Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: His Baby Dilemma by Catherine Lanigan



On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

His Baby Dilemma

(Shores of Indian Lake #9)
Catherine Lanigan

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

December 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Must they always be continents apart?

Nobody expects Paris fashion designer Grace Railton to settle down in her Indiana town, least of all Mica Barzonni. Fifteen months ago, he turned to her for comfort and compassion following a farming accident that left him permanently injured. Then she returned to France and went silent on him.

Until, suddenly, Grace shows up on his doorstep with life-altering news. Mica, a father? He’s barely learned to navigate his postaccident life. But this could be his chance to become the man he’s always wanted to be—the husband and father Grace and their baby son need. Now Mica just has to convince her to stay.

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Excerpt

Luckily, Mrs. Beabots hadn’t rented her upstairs apartment to anyone and she was delighted to have Grace and the baby staying with her.

    Once Grace had unpacked and settled in, Mrs. Beabots invited her for afternoon tea. She’d already invited Louise, as well as Sarah, who lived next door. Sarah had given birth to a baby girl, Charlotte, only three days after Jules was born on July 1, and Grace was looking forward to having her friend so close by.

    Jules was still napping when Grace headed downstairs at four, but because he was used to being transported from her Paris apartment to her studio, where designers shouted at each other over the cutting tables and sewing machines whirred, he could just about sleep through anything.

    Grace put Jules, in his baby carrier, on Mrs. Beabots’s kitchen island just as Aunt Louise walked in.

    Louise smiled at their elderly host. “I brought you a plate of brownies I made this morning.”

    Mrs. Beabots grinned. “Those are the brownies for your brownie-nut-fudge ice cream, I presume.”

    “They are.”

    “How generous of you to share with us, Louise. We’ll put them out with the pecan and cranberry sandies I made. The tea is nearly ready. Sarah should be here any minute. I thought we’d sit in the front parlor. Luke put in a new heater for me out there and it’s quite toasty.” She winked. “The babies won’t get cold and we can watch the snowfall as the neighborhood Christmas lights come on.”

    “Sounds lovely,” Grace replied, taking the china plate of cookies out to the front parlor as she hefted Jules’s carrier in her right hand. She set him on a red velvet Victorian chair. “Oh!” Grace exclaimed, spotting the skinny fir tree in the corner. “You have a Christmas tree out here.”

    Louise placed the brownies on the coffee table. “Very pretty.”

    “My big tree is in the library, as usual,” Mrs. Beabots explained. “But I spend so much time in here, reading and visiting, that it’s a shame not to have some of my favorite ornaments out to enjoy all the time.” Mrs. Beabots pointed to the tree. “All these are from Paris. Don’t you love the pink, gold and aqua? They were in vogue back in the sixties.”

    “I’d love to hear more of your stories,” Grace said as the antique doorbell rang.

    “That would be Sarah,” Mrs. Beabots said, placing the teapot on the coffee table. “I’ll be right back.”

    “Uh-huh. Just in time not to disclose anything juicy about Paris or Coco Chanel, huh?” Grace teased.

    Louise winked at her niece. “She’ll never spill.”

    “Not even to me?” Grace asked.

    “Never. Secrets are her passion. Along with these cookies.”

    Sarah followed Mrs. Beabots into the room, holding a pink bundle. “Grace!” she squealed. “I’m so happy to see you!” She gave Grace a one-armed hug. “This is Charlotte. Annie’s on her way over. She had to walk Beau first. She’s dying to talk to you.”

    “Goodness. I’m flattered, but why?”

    “Oh,” Mrs. Beabots said impishly as she took Sarah’s coat. “You’ll see. She’s a million questions, that one. Tea, Sarah? You know you can have my mint-and-bourbon tea now that you’re not nursing.”

    “True,” Sarah replied. “I’d love some tea.” She glanced at Grace. “Are you breastfeeding?”

    “No. I had to go back to work five days after Jules was born. I took him to the studio with me, but formula let me be a bit more flexible with his feeding.”

    “You’re kidding. They let you do that? Bring him in, I mean.”

    Grace smiled. “Summer was a slow time for us and I’m the team leader. Though, once things ramped up in the fall, it was too hectic and Jules could feel my stress. I found a nanny, but she was clearly more interested in becoming a designer than she was in taking care of Jules. I was basically tutoring her while still doing the lion’s share of childcare.”

    Sarah shook her head. “I can’t believe you got any work done at all! I’ve been able to take a longer mat leave, at least, but my whole day revolves around Charlotte. Sometimes I don’t even have time to eat, let alone do anything creative.”

    Grace felt a rush of shame. The whole reason she’d come back to Indian Lake was that she couldn’t handle it all. How could anyone understand her motivation for leaving her baby here so she could continue her work half a world away? On the surface, she sounded like a heartless monster. She lifted her hand to Jules and let him curl his fingers around her forefinger. He smiled at her and when he did, the pacifier in his mouth wiggled and wobbled like it always did. Grace felt her heart tighten and then burst with love.

    “I honestly don’t know how I’ve made it the past six months,” she admitted. “Well, year, really. Jules deserves so much more than I can give him right now. It was tough enough working seven days a week and most nights being pregnant.” She lifted her eyes to Louise. “Thank goodness I inherited sturdy genes.”

    Louise’s eyes misted as she put a hand on Grace’s shoulder. “You’re a good mother, Grace, and this decision has to be unbearably difficult.”

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of forty published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile, as well as over half a dozen anthologies, including “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living your Dream”, “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul”, and more. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into dozens of languages including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese. Ms. Lanigan’s novels are also available in E-books on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Store, Mobi and Kobo. Several of her titles have been chosen for The Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Clubs. Her Vietnam war-based novel, The Christmas Star, won the Gold Medal Award Top Pick from Romantic Times Magazine and has also won Book of the Year Romance Gold Award from ForeWord Magazine as well as Book of the Year Romance from Reader’s Preference.

Lanigan is the author of a trilogy of non- fiction books regarding angelic intervention in human life: Angel Watch, Divine Nudges and Angel Tales published by HCI and Cedar Fort. Skyhorse published Lanigan’s “how-to” book on writing: Writing the Great American Romance Novel. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid Foundation to write a non-fiction book addressing teen addictions. Ms. Lanigan’s first Young Adult adventure novel, The Adventures of Lillie and Zane: The Golden Flute, was published by Cedar Fort.

Currently, she has published eight novels in the Shores of Indian Lake series for Harlequin Heartwarming: Love Shadows, Heart’s Desire, A Fine Year for Love, Katia’s Promise, Fear of Falling, Sophie’s Path and Protecting the Single Mom. Family of His Own pubs July, 2016. She has recently contracted for one more in the series: His Baby Dilemma.

As a cancer survivor, Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. (THE EVOLVING WOMAN). She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs.

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Tour Schedule

November 27th:
Launch
Busy Bumble Bee Book Reviews
underneath the covers
Thoughts of a Blonde
November 28th:
Mello & June, It's a Book Thang!
Remembrancy
November 29th:
Hearts & Scribbles
November 30th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Wishful Endings
December 1st:
It's all About the Romance
Cafinated Reads
December 4th:
Heidi Reads...
Janices Book Reviews
December 5th:
Deal Sharing Aunt
Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader
December 6th:
I Am A Reader
Jorie Loves A Story
December 7th:
Book Lover in Florida
Rockin' Book Reviews
Harlie's Books
December 8th:
Colorimetry
Nicole's Book Musings
December 9th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card and a Prize Pack that includes: autographed copies of Family of His Own and Katia's Promise, a gold edged Paris latte mug, and hand soap in a pretty pump bottle (prize pack to US only, if international winner then gift card only)

- 1 winner will receive an ebook of  Family of His Own (open internationally)

- Ends December 13th

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Review & Giveaway: Brush With Love by Lisa McKendrick

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

Synopsis

Lana, a talented Ivy League artist, and Walt, a small-town farmer, couldn't be more different. She arrives in Bluegill, Idaho, ready to spend the summer painting, excited to study under Walt's grandpa, a brilliant but aging artist. The more she is thrown together with Walt though--and the more she spends time with him--the more she realizes her heart may be drawing up its own plans. As the weeks pass, Lana realizes she'll have to choose between following her dreams or following her heart.

My Review

There are so many things that appealed to me about this book! The theme of adoption and the struggle Lana had with being loved and expressing love was a strong one for me. I loved that she is an artist and I related to her on that level as well. The relationship with her friend Ingrid showed Lana's lighter side, and helped it not seem out of character when she connected with Walt even though it was not what she normally would have done. I loved the setting of rural Idaho with an array of characters in the community, including the sneaky and loveable LeVan who taught Lana more about life than she expected from their painting collaboration. There is heartache, humor, sweet romance, and the most memorable first kiss!

There are some references to the characters belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but this is a book that can be enjoyed by all with its universal Christian themes.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the Author

Lisa McKendrick is the author of several books for the LDS market, including, most recently, Letters To My Future Husband. She received her master's degree in English from BYU, and is the mother of seven children. She enjoys traveling, yoga, garage sales, and getting feedback from her readers.

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12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Jennifer Peel & Giveaway!

   

Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel 

What does dating the boss + meddling ex-wife + most adorable three-year-old ever equal? Trouble in Loveland. At seventeen, Charlee Jensen packed her bags and left her beloved hometown of Loveland, swearing she would never have anything to do with the men that left her heartbroken: her father, the man that taught her heroes can fall; and Ryan Carter, her much older neighbor and teenage crush. 

Now eight years later, Charlee has two degrees she never wanted and no job prospects, forcing her to swallow her pride and come home to work for her father’s accounting firm—the same firm where newly divorced Ryan Carter is now a partner. But trouble starts to stir when Ryan realizes the girl next door is all grown up and completely smitten with his adorable three-year-old. Ryan finds it hard to resist his beautiful, yet annoyingly charming neighbor and coworker, but is torn between his feelings and trying to keep the peace with his ex-wife, the mother of his child. It’s a recipe for trouble. Will Charlee and Ryan find the formula for success?   

 Praise for Trouble in Loveland 

"Jennifer Peel's writing captures you from the start and pulls you in. Trouble in Loveland is a fantastic book and was the perfect escape that I look for when I read. It has it all! Drama, humor, and romance. Highly recommend!" - Becky Monson, author of The Spinster Series ★★★★★ 

"I absolutely loved this book! I just discovered Jennifer Peel, and I'm so glad I did. Her writing is fun, the dialogue witty, and her character development brilliant. Trouble in Loveland is the third book I've read by this author and it won't be my last. I am definitely a new fan!!" - Cindy Roland Anderson, author of Under a Georgia Moon ★★★★★ 

    

 Trouble in Loveland Excerpt 

 My heart pounded erratically as Ryan looked up at me and smiled. The butterflies were beyond excited and swearing like sailors. I bit my lip nervously and watched Ryan walk my way. I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I knew it didn’t mean anything to him, but not to sound cheesy, it was like a dream come true for me. All I needed was some fog behind him as he sauntered over to me. He held out his hand as soon as he approached me. “Will you give me the pleasure of dancing with me?” I think that was the sexiest thing I’d ever heard in my life. I couldn’t talk very well, which was saying something. I always had something to say. I nodded my head and held out my hand, that I prayed wasn’t sweaty. Before he led me away, I tossed the bouquet to Amy, who wore a sly grin. As we made it to the middle of the floor, I heard the DJ say, “Now don’t they make a lovely couple? Maybe there will be another love connection tonight.” I think I turned about ten shades of red. Ryan didn’t seem fazed by it as he pulled me to him and held me firmly, but gently. His hand rested on my mid-back. With his other hand he took my hand, and instead of holding it out, he brought it in, more intimately, against our bodies. Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” began to play. Ryan was obviously an experienced dancer as his steps kept in time with the rhythm of my new favorite song. Ryan’s eyes seared into mine. “I was hoping I would get to dance with you tonight.” “You were?” “Yes, but you’ve been quite popular.” He pulled back a tad and looked down at my dress. “You look very …” “Please don’t say grown up.” He smiled and shook his head. “I wasn’t going to say that, I was going to say …” he tried to think of something. “You were going to say it, weren’t you?” He sighed. “Charlee, you really know how to make a guy feel inadequate, don’t you?” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. I find I like it.” “You do?” He nodded his head. “I also find you to be very …” he hesitated. “Very what?” “Beautiful and annoyingly charming.” “How can somebody be annoying and charming at the same time?” “See what I mean?” He held me close. 

  

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More Trouble in Loveland by Jennifer Peel 

Another Timeless Single Romance! Join Jennifer Peel for MORE TROUBLE IN LOVELAND, a companion story to the beloved romance TROUBLE IN LOVELAND. Charlee Jensen-Carter has been looking forward to her first Christmas with her new husband, Ryan, and her adorable stepson for weeks. Not only is her dad tying the knot, but she’s looking forward to two weeks of no exes, no drama, and especially no trouble. At least that’s what she thinks. First, she gets talked into wearing red hooker heels again. Next, she finds herself trying to save her dad’s wedding. And if that isn’t bad enough, more than one ex shows up, and she's suddenly in the middle of more trouble than she ever bargained for. Will she ever find the right moment to give Ryan the best Christmas present ever? Or will her Christmas hopes and dreams die a fiery death in this comical holiday tale?  

Praise for More Trouble in Loveland 

“Are you in the mood for a Christmassy book full of love, laughter and swoon worthy moments? Then look no further than More Trouble in Loveland! It's the perfect afternoon read!” – Kathy Jo, KJ’s Book Nook ★★★★★

“Jennifer Peel’s holiday-themed contemporary romantic comedy novel, More Trouble in Loveland, is a humorous and enjoyable tale . . . highly recommended.” Jack Magnus, Readers Favorite ★★★★★

"I've been eagerly awaiting a return trip to Loveland with some of my favorite characters. Oh how I've missed Charlee and her very active, sighing and swearing butterflies! Even in the midst of heaping family drama, Charlee and Ryan's love is the stuff happy sighs are made of." – Aimee Brown, Getting Your Read On ★★★★★    

More Trouble in Loveland Excerpt

Buried beneath more of my mementos were those dang, strappy high heels. Why was I unearthing these? If Krissy thought I was wearing them again, she was crazy. I didn’t care what the boots looked like that came with the costume; they had to be better than the hooker heels. I was only bringing them so Krissy wouldn’t whine. Ryan grinned at the shoes when I emerged from the basement door in our kitchen. “One of my favorite memories is of you wearing those in your cutoffs. I wouldn’t remind a repeat.” I remembered that day too. I had been so embarrassed Ryan caught me while I practiced walking in them for Krissy’s wedding. “If memory serves me correctly, you laughed at me.” He pulled me to him, and, thankfully, his breath was clean and smelled normal, like honey. “I only laughed to keep away thoughts of wanting to ravishmy partner’s daughter.” “Uh-huh.” He brushed my lips. “You have no idea how hard it was to resist you.” “You seemed to manage.” I loved teasing him. He groaned against my mouth. “You’ve obliterated all my defenses.” “Is that so?” I let the heels drop so I could use my hands for better things. And I was just about to until— “MOM!” Being a newlywed with a child was tricky business. Ryan sighed but smiled. “I’ll take a rain check.” He had plenty to cash in.

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Author Jennifer Peel 

Jennifer Peel is the award-winning bestselling author of the Dating by Design and Women of Merryton series, as well as several other contemporary romances. Though she lives and breathes writing, her first love is her family. She is the mother of three amazing kiddos and has recently added the title of mother-in-law, with the addition of two terrific sons-in-law. She’s been married to her best friend and partner in crime for a lot longer than seems possible. Some of her favorite things are late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and Southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
  
 

Also by Author Jennifer Peel

   

 

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 12/17/17

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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Review: A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Lucy is determined to keep working as a telegraph operator at a news agency, even though the arrival of Sir Colin Beckwith threatens her position. When she discovers Colin's shocking secret, she agrees to assist him if he helps her find her family's stolen inheritance--not realizing that the trail leads into a web of treachery, danger, and conspiracy.

My Review

I was not expecting the character of Lucy to be what she was in this book- I think the pearls on the cover threw me off. (While there are pearls in the story, I don't believe she ever wears them). Lucy is one determined woman, holding tightly to her values but willing to get a little down and dirty when battling unscrupulous people. Her strength is admirable, and I loved how the author also portrayed her flaws, exhaustion, and yearnings for a different life. She is complex in that way since she loves her work for the Associated Press and the glimpse it gives her of the world that she will never explore, as long as she is fighting the lawsuit with her uncle.

Colin is quite charming and also has a realistic balance of traits which made him come to life. He brings joy and love into Lucy's life, however temporary, and supports her in the war she is waging even when they struggle through their own rough patches. The insights into the events and politics of the time was fascinating, especially the workings of the telegraph office and the underground plumbing of Manhattan. I would have enjoyed more emotion in the romance between Colin and Lucy, but the plot and historical details made this a standout book.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)