Of course, I was shocked to be nominated. The sheer number of books reviewed over the year in each individual category is staggering so to land in the top five is such an honor. Thank you! The winner will be announced at the RT convention in Southern California in April. Looks like a road trip is on the schedule!
DEBUT TIME
It seemed as if May would never arrive but it finally has, which means that it's time to celebrate the release of my newest series, A Family In Paradise.
As you know, my family traveled to St. John in the US Virgin islands on a research trip, so you can be sure that I strove to infuse true island authenticity into the series for my faithful readers. The photo above was taken by my husband as we drove my friend's trusty Jeep all around the small, lush island that is known as St. John.
I brought back lots of wonderful goodies for contest giveaways so make sure to check my website frequently during release months to see what you may have a chance to win!
This series is filled with all the elements my fans have come to expect from a Kimberly Van Meter story: real people living complicated lives while falling in love.
The first book features Lora, the eldest of the Bell sisters, and the man she's determined to keep at arm's length, Heath Cannon.
Available wherever Harlequin Superromance are sold, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble for you, e-book fans.
Ready for a wild ride? Don't miss a single one of this amazing series.
fun facts i learned while doing research:
* the drinking age in st. john is 18 (my 17-year-old son who was only one month away from turning 18 was quite disappointed that i wouldn't bend the rules for him so he could enjoy a fruity rum drink.) 
* it is quite normal for drivers to simply stop in the middle of the road "for a little while" and this is perfectly legal; however, you will get a ticket if you are caught talking on your cell phone while driving.
* trunk bay is considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
* you do not need a passport to go to the us virgin islands; however, you do need a passport to visit the british virgin islands, which are only a short 30 minute boat ride away from st. john.
* st. john was once an industrious producer of sugar cane until slave labor became illegal.
* the high schoolers are taken by ferry to st. thomas where they attend high school.
* st. john is often referred to as st. YAWN by those in st. thomas because of the locals' laid-back attitude. conversely, st. thomas is often referred to as st. TRAUMA, by those in st. john.
* larimar, an agate stone, is found only in the dominican republic. according to legend, if you remove larimar from the caribbean, you are destined to return. (of course, i bought some and brought it back with me!)
And that's just a smattering of awesome facts...
now for the real fun...a chance to win stuff! check my blog for details!
Something Different
I've been very pleased that readers have enjoyed connecting to my dark side! My vampire novella is still available if you haven't had a chance to read it. Plans for a second follow-up novella, featuring Savannah, the abducted sister, are in the works.
Here's the link!
Got an e-reader? Purchase at the following online merchants: Amazon
Did you miss the fabulous "Mama Jo's Boys" series?
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You're in luck! If you missed any of these great stories in the stores, you can still find them online at Amazon.com. Each one is special to me for different reasons. Cassi is a woman bent on proving her innocence at any cost; Skye is a woman determined to protect her child at all costs; and Piper is a woman striving to make a name for herself no matter the cost. See a pattern? Yes, STRONG WOMEN! And strong women need equally strong men. Of course, that's what you'll find in each story. I hope readers agree, there's something special about Mama Jo's Boys.
This & That...
My Native Country series with Harlequin Romantic Suspense is no longer in stores but it's still available online at your favorite online distributor, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. One reader had this to say about COLD CASE REUNION:
"Readers will find a finely crafted romance with all its ups and owns set in the midst of the tension caused by seeking truth about the three murders. Ms. Van Meter has managed to put the two genres together and come out with a story that keeps the reader's interest from start to finish. There is deep friendship here as Mya's friends and family surround her, seeking to protect her from a renewal of the hurt she had to live through 15 years earlier. There are strong personalities and a whole host of people who are all different and who are strong, independent, out-spoken, and who demonstrate the scars and attitudes of a people who have borne the brunt of predjudice and distrust, and a long deprevitation from an equal share in the best this country has to offer its citizens. That's not a policitcal statement so much as an observation of reality. It plays heavily in this story. Yet underneath it all there is that deep sense of community, a people who are linked by land and tradition, stories and rituals, and a deeply held belief in their cosmic place in the total scheme of human existence. It's not overtly spoken so much as inferred. But most of these kinds of bonds are not overt anyway...There is so much to like about this book. If you are looking for a new novel that combines a good love story with some good cold case solving, then this is the book for you. I think it's just a terrific read." — The Book Binge Reviewer
what an awesome review! Doesn't that make you want to check it out? What are you waiting for!
In other news (Part Deux)...
My newsletter attempts with a new program has been a smashing success. If you're not on the email list, please sign up at the bottom of the page so you don't get left out. I don't send too many (wouldn't want to wear out my welcome) but I do like to send pertinent news and goodies, such as new releases and excerpts.
I'm currently working on an awesome romantic suspense continuity with a great line up of authors. Stay tuned for details as they come...
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