New Publication of Beloved Macomber Tale Launches Career of New Author!

USA - English

• USA - English

NEW YORK, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber, writing is truly a FAMILY AFFAIR. America's most beloved author 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."

"When Avon Books approached me with the idea of judging a contest to find a novella to publish along with FAMILY AFFAIR, I thought it was a fabulous idea," said Macomber. "I know what it's like to be a struggling author. I tell writers' groups -- and it's true -- that I once got rejected so fast my manuscript hit me in the back of the head on my way home from the post office."

Imagine Macomber's happiness this past winter, when she was able to become the veritable guardian angel to aspiring author Darlene Panzera. Darlene is one of hundreds of unpublished authors who participated in Avon Books' "Make Your Dreams Come True" writing contest, offering all those who participated the chance to win a golden ticket -- the chance to be published alongside one of the most important authors in modern literature.

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."

FAMILY AFFAIR is a celebration of heart, love, and laughter brightened by a dash of the Macomber magic that has made Debbie one of the most popular authors in contemporary fiction. FAMILY AFFAIR is overflowing with charm, wit, and heartwarming emotion. Lacey Lancaster has always longed to be a wife and mother. However, after a painful divorce, she decides it's time to lay low for a while in her charming San Francisco apartment with her beautiful Abyssinian cat, Cleo. Everything would be wonderful, except for her utterly impossible neighbor Jack Walker. When he's not arguing day and night with his girlfriend, begging her to move in with him, he's chasing down his cat named Dog, who seems determined to get Cleo to succumb to his feline advances. Then Lacey discovers the awful truth -- Cleo is in the family way and Dog's to blame. She's furious that neither Jack nor his amorous animal seem too upset about the situation. But Lacey learns that things are not quite as they seem. Jack's "girlfriend" is really his sister -- and his intentions toward Lacey are very honorable. And though she's not quite sure about Dog, Lacey begins to discover the tender joy of falling in love all over again.

"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!

The special publication of FAMILY AFFAIR, which includes "The Bet," is on-sale 6/26/12 wherever books and eBooks are sold.

Cover Image:

http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-FamilyAffair.jpg

About the authors:

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with more than 150 million copies of her books in print. The Washington author is noted for her Cedar Cove, Blossom Street, Heart of Texas, Midnight Sons, and other popular series. Macomber's books have been translated into 23 languages. An avid knitter, she is the coauthor of The Yippy, Yappy Yorkie in the Green Doggie Sweater, a picture book for children. Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle, based on an earlier Avon book by the author and starring Doris Roberts, was Hallmark Channel's most-watched movie for 2009. Production is underway for a 2013 Cedar Cove pilot, starring Andie McDowell for Hallmark Channel's first scripted TV series. Debbie and her husband, Wayne, have four children and nine grandchildren, and split their time between Washington State and Florida. Visit Debbie online at: http://www.debbiemacomber.com.

Photo: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-DebbieMacomber.jpg

Darlene Panzera graduated from the Writer's Digest Advanced Novel Writing School and The Christian Writers' Guild apprentice writing program, and spent six years trying to get her manuscripts published. "The dream to be a published author has been there inside me for a lifetime. When I found out I won Debbie Macomber's 'Make Your Dreams Come True' contest I couldn't believe it. I still can't!" Panzera will admit, like most aspiring authors, that her family has had more than their share of burnt dinners while she struggled to find the right words to put on paper. But, like Macomber, Panzera takes faith in hard work and perseverance. "If you work hard to improve your craft, connect with other writers, and believe in yourself, dreams can come true." For more information about this fresh new voice, visit her website, http://www.darlenepanzera.com.

Photo: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-DarlenePanzera.jpg

FAMILY AFFAIR - Debbie Macomber - Avon Books - On-Sale 6/26/12 - ISBN 9780061997136 $6.99 - e-ISBN 9780062235053 $3.99

Publicity Contact:
Pamela Spengler-Jaffee
212-207-7495 / [email protected]

This press release was issued through eReleases® Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Avon Books