Let's chat!

I've created an author page on Amazon and started a discussion forum for A Piece of My Heart. If you've read the book, head over and share your comments. I'd love to hear them.

~ Kemberlee

Three for Three Thursday!

I received some lovely surprises today. The first came from my friend Charlene Raddon in the form of a short review for A Piece of My Heart. She said, "I just finished reading Kemberlee Shortland's new romance, A Piece of My Heart. To read a book set in Ireland, written by someone who really knows the country, is a breath of fresh air. I so enjoy the lovely flavor of Ireland she's captured in her story. Kudos, Kem. I love it." While Char is a long time friend, I highly respect her honesty. She never says something she doesn't mean. So I appreciate her comments with tremendous thanks. I've learned a lot from Char about the publishing world over the years.

For the uninitiated, Char is a multi-published and multi-award winning author of historical romance. Her backlist includes Tender Touch, To Have and To Hold, and Forever Mine, and The Scent of Roses written as Rachel Summers. Her stories have consistently been five star reads. Unfortunately, life through Char a curveball at the height of her career, but she's getting back in the game. I can't wait to read her next book! She's such an incredible storyteller.

Check out Char's blog. She's a wealth of information about the publishing world, as well as historical and family research.

The second surprise I received today was also from Char. Wednesday she posted an article called Is Research Really Necessary. In the article, she used A Piece of My Heart as an example of writing what you know. I really love her articles, but of course, this one is near and dear to my heart.

The third surprise came in the form of another book review for A Piece of My Heart. Mary Gramlich of The Reading Reviewer said, "Wonderful story with just enough drama to stir the pot, a touch of tortured past to keep you guessing and more than enough relationship drama with Mick and Kate to make the reader keep hoping." Thanks so much, Mary! I'm glad you liked the story. A great read for St Patick's Day, eh?!

I'd like to thank everyone who's read A Piece of My Heart, whether a book reviewer or a reader. I really appreciate your support and your wonderful comments. You're all setting the bar very high for the next book in the series! :-)

~ Kemberlee

A gold ring from I Read Romance!

What a lovely read to curl up with right before St. Patrick’s Day. If you love sweet, romantic Irish movies like The Matchmaker, Waking Ned Devine or Once, and enjoy the works of Maeve Binchy, you will enjoy Mick and Kate’s tale. Childhood sweethearts driven apart by a misunderstanding, brought (unwillingly) back together by a quirk in Mick’s father’s will.

As they work through their grief and their lingering issues with each other, a string of events seems orchestrated by Fate to drive them apart again. There are some stock villains and quasi-villians, but the two main characters stand out as just flawed enough to keep things interesting. Ms. Shortland adds a finishing touch of Irish magic to bring it all to a satisfying end. Fáinne óir duit, Ms. Shortland!
~ Seanachie, I Read Romance

"Fáinne óir duit" translates to "a gold ring to you."

I'm so chuffed! Not only is the reviewer named after the traditional Irish storyteller, the seanachai, I get the honor of receiving a gold ring review!! :-)

I have to say this has been one tough weekend in the Shortland household, but this review makes everything seem much brighter. Go raibh míle maith agat, Seanachie!

I love hearing from readers, so be sure to drop me a note and let me know what you thought of A Piece of My Heart.

And keep checking back. I'll be posting the contest very soon!

~Kemberlee

Prestigious CTRR Award for A Piece of My Heart

A Piece of My Heart has just won the prestigious CTRR Award from Coffee Time Romance: "This award recognizes outstanding writing styles in all book types and genres. Your book has received this award because I feel it is above and beyond a 5 Cup Rating."

Kemberlee comes from Northern California and is very familiar with many top-notch names in the literary world; John Steinbeck, Dean Koontz and Robert Louis Stevenson, to name a few. As soon as she could hold a pen, her talent sprung forth, and I am glad she has not stopped. A Piece of My Heart is just one story that this reader will not forget. Over the last eleven years in Ireland, (oh, I am sooo envious); she has been studying the history and culture of Ireland. Be sure to stop by her page and get to know more about Kemberlee where you were find some great pictures, too. Kemberlee indeed has talent and it does not only lie in writing, once you get to know more about this outstanding lady, you will see what I mean.

I have to admit the emotions are threefold in A Piece of My Heart. When Mick and Kate ache to be with each other, I could practically see it in their eyes and hear it in their voice. The way they try to hold their control intact is so beautifully penned. I love the part about the circle, and the place they shared. Kemberlee Shortland creates a stunning read that touches upon the heartstrings. The storytelling is at its best. The descriptions are marvelously crafted and the characters absolutely lifelike. With emotions turning faster than a roller coaster, she allows the reader to visualize parts of Ireland with romance and a bit of suspense along the way.

~Cherokee

I continued to be humbled by the reception A Piece of My Heart has been receiving over the past few weeks since its release. I really love this story and I'm glad so many others are do too. This story is very close to my heart personally, and I hope the secondardy message in the story is taken to heart.

Thank you to all the readers and reviewers who've commented on my story.

If you've read A Piece of My Heart and want to let me know your thoughts, please use the link above and share your comments. I love hearing from readers.

~ Kemberlee