After the signing, Toni made it out to the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights (pictured below). Between enjoying the light displays, animals, and general atmosphere, Toni managed to snap a picture of the reindeer Sophie saw in Holly Lane. You can keep up with Toni’s other winter adventures on her Facebook page.

Of course, the biggest adventure of the season has been having her first Christmas book! Holly Lane released October 25th and has already gone back for a second printing. Christmas has always been a special holiday for Toni, and she’s thrilled to be able to share some of her favorite holiday traditions along with another heartwarming Destiny tale. Holly Lane contains a Christmas cookie recipe that has been in her family for generations, and this and other recipes from the Destiny series are also available on Toni’s web site. Her site has also recently been updated with all-new lists of the songs used in her books – including some of her holiday favorites from Holly Lane – as playlists from Amazon.

2011 has been a banner year for Toni and the Destiny series – a USA Today review, Doubleday Bookclub feature, National Reader’s Choice Award, FIRST Magazine mention, and book tour, to name just a few of the highlights – so it’s hard to believe it’s already drawing to a close. But 2012 is set to bring more great things, including the release of Destiny book five, Willow Springs (July), which will bring long-awaited romance into Amy’s life.

Toni sends huge thanks to her readers for all their support this year and sends all best wishes to everyone for a delightful holiday season and a wonderful new year!

Thanks to everyone who came out to support Toni for the Fall…in Love Book Tour. Toni was thrilled to be able to celebrate the release of Holly Lane by meeting so many wonderful readers and having some really fun adventures with fellow tour authors Kerrylyn Sparks and Beverly Jenkins. You can read more about the tour on Toni’s Facebook page or check out photos in either her Facebook photo album or as part of the slideshow on her events page.

Toni is also excited to share that she’s mentioned in Robyn Carr’s newest Virgin River book, Bring Me Home for Christmas, as a favorite author of the book’s heroine. What a fun honor! Bring Me Home for Christmas recently hit the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller List, so huge congratulations to Robyn for her achievement and many thanks for the shout out! If you haven’t checked out Robyn’s wonderful Virgin River series, you should.

Toni was recently interviewed on camera by Morgan of RT Book Reviews. Check out the video interview for more information on  Toni’s writing background, Holly Lane, the Destiny series, and what’s coming next summer in Destiny Book 5, Willow Springs.

Finally, thanks to everyone who participated in the 12 Days of Holly Lane by joining in the fun on Toni’s Facebook page or sending an entry for the sweepstakes. We’re excited to announce that Sue P. is the winner of a set of signed Destiny books plus a Holly Lane T-shirt. Plus we drew two additional winners to receive a signed copy of Holly Lane: Debbie H. and Melanie A. Congrats and hope you enjoy the books! Thanks to everyone else who’s supported Toni and contributed to a successful release for Holly Lane!

As part of the celebration we’re also having a 12 Days of Holly Lane sweepstakes, in which we’ll offer a set of all four signed Destiny books and a Holly Lane T-shirt. To enter, just email your  name, mailing address and what you’re most looking forward to this holiday season to toniblakecontests@gmail.com. The sweepstakes will close Tuesday, October 25 at midnight EST, so remember to get your entries in before then!

Toni had a fun and busy RWA conference this year, signing at multiple book signings (thanks to all the readers who stopped by to say hello), participating in a workshop panel, and enjoying New York City in style, including attending Avon’s party at the Central Park boathouse. You can hear more about Toni’s conference experiences and view pictures at her Facebook page.

Another conference highlight for Toni was presenting the award for Best Romance Novella at the RITA ceremony – the Oscars of the romance world. You can see Toni’s presentation of the award to Virgina Kantra in this video:

Also enjoy this video Toni made at conference with some of her small-town author friends:

Now that conference is over, Toni is back writing Destiny book five. Holly Lane, book four, is right around the corner, so watch for more information on it coming soon.

In addition to working on HOLLY LANE, I’ve been busy in lots of other ways lately, too. I have squeezed in a little tree trimming, along with some holiday baking, get-togethers with friends, and even a couple of booksignings. In mid-November, I met up with good friend Lori Armstrong/Lorelei James for a signing in Lexington, Kentucky. And earlier this month, I took part in a large group holiday-themed booksigning in Cincinnati, where I got to catch up with author buddy Lori Foster among others.

Of course, the REALLY big news is that Destiny Book 3, WHISPER FALLS, comes out on December 28, so the countdown is officially on. And though it will be a few days too late for stocking stuffing, it’ll be right on time for all those bookstore gift cards you’ll be getting for Christmas! : ) To add to the countdown fun, on December 16 I’ll be starting “The 12 Days of WHISPER FALLS” on my Facebook page, where each day right up to the book’s release I’ll be sharing tidbits or fun facts about Tessa and Lucky’s story. So if you haven’t already clicked the Like button on my page, now’s the time! Tessa’s story is near and dear to my heart, and Lucky is probably the baddest bad boy I’ve ever written, so I’m thrilled the time has come for this book to hit the shelves.

Meanwhile, I thank you all for your interest in my books and I wish you all a very happy holiday season! Merry Christmas, and may Santa leave lots of books in your stocking!

How can you enter? Any or all of the ways below – spread the word on multiple social networking sites to earn multiple entries and more chances to win one of the four e-ARCs.

1. Read the Whisper Falls excerpt, and email the answer to the following question to toniblakecontests@gmail.com: What is written across Tessa’s tank top?

2. Tweet or retweet this post on Twitter. Be sure to include #WhisperFalls in your tweet.

3. Share this note on your Facebook profile. Just hit the Share button to add this note to your own profile, then leave a comment on Toni’s page letting us know you’ve shared it.

4. Like this post on Goodreads. All you have to do is click the “Like” link at the bottom of the post.

There you have it. Enter up to four times and increase your odds of winning. The contest closes Thursday, November 11 at 9:00 p.m. EST and winners will be announced Friday, November 12. Please keep in mind that advance copies are meant to build early buzz for the book, and it’s best if winners are able to read the book in advance of its release (the e-ARCs expire on release day) and post a review somewhere online – Amazon, B&N, Borders, Goodreads, a blog or messageboard, or any social networking site. These advance copies are available in digital format only, and require the reader to register a free account with NetGalley to claim.

Read more about Whisper Falls, which releases December 28, 2010.

Milo!!! Submitted by Jen S., this 20-lb Maine Coon is clearly meant to be a star. As Grand Prize Winner, Milo will be mentioned in an upcoming Destiny book, as well as receive a cat toy, cat food samples & a $25 Borders Gift Card for his owner.

In case Milo is unable to fulfill his duties as Destiny Cat Idol the judges also chose three runners-up, who will each receive an e-ARC of the upcoming Destiny book, Whisper Falls:

First Runner-Up: Audrey, submitted by Manda H.

Second Runner-Up: Xander, submitted by Sarah

Third Runner-Up: Buddy, submitted by Theresa

Honorable Mentions (and a signed Toni Blake book & cat food sample) go to:

Church (submitted by Pam B.)

CP (submitted by Megan F.)

Finally, when the fur stopped flying over the decisions, each of the judges insisted on giving their own award. These special picks will each receive a signed Toni Blake book.

Jack (owner of fantasy/paranormal author Kristen Painter) chose: Tony, submitted by Laurie D.

Bubbles McFancy and Miss Cleopatra(co-owners of contemporary author Sophie Gunn) chose: Miss Kitty and her fabulous fluffy tail, submitted by Lynn H. and Max, submitted by Blanche P.

Domenic (owner of historical author Julie Anne Long) chose: Ashes, submitted by Rebecca.

Huge thanks to everyone who entered – all participants will received a signed Whisper Falls coverflat – and a special thank you to our fabulous panel of celebrity judges! Check out all the fabulous Destiny Cat Idol entries in Toni’s Facebook Photos.

]]> http://www.toniblake.com/newsandnotes/2010/10/destiny-cat-idol-the-winners/feed/ 0 http://www.toniblake.com/newsandnotes/2010/09/destiny-cat-idol/ http://www.toniblake.com/newsandnotes/2010/09/destiny-cat-idol/#comments Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:30:37 +0000 ToniBlake.com http://www.toniblake.com/newsandnotes/?p=264 It’s no secret that cats and the Destiny series are a purrfect combination. One Reckless Summer had Trouble, the adorable kitten who found a home with Mick and Jenny. In Sugar Creek, Rachel and Mike ended up with the demanding stray, Shakespeare. And each subsequent Destiny book will bring a new cat into the lives of a couple about to find love.

Now you can make your cat a part of Destiny in the Destiny Cat Idol Contest. Just take a picture of your cat with either One Reckless Summer or Sugar Creek (or both!) for a chance to win.

The Grand Prize includes:

• Your cat mentioned in an upcoming Destiny book
• a $25 Borders gift card
• a squeaky feather boa cat toy and a sampling of all-natural cat foods

Other prizes up for grabs are an e-ARC of the next Destiny book, Whisper Falls, signed copies of One Reckless Summer and Sugar Creek, and signed coverflats for Whisper Falls.

To enter, take a picture of a cat with one (or both) of the books from the Destiny series, One Reckless Summer and Sugar Creek. Post the picture on Toni’s Facebook page or email it to toniblakecontests@gmail.com. Don’t forget to include your cat’s name! Entries must be received by Monday, October 11th at midnight EST.

Like any good Idol Contest, winners will be chosen by our panel of celebrity cat judges:

Jack (cat of paranormal/fantasy author Kristen Painter)

Jack is a Siamese/tiger mix with a great love for lizards, affectionate women and anyone with a can opener. He likes long naps in the sun or in front of the monitor and despite his asthma, will run circles around anyone with four legs or two.

Bubbles “Simon is a Wuss” McFancy and Miss Cleopatra (cats of contemporary author Sophie Gunn)

No, Bubbles McFancy isn’t his real name. But every cat as accomplished as Bubbles needs at least four or five names. (Sleepy McLumpy, Hungry McChubbers, Fuzzy McHairball…) He enjoys all kinds of books, just so long as he can sleep on them. Bubbles is known for being a fierce critic, not shy to show his claws when displeased. Luckily, he’s usually asleep.

Miss Cleo is Bubble’s opposite in every way. She is a kind, gentle kitty, more apt to nuzzle up and purr than to attack. She loves all literature, all sleeping nooks, all people, and, well, everything. If Miss Cleo had a motto, it would be, “Mmmm….pet me some more…ahhh, yeah, right there!” She is not above being bribed with affection, treats, and dead mice.

Domenic (cat of historical author Julie Anne Long)

Domenic is a lover of sunbeams and stealer of Q-tips (perhaps because they look like mouse tails?). He has impeccable taste in literature, as his picture makes clear.

The discussion was followed by a signing, where Toni autographed piles of books and got to chat more personally with some of the readers. One group of fans even put together a surprise present for Toni – a fabulous basket of apple-themed gifts, in honor of the Farris Apple Orchard in Sugar Creek, of course. Everyone also got to enjoy some Sugar Creek Cake, a delicious concoction of white cake, apples, and chocolate.

This – the discussion and the cake – was all put together by Joseph-Beth’s fabulous Gina Scalera, romance bookseller and huge Toni Blake supporter. Gina is a delightful person and runs a fantastic romance section, so if you’re anywhere near the Lexington area, you should definitely stop in. Humongous thanks to Gina for such a wonderful event.

The final highlight? Seeing the giant Sugar Creek cover on the banner advertising the event. Joseph-Beth was kind enough to let Toni keep it, so there may be some upcoming redecorating in the Blake household…

Looking to meet Toni at an upcoming event? Her next appearance will be at the 2010 “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing at the RWA National Conference in Orlando, Florida, Wednesday, July 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

See more pictures from this and other recent events on Toni’s Facebook page.

Nine Rules for Visiting the Quaint Small Town of Destiny, Ohio
by Toni Blake

1. Be sure to stop by the Under the Covers bookstore on the town square and share a cup of coffee with Amy and Tessa. If there’s good girl talk or gossip to be had, this is where it will be going on and you don’t want to miss it. There’s usually a cat-in-residence, too, who will be happy to rub up against your ankles or sit in your lap.
2. Don’t speed in Destiny. Hunky cop, Mike Romo is a stickler about that sort of thing and will give you tickets repeatedly – just ask Rachel Farris.
3. Take a canoe ride across idyllic Blue Valley Lake. Besides being quite scenic, this quaint body of water has seen a lot of Destiny drama over the years, most specifically between good girl Jenny Tolliver and the bad boy of her dreams.
4. But never, never visit the old Brody cabin in the woods across the lake. It’s SUPER creepy – especially when you think you see lights on even when no one has lived there in years!
5. Buy some apples from Edna at the Farris Family Apple Orchard on Sugar Creek and ask her to tell you the story of her tragic first love over a piece of her award-winning apple pie.
6. Stay away from Mick Brody! His brother is in prison, after all, and he was always a bad seed. No, it doesn’t matter how hot he is – beware!
7. In case of trouble, remember that the Destiny Police and Fire Departments are right next door to each other, just across the square from Under the Covers. And both come complete with lots of sexy men in uniform, which has the potential to make any emergency more enjoyable.
8. Hang out at Creekside Park. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch hot, sweaty guys playing softball, or you might even be invited into a touch football game with Mike Romo, Logan Whitaker, and Adam Becker – “touch” being the key word here.
9. Plan to stay awhile and soak up everything Destiny has to offer, from the quaint garden parties to nights at the Dew Drop Inn, from hot and sexy encounters to deliciously sweet romance.

Hope you’re all ready – the release of Sugar Creek is just four days away!

This list was first posted at Sarah MacLean’s blog as part of the release celebration for her book, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. Check out her blog for lots more entertaining lists of rules from other popular authors.