Greetings friends and fellow deviants,
...such learning must needs be, by its own nature, hard-fought...

Our friend author L. Diane Wolfe (known to us here at deviantART as *SpunkOnAStick) is back with the 5th and final book in her wonderful “Circle of Friends” series: The Circle of Friends, Book V: Heather. Book V was released last Tuesday, and not a day too soon as far as I'm concerned.

Heather's character has always been a favorite of mine. She has an edgy quality and can be somewhat abrasive at times, and while that type isn't always one of my favorites in real life, in fiction I often identify. I've been curious to know more about this intriguing person, and now I'll get my chance. Since Book V is the final entry in the series, the pleasure will be bittersweet.

Another reason I'm drawn to this character is the fact that Heather's sport is basketball, as a player in the previous books, and as a coach in Book V. As you can no doubt tell from some of my tweets, I'm a fan of women's basketball. That aspect is tailor made. I pointed out to Diane the amusing “coincidence” that the release of Heather coincides with the start of this year's chapter of March Madness … and she winked at me. You can draw your own conclusion from that … *chuckle*

As always, your faithful servant,

"snakes on the brain ..."


INFO:
 
Today I am featuring an excerpt from ’s new novel, The Circle of Friends, Book V…Heather. This is a continuation from the excerpt posted in ’s journal. It began on March 14 and runs through the 19th - full list of hosts & excerpts at Book synopsis is below.
 
Want to win an autographed copy of Book V? See below for details…
 
Excerpt Nineteen
 
“Honestly?” he asked, reaching for the door. Mark hesitated, his eyes intense despite a gleam of mischief. “None.”
 
He threw open the door and waited for her to exit first. Heather stared open-mouthed for a moment before regaining her composure. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of his office. Mark followed her into the hallway and patted Heather on the back.
 
“See you Saturday,” he said with conviction before striding in the other direction.
 
Heather watched his retreat, a scowl on her face at Mark’s audacity. He simply took for granted she would accept his offer, expecting her to obediently appear at his house Saturday night. His bold and confident assumption annoyed Heather. She could spot cockiness a mile away and had for the most part avoided arrogant men the past few years at Duke. The last thing she needed right now was another self-assured male in her life. Fists clenched in aggravation, Heather strode into the showroom.
 
Dietrich looked up from his sandwich as she approached and flashed a broad smile. He quickly set down his food and reached behind his desk for her box.
 
“They just finished with your vehicle,” he announced, setting her former car’s possessions on the corner of his desk. Dietrich grabbed a large stack of paper from the top of his file tray and inserted them into a clean folder.
 
“Here’s your information,” he said, handing the folder to Heather, “and your key. Your Corolla is right outside.”
 
Finish reading at ’s journal
 
Book V Giveaway!
 
Open to all DA members! Two ways to enter-
1 - Leave a comment here or at any point in the tour, including ’s journal. Each comment is one entry - enter as many times as you like.
2 - Post about this book in your journal, including book synopsis and reviews. (Comments to enter contest must be made at original host journal, though.) Leave a link here or at ’s journal.
Journal posts (one per Deviant) earn five entries!
Winner will be drawn on March 23. USA residents receive a physical book, those outside the USA receive an eBook.
 
Info:
 
:thumb97769804:
THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK V … HEATHER
BY L. DIANE WOLFE
 
When confidence turns to frustration…
 
A new beginning awaits Heather Jennings. The position at Clemson means she will finally realize her dream of coaching basketball. Heather is ready to focus on her duties, using sheer force if necessary to prove her independence.
 
Sadly, her triumph is hampered as her father and greatest advocate lies dying of cancer. Battling her grief, she must also deal with a sister who appears incapable of responsibility or achievement. And once basketball season begins, a talented but cocky player who resembles her in every manner challenges all that remains of Heather’s patience.
 
Heather’s life changes when she encounters a man capable of handling her bold and feisty attitude. Straightforward and smug, he entices her to date him, and despite his gruff nature shows a great capacity for compassion. However, the last thing Heather needs is a serious relationship with a man equally fixated on work and opposed to marriage…
 
Release date: March 16, 2010, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 282 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-5-0 / 0-9816210-5-8
 
Winner of the TOP CHOICE Award - a perfect 10
“I couldn't sleep not knowing what was going to happen next… definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time. It was brilliant. Props to L. Diane Wolfe!”
- FlamingNet Reviews
 
“Heather deals with real life and real situations - 5 Stars”
- Teens Read Too
 
“Wolfe has created amazing characters with believable attributes and flaws; making Book V…a true gem.”
- Donna M. McDine, Write What Inspires You Book Reviews
 
“Even after reading the novel, I am haunted by these characters… This is the power of Wolfe’s writing.”
- The Book Pedler
 
“She puts so much emotion into her stories…”
- There’s Always Something to Read Reviews
 
“… quite a refreshing read.”
- Peace, Love & Pat Reviews
 
“I did not want to put down… You will truly be drawn into the story and will find yourself eager to see what happens next.”
- Dad of Divas Reviews
 
“Thought-provoking, heart-warming, humorous and spirited.”
- Red Headed Book Child Reviews
 
“A nice completion to the series - 4 Stars.”
- Debbie’s World of Books
 
Described as “encouragement personified”, Wolfe’s five-book Southern-based series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles. Known as “Spunk On A Stick” to her fans, Wolfe is also a professional speaker. Originally from Oregon, she now resides in North Carolina. “With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!”
 
The Circle of Friends Website: [link]
 
 
Book Trailer: [link]
 
 
Links to purchase:
Amazon - [link]
 

Barnes & Noble: [link]
 

Dancing Lemur Press L.L.C. : [link]