Welcome to the official kickoff of the #DontSettleSummer!

The vibe? Massive female empowerment, baby. 'Cause there's an epidemic in this world. Of women afraid to live their best lives. Yup. Instead of having the faith to believe there's something even more amazing on the horizon, too many girlfriends are willing to grab what's easy and in front of them, whether it be a man, job or a clearance handbag.

That my friend is called settling.

And it needs to go the way of the mullet. File under extinct.

The #DontSettleSummer festivities are gonna pop off with a bang, way before any 4th of July fireworks, with exciting giveaways across the big three social media channels: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Stick around if you:

Are a voracious reader of women's fiction, ya know, like my debut novel Settling Down.
Like your stories to go down with humor, sharp wit and the undying expectation that you, as a smart chick, can be entertained without packing away your intelligence.
Enjoy cheering on other ladies on their life journeys, while internalizing their lessons to improve your own situation.
Are committed to growing into your best person. And then growing some more. And then...you get the picture.
Wanna stomp on stereotypes that there's a one-sized journey of life.
Like free stuff, like beach bags, luggage tags, autographed vacation reads AND jewelry.

Settling is about giving up your power.

The #DontSettleSummer is about taking it back.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey, beautiful you.

I wanna be your Valentine.

Yup. Be mine and all that.

This February 14th, aka, the most isolating of Hallmark holidays for the single chick, we're gonna do things a little differently. This year, you'll be armed with heartfelt sisterhood backup, moi, ready to shatter the myth that you need a prince in your life, Charming or otherwise, in order to be complete in this world. And maybe, just maybe, in the end all you need is one.

So, rise up my single ladies. We're celebrating the individual awesomeness you bring every day.

All. By. Yourself.

My question: You do believe this too, right?

Insert praying hands emoji.

Phew. Listen. I understand. Life is a battlefield. And no matter how strong you are, everyone needs a reminder every once in a while. So I've got you: Signed, sealed, delivered.

Behold the swag-a-licious #Don'tSettle prize pack.

One lucky winner will celebrate the solo with a signed copy of my book Settling Down, a humorous fictional guidebook, if you will, in the spirit of Jennifer Weiner, that explores what happens to an otherwise strong intelligent woman when she looks outside herself for love and happiness. What did Providence Monthly Magazine have to say? This: "The reasons to like this book are numerous...It's funny, for one. Really funny. And a lot smarter than a lot of other "chick lit" books that all get grouped together in an unfairly negative way."

But that's not all. You'll also receive a #Don'tSettle luggage tag and beach bag, for your own personal journey. Plus, I'm even going to help you put your own ring on it, 'cause it is kinda integral to the storyline. How does.sterling silver, size 7, grab ya? And last, but not least, I'm including a heart filled with yummy chocolates, because, well, duh.

The best part? You don't have to share.

Yeah, I know. I'm the best.

And guess what? You are too.

(Contest open to US mailing addresses only.)