strange. Being eight months pregnant, Mrs. Leonard normally didn’t stray far.
On the blackboard at the front of the room, a name was scrawled in chalk—Mike Hunter. A nerve pulsed in her throat. It couldn’t be. As she scrunched in her seat, she leaned her chin against her palm and peeked through her fingers.
A few classmates partially blocked her view of the man. Perched on the windowsill, head down, he jotted notes on a pad. During her senior year of high school, another substitute teacher named Mike Hunter subbed for the art teacher who’d resigned abruptly. For five months, all her classmates talked about was Mike Hunter, in the lunch room, at the lockers, even during gym. Fresh from college, he’d accepted the position while job hunting. Every girl had a crush on the young substitute.
Every girl except Becca.
More than anyone else’s in her class, he’d focused on her sketches, and spent extra time critiquing her artwork. When she thought she’d mastered a concept, he pointed out the flaws. He seemed to have it in for her, always pushing her to do better after she’d slaved over her work. More than once, she’d grown so frustrated, she’d gone home in tears. Because of him, she almost decided against art school. For Becca, his intensity overwhelmed any charm he had. While other girls dreamed of being on the receiving end of his smile, she’d dreamed he would leave her alone.
Please don’t let it be that Mike Hunter. The extra pressure might prove too much.
With the stealth of a cat, she slid out her notepad and pen. She let her long hair fall forward and began taking notes as if she’d been there all along. Hopefully, this new teacher wouldn’t notice her tardiness. He couldn’t have memorized everyone already. To make herself less noticeable, she slumped further in her seat.
Andy droned on about his design, but she couldn’t decipher the main element out of all the jagged edges, none of which came together in a meaningful way. She glanced at her classmates, whose furrowed brows told her they were equally confused, then at the new teacher, who held a hand to his mouth as he studied Andy’s sketch with narrowed eyes.
Oh no. Her stomach clenched. The same intense eyes that used to assess her work so critically. The Mike Hunter who’d made her senior year a nightmare.
Thanks to The Wild Rose Press, which first published this ebook.
Sweetly Reviewed gave Design for Life a great review! In the reviewer's words, "Wow!" It was wonderful. A double surprise, as I wasn't expecting a review so quickly! 
