Best. Review. Ever.

I have written and published four books since 2014. They are categorized as Women’s Fiction, which is defined as stories about women on the brink of life change and personal growth.

Both Sides of Love explores the beauty of true friendship and the ideals of love that last forever.

The Fabric of Us puts a loving thirty-year marriage to the ultimate test.

In Seasons Out of Time, we take a journey with a woman approaching middle age, who finds herself and learns to live, with the help of a younger man.

And then there is Letting Go. The first novel I ever wrote. Inspired by my ever-present fear of leaving my sons, I put pen to paper and wrote a cathartic tale that imagines the possibility that we will never leave our loved ones.

Written in 2010, when the boys were young. It sat in a drawer for a few years until I found the courage to re-write it and put it out into the world. If it never sells another copy, I am most proud of that work.

Why am I telling you this now?

Well. My older son is twenty-four, works full-time, travels and is on his way to a life that doesn’t revolve around his parents. (Pause for gut-wrenching sigh). As much as we tried while he was young, reading stories to him every day for years, he is not a reader. He and his brother know I write, they see my books on the shelves and are super-supportive sharing my successes and failures, but never showed more than a kind, passing interest in the content.

On our recent Christmas break, my son pulled a book from our full shelves and brought it with him back to his apartment to read, as part of a resolution his girlfriend suggested they try. He chose Letting Go. A few weeks later, I received a text.

Been reading every night. Damn near cried twice.

Two weeks later, another text:

Ma, excellent book. Couldn’t put it down. Reaching the last chapters.

Don’t know how it doesn’t have 100,000 purchases.

He came to visit after he finished. We talked about the story. He was engaged and enthusiastic and my heart swelled when he concluded that he loved it.

A full circle moment for me. It’s the best review I’ve ever received.

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – New on the Shelves – Both Sides of Love by Kimberly Wenzler

I am so pleased to be featured in Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore, part of a wonderful, comprehensive site that offers something for everyone. And just in time for Valentine’s Day. For views on books, music, humor and health, please visit Smorgasboard- Variety is the spice of life. Have a great day everyone.

I doubt that it has escaped your attention that it is Valentine’s Day on Tuesday.  So what better way to start the week than sharing some romance. I would like to welcome Kimberly Wenzler to …

Source: Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – New on the Shelves – Both Sides of Love by Kimberly Wenzler

Happy Birthday to my Blog!

Feeling the love.. Romance4TheBeach turns One! Guess who gets an honorary mention. So happy.

Romance Novels for the Beach

It’s hard to believe, but on July 26, 2015, my blog will officially be one year old. Happy birthday little guy! Or girl. I haven’t really decided on that one yet. A lot has happened over the past year. To date, I have written 146 posts, and gained about 2,200 followers. In addition, almost half of those book review posts were author requests. I’ve loved many of the novels I’ve featured, and I’ve hated others. My review style has changed quite dramatically since last July, but one thing seems to have remained the same. I’m having just as much fun writing these posts as I did when I first started a year ago.

I’ve tried to think of the best way to commemorate the very first birthday of my blog. Honestly, I think a bottle of champagne is in order for later. But as for what I’d like to share with all of…

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Both Sides of Love by Kimberly Wenzler – Review

Hi! I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July. Here is a really wonderful review of Both Sides of Love by Donna McBroom-Theriot, who’s blog, MyLifeOneStoryAtATime offers short stories, recipes, book reviews and more. Check out her site. You’ll be happy you did!

My Life. One Story at a Time.

Twenty-one-year-old Lizzie Adler had everything a young woman could want: she was beautiful, bright, and had both a fun and faithful best friend and a handsome boyfriend with whom she was deeply in love. In one fell swoop, calamity strikes, stripping Lizzie of all that she holds dear. While driving with her best friend, Nan, en route to a party, Lizzie collides with another car.

The results are devastating: Nan doesn’t survive the accident, while Lizzie is forever crippled and disfigured. Lizzie undergoes scores of surgeries and endures ample physical therapy, which ultimately leave her with a face and body she can no longer recognize.

Meanwhile, Daniel has just recently left Lizzie to stay with his ailing grandparents in England. He intended to return to her arms after just one summer. Little did he know that, after months of silence from his beloved, he would receive a…

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Book Tag: Would you Rather

How nice is this? Romance4thebeach talks about her preference for stand-alone books over trilogies. Both Sides of Love got a cameo! If you’re not following her blog, you should. She gives humorous, detailed reviews of romance books.

Romance Novels for the Beach

I found this little ditty on lifeofafemalebibliophile, and although our answers differ greatly, I was rather inspired by the tag. Enjoy!

Would you rather only read trilogies or only read stand-alones?

I’m gonna have to go with stand-alones on this one. I’ve found that so many trilogies follow a very distinct pattern. Well, romance trilogies anyway. Our lovebirds meet in book one, but have some kind of kerfuffle which causes them to break up at the end. They reignite their passions in book 2, which usually ends with our female lead getting pregnant. Book 3 has the happily ever after with a wedding and lots of babies. I feel like stand-alones are more likely to have some surprises here and there.

hearts in darknessboth sides of lovefrom rags

Would you rather only read male or female authors?

Female. I haven’t come across many male romance novel authors. I also find that female authors are more likely…

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Book Club Love

I love book clubs.

They are more than groups of women who gather together to discuss literary works every month. They are a bonded sorority who meet to support, cultivate friendships, vent, share beauty tips and yes, drink wine.

When I was still knee-deep in writing and editing Both Sides of Love last year, one group of women, who refer to themselves as Booked For Drinks, agreed to read my manuscript and offered thoughtful critiques that were extremely helpful. Then they invited me to join them at one of their meetings – my very first invitation to a book club as an author. I was and still am grateful.

This past month, I enjoyed the privilege of being invited as a guest author to two vastly different book club meetings.

The first comprised of six lovely women, who immediately put me at ease. We sat around a dining table and enjoyed an intimate discussion of the book where I learned, much to my glee, how each woman connected to the story, their thoughts on the relationships of the characters, and their responses to the conclusion. We then segued into comfortable conversation and I reluctantly left.

The second club had twenty members, the largest I’ve seen. We filled a large living room – chairs stacked behind one another – as I sat on the couch, slightly frazzled, and answered questions thrown at me from all angles. Not quite the intimate experience of the previous week, but it was wonderful. These women were kind, inquisitive, funny and they seemed to really enjoy the book, which is all I want. Then they presented me with a gift. For once, I was speechless.

Both Sides of Love, my first novel, was a labor of love. To think that people are reading it, enjoying it and welcoming me into their homes to talk about characters I created in my mind is a dream come true.

Thank you Anita, Fran, Christine, Lisa, Chris and Tina for opening your hearts to me. I still think you should have a name. How about Coco-Nuts for Books?

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To Jill, Colleen, and the amazing group who welcomed me with enthusiasm, smiles and made me laugh (ever see three wine-filled, giddy women try to take a selfie?), my heart is full.

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I’ve been invited to another book club event in July. I can’t wait.

Here’s a spoiler…I show up with Beth’s crumb cake. 🙂

Happy Reading.

Happy New Year!

christmas-2014-24649743As we embark on another new year, we are surrounded by goals and promises thrown about like confetti.  I’m not one of those people who makes resolutions like dieting, or exercising everyday, or being nicer to my children.

It works out much better for me this way. When I eat an apple instead of cake, go for a walk with the girls at the beach, or not lose patience with the boys, I’m pleasantly surprised…

This year, I’ll just continue writing and reading as much as possible, and keep to my Chocolate-tarian diet: a diet I’ve perfected, where chocolate accompanies every meal. You should try it. I guarantee it will make you happy and you’ll never quit.

Today is January 2nd. My children went to school and I had the day off. We’re expecting a snowstorm later, so schools will be closed tomorrow and we’ll be hunkered down, cozy in the house, while the howling, frigid winds and white stuff surround us.  

Do you know what that means?

I’ll have another full day to write!

Occasionally, I might stop to fortify myself. I’ve strategically placed a healthy bowl of chocolate kisses beside me (I don’t even have to get up from the couch).

Hypothetically, if I were to make resolutions, I would promise to self-publish this year, read 40 books, finish another manuscript, blog more often, and spend more quality time with our boys (without TV or handheld devices).

Hypothetically, I’d devote more time to these tasks, somehow further manipulate my schedule around my job and packed schedules of two active children.

These are some I would make, if I was the type of person to make resolutions — which I’m not.

Does anyone else not make New Year resolutions?  I’d love to know.

I hope 2014 brings you good health and happiness.

I saw this New Year quote from Brad Paisley and thought I would share it:

“Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.”

My Christmas Wish

If you ask what I want for Christmas,

This is the answer I’ll always give:

I want your heart to beat with mine

For as long as we both shall live.

It doesn’t require legal tender.

It cannot be purchased in a store.

I want your arms wrapped around me,

Protecting me, forever more.

I want you tell me you love me,

Every evening and every dawn,

And mean what you say, as you declare it each day.

With every word, our love is re-born.

Without you, all possessions mean nothing.

I don’t find comfort from gems or stones.

Or feel my soul connect with a car,

It’s all worthless if I’m alone.

These are all fine as long as you’re here,

But they mean nothing whatsoever to me.

I want our spirits to rise together,

And live for eternity.

If you ask what I want for Christmas,

My answer is simple and true.

I’ll never want for anything

As long as I have you.