I’m thrilled to have Marlena Smith here today to share the good news about her new book, “The Power of Love.” Here’s my review: LINK
Welcome to Day 2 of my book launch blog tour! I’m so excited you’ve joined us. A huge shout out to Denise for hosting and all those that have supported my writing journey. It’s a powerful feeling to know you’re not alone.
Today, we’re going to focus on the reason we’re here–The Power of Love. This project has been a very long battle. The manuscript was actually put away for a while because of some negativity, but the story kept resurfacing. Even though I can’t recall where the whole idea came from, I remember how the story flowed almost effortlessly. I immediately fell in love with Scarlet and knew I needed to share her story. So The Power of Love was brought out of hiding and the work began.
Now, how about we share some book facts? Some behind-the-scenes details and such.
- The cover of this book was the first one I created. (Thank you Canva!!) And I was hooked from that point forward. I love making covers now!
- The original story had a very different ending.
- I’ve always loved the name Scarlet, inspired of course, by Gone With the Wind. I adored Miss O’Hara’s determination and spunk. She was such a sassy character!
- I became quite emotional writing Scarlet’s story. I’ve never experienced pain quite like hers, but I still felt every emotion as we journeyed the story together. I hope readers feel it, too.
- I knew from the beginning I wanted the main setting to be somewhere in Montana because of its proximity to California. Plus, I’ve always wanted to visit the mountainous state. I felt like there could easily be a small town with that southern-like charm. So I used Google maps, did some research, and discovered this tiny blip on the map–Belmont.
- The longest part of this book was the editing. I’ve made countless revisions trying to make the story the best it could be. I eventually grew tired of the process and sent it to my editor. I knew she could work some magic on it. She did not disappoint.
Book Blurb:
She only wants a fresh start and a life away from the big city.
Scarlet finds herself in the small town of Belmont, Montana. It’s a quiet town with a lot of charm. One she didn’t expect to fall in love with, but it offers something magical.
Will her past catch up to her? Will she be forced back into the life she hates? Will she risk everything for a chance at love?
Purchase Links:
Amazon Paperback
Amazon Ebook
About the Author:
Marlena Smith is a multi-genre author that uses her own small town life experiences to create stories of the same. Her publications include:
- Ella: A Romantic Novella
- The Intruder: A Short Thriller
- Writing Prompts: to bring out your dark side
Marlena grew up in Alabama with a love of words and creativity. She still lives in that small town today with her family and has never lost that passion. She spends her days working with churches to help them grow and her nights creating tales.
Three Random Facts (I stole this idea from fellow writer, D.L. Finn!)
- I find it very difficult to watch movies about war and slavery. That’s not to say I don’t watch the films because I do think the stories are important to learn and understand. I believe it’s because I’m an empath and become really emotional watching the stories play out. It’s like I’m in the character’s shoes.
- I have two tattoos, one on each wrist. Each design was carefully selected. The first I received is an infinity symbol. One side of the symbol has a 4-leaf clover and the other side says faith. The second tattoo reads Ehfar, which means everything happens for a reason.
- As a senior in high school, I wanted to earn a degree in business. Instead, I was pushed into education, and have yet to use my Bachelors degree.
If you’d like to connect with Marlena, you can find her online:
I can’t thank you enough for joining us today. I hope you’re enjoying the blog tour as much as I am! A huge shout out to Denise and all those that have taken part in the tour. Thank you & happy reading!! <3
Congratulations, Marlena! Your new book sounds interesting and I am anxious to read it. Denise, thank you for hosting Marlena today.
Thank you so much for taking the time to visit, Karen.
I was excited to help Mar promote her latest, Karen. I think her best to date. Happy reading!
❤️❤️
Wishing you all the best on your release, Mar. I love how you chose your setting. It’s been nice getting to know you better through your tour. I am also a huge fan of Gone with the Wind (I still can’t believe she initially preferred Ashley Wilkes; she was way too fiery for him), and I agree with your opinions on war and slavery movies (though I don’t often have the emotional fortitude to watch them). Congratulations on what sounds like a wonderful story.
Denise, thanks for hosting.
Wishing you all the best on your release, Mar. I love how you chose your setting. It’s been nice getting to know you better through your tour. I am also a huge fan of Gone with the Wind (I still can’t believe she initially preferred Ashley Wilkes; she was way too fiery for him), and I agree with your opinions on war and slavery movies (though I don’t often have the emotional fortitude to watch them). Congratulations on what sounds like a wonderful story.
Denise, thanks for hosting.
Thank you so much, Staci. I appreciate you stopping by!
I completely agree about Scarlet. I always thought the same thing about Ashley. No one but Rhett would have sufficed.
I was excited to have Mar visit today thanks Staci. I loved the setting too and really want to explore Montana and its beauty. I was a huge fan of Gone With the Wind too. She was definitely too fiery for Ashley, I agree.
So sorry you went through such negativity, Mar. Huge congratulations on your new release! I love your book cover, and it’s amazing it’s the first one you made. Great ‘three things’. Wishing you all the best. Hugs 💕🙂
Denise, thanks for hosting Mar today. Hugs 💕💖
Appreciate you so much, Harmony!
Hard to believe that cover is her first try. It’s a good one! I was happy to have Mar visit here today. Hugs right back.
Congratulations on your new release, Mar. Hope you’re moving a ton of copies.
Thanks, Craig!!
Fingers crossed those copies are moving, Craig 🙂
Congratulations on your new release, Marlena! It sounds wonderful and very dear to your heart. I love the cover! I have Canva but never attempted a cover. You have inspired me! Thank you for sharing, Denise!
Thanks so much, Joy!! Canva is a lot of fun to work with. They’re always adding new templates and ideas to the site!
I was more than happy to share, Joy. Isn’t her cover great? I love making covers now too in Canva. It’s a lot of fun.
All the best to Marlena for the success of The Power of Love! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thank you so much, Liz!
You’re welcome, Marlena!
Thank you, Liz! I always appreciate when you spread the word and share 🙂
My pleasure, Denise! 🙂
🙂
Sounds like this story is one you needed to write, Marlena, since it kept calling you. Congrats on the new release, and I wish you all the best.
Thanks for hosting today, Denise.
Thank you, Joan. The life of a writer is an interesting one. Sometimes, your inner self knows better. 🙂
I loved when stories hang on like that, Joan.
Congratulations, Mar. I’m glad you stuck with the story and now here you are. Thanks to Denise for hosting.
Thank you, John! Appreciate you stopping by!
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Excited to host Mar here today, John 🙂
😊
Thank you so very much, Denise, for sharing your site with me. I appreciate it more than you know! <3
You are welcome here anytime, Mar! I appreciate the three things shoutout, but think I saw it somewhere once, my memory is bad…lol I enjoy learning more that way though. Loved your story and that town too 🙂 hugs xo
You’re still the one that gave me the idea! 😉
Marlena, Many congrats on your new release. Sounds like a wonderful read.
Denise, Thanks for hosting:)
scoxox
Thank you so much, Sandra! Appreciate you stopping by!
Thank, Sandra. It is a fun read!
I enjoyed getting to know Marlena today and agree with her about slavery movies. It’s heartbreaking to see how little respect we have for our fellow man.
Congrats on your new release- cute cover!
Yes, it is hard to take in or watch how horrible that humans can treat each other, Jacquie.
Thank you so much, Jacquie! Appreciate you stopping by!
Kudos to you, Marlena, for not giving up on the story! I look forward to reading it soon. Many thanks to Denise for hosting today!
Yes, it sure pays not to give up, Jan 🙂
Thank you so much, Jan!! ❤️
I think it’s a very good sign when the author herself gets emotional over a character. That’s strong storytelling! Congratulations to Smith on this new release!
Yes it sure makes a difference, Priscilla 🙂
Thank you so much, Priscilla, for taking the time to stop by and visit. I appreciate your kind words.
Marlena, Love the tats you chose and the reasons behind them. Wishing you all the best with the launch.
‘Lo, Denise. xo
I always love hearing the story behind most tats. ‘Lo xo
Thank you, Sandra! I’m so glad I chose these too. And the placement. I don’t think I could have made a better decision!
It’s great seeing Marlena’s book getting all this attention. It was fun learning a little inside scoop, especially how emotional it was to write. I think that translates well to the reader. Congrats on your launch, Marlena, and thanks for hosting, Denise. 🙂
It is great to see allthe attention it is getting, Diana. I agree that emotions shine through when the author is deeply involved.
I love it when stories flow seamlessly. Some of mine have to be yanked out:)
Yours always flows seamlessly! xo
Hi Denise, it is lovely to see Marlene featured here with her new book. I was interested to read she created the cover for this book in Canva, well done to her.
Thanks, Robbie 🙂 Yes, it was amazing first book cover. It really caught my eye.
Congratulations, Marlena! The cover looks great, too!