TLC Book Tours Review: The Bet by Darlene Panzera

The Bet
Darlene Panzera
Harper Collins
June 26, 2012
100 pages
Amazon | BN
provided by publisher
RBM’s Disclaimer
5/5 Books

America’s most beloved author Debbie Macomber opened her heart and turned a page in publishing history last winter when she empowered Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, to host the “Make Your Dreams Come True” writing contest, which would give one very special, prize-winning aspiring author the chance to break into publishing by having her cozy romance published alongside the classic Macomber novella, Family Affair, with a special re-issue that goes on-sale 6/26/12. Family Affair was first published as a novella in the Purrfect Love anthology more than a decade ago, and was released last year as a special holiday gift-sized hardcover. This new version is the only edition to include the prize-winning novella The Bet.

Macomber had selected Darlene’s novella, The Bet, from three finalists submitted to the author for review. The names were removed from the three manuscripts submitted to the bestselling writer—but here’s the kicker: Darlene Panzera is a local writer from Macomber’s own Washington State, who had been honing her craft for years. Both were members of the same Romance Writers of America chapter! “Darlene reminds me a lot of myself when I was attempting to get published many years ago,” relates Macomber, “eager and energetic, willing to sacrifice to pursue her dream. I am honored to have played a small part in her success.”

The Bet is truly a sweet, fun-loving romance that Debbie Macomber’s readers will adore. When a stubborn female horse owner rejects his buy-out proposals, a desperate CEO plans to romance the land away from her by disguising himself as a local rancher and betting $10,000 that she will marry him within 60 days!

About The Author:
A graduate of the Writer’s Digest Advanced Novel Writing School and The Christian Writer’s Guild apprentice program, Darlene is an active member of Romance Writers of America’s Greater Seattle and Peninsula Chapters. She’s attended numerous conferences and classes, served five years on the board of RWA’s Peninsula Chapter and in 2011 served as chapter president.

Darlene is the winner of the “Make Your Dreams Come True” contest sponsored by Avon Books which led her novella, The Bet, to be published with Debbie Macomber’s Family Affair released June 2012. She received a second contract with Avon Books, a division of HarperCollins, for the full length manuscript of The Bet, and is currently working on her next novel.

She’s also published several short stories and A Look of Love was a top finalist for Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards Contest.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Darlene now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, photography, horseback riding, crafts, music, and lazy days at the lake.

Connect With The Author:
Website|Facebook|Twitter

My Review:

Being a fan of Debbie Macomber, I was excited to read a book that was written by someone else, but highly recommended by her. After all, it was chosen by Ms. Macomber from a contest. So, when I got the book, I skipped right through Ms. Macomber’s story (I’ll go back later and read it!) and jumped into The Bet. I was quite pleased with the story itself, and the characters. The writing style is very unique and skilled, for being a first time story!

Jenny O’Brien is a wonderful character. She’s owner of her father’s ranch, though she’s in desperate times with a debt. She needs money. So, when the men of the town start betting her money on who will snatch her up in a marriage, she takes them on, knowing full well that she’ll not marry them and then gain the money she needs to save the ranch. What she wasn’t counting on was the handsome stranger who walked in the door and bet $10,000 that she’ll marry him. She said okay. But, what she wasn’t counting on was the fierce attraction she finds her self feeling for the gorgeous stranger.

Nick Chandler is CEO of N.L.C. Industries, a company that has been pursuing Ms. O’Brien to sell out her land. Nick is after the land to sell out to another person so he can save his little sister from her gambling debts. When he takes the trip into town and comes across the men placing bets, he jumps in on the action, placing the highest bet. Now it’s up to him to convince the beauty of the ranch to truly marry him, then he’ll have access to the land. Trouble is, she’s more than just a ranch owner. She finds herself a spot deep in his heart. Can he truly convince her that the bet turned into more than just a simple bet?

This is definitely worthy of 5 Books! It’s sweet, charming, filled with awesome characters and plot line that flies. It’s a fast-paced read, and I had it read in a day. I definitely want to see more books like this from this talented new author. She’s earned a spot on my Debbie Macomber book shelf, that’s for sure :). Well done, Ms. Panzera….I look forward to more of your future works!

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