A Real Life Story of Heroic Virtue
Parts of this memoir appeared on ESPN and in Rosie

Warsaw, Indiana
July 08, 2015

Award-winning and best-selling author, Michelle Weidenbenner, announces the release of Kelly Schaefer’s memoir, Fractured Not Broken.

Years ago, parts of Kelly’s story appeared on ESPN and in Rosie, but now Kelly reveals the rest of the story in her new book, Fractured Not Broken.

Nineteen-year-old Kelly had it all—a healthy and athletic body, a star basketball-player boyfriend, and a fun college life with close friends.

But everything changed when a drunk driver rendered her a quadriplegic.

Kelly was left with arms and legs that couldn’t move. She couldn’t walk, write, feed herself or comb her hair. When she thought she couldn’t lose anything more—her boyfriend left her, unwilling to endure a life with a quad.

Through her darkest days of loss and pain, her family and community gathered together to push her forward, to help her persevere. With their help, Kelly moved closer to God and toward a faith she’d never had.

“Miracles come in many obscure moments,” Kelly said. “I spent most of my life awaiting my big break. I expected my miracle to be in the form of a pill, injection, or surgery that would enable my spine to heal and give me the mobile freedom I prayed for, but that didn’t happen.

“Kristen Jongen’s quote says it all:
“‘My miracle came unannounced, and in an odd package. It looked different from what I imagined–untimely, unexpected, unpretentious–yet it fit perfectly. Divinely constructed solely for me.’”

Fractured Not Broken is a memoir of loss and faith, but it’s also a love story that sounds like fiction.

“Life has its tragic moments of defeat, setbacks, and fracturing for everyone. Kelly’s story proves, however, that individual momentum, personal progress, and genuine achievement can still be attained. Her courage and optimism are uplifting. Open these pages and experience the joy of ultimate victory.” —Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, Author of Jesus in All Four Seasons

“This book has been a true encouragement to me. Thank you Kelly for sharing your story— the loss and the unexpected joy— so that each reader can be uplifted knowing there is a full, rich life available to those who lean in to our Lord Jesus.” —Renee Bondi, Award-Winning Singer and Songwriter

“This is a real life story of heroic virtue—especially of courage, humility, and generosity—a triumph of faith, hope and love. This story involves the very essence of the human spirit, family, and community. To know Kelly and her journey of miracles is to know that with God all things are possible.” —Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson Bishop of Evansville

This book will fracture the paradigms of the goals and expectations we set for ourselves and others. Kelly’s words will change how readers think of people with disabilities and bring hope to readers who have lost faith in finding true love.

Weidenbenner’s other novels include Cache a Predator, Scattered Links, and an early chapter book series for girls called Éclair.

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Oh, perfect I just get back from a run with sweaty hair,

wet and hanging loose from the hair band attempting but

failing to keep it in place. I’m wearing sweats and an old

Muse t-shirt with a stain on it from spilt juice, and who’s

sitting looking perfect in a suit and tie, tapping away at his

laptop?

Mr sexy/annoying as hell Finlay, that’s who.

He gets up and knocks back whatever is in his mug,

closing his computer, and smirks as he takes in my attire.

“There’s eggs still hot on the stove. Help yourself, and tell

Gaby I won’t be back for dinner.” He waltzes past me, his

scent hitting me in the face like invisible mist …delicious

scented mist.

“Do I look like your secretary?” I mumble over my

shoulder, grabbing a bottle of water I’d left on the counter

from earlier then guzzling it down. The warm palm hitting

my ass cheek causes a screech to choke out of me and water

to spurt everywhere. Warm air hits my earlobe as Finlay

whispers, “No, you definitely do not look like my secretary.”

Did he really slap my butt?

“Hang on. Is that an insult or a compliment?” I call after

him as he chuckles and shuts the front door behind him.

Looking down at my outfit, I scrunch my nose up. I need

some new clothes and I need to kick his ass for slapping

mine.

Title: Drawn To You

Author: Ker Dukey

Genre: New Adult Romance

Release Date: June 30th

Antonia McNally has a great family, a great boyfriend, and a great future… until she finds herself interrupting a robbery and becoming the victim of a ruthless criminal. When she witnesses brutal murder, abuse and suffers her own traumatizing assault by his hand, her life changes forever. When love, loyalty, and strength are tested, the weak falter.

Moving away to the States offers her a fresh start; however, confident, successful Finlay Hayes, her best friend’s Brother adds even more chaos to her already turbulent emotions. When she can’t decide between ripping him a new one or ripping his clothes off, one thing is for sure, they both have an unquenchable craving for each other. When life starts looking a little brighter it’s not long before the storm clouds roll in. All is never what it appears and under his good looks and in charge attitude, Finlay has a past of his own and secrets that can destroy the dynamics of the friendships she has built.

Secrets are waiting to be spilled, but at what cost?

I have always had a passion for storytelling, whether it be through lyrics or bed time stories with my sisters. I wanted to be an actress growing up so I could live many roles but I learned early on that my mind was too active… I would want to change the script.I would watch films and think of ways they could have improved the story if they took another direction so i thought it best that i tell my own.

My mum would always have a book in her hand when I was young and passed on her love for reading, inspiring me to venture into writing my own. I tend to have a darker edge to my writing. Not all love stories are made from light, some are created in darkness but are just as powerful and worth telling.

When I’m not lost in the world of characters I love spending time with my family. I’m a mum and that comes first in my life but when I do get down time I love attending music concerts or reading events with my younger sister.

You can find me on Facebook where i love interacting with my readers.

Publications

The Broken Facade (co written with D.H Sidebottom)

The Broken Parts Of Us The Broken Tethers That Bind Us

My Soul Keeper Cadence (co written with D.H Sidebottom)

The Beats In Rift Desolate (Empathy #2)

Empathy Vacant (An Empathy novella)

Benneth Innocence (co written with D.H. Sidebottom)

Coming Soon TBR Links

I see you (co written with D.H Sidebottom)

Deadly (an Empathy Novella)

Ten (My Brother’s Best Friend)

Ice’s story – Bad Blood Series #2 (untitled)

Coming Soon TBR Links

I see you (co written with D.H Sidebottom)

Deadly (an Empathy Novella)

Ten (My Brother’s Best Friend)

Ice’s story – Bad Blood Series #2 (untitled)

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I could not be more excited to feature this new release! Who hasn’t rocked out to the music of Smash Mouth?! Now you can go behind the music with a band that carried the spirit of a generation in Walkin’ on the Sun; The Official Smash Mouth Biography. 

The Plan

A Crystal Cove Romance

Book 2

Available Now!

iBooks/Amazon/Nook/Kobo/Smashwords/Google Play/All Romance Ebooks/Goodreads

Emmy Carter is a hard-working, no-nonsense woman. She’s focused only on supporting her family and growing her pie business. Working weekend nights at The Riptide is just something she does to help pay the bills. When it comes to men–or love–she’s not interested. Since the day her surfer-boy husband walked out the door to find bigger waves, Emmy’s been determined never to give another man power over her heart.

Cooper Davis agrees. He’s been married–and divorced–twice, and he’s got no desire to make it a trifecta. He has his carpentry business, which is his passion, and his teen-aged daughter to keep him busy. The posse, his best friends since boyhood, tease him about finding the right woman. But Cooper knows she doesn’t exist.

When Emmy and Cooper share a casual hook-up late one night, isn’t a big deal. It’s just a one-time thing. Until it isn’t. And although neither of them will admit to themselves or each other that they want more, each encounter only brings them closer to the happily-ever-after they never planned to have.

Like it or not. . .it’s all part of The Plan.

***Special price for THE POSSE (A Crystal Cove Romance Book 1)***

***99 cents for a limited time only!***

iBooks/Amazon/Nook/Google Play/Kobo/All Romance Ebooks

One women, three men, and a love story as unpredictable as the riptide . . .

Being a widow at the age of forty-four was never in Jude Hawthorne’s plans. After her husband’s death, she’s left with her family’s beach restaurant and two nearly-grown children. The last thing she’s looking for is another chance at love.

However, if her husband’s best friends, the Posse, have anything to say about it, love is just what she’s going to get. The Posse is determined to take care of Jude, and when they decide the best way to do that is for one of them to sweep her off her feet, three begin to vie for her affections. But only one can reach her heart.

In a story of friendship, loss and second chances, Jude will learn her life is far from being over.

Coming August 25th

The Path

A Crystal Cove Romance

Book 3

Abby Donavan came to the small beach community of Crystal Cove to start over. After a painful affair broke her heart and derailed her burgeoning career, taking over management for the just-opened bed-and-breakfast was the safe choice. In this sleepy town, Abby figured she could bury her memories and forget the pain.

When the chance to have her own hotel falls into her lap, though, she can’t resist the temptation. Making the old Riverside Inn into the showplace she’s always dreamed of running offers the second chance she never expected.

Abby didn’t expect another kind of second chance to land on her doorstep at the same time. Ryland Kent wants to help her bring the Riverside back to life, and his passion for restoration is irresistible. But as much as she wants to ignore it, she can’t help seeing another spark in his eyes . . . one that offers to reignite her own flame.

Sometimes the path to a happily-ever-after is anything but smooth.

Pre-order here!

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About the author

Tawdra Kandle writes romance, in just about all its forms. She loves unlikely pairings, strong women, sexy guys, hot love scenes and just enough conflict to make it interesting. Her books run from YA paranormal romance (THE KING SERIES), through NA paranormal and contemporary romance (THE SERENDIPITY DUET, PERFECT DISH DUO, THE ONE TRILOGY) to adult contemporary and paramystery romance (CRYSTAL COVE BOOKS and RECIPE FOR DEATH SERIES). She lives in central Florida with a husband, kids, sweet pup and too many cats. And yeah, she rocks purple hair.

Follow Tawdra here:

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Summer is here! Time for long, lazy days poolside or on the beach, and of course, a super hot read is a must-have.

We’ve got you covered. Or . . . uncovered . . .

Ready for a summer escape? Get 15 contemporary romance stories by best-selling and award-winning authors for 99¢! Each novel and novella has a beach setting, an irresistible love story with HEA, and high sizzle factor. Slather on the sunscreen, grab a cool drink, and get ready to get hot!

HOT BEACH ROMANCE: SAND, SUNSHINE AND SIZZLE

iBooks/Amazon/Nook/Kobo/Google Play/All Romance Ebooks/Smashwords

Join the Facebook party on June 28^th for the official release of the bundle.

Find out more about the books and the awesome authors in the bundle here!

Here’s just a taste . . .

Ecstasy By the Sea by Chris Almeida & Cecilia Aubrey