Book Title: All the Way to Italy: A modern tale of homecoming through generations past
Author: Flavia Brunetti
Category: Adult Fiction, 222 pages
Genre: Women’s Fiction (can fit into YA Fiction as well)
Publisher: Ali Ribelli Edizioni
Release date: April 21, 2018

Synopsis

Until her dad died, Little considered herself a Californian. Now, thanks to half a letter, a symbol she can’t quite remember, and writer’s block, she finds herself back in Italy, the country of her birth. In a headlong rush to return to her beloved San Francisco, Little will journey throughout Italy, hoping to find the answers she needs to move on with her life so she need never look back. She’ll enlist the help of the woman who raised her, Sira, her father’s sister; but Sira has secrets she’s kept for decades, and Little underestimates the power of the country she fled years before.

In this powerful story of mixed cultures in a world trying to globalize, one girl’s struggle to leave her home behind will lead her back to the women in her family and the memories each of them has safeguarded through the generations. From war-torn Italy to the belpaese of today, All the Way to Italy is a tale for those in search of a balance between wanderlust and the necessity to come home, a reminder that although we may be fragments, we are never a lost cause.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~  iTunes ~ Kobo

Guest Post

Overcoming writer’s block: the Rome edition

I want to tell you that I never have writer’s block; that while I wrote All the Way to Italy I simply flitted from chapter to chapter, full of words and ideas and the ability to merge those two until I had a book.

The truth is quite different (as it often is). It involved a lot of pacing the hallway, re-reading the same sentence over and over, and staring at myself in the mirror repeating mantras like, “now you will sit down and write something,” and “get it together. You love. Editing. You. Love. Editing.” I thought it might be helpful to share some of the things that helped me deal with not just writer’s block, but writer’s frustration. And since All the Way to Italy is set largely in Rome, I’m including a few local tips!

1. Walk it out

There will come a point when you’ll have been staring at the same spot on the page for forty-five minutes (no? Just me?), or even worse, when you’re rewriting, you’ll reach that moment where suddenly the entire paragraph, chapter, nay, half the book, must immediately be deleted. Do not do this. Get up and walk it out. Fresh air is always a good thing (good general life advice), and if you’re in a suggestive city like Rome, just having a stroll is an inspiration. Stop thinking and walk/jog/run. Bring your notebook, ‘cause inspiration always strikes when you’re all the way out in Appia Antica, nowhere near any writing materials, and you will end up trying to write your idea down using pebbles from the side of the road. Hypothetically.

Rome edition: the Pantheon, Colosseo, Appia Antica.

2. Pick up the phone and call someone you trust

Sure, we can do things on our own. But, in my experience, really great results come from outside input, from calling up that friend you trust wholeheartedly and saying, what do you think of this? We all bring our individual skillsets to the table, and it makes us, and our writing, richer. Tip: pay it forward! The next time a fellow writer or friend needs your input, be on the listening side, and then give encouraging guidance, as only you can (see point 4!).

3. Park it

This is similar to number 1, except we’re doing more lolling. Grab a picnic and a book, find a nice park, and give your mind a break.

Rome edition: Villa Borghese, the Orange Garden, Villa Pamphilj, Villa Torlonia.

4. Have a talk with yourself

Most of the time, we’re our own biggest critics. No matter how much we do, it’s very rarely enough. Take a moment to look yourself in the eye and remind yourself that you’re following a dream, a commendable endeavor in itself, and that you are fantastic and driven. Do a little dance. Acknowledge yourself!

As frustrating as the writing process can be, we all know it’s worth it, that there’s nothing quite like finally getting that short story exactly how you envisioned it (or even better, the surprise when it becomes an entirely new thing that you didn’t know you wanted), or that moment when you’re first holding your novel in your hands, or even when you’ve written a blog post you’re really happy with.

And so, happy writing (and reading!), my friends. I wish you nothing but the best of luck with all of your endeavors!

About the Author

Born just outside of Rome, Flavia Brunetti grew up bouncing back and forth between Italy and California, eventually moving back to the Eternal City and confirming her lifelong commitment to real gelato. Flavia holds a Master of Arts degree in Government and Politics from St. John’s University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from John Cabot University. Today she travels the world working for an international humanitarian organization and spends her free time writing and wandering around her beloved Roma in constant search of bookstores and the perfect espresso.

Website ~ Blog on Rome ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Giveaway

Prizes: Two winners will get an ebook copy of All the Way to Italy plus a $20 Amazon.com gift card and one winner will get an ebook copy of All the way to Italy plus a $30 Amazon.com GC (open internationally to wherever Amazon delivers – 3 winners total)

(ends May 26, 2018)

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The Redeemed Groom by Taylor Hart

Sloane Kent, famous Country music star, is only in Jackson, Wyoming for one reason: lay down the music for his next album. Since his mother’s passed away and his girlfriend’s left him, there’s been no music, no feeling…nothing. While on a run, he witnesses what a appears to be a young woman who needs help and finds himself hopping on a Greyhound Bus headed for Las Vegas.
Hope Jones does not need a celebrity super star’s help and when he gets on the bus and tries to make friends with her…she turns him down flat. But when she discovers he’s fleeing from a stalker….she decides to listen to his story. Too bad … he lied about it to get her talk to him. Good thing she tells him to go away!
But after reluctantly sharing dinner with him at a bus stop, breaking down in Rawlin’s Wyoming, and hypothesizing about having thirteen children together and living in a broken down fire station, she finds herself more and more intrigued with the famous Country Music Star.
When her ex-fiance tracks her down and puts both of their lives in jeopardy, Hope has to make a choice—trust in Sloane or lose everything.

About the Author

Taylor Hart has always been drawn to a good love triangle, hot chocolate and long conversations with new friends. Writing has always been a passion that has consumed her dreams and forced her to sit in a trance for long hours, completely obsessed with people that don’t really exist. Taylor would have been a country star if she could have carried a tune—maybe in the next life.

 

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 5/18/18

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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Book Title: Eyes Don’t Lie: You Can’t Hide by Crystal Dawn Mason
Category: Adult Fiction, 142 pages
Genre: Suspense / Thriller
Publisher: self-published
Release date: Oct 11, 2017

Synopsis

Curly-haired brunettes with blue eyes are the only women that seem to capture Keith’s attention. But is it really their appearance that attracts him or something sinister? Keith, a broken soul, who’s battling between good and evil, goes about his days trying to fight his evil urges. But because of a demonic stronghold, in most instances good loses the battle to evil.

Affected by the pain and hurt of his childhood, he now seeks out the love he didn’t receive as a child. But when he doesn’t get it, there’s retribution to pay…and what a sad day it is for those curly-haired brunettes with blue eyes who fail to make the mark. But things take a turn when he meets a grocery store cashier who has the ability to see evil through his eyes. McKenzie is able to connect dots, interfering with Keith’s destructive path – a path that could lead him to prison or even the grave.

About the Author

Crystal Dawn Mason started writing books of poetry, then transitioned into narrative writing. Becoming a writer was not a goal as she began her studies as a psychology major at the Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis. It wasn’t until she had a bad experience that she stumbled upon her natural ability to create stories. And this discovery started her down a newfound path of purpose. While working, she found another niche in the education field, which led her to pursue a teaching degree. Thus, she is now pursuing a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies to become an elementary teacher. She enjoys working with children, and her goal, outside of teaching, is to continue writing stories that are inspiring and entertaining for her readers.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

Giveaway

Win a $10 Amazon gift card (open internationally to wherever Amzon.com delivers / 5 winners)

(ends May 26, 2018)

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BLOOD AND REMEMBRANCE

by

CHRIS MANNO

Genre: Contemporary Literary Fiction

Publisher: Dark Horse Books

Publication Date: March 3, 2018

Number of Pages: 321 pages

Scroll down for the giveaway!

Blood and Remembrance is the prequel to the award-winning Texas novel, East Jesus. This new, stand-alone story rampages from the West Texas plains to Huntsville’s Death Row and back. Cowboys, ranchers, driven oilmen, desperate convicts and headstrong women grapple with truths of the heart, of life, and the coming of age in a dramatic struggle you’ll live yourself and never forget.

Signed Copies (U.S. Only)

Paperback * Kindle

MINI-INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR CHRIS MANNO

Q: Why a prequel?

A: Many readers and even a few critics suggested a sequel to East Jesus, but to me, the story felt like it was well-ended, cataclysmically final at that. I talked it over with the publisher and we both agreed: if I felt the story was over, the matter was settled.

But a prequel appealed to me, began talking to me as good stories do to receptive writers: who were these people, what forces shaped them, how did they grow to be the dynamic characters in East Jesus? And how did the next generation come about?

The story that unfolded burned hot and fast and became Blood and Remembrance.

Q: Do readers need to have read East Jesus to understand Blood and Remembrance?

A: Not at all—Remembrance is a stand-alone story. However, those who’ve read East Jesus will have “aha moments” throughout.

Q: What was your goal in writing this story?

A: Exactly what I teach as a writing professor. That is, habitable prose, stories people live themselves rather than just read. Once you live the experience, the story—and the meaning— belong to the reader.

Q: Explain the multiple viewpoints in Remembrance.

A: It’s simple; in fact, it’s the way we experience the world: variable, fast-moving and at the pace of modern life — a virtual kaleidoscope of action and adventure we sort into meaning. Readers live the story through different characters and, in the same way our post-modern world unfolds, put the pieces together to create meaning. I trust the readerS to do that; I give them credit for that ability to make their own meaning of the bricolage they live on these pages.

Chris Manno of Fort Worth, Texas, earned a doctorate in English from Texas Christian University and teaches writing at Texas Wesleyan University.

East Jesus, his first novel, was named “finalist” (second place) for Best Fiction of 2017 by the North Texas Book Festival. The novel takes a close-up, visceral look at West Texas life in 1969 and the good folks who lived it, grappling with notions of family, patriotism, and violence, both domestic and in a far-off, unpopular war.

Blood and Remembrance is the prequel to East Jesus, tracing the roots of the main characters in both books, examining the harsh but classically All-American story of life in the Texas panhandle.

Manno is also the author of a third novel, Voodoo Rush, winner for Best Fiction of 2018 by the North Texas Book Festival, and a collection of short stories titled Short Fiction for the Impatient Reader. Both books are available from White Bird Publications of Austin Texas.

 

Website  ║  Facebook ║ Twitter ║ Amazon Author Page

 

————————————-

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

THREE SIGNED COPIES!

(U.S. Only)

Click on the image above or this link to enter the giveaway

 

Check out the other blogs on this tour

4/20/18	Promo	Books in the Garden
4/21/18	Review	The Clueless Gent
4/22/18	Author Interview	Texas Book Lover
4/23/18	Promo	The Librarian Talks
4/24/18	Review	Missus Gonzo
4/25/18	Promo	The Page Unbound
4/26/18	Promo	StoreyBook Reviews
4/27/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
4/28/18	Promo	Max Knight
4/29/18	Review	Hall Ways Blog

 

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Welcome to Reno, Nevada, the Biggest Little City in the World! Sweet Home Alabama meets Raising Helen in this sweet small town contemporary romance debut from Golden Heart® Award finalist JoAnn Sky!

Title: No Cowboy Required

Author: JoAnn Sky

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 14, 2018

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Series: A Biggest Little Love Story

Format: Digital eBook / Print

Synopsis

Enemies make the best partners…

As a photographer in NYC, Grace Harper is a pro at handling the unexpected–which comes in handy when she inherits the ranch home she ran away from seven years ago…along with a young, autistic stepbrother she’s never met. And because nothing ever goes easy for her, Grace finds her frustrating, sexy ex-flame, Noah, taking care of JJ. But she’s getting out of this nowhere town fast, so she’ll have to find a way to keep from throttling Noah—without kissing him first.

Noah Taylor may be enemy number one to Grace, but she needs his help. He knows the girl he used to love is still there, beneath the heels and fancy clothes, so he’ll help her—and keep his distance like she says she wants. Only the more time they spend together, the closer he wants to get. Grace has no intention of staying, but she belongs in his arms—he just has to prove it to her.

Pre-Order:  Amazon  |  Kobo

Excerpt

Copyright© 2018 No Cowboy Required

He leaned against the kitchen entrance, his own half-eaten sandwich in hand, watching her. “Are you going to avoid me all day?”

She stiffened. She was the New Yorker, used to being direct and dealing with people who got in her face. Yet when Noah did it, it unnerved her. “I’m not avoiding you.” Her pitch was a half-step high, the trait of a liar.

“We’ve got to talk about last night.”

She smacked her bread together and turned to face him, using her sandwich as a shield. She straightened her pose, planted her feet apart, and hoped the Wonder Woman stance would give her Amazonian strength. “Last night was a mistake.”

His dark-blue eyes flashed with a determination that told her he disagreed. Her stomach clenched, and the strength she sought eluded her. Instead she stood there, too frightened to move and too weak to stop where they were going.

He came up on her slowly, as if he knew she’d spook and scatter at any sudden movement. He reached out and tucked one blond curl behind her ear. His fingers skimmed her skin. Goose bumps blossomed down her neck, her spine, to her toenails.

“And it won’t happen again,” she said with as much conviction as she could muster. “End of discussion.” Her voice squeaked, again betraying her, though no worse than the rest of her body.

He leaned in until his lips were inches from hers. Her breathing hitched. She should have put some distance between them, acres of distance, but her feet stuck to the floor. Her eyes flickered to his lips. They’d been so soft last night and were so close right now. One little taste wouldn’t hurt, would it? She reflexively licked hers.

He moved in. His breath trailed her cheek, and his lips hovered at the edge of her jaw, just below her earlobe. She arched her neck back, giving him more access, then shivered, closed her eyes, and waited to feel his lips on her neck.

Instead, his breath fanned her ear. “Liar,” he whispered. Then he was gone.

About the Author

JoAnn Sky has written for years as part of her job (business and marketing plans and the like). One day she tried her hand at writing for fun—and like it. Now she authors adult contemporary romance and young adult romance with a magical twist as well as children’s books.

JoAnn is a two-time Golden Heart® finalist (YA category and Contemporary Short category). Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her husband a.k.a. love of her life, three teenage children, and three crazy rescue dogs.

JoAnn is represented by the fabulous Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

 

Giveaway

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Synopsis

Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the town doctor’s excessive bleeding treatments killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries bravely on as Cimarron Creek’s dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life without love or family, a life where dreams rarely come true.

Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He’s managed to keep his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart, he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.

With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.

Baker Book House  ┃  Amazon  ┃  Barnes & Noble ┃  Christianbook.com  ┃  Books-A-Million  ┃  Kobo

Review

There is something about this little Texas town called Cimarron Creek. It is a quaint western town with citizens that mostly help and support one another. I think life was a bit simpler back then too.

This installment focuses on the schoolmarm, Catherine. We met her in A Stolen Heart (book 1) and while I thought I might know who was going to be her love match in that first book, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

While this is an enjoyable story with plots twists and turns, it is also educational. When I first read that Austin was a plastic surgeon I thought this could not be possible. However, the author’s notes at the end of the story gave me the history of this profession and that there were doctors going back to Egyptian times that performed procedures similar to microdermabrasion.

The story is also full of conflict – from past wrongs to one father beating his son just because he likes to draw. And of course the conflict between Austin and Sherman, the mafia boss type. However, the story does have a happy ending but leaves lots of openings for future stories about this little town called Cimarron Creek.

We give it 5 paws up

About the Author

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart, the first book of the Cimarron Creek trilogy, as well as the Texas Crossroads series, the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming.

Facebook * Twitter * Website * Blog * BookBub * Goodreads

————————————-

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

(This Giveaway is from a blog tour I am participating in and had a spotlight post on Monday)

THREE WINNERS

1ST: Copy of A Borrowed Dream, Novel Teas (25 count), Paddywax Library Collection Ralph Waldo Emerson Scented Soy Wax Candle, Cedar & Wild Fern (6.5oz)

2ND: Copy of A Borrowed Dream + $10 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

3RD: Copy of A Borrowed Dream + $10 Starbucks Gift Card

APRIL 12-21, 2018

(US ONLY)

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Book Title: ICE by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult fiction, 380 pages
Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Police Procedural, Cozy
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: February 26, 2018
Content Rating: PG (It’s a murder mystery and there is mild violence. Very mild swearing no F-bombs. No on-stage sex scenes.)

Synopsis

The clues for a close-to-the-heart missing person’s case heat up when Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on the cold case.

When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappear, the court of public opinion finds young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!

Interview

I asked Lauren 10 fun questions.  I love her answers!

Please share with us a favorite memory?

Snuggling in bed with my mother and falling asleep while listening to her read Perry Mason to me. That was our reading together. Murder mysteries was a love she and I shared.

Please describe a perfect meal – including menu and those present?

Lobster or crab legs, baked potato, Caesar salad, chocolate mousse pie, raspberry iced tea

What are some of your favorite ways to relax?

Fire in the fireplace on a snowy afternoon with my laptop and a free afternoon to write away with no one to disturb me.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Right where I am. My husband and I have been blessed to actually live in our dream house on top of a mountain in West Virginia. We have a fabulous view of the valley below. Yet, I have to admit that I sometimes yearn for the “other side” and a visit to the beach: but only to visit.

If you could only read books by one author, who would it be?

Oh, man! Only one? I have no idea. I love different authors for different reasons. Sometimes, I’m in the mood for a good laugh. So I’ll pick up a sweet cozy. Other times, I want to exercise my brain cells, so I’ll go for a challenging mystery with twists and turns. Lately, I’ve been in the mood for a scary paranormal so I look for a ghost story. I’ll have to pass on this question because I don’t know.

What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven’t gotten around to it yet?

Take a train trip across the Canadian Rockies.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you hope to find in your suitcase? 

Water. The Complete Works of Agatha Christie. A laptop with eternal battery-life.

Share with us a few of your dreams. Also whether they have been fulfilled or are still a work in progress.

I’ve dreamed of success, best-selling author, Fame, penthouse, etc. but I have come to realize that I have been blessed by achieving my dream: I am a writer, and I get to write my books, plus, I have the added blessing of a fabulous family (perfect husband and brilliant son, and three cuddly dogs) and beautiful home. If I had to trade any of them in for a spot on the NY Time best seller list, I’d turn them down.

If you could leave the world with one piece of advice, what would it be?

The Rolling Stone’s song: You don’t always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

A whole bag of chocolate kisses that I hide in my underwear drawer under my panties.  (SBR – I’m a chocolate fan too and this would so be me!)

Trailer

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

​Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram

Giveaway

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Nun After The Other (A Giulia Driscoll Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Henery Press (April 17, 2018)
Paperback: 268 pages

Synopsis

Nuns and murder and ghosts, oh my! Here comes Giulia Driscoll again, and boy, is she in for it this time.

It starts when a frenzied Chihuahua leads Giulia and Frank Driscoll to the body of a nun in the street near a convent. The nuns fear they’re being harassed by the biggest developer in town and quickly embrace Giulia as their savior.

Of course the former nun who exposed the drug ring run by a priest and nun will save their home and discover the murderer.

And of course not only Giulia takes this job, but also all the other jobs clamoring for her attention. The result: Driscoll Investigations is pushed to its limit.

Then Giulia’s brother falls into a coma and she brings his kids to her house. Talk about a crash course in parenting for pregnant Giulia!

Did we mention the convent ghost? She loves the house, hates the nuns, and chain-smokes. Why couldn’t Giulia’s first honest-to-goodness ghost be shy and sweet?

More important, does the ghost hate the nuns—or the developer—enough to indulge in a bit of murder to liven up the afterlife?

Excerpt

At 6:55 am on the first day of school, Giulia’s husband Frank and her niece and nephews were sitting at the kitchen table sipping orange juice. Giulia set plates with English muffins, eggs, and bacon in front of them. Frank slid into the head chair and Giulia set him a plate with twice the amount of food plus a cup of coffee. Instead of his fork, Frank picked up his phone and put it on speaker.

“Mom? I want you to know I never appreciated you enough growing up.”

His mother’s voice said, “I wish I had a tape recorder handy.”

Giulia said from the stove, “I’m the witness.”

Frank’s mother said, “Why the sudden homage from my youngest son at seven o’clock in the morning?”

“Giulia’s niece and nephews are staying with us for a few days. They’re thirteen, twelve, and eleven. In the space of half an hour, starting at six thirty, she has everyone in the house sitting at the table eating a home-cooked breakfast.” He winked at Giulia. “I’m not worthy.”

“You are quite right,” his mother said. “Now hang up and eat your breakfast while it’s hot.”

“Yes, mom.”

Giulia brought her own breakfast to the table. Over the rim of her first allowed pregnancy coffee of the day, she saw three pairs of eyes staring at her and Frank.

“Is there egg in my hair?”

Cecilia said to her brothers in a perfect imitation of mansplaining, “You see? This is how normal families interact.”

About the Author

Alice Loweecey is a baker of brownies and tormenter of characters, Alice Loweecey recently celebrated her thirtieth year outside the convent. She grew up watching Hammer horror films and Scooby-Doo mysteries, which explains a whole lot. When she’s not creating trouble for her sleuth Giulia Driscoll or inspiring nightmares as her alter-ego Kate Morgan, she can be found growing her own vegetables (in summer) and cooking with them (the rest of the year).

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Giveaway

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A BORROWED DREAM

The Cimarron Creek Trilogy, Book 2

by

Amanda Cabot

Genre: Historical Romance / Inspirational

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: March 20, 2018

Number of Pages: 352

Scroll down for the giveaway!

Catherine Whitfield is sure that she will never again be able to trust anyone in the medical profession after the town doctor’s excessive bleeding treatments killed her mother. Despite her loneliness and her broken heart, she carries bravely on as Cimarron Creek’s dutiful schoolteacher, resigned to a life without love or family, a life where dreams rarely come true.

Austin Goddard is a newcomer to Cimarron Creek. Posing as a rancher, he fled to Texas to protect his daughter from a dangerous criminal. He’s managed to keep his past as a surgeon a secret. But when Catherine Whitfield captures his heart, he wonders how long he will be able to keep up the charade.

With a deft hand, Amanda Cabot teases out the strands of love, deception, and redemption in this charming tale of dreams deferred and hopes becoming reality.

Baker Book House  ┃  Amazon  ┃  Barnes & Noble ┃  Christianbook.com  ┃  Books-A-Million  ┃  Kobo 

 

PRAISE FOR A BORROWED DREAM:

“Cabot’s sweet love story will appeal to readers of gentle romances. . .Although this title stands on its own, readers of A Stolen Heart (2017), the first in Cabot’s place-based trilogy, will be happy to revisit the folks of Cimarron Creek.” — Booklist

“The second book in Cabot’s Cimarron Creek trilogy is even better than the first, with a dash of suspense, an intriguing bit of medical history and a host of enjoyable characters.” — RT Book Reviews

PRAISE FOR A STOLEN HEART, BOOK ONE IN THE CIMARRON CREEK TRILOGY: 

“Readers will enjoy the surprising ending as well as the romance always found in Cabot’s books.”—Publishers Weekly

“Moments of humor provide a nice balance to the heartwarming scenes and the mild suspense thread.”—RT Book Reviews

“Cabot’s nonpreachy inspirational romance features characters who genuinely try to live honorable lives, and their story has broad appeal for readers of gentle fiction and historical romance as well as for readers of Christian fiction.”—Booklist

Watch the book trailer on Animoto!

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of A Stolen Heart, the first book of the Cimarron Creek trilogy, as well as the Texas Crossroads series, the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming.

Facebook * Twitter * Website * Blog * BookBub * Goodreads

————————————-

GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

THREE WINNERS

1ST: Copy of A Borrowed Dream, Novel Teas (25 count), Paddywax Library Collection Ralph Waldo Emerson Scented Soy Wax Candle, Cedar & Wild Fern (6.5oz)

2ND: Copy of A Borrowed Dream + $10 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

3RD: Copy of A Borrowed Dream + $10 Starbucks Gift Card

APRIL 12-21, 2018

(US ONLY)

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

4/12/18	Excerpt 1	Hall Ways Blog
4/12/18	Excerpt 2	Book Fidelity
4/13/18	Review	The Page Unbound
4/13/18	Author Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
4/14/18	Excerpt 3	Books in the Garden
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4/15/18	Review	Missus Gonzo
4/16/18	Notable Quotable	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
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4/17/18	Review	That’s What She’s Reading
4/18/18	Guest Post	Momma on the Rocks
4/19/18	Review	The Love of a Bibliophile
4/20/18	Scrapbook Page	The Librarian Talks
4/21/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
4/21/18	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles

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Title: Fearless in Texas

Series: Texas Rodeo #4

Author: Kari Lynn Dell

Pub Date: April 3, 2018

ISBN: 9781492658115

Synopsis

He’d step in front of a bull to save a life

But even he’s no match for a girl this Texas tough

Rodeo bullfighter Wyatt Darrington’s got it all figured out. The perfect car, the perfect job, the perfect looks—the perfect lie. He may be on the fast track to the Hall of Fame, but he knows he’ll always be an outsider to people like Melanie Brookman. Texas-born and bred, with the arena in her blood, Melanie’s come to see Wyatt as her personal enemy, and that suits him just fine—this way, she’ll never realize the truth.

He’s been crazy in love with her for years.

Melanie’s always been a fighter. Fiercely independent and tough as nails, she’s stood up to everything that got in her way—including Wyatt. But now her infamous temper’s got her on the ropes, and there’s nowhere left to run but toward the man she swore she’d never trust…and this time, there’s no denying just how hot he makes her burn.

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What I Love about Rodeo

There are so many things I love about rodeo that I could—and have—filled several books (aka the Texas Rodeo series). A million tiny details like the scent of wood shavings in a horse stall, the indescribable joy of a perfectly thrown loop, or the way a belt and buckle sets off a nice pair of hips. Lately, though, I’ve come to appreciate a facet of rodeo and life on the ranch that I’ve always taken for granted: rodeo makes women stronger.

Unlike other parts of our society, in rodeo and ranching, strength is a highly prized trait in a woman—both physical and mental. From the time we are old enough to be hoisted onto a pony to trot around the arena, we are praised for being ambitious, competitive, aggressive and independent. We are valued as much for what our bodies can accomplish as we are for our appearance. I might’ve started out by catching my husband’s eye, but I captured his heart the first time he saw me sort cows.

The smart, capable, take-no-crap women of the Texas Rodeo books are products of my environment, and none more so than Melanie Brookman of Fearless in Texas. May every reader who ventures into our world steal a page from her book and leave with a little more cowgirl in their blood—and their attitude,

Excerpt

Wyatt braced a hand on the front door of the Bull Dancer Saloon, blocking Melanie. “You can’t go back in there.”

She looked at his arm as if debating whether she should bite it or snap it in half. “You think you can stop me?”

“Yes.” He jerked a thumb toward the door and quoted the flyspecked sign posted inside. “I am the proprietor, and we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.”

Hell. That wasn’t what he’d meant to say, but the sparks that were flying off of her were burying themselves under his skin, kindling fires that threatened to reduce all of his good intentions to ashes. Her mouth dropped open, and he braced himself for some truly spectacular swearing. Instead, she snapped it shut, whirled around, and strode away, her shiny red heels clicking angrily on the empty street.

“Melanie…wait! Could we just talk—”

Her answer was a stiff middle finger shot straight in the air. He took a couple of steps in pursuit, but his ankle made it clear that anything above a sedate stroll was a bad idea, not that he was sure what he’d do if he caught her. Attempting to stop her when she was like this would be like tackling a mountain lion, but if she intended to go to one of the other bars, she was headed the wrong direction.

“Where are you going?”

“To the bridge. It’ll have to do, since I assume you’ll follow me and there’s not a cliff handy.”

He’d already taken several more steps, but he stopped. “The rail is too high.”

“Then I’ll knock you over the head with a rock and roll you off the dike.”

She wouldn’t. Would she? “If you’re going to commit assault and attempted murder, you’ll need your keys to make your getaway.”

She stopped dead and spun around. He held up the keys in one hand and the purse in the other.

She swore and started back toward him. “Don’t think I won’t kick you square in the nuts and stomp on your fingers when you fall.”

“Not a doubt in my mind.” He unlocked the door that led up to her apartment, yanked it open, and threw both the keys and the purse to the top of the stairs before she could reach him. Then he stepped back, feet braced, ready to dodge or deflect any blow aimed at his groin. If Melanie had said it, she was seriously considering it.

She went for the door instead, but paused with her hand on the knob. “If I go in after them, you won’t let me out.”

“Nope.” Although it would take all his strength to hold the door shut if she was determined to push it open, and there was the fire escape…

Her hand dropped, and she turned on him. If it were possible for a stare to be literally cutting, his guts would’ve fallen out onto the street. “What…the hell…is your problem?”

“You.” He gestured toward her painted face, her dress, those damn red shoes. “I know what all of that means, but you’re wrong. And if you would just let me explain—”

“Yes!” She threw her hands in the air like a Baptist preacher. “Please, oh wise and knowing male, tell me how I’m supposed to feel. Better yet, explain why it is that you could leave this place with any of those women you’ve never met before and you get high fives, but if I do the same, I’m an embarrassment to your shitty little bar.”

Despite his vow to remain calm, his temper began to stir. “I did not say—”

“You don’t have to. I grew up in the goddamn Bible Belt. I’ve heard it all my life.” The bitterness in her voice ran generations deep. “Well, sorry, but not sorry. I’m done trying to please anyone but myself. I’ll sleep with who I want, when I want, and y’all can just deal with it.”

Not likely. Wyatt’s anger boiled up, shooting past the red line and straight into fury. Yes, her rage was justified, but she did not get to lump him in with bastards like Michael and her former boss. All he’d ever wanted, from damn near the first moment they’d spoken on the phone, was Melanie, but it was as if the entire universe had conspired against him, and he was so damn tired of fighting this bone-deep need…

He took a step toward her. Then another. She didn’t budge, but her eyes flicked toward the apartment door as if reconsidering her choices.

He leaned in close, his breath fanning her cheek, his voice low and lethal even to his own ears. “Is that what you want? Just someone with a pulse you can use up and toss out when you’re done?”

He heard her swallow, but she didn’t flinch. “Why shouldn’t I? Men have been doing it forever.”

“Yes, we have.”

He gathered a fistful of her hair and wound the warm silk around and around his hand until his knuckles were pressed to the nape of her neck. Her breath caught at the electric press of skin against skin, and her eyes went even darker. The line he’d held for so long had been crossed. He was beyond stopping—unless she made him.

“As long as you’re determined to do something you’ll hate yourself for in the morning, it might as well be with me.” And then he kissed her.

And instead of shoving him away, Melanie clenched both hands in his shirt and yanked him closer.

About the Author

Kari Lynn Dell is a ranch-raised Montana cowgirl who attended her first rodeo at two weeks old and has existed in a state of horse-induced poverty ever since. She lives on the Blackfeet Reservation in her parents’ bunkhouse along with her husband, her son, and Max the Cowdog, with a tipi on her lawn, Glacier National Park on her doorstep and Canada within spitting distance. Her debut novel, The Long Ride Home, was published in 2015. She also writes a ranch and rodeo humor column for several regional newspapers and a national agricultural publication.

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