It was a fabulous tour arranged by the lovely Sharon Goodwin from Fiction Addiction Book Tours. We trended on Twitter thanks to everyone who joined in on a mad night of fun I will always remember. I also visited some wonderful reviewers who said some very lovely things about Never Alone. Although it is essentially a love story, it was written to make the reader think – there are a multitude of subtle clues along the way … however, what I wasn’t prepared for was the reaction. It’s wonderful when readers ‘connect’ and a story rings true with them, making them think about their own lives and ‘what if?’ And that’s the essence of this story!

The competition involved Tweeting and RT with the #NeverAlone tag or commenting on one of the hosting websites. I’m delighted to say the first and second prize winners in the random draw was:

1st Prize – a ‘romantic’ evening pack plus a signed paperback copy of Never Alone

Johanna Whiting – @jojokitten

2nd Prize – a signed paperback copy of Never Alone

Amanda Nason @AmandaNason1

Congratulations to the winners and thank you so much to everyone who joined in to make it an amazing launch! Spot prizes of ecopies went to the following people – if you are on the list and you haven’t yet claimed your prize, email me at lbhalton@googlemail.com:-

Melinda Gail

Erin Al Mehairi

Kate Verrier

Ashleigh Gunter

Evelyn Chong

Donna Trinder

Natalie Field

Amanda Nason

BeasBookNook

Sue Watson

Suzie Tullett

Kat Duncan

Petra Rovere

Dana Mason

Joan Hill

Stacy H

Michelle Connor

Tobi Helton

Danica Page

Joff Gainey

The fun thing about being a writer is that you meet such a lot of interesting people along the way. A HUGE thank you to everyone who emailed me after reading Never Alone to tell me how it affected them and to share their own unique ‘what if’ stories. For me that is what writing is all about – connecting with the readers. As a new writer this feedback is invaluable, so if you want to chat just drop me a line!

Most of the lovely reviews are on Amazon, and here are two that will give you a feel for this story:

jontybabe reviewed Never Alone wow!                 7 February 2013                     Holly has it all. She’s very beautiful and has a great job as an estate agent in the family business. It’s a job she is good at and actually enjoys. She lives in a lovely apartment with a gorgeous boyfriend who is making it big in the computer industry. She has a lovely and affluent family and a new luxurious lifestyle on the horizon. What more could a girl ask for? However, Holly’s life is about to be turned upside down whenever she visits a house in Bisley Rise.                      Holly experiences something utterly terrifying that leaves her questioning her own sanity! Holly has always known she had an `intuitive gene’ and could sense things that no-one else could. She’s inherited this from her father and grandmother. Previously able to put this sixth sense to the back of her mind and her life, Holly now finds that her `gift’ is determined to re-emerge even more heightened that before! Holly constantly feels she is being watched by some unseen forces and has some frightening experiences. Experiences that leave her shaken, fearful and uncertain about her future. Will Holly’s rediscovered gift alter the course of her destiny? Will those she loves be understanding and supportive or encourage her to hide her abilities? Support, love and guidance come in unexpected forms for Holly and she must determine whether the life she has been leading really is her true destiny. Is her fate to be determined by her or other forces? I absolutely adored Linn B Halton’s new book. The characters were well developed and it was interesting to see Holly evolve throughout the book. Some of the situations Holly finds herself in are pretty spine-tingling and on occasion I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck prickle! This is a well-thought out and extremely clever plot with a twist that the reader will not expect! A perfect read for those dark winter nights! For those interested in the paranormal this is the book for you. Whilst the subject matter focuses on psychic abilities, it is a story of mysteries and twists and turns that leaves the reader fearful for Holly and desperate to find out where her life is going!  It’s a book that’s hard to put down. Written from Holly’s viewpoint, it offers an interesting take on the ethical difficulties faced by those with a `gift.’ It is a book that won’t disappoint!

Miss K. Maclennan “I Heart Books” reviewed Never Alone WOW                 4 February 2013                     Holly seemingly has it all, a gorgeous partner, a glamorous lifestyle and she is happy, until her psychic gift is unleashed. Suddenly Holly is seeing things in a different light, is she on the right path and can her gift lead her in the right direction? The premise of the book sounded like something I’ve never read before and when I closed that last page I was left shocked. The story is one with many twists and turns, one that has the most unexpected of endings. With some wonderful characters such as Holly’s best friend, you will leave the story feeling as though you’ve just said goodbye to friends. The emotion is felt within every page. I loved the fact that this book looks at the paths you take in life and the effect decisions can have on the impact of things and your imprint in life, its a wonderful thought provoking read, that really will put a new spin on what if?

Is there a ‘what if’ in YOUR life? If there is, there is still time to take that step … don’t leave it until it’s too late!

Publishing a book where the reader decides how they interpret the clues that lead up to the grand finale, is a risk. Never Alone launches today and begins a month-long Book Tour hosted by the fabulous Fiction Addiction Book Tours. The advance review copies went out at the beginning of December 2012 and I’m understandably anxious. Authors don’t always know the people reviewing their books and reviewers know their stuff! They are professional and get through an incredible amount of reading. They are in a position to judge, whereas in my case I find it hard to get a perspective on anything I’ve written. I’m simply too close to see the wood for the trees. It might be my fifth book, but I’m still a newbie. Let’s have the conversation…

Me: OK – you laughed there!

You: Why write five manuscripts in one go when you had no reader feedback at all to guide you?

Me: Ah, you think I was over-confident. I had a passion to write and didn’t want to stop…

You: Common sense is under-rated these days. So why push it that extra step and ‘test’ the reader with Never Alone?

Me: It seemed like a good idea at the time…

Now, I don’t want to give out spoilers and to be honest, I’ve only seen two of the reviews so far and a couple of one-liners for advance feedback. But I have permission to share one reader‘s thoughts in detail (taking out spoilers) and a fellow author’s reaction…

Erin (reader/reviewer) said: “Yowsers!!  What an ending!  I was not expecting that in the least!  I want to let it sink in a little more….what I can say, as my first reactions/feelings, which I think is important, is that I have hardly thought of anything else since I read it….that’s a good thing I think.  In fact, I want to re-read it to make sure I didn’t miss any ‘hints’…I already re-read the ending right after I finished.

This story is definitely going to affect each person differently that’s for sure….and I also think that’s a good thing!  I went from being entertained by a good story to suddenly thinking of my own life and the choices I made and what could have been different if I made different choices. Some people, I think, would not want to look that closely at their lives or never had ‘if only I didn’t choose that way’ or ‘what if’ moments like I have. See, I’m still thinking…  So, these are just my first reactions and thoughts… like I said on my FB status…thought provoking…”

That email stopped me in my tracks – have I asked too much of the reader? Is it confusing? Then a fellow author, Katie Mettner, put an early review up on Amazon, here is an extract:

“The reader is immediately hooked and it doesn’t let go until the very end, which I did NOT see coming! ….. You will fall in love with Holly and her family as you get a very intimate look into their lives. You will be sure you know exactly how this will end, only to have such a twist thrown in at the end your mouth will be hanging open, I know mine was!”

What I can say, is that there are three ways of interpreting this story – there are subtle clues throughout the book. There isn’t one ‘correct’ conclusion and even if you miss all of the clues, the finale is the finale, regardless to how you get there.

I think Erin was spot-on when she said that “This story is definitely going to affect each person differently..”. It was fun to write because obviously as I started each new manuscript I was gaining in confidence and stretching my imagination – and this was no. 5. Whilst I had no idea what real, gutsy readers would think – I never lost sight of the fact that I wanted to stretch the mind of the reader as well as pushing myself as a writer.

Without readers, authors would not exist. As a writer I listen to feedback (the more, the merrier) and try to learn from it. In fact, I ended The Quintessential Gemini (manuscript no.3, published by Sapphire Star Publishing) with a rhetorical question. I was on Twitter one day and two readers were talking about the ending and what happened next. Next? I’d made an assumption, which has taught me a lesson and I’m now writing the sequel – The Quintessential Astrologer to finish off the story (hopefully) to the satisfaction of the readers.

Amazon.co.uk (buy) ebook £0.96p, paperback £7.19p
Amazon.com (buy) ebook $1.55, paperback $12.99

Click on the badge for Book Tour details and see below for the competition:

And the prizes….

Never Alone is a story about a young woman who has doubts she’s on the right path, as her ‘perfect’ life unravels. Do you have a ‘what if…’ moment? Some point where you had two choices and one decision to make?

Share your ‘what if’ here, or at loveahappyending.com or on any of the participating websites listed over at Fiction Addiction Book Tours for your chance to be a winner!

‘What if…’ entries via comments to any of the blogs taking part – winners will be announced on 18 February 2013.

I’m doing a fab splash around some wonderful blogs and websites to celebrate a brand new shiny cover, hot off the press. This story is full of heart and a young woman, Holly Atherton, who doesn’t want to say ‘yes’ to having that wedding ring placed on her finger. Even though Will is the love of her life and absolutely gorgeous!

Never Alone is being released on 16th January 2013 and it’s a story of true love, but as we all know the path is never easy. Keep reading to find out how you can win an advance copy to be sent out in December 2012. The wonderful Fiction Addiction Book Tours have arranged a whirlwind virtual tour in Jan/Feb check out the details here.

Before I tell you all about Holly’s story I wanted to share some of the tips my wonderful hosts have shared with me for keeping a partner happy. Of course, I couldn’t ask that question if I wasn’t prepared to spill the beans myself….

Set aside ‘together’ time, whether that’s an evening out or a short-break away, as long as it’s romantic! Think of it as a date, or if you are going away together re-kindling your ‘affair’. Don’t let life get in the way!

So, hot off the press, this is what some of them had to share:

Author Richard Holmes: It’s important to pay your partner genuine compliments on a regular basis, so they know they are appreciated.  It also shows that you take notice and helps to keep their confidence high and maintain happiness.

Author Stephanie Keyes: Always be open and honest and communicate how you feel respectfully. If you have an open line of communication it makes your relationship stronger. Pouting and repression are highly overrated. Just talk it out!

Lou Graham, Book Reviewer: Make sure you laugh together everyday, show interest in what each other have been doing that day and most of all, never have any secrets. Didn’t they say in the film The Love Story … Love means never having to say you’re sorry!

Author Janice Horton: I think the way to keep your man happy is to appreciate him – and tell him so. Make him feel like a hero!

Shaz Jera, Book Reviewer: Give him all the space he needs and respect who he is so that he can be himself around you. Don’t try to change him. Don’t stifle him.

Author Nicky Wells: Recognize the inner child in your man, and treat him accordingly. Thank him for and praise his achievements when he tries helping out around the house or in the kitchen (and for God’s sake don’t let him see you go round after him doing the job properly!!), and let the little temper tantrums and niggles wash right over you.

Author Patricia Sands: As important as it is to maintain individual interests, enjoying a sport or hobby together adds another dimension to a relationship.

Author Kit Domino: Give your man freedom and space to for his own hobbies and interests and don’t nag him to come everywhere and do everything with you.

Author Sheryl Browne: Look like you’re having fun at the away-game rugby matches.  OK, so you’re standing in a crowd or raucous, roaring men.  You’ve got goose-pimpled thighs, you can’t feel your feet, and your ice-cold beer is going straight through you.  On the plus side, the thighs on the field are not bad – and give your man mince pies and mulled wine at a boxing day match and he’ll think he is Heaven and you are an angel!

Kim The Bookworm Nash, Book Reviewer: Always let them think they’re the boss even if they’re not !

Author Mandy Baggot: In my experience, the way to keep your man happy is to never forget they are a completely different breed of human. They get grumpy if we don’t talk their language (usually short, uncomplex sentences without hidden meanings work best.) They aren’t interested in shoes or handbags (not the straight ones anyway), the only dance you’re ever going to get them to do will involve a slow tempo and Lionel Richie, they are programmed to NEVER let go of the remote control and beer is needed as much as air to survive. Do not expect them to know what you mean by subtle hints – their brain doesn’t work that way! If you want that new dress don’t bother leaving the Next catalogue on the arm of the chair (next to the remote control) because the first thing your man will do is flick to the sports shoes section. Keep it simple! So that’s Lady B’s advice – remember your man is different and different is good – most of the time!

Great advice for Holly gentleman and ladies (thanks Richard!), but what exactly is going wrong with her relationship in Never Alone?

Holly Atherton has a seemingly perfect life, until suddenly it all beings to unravel. She has spent her life living up to other people’s expectations of her, trying to please them.

She has it all – the affluent family who dote on her, a job she loves in her father’s business, and the perfect boyfriend.

Will is a successful entrepreneur and they are about to start enjoying a lifestyle many can only dream about. His latest business deal will see them with homes in the UK and Los Angeles.

But what if you wake up one morning and find yourself wondering whether the path you are on is the one you are supposed to be taking? Is she too caught up in pleasing her parents and Will to take her future into her own hands?

When Holly’s psychic sensitivity begins to surface she doesn’t know how to handle it. Vivid dreams seem too real to ignore and she finds herself ‘talking’ to Nick, the recently deceased brother of her best friend, Celia.

Just having someone to whom she can offload what she’s feeling helps and she feels happier moving forward with Will into their exciting new future and all seems well… the rest is coming soon!

TAKE PART – Thank you for helping me to celebrate this cover reveal. Simply leave your TOP TIP for keeping your man happy here, or on one of the particpating blogs. I’ll be Tweeting and FBing links to all the lovely blog hosts between 28 Nov and 2 Dec 6 names will be randomly selected from all of the blogs taking part (catch them on Twitter) to receive an advance ecopy of Never Alone in December 2012.

Festive wishes to everyone! Linn

To find out more about author Linn B Halton:

Website
A loveahappyending.com author
Signed by:http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/linnbhalton
Twitter: @LinnBHalton
Facebook: Linn B Halton
Romantic Novelists’ Association page

Amazon.co.uk (buy)
Amazon.com (buy)