"UNEXPECTING" BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY ~Plus~ AUTHOR INTERVIEW!

Buy Unexpecting HERE!

I love to read. Like REALLY love to read. And since I have read A LOT of books, I am sort of a book snob. I want a book that I can really fall into. A book that touches me, challenges my emotions, and makes me grin like an idiot and make funny faces while I read it because I feel so attached to the characters and story. "Unexpecting" exceeded my requirements! I don't want to go in too much detail, because I don't want to reveal too much of the book. It really is a Must read! 

Book Description

Shelley and David are a couple of almost-empty-nesters preparing to embark on the next stage of their lives. They just ordered white furniture and planned the vacation they’ve waited their entire lives to take when Alexandra, seventeen and pregnant, shows up on their doorstep and announces that she’s the daughter they never knew they had!

I got to know Lori when I was introduced to her book "Momnesia" (Another Awesome Book!) Lori did a guest post for my blog ~ you can find it HERE ~ a wonderful article about taking care of yourself when your life is hectic and demanding (I think most of us can relate to the difficulty of making "Me Time") She is such a wonderful lady, down to earth, with a great sense of humor. I was excited to get to do a short interview with her for this book release! =)

1.What inspired you to write your first book?

My first book was a nonfiction dog training book, "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs." I wrote it when I owned a dog training school, and I recognized that housebreaking issues are really a huge problem for people. Writing the book allowed me to help people worldwide... beyond the scope of just my local clients.

However, if what you meant was my first novel, "Momnesia," what inspired me was having been through a time when I, myself, felt very lost in the throes of "mommyhood." In writing the book, I hoped that it would provide entertainment, commiseration, and maybe some inspiration for other moms to find ways to balance "momminess" and "sexinesss." (Your family responsibilities while also taking care of your Self.)

2.How did you come up with the title "Unexpecting"?

It was tough! Actually, the title was originally supposed to be "Gramnesia," crafted after my first novel, "Momnesia." However, I realized that people who heard the title assumed the book would only be for older women to read, when actually that is not accurate. So I set about thinking of a new title, and even asked fans to vote! I'm really pleased with the title, "Unexpecting," because it accurately portrays what the book is about: Unexpected life changes, not being "expecting" (in a pregnancy way), etc.

3.If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I really enjoy Jane Porter's work. Her contemporary women's fiction manages to portray characters that feel very real, who you easily get to know and care about. I like the way her stories always tie in to the struggles so many average, regular women face, providing the opportunity for commiseration, personal growth, and often laughter. These are my goals for my novels too!

4.Do you feel that you resemble any of your characters?

In my head, Shelley, (the main character in both "Momnesia" and "Unexpecting") is fashioned after myself.

5.Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Yes. Sometimes the emotions caused by what's going on with the characters in the story, start affecting my emotions in real life. "These (imaginary) kids are driving me crazy!" LOL. There have been times when I've felt like my house is too crowded, my kids are all needing too much, and there is dog slobber on everything... then I look around and the poor dears are minding their own business, and we don't even have a dog! (Please do not send men in white coats to come and take me away!)

6.What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Without question, it was addressing my emotions about how Shelley would handle The Big Terrible Incident with David. It became so difficult that at one point I set aside the manuscript for almost a month before I felt ready to tackle it again!

7.Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Absolutely! I learned more about myself than I have throughout any project I've ever worked on before! While the story is completely fictional, I do have four children ranging from 12 to 20 years old. The various dilemmas in the book caused me to question myself: How would I really feel? How would I actually handle that? It involved a lot of soul searching and in the end, maybe Shelley from the book and I in real life wouldn't handle things exactly the same ways, but it did force me to explore all of the myriad options along the way.

8.Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Yes, and it's very simple: Just write your book. Don't worry about what you're going to do with it later. If you don't ever write it, you won't have to worry about how it's going to get published anyway! And if you do decide to pursue being an author through independent publishing, remember that it is a slow and steady process; put in the extra effort to have your book professionally edited and make sure it's as perfect as possible before releasing it, so that you can build your reputation, people will want to recommend your book to others, and readers will look for your future work.

Win Your Own Copy Of "Unexpecting!!"

Lori Verni-Fogarsi is Giving away a Copy Of Her New Book! 

The winner can choose between Paperback or Kindle version. (Paperback can only be shipped in the continental US)

Winners must respond to winning email from mommysbreak2012@gmail.com within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  Winner will be notified by email and displayed on the rafflecopter 

All entries will be verified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now that you have entered to win the Book, go HERE to enter to win a Kindle Fire or $100 Amazon Gift Card! You can find other prizes and Blog/Book Tour Stops HERE.

About the Author

Lori Verni-Fogarsi


AUTHOR BIO: Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, and small business consultant since 1995. She has been featured in media including “Lifetime Women’s Network,” the “My Carolina Today Show,” and “Boston Globe Forums Live.” Her public speaking has occurred at many prestigious venues including “North Carolina State University,” “Nassau Community College,” and many more. She has received two awards for her novel, “Momnesia,” and her nonfiction, “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,” continues to be one of the most highly recommended in its genre since 2005. Lori is a happy married mom of two, step mom of two more, and has two cats, both rotten. She is very excited about the release of “Unexpecting,” and enjoys getting to know her readers via social media and in person. She invites you to learn more at www.LoriTheAuthor.com.

Unexpecting is Published by Brickstone Publishing