Saturday, March 1, 2014

LIFE SUPPORT Release Party & Book Giveaway!

*** 3:29 pm  March 7th (Kazoon toot, please!) Here are our lucky partygoing book winners: KAREN STEVENS, KELLI JO C., CHRIS GRANVILLE, BARB PEACOCK, and "SUNNYMEADOWS"! Congratultions, and thank you ALL for helping to celebrate the release of  LIFE SUPPORT! ***

Though Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook and several other sites have already "scooped" the date by a week or more, today March 1st marks the official release of my newest medical novel,
  LIFE SUPPORT.

Nurse Lauren Barclay puts life on hold to keep a watchful eye on her troubled sister. It’s why she’s back in Houston. But that means confronting the brooding Physician Assistant who caused painful turmoil in her family--and left Lauren with memories her heart can’t forget.

PA and single parent Elijah Landry is no stranger to stormy relationships, including his father, who is threatening him with a restraining order. It won’t stop Eli from protecting his disabled brother—or making peace with Lauren. He wants that and so much more.

But as Lauren and Eli draw closer, a powerful hurricane roars toward Houston. Survival instincts take priority and everything changes. Can hope weather the storm?

Someone please cue the champagne pop . . .   Thank you!


As you may know, this Houston set story is the final book in my Grace Medical series, and I am already working on the first of my three newly contracted books. But this in no way prohibits me leaving the keyboard long enough to throw a release celebration party. So let's do it!

Since Life Support's story includes a  lively Mardi Gras party, I thought we should serve slices of King Cake:

Mmm, grab a slice--and watch out for the little toy baby prize. Ah, you look great with purple sprinkles on your chin!  

And because I can't write a book without more than one sweet treat, how about we add some chocolate cherry scones from a scene at Houston's exceptional coffee spot, Ben's Beans?


Oh, and we must offer Eli Landry's brother's favorite food in the world: Blueberry Pancakes!


Yes, that works. But maybe we should have some protein, too . . . Louisiana style. Like Gumbo:


And some of those yummy salami-layered Cajun Muffuletta sandwiches:

Here, grab a napkin. And start tapping your toes. The band is starting up: 


Heads up, as soon as you finish your gumbo, it's your turn at the rub board

Now let's put some of this together with a brief snippet from LIFE SUPPORT:

***
Lauren opened the door to find festivities in full force . . . 

The air smelled of gumbo—chicken, smoky sausage, shrimp, tomatoes, peppers, garlic—spicy and pungent, but there was a bakery scent too, yeasty and sticky-sweet like frosting.  The Viettes had done an amazing job turning the homey great room into Mimaw’s version of the French Quarter in New Orleans, featuring a huge vinyl mural complete with brick walls and triple-story ironwork balconies, street signs, and even the gaudy likeness of costumed dancers and musicians. Green, purple, and gold streamers hung from the overhead beams. An elegant sequined mask was affixed to Auntie Odette’s smiling portrait. 

To say that there was music was an understatement.

The hardwood floor thrummed from speakers offering blues and jazz—saxophone, trumpet, piano—alternating with an upbeat blend of accordion and washboard: zydeco . . . 

Cyril must have caught Eli at the door, because he wore a trio of bead strings around his neck, a complete style clash with the pale striped shirt, jeans, and running shoes—all of it so different from the white coat and scrubs he wore at Houston Grace. His hair looked damp. Rain maybe, or more likely he’d showered after leaving the hospital. But even beyond the beads and casual clothes, he seemed more than a little out of his element. His dark eyes were serious as he scanned the room, taking in the decorations and the crowd.

Oh, dear . . . Lauren’s stomach did a foolish somersault as their eyes met.

***
Great food, music, romance, medical drama, and hurricane brewing! I hope that's enough to entice you to give this new story a try. In fact, by way of continuing celebration, I'm going to help that along right now.

Let's a have book giveaway!

For your chance at one of FIVE signed copies of LIFE SUPPORT, leave a comment below about our launch party (do you like gumbo, was there a prize in your king cake, have you ever danced the Cajun jig, does a good romance story make your heart flutter?). Be sure to include your e-mail address so I can contact you if your name is chosen. I'll draw the winning names (via Random.Org) on Friday March 7th and contact the lucky winners by e-mail.

Good luck to you all. And have another slice of king cake!  Wheeee (rubbing my knuckles on the washboard and tooting a kazoo): LIFE SUPPORT has released!! 

**For another chance to win a copy of this book, check out fellow author Dr. Richard M. Mabry's blog where I explain how a book release is a bit like giving birth:  RANDOM JOTTINGS, The Expectant Author **

37 comments:

Between the Pages with Katrina said...

Oh Candace, thank you for inviting me to your party. I have not eaten most of your delicious food, so I must say it's a wonderful treat. Hope you have made plenty. I have enjoyed each and everyone of your books. You have such a talent for writing a romance interlaced with suspense. Your use of imagery pulls the reader into the story. I loved this story. Wishing you much success in the release of this book.
Blessings
Katrina
eppersonkatrina@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I started reading Life Support on my Kindle today. I really need to be working in the yard but I can't put it down! It's sunny and 73 degrees here Florida. Congratulations on another great novel.

Unknown said...

Looks like my earlier comment didn't post. I Wil try again. Congratulations on the release of Life Support! I am looking forward to downloading it to my kindle tonight after work. I if do it now I will probably be late for work! Lol.carola24567@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Candace, so happy to be a part of your launch party for Life Support. I have my e-reader version so I wouldn't have to wait for it to ship, but I would love a chance to win an autographed copy. Again, thank you for all your books, they are fantastic, but most of all thank you for your friendship!

Sheila Allen
iluvpurple53@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Candace,
Thanks for inviting all of us to your Release Party!!!! Everything is Amazing, just like the book will be!!!Can't wait to get my hands on it as my niece Kristin came up with the name of it and she is thrilled with her copy!!!!!
Karen Stevens
tomandkaren84@gmail.com

Lana Schumann said...

I can't wait to read Life Support! I pre ordered it through iTunes (iBooks)! I totally love gumbo by the way!
Lana Schumann
Schumanns1@verizon.net

Mrs. H in Costa Rica 2023 said...

I can't wait to read this new book! Love your books so much!

Oh and someday I should probably visit LA and try gumbo!

dlknee (at) gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Looking at all of this makes me hungry!! Can't wait to read your new book, I own all the other ones already. Excited for this one!!

Amber

argrohs@hotmail.com

Alisa said...

Candice, you sure know how to throw a party! I think I'll have some more Gumbo. ;)

Congrats on your newest release!

Alisa

alisahofer (at) g mail . com

Anonymous said...

Great, now I'm hungry in addition to wanting to read this book. I've enjoyed seeing snippets of the work in progress in the past months and excited that release date/party are here. Congrats, Candace! Kim H in GA huletthouse at mchsi dot com

Gail Fuhlman said...

Yes I have eaten most of the delicious foods, I am a southern woman. Also I have to say that I have enjoyed watch and every one of your books. I can't wait to read this new book in this series. So congratulation on another great novel!

Jennie W said...

I'm actually reading Trauma Plan right now! I've already read Rescue Team, so am excited that Life Support is out!

Your questions:
do you like gumbo - no

was there a prize in your king cake - I've never had king cake? Does this make me bad?

have you ever danced the Cajun jig - no one wants to see me dance!

does a good romance story make your heart flutter? - oh, yes...I as actually just giggling maniacally at one....:)

Looking forward to checking out all the food at the "party!"

Jennie
weber(dot)jennie(at)gmail(dot)com

Judi Questel said...

Candace - a huge congrats on the release! Just finished Rescue Team and look forward to delving into Life Support. While not a fan of gumbo, I love King Cake. Dancing is best done with no one else looking, apparently I do such a bad job of it that one of my Golden retrievers thinks there must be something wrong with me and she has to try and stop me. Guess the best thing would be to curl up on the couch with her and a copy of Life Support. :)

Judi Questel
bonefeathers@yahoo.com

Jen said...

Looking forward to reading another one of your books! Although I'm sure it will mean that less work gets done or there are going to be a few less hours of sleep :) but totally worth it when its one of your books... Congratulations on the release!
jking23(at)kent(dot)edu

Bonnie Roof said...

Hi, Candace!!

What delightful treats!! But then, you entice me every day with the delicious food pics you post on Facebook, also!!

I've been to Louisiana for a wedding, and had gumbo at the reception - but have never been to New Orleans (which I would love to visit), and never had King cake - which I would love to try!! The scones sound delish also!!

Would love to read "Life Support"- good-looking doctors, romance, troubled relationships, and the excitement of a weather disaster - sounds like another wonderful book!! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!!

bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

Kelli Jo said...

First of all, congratulations on your latest release!! The party has been great! The King Cake is delicious! I'm not sure I don't see the baby's toes sticking out of my cake... I recently went to a Creole concert - they also played a little Cajun - it was really fun. Can't wait to read Life Support!!

Kellijo23@gmail.com

Lorin said...

PARTEEEEEE!!!! Thanks for z vittles! I haven't had a muffaletta in decades! YUM!
One more congrats to add to yer list missy. You are more than amaaaazing. So happy to help you celebrate! hugs!

RennieL77 said...

Whoohoo what a fun release party!!
I love your books and of course can't wait to get my hands on this one!!

Congratulations on another job well done!

rdotson113002@gmail.com
++Rennie++

Anonymous said...

Very happy to be a part of your party. I'm not a gumbo fan, and have never had a piece of King Cake, but that Muffuletta sandwich looks pretty good-and I'm always ready for some good chocolate! Looking forward to reading Life Support!

imabrassy1@yahoo.com said...

Love the idea for the book. Can't wait to read it. I've never gotten the baby. Can't eat gumbo as I'm allergic to okra and seafood. I've never danced to Cajun music. Yes I like a good love story. I've finally gotten my church library to start carrying your books so others can read them. Would love to have an autographed copy.

imabrassy1@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Anxious to read your book. Have read your other Grace Medical Books
Sorry have not tried your exotic foods......Have crazy allergies......Dont want to end up at a hospital..........Your writing is truly appreciated,,,,,,,,Please have a terrific,wonderful,blessed day
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet

Patty said...

Everything looks great, especially the blueberry pancakes. Thanks for inviting us all to join in your celebration!

pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

Barb Peacock said...

Candace, I am so excited you have a new book out! Your party is wonderful; I especially enjoyed the king cake. Best of luck with this new book, and your next series, too.
May God bless you as you continue to use your talents for Him!
Barb
bpeacock25189(at)att(dot)net

Unknown said...

Hi, Candace. Looks like you're having quite a party. I'd be thrilled to win a copy of your new book. Please count me in. Blessings!

bizzysyb[at]gmail[dot]com

karenk said...

Candace,

I LOVE your launch party...thanks for the invitation...I'll take a huge helping of blueberry pancakes, please.

Looking forward to reading your latest novel, too :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

CandaceCalvert said...

I'm having SUCH fun reading your comments, friends--and seeing y'all in those feathered party masks!
KATRINA: A joy to see you here.
MARCY: Hope you are enjoyed the book!
CAROL: I have to smile: you've just won this book on Inspy Romance!
SHEILA: Hello, friend--and best of luck with the drawing!
KAREN: Yes, I'm SO happy with the title Kristin gave this book.
LANA: Here's some gumbo, friend. And thank you for ordering the I-book version of Life Support
DENISE: So glad to see you here--have a kazoo!

CandaceCalvert said...

AMBER: So glad you could come to the party, friend.
ALISA: There you are! More gumbo and a muffuletta sandwich coming up.
KIM: It's been such fun sharing snippets of the story AND such a relief to finally have the whole story ready for readers.
GAIL: Thank you for the kind words--I love knowing a Southern Woman will read this Houston book. Yes ma'am.
JENNIE: You're right on schedule for this book then and, trust me, this romance will make you giggle and sigh.
JUDI: I'm SO laughing at the image of your dog stopping you from dancing--I had a Lab who used to try and save me from our pool when I swam.
JEN: I wish I could say I regret interrupting your task list with my hopeful stories, but . . . ;-)
BONNIE: I've never been to New Orleans either, or even to Ben's Beans in Houston where I snagged the cherry chocolate scones for a scene. Such is fiction! Glad to see you here, friend!
KELLI JO! You found the King Cake baby! I think . . . that means you have to bring the cake for the next party. :-)
LORIN: So good to see you hear, friend. Yes, most of the menu is off my diet list, but I do love the festivities--hear, try your hand at the rub board!
RENNIE: (waving) Have another slice of cake!
CHRIS: Yes, please, let's keep your hospital visits FICTIONAL. Thank you for coming to my release party, friend.

CandaceCalvert said...

PATTY: Yes, more blueberry pancakes all round. When you read Life Support you'll see how they fit into the story.
BARB: Thank you for the kind words, my friend--I'm excited to share this new story.
SYBIL: Welcome! Best of luck with the book drawing!
KAREN: More pancakes coming--fresh berries AND blueberry syrup. Good to see you here.

Sunnymeadows said...

So excited for you on the release of your new book! I'm really looking forward to getting to read it soon. Cherry chocolate scones sound delicious! Appreciate all your hard work--your stories are always good and always keep me focused on the goodness God.

sunnymeadows@gmx.com

Merry said...

It has been a while since I've been to a LA party... I love the shrimp, low country boil and my children(when small) loved stringing the Mardi Gras beads from one end of their grandparents' home to the other. :)
I'm excited about Life Support coming out!
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

Becia said...

For my birthday, my friends and I discovered this place in downtown Columbus Ohio called Da Leeve, which was the closest I've come to GOOD cajun in ages. The crawfish ettouffe was so amazingly good. I love and miss crawfish (up here in Ohio, its called bait, lol.)

Love your books. The vivid pictures you paint with words get me all caught up, and when you place them in my homestate of Texas, I feel like I'm at home again. Can't wait to read the new release!

Becia

rebecca.mcclaskey@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

The party was great, Candy. Thank you for inviting me. I loved the blueberry pancakes!

Lynn Byer
byerfam@gmail.com

Jeanne Crea jcrea@comcast.net said...

Thank you for inviting us to your launch party! Such a fun party! The chocolate and cherry scones sound delicious! I know where I will be starting in the food line, then I'll meander over to the pancakes before I try some of your other delicious sounding food! I can't wait to read this next book. I am a new fan of yours and have read 5 of your books since January! I cannot wait to read LIFE SUPPORT and see how the story ends. Thank you for the chance to win a signed copy!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the invite. The food looks tasty although I'm not a huge fan of Gumbo. I am excited about the new series :) Once again thanks for giving us inspiration medical stories that make the heart melt.

Pamela said...

OH I hope I'm not too late!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your books & look forward to reading this one!! (won or bought they are incredibly worth it!). Lovin' your launch par-tay food!! Mmmm, mmm good!!
Pamela

CandaceCalvert said...

Whee, it's been SUCH a fun party--thank you ALL for coming. Now, by random number generator, here our our lucky winners: KAREN STEVENS, KELLI JO CALVERT, CHRIS GRANVILLE, BARB PEACOCK, AND "SUNNYMEADOWS"!

Anonymous said...

I have never had gumbo or anything Cajun but I do like the smells coming from your party. How exciting! Can I have another piece of cake? I am so thrilled to have a chance to read another one of your books! Congratulations, deb meyer MDeborah53@aol.com