Monday, January 15, 2018

Best of 2017 Giveaway Hop!


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I recently posted three Top 10 lists of my favorite 5 star books I read in 2017! Check them out and add some of my recommendations to your to-read list on Goodreads.com!



For this hop I'm giving away an intriguing historical fiction book- A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden.  (Read my review here)

Enter to win a print copy of A Dangerous Legacy below and then hop along to some other blogs for fun giveaways!  


http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.bookdepository.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

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.







Sunday, January 14, 2018

Review: Stone Silence by Taylor Dean


Heidi Reads... Stone Silence by Taylor Dean

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Great big beautiful love.

Does it really exist?

Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”

I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.

I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.

Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.

That’s when I meet Stony by chance.

He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.

That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.

But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.

I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.

My only hope is . . . he does.


My Review

I knew after reading Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean that she would be one of those authors that I didn't pass on. I wasn't particularly compelled by the cover and description of this book, but I spotted some 5 star and rave reviews on Goodreads from friends that got me curious... and once I started reading it I blew through it in one morning. (One of those amazing mornings where the kids play so well together that I was granted the privilege of reading a book all the way through!) There's something about the author's writing style that brings the characters and their thoughts to life for me, and I loved it. I was seriously mad for Spencer when she gets abandoned by the jerk date she was with, I was apprehensive for her while she was searching for help in the middle of nowhere, I was relieved for her when the person she came across was a decent human being and gentleman. The dynamics of Spencer and Stony were intriguing and I especially loved their chemistry together amid the embarrassing missteps and wondering and yearning. They bring out the best in each other and their journey to happiness, while not without conflict, was enjoyable to read about. (Especially when they finally get to that first kiss! Worth the wait!) It's the best when I genuinely like both main characters and feel for them as they navigate difficult circumstances. Can't wait to pick up the next two books in this series!!! 

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


Blog Tour Grand Finale: Something to Treasure by Virginia McCullough

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Something to Treasure
By Virginia McCullough

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Hello, and welcome to the tour for my new Harlequin Heartwarming release, Something to Treasure, Book 2 of my Two Moon Bay series. . .

Dawn and Jerrod’s story is about overcoming the pain of the past, the endurance of family bonds, pursuing work we love, treasuring friendships and community, and believing in possibilities. Most of all, Something to Treasure is a story of hope, healing, and second chances.

I hope you enjoy Dawn and Jerrod’s story!

— Virginia


"Something to Treasure by Virginia McCullough is a compelling story of loss and discovery. And I’m not just talking about the discoveries Jerrod makes in his diving excursions. Rather, I mean the discovery of friendship, belonging, and home … as well as renewal. Layered characters and an emotional plot make this a book you can sink your heart into, just like its predecessor Girl in the Spotlight, and I’m already eager for more books set in Two Moon Bay!"

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

Earlier, in the grocery store with Carrie, he’d had a few shaky moments while he let her help him pile food into the cart. Hard and soft shells, refried beans, guacamole, and seasoning plus all the fresh ingredients needed for a perfect taco. He added soft drinks and ice cream, just because. Carrie was happy having a new adventure, but he had to honestly ask himself what he thought he was doing. A dinner between friends? Helping Dawn out after a bad day? Getting to know this newest member of his team? Maybe all of that was true, but was that as far as it went. It had to be.


Bookworm Lisa - Review

"Virginia McCullough does a wonderful job at describing the emotions of the characters. She makes them very believable and personable. It was easy to get to know them and like them. I enjoyed that she doesn't rush her story, she moves it along at a great pace. This made it easier to connect with the characters and become invested in their story.

This is a great story about overcoming and learning to open oneself to possibilities. It's a journey that I am grateful I was able to take part in."


“Is there something wrong? A problem we need to address?”

“It’s personal, Jerrod.” She stopped and turned to face him. “It seems like one of us has to acknowledge the proverbial elephant in the room, and it might as well be me.”

The flicker in his warm eyes revealed surprise.

Without adding to her preamble, she blurted, “I like you, Jerrod. I get the sense you like me.” She shook her head. “Are we ever going to acknowledge this thing between us?”


(A severe thunderstorm whips through Two Moon Bay when Dawn’s son is out diving excursion with Jerrod, and her Lark’s husband, Miles, is also out on the boat.)

Thoughts of the Wind Spray offshore with Gordon and Miles—and Jerrod and his crew—looped through her mind. When Lark looked up at her it was through frightened eyes. Her friend had never been good at hiding her emotions and they were on open display now. Dawn put her hand over her heart, vainly thinking it would quiet the thumping in her chest. In itself that wild beating was urging her to do something. Take action. She couldn’t stand there and wait for a message.

“Let’s go down to the marina, Lark. It’s not that far. I parked my car there when I dropped Gordon off, anyway. You walked here, too.”

Lark nodded. “I thought of that, but I tried to convince myself I was overreacting.”

“Maybe we are, but let’s just do it,” Dawn said emphatically. “I’ve got a couple of sweaters in my car and a beach towel. We’ll dry off when we get there.”

Nicole's Book Musings - Guest Post


Sometimes things aren’t exactly as they seem, at least at first glance. Or, maybe, when it comes to the hero and heroine of Something to Treasure, the two are much more than what they show on the outside.

For many years, Jerrod Walters has been leading shipwreck diving excursions all over the world. Dawn Larsen runs a public relations practice—and she’s just won an award for one of her PR campaigns. Jerrod sees Dawn’s fingerprints on most everything in Two Moon Bay, from business promotion to charity fundraisers and she even has a hand in the town’s annual sidewalk sale, Stroll & Shop.


As they climbed into the car, Dawn said, “Now that the sun’s out, there’s something I’d like to show you. It won’t take long to get there, maybe twenty minutes. Are you up for a side trip?”

“Lead the way,” Jerrod said, wondering where she got all her energy. After four appointments, she was as fresh as when they’d started their trip up the peninsula earlier that day. He used to be like that himself, he mused. It came from enjoying his work the same way he could see Dawn enjoyed hers. But her energy also rose from a clear conscience, a lack of burden. That’s how he read Dawn. He’d once thought self-blame was a permanent part of him. Now he wondered if he could let that piece of himself off the hook. He hadn’t even considered it before. Only as he settled into life in Two Moon Bay had he thought it possible.

Book Lover in Florida - Guest Post


What makes Two Moon Bay such a treasure of a small town? It’s got some great people, for sure, but it’s also filled with colorful places that make life good for the people who live there. I had fun revisiting the town with each book. As I wrote the three stories in the series (Something to Treasure is Book 2), the many characters pointed out new sights and events.


"Something to Treasure by Virginia McCullough is something special. This book is heartfelt and inspiring. . . . I loved every minute of watching these two find the way past the attraction to each other. I have to say this was visit to Two Moon Bay that I just adored."

underneath the covers - Guest Post


One of the best things about writing a romance series is getting to know the characters and exploring their connections, especially their friendships. In Girl in the Spotlight, the first book of my Two Moon Bay series, readers become acquainted with Lark McGee’s special friend, Dawn Larsen. As Lark’s confidant, Dawn shares the emotion—and the wonder—of Lark finding the child she’d given up for adoption eighteen years earlier and falling in love with her daughter’s father. Dawn appears early in Girl in the Spotlight and right away I knew that such a great friend needed her own story. And so, Something to Treasure is the story Dawn deserves.


"I thought Something to Treasure is a great book. The story is true to life, heartwarming and inspiring. I enjoyed spending my time with Dawn and Jarrod. I love their chemistry and did not want to tell them goodbye at the end. I am so happy to be introduced to Virginia McCullough's work. This definitely will not be the last one I read. I look forward to reading more from her in the future."

Among the Reads - Review

"The author did such a great job in her descriptions of the area that I could picture what it all looked like. And she made the small town of Two Moons come alive in a great way.

The story was touching as Jerrod dealt with guilt and grief over the death of his wife and daughter and the way he handled it, and as Dawn dealt with her own grief over what appeared to be the end of her dreams. Yet it wasn’t a mournful story."

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Carrie reached out and tugged on Dawn’s hand. “You know what Melody said? She said I might get a new mommy one day.”

“Hmm…did she now?” Dawn fidgeted with her necklace at her throat.

“So, we should go, little girl,” Jerrod put his hand on Carrie’s back as if to encourage her along.

“Could you be my new mommy?”

Dawn drew in a breath, her cheeks heating up, probably turning bright pink.

Jerrod laughed nervously. “Hey, little one. You can’t just go around asking people questions like that.”


"This is a very sweet and touching book. It's always fun to see what treasures people can find in their lives.

The characters are well-developed and fun to get to know. It was easy to feel their emotions.

I would highly recommend this book to other readers."

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Something to Treasure
(Two Moon Bay #2)
by Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

If anyone can save him, she’s the one

Jerrod Walters hopes relocating to the coastal town of Two Moon Bay can be the fresh start he and his young daughter need. But the single dad is caught off guard when a beautiful PR professional offers to promote his diving excursions to legendary shipwreck sites. There’s so much he admires about Dawn Larson, starting with the woman’s upbeat, can-do personality. Dawn’s boundless capacity for joy might be the only thing capable of bringing him back to life after his tragic loss…


Other Books in the Series

Girl in the Spotlight
(Two Moon Bay #1)
by Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The daughter they never knew

When Miles Jenkins sees the graceful young figure skater on TV, he can't believe how much she resembles Lark McGee, the girl he dated briefly in college. Could this aspiring star be the child Lark gave up for adoption eighteen years ago? He has to find out.

Locating Lark ignites conflicting emotions in Miles—including regrets for what might have been and romantic feelings that take the two single parents by surprise. As they prepare to meet their daughter, this deeper connection between the two just might be the chance at love they never got.

About the Author

A writer all her adult life, Virginia McCullough has had the opportunity to write the stories of her heart in her novels, including Girl in the Spotlight, the first book in her Two Moon Bay series for Harlequin Heartwarming. (Book 2 is scheduled for release in January 2018). Her award-winning romance and women’s fiction titles include The Jacks of Her Heart, Amber Light, Greta’s Grace, The Chapels on the Hill, and Island Healing.

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

Tour Giveaway


1st Prize (open internationally*):
- One $25.00 Amazon gift card
- A deep cranberry red scarf-shawl—so soft your skin will sigh and thank you!
- Inspirational art—a book of 20 pull-out 10” x 12” posters—each is a unique design and ready to frame, put on your fridge, or send to a friend who needs an uplifting message
- Two delicious Equal Exchange organic, fair-trade dark chocolate bars, one almond, one caramel crunch
*If an international winner is pulled, a second gift card will be received instead of the shawl, inspirational art, and chocolate bars.

2nd Prize (open internationally):
- One $25.00 Amazon gift card

Ends January 17th

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Saturday, January 13, 2018

Blog Tour Grand Finale: Bringing Rosie Home by Loree Lough

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Bringing Rosie Home
By Loree Lough

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

I’m tickled pink that you’re here! Thank you for taking time from your busy day to take this book tour with me! A few words about BRINGING ROSIE HOME, the second book in my Harlequin Heartwarming “By Way of the Lighthouse” series (my third for Heartwarming!)...


"I was drawn to Bringing Rosie Home by Loree Lough because of its dramatic theme and I enjoyed it very much. The story is well written and flows at a steady pace, characters have depth, and the uplifting theme grabs the emotions from page one. . . . Bringing Rosie Home is a moving, heartwarming story and I look forward to more from this series."



Rena VanMeter volunteered to chaperone a preschool field trip, and as she saved another child in her care from falling into the bull’s pen, her own little girl was kidnapped. Guilt—and Grant’s anger at her—sent her to Fenwick Island: Separation, she hopes, will save her marriage…because hope is all she has left.


Fine. It's what she said when he asked how she was, and what he'd said when she returned the question. In truth, he'd only felt this frazzled on one other occasion: The day Rosie went missing...because Rena had been paying more attention to somebody else's kid than to their little girl.

He felt a little crazy, waffling between loving her, still, and despising her for putting them in the middle of every parent's worst nightmare.

Becky on Books - Interview

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

A dear friend of mine was the inspiration for BRINGING ROSIE HOME. Her then-eight year old son was taken during a school camping trip. My friend wasn’t one of the counselors, and had no control over where the boy went…or with whom. And yet, her guilt changed her, permanently. Changed her relationship with her husband and other children, too. All of us can identify, to some degree, with how it must feel to have a child stolen from us. But unless we’ve experienced something like that, we can’t fully ‘get’ how a kidnapping can slowly erode life as we knew it. I hope this story will help readers better understand the devastation that these parents—and the missing child’s siblings.


"This is such a powerful story about forgiveness and love. The story is about a couple's young child being kidnapped, the turmoil of that event then...fast-forward to present day. Their daughter has been found six years later. This is where the story really gets interesting and extremely difficult for the reader to put the book down. You'll find yourself rooting and cheering for Grant and Rena (the couple/parents) and wondering how the story is going to end."


She tried to read his face, searching for proof that he wasn’t happy to see her. Seeing none, she popped the trunk and retrieved the groceries she’d bought, four bags in all: Rosie’s favorite snacks, microwave popcorn, juice, and the breakfast ingredients.

Following him inside, the breath caught in Rena’s throat. He hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d said nothing had changed. It couldn’t have been easy for him, living with her decorating style—a cross between traditional and rustic—when he preferred more sleek, modern designs. She’d made sure to keep everything manly enough to make sure he felt at home in the spaces, but—


"This is a very heartwarming story. I really enjoyed reading about a family who went through some incredibly difficult times. They learned so much through their trials and were better people for it. . . . I would highly recommend this book to other readers."


"Another good book by Loree Lough. Rosie is kidnapped and found years later. Grant and Rena is getting their girl back but definitely have a lot to deal with. I felt like I was watching a movie, I could see and feel the characters."


Gripping both suitcase handles, Grant led the way into the terminal, got into line, and dropped the bags.

“Here y’go,” he said, handing her the printout of her boarding pass.

She thanked him. “Let me know how much I owe you. I brought my checkbook.”

His eyebrows drew together and his lips formed a thin line. “For Pete’s sake, Rena, You don’t owe me anything. You’re still my wife, like it or not.”

In her mind, she’d always be his wife, even if he filed for divorce.

Heidi Reads... - Guest Post


Grant VanMeter is a broken, lonely man. Despite his belief that his wife is responsible for their little girl’s abduction, he loves her still, and although he isn’t ready to admit it, he regrets that his angry accusations drove her from their home.


Rena felt the heat of an angry blush coloring her cheeks. The office grew quiet, so quiet that she could hear the steady swish of the pendulum, swaying right and left in the body of Robson’s stately grandfather clock. What was the woman waiting for…her or Grant to say that they’d split up because it seemed less agonizing than holding on to one another?

“We’re not any closer to seeing Rosie,” Grant pointed out.

“I just want to take a moment, to stress how important it is that you’re honest with yourselves. If you aren’t absolutely sure you can present a united front, it’ll be better for Rosie if you sit her down and tell her the truth, right away.”


"This book brings out a lot of emotions. You can’t choose a side because you can understand each one’s feelings. You can understand Grant’s anger and resentment because it was Rena’s job to watch Rosie. At the same time, you know it could happen to anyone and Rena really isn’t to blame. And then Rosie’s feelings surrounding the entire situation?

It was definitely an emotional rollercoaster.

This was a great, fully family, feel good read that would make a great movie!"

Among the Reads - Review

"I liked Bringing Rosie Home. It was well written and was such a heart-wrenching story. The feelings of guilt that Rena experienced were palpable. And despite his deep love for Rena, Grant’s feelings that she was guilty for Rosie’s abduction were so strong. "

Teatime and Books - Interview

Can you tell us about your current work-in-progress?

I’m working on three separate projects right now. The first is anything but a romance, even though there are romantic elements during several scenes. If asked to classify it as a specific genre, I’d choose ‘action-adventure, political thriller.’ The second is a historical, set in Idaho during the 1850s, shortly after the railroad made its way west. The third is something an editor (and my agent) asked me to write. It’s very hush-hush at this point, but I can say this: It’s a contemporary romance series that’s very different from other romances I’ve written!

Book Lover in Florida - Guest Post


There are five things on my Best Days of My Life list: The day Rena said “I do,” the morning Rosie was born, when I got the call that said she’d been found, and when Rena agreed to come home, so we could give our sweet girl a stable home life. The fifth? That’s a surprise you’ll find out about at the end of BRINGING ROSIE HOME.


"This book has so much love, respect, hurt, and pain. She takes us to depths I never imagined I would feel while reading. This book shows us forgiveness not just toward others but toward oneself."

Nicole's Book Musings - Guest Post


Hi! I’m Rosie VanMeter. My real name is Rosalie, but Mom and Dad, and all four of my grandparents have always called me Rosie. Barbara, the woman who kidnapped me, chose another name. . .


"A riveting story from start to finish! I was hooked immediately and couldn’t put it down. What a heart-wrenching subject! The characters had many conflicting thoughts and fears as they faced the daunting job of trying to put together a family that had been decimated years ago."


Grant got out of the car, pocketing his keys as he walked toward them. He scanned the yard, looking for Rena. She was probably on the porch with Christine, watching the horseplay. Because after what happened at the petting zoo, no way she’d let Rosie out of her sight.

“Daddy!” Rosie yelled, throwing her arms around his waist. “You’re home early!”

“Aren’t you supposed to be at Grandma’s?”

Her happy smile vanished. “I saw the kids,” she said, blinking up at him. “I wanted to play.”

“Where’s your mother?”

“In the house, I guess.”

“Does she know you’re over here?”

And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Bringing Rosie Home
(By Way of the Lighthouse, #2)
by Loree Lough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

A kidnapping shattered their family…

Rena and Grant VanMeter lived every parent’s worst nightmare when their preschool daughter was abducted. Riddled with guilt and hoping time apart would help them heal, Rena made the hardest decision of her life. But stunning news reunites her with Grant. Rosie has been found.

Putting up a united front for their child’s sake isn’t as easy as they thought. Grant hasn’t forgiven Rena for taking her eyes off Rosie for a few critical seconds. And Rena has yet to forgive herself. But their little girl needs them more than ever…

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequin

Other Books in the Series

The Man She Knew
(By Way of the Lighthouse, #1)
by Loree Lough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Don't they both deserve a second chance?

Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to his Baltimore town after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner's trust is a far more daunting challenge. From their first sparks-flying reunion, it's obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. In fact, they might be even stronger together now. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man. She really wants to believe…but she simply isn't convinced.


About the Author


Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 4- and 5-star reviews, and 7 book-to-movie options. The Man She Knew, #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series, her 3rd for Harlequin Heartwarming, is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Harlequin.com.

Tour Giveaway

Two winners will receive a print copy of BRINGING ROSIE HOME (US only)
Three winners will receive an ebook of BRINGING ROSIE HOME (open internationally)
- Ends January 17th