WHAT MATTERS MOST 

(TEXAS GOLD COLLECTION BOOK #4)

by Kellie Coates Gilbert

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Romance / Christian

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: July 5, 2016

Number of Pages: 320

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Love and Politics Collide in This Emotion-Packed 

Fourth Texas Gold Novel

Kellie Coates Gilbert strikes gold once again in the latest book in the Texas Gold Collection. Readers will be drawn into the story through Gilbert’s deeply emotional writing that highlights the complexities of human relationships.

Out of her desire to care for her mother who is suffering from dementia, Leta Breckenridge drops out of college. Her next step means leaving her comfort zone. After learning that a delinquent account may force her mother into a less desirable facility, Leta takes a leap and lands a high-paying job at an Austin public relations firm. But her dream job soon turns into a nightmare when she learns that the firm she is working for is a front for a political opposition organization—and that the research she has been collecting will be used against Nathan Emerson, the handsome senator she’s swiftly falling in love with.

Nathan is a rising political star being pressured to run a bid to unseat the current governor of Texas. He’s already in a relationship with a woman much better suited to be a politician’s wife, but he’s never met anyone like Leta. Could this feisty woman hold the key to his heart—and his future?

Amazon * ChristianBook.com * Barnes & Noble * Baker Retail

Praise for the Texas Gold Collection

“This tale of family and faith brings to light what truly matters in life.”—RT Book Reviews, 4 stars

 “Kellie Coates Gilbert delivers emotionally gripping plots and authentic characters.”—LifeIsStory.com

“Well-drawn, sympathetic characters and graceful language make this an engaging choice for readers.”—Library Journal

I started this book before I had to go to work and read through 2 chapters…and then I had to go to work and wait about 12 hours before I could pick this book back up. Those were the longest 12 hours! I almost finished it that night but my body was telling me no…so if that doesn’t tell you anything it should! I loved the book and couldn’t put it down (well I could but not because I wanted to!)

The timing of the book is perfect too with the upcoming elections in November – it is based on the race for Texas governor and the detail to what goes on behind the scenes in politics was actually pretty scary when it comes to the negativity. However, I had great respect for Nate Emerson who said he would run his campaign on integrity, and he did.

Leta is a smart, independent woman that puts her trust and faith in God and that all things will work out as they should. It may seem naive, but it was spot on for her character. I also related to her because her mother has dementia and my father did too before he passed away. The scary thing is that the portrayal of the nursing home probably wasn’t too far off from what exist in this country, there are good and there are bad, it all comes down to management and who owns the facilities.

While reading the book I could tell where some parts of the story were heading, but don’t get complacent because there are several twists at the end that surprised me.

Definitely a book worth reading and we give it 5 paws up!

Kellie Coates Gilbert is a former legal investigator and trial paralegal, as well as the author of A Woman of Fortune, Where Rivers Part, and A Reason to Stay. Gilbert crafts her emotionally charged stories about women in life-changing circumstances in Dallas, Texas, where she lives with her husband.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram * Pinterest * Goodreads * Kellie’s Reader’s Club

GIVEAWAY! THREE PRIZE PACKS!

Prize 1: Box of Texas Treats & Signed Book

Prize 2: $10 Starbucks Gift Card & Signed Book

Prize 3: $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card & Signed Book

(US ONLY)

   June 11 – July 25, 2016

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

7/11    Margie’s Must Reads  – Review
7/12    Hall Ways Blog – Author Interview #1
7/13    The Page Unbound – Excerpt
7/14    Reading By Moonlight – Review
7/15    It’s a Jenn World – Promo
7/16    Country Girl Bookaholic – Guest Post #1
7/17    My Book Fix Blog – Review
7/18    The Crazy Booksellers  – Author Interview #2
7/19    Chapter Break Book Blog – Guest Post #2
7/20    StoreyBook Reviews – Review
7/21    The Librarian Talks – Author Interview #3
7/22    All for the Love of the Word – Promo
7/23    Byers Editing Reviews & Blog – Review
7/24    A Novel Reality – Promo
7/25    Missus Gonzo – Review

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Title: A Second Chance
Author: Dana K. Ray
Publisher: eLectio Publishing
Pages: 352
Genre: YA/New Adult/Inspirational

Synopsis

A past she can’t forget…

Raven will do just about anything to forget a horrific event from the past that still haunts her. Forced to attend church because of a promise she made at a party, she is immediately attracted to the young, handsome preacher but is unconvinced of his promises of a better life

A future he refuses to accept…

Matthew has everything planned out until Raven walks into his church and turns his life upside down. Repulsed by her lifestyle, yet fascinated by her beauty and charm, he finds himself drawn to her by a force he can’t explain.

Raven and Mathew’s unlikely friendship leads them through escalating troubled waters that threaten to doom their growing relationship. Will they survive to learn valuable lessons of grace, forgiveness and love?

Excerpt

Raven staggered into her bedroom and fell on the bed. Darkness pressed into her on every side. A shard of light sliced through the room. She tried to focus on the ceiling, but the room spun around her. She slid to the edge of the bed until one foot lay flat on the floor. It was supposed to stop the spinning. It didn’t.

Oh, God. If You keep me from puking, I swear, I’ll never drink again.

It was an empty promise, as deceiving as the alcohol. The numbness was too short. All too quickly, she’d end up in the same position, praying the same stupid prayer, talking to a God she didn’t know.

Teresa appeared. Raven smiled and reached out to her best friend. Teresa came closer. Her face was white and her lips were blue. Raven’s smile faded as terror filled her.

“I’m sorry,” Raven whispered and blinked away the tears, then gave her head a gentle shake to rid herself of the ghost. Wrong move. Teresa vanished like a vapor, but her stomach churned in protest. She looked back at the ceiling, pushed the thoughts of Teresa out of her mind, and focused on not puking.

Teresa was back with a vengeance, haunting her this time, calling to her…

“Raven.”

Raven rolled on her side and pulled the pillow over her head to muffle the girl’s voice. The shrink said the memories would fade. They didn’t.

“Raven.”

Startled, she sat up and tried to focus on something. Her heart pounded as hard as her head did. She must’ve been dreaming.

“Raven.” There was pounding. “Get the door,” her sister yelled.

Raven turned. Hailey stood in the doorway of her room. Is it morning? Did I sleep? Am I still buzzed or hung over? She sat motionless for a moment. Her head throbbed. Cotton mouth. I’m hung over.

“The door?” Raven asked, but Hailey had already disappeared.

Raven crawled across the bed, peeked out the window, and looked down at the front porch. Travis, the preacher boy, pounded on the door again.

“I’ll kill him.” The doorbell shrilled through the house, intensifying the pounding in her head.

About the Author

Dana K. Ray has been writing gutsy, true to life stories since she became a teenager. She and her husband reside in the Midwest with their four children and four dogs. She loves writing, mochas and Oreo’s. A Second Chance is her first published novel. Absolution, the first in the Luciano Series, is scheduled to be published in July, 2017.

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Dana K. Ray is giving away a $10 Gift Card!

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• This giveaway begins July 5 and ends on July 29.
• Winners will be contacted via email on July 30.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

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Synopsis

In this dazzling new novel, Emily Giffin, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Something Borrowed, Where We Belong, and The One & Only introduces a pair of sisters who find themselves at a crossroads.

Growing up, Josie and Meredith Garland shared a loving, if sometimes contentious relationship. Josie was impulsive, spirited, and outgoing; Meredith hardworking, thoughtful, and reserved. When tragedy strikes their family, their different responses to the event splinter their delicate bond.

Fifteen years later, Josie and Meredith are in their late thirties, following very different paths. Josie, a first grade teacher, is single—and this close to swearing off dating for good. What she wants more than the right guy, however, is to become a mother—a feeling that is heightened when her ex-boyfriend’s daughter ends up in her class. Determined to have the future she’s always wanted, Josie decides to take matters into her own hands.

On the outside, Meredith is the model daughter with the perfect life. A successful attorney, she’s married to a wonderful man, and together they’re raising a beautiful four-year-old daughter. Yet lately, Meredith feels dissatisfied and restless, secretly wondering if she chose the life that was expected of her rather than the one she truly desired.

As the anniversary of their tragedy looms and painful secrets from the past begin to surface, Josie and Meredith must not only confront the issues that divide them, but also come to terms with their own choices. In their journey toward understanding and forgiveness, both sisters discover they need each other more than they knew . . . and that in the recipe for true happiness, love always comes first.

Emotionally honest and utterly enthralling, First Comes Love is a story about family, friendship, and the courage to follow your own heart—wherever that may lead.

Review

I have always enjoyed this author’s books and this was no exception.

I like that despite the dysfunction of the family that they can come together in times of need, even after the death of the oldest child, Daniel, 15 years ago. There are still issues that each person is dealing with (primarily Josie and Meredith since the book is from their perspective). But both of them learn more about themselves and grow and are able to overcome the shadows they have been hiding in over the past 15 years.

Josie is a bit of a wildcard and her choice to become a single mom was admirable. There are some twists in regards to the “sperm donor”, but it was very interesting and I wonder if there will be any follow up books to see where they are in a year or so and if anything changes in her personal life.

Meredith is in a spot that many women probably find themselves, in a marriage they may not want to be in and not sure what they should do. I think some women will be able to relate to her and the struggles she faces.

We give it 4 paws up.

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Release Date: July 18, 2016
Cover Designer: Cover Me Darling
Photographer: Perrywinkle Photography

Mia’s my best friend.

We’ve been inseparable since she moved next door when we were six years old. Then it all changed.

I don’t know when or why, but suddenly I want more. I want her. The problem was she didn’t.

At first.

But everything changes when you cross that line between friends and lovers.

I thought convincing her to give us a chance would be my biggest hurdle. Little did I know that was only the beginning.

Mia consumes all of my thoughts when we’re apart, and all of my senses when we’re together. There’s no going back to the way things were and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she isn’t just my first, but also my last.

Will we be able to hold on, or will our relationship go up in flames?

***This is a friends to lovers romance that is a complete standalone.***

“This was the second book I’ve read by Rachael, and she found a fan for life in me.” -A.M. Madden, USA Today Bestselling author

“Duncan slayed this novel!”

“This story was AMAZING! I started it last night before bed and honestly, I could not put it down.”

“Rachael, I have to say, this is your best work to date. BRAVO!! Definitely a 5 star read with a major book hangover!”

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Rachael Duncan is an Army wife and mother to two beautiful girls. She grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and went off to graduate from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in political science. With initial plans to work in politics, she moved to Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill for a House Representative. After a short time, she realized it wasn’t for her and began pursuing other careers until she started writing. She’s the author of Tackled by Love, The Lies and Truth Series, and Hopeless Vows.

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Romantic Suspense
Date Published: 06/08/2016

Synopsis

FBI analyst Jake Bernstein is recruited to go undercover and investigate an American grandmother wanted for war crimes during WWII but currently on a tour of England and Ireland with her granddaughter. Jake joins them and runs into complications when his growing attraction to the woman’s granddaughter challenges his obligation to remain emotionally detached. As the investigation intensifies, a neo-Nazi group tries to prevent him from learning the truth and Jake struggles to stay alive long enough to either prove the woman’s guilt or exonerate her.

Despite Meg Larsen’s mounting passion for the stranger who has joined their tour, she suspects he’s not who he claims to be. When she realizes her grandmother, the woman who raised her, is the target of the man’s investigation, her first instinct is to protect her. Eventually, however, Meg must face the possibility of her grandmother’s lifetime of lies while forced to trust a man who has become both their nemesis and bodyguard.

The Wild Rose Press

About the Author

NY Times bestselling author Brenda Novak says of A BODYGUARD OF LIES, Book One in the Jake Bernstein Mystery Thriller series, “The past and the present collide in this intriguing romantic thriller that captures the angst and pain a lifetime of lies can cause…combines politics, romance and history. This story positively captivates!”

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Murder Under the Covered Bridge (A Bucket List Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Paperback: 312 pages
Publisher: Midnight Ink (July 8, 2016)

Synopsis

Working on a television taping to promote the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival, the ladies decide to use their access to the Roseville Bridge to cross an item off Charlotte’s bucket list: #39) Be a Sexy Calendar Girl. But the photo shoot is interrupted by gunshots and Francine’s cousin William stumbling down the riverbank followed by a man with a gun. William sustains life-threatening injuries, but is it homicide?

Francine and Charlotte go into detective mode to uncover the secret William knew about the shooter. Their success, however, depends on surviving two arson events, a séance, a shortage of Mary Ruth’s wildly popular corn fritter donuts, memory-challenged nursing home residents, and a killer who refuses to go up in flames.

About the Author

Elizabeth Perona is the father/daughter writing team of Tony Perona and Liz Dombrosky. Tony is the author of the Nick Bertetto mystery series, the standalone thriller The Final Mayan Prophecy (with Paul Skorich), and co-editor and contributor to the anthologies Racing Can Be Murder and Hoosier Hoops & Hijinks. Tony is a member of Mystery Writers of America and has served the organization as a member of the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He is also a member of Sisters-in-Crime.

Liz Dombrosky graduated from Ball State University in the Honors College with a degree in teaching. She is currently a stay-at-home mom. Murder on the Bucket List was her first novel.

Tony’s Website * Elizabeth’s Website * Facebook * Twitter

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Can she go from BFF TO MRS? Find out in FOOL FOR YOU (Crush on You Book 1) from debut author Rina Gray…

Synopsis

Sports journalist Melanie Foster has achieved most of her goals: Bomb.com job—check. Tomboy-to-smoking-hottie makeover—check. Convince her best friend, Damien Richards, to slide a ring on her finger and father her two-point-five kids—not so much. When she activates Operation: I’m Gonna Make You Love Me, she never imagines her BFF already has plans to stroll down the wedding aisle with another woman.

Damien is in the middle of crisis mode. The non-profit for young athletes at which he volunteers is in financial trouble. He’ll pull out all the stops to rescue the organization that saved his life after his career-ending injury—even if it means sacrificing his personal happiness.

But when he finally wakes up to love and the very non-friendly feelings he’s long held for Mel, it might just be too late. Damien must convince her that he’s worth the risk and turn the tables to show her he’s the one ready to be a fool for love.

On Sale in Digital: July 18, 2016

Amazon US | Barnes & Noble  | Crimson |  iBooks |  Google Books

Excerpt

Now tell me what’s up with you.” Melanie pointed a finger at Damien.

He leaned back in his chair. “Can’t get anything past you, can I?”

“Nope. Let’s have it.”

“Okay.” Taking a deep breath, he lifted his eyes to meet hers. “Completely random hypothetical question.”

“Sure, Damien,” she replied in a “yeah right!” voice. His questions were never random or hypothetical.

“Have you ever had to sacrifice your happiness for a greater good?”

Touching her chin, she tilted her head to the ceiling. “I can’t say that I’ve had the opportunity.”

He leaned forward and whispered, “Would you?”

Her eyes snapped back to his.

His voice was controlled. Calm. But the intensity that sparked from those brown eyes seemed anything but calm. Pressure weighed on her chest. She had a feeling the wrong answer could have dire consequences.

“I guess … I would. Like in Armageddon. When Bruce Willis’s character sacrificed his life so that his daughter’s fiancé didn’t have to detonate the bomb.”

Damien nodded. His body didn’t relax. If anything, it became rigid.

A feeling of dread rushed through her veins. She’d given the wrong answer. “Tell me what’s wrong.”

He dug into his pocket, took a ring from a small box, and pressed it into her hand. She immediately clasped it, too afraid to look. The ring cut into her palm, a taunting and painful warning of the hurt that waited ahead.

Reluctantly, she opened her fingers, revealing the most audacious, too-shiny, too-bright, gaudy ring.

“I’m going to ask Vanessa to marry me.”

“You’re marrying V-Vanessa?” Melanie’s eyes darted between Damien and the offending object in her hand.

Despite the coolness from the ring, a pool of liquid heated at the base of her stomach. Pressure built. Not slow, but fast. Supersonic fast. The pressure rushed up and seeped through long, jagged cracks that had formed across her chest.

She tossed the ring onto the table like dice. Rolling and spinning, the silver band toppled in front of Damien. “I didn’t know that … ” She cleared the large achy clump that blocked her throat. “I didn’t know that you and Vanessa were serious. Or engaged, for that matter. Oh, wait, that’s not right. You couldn’t be engaged because you haven’t asked her yet. But I didn’t know … didn’t realize you were serious about her.” She was babbling but couldn’t stop herself. Either ramble like a lunatic or cry like one.

About the Author

Rina Gray is one of the newest African American romance writers on the rise. She is also a digital marketing professional who discovered her love of writing in 2012. Writing has always been Rina’s passion, though initially, she tried to deny it. In college she served as the copy editor for the entertainment magazine and newspaper. During her tenure, she had the opportunity to interview various talented entertainers including Chris Rock and the cast from Reno-911.

Rina has always been an avid reader, sneaking to read her mother’s books she had no business reading i.e. Stephen King’s The Stand, It, and Anne Rice’s various vampire series. As a pre-teen, she received a load of romance novels from a family friend and from that point on, she devoured any book related to romance or horror. When she’s not writing, she can be found with her head stuck in a book, kickboxing, or dominating game night with friends and family. Rina resides in Atlanta with her husband.

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Final Fondue (A Five-Ingredient Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher: Kensington (June 28, 2016)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages

Synopsis

Val Deniston certainly has her plate full running a café, dabbling with recipes, and helping her grandfather prepare for the town’s upcoming tri-centennial celebration, but she’s grown fond of her new life in the Chesapeake Bay town of Bayport. . .

So when Val is asked to reclaim her old position as a cookbook publicist in New York City, she puts off her decision in order to help her grandfather perfect his chocolate fondue for the weekend festivity’s dessert cook-off. But after the opening ceremonies, Val finds a houseguest strangled to death in her grandfather’s backyard. She suspects a classic case of mistaken identity, especially when another guest nearly bids her life a fondue farewell. Now it’s up to Val to keep the killer from making another stab at murder . . .

Includes 6 five-ingredient recipes!

Guest Post

Love, Fondue, and Murder

Few dishes elicit images of convivial gatherings and romantic encounters better than fondue. Evenings at ski lodges, a group sitting around a crackling fire, dipping fresh bread in melted cheese. Wedding receptions with fountains of molten chocolate and mounds of fresh fruit and cake for dipping. A candlelit tête-à-tête with bowls of warm chocolate surrounded by heart-shaped strawberries. Love, fondue, and murder intertwine in the third of my Five-Ingredient Mysteries. Final Fondue explores varieties of romantic love. Like chocolate fondue, love is both sweet and dark.

Val Deniston, my café manager sleuth, lives with her widowed grandfather in a tourist town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland near the Chesapeake Bay. The story takes place during a festival commemorating the 300th anniversary of the town’s founding. As Granddad readies his Victorian house for weekend visitors to the festival, he discovers a fondue pot in the attic. For him fondue conjures memories of friends talking and laughing while sharing a pot of melted cheese or chocolate. Reminiscing about fondue parties in the 1960s and 70s, he makes chocolate fondue to welcome his houseguests.

They’ve come to town, not only to enjoy the Tricentennial festivities, but also to plan a wedding. The would-be bride, best man, maid of honor, and a bridesmaid have reserved rooms in the house Val shares with her grandfather, while the groom stays at his parents’ bayfront estate. Val finds it odd that the parents haven’t invited his fiancée, but that’s not the only odd thing about this group. The friendly gathering Granddad planned turns into a contest, as the guests vie for control of the fondue pot. The best man uses an assembly line approach, dipping and eating cake cubes as fast as possible. The maid of honor blocks access to the fondue by holding her skewer of chocolate-dipped strawberries over the pot so the others can’t get their forks in edgewise. The bridesmaid drops fruit into the melted chocolate and goes on fishing expeditions to retrieve it. Pointed barbs fly across the table between her and the maid of honor. What’s behind the enmity between them? Are they both vying for the attention of the best man or are they jealous of each other’s relationship with the bride? Is the best man carrying a torch for the groom’s fiancée? When the bride arrives late, the others make room for her fork in the fondue pot, but she scorns the chocolate.

Later in the evening, one of the houseguests raids the fridge for leftovers and holds a solo fondue party in the backyard. Then a murderer joins the private party. After Val stumbles over a dead body in the dark, she comes to a chilling conclusion: The victim could have been mistaken for someone else. And a killer who makes a mistake the first time might try again. To prevent that from happening, Val and Granddad team up to identify and trap the murder. But first they have to figure out who the intended victim was and plumb the dark side of love—possessiveness and jealousy.

About the Author

Maya Corrigan lives near Washington, D.C., within easy driving distance of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the setting for this series. She has taught courses in writing, detective fiction, and American literature at Georgetown University and NOVA community college. A winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, she has published essays on drama and short stories under her full name of Mary Ann Corrigan.

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Synopsis

In 1888, Kira Wall, surviving daughter of missionaries swept away in a tsunami, lives a primitive, but enjoyable life with natives on an isolated island in the South Pacific. But her serene world is turned upside down when an Australian merchant ship, commanded by the sinister Captain Darcy Coleman, arrives with an overabundance of modern and lavish goods. Kira suspects ill intent. Chief Ariki refuses to listen to Kira’s warning, forcing her to uncover the real plan of the captain on her own. Unfortunately, she has a distraction. A six-foot tall, blond, and handsome distraction. Trevor Marshall, doctor and botanist, hopes to find exotic plants on the island to research new cures and medicines. He is dedicated to science, but when meeting the strong-willed, beautiful Kira Wall, he’d prefer to spend time researching her—all night.

The captain thwarts Kira’s attempts to call him out at every step, turning the village chief against her. With only Trevor and her best friend Malana by her side, she stalks the captain and his officers through the dense, predator infested jungle, toward the island’s inactive volcano. Frustrated by her failure to reveal the captain’s true intentions, Kira begins to think maybe she’s wrong about everything. Then an explosion and earthquake bigger than anyone on the island has ever seen renews her resolve. Was the blast natural or man-made? She is determined to prove it was the captain’s doing. Kira races against time and the island people’s naivety to stop the captain from destroying her home and killing everyone she loves.

Praise for Guardian of Paradise

“Lawrence blends romance, action, and beautiful scenery into an alluring concoction.” – Kirkus Reviews

“There’s mystery, intrigue, danger, romance; everything you could want in a story. This is definitely a book, and author, that deserves more attention.” – Charli Denae

“Reading this book is a great escape and will not let you down.” – Susan Scarcella

“This book was so good! It had a very sweet romance, but it also had a great, adventurous plot that pulled me in, and had me dying to find out what would happen next. I read the whole book in one day.“ – Jessica Hatfield

Excerpt

Chapter 1

South Pacific island of Alofa, two days sail northeast of Sydney, Australia 1888

Kira’s heart leapt to her throat as the blare of the lookout’s conch horn shattered the tranquil morning. Startled blue and red lories sprang, squawking from the palm trees, their wings thrumming the air as they fled. Macaque monkeys jumped limb to limb, screeching and chattering from their jungle perches. Another blast of the trumpet sent even the fiddler crabs on the beach scurrying for the safety of their holes.

She glanced to the cliff overhead, dropped her fishing net, and rushed up the sandy path toward the island’s observation post. The rest of the villagers would be taking cover until the men determined the extent of the threat. With her pulse pounding and her feet working to find traction on the steep, winding grade, images of pirates raiding the village flashed through her mind. The horror of women and children screaming while their men fought to protect them with only spears and clubs sent the chill of danger up her spine.

When she reached the large flat rock high above the harbor, she found the stocky form of Kupe, the tribal chief’s son, standing with hands on hips, his black Polynesian eyes fixed on the bay. Wearing only a pair of worn, light-colored pants, extending mid-calf and a cloth headband to hold back his wiry dark hair, he remained still.

“What is it, Kupe?”

“Ah big ship is com’n in tee harbor,” he answered without turning.

“A large ship is coming into the harbor,” she corrected. She squinted into the morning glare of the sun. “Are they pirates?”

She studied the movements of the enormous shiny wood boat with three tall masts. Two wide painted stripes, one cream at the waterline and one black just above, encircled the ship. A complicated system of shroud rigging hung like webbing from the cross spars down to the deck rails.

“I do not think so. Ship is too big,” answered Kupe. “Tey have dropped their sails. Tey come in slow. Not hurry.”

She lifted her hand to shade her eyes. Men lined the ship’s bow, all clothed in the same white bell bottom pants and loose-fitting gray striped shirts. Peering into the clear water, they tried to determine the depth of the harbor.

“They fly the Australian flag and take their time. Pirates not tat careful.”

Kira spotted the dark blue fabric flapping in the breeze above the quarterdeck; the British Southern Cross embroidered in the upper left corner. Her heart sank. “If they’re who I think they are, they might as well be pirates. In fact, it would probably be better if they were.”

Kupe turned his head and gave her his big brother-like stare. She and Kupe were not related, in fact, Kira was originally from Australia. Still they shared the same competitive bond of siblings. “What are you talk’n about, Kira?”

“I’m afraid it’s one of those merchant ships from Sydney. They’ve come to trade.”

“Tat would be good news. Tey have come to trade goods for our crops.”

She fought the sour feeling in the pit of her stomach. “If we let them, they will take a lot more than we have to give.”

Kupe’s eyes narrowed. “Our crops are plentiful. There is more than enough to trade.”

“You don’t understand. We have to be careful. Most of these merchants are selfish and greedy. They’ll take advantage of our people.”

The corner of his mouth turned up in the hint of a smile. “Tey will not be that bad.”

“They will be, if we let them. What’s even worse, they think nothing of tramping our fields while they’re gathering the fruit, leaving them scarred.”

He shook his head. “You always think tee worst.”

She glared sideways. “I know what I’m talking about. My parents warned me of these kinds of people. I’ve seen for myself what they have done. I was young, but I saw the damage they cause.”

He turned his gaze back to the ship. “We can take care of ourselves.”

Kira grabbed him by the shoulders and turned him forcing him to look her in the eyes. “Listen to me. If this were a ship of raiders, I know our men would protect us. But this is different. Worst of all, the more merchants who find out about us, the more outsiders will come. Our home will never be the same and we have nowhere else to go.”

He shrugged free of her grasp. His large flat nostrils flared. “You make no sense. Tradors have come here before. Our people have pleasure in their visits. It has been a long time since tee last merchants came.”

She dropped her arms. “It hasn’t been long enough.”

Glancing down, Kupe held out his hands. “Look at my pants. Tat is how long it has been. I hope tey brought new ones.”

Though he had a strong build, his round brownish-tan belly threatened to burst the tattered breeches. Everything about Kupe was big; his head, body, even legs. They matched his huge heart and his consuming desire to provide for his people. Kupe being the future ruler of the tribe, Kira only feared for his overtrusting nature and inability to perceive a disguised threat.

Looking at his worn pants, she would have laughed if she weren’t so angry. “You just don’t see the danger.”

Kupe set his jaw. “Enough, as long as the outsidors show us tey mean no harm, tey will be treated as guests. We will welcome them.”

“But-”

“I said enough. We must call off the warning and greet our visitors before I tell Chief Ariki they have come. He will want to prepare to meet their leadors.”

She smirked. “Your father is also too trusting of strangers.”

Kupe shook his head again. “Our people had visitors long before you came… good and bad. You should have more faith in people.” He turned down the path toward the harbor beach, then stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Are you com’n?”

She picked up a stone and with a loud grunt, hurled it over the cliff. “Yes, I’m coming.”

About the Author

W. E. Lawrence graduated in 1978 from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a BS in business administration. He has run a successful home health care supplies distributorship for the past twenty-three years.Passionate about God, writing, reading, family, sports, politics, and America, Lawrence currently lives in Davidson, North Carolina, with his lovely wife and their two wonderful children.

W. E. Lawrence enjoys writing historical romance novels filled with action and adventure. He published his debut novel Guardian of Paradise in October 2014.

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Not Quite Sheer Happiness by Melissa Baldwin

Sienna Harris is back and appears to be on top of the world! Her company, Sheer Happiness Events, is booming, but personally she’s a mess. She never imagined that with amazing success would come tremendous pressure. Although her professional life seems in disarray at times, her relationship with the dashing Ace Eckelund is finally progressing.

Friendships are tested and so is her relationship when—once again—the past collides with the present. Sienna begins to question everything in her life and wonders if she should throw out her desire for constant certainty and live life on the edge for once. But, will she be able to change the person she has always been for who she wants to become?

Find out in this captivating third installment of The Event to Remember series.

Praise for Not Quite Sheer Happiness

I absolutely loved the book from start to finish and I was extremely gutted that it ended because of its sheer brilliance. Melissa Baldwin is a truly talented writer and I regret not finding her books sooner. Not Quite Sheer Happiness is a hug in a book. A feel good, relatable and loving story that will make you want more, because I definitely do. Amazing book, definitely sheer happiness.

I laughed, I swooned, I shook my head, and I loved every moment. A great read!

The plot moved at a good pace and at times I didn’t want to stop reading. It was interesting to have a main character who has insecurities. I thought Melissa Baldwin wrote this in a way that everyone could possibly relate to in some degree.

Excerpt

“Sienna, are you able to go out for drinks with us?” Lisa asks. Interestingly enough, it appears that Craig and Lisa are becoming good friends now.

Just then we hear the door, we all turn to see Ace standing in the doorway. I quickly look at Lisa and her reaction says it all.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt your meeting,” he apologizes.

“Ace, is that you?” Lisa exclaims. Oh please, like she doesn’t know that’s him. She stands up and reaches up to give him a hug. Craig’s eyes get big and he looks toward me, probably waiting for me to react. I calmly take a deep breath.

“Lisa,” he replies with a warm smile. “It’s very nice seeing you. Sienna told me that you two were working together.”

She looks surprised. “It’s nice to see you. How many years has it been?”

Ace puts his hand to his chin. “Many years. And congratulations on the job; Welsh and Taylor is a fantastic firm.”

Lisa looks surprised. “How do you know them? They just started their practice.”

“Oh, Ace knows everyone,” Craig interrupts. “He’s an international man of mystery.”

I roll my eyes. “Craig, he’s not Austin Powers.”

Everyone laughs. So far so good, it’s not completely awkward.

“Oh, and congratulations on your engagement,” she says, pointing at me. His gorgeous smile widens and my heart speeds up a little.

“Thank you. I’m very lucky.” He looks at me lovingly, which gives me chills.

Lisa nods. Okay, this is going better than I thought it would. I guess I was reading too much into it. Craig motions for me to go to his office. We excuse ourselves, leaving Ace and Lisa talking about her firm.

“What?” I ask as soon as we get in his office.

“Everything seems to be going good. I told you that you were overreacting,” he says.

“I know,” I agree. “I feel a little guilty about not having more trust in Ace. Am I a horrible person?”

“I wouldn’t say you’re horrible,” he says unconvincingly. “I do think you acted like a jealous girlfriend, though, and that’s not very attractive. But I get it, a first love can be hard to beat.”

What is he talking about? Who said anything about a first love?

“Craig, they dated but that doesn’t mean that they were each other’s first loves?” Or were they? I realize I don’t know much about the details other than Lisa was the one to end their relationship. My palms are starting to sweat. “We should probably get back in there,” I say quickly.

I head back to our tiny conference room, which is actually just a small office with a table in it. I don’t want Ace to think that I’m bothered even though I am. When I walk back in, my heart sinks. Ace and Lisa are leaning in, looking at her phone, their heads closer together than before. It’s not that they’re doing anything wrong; they just look too . . . comfortable.

About the Author

Melissa graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications; she has always had a love for writing. An avid journal keeper, she took her creativity to the next level by fulfilling her dream with her debut novel, An Event to Remember . . . Or Forget. Since then, she has written and published three more novels, Wedding Haters, See You Soon Broadway and Not Quite Sheer Happiness.

Melissa resides in Orlando, Florida, with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing, this multi-tasking master organizer is busy being a mother, wife, chauffeur, PTA President, and Fitness Trainer.

When she has free time, she enjoys traveling, running, fitness, fashion, and taking a Disney Cruise every now and then.

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Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 7/29/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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