Duly Noted
Page 31
When I wrote Run Away Charlotte and Ask Me Again, I received many emails/cards/letters from fans who had fallen in love with Charlotte and Andrew. Some had very strong opinions on the characters, and many others wanted to know more about them. As an author, it makes my day when someone shares their thoughts, and gives me feedback. It’s because of this early feedback on Duly Noted that another story has come alive. So share with me what you liked, what you loved, or even what you hated. I’d love to hear from you.
Contact me via email or via my website.
Finally, I need to ask you a favour. If you are so inclined, I’d love a review or a rating of Duly Noted. Loved it or hated it, I will enjoy your feedback. You’ll even get a *bonus* chapter emailed to you for doing so when you send me the link to your rating/review.
As I’m sure you can tell from my books, reviews are tough to come by. As a reader, you have the power to make or break a book. If you have the time, here’s a link to my author page on Goodreads. You can also leave your rating/review wherever you purchased Duly Noted.
Thank you so much for spending time with me.
Yours,
H.M. Shander
Other books by H.M. Shander
Run Away Charlotte
Trusting and depending on others has never suited nineteen-year-old Charlotte Cooper, who believes she’s unworthy of a happily ever after. She’s fiercely loyal to one - her BFF Joe. Afterall, Joe’s the only one who knows everything about Charlotte and he’s sworn to protect her heart, and her deep dark secrets.
Until Andrew Wagner walks into her life.
Despite his attempts to court Charlotte, she pushes him away, believing he can’t handle her past shadows. After a horrible accident, she slowly learns to trust and depend on him. As she shares her darkest secrets, he falls in love with her. Several incidents thrust the young lovers together, and Charlotte falls hard, giving her whole being to Andrew. While trying to be everything he can for Charlotte, he struggles to find the balance between family, school, love and commitment.
However, their different definitions of love and what it means to love unconditionally come to a head after Andrew spends a summer abroad and Charlotte crosses a line. His reaction sends a devastated Charlotte into the arms of Jack, an older man who can successfully balance what Andrew failed to do. He puts Charlotte first, treating her like a princess while capitalizing on her vulnerability. He gives her everything her heart desires… except Andrew.
When it comes to matters of the heart and mind, which direction do you follow? Love or Logic?
Ask Me Again
After years of walking on eggshells and feeling trapped in her unhappy marriage, 30-something year old Charlotte feels alone and unwanted. She longs for a time when she was happy and truly loved. When her world is turned upside down by a broken waterline, the true loneliness of her life becomes overwhelming. How did she end up here?
Andrew is a good-looking, Russian man with the heart of gold and the ability to make Charlotte’s heart come alive after years of it slowly tapping along. When he shows up on her doorstep as the Project Manager in charge of repairing her flooded home, it seems she will have to fight hard against her feelings. She’s married and he’s engaged, but they have a history as passionate lovers.
It’s been more than thirteen years since Andrew and Charlotte broke up, but that doesn’t mean the past is forgotten. The more time they spend together repairing the house, the harder it becomes to resist their intoxicating chemistry.
Through death, lies and betrayals, Charlotte leans on Andrew, finding solace in the fact that she never needs to hide herself from him. When a huge loss pushes her to the edge and makes her question everything, she has to decide if she should stay in the life she’s created and make the best of it, or risk it all for a second chance at true happiness.
Acknowledgements
Wow! You made it this far and are still reading. Thanks.
I’d like to thank my family and friends for your unwavering support. You’ve helped me achieve a dream. I’m in total shock that I’ve written (and published) three full-length novels. Even more shocking, is how you all want to read and devour them. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU.
To my hubs – Still a half-million books shy of being a millionaire, but hopefully one day I’ll be your sugar momma and we’ll have it made. But you know what, we already do have it made, so thanks, babe. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love, and supporting me in the process. Thanks for reading, even though this is not your genre, and you takes you months to get through it, I appreciate your thoughts. Love ya.
To my boys Bear and Buddy – what would I do without you? You two make me laugh, and cry, and proud to be your mom. It warms my heart to know you’re proud of me and when you go out for an evening with Dad, you tell me to write some more. I love that you want to explore your creative side and write as well, and I love reading your adventures with Bob, and bombs and all things boy. Be true to yourselves. And what was the saying about Batman? LOL.
To my BFF – Thank you for your support, for filling a void in my life, and for the gift of your friendship – I will treasure it forever. Thanks for your constant desire for “another chapter”, for wanting more Aurora & Nate, for drooling over him, for forgiving her and for your thoughts on where they go next.
To my CP extraordinaire – Oh boy, do you rock! Where would my story be without you? Your questions, comments and expressions through the editing were perfect. I knew when the email arrived with the heading “Don’t hate me” that I had some work ahead. But you made it better, and stronger, and I’m forever grateful. Our partnership has evolved, and I’m blessed to know and work with you. Now hurry up and get your story out there. People need to read it!
To my beta readers – thank you for your edits, your comments, and all your help. It means a lot to me to know you’re in my corner, rooting for the right people.
Thanks to my editor, and the countless hours involved.
Thanks to my creative designer for the last minute changes I worried about. It turned out beautifully and I’m so excited. You’re my go-to for the next book.
Did I miss someone? If so, know it was an oversight. You still mean something to me, even if I didn’t make it public.
About the Author
Knows four languages– English, French, Sarcasm and ASL. Speaks two of them exceptionally well. Any guesses which two?
Lives in Edmonton, AB. A big city with a small-town feel. As much as she’d love the beach under a blanket of stars, this is her home.
Is a coffee addict, and when she gave it up for Lent, totally felt Aurora’s dependency and struggle through withdrawal. Sunday morning coffees were a Godsend.
Terrified of scary clowns, although she once wanted to be a “Happy Clown” as she enjoys making people smile.
Is a self-proclaimed nerd (and friends/family will back this up), reveling in all things science, however likes to be creative when there’s time. Right brain, left brain? Both.
Has worked many jobs, her favourite being a birth doula and librarian, in addition to being an author and writing romances. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love falling in love?
Five things she loves, in no particular order; The Colour Blue, The Smell of Coconut & Shea Butter, Star Wars, The Ocean, and Chocolate
Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. She also has a blog (hmshander.blogspot.ca) she writes on from time to time.
Thanks for reading– all the way to the end.
See you in the next book.
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