Book Review: "That's (Not Exactly) Amore" by Tracey Bateman and Book Giveaway!

Contest is closed - see first post for the winner!

I'm giving away THREE books today: The Entire Drama Queens Series by Tracie Bateman! This includes today's books plus the first two books in the series Catch a Rising Star and You Had Me at Goodbye. Leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win. I'll pick a name and announce the winner on Wednesday, August 20. US addresses only. Good luck!



This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

That's (Not Exactly) Amore

FaithWords (August 14, 2008)

by

Tracey Bateman



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracey Bateman published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. There are two other books in the Drama Queen Series, Catch A Rising Star (#1) and You Had Me At Goodbye (#2)

She learned to write by writing, and improved by listening to critique partners and editors. She has sold over 30 books in six years.
She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and served as president for a year.


Tracey loves Sci-fi, Lifetime movies, and Days of Our Lives (this is out of a 21 year habit of watching, rather than enjoyment of current storylines.

She has been married to her husband Rusty for 18 years, has four kids, and lives in Lebanon, Missouri.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.

Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way Bravo!"
~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

If you would like to read the first chapter of That's (Not Exactly) Amore, go HERE

Always go with what your heart tells you to do

Tracey Bateman's chick lit books keep getting better and better. They are fun to read and you walk away with a better sense of the characters and yourself. Oh I loved reading about the food in this book. If I had been Laini's roommate, I think I would have gained 20 pounds just smelling the food from the kitchen. I wish I could eat her cinnamon rolls or her stuffed sandwiches. I think Laini is my favorite of the three friends because she acts the most like how I would in her situation. There are many hilarious situations throughout the book. I especially loved the cattiness between Nancy's friend and Laini as they nonchalantly fight over Joe. There are also somber scenes especially involving Laini with her new step family. I was worried at first that there were going to be two good guys for Laini to choose from (you notice how that always happens? When you want a guy they are nowhere to be found, as soon as you stop looking they swarm and fight over you.) Luckily the victor is proclaimed and yes there is a happy ending. I'm sad that this series is over. I loved reading about these three friends and their totally relatable (well maybe not Tabby's) single lives. I know I'll be definitely on the lookout for Tracey's next chick lit series.


That's (Not Exactly) Amore by Tracey Bateman is published by Faithwords (2008)

Comments

  1. Oh, I'm the first to comment. Whoo hoo! I want the first two books in the series. One is on my wish list. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Deborah,

    Please enter me in the drawing for this series. I've enjoyed everything of Tracey's that I've read so far and the first two books are on my wish list.

    Thanks,
    Melissa
    forest_rose[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Please enter me. I've read one of her books and really liked it. I'd love to read more.

    Gail
    bookwurm70 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous12:12 AM

    Wow, three books in one drawing. I liked reading about the books and thanks for the links to read further. Great giveaway.

    bev

    b[dot]werts[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh, I want, I want. These sound great. Right up my reading alley.
    Please enter me in this terrific giveaway.

    Karen

    wonderbook@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. All three of these books sound like fun reading! I've enjoyed reading other books by Tracey so please add my name in the drawing, thanks.

    worthy2Bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous7:10 AM

    Hi! These books look great and I would love to read them!

    Andrea
    purplg8r@aol.com
    FR ID--purplg8r

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love Tracey Bateman. Please put my name in the hat.

    Thanks

    music-mama@fredstlaurent.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous8:06 AM

    Super! I love Tracy Bateman's books and to be offering all 3 at once. Please enter me in the drawing.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous8:13 AM

    Please enter me in your giveaway. I have never read anything of Tracey's but they look really interesting!
    Marilyn
    FMartin816 (at) comcast (dot) net

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous8:39 AM

    Oh, this would be awesome! Thanks for hosting another great contest. Julie (JDobs @ FR)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'd love to win her books. I haven't gotten to read them but my 17 yr old has loved them. Please enter me to win her books. Thanks so much.

    Mimi B

    mnjesusfreak at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Good morning!
    Please enter my name in the contest. These books sound wonderful! Thanks & God Bless!
    Kyndra
    smile_y9[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  14. one day I'll win!

    hugbandit7 on FR

    thanks!
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  15. Please count me in. I haven't read any of them, but I want to. Thanks.

    stacey_dale[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous10:14 AM

    Tracey Bateman is one of my favorite authors. I've read several of her books, but none of these. How wonderful it would be to have all this series together to enjoy. Please enter me in the drawing.

    Thanks so much,
    Teresa
    tgriffis (PBS)
    tgriffis@wayxcable.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a prize! Very generous of you. It will be wonderful for the lucky winner to read all three books in a row, without having to wait for the next one to arrive. Include me please in the drawing.
    mamakane (PBS)

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a awesome thing to do Deborah. I've read several things by Tracey Bateman, but not heard of this series. Please enter me in your draawing. If I don't win at least I have more books to add to my wishlists.

    Lisa
    LDN on PBS or Lisa on Body of Christ or lisadnelson@gmail.com
    (I want to be sure you can contact me)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous11:38 AM

    I've never read anything by this author but they sound GREAT!! I'd love to try her out! Thanks for the opportunity to try to win!! Pam (aliadam from FR)
    pamelashockley(at)netscape(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous12:23 PM

    I LOVE Tracey Bateman! All three of these books are on my WL on PBS! Please enter me!

    Anna
    writer(underscore)weaver(at)yahoo(dot)com or dancingqueen18 at Paperbackswap.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous12:48 PM

    That's awesome! Please count me in - pagarrison(at)valornet(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love a book with hilarious situations. Of course, there HAS to be competition between boys and girls and about the FOOD! One of my favorite things. I do enjoy eating more than preparing but finding good ideas give me the incentive needed. I'd love to win this whole set, thanks for the offer and please enter me.
    Pam Williams
    cepjwms at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ooh! These sound great! Please enter me in the drawing.

    cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Tracey is a "new to me" author and I have loved everything that I've read so far!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would love to win these!!

    nicolec(pbs)

    choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a fabulous giveaway prize package! She writes wonderful books.
    Please enter me in your delightful giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous12:36 AM

    I've only read this last one, so I'd love to read the other two :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow, lots of entries. I've never read this author. Please enter me too.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous8:18 AM

    Deborah,

    I like seeing the books that you are giving away on FR. I have added many to my TBR pile. Vicky
    vtabor

    ReplyDelete
  30. How I'd love to win this giveaway! I have not read Tracey Bateman before; what a good opportunity.
    smilingsal55[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous12:38 PM

    This looks very funny please include me, I love a good laugh and a good read, two-in-one is sweet!

    artist4christ at cyberhaus dot us

    ReplyDelete
  32. Enter me in the drawing for the series. spowell01(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wooot!! I haven't read any of Tracey's books yet. :) purposedrivenlife4you(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Please enter me in the drawing to win the Tracey Bateman series! I have her Leave It To Claire series and I love it! Tracey is one of my favorite writers.

    Thank you so much for the chance to win and for the great interview on your blog Deborah.

    Blessings,
    Lucie

    LucieInCA [at] aol [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous3:54 PM

    what a deal! please include me!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Anonymous3:55 PM

    sorry forgot to leave address.

    ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Anonymous8:41 PM

    Please enter me for your drawing. Thanks!

    Mary Jo Robertson
    rcmjrobertson [at] sbcglobal [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  38. I would love to read all three of these books. Please enter me in the contest. My email address is shryackmom[@]charter[.]net

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous10:32 PM

    Would love a chance to win.
    postitcat2@yahoo.com - Shannon

    ReplyDelete
  40. Anonymous10:41 AM

    I'd love to give these three books to my wife. Sign me up!

    Chris

    alldatndensum@yahoo.com

    (alldatndensum at PBSW.com)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous11:35 AM

    I would love to be entered for a chance to win. I have enjoyed several of Tracey's books.
    Carla
    pluumeria (at) cox (dot) net
    Pioneerheart on PBS

    ReplyDelete
  42. Sounds like a great series. I would love to read them.

    pleblanc_1[at]charter[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  43. Yes, please enter me for this contest - these books are on my "want-to-read-someday" list. Thanks!
    bookaddict4life (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Please enter me in the drawing.
    hansenhome[at]comcast[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  45. Anonymous3:34 PM

    The Drama Queen series sounds like a terrific read! Please enter me in the drawing.

    Deborah Piccurelli
    DebPiccurelli[at]verizon[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  46. Anonymous3:56 PM

    Please enter me in your contest for Tracey's collection of books. Thanks! Dawn dmthomason13@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I would love to win these! Please enter me :-)

    Janna
    ryanx6 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oh I really want to win these books! please enter me in the contest.

    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  49. Anonymous9:57 PM

    I haven't read any of Tracey Bateman's books but have heard good things about them. Thanks so much for the chance to win!

    author_erin(at)lycos(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

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