Book Title: Sugar and Spice and All Those Lies by Evy Journey
Category: Adult Fiction, 240 pages
Genre: Literary / Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Sojourner Books
Release date: December 2017
Content Rating: R (Two bedroom scenes)

Synopsis

Cooking a wonderful meal is an act of love. An act of grace. A gift that affirms and gives life—not only does it nurture those who partake of a meal; it also feeds the soul of the person who creates it. These are lessons Gina learns from her mother.

Gina is a young woman born to poor parents; a nobody (her words) who wants to taste life outside the world she was born into and her passion for cooking is all she has to help her do so. She gets lucky when she’s chosen to cook at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area where she finds a world of a privileged class with money to spare for dinners that cost hundreds of dollars. A world of new friends and new challenges—one that exposes her to fascinating people who’re also gripped by dark motives.

Amidst her culinary adventures, she becomes good friends with pastry chef Marcia, and falls in love, in different ways, with, two very different men: Leon, a rich regular client who has been dating Cristi, her friend from childhood, and Brent, a brooding homicide detective. This other world, it turns out, is also one of unexpected danger that eventually threatens her life.

Can the lessons she learned from her mother about cooking and life help Gina survive and thrive in this other world of privilege, pleasure and unexpected danger?

Review

This book is a mixture of romance, a little mystery, and food! All three are a good combination in my book.

This story follows Gina – from her involvement with Leon, a spoiled millionaire, to her attraction to Brent, a police detective, to her life as a chef/cook for a high-end restaurant. Her life hasn’t been easy and she even refers to her family as “white trash” because of where they live and her family life growing up as a child.

The story is fairly consistent in pace and tone. It was near the end that the action picked up as Gina was being targeted because of her relationship with Leon. The who was quite surprising but looking back, it was somewhat obvious by some of the conversations with this character.

Gina is talented and has a soft heart, but sometimes I thought she was naive. She is young, in her 20’s, and that could play a factor in her actions. It also made me wonder about her relationship choices. She did not want to become involved with Leon because of his playboy nature and his previous relationship with her childhood girlfriend, Cristi.

I do like that this story comes full circle and Gina is able to build a strong relationship with her family despite her childhood. I don’t want to give away too much, but her mother is able to find some peace even though tragedy struck her family when she was a young child. This tragedy carried forward and is most likely part of the reason Gina felt the way she did about her family.

We give this 3 paws up.

About the Author

Evy Journey, writer, wannabe artist, and flâneuse (feminine of flâneur), wishes she lives in Paris where people have perfected the art of aimless roaming. Armed with a Ph.D., she used to research and help develop mental health programs.

She’s a writer because beautiful prose seduces her and existential angst continues to plague her despite such preoccupations having gone out of fashion. She takes occasional refuge by invoking the spirit of Jane Austen to spin tales of love, loss, and finding one’s way—stories into which she weaves mystery or intrigue.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

Giveaway

Prizes: Win an ebook copy of Sugar and Spice and All Those Lies. One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card (21 winners total / open internationally to wherever Amazon delivers)

(Ends Feb 24, 2018)

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Miss Leslie’s Secret by Jennifer Moore

Decorated war hero Conall Stewart has spent ten years envisioning his return to his beloved Scottish Highlands. But now, with the days of battle finally behind him, it seems that his dreams of home have been in vain: the land of his youth lies in ruins, and his family is gone. Though he will never stop searching for his kin, Conall knows he must begin again. But when he takes on a rented farm in a nearby town, he finds far more than the fresh start he was looking for . . . After catching a mischievous local lad stealing, Conall returns young Jamie to his mother, Aileen Leslie—and finds the woman’s coddling of the child maddening. What Conall does not realize is that Aileen hides a frightening secret: her devoted protection of Jamie is all that shelters them from discovery by a dangerous man from their past. Drawn together by circumstance, Conall soon develops a fatherly relationship with Jamie—as well as romantic feelings for Aileen. But even as the couple accepts their growing affection for one another, time runs out for Aileen and her son: after years of hiding, they have been found. Conall lost his family once—he will do all in his power not to let history repeat itself . . ..

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Moore never disappoints. She’s one of my go-to authors. I order all her new books no matter what. This one was wonderful. I loved the setting, the characters, and the story.

 

Five full stars. This story was perfect. A Scottish small town, families trying to survive and reconnect after wars and displacement, a mother’s love for an adopted son, keeping a secret to protect loved ones, and the entrance into Leslie’s precarious life of a returning soldier who inspires hero worship (and a male role model) in Leslie’s son. Beautifully done. One of my new favorites by Jennifer Moore!

 

 

Aileen opened the door and drew back with a gasp. Sergeant Stewart stood at the threshold, one large hand holding Jamie by the arm. The child twisted trying to escape his grip.

“Good evening. Mrs. Leslie, I presume?” His voice was polite in spite of his angry expression. He inclined his head but did not loose his hold. “May I speak to your husband?”

“No, you may not.” Aileen’s hands tightened into fists. “And I’ll thank ye to release my son immediately, or I shall call for the constable.

What is the meaning of this, sir?”

Sergeant Stewart’s eyes widened for an instant, then his expression returned to a scowl. “Madam, perhaps ’tis I who should call the constable.” He glared down at Jamie. “I discovered this lad sneaking aboot my library.”

“Unhand him at once.”

The sergeant released his hold, and Jamie ran toward her. She clasped him in her arms. He appeared unharmed, only frightened.

“Jamie, mo croí. My love, did he hurt ye?”

Jamie shook his head and moved behind Aileen, burying his face against her skirts.

The sight of tears on his freckled cheeks made heat boil up inside her. She turned toward the man in the doorway. “Have ye no decency a’tall? Treatin’ a wee child like a criminal.” She jabbed a finger toward his face. “Yer library? And what would ye accuse him of then? Tievin’yer books?”

“Éist! Listen!” He held up a hand, stopping her rant.

Aileen hadn’t realized that, in her anger, she’d switched to speaking Gaelic until he answered in the same. Just as well. She considered it a far more suitable language for an argument.

 

 

Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world that includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. She suffers from an acute addiction to 18th and 19th century military history and literature. Jennifer has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family, but most of the time wishes she was on board a frigate during the Age of Sail.

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 3/2/18

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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BEYOND SCANDAL AND DESIRE

Sins for All Seasons, Book 1

by

LORRAINE HEATH

Genre: Historical / Regency Romance

Publisher: Avon

Date of Publication: January 30, 2018

Number of Pages: 320

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At birth, Mick Trewlove, the illegitimate son of a duke, was handed over to a commoner. Despite his lowly upbringing, Mick has become a successful businessman, but all his wealth hasn’t satisfied his need for revenge against the man who still won’t acknowledge him. What else can Mick do but destroy the duke’s legitimate son—and woo the heir’s betrothed into his own unloving arms . . .

Orphaned and sheltered, Lady Aslyn Hastings longs for a bit of adventure. With her intended often preoccupied, Aslyn finds herself drawn to a darkly handsome entrepreneur who seems to understand her so well. Surely a lady of her station should avoid Mick Trewlove. If only he weren’t so irresistible . . .

As secrets are about to be exposed, Mick must decide if his plan for vengeance is worth risking what his heart truly desires.

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PRAISE FOR BEYOND SCANDAL AND DESIRE

“Heath builds a community of fascinating, intertwined characters that readers will be eager to get to know as they cheer for the driven hero and the spunky, smart heroine.” — Publishers Weekly

“RITA Award–winner Heath’s new Sins for All Seasons series is off to an impressive start with an unforgettable, emotionally charged love story that will dazzle and delight readers with its exquisitely crafted characters, deliciously sensual romance and impeccably rendered historical setting.” — Booklist/ *STARRED* Review

“For the first book in the Sins for All Seasons series, Heath returns to the world of dark London — a world she understands as well as Dickens. Heath illuminates the city’s underbelly with a powerful romance of healing and redemption. Her talents for drawing readers into the era with her well-drawn, three dimensional characters and realistic dialogue sets her novels apart. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot guarantees it will be placed on your keeper shelf.” — RT Book Reviews/ “Top Pick” Review

 

She should have declined. Any respectfully affianced lady would have. Not that a betrothed woman wasn’t allowed to dance with a man who wasn’t her intended, but she certainly shouldn’t be so near to a man whose hands, although properly placed—one on her back and the other providing a haven for her fingers—caused her to long for them to be improperly placed, caressing the nape of her neck, stroking her bared shoulders, cradling her face as he leaned in—

Oh, dear Lord. She wanted that deliciously wicked mouth of his doing all the things she dreamed of his hands doing. It was wrong, so wrong.

And he was incorrect. She did experience passion where Kip was concerned, and it was more than the childish desires of small things like a butterfly landing on her outstretched hand or a day without lessons. She had womanly passions. How often had she thought about Kip kissing her? A thousand at least, although not nearly as often as she’d envisioned

Mick kissing her during the short time she’d known him.

Mick. She couldn’t call him that to his face. It was far too intimate, but in the hidden recesses of her mind where she held on to dreams that would never see reality, she could be less formal. Mick.

“Is it short for Michael?” she asked.

He arched a dark brow. “Pardon?”

“Your name. Is it short for Michael? Is that the name that was registered at your birth?”

“My birth wasn’t registered. My mum just called me Mick.”

She’d never given any thought to the fact that there were those for whom records were not kept. Her ancestry, as well as Kip’s, were charted back generations, their births heralded, applauded, blessed. While his had come about in secret and in disgrace. Suddenly it seemed wrong that any child should be looked upon with shame, as though it were responsible for its existence.

“It’s a strong name.”

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases, articles, and computer code, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including RWA’s prestigious RITA. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists.

 

 ║ Website ║ Facebook ║ Twitter ║

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GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!  GIVEAWAY!

3 SIGNED COPIES of The Viscount & the Vixen

JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 8, 2018

(U.S. Only)

 

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

1/30/18	Excerpt	Hall Ways Blog
1/31/18	Review	Books and Broomsticks
2/1/18	Author Interview	A Novel Reality
2/2/18	Review	Margie’s Must Reads
2/3/18	Excerpt	Book Fidelity
2/4/18	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
2/5/18	Review	Reading by Moonlight
2/6/18	Author Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
2/7/18	Excerpt	Missus Gonzo
2/8/18	Review	The Librarian Talks

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The Phantom of Oz (An Ivy Meadows Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Henery Press (January 30, 2018)
Paperback: 268 pages

Synopsis

Creepy munchkins. A mysterious phantom. And a real Wicked Witch. Are you ready for it?

Actress and part-time PI Ivy Meadows has been hired to uncover the cause of the creepy accidents that plague the roadshow The Wizard: A Space OZpera and find out who dropped a chandelier on the Wicked Witch of the East.

Was it the ghost who haunts the Grand Phoenician Theatre? A “wicked witch” in the cast? Or is it someone—or something—more sinister?

It’s Ivy’s most personal case so far.

Her best friend Candy, who’s touring with the show, is caught in a downward spiral of self-destruction, and is in more danger than she knows.

To save her friend and the show, Ivy must answer even tougher questions: Do spirits really exist? What is real beauty? What does friendship mean?

Ivy needs to learn the answers, and fast—before Candy reaches the point of no return.

Books in the Ivy Meadows Humorous Mystery Series:

Macdeath (#1)
The Sound of Murder (#2)
Oliver Twisted (#3)
Ivy Get Your Gun (#4)
The Phantom of Oz (#5)

About the Author

Cindy Brown has been a theater geek (musician, actor, director, producer, and playwright) since her first professional gig at age 14. Now a full-time writer, she’s lucky enough to have garnered several awards (including 3rd place in the 2013 international Words With Jam First Page Competition, judged by Sue Grafton!) and is an alumnus of the Squaw Valley Writers Workshop. Though Cindy and her husband now live in Portland, Oregon, she made her home in Phoenix, Arizona, for more than 25 years and knows all the good places to hide dead bodies in both cities.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Giveaway

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The Kiss Thief by Rachelle J. Christensen

As the head librarian of the Echo Ridge Library, Britta Klein thrives on order and categorization. Unfortunately, the old church-turned-library is in desperate need of a renovation. The Harvest Hurrah fundraiser seems to be the answer, but plans keep going awry. With help from Milo Geissler, accomplished musician, piano tuner, and kiss thief, each catastrophe is narrowly avoided. When Milo goes to great lengths to help Britta find a key classic book, she begins to wonder if there is more to life than books and order. Can she allow this man who speaks the language of music to tune her heart to a new song?
Welcome to Echo Ridge, New York where romance finds its way into the hearts and lives of the people who walk the streets of the close-knit community.

 

 

“Kisses Between the Lines is the perfect book to get lost in on a cool autumn night. It’s full of toe curling kisses and sigh worthy moments. If you enjoy sweet romance then do yourself a favor and pick up this latest edition in the Echo Ridge Anthologies.”  – Jennifer Peel – Award Winning and Bestselling Author of the Women of Merryton Series.

“I love Rachelle Christensen’s writings. She has such a way with crafting a story as well as creating these characters that you can’t help but love and connect to. I loved reading and “watching” all the layers unfold around Britta and seeing her true self revealed.”  – Julie C., Reviewer

 

 

“Good morning, Britta.”

She recognized the voice and took one last sip in an attempt to compose herself. Britta raised her head and licked her lips. Milo Geissler stood next to the community bulletin board, clasping a sheaf of papers and business cards. He smiled and the dimple in his left cheek deepened. Britta caught herself staring at the dimple and focused on his eyes, commanding herself not to get lost in the crystal-blue color.

“Milo, how are you today?” Britta stepped away from the water fountain and eyed the bulletin board, where a new page was tacked. “That’s a new flyer. I like the colors.”

“My sister designed it for me,” he replied. “You don’t think it’s too bright?”

“No, the orange and red catch the eye and remind me of autumn,” Britta said. “It’s my favorite season.” Why did I just say that?

Milo took a step forward and handed her a business card, also sporting the new design for “Perfect Pitch Piano Tuning by Milo.”

The very first time Britta’s mother had traveled from Buffalo, New York, to the tiny town of Echo Ridge, she’d canvassed the town for a suitable German husband. As luck would have it, Mother saw one of Milo’s flyers and called him up to tell him all about her beautiful German daughter. Remembering the conversation still brought a flush to her cheeks. Britta ducked her head and pretended to cough.

“I hear you’ve been busy prepping for the big fundraiser,” Milo said. “Everything looks so well organized this year. I think the turnout will be great.”

Britta met those sapphire eyes again. He was several inches taller than her five-foot-four-inch frame, but not too tall—maybe close to six feet. His blond hair brushed the top of his collar and edged over his ears. Every time Britta saw him she had the strange desire to tuck his hair behind his ears; the man needed a good haircut. But he was still far too good-looking.

“We have a lot of new events planned. I just hope it will be enough to cover all the costs of updating the library,” Britta said.

“You do wonderful things for this library,” Milo said. He had the faintest German accent rounding out his words. If Britta hadn’t grown up listening to the beautiful language, she probably wouldn’t have noticed it. “It reminds me of my grandmother. Oma loved books, and I loved visiting her bookshelves. It always feels nice in here.”

“Danke,” she answered.

Milo’s smile deepened. “Gern geschehen.”

It took a moment for Britta to realize that she’d slipped into German to thank him and he had responded. She hadn’t done that for years, ever since her early teen years, when she’d stopped speaking German at home. She had explained to her parents that she wanted to work on her English, and since her mother needed practice, they consented. But just then, listening for the accent on the ends of Milo’s words and the way he spoke of his Oma, Britta became lost in memories of the Klein home. She could almost feel the bear hugs from her own Oma, and that had her slipping into old ways. “Well, I’d better go.”

“Wait, are you busy next Friday night?”

Britta’s heart did a little flip. Milo’s dimple trembled as if he was biting the inside of his cheek. He’d asked her out once before, right after her mother’s meddling, and she’d turned him down flat, embarrassed because of her mom’s matchmaking attempt. But today he tempted her with his low voice and kind eyes.

 

 

Rachelle is a mother of five who writes mystery/suspense, nonfiction, and women’s fiction. She solves the case of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She enjoys raising chickens and laughing with her husband. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music.

Rachelle is the award-winning author of twenty books, including The Soldier’s Bride (a Kindle Scout Selection & Whitney Award Finalist), Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, Veils and Vengeance, Proposals and Poison, Hawaiian Masquerade, and Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Her novella, “Silver Cascade Secrets,” was included in the Rone Award–winning Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection.

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 3/1/18

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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Vangie Vale & the Strangled Strudel (The Matchbaker Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Montana
Hummingbird Books (January 4, 2018)
Print Length: 330 pages

Synopsis

You could call it the straw that broke the camel’s back but it was more like a Montana forest timber.
Just when Vangie Vale’s life was getting back to normal after a murder that rocked her little Rocky Mountain tourist town, she found herself in the middle of another murder… as the chief suspect.

Vangie stood shocked on the side of the curb as the sheriff stretched yellow crime scene tape around the front of her new bakery. Wouldn’t this make a lovely headline in next week’s paper: Local Baker Kills Parishioner With Pudding. Vangie’s road back to good graces as a part-time pastor was bumpy enough already. This would be a roadblock. Can’t have that.

Guest Post

My Fan Group

On Facebook, I have a wonderful group of Vangie’s friends who all congregate with me to talk about the books and our lives. We occasionally talk about Vangie, and as I was preparing for this book tour, I asked them if they had any topics for me to talk about in my guest posts. I borrowed some of their questions to write about. Here are some of the ones they posted.

* How did Vangie start baking?

Both her mother and grandmother were great bakers. They used to bake for every holiday and every special occasion, and Vangie learned from them. When they died—her mother first, and her grandmother after that—Vangie started baking as a way to connect with them. So, in a very real way, she bakes as an expression of love.

* What’s her favorite thing to eat or cook?

Vangie loves sandwiches, of all kinds. But she has a special fondness for grilled cheese sandwiches. That’s one of the things Derek noticed about her when she was recovering from a gunshot wound. She made grilled cheese sandwiches of every kind, using every bread and every cheese she could get her hands on. It’s also insanely easy to make. She does like that since she doesn’t like spending a lot of time taking care of herself. That sounds familiar for a lot of us, I imagine.

* What made her want to be a pastor?

Vangie has always felt a lot of responsibility for other people. And she loves the hands-on work of the church. She likes being able to counsel people and give spiritual direction but to refer them when they have psychological issues beyond her ability to handle. There are very clear boundaries for her, and she likes that. Except when it comes to people she feels responsible for. Then, the boundaries of the law are… fuzzy. J

* If she could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would she go and why?

Hawaii or Jamaica or somewhere that is 100% beach. She loves the feel and smell and sound of the beach. The best vacation she ever went on was to Puerto Vallarta. She loved the way the forest seemed to swallow up the land, all the way to where the beach started. It was beautiful. But next time, she really wants to go somewhere that’s all water and sand. She grew up going to the Outer Banks all the time, so she likes the ocean. It’s probably her favorite place in the world. OBX forever.

About the Author

Rebecca Syme writes small town romance as Becca Boyd and cozy mystery as R.L. Syme. She is a long-time foodie and loves fancy cheese. Becca calls the mountains of Montana her home and draws inspiration from the beautiful vistas and heartwarming people. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Line of Fire series of sweet romances and part of the Chick Tales series set in Somewhere, TX. You can find her on Twitter talking #fancycheese or #Chopped, and on Facebook with her fans in Becca Nation.

Website * Facebook * Becca Nation Facebook * Twitter * GoodReads * Amazon Author Page

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I’m With You by Taylor Dean

Can three little words irrevocably change your life?

When the doctors inform Chloe Brennan that her pregnancy is “incompatible with life,” her subsequent choices will change her path forever.

She becomes one of the quiet, unsung heroes of this world, incredibly strong, yet somehow wrongly looked upon as damaged.

Three people will pierce Chloe’s existence: her husband, a stranger, and a precious baby.

One will say goodbye, one will say hello, and one will say both at the same time.

I’m With You is a novel about selfless love and the sacredness of life.

 

Please note: While this book is a romance novel, it also deals with the sensitive issue of baby loss grief.
The emotions are real, and sometimes dark. If you are sensitive to this issue, this may not be the book for you.

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m With You” is a beautiful story that centers on one woman’s tragic, heart-wrenching loss and the healing brought by unselfish love, giving love, in-sickness-and-in-health-love. It is sweeter, nobler, stronger — and even more passionate than the beginnings of love we so often see. Forever love. -Julie in Portland, Oregon, Amazon Reviewer

This book knocked my socks off. It was amazing and I will definitely read it again and again. It is “that” good. -Amazon Reviewer

This book. Oh my gosh. I could NOT put it down. I sobbed like a baby through most of it and felt my heart breaking for my own loved ones who have suffered such a loss. It was written beautifully with great sensitivity and I LOVED it. -Amazon Reviewer

 

 

“I’m sorry for what I said to you,” he reiterated.

“No big deal.”

“I think it was.”

She shrugged, trying not to show that she hurt so much she could barely breathe. No one noticed inner pain. A broken leg, a broken arm, yes. Outward signs of pain were obvious. Inner turmoil, not so much. And she was broken, just like a leg or an arm, only worse. She was bleeding, gushing from a huge, nasty, open gaping wound.

But no one knew it.

With his unwavering gaze, however, the husband seemed to sense it, maybe even see it. And it made her uncomfortable.

“I-I thought maybe we could have breakfast together or something and, I don’t know, commiserate. Misery loves company and all that. What do ya say? Can I take you out to breakfast? Let me make up for my rash words.”

Goodness sake, the only one unable to forgive him for his impetuous words was himself. The last thing Chloe wanted to do was spend time alone with Mr. Volcano. He’d obviously lost his temper on that fateful day their spouses had run off with each other, and had come looking for a fight. That meant he was probably easily agitated, maybe even volatile. Unstable. When the signs are there, you can’t ignore them. Right?

Yet, somehow, she didn’t feel as though he was a threat. As a matter of fact, he seemed quite courteous.

She simply had no way of knowing if he was sincere or a loon. Her uncertainty concerning him made her respond accordingly as she stammered, “Oh. Thank you, but no. I have so much to do today. So, so much. I’m not even sure I can get it all done in one day. Errands and more errands.” She paused. “Lots of errands.” She sounded like a bumbling idiot and a liar—the lady doth protest too much. She waved in the general direction of her car as she slowly backed away from him. “So much to do. I’m swamped. I have to go.”

“Your country’s 500th anniversary to plan, your wedding to arrange, your wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it. You are swamped,” he mumbled.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing. Sorry.”

“Did you just quote The Princess Bride?”

“Oh, you know it?” he said with surprise. “Yep. Sorry. It’s a nasty habit of mine.”

“Quoting The Princess Bride?”

“No, movie quotes in general.”

“Oh.”

For a moment, she studied him curiously, her interest piqued. Any man who quoted The Princess Bride couldn’t be that bad. Chloe felt herself warm up to him, but he was a total stranger to her and she wasn’t about to jump in his jeep and go for a ride with him just because he knew about true love.

“Thanks for apologizing. I appreciate it,” she said. He’d gone to great lengths to make up for his unkind words and she was impressed with his tenacity. He felt badly, that much was obvious. It was, perhaps, indicative of his true nature. However, she didn’t need to dig any deeper and learn more about this man’s apparent compassionate side. It was enough already. “I have to go,” she blurted.

“All right,” he answered amiably, a hint of both disappointment and acceptance in his tone.

She turned to unlock her door, dropped her keys with shaking hands, and bent to pick them up. Chloe took a deep cleansing breath, trying to calm herself down. By the way she was acting you’d think a handsome stranger had never once tried to speak to her in her entire life, for heaven’s sake. It wasn’t as if he was trying to pick up on her, he was simply extending a hand of friendship. That’s all.

She needed a friend. Desperately. This man was offering. It would be nice to talk with someone. He’d understand. He was experiencing similar emotions. What the heck? She had nothing to lose. Absolutely nothing.

But he was a stranger, she argued with herself. It’s not safe. Maybe he was some kind of psycho or pervert.

I have nothing to lose.

Chloe turned just in time to see the husband taking his seat in his jeep. Not exactly the behavior of someone out to commit nefarious activities.

“Wait!” she yelled.

Surprised at her outburst, he slowly stood, one hand resting on the door of the jeep. He looked like he could be in a commercial promoting outdoor life. Yet, his expression was slightly intense as he looked upon her.

“I don’t really have anything to do. As a matter of fact, I have nothing to do and nowhere to go.”

He nodded, politely not commenting on her lack of a life. “How about breakfast?”

“I’d like that.”

A smile spread across his face, revealing perfect, white teeth. Even if he was a psycho, at least he’d be easy on the eyes.

So was Ted Bundy.

Chloe ignored her inner voice.

“I’ll drive. Hop in,” he invited.

Chloe took a few steps toward him.

“So what were you going to do today? If you don’t mind my asking,” he queried.

It was time for payback. “Go buy a wrench.”

“Why? Is something broken?” he asked, seemingly concerned. Would he consider it his responsibility to help her?

“No. Just because we don’t have one.”

The husband threw his head back and laughed out loud, surprising her. “I know that one. Beaches.”

Surprising. “How do you know that? I mean, these aren’t exactly guy movies.”

“I have four sisters. I’m the baby. No X-Men for me.”

“Say no more. That explains everything.”

He extended his hand. “I’m Jack. Jack Alexander, by the way. Guess it’s time we introduce ourselves.”

Chloe grasped his hand, his grip firm and strong. “I’m Chloe Brennan.”

“Chloe,” he repeated. “I like it. It’s an unusual name.”

“Alexander seems like an unusual last name.”

He shrugged. “Had it all my life.”

“Good answer.”

Jack smiled broadly and her worries washed away.

“Shall we go?” he said, his hand motioning toward his jeep as if it were a grand carriage.

It rather felt like a portal into a new world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

 

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 2/28/18

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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Movie Synopsis

Written by Hollywood screenwriter David Howard and Jon Enos, and directed by Alan Peterson, TREK is a family comedy that follows a group of LDS teens as they stumble their way through the sagebrush looking for their pioneer heritage as well as their own testimonies.

Watch as Tom, a young Mormon teenager and his friends try to smuggle in unsanctioned food, battle sibling rivalry, encounter a “special ops” Young Mens leader, ponder doctrinal brain teasers, and match wits with a Twinkie-loving skunk.  Through all of the ups and downs, they are revealed to be “real” LDS youth who are struggling with real challenges—doubts, divorce, relationships.  When they encounter unexpected trouble, their faith is tested much like their pioneer ancestors.

Trailer

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Synopsis

He might be winning her heart before she even knows who he is…

Welcome to Blessings, Georgia, the small town with a big heart! Anyone from a small town can tell you that gossip never stays quiet for long. The biggest news lately is Ruby Dye: she’s been receiving gifts from a secret admirer. But Ruby isn’t sure she can trust this newfound happiness. Nobody knows the dark secrets she keeps about her life before she arrived in Blessings. Is this the beginning of a would-be romance, or is she the target of something more sinister?

Everyone admires Ruby and her determination to do the right thing, especially local lawyer “Peanut” Butterman. He’s finally ready to tell her how he feels. But when trouble arrives on Ruby’s doorstep and their little town is threatened, Peanut may have to prove himself in ways he never imagined.

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Review

I love the town of Blessings and how everyone comes together as a community to support and help one another. Makes me wish I lived in this town (or maybe one similar to it!)

This installment focuses on Ruby and Peanut. Peanut has been sending Ruby gifts as a secret admirer and now is the time to reveal himself and his love for Ruby. Luckily Ruby loves him just as much! The road to the forever for these two is not easy and they have to deal with Ruby’s ex-husband and a serious incident with Peanut that lands him in the hospital. But true love wins out in the end.

This book is very uplifting but has some dark and down moments, but it is what adds complexity to the book. There are some lessons that everyone can take away from this book, especially in how to treat someone.

If you have not read this series, definitely start with the first book as each book builds on the last one.

We give this 5 paws up!

Excerpt

Chief Pittman drove through town with lights flashing, then pulled into the alley behind the bar to the small, clapboard house.

There was no smoke coming out of the fireplace, no lights on anywhere inside, and when he saw the front door open and a tall, gangly boy and a huge bloodhound emerging, he jumped out to open the back door of his cruiser.

As he did, a woman followed them out. She was blue from cold and shivering. She coughed, then couldn’t stop. Then the boy approached and held out his hand.

“I’m Charlie Conroy, Sir. Thank you for calling.”

Lon wondered how desperate they were and then decided to deal with that later.

“You can put your dog in the back and ride up front with me.”

“Yes sir,” Charlie said, loaded up Booger, then got into the front seat.

Lon turned around.

“Mrs. Conroy, I’m Chief Pittman. Thank you for allowing your boy to help us. I’ll have him back as soon as possible, okay?”

“Yes, it’s okay,” she said.

And then another little voice piped up, and Lon saw a tiny little girl standing in the doorway, also wearing her coat over her clothes. She was crying.

“Mommy, Mommy, I’m cold.”

“I have to go,” Alice said, and ran back to the doorway, picked up the little girl and disappeared into the house, shutting the door behind her as she went.

Lon got in. The boy was already buckled up.

“We’re going straight to the nursing home.”

“Yes, sir,” Charlie said, his heartbeat jumping as the Chief drove away.

“So what’s going on at your house? Don’t you have any heat?”

“We don’t have any utilities, sir. We got cut off.”

“When was this?” Lon asked.

“Oh, a few days ago, but I’ll get the money earned to get them back on.”

“Is this why you put out the fliers?” Lon asked.

Charlie nodded.

“That was very industrious. How old are you?” Lon said.

“I’m twelve, but I am the man of the family now,” Charlie said, and then turned his head as they passed the school, looking at it with a mixture of longing and despair.

Another two blocks and he pulled up in front of the nursing home. One of his deputies was already there gathering info, while the other one on duty was back at the station. People were gathering here as the news had spread, ready to help search.

“Here we go,” Lon said, as he pulled up and parked. “You get your hound and follow me.”

“Yes sir,” Charlie said, and leaped out, grabbed Booger’s leash, and took off after the Chief.

Nathan Rose, the nursing home administrator, was trying not to panic as he explained what he knew to the Deputy, Ralph Herman.

“We’ve never had this happen before,” Nathan said. “We lock the doors at night and everything. Wanda is the one who discovered her absence.”

Ralph eyed the aide in purple scrubs. She looked to be in her late twenties, and she also looked scared to death, like someone was going to lay the blame of this on her.

“So, Wanda, how did you know she was missing?” Ralph asked.

“She wasn’t in her bed when I came on duty at six a.m., so I went looking for her, assuming she’d just fallen asleep somewhere else inside the building. They do that sometimes, but I couldn’t find her. That’s when we all began to search. She’s not here.”

“Were there any unlocked doors?” Ralph asked.

Willa’s shoulders slumped.

“The one from the kitchen leading out into the back alley. There’s an extra lock up high. She’s so little, I don’t know how she reached to open it.”

“Either someone helped her, or it was unintentionally left unlocked,” Nathan said. “It’s the only explanation.”

“Have you notified her next of kin?” the deputy asked.

“She doesn’t have any,” Nathan said. “She brought herself here three years back and hasn’t had a visitor from outside Blessings, since.”

At that point, the Chief walked up and didn’t waste time explaining.

“Nathan, I need something that belongs to Gertie…something that would have her scent on it…like her shoes… of a piece of her clothing…something that hasn’t yet been washed.”

Nathan saw the boy and the bloodhound and didn’t ask questions.

“Wanda, you heard him. Bring something that will have Gertie’s scent on it.”

Wanda turned and ran into the building as the deputy recognized the boy.

“Hey, that’s the kid from the flyer,” he said, then glanced at Lon. “Good call, Chief.”

“If it works, we can all thank Peanut Butterman. It was his suggestion.”

Charlie had outgrown his coat months ago, and had been wearing his Daddy’s clothes all winter, but he didn’t have a coat. It had burned up in the explosion. He shivered slightly as he waited, thinking nothing of the discomfort because it had become the norm, but Lon saw it.

“Be right back,” he said, and jogged toward his cruiser, popped the trunk and then came back with a heavy, fleece-lined flannel jacket. “Put this on,” he said, as he handed it to Charlie.

Charlie’s eyes widened.

“I might get it dirty.”

“Son, it’ll wash,” Lon said. “Put it on.”

Charlie didn’t argue. The warmth that enveloped him was so welcome it brought tears to his eyes.

“I thank you,” Charlie whispered.

Lon patted the boy’s shoulder as Wanda came running back holding a pair of cotton socks.

“Gertie wore these yesterday. They were still in her shoes. Will this work?”

Lon glanced at Charlie, who nodded.

“They’ll do just fine,” Charlie said, then glanced at Lon. “Are you ready, Chief?”

Lon glanced around at the small crowd of people who’d gathered to help search.

“We’re going to try this first before we send everyone out in differing directions. If some of you want to go home, you’re welcome. But if there are any who want to follow us and the hound, then fan out in a grid behind him and do your best to keep up.”

A few waved and headed back to their cars, but a good dozen of them stayed.

Lon heard one searcher call out.

“That hound won’t track. I reckon the rain has washed out her tracks and scent.”

“We’ll see,” Lon said, and watched as Charlie Conroy got down on one knee and shoved the socks up under Booger’s nose.

As he did, the hound began to whine, as if sensing he’d just be given a task.

“Hunt, Booger! Hunt!” Charlie said.

The massive bloodhound lifted his head, sniffing the air, then put nose to ground and moved toward the back of the building with Charlie hanging onto the leash. The moment they reached the back door, Booger bayed.

“He’s on the scent,” Charlie cried, and off they went, through two blocks of housing, across the baseball field and then up into the woods, with the cops and the searchers behind them.

About the Author

SHARON SALA has over ninety-five books in print and has published in five different genres. She is a seventime RITA finalist, four-time Career Achievement winner from RT Book Reviews, and five-time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award. Writing changed her life, her world, and her fate. She lives in Norman, Oklahoma.

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Book Title: Toddler Tootsies Take on the Day! by Marsha Nowakowski
Illustrator: Joan Coleman
Category: Children’s NonFiction, 34 pages
Genre: Education
Publisher: Lanier Press

Synopsis

Welcome to the wonderful world of Matt and Mattie, where every day is a learning adventure! Just as our ten toes help our bodies balance, Matt and Mattie’s ten daily habits help toddlers learn balanced behaviors that will guide them in leading happy, healthy childhoods.

Interview with Marsha

Where did you get the inspiration to write Toddler Tootsies Take on the Day?

As a grandma with a new outlook on parenting, I realized the need for teaching healthy habits to youngsters as early as possible to help them become successful and always be able to do their best! This needed to be fun and something they could relate to themselves! Learning their ABCs and numbers was hardwired in school, but I wanted to create a book with diversity that would make multiple everyday habits fun, balanced, and even adventuresome for toddlers. So it was my true conviction of healthy children and a healthy nation that inspired me to write Toddler Tootsies Take on the Day!

What inspired you to write Matt and Mattie as feet?

Characters in children’s books have been many things like sponges, princesses, animals, and superheroes, but there were no FEET! As a nurse spending many hours on hard floors, one of the pure pleasures in my life was having pedicures and leg/foot massages. Every time I had my nails painted, I had fun designs put on my large toe. During a trip to Florida with my husband, the radio was playing, and my feet started dancing on the dashboard where I had propped my legs. I knew then that children could really like a unique and different type of character such as feet that would take them on adventures.

Toddler Tootsies Take on the Day! is part of a series. What will the next book be about?

The next book I have in mind is about Matt, Mattie, and Murdock the Horse. Because of my love of horses, I would like to write ten safety tips for toddlers visiting a barn and being around horses for the first time. Murdock will be a sad, lonely soul looking for his lost barn when Matt and Mattie come upon him. They become fast friends, find Murdock’s home, and soon Murdock is the comic relief in teaching them about safety tips in the barn.

What is the last great children’s book you’ve read?

This is really hard to say because great makes me think of the books that have stood the test of time:

For creativity: I think Dr. Seuss books are the greatest, especially Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

For everyday lessons: Sesame Street books

For rhyming: the traditional Mother Goose books

My favorite book to read to my granddaughters at bedtime is simply about Grandma’s love and is called Grandma Wishes.

What advice would you give budding writers?

As a writer, you are vulnerable to criticism and rejection, so you should never give up and develop a thick skin.

Writing is the easy part, marketing is the challenge! You will need to put a lot of time and effort into the sales of your book.

Life is short, so follow your dreams! Your dreams can come true, but it will require patience, revisions, editing, and a good publishing team.

About the Author

Marsha K. Nowakowski is a loving wife, dedicated mother to three children, and a “grammie” to her grandchildren.

This is Marsha’s debut book for toddlers. She has spent forty years in the healthcare industry, primarily as a cardiac nurse. Her inspiration for writing Matt and Mattie’s Adventures developed from her own observations that patients who recovered more quickly exhibited healthy habits and good attitudes toward life. As a mother and grammie, Marsha recognized the need for books teaching healthy habits to help young ones develop into successful people who always do their best.

Matt and Mattie’s Adventures makes everyday habits fun, balanced, and adventuresome for toddlers. Marsha’s own adventures include travel, horseback riding, and reading. She also enjoys golf, baseball games, and sailing with her husband. According to Marsha, every day is an adventure!

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