Brenda Janowitz rings in a new month...plus a book giveaway

Photo by Cristina Calvi

We're pleased to have Brenda Janowitz back at CLC today to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, The Liz Taylor Ring! Melissa says  "it's a terrific family saga that I definitely recommend" (reviewed here). Brenda is here to talk about this novel and share some other fun information about herself. Thanks to Graydon House, we have one copy of The Liz Taylor Ring to share with a lucky reader!

Brenda Janowitz is the author of six previous novels, including THE GRACE KELLY DRESS. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Real Simple, The Sunday Times (UK), Salon, Redbook, USA Today, Bustle, The Forward, the New York Post, Publisher’s Weekly, Hello Giggles, Writer’s Digest Magazine, WritersDigest.com, and xojane. She is the former Books Correspondent for PopSugar.

Brenda attended Cornell University and Hofstra Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review. Upon graduation from Hofstra, worked for the law firm Kaye Scholer, LLP, and did a federal clerkship with the Honorable Marilyn Dolan Go, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York. (Bio adapted from Brenda's website.)

Visit Brenda online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:

In 1978, Lizzie Morgan and Ritchie Schneider embark on a whirlwind romance on the bright beaches and glamorous yachts of Long Island. Over the years, their relationship has its share of ups and downs, including a nine-month hiatus that ends with a stunning eleven-carat ring—one that looks just like the diamond Richard Burton gifted Liz Taylor after their own separation. Like the famous couple, despite the drama that would unfold throughout the Schneiders’ marriage, the ring would be there as a symbol of their love…until it wasn't.

Decades later, when the lost ring unexpectedly resurfaces, the Schneiders’ three children gather under one roof for the first time in years, eager to get their hands on this beloved, expensive reminder of their departed parents. But determining the fate of the heirloom is no simple task, unearthing old wounds and heartaches the siblings can't ignore. And when the ring reveals a secret that challenges everything they thought they knew about their parents’ epic love story, they’ll have to decide whether to move forward as a family or let the ring break them once and for all. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

“Brenda Janowitz's heartfelt novel shows readers that just like gemstones, people have flaws, but it doesn't mean we love them any less—in fact, those imperfections may make us treasure them even more. Written with warmth and humor, this compelling family story sparkles like the diamond at its core.”

—Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost

“The Liz Taylor Ring is a gorgeously written multigenerational novel. Brenda Janowitz beautifully weaves stories of love, of motherhood, and of the unbreakable bonds between siblings. I absolutely devoured this dazzling book!”

—Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools

“A charming novel about love, family, and tradition that beautifully captures the sparkling, complicated essence of Liz Taylor.”

—Jo Piazza bestselling author of We Are Not Like Them

“The Liz Taylor Ring is a love story as multifaceted as the infamous ring it revolves around, and as revelatory. Smart, sharply observed, and full of heart and humor, this is her best book yet. I loved it.”

—Laura Zigman, author of Separation Anxiety

Which authors have inspired you to become an author?
So many authors inspired my journey to becoming an author!

I fell in love with the work of Jane Green, Jennifer Weiner, Sarah Mlynowski, Melissa Senate, and Marian Keyes when I took my first writing class back in 2006. I remember reading those books, at that time in my life, and seeing myself in them. They were funny and smart and irreverent in a way that I connected to very deeply. Those books allowed me to think that I might dare to live out my lifelong dream of writing a book, too.
 
What were the biggest rewards and challenges with writing The Liz Taylor Ring?
I loved writing The Liz Taylor Ring. I was so incredibly inspired by the life and films of Elizabeth Taylor, and it made writing the book a truly magical experience. 

The biggest challenge, by far, has been this part, right here. Publishing has changed dramatically in the last two years, since The Grace Kelly Dress came out, and it feels like with my seventh novel, I somehow need to learn everything I ever knew about the industry—sales, marketing, publicity—all over again.
 
If The Liz Taylor Ring were made into a movie, what are some songs that would be on the soundtrack?
"Maps" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Let’s Stay Together" by Al Green
"Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend" by Marilyn Monroe
 
What is something you've learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I’ve often said that my writing is what saved me through the pandemic. If I hadn’t been on contract for The Liz Taylor Ring last year, I’m not sure that I would have produced a book. And what I’ve learned is about myself is this: I need to write. Writing is my therapy; it’s my salvation.
 
What was your favorite book series when you were growing up?
I was utterly and completely obsessed with Sweet Valley High. I couldn’t get enough of those books when I was younger, and I’m certain that at one point, I’d read every single one of them. (And yes, I’ll be watching the new adaptation when that comes out!)
 
What is your mantra for 2022?
I’m not sure I have a manta. Do I need a mantra?! Perhaps you could lend me yours??

Seriously, though, something I’ve been working on lately is how to be less hard on myself. I always beat myself up for everything, and I’m trying to stop doing that. I’d like to talk to myself the way that I’d talk to a close friend. With kindness and with grace.

Thanks to Brenda for visiting with us and to Graydon House for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends February 6th at midnight EST.

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