Welcome to Mari Manning's Website!

Thanks so much for visiting. Here's a little bit about my background

I am the proud author of two-and-a-half romance novels.

My second novel, Daddy’s Girl, was one of the ten finalists for Brava's Writing with the Stars. I am thrilled to be chosen, and whether or not I win, it's been a great experience, and I have had an opportunity to work with some very talented people.

I am a life-long fan of both historical and contemporary romance, but I have chosen to set my books in contemporary settings. It gives me a chance to explore some of the issues facing women in today's world, which interests me deeply. I especially love writing (and reading) stories about how love transforms characters’ lives so that is the over-arching theme of all my books.

My husband and I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I am a marketing director by day, have two grown daughters and belong to RWA, plus my own local Chicago North chapter. I would love to hear from you. Send me your thoughts or comments at manningillinois@gmail.com

My Books

I Need a Hero
Daddy's Girl
Sweet Truth

Writing with the Stars Special Offer

Here is a little about each of my romances, starting with the one I am finishing up now:

I Need a Hero -- Lt. Collin Atlee has returned to civilian life after seven years in Special Forces, including several tours in Iraq. For lack of anything better to do, he opens up a detective agency. Seneca Simms has a mystery on her hands, and she needs to have it cleared up before her wedding, which is less than a month away. The future is up for grabs when these two star-crossed lovers get together to solve a riddle from Seneca's past.

Daddy's Girl -- Sierra O'Neill has spent her entire life trying to please her possessive father until she falls for Daniel Reed, a man who does not share. When these two powerful men begin an epic battle for Sierra, the dirty tricks and back-stabbing threaten to destroy all three of them. Sierra is going to have to choose one of them before things get out of hand unless she can come up with a plan to hold on to them both.

Sweet Truth -- Shattered by an unspeakable crime, Olivia Bainbridge walks away from her high society life and into the arms of Nick Lorenz, the son of a close-knit Italian family. When Olivia suddenly disappears, Nick thinks he knows why. But does he? (Author's note: This was my first attempt at writing a romance novel, so it's my sentimental favor, but perhaps a bit overwrought.)

At Least We Weren’t on National Television

It must be tough to critique first paragraphs and last lines of books when there are 80,000+ unread words sandwiched between them. Based on what she had to work with, Sarah Wendell wrote entertainingly about the Writing with the Stars entries.

It reminded me of those Tuesday nights when I turned on American Idol to watch a group of young hopefuls sing their hearts out for America (as well as the four judges). With the departure of Paula, the nicest judge was Ellen. Simon, of course, was the meanest.

Which judge’s comments were the most entertaining? Simon.

Which brings me back to Writing with the Stars and Sarah Wendell. If Sarah’s comments were not always complimentary, they were entertaining, which is the point of the contest for everyone other than the contestants. And if more people read and enjoyed the October entries because of her writing, then that is a win-win for everyone. I hope they all return in November for the next round.

Rather than post an excerpt, I will offer readers a choice of three excerpts from “Daddy’s Girl.” Would you like to read “First Kiss,” “Picnic on the Beach,” or “Honeymoon”? Email me at ManningIllinois@gmail.com with your choice and I will email it to you.