The Chapman Files #1
Harlequin Superromance
September 2010
On Sale: September 1, 2010
Featuring: Jane Hamilton; Brad Manchester
256 pages ISBN: 0373716567 EAN: 9780373716562 Paperback Add to Wish List
Jane’s rule about marriage: if at first you don’t succeed,
don’t try again
A bigamist ex-husband, an anonymous stalker, a murder
inquiry. Magazine editor Jane Hamilton is not having a good
month. But with the support of her best friend, Brad
Manchester, she’s coping—until they become lovers and Brad
complicates things even more by proposing marriage. Brad
understands Jane’s fears, but he’s ready for a wife and
family, ready to move forward. Especially when he finds out
she’s pregnant with his child.
I grew up in a very small town. Everyone knew everything about each other. No locks on your doors, you walked everywhere. I think I like big city better. (Pat Wilson 9:38am June 9, 2010)
Small towns feel neighborly, because you know or get to know everybody's business. I grew up in a town of 13,000 and it didn't seem that big. (Alyson Widen 9:39am June 9, 2010)
After many years of corporate moves to large cities, the peace and quiet and slow pace of small towns is a joy. No neighbor's house within five-feet next door to you is the best perk. Facts of life are going to be with us -- drugs, petty crimes, etc., but there is just a safer feeling when you actually know your neighbors and they keep an out for anything that seems out of the ordinary.
However, being within 20 miles of med centers and malls is also nice, but man -- the traffic getting there vs. a rush hour of maybe 20 cars in small thow. That's the best-of-the best! (Betty Cox 10:02am June 9, 2010)
Whoops -- should have proofed my post. "a small thow??" how about small town traffic and neighbors keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary (Betty Cox 10:04am June 9, 2010)
I also grew up in a small town. I have lived in both small towns an big cities. There is so much good about both ways of life. I like the pace of life in the small towns, but the cities have so much to offer. We lived in suburban DC for 5 years. We took advantage of it when we were there and our kids were the perfect age. We go back now to take in what we missed because it wouldn't appeal to the kids or what is new since we left. I like the sound of your new series. Best of luck with it. (Patricia Barraclough 10:25am June 9, 2010)
Sorry, but I don't consider 12,000 a small town. I grew up in a town with less than 200 (counting the dogs and cows). The only traffic jam was when one of the farmers would drive his tractor to the local garage. (Karin Tillotson 12:10pm June 9, 2010)
I also live in a very community outside a small town(5000) and would not trade it for the world. (Lisa Richards 1:48pm June 9, 2010)
Ialso live is a really small town and at times it is great and at times it is not so great that is if you do NOT want all to know you whole life. (Vickie Hightower 4:02pm June 9, 2010)
A small community can be very isolating if the locals shut you out. I think you need to be born into it. (Mary Preston 4:35pm June 9, 2010)
It is sometimes very difficult for newcomers to a small town, to be accepted. (Diane Sadler 7:15pm June 9, 2010)
I have never lived in a small town but I want to read about Chandler, Ohio. I'm sure that I will find that the place and the people are worth knowing. (Rosemary Krejsa 8:28pm June 9, 2010)
After living in the city for all of my life, I now live in a small town. I wouldn't change it for the world!! I now wake up to the sound of the birds and the roosters instead of sirens. We have only one traffic signal. People wave and smile to each other instead of flipping you off and swearing. I can smell fresh air instead of smog. Sure, some things may be a bit of an inconvenience, but I wouldn't change the tranquility for anything in the world!! (Peggy Roberson 9:23pm June 9, 2010)
It's hard to go to a small community that is all established and you weren't apart of it then. My Grandmother lived in a small town where everyone knew everyone. I would go to stay there in the summers. I found even though we lived over the newspaper right on main street during those times. I felt horribly alone much of the time. The people hanging on the street who were my age were not friendly to me an outsider. (Brenda Rupp 11:58pm June 9, 2010)
I'm definitely a city girl but I love reading books with small town settings. (Jacqueline Cook 11:12pm June 10, 2010)
I don't feel so alone in my small town isolation now! I guess part of it is what you're used to, too. And what you notice around you. I don't notice smog in the city, I notice the life going on around me. For me, being in the city was nice because I could go about my business without being stared at or talked about. Also, to be fair, my big city is Phoenix, Arizona (I'm moving back in the fall - YEAH!!!) and in Arizona, the natural beauty is so compelling it outshines big city and small town. The mountains own the state and when you're there, you know it. No matter what kind of day I was having, I could always step outside, commune with the mountains, and all would be well. Or at least better enough to give me the strength to move forward. (Tara Taylor Quinn 10:16am June 14, 2010)
When I need to know something for sure, I go on a walk and try to be near water. Both restore a sense of wonder and inspiration and I find that my peotry reflects back what is in the present and what I put in place to surround myself. (Alyson Widen 2:26pm July 9, 2010)
My daughter runs to calm down - I walk! I think it would be hard to not put a bit of yourself in your books. (Karin Tillotson 2:30pm July 9, 2010)
What struck me about your blog today was the fact that we have to be on guard about evil people regardless of where we are. I had my purse snatched when I was just walking across a parking lot going to the grocery store. Since the purse had two straps, both of which were over my left arm, the assailant drug me with them and my left arm and leg were injured. I don't know if the straps finally broke or if he cut them. I was holding onto a small child with my right hand, so couldn't use it in any way. A friend of mine had her purse stolen from her car while she was visiting her husband's grave at the cemetery. You don't realize what all you have in your purse until you lose it, nor how much trouble it is to replace the items. (Gladys Paradowski 2:37pm July 9, 2010)
When I walk I sort out my life. It's very calming & invigorating at the same time. (Mary Preston 6:27pm July 9, 2010)
That was a very big step to take to reveal so much of yourself in your blog, but yet it felt cozy on this end to know how much of yourself goes into your characters!! I feel that everyone has something they do to relax or to center themselves. I knit to relax and shut out the world around me. When I need some direction, I usually pray and ask for guidance, or take a walk by the waters' edge, getting myself immersed in looking for beach glass or shells. Just looking at nature seems to clear my head and give me the answers I'm seeking. Ask your Guardian Angels for protection while you're skating. I worry about you skating in that area. It doesn't sound too safe. You need to skate around more people, like in a park. (Peggy Roberson 9:28pm July 9, 2010)
If I'm confused or upset, I wash dishes. It gives me a feeling of normalcy but allows my mind to process my feelings and emotions. (Rosemary Krejsa 9:29pm July 9, 2010)
I like to go outside and work in the garden. I feel closer to God then and feel as if I can sort things out there. (Brenda Rupp 10:44pm July 9, 2010)
I enjoy brisk walks on the beach in whatever weather (and in CA, it's mostly foggy and cold this time of year).
When in doubt, take something that can be used as a weapon with you but only if you can really use it. Otherwise, it can be taken away and used against you. I take hand weights when I walk in my neighborhood for exercise; I could work on my arms and upper body while knowing that a 3-lb weight can hurt if thrown or used to deck an attacker (or trip him up if he runs after me). (S Tieh 11:23pm July 9, 2010)
I ENJOY WALKING, BIKEING, YOGA AND WORKING IN MY GARDEN. (Vickie Hightower 12:17pm July 10, 2010)
I think it would be hard not to have a part of you or what you know show up in your books. It is natural. The old saying, Write what you know, would certainly reflect that. I am watching for your books. Best of luck with the rest of the series. (Patricia Barraclough 12:43pm July 10, 2010)
When I'm Troubled or worried about something,I walk and make a list in my mind trying to put things on order of importance. If things get too heavy to handle,I just talk to my maker,I am not very religious but there are some things that can't be handled alone. (George Zimmerman 1:09pm July 10, 2010)
I bake or take it out on the eliptical, depends on my mood :) When you give so much or yourself with writing it it natural to have an outlet of opposite nature...skating. PS I like your glam shot and then the skater look complete with ipod and helmet - which EVERYONE should be wearing when they go. (Darci Paice 2:53pm July 10, 2010)
Great comments! I notice that most of us go to nature in some form to find our deeper selves. I don't think that's a coincidence.
I don't ever skate alone. Haven't for several years. My husband is an avid skater as well. We recently returned from a cross country skate in upstate Michigan. It was scary, but for a different reason! We'd just heard there was a cougar loose in the area! (Tara Taylor Quinn 4:45pm July 12, 2010)
As crazy as it may sound, I hope on my rider mower. I can spend hours riding around and around in a circle, cutting wide swatches or narrow bands and lose myself to outside noises. I tend to go almost in a dreamlike state where I there but I'm not. I write conversations or whole chapters over and over in my head. (Lisa Richards 7:43am July 15, 2010)
I actually have someone that everytime I "talk" mostly thru email these days, she makes me believe I can overcome the obstacles in my life. She has been a life long friend and I do know why. She is an amazing person. It's great when we have someone that can do that for us. (Vicki Hancock 11:32am August 9, 2010)
News of more than one marriage at a time has been on the increase. Your book can shed some truth lights on this intriguing bad boy habit. (Alyson Widen 1:29pm August 9, 2010)
What a wonderful blog post, and not just because of the kind words about us FF staff. We all need the special folks who keep giving us uplifting reminders that we can overcome whatever life throws at us. Thanks again to TTQ for saying it so eloquently! (Mindy Ewing 1:40pm August 9, 2010)
Thank you so much Tara. I write reviews for Fresh Fiction. I am isolated in my 'real' life and being part of the family Sarah and the rest have created makes me less so. Thank you for so beautifully expressing what is in my heart. (Diana Troldahl 2:05pm August 9, 2010)
Your book sounds great and I hope to read it soon (Vickie Hightower 3:31pm August 9, 2010)
This is amazing! I'm glad you got to experience Sara Reyes and the Fresh Fiction staff as I did when I first got the internship. It's been great fun and they not only know what they are doing, they care.
I can't wait to read your book! (Becky Pena 4:30pm August 9, 2010)
Can't say that I've met someone this week that changed my life or made a difference.
I must say, those four book covers are amazing! (Cynthia Netherton 6:32pm August 9, 2010)
I'm thrilled you had a great week. That's how memories are made. (Mary Preston 7:03pm August 9, 2010)
I wish I could have met some of you! (Diane Sadler 7:09pm August 9, 2010)
I've never really met anyone who changed my life unless you count my hubby and kids. (Lisa Richards 7:19pm August 9, 2010)
When I read the blog and saw I was mentioned I felt really special, and since I've been sick since returning from RWA it was quite the boost I needed to be included in some great comments about Sara and all that she and FF do.
Today I was sorting my cards and what not that I got at RWA and had two magnets of your bookcovers. I was pretty excited about that. Thought about putting one up at work, but decided my boss might not like it, so put it back in my purse to bring home and put on my fridge and the fridge my husband uses for his Diet Mt. Dew! (Sandi Shilhanek 7:23pm August 9, 2010)
By reading the posts this week, I could tell that Fresh Fiction was one big happy family!! It's always good to have someone in your corner who can give you that extra "push," when you're on your last ounce of adrenaline. I've been there, and know how it feels. It's also good to pay it forward when you can. I heard it comes back to you tenfold. God bless you, Tara!! It looks like God is starting to pay it back in bits and pieces already!! (Peggy Roberson 9:13pm August 9, 2010)
I agree so totally! I usually like reading at night to relax and get frustrated when I don't get any reading done over the week-end. But, this week-end, my BFF came down for a visit from Michigan and we just hang out and had such a great time. We stayed up late and slept in and I feel wonderful! (Molly Wilsbacher 10:15pm August 9, 2010)
Not this week, but my old boss was one of those people. When she hired me, she outlined what needed to be done and then opened the door to let me do whatever else I could. Working in a small library is exciting, frustrating, and in this case was wonderful. I got to know and work with some great people. I got to develop and implement new programs. We had an eight year run where she took the library from one that had about 20 patrons a day and no out reach to one with 150+ patrons most days and many in house and outreach programs. Our library was known in the region for doing much with a small budget. It was because of the dedication of the employees. She retired and things changed as they tend to. Small town politics kicked in. The vision for the library took a 180 degree shift. It is now a building with books and no soul. My programs were cut 2 weeks after she left. I was relieved of my job. Both of which my old boss later told me she expected. It was nice to be able to spread my wings and see what we could do. I am finding much of my self-image was tied to that job. I am now trying to redirect my energy. There are a lot of projects to get caught up on. My old boss calls every few weeks to talk and see how things are going. She now lives 8 hours away. We all need friends that encourage us to be everything we are capable of. We all need that pep talk every once in a while. (Patricia Barraclough 10:26pm August 9, 2010)
Thanks everyone! I loved reading about the special people in your lives - it intensifies the sense that we all can contribute to the source of energy that sustains us. Like there's this big pool and sometimes we tap into it and share it with others. And sometimes someone else taps into it and shares it with us. I've discovered that I need that pool more vitally than I need food or air or water. I need the energy that flows among us and between us to sustain me.
Talking here is so much more than just time on the internet or social interchange or even an enjoyable past time. It's a source of the energy we need to take the next breath. The next step.
Whew, and now I guess you all know why I write deep books!
And Gwen, four books back to back keeps my head occupied! After I spoke with you I was offered the opportunity to write three more, back to back. I accepted, of course! (Tara Taylor Quinn 8:16am August 10, 2010)
Yes, I have recently met someone who is encouraging me and she is already playing an important role in my life. (Gladys Paradowski 9:18pm August 10, 2010)
cool book covers! I had a week I wouldn't repeat for anything it's been a bad one! (Brenda Rupp 10:39pm August 10, 2010)
I agree, the FF group is awesome. (Maria Munoz 10:02am August 11, 2010)
Brenda,
Sorry to hear about your bad week. A couple of friends of mine had bad weeks, too, in two separate parts of the country. I hope you all three fare better this week. (Tara Taylor Quinn 3:10pm August 11, 2010)
What a worthwhile endeavor. Thank You (Kimberley Coover 4:51pm August 22, 2010)
I have read several of your books and love them all. Thanks for the good reads. (Sharon Baker 2:16pm August 23, 2010)
Sharon,
Thank you for reading them!! (Tara Taylor Quinn 10:22am August 25, 2010)
great author (Gloria Walshver 5:37pm September 3, 2010)
Hope to learn something more about this author and her books. The stories would probably pull me in. (Barbara Shelton 3:01pm September 15, 2010)
It's an important organization and you should be proud of yourselves for helping in any way. (Diane Sadler 3:17pm September 17, 2010)
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