Here’s hoping you haven’t tired yet of hearing about A Tuscan Legacy. I guess with six of the seven authors in the series being Inspy authors, it’s inevitable that there are going to be a lot of blogs about this new series.
The success of the series isn’t just about writing great stories that will keep readers hooked from book 1 to book 9, it’s a lot about marketing too … getting the word out to readers about A Tuscan Legacy through blogs like this one, ads, giveaways, and Facebook parties to mention a few. And not forgetting using memes as a marketing tool. These are probably my favorite as they can be used in so many places.
I created a couple of memes for the pre-order releases of That’s Amore (book 1) and Ti Amo (book 4), and I thought I’d share these with you today to enjoy. I’d love to hear from you which is your favorite and why. You could win the e-copy of Ti Amo that’s up for grabs.
The first one you would have seen was for my first Inspy blog about this series. For those of you who have read That’s Amore, you’ll now find this scene rather familiar…
Then came the pre-order meme for That’s Amore, and a few more fun ones…
When Ti Amo went on pre-order, my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds were plastered with the following memes… As usual, I had a ton of fun with Alessa—she’s such a character!
Ti Amo releases on April 15th, a month after book 1. As you can read the first scene on A Tuscan Legacy’s website, I thought I’d give you another excerpt—the one from this final meme—to whet your reading appetite. But first, the blurb…
She never wants to get married. He does. To her.
The day Alessandra Rossi was born, her mammà died, and a loveless life with the father who blamed the newborn for her mother’s death followed. With the help of her oldest brother, Rafaele, Alessa moved away from home the moment she finished school—just like her other siblings had. Now sporting a degree in architectural history and archaeology, Alessa loves her job as a tour guide in the city of Rome—a place where she never fails to draw the attention of men. Not that Alessa cares. Fearing that the man she weds would be anything like her recently deceased father has Alessa vowing to remain single.
American missionary Michael Young has moved to Rome on a two-year mission trip. His temporary future in the country doesn’t stop him from spontaneously joining Alessa’s tour after spotting her outside the Colosseum. And being bold enough to tell her afterward that one day she’d be his wife. God had told him. And he believed Him. But Alessa shows no sign of interest in Michael.
Can anything sway the beautiful and headstrong Italian to fall in love? Can anyone convince her to put her faith and hope in the Heavenly Father, despite being raised by an earthly one who never loved her? Will her sister’s prompting, or a mysterious painting, or Michael himself change Alessa’s mind? About love. And about God.
EXCERPT…
“CIAO.” Alessa waved as she exited Ciacco & Bacco, her sister close behind her. She glanced up at the clusters of pink bougainvillea that stretched over the entire front façade of the sandwich shop—from the door to the window on the other side of a buttercup-colored wall. She glanced over her shoulder to see Sienna wave too.
“Buonasera, Angelo!” Sienna linked her arm with Alessa’s as the door shut behind her. She giggled. “He certainly has the right name. He’s like a beautiful angel.”
“Who?”
“Angelo, the sandwich guy.”
Alessa released Sienna’s hold on her. “Oh. Never mind him, what did you think of the sandwiches? Delicious, huh?”
“The best I’ve tasted in a long time. I doubt I’ll be able to eat again tonight.”
Gripping Alessa’s arm, Sienna stopped. She swirled her sister to face her. “But back to Angelo—I’m not letting you off that easily.” She poked Alessa in the ribs. “You should make a play for him. He fancies you.”
“He does not.” Alessa dragged out the last word.
Sienna’s eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. “I can’t believe you don’t see it. Come on, Alessa, what have you got to lose?”
“My favorite place to eat?” Alessa groaned inwardly. Why wasn’t her sister listening to her? “Are you going to make it your life’s mission to find a suitable man for me while you’re here in Roma?”
Sienna grinned. “Absolutely!”
Skewing her mouth down on one side, Alessa gave a slight shrug. It did beat her sister trying to save her mortal soul. Alessa was about as interested in religion as she was in marriage. Where had God been when it mattered, when she’d hurt so as a little girl?
This was going to be an interesting three days.
She took Sienna’s hand in hers. “I know you mean well, sorella, but you’re wasting your time looking for someone for me. Rather, concentrate on all the sights I’m going to take you to instead of the men hanging around them.”
“Oh, I intend to do that. As well.” Sienna pouted. “Please don’t take away the fun of me seeking a suitable man for you. I can’t bear the thought of my baby sister all alone in this big city.”
“Ha, says she who is all alone herself, halfway across the world in her own big city. And barely a year older than I.” Alessa continued walking. “Or is Sydney actually your secret innamorato.”
Sienna burst out laughing. “Oh, you make me laugh, little sis. That is the funniest thing I’ve heard in a long time.”
“Then you need to get out more.” A smile teased Alessa’s lips.
“In my defense, nobody has ever likened the city I live in to some heartthrob I’m not telling anyone about. What a clever pun,” Sienna said. “Anyway, my search for your true love has been rather enjoyable so far, so please don’t spoil my tomfoolery, sorellina.”
“Sydney…Tom…you are just full of surprises now, aren’t you, Sienna?” Alessa raised one brow. Growing serious, she blew out an exasperated breath. “Fine, have your fun at my expense, but I warn you, any efforts will be futile. I could have my pick of a hundred good-looking men—”
“Pfft, I’ve no doubt about that, Alessa. Look at you—you’re perfect.”
Alessa ignored her sister’s compliment. “I’m simply not interested in settling down. I’d rather love them all and marry none. That way I won’t be the one with a broken heart. And I won’t be putting any children at risk one day by having a father who may not love them. I couldn’t bear to put anyone through the same loveless childhood I had, craving a father’s love but never receiving it.”
Sienna drew Alessa into a side hug as they stopped beside Alessa’s scooter. “I’m so sorry you feel this way, sorellina. But I do understand.”
Alessa’s gaze searched hers. “Do you? Really? You were always Papà’s favorite—if he ever really had something like that. He did seem easier on you, though, than any of us.”
Sienna didn’t respond, and silence descended between them.
It didn’t take long for Alessa to break it. “Wait here while I run inside my apartment to fetch our helmets.”
“You have two?”
“Don’t look so surprised. I do have friends who need a ride from time to time.”
Alessa soon returned toting two backpacks with the helmets inside. They made it easier to carry the head protectors around the city. She really did need to invest in a bauletto—the top box on the back carrier would make life simpler. But she always found she’d rather spend the money on shoes or designer jeans. One of these days perhaps.
Sienna’s mouth fell open as Alessa neared. “You’re not going out in that, are you?”
Alessa glanced at the white cotton off-shoulder top she’d changed into, the loose-fitting design far cooler than the T-shirt she’d worn earlier. Her gaze extended to the denim shorts she now sported. Hmm, she hadn’t even realized how tanned her legs had become in the time at the villa.
“What’s wrong with this?” Alessa gestured toward her body.
“Those shorts…they’re really short.”
“Exactly why they’re call shorts. Besides, I couldn’t go traipsing around Roma in my jeans and heels, could I? You want to go and change too?”
Sienna shook her head. “I’m fine in this blouse and slacks. So, where are you taking me first?”
“To the Pantheon.”
Alessa tugged her helmet from the backpack, and then pressed it onto her head, tucking her hair out of the way. She fastened the strap beneath her chin before securing both empty backpacks to the chrome luggage rack at the rear.
Sienna examined the helmet in her hands. “Pink, huh?”
“Sì.”
Her sister laughed. “What do you do when you have a male passenger?”
Alessa stared at Sienna then slid onto the scooter’s seat. “They wear pink. Men do wear pink, you know.”
“I know. It’s just—” Sienna cut off mid-sentence as she cinched her strap. She hopped on behind Alessa. Soon the two sisters were buzzing through the busy streets of Rome, the Vespa zigzagging between cars.
Don’t forget to let me know your favorite meme for a chance to win an e-copy of Ti Amo. Comment entries for this giveaway close on Saturday, May 5th.
#tiamo #atuscanlegacy
Wemble says
Hi Marion, thanks for sharing more about Alessa’s story, I am looking forward to it. Favourite meme- the Psst one. I think Alessa’s playful spunkiness comes out in it.
Blessings:)
Renate says
Hi Marion! Thanks for sharing your talent not only as a writer, but as a promoter of this wonderful series. The release of each romance is the highlight of my week, because I can travel the world. I think me favorite meme is the one of Isabelle reflecting on both the past (the loss of her children) and the present (her scattered grandchildren). This meme captures the essence of the entire series. As a mother and grandmother, I immediately emotionally related with the opening quote; since several of my friends have had to bury their children. The descriptive and figurative language “scattered like chaff in the wind” / “her descendants had drifted” made me pause and think. Love the picture of Isabelle, just like I pictured an Italian Nonna in my mind. Best wishes.
kim hansen says
Nice story can’t wait to read it.
Tracey Hagwood says
Hi Marion,
I’m reading That’s Amore right now and looking forward to the entire series, such an interesting series concept.
My favorite meme to promote Ti Amo is the one that says, “I’m going to marry you someday”, swoon-worthy right there! And Michael’s a missionary with a lot of confidence, in himself and God! This plot line is so good I kind of want to jump forward to it the minute it releases, I’m hoping to be caught up by then with all the stories!
As a side note, I’m enjoying your vacation pictures on FB and living vicariously through you, My only trip I’ll ever take to New Zealand but it’s been great fun!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Marion, I love these two girls, and love seeing the sisters together in Ti Amo. Alessa and Sienna have so much fun in Rome. :)
As for the memes, I need to pick one out of 8 memes to share to our Inspy Romance Instagram account! Not an easy decision, lol.
Lila Diller says
My favorite meme of Ti Amo is the 2nd one, with her hand at her mouth.
Paula Dye says
I am so excited about reading this series, but I am trying to wait until they are all released,,,as for the memes I love the pssst one!!
MFLiteraryWorks says
Hi Marion,
I’m really loving this series! I have a hard time waiting for the books to come on my kindle. I’ve pre-ordered all of them.
As for the memes, I’m a bit picky. I feel for promotional aspects I’d say the ones you’ve already been posting with the pre-order on Facebook. The ones with the book cover and the date. Simple is often better because it draws us in with just enough to wet our interest. I do graphics for books, and I forgot to highlight quotes so maybe I’ll have to re-read the first two and find some quotes to use. I do like the Psst… one it is cute!
Terressa T says
This sounds like a wonderful story!! I like all the memes, but the cute one with the grandmother caught my attention the most. Can’t wait to read the story.
Melynda says
I can’t wait to read this! My favorite memes are the pre-order ones. I think I like the one of Alessa in the pink top kind of looking at the book best, but the Psst one is fun too!
Sherri G says
Thanks for the excerpt. I try not to read them because then I “have” to get the book but since I already know I’ll be reading all of these, it was safe! I am waiting until closer to when they’re all available to start them though. Regarding the memes, I think my favorite it the one where he says he’ll marry her someday. My second favorite is the psst one.
Priscila says
Thanks for sharing. I love the meme with the “I am going to marry you one day” sentence. It gives me a glimpse into both his and hers personality. I’m looking forward to Ti Amo!
Autumn Macarthur says
LOL! Gotta love those two girls!
Alexa Verde says
Marion, I loved your beatiful memes! Great job! You’re so multi-talented!
Marion Ueckermann says
You’re welcome. I just love Alessa. She’s been such a fun character to work with.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thank you, Renate. The release is the highlight of our week too, as we can’t wait for each story to be in readers’ hands. I’ve read the first 7 and you are all in for a treat with each story! I cannot wait to read the final two to see how it all ends :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Kim. Can’t wait for you to read it too :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks for your kind words, Tracey, and so glad you’re loving New Zealand with me :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Looks like you chose the right one, Narelle. PSST has definitely been the all-time favorite :)
I loved working with Alessa and Sienna :) And boy, they do have a TON of fun in Rome!
Marion Ueckermann says
Thank you, Lila. That’s the dress Alessa wears to a very special date :)
Marion Ueckermann says
PSST is definitely a favorite! You’re in for a treat when you do start reading :)
Marion Ueckermann says
I love the promotional graphic you did for That’s Amore! Thank you so much :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks, Terressa. Hope you enjoy Ti Amo. I had so much fun writing it :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Fun memes for a fun character :) Enjoy Ti Amo when you read it, Melynda!
Marion Ueckermann says
LOL, Sherri. Enjoy the books when you do start reading :)
Marion Ueckermann says
You’re welcome, Priscila. Michael and Alessa are both wonderful characters.
Marion Ueckermann says
Absolutely, Autumn :)
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks so much, Alexa :)
Jennifer Hibdon says
I have enjoyed that build up to the series. I like the meme fot That’s Amore with the Grandmother looking down. Each character needs one of those! Thanx for the giveaway!
Becky Smith says
Marion, your book is excellent, and all of these memes are great! I really like #5, with Nonna in it, because it captures the whole series.
MJSH says
All the memes are such fun!!
Marion Ueckermann says
Each week we’re so excited, Jennifer, when the next book in the series releases and we trust our readers are too. My one gran died just after I was born (I think), and the other when I was probably around 8. I’m striving to be that gran looking down over my two grandsons…it’s a wonderful season of life.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks so much, Becky. Glad you enjoyed That’s Amore.
Marion Ueckermann says
Thanks :) They’re fun to make too :)