The terms in the title have become quite familiar in writing and publishing circles these days. Many readers may not have heard of them because many readers don’t care how a book came to be. They just want to read a good story that draws them into the lives of the characters or takes them on a journey to places they haven’t been or maybe some familiar place. A good number of authors these days are enjoying the privilege of writing for what we call a “traditional” publisher and also writing books we publish ourselves. These are hybrid authors. Today I’m going to introduce you to a fellow Love Inspired author who also has indie published some books. She is a hybrid author.
Meet Belle Calhoune.
Belle Calhoune grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. Married to her college sweetheart, she is raising two lovely daughters in Connecticut. A dog lover, she has one mini poodle and a chocolate lab. Writing for the Love Inspired line is a dream come true. Working at home in her pajamas is one of the best perks of the job. Belle enjoys summers in Cape Cod, traveling and reading.
Here is information about Belle’s new inspirational romance series Seven Brides, Seven Brothers.
Seven boys were adopted from the foster care system by Alec and Maggie Donahue, a loving Irish couple living in Breeze Point, Cape Cod. Now grown men, the brothers are making their way in the world in their chosen professions, each hoping to find love that will last a lifetime.
The Caretaker
Blue Donahue, an internationally-known journalist, has come home to Breeze Point, Cape Cod to celebrate his parents’ fortieth wedding anniversary. When his father suffers a stroke, Blue, along with his six adopted brothers, is thrown into a tailspin. When he comes face to face with Sarah, the love of his life, his heart awakens to all the possibilities stretched out before them.
Sarah Dalton, an emergency room nurse, can’t believe her eyes when her ex-fiancé, Blue Donahue, comes crashing into her hospital. Four years ago their relationship crashed and burned when Blue showed up two hours late for their wedding. Now, she’s forced to face the only man she’s ever loved as he deals with a family crisis.
The hurts of the past loom large between Blue and Sarah. But as circumstances drive them together, they find that the love they thought they’d lost has endured. And, with faith and truth, they may be able to create a love stronger than any they’d ever dreamed possible and get their happily ever after.
The Hero
Ryder Donahue, a Paramedic, lost his wife, Lena, to cancer four and a half years ago. Despite his devastating loss, Ryder has continued to make forward strides, earning himself the Hero title as he saves lives on a daily basis. When he begins to experience romantic feelings towards his best friend and paramedic partner, Tess Dailey, he resists putting his heart on the line a second time.
Tess Dailey has always been in love with her Paramedic partner and best friend, Ryder Donahue. She’s hidden her feelings for six long years, but when an unexpected kiss occurs at a Donahue family wedding, things get complicated between them. Being in love with a man who’s afraid to love again requires courage. Will she risk it all by staking a claim on the love of a lifetime?
In addition to her indie published books, Belle has two books published by Harlequin Love Inspired, you can read about these on her website.
As you’re surfing the internet, you can check out my indie published book, A PLACE TO CALL HOME.
Belle will be giving away a copy of her Love Inspired book, FOREVER HER HERO. Leave a comment to enter the drawing.
Do you like to read e-books or print book better?
Merrillee Whren is an award-winning author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of thirty plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Florida but now makes her home in the Arizona desert. When she’s not writing, she spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels.
Thanks for hosting me Merrillee! Happy to be here.
I have no preference between the different types of books. Things are changing in the realm of reading as well as writing. I want access to as many good books as I can get and it seems that is through e-readers these days. Big applause to Ms. Calhoune who understands how to get her good work to her audience in a professional and fast manner. I love this series and I am looking forward to the next book!
Thanks so much Piper. I agree. I no longer have a preference. I used to prefer print books, but I’ve come to the conclusion that as long as the work is engaging…I’ll read it however it’s being presented.
Sandra, I’m a sucker for a series. And throw in one-sided love between friends, I’m sold! Thanks for offering the first ebook for free. I’m eager to meet all of the Donahue’s.
I love series also, Heather. The free promotion really gave the series a nice kick off. Thanks for following the Donahues. I think they’re all pretty special men.
Just my type of books’keep writing .:)
Thanks Linderellar. I don’t think I could stop writing even if I wanted to. Keep reading!!!
I love to read books more than kindle even though I’ve got a kindle on my phone and I do use it but I just prefer the good book to have in your hand.
These sound wonderful! Can’t wait to read them.
I hear you, Danie. I must admit that I love holding a book in my hand and feeling the crisp pages. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks Deb! I’ve been having a lot of fun writing them. I love the dynamic of big, bustling families.
I like both formats. Ebooks are so convenient, but sometimes it’s nice to just curl up on the couch and hold an actual book. Looking forward to reading the rest of the Donahue series!
I love how authors have options these days. I like both ebooks and print books. Great article!
I have recently discovered Belle’s books Seven brothers, Seven brides and the books are absolutely amazing. Finished the 2nd one today and can’t wait for the 3rd. Belle is a gifted writer and now among my favorites!
You’re so right, Ajf54. I like the convenience of ebooks when I’m traveling, rather than stuffing six books in my suitcase. Thanks!! So glad you’re enjoying the Donahues.
Selena, I love having options too. It makes life interesting. And I love your name….my niece is named Celina.
Thanks so much Joelle. You just succeeded in making me tear up. So glad you’re enjoying the books. I am working hard to wrap up #3, Until You Loved Me.
I love both, but my arthritis makes the e-books easier. These books sound awesome can’t wait to read them.
Hi Pamela. I think if one is a true reader, they love both options. And I think e books definitely make things easy in many ways. Sometimes it astounds me how many books I can have on my kindle.
Hybrid authors definitely have the best of both worlds. They have the street credibility of having a traditional publisher behind them, which can be great for building up a reader base.
I agree Marie. I like it because it really is the two sides of the coin. Having a readership definitely helped me with my self publishing. I feel very blessed.
I love to read both paper books and e-books…..
Hi Rita. I think most people are warming up to e books, so I’m hearing more people saying they like both. It gives up options which I think is a good thing.
Would love these books to read.
Your books sound wonderful; I have to admit that I have never read any of your books. But I hope to in the future. I would be delighted to be the winner of your give away. Thank you for your consideration.
Thanks for stopping by Agatha. I had a lot of fun writing these books! For me, I think there’s something extra special about writing big families since I grew up with five siblings. Blessings!
Thanks Marie. How sweet of you to say so. Maybe you’ll be the winner of the giveaway. Good Luck! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Ladies,
Although I now own a Kindle touch, I still prefer my paperbacks. Honestly, I got my Kindle for the purpose of taking lots of books in a little package on vacations. Saves room in my suitcase and backpack. Yes, it’s handy and I really like it. But give me a paperback with actual pages to physically turn and I’m a very happy girl.
I’m intrigued by the series title of your new books, Belle. “Seven Brides, Seven Brothers.” That wouldn’t be inspired by the classic musical, would it? That’s one of my favorite movies ever. Never get tired of watching it.
Blessings,
Andrea
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
Hi Andrea,
I grew up across the street from a public library, so print books will always have a special place in my heart. To this day, my favorite places are libraries and bookstores. Yes, I did get a little inspiration from the film. I too have watched it many times. I like the idea of a bustling big family, and since I have two daughters and no sons, this is my chance to live vicariously through the seven Donahue boys.