Thursday, July 28, 2016

Worry Pudding…Mama’s Secret Sauce by Nicci Carrera


Not only do we have a guest today, but she's got a Rafflecopter Drawing going on. Meet Nicci Carrera. Enjoy!
The three Cruz sisters featured in Love Caters All and Third Strike’s the Charm share a very smart and compassionate mother (who goes by “Mama.”) Whereas the first book, Love Caters All is a light confection of a story, Third Strike’s the Charm has a serious theme because Cara’s best friend has multiple sclerosis. She also happens to be her ex-boyfriend’s mom.
In this book I drew on what it felt like to help take care of my mom during the years of her disability. She didn’t have MS, she had memory loss and confusion otherwise known “dementia,” a label I dislike because I feel that it is dismissive of the person’s dignity and still significant capability.
In fact, that’s what I drew on, my passionate feelings people with disabilities are just as precious and special. Indeed those years with my mom were precious and special to me. I realized the gift at the time, and I am still warmed by those memories. There’s simply nothing like having the opportunity to care for a loved one who has special needs for experiencing unconditional love.
Cara’s and Jason’s love of Francie comes straight out of my love for my mom (who passed away in 2013).
So…what’s the worry pudding about?
After a health crisis, Cara comes home to find Mama whipping egg whites by hand. That’s a lot of work! But that’s the point. Her mama did it, Mama does it, and maybe Cara will one day too. All that elbow grease raises the endorphins and burns off the adrenaline of worry.
I hope you read the book! I’m  giving away one print copy today and a couple of gift cards, plus Third Strike’s the Charm is discounted from $5.99 to $.99 for two weeks, so I hope you give it a try and then let me know what you think on your favorite review site or shoot me an email.
Third Strike’s the Charm is the second in my Cruz sisters series and is also part of the Wild Rose Press’s Lobster Cove series. (Find out more on my website niccicarrera.com/.)
Please drop by my Facebook page to be entered in the contest. The contest runs July 28 to July 30. Good luck!
Contest Rafflecopter link:

Blurb:
Super student Cara Cruz made it all the way through her prestigious MBA program only to choke on the last final. Ordered by her advisor to take the summer off and clear her head, she’s home in Lobster Cove for some fun before retaking the exam. If she fails a second time, she will lose her dream job offer in Chicago. Meanwhile her best friend happens to be her ex-boyfriend’s mom, which means close contact with the man who broke her heart. Twice. This time she’ll protect her heart no matter the cost.
Ex-major-league baseball pitcher Jason Ward blew his money, his elbow, and his love life. Now at home taking care of his mom and working on a new life plan, he wants Cara back, but he already struck out, didn’t he? Maybe not, and now his mission is to win her back without telling her the truth about why he really came home.

Winning at love will be the only play that counts.

Excerpt from Third Strike’s the Charm:
“I found out I couldn’t go back to the majors the day of Maya’s wedding.”
She remembered his anger, the way he stormed off, how hurt she’d been at the time. “Oh no! I’m so sorry.” That news made Maya’s wedding day one of the worst of his life. “I had no idea.”
“I know. That’s why I wanted to tell you. I was in a really bad state of mind that day. I acted like such a jerk."
Her heart constricted. “The whole kiss thing was an accident, and I made it worse by not sorting it out right away. Now to find out you had that awful news hanging over your head makes me feel even worse.”

He frowned. “I overreacted.”
“Well, it’s understandable now.”
He cleared his throat, meeting her gaze. “Now that we have that cleared up, are you seeing someone?”
Did he want to try again? Her heart gave an inappropriate little bump. Remember your MBA, your new job. And remember how many times Jason disappointed you. “No. I’m not seeing anyone. I need to get my career settled before I think about anything like that.”
He frowned, and then nodded.
Buy links:

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Find Nicci on the Web here:

9 comments:

Margo Hoornstra said...

Welcome, Nicci to the Roses of Prose. Special needs sounds so much better than disabled. Challenged is a good one too. Love the suggestion about worry pudding. That makes a lot of sense. Best of luck with your latest and the series.

Barbara Edwards said...

Hi Nicci, Your series sounds fascinating. I'm adding it to my list of books to rread.
thanks for sharing.

Rolynn Anderson said...

Welcome in, Nicci. Your books sound delicious and I love how you used the experience with your mother to teach others a lesson or two about elder care. Talk about nostalgia...whipping egg whites by hand, kneading bread, canning...yup, there's something healing about those endeavors. Happy sales to you!

Jannine Gallant said...

My grandma suffered from significant short term memory loss her last few years. Tough on everyone. Best of luck with sales.

Andrea Downing said...

Good luck with the book, Nicci. I love the plot idea and it sounds like a very charming read.

Leah St. James said...

Hi, Nicci - Sorry I didn't get to stop by yesterday! My mom too suffered from some challenges that made life so difficult at times, for her and for me and my sister. I think it's great to include those types of real-life situations, even in an otherwise fun series. Best of luck with the book!

Ashantay said...

Best wishes with your latest release! and the series! Great blurb and excerpt!

Anonymous said...

Thank you all so much!! I'm sorry, my earlier comments didn't post, and I wanted to thank each of you.

Alicia Dean said...

Sorry I'm so late! I understand how you feel. My sweet momma suffers from dementia, and I am not taking care of her, but it's very sad to watch her struggle with her memory. I'm sure your story is rich with emotion. Sounds like a great read!