Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: A Small Town Christmas by Nan Reinhardt


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

https://amzn.to/2CHCByjA Small Town Christmas
(Four Irish Brothers Winery #1)
By Nan Reinhardt
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 185 Pages
October 29th 2018 by Tule Publishing

Winemaker and single father Conor Flaherty is determined to make this Christmas holiday special for his daughter even though his family’s winery, Four Irish Brothers, is facing some challenges.

High-octane Chicago attorney Samantha Hayes is looking forward to some delicious food, fine wine, small town charm, and a break from her hectic big city life when she agrees to do a favor for her boss and help his younger brother with a lawsuit that’s been slapped on his family’s historic winery in River’s Edge. She’s not expecting that her sexy new client will have a smile that will melt her heart and remind her that there’s more to life than work.

Sam falls hard for Conor, his daughter and the small, friendly town, but can she trust her instincts and risk her heart? Sam hasn’t seen a lot of happy-ever-afters in her life, but Conor and the magic of Christmas make her want to believe.



Excerpt


“You have a great palate.” He took the glass, poured more wine and tasted, his eyes closed in obvious ecstasy, long sooty lashes resting on his cheeks.

His words of praise sent a not-unpleasant tingle down her spine. She couldn’t remember ever seeing any man with such long, thick eyelashes . . . except for one—Sean Flaherty. “Are you Conor?” She met his gaze when he opened his eyes and then she knew for sure he had to be a Flaherty. They were as true cornflower blue as Sean’s. Apparently, gorgeous ran in the family.

“I am. Conor Flaherty, winemaker extraordinaire at your service.” He bowed with a cocky grin. 

“Would you like a job? I could use a cellar rat with a decent palate.”

“I have a job.” Sam returned the grin with a little swagger of her own. “I’m your attorney.”

His eyes widened and his cheeks turned even redder. “You’re Sam Hayes? Sean’s law partner?” He set the glass on an upturned wooden barrel, wiped his fingers on his shirttail, and glanced at his watch before extending his hand. “Oh, damn, it’s after nine.”

She lingered over the handshake, enjoying his firm warm grasp, slightly sticky with wine. “I’m Samantha Hayes, Sean’s associate.”




About the Author

Nan Reinhardt is a USA Today-bestselling author of romantic fiction for women in their prime. Yeah, women still fall in love and have sex, even after 45! Imagine! She is a wife, a mom, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. Nan has been a copyeditor and proofreader for over 25 years, and currently works on romantic fiction titles for a variety of clients, including Avon Books, St. Martin’s Press, Kensington Books, Tule Publishing, and Entangled Publishing, as well as for many indie authors.

Although she loves her life as an editor, writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. She can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t writing—she wrote her first romance novel at the age of ten, a love story between the most sophisticated person she knew at the time, her older sister (who was in high school and had a driver’s license!), and a member of Herman’s Hermits. If you remember who they are, you are Nan’s audience! Her latest novel, A Small Town Christmas, which is the first book in the Four Irish Brothers Winery series from Tule Publishing, releases on October 29, 2018.

Visit Nan’s website at www.nanreinhardt.com, where you’ll find links to all her books as well as blogs about writing, being a Baby Boomer, and aging gracefully…mostly. Nan also blogs every sixth Wednesday at Word Wranglers, sharing the spotlight with five other romance authors and is a frequent contributor the RWA Contemporary Romance blog, and she contributes to the Romance University blog where she writes as Editor Nan.


Tour Schedule

October 29th:
Launch
Awesome Romance Novels Blog
Book Reviews & More by Kathy
Hearts & Scribbles
Romantic Reads and Such
October 30th:
Rockin' Book Reviews
Heidi Reads...
deal sharing aunt
October 31st:
It's All About the Romance
E-Romance News
Uplifting Reads
November 1st:
Brooke Blogs
Getting Your Read On
Jorie Loves A Story
Coffee, Books and Cakes
Book Lover in Florida
November 2nd:
Becky on Books
Teatime and Books
SilverWoodSketches
Christy's Cozy Corners
November 3rd:
Grand Finale


Tour Giveaway


5 winners will receive: a wine-themed kitchen towel and potholder set, 6 handmade wineglass charms, and an autographed copy of the first book in Nan's Women of Willow Bay series, ONCE MORE FROM THE TOP
Open to US only
Ends November 7, 2018


Grab Our Button!





Sunday, October 28, 2018

Spotlight: Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh


ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Things Left Unsaid
Author: Courtney Walsh
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Release Date: October 30, 2018 
Genre: Contemporary Fiction


An emotional novel of family, friendship and forgiveness from Courtney Walsh, the New York Times bestselling author of Hometown Girl.

Lyndie St. James is thrilled that her best friend, Elle, is getting married but unprepared for the emotional storm of the wedding week and returning to her childhood summer home of Sweethaven. The idyllic cottage community harbors some of her best—and worst—memories. It’s not only the tragic death of her childhood friend Cassie that has haunted her for ten years, it’s the other secrets she’s buried that have kept her from moving on.

But Lyndie isn’t the only one with secrets.

Cassie’s mother, father and brother, still struggling with the loss, have been drifting further and further apart. And Elle herself, the last to see Cassie alive, carries an impossible burden of guilt. Now reunited, each of them has a choice: to reveal the truths of that night or continue to live in its shadow. That means embarking on a personal journey of the heart—to escape the darkness and all its regrets and to finally come to terms with the past and, especially, with each other.


TO PURCHASE A COPY*



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Courtney Walsh is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist as well as an artist, theater director and playwright. She is the author of the Sweethaven series—including A Sweethaven Summer, which was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category—as well as the small-town romances Paper HeartsChange of HeartJust Look Up and the forthcoming Just Let GoThings Left Unsaid is her ninth novel. She lives in Illinois, where she and her husband own a performing-arts studio and youth theater. They have three children.


CONNECT WITH AUTHOR:  Website | Facebook | Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.




Saturday, October 27, 2018

Blog Blitz & Giveaway for The Secret of Willow Inn by Pat Nichols

The Secret of Willow Inn blog blitz new

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for The Secret of Willow Inn by Pat Nichols, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

TheSecretofWillowInnCover Title:The Secret of Willow Inn (Willow Falls #1)
Author: Pat Nichols 
Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas 
Release Date: January 10, 2019 
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction

Two women fighting for their dreams, one who’s long lost hers, are united by tragedy and a long-held secret.

Pregnant with her first child, Emily Hayes is eager to help her mother finish transforming an estate into the Willow Inn and write a novel about Willow Falls’ colorful history. A tragic event threatens her parents’ plans to refurbish an abandoned hotel and transform the obscure Georgia setting into a tourist destination.

Sadie Lyles left Willow Falls a murderer who’d killed the town hero. She returns as a despised felon and seeks solace in the town’s café. Emily struggles to unite the close-knit community and becomes Sadie’s biggest advocate. She strives to uncover the truth about the crime and save her town from dying.

 To appease her father, Rachel, a VP in his Atlanta real-estate-development firm, relegates her acting dream to secret performances for imaginary audiences. After meeting charming, flirtatious Charlie Bricker, manager for Willow Falls’ future vineyard, she vows to break free from her father’s control.

The tragedy and Willow Inn’s secret past launch Emily and Rachel on a collision course with destiny and truth.  

PREORDER LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pat

Pat Nichols is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

During the spring, summer, and early autumn of her life this side of heaven, she and her high-school-sweetheart husband struggled and triumphed through life’s peaks and valleys. They raised two children, welcomed four grandchildren—one is with the angels—bought a Corvette, and ticked off every item on their travel bucket list. Now approaching her winter years, she ignores the minor aches that come with age and is grateful she can still paint her own toenails and dance with her hubby.

Following twenty-five years in six different management positions with an international beauty company, Pat launched career number two as a novelist and freelance editor. She chose women’s fiction to honor her daughter’s strength in the face of significant health issues and the loss of a child. Her corporate experience, working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life, inspires her to create stories about women who confront challenges in the pursuit of their dreams.

Although she writes five days a week, she and Tim—her best friend and number one fan—continue to celebrate their fifty-plus-year marriage. They lead a small group, volunteer for church guest services, participate in two social organizations, and spend time with family and friends. She thanks God for the blessings that brought her joy and the challenges that continue to strengthen her faith, skills, and resolve.

Pat was born in Illinois, grew up in Orlando, and has called Georgia home since the eighties. She lives in an Atlanta suburb, is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers, Christian Pen, and Gwinnett Church (a campus of Northpoint Ministries).  

CONNECT WITH PAT NICHOLS: Website | Facebook | Twitter

The Secret of willow Inn giveaway

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card from the author.  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 27, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm November 3, 2018. Open Internationally. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.



Follow along at JustRead for a full list of stops!
cropped-justread-logo.png





Friday, October 26, 2018

Review & Giveaway: A Christmas Courting by Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heidi Kimball



Heidi Reads... A Christmas Courting by Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heidi Kimball

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/christmas-courting?variant_id=169590-paperbackhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

This holiday season fall in love, with heartwarming tales of Christmases past in A Christmas Courting, an enchanting collection of Regency romances.
 

Love and Joy Come to You by Jennifer Moore
Lord Covington has planned a quiet holiday with his grieving mother but finds his plans rudely disrupted when lovely Cassie Weatherby and her young siblings are invited for Christmas. Despite his reservations, however, he begins to recognize in Cassie a kindred spirit.
 

A Christmas Courting by Chalon Linton
When obligations keep her in London, Keturah Hensley sadly anticipates missing the festivity of Christmas at her family's country home and the company of her best friend, Christopher Shepherd. When she learns that Christopher will be joining her family in London for Christmas, she is delighted--but her elation is short-lived. Christopher is coming to Town to court the woman of his dreams, and Keturah fears she may have lost the chance to win his love.
 

Mistletoe Memories by Jen Geigle Johnson
From childhood, Patrick, Duke of Montrose, knew he'd found his perfect match in Lady Alice Tarrington. When he's sent on a grand tour, Patrick is confident he'll marry his sweetheart upon his return. But when he receives word that Alice is to marry another, will he be too late to claim her heart?
 

Second-Chance Christmas by Heidi Kimball
Francie and Gerard have been friends since childhood, but their friendship ended when she declined his heartfelt proposal of marriage. However, when her interactions with Gerard's holiday houseguests provoke in Francie unexpected jealousy, she realizes she must fight for Gerard's affections or risk losing him forever.


My Review

This is a lovely collection of holiday Regency novellas! It definitely put me in the holiday spirit, and it was fascinating to learn some of the traditions of the era for celebrating Christmas. There's something special and even magical about the Christmas season and I think it enhances the connections and emotions of the characters. The romance in each story is sweet and even though the couples had various obstacles to overcome (some with excessive angst), the happy endings left me with a smile on my face. I'm a fan of Jennifer Moore and Chalon Linton, and was excited to read two new-to-me authors. I'm looking forward to reading more of their other books.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Release Blitz: Kismet & Karma by Robin Daniels

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Release Blitz for
Kismet & Karma
By Robin Daniels

Learn more about this YA duology, about its characters, and enter the giveaway below...

https://amzn.to/2R8rvX3Kismet & Karma
(Fate & Fortune #2)
By Robin Daniels
YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 184 Pages
October 25th 2018

Bryce and Paige belong together, but they’ll never make it happen alone. When inspiration strikes in multiple ways, a friend decides it can’t be a coincidence; it’s a call to action. With a little luck, the help of fate, and the matchmaking plan of the century, Bryce and Paige just might get their happy ending.

You heard Paige and Bryce's version of the story in Fate & Fortune. Now join Eric, Amy, Cody, Kennedy and Genie to see how things really went down.

***This book completes the series. Book one can be read as a standalone, but book two cannot. Fate & Fortune should be read first.***


The Cast of Kismet & Karma

Meet the cast of Kismet & Karma – personalities revealed through their astrological signs!

Paige – Taurus (April 24th) Paige proved her reliability, patience and devotion during her relationship with Jason. Like a true Taurus, she hates the sudden changes and complications in her love life. Pair that with her stubborn streak, and it’s no wonder she needs help to recognize what’s right in front of her; a gift in the form of her greatest passion—novel worthy romance. 

Bryce – Virgo (September 15th) As a Virgo he’s loyal, kind and hardworking. He’s always thought his practicality and desire to stay out of the spotlight were good things. But now he wonders if they’ve only kept Paige from noticing him. Bryce has started to realize that if he wants to get the girl, he must cast aside his careful nature. Good thing he has a magic Genie to help him do just that.

Amy – Aquarius (February 11th) She’s original, independent, a good listener and cares deeply about others. This makes her a great best friend and the only voice of reason Paige will listen to. But Amy’s also inherited some of the less attractive Aquarius attributes; namely her tendency to be temperamental and emotionally withdrawn. Lucky for Amy, there’s a special guy who’s crazy about her, flaws and all. 

Eric – Scorpio (November 12th) Eric is a true friend. It’s one of the many positive traits held by Scorpios. He’s passionate, dedicated, resourceful and determined to help his baby sister. Of course, that might be easier if he wasn’t so distrusting and secretive. Let’s not forget the fact that he’s a tinsy bit jealous by nature. But hey, some women find that sort of thing attractive. And if that’s not enough, he’s got those dazzling dimples for backup.

Kennedy – Leo (July 31st) Ken’s a Leo, through and through. She loves theater, hanging with her friends, expensive clothes and being admired. But as the baby of the group, she often feels ignored or left out. It’s her absolute biggest pet peeve. Ken’s admittedly a little self-centered though she’s got a big, warm, generous heart. Fate will soon put her creativity and passion to good use, and she’s all for it.

Cody – Sagittarius (Despite his September 15th birthdate.) Clearly, Cody was born under the wrong sign. Extremely extroverted, he’s the total opposite of his very Virgo twin—definitely an honorary Sagittarius. Cody’s constant antics and humor are charming, which makes the group willing to overlook his impatient and sometimes tactless ways. Optimistic and enthusiastic, he’ll do anything to achieve his goal: getting Bryce to pull his head out of his butt and man up.

Genie – Aries (April 1st) As an April Fools baby, it’s fitting that Genie be the most essential part of such an outrageous plan. But like all Aries, she’s confident and optimistic that she can get the job done. Frustrated by people who don’t use their talents, she jumps at the chance to showcase her own. Sure, Bryce often brings out her aggressive, moody and impatient side, but she likes a good challenge. Plus, who’d have thought she’d gain so many good (and hot) friends?

This cast is super fun and you’re sure to get some good laughs. Fate and Fortune (Book One) shares the crazy week the as told by Paige and Bryce. But if you want the REAL story, check out Kismet and Karma (Book Two) to see how everything actually went down.

Other Books in the Series

Fate & Fortune
(Fate & Fortune #1)
By Robin Daniels
YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 279 Pages
September 20th 2018

Bryce has liked Paige since they were little but has never had the guts to act on his feelings. Paige is devastated over being dumped by her long-time boyfriend and can’t seem to move on. They’re stuck in a rut, until fate decides to pull them out.

Both Paige and Bryce are talked into seeing a fortune teller at the annual Summer’s End Carnival. Neither of them buys into the mysticism, until the psychic’s predictions start coming true. Now, the most bizarre things are happening and there isn’t a clear explanation. Each of them must figure out if they’re the subject of an elaborate hoax or a bigger plan forged by destiny.

*This book is part one of two. Books should be read sequentially.


Upcoming Tour


The series will be on tour November 5 - 17!
If you're a blogger and interested in participating, click on the banner to go to the sign-up form.

About the Author


The most important thing to know about me is that I'm basically a sixteen-year-old trapped in an adult's body. It's why I feel such a great connection to all of my characters and why I love to write romantic comedy. The kid in me just wants to be goofy. Besides being a writer; I'm a wife, mother of five, volleyball enthusiast and home decorating guru. My list of favorites includes: reading, Christmas, pedicures, dessert, steak, Arizona winters and most importantly, Diet Coke.


Blitz Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Card
Ends October 29th

Grab Our Button!





Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Review: Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore


Heidi Reads... Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

What do a crooked detective, an upstanding psychiatrist, and a teenager who can’t remember killing her parents all have in common? Nine years of lies.

My Review

There are so many layers to this compelling and suspenseful story! Jess is now a young adult, having spent the past years since the murders in a metal institution. Her brother gets her a new psychiatrist, which puts into motion the uncovering of secrets and memories of the past. The sense of anxiety and danger is at the surface as the real killer makes moves to prevent Jess from revealing what her mind is finally ready to face. It was fascinating to read the story from the first person perspectives of both Jess and Dr. Mayer. The pace was steady in the beginning, but built momentum as the climax approached through several twists and turns. What stood out to me was that the book didn't end there with a typical wrap-up. I loved that we got to see Jess's recovery and development after such a traumatic life experience and how Dr. Mayer was involved after his professional duties were over. Highly recommend to fans of suspense or thrillers!

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

More thrillers & suspense novels by H.B. Moore:

Poetic Justice
Finding Sheba
Lost King
Slave Queen
The Killing Curse


Review: Last Kiss by Ranee S. Clark


Heidi Reads... Last Kiss by Ranee S. Clark

My rating: 2 stars / It was okay

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

Synopsis

Gwen Malone is back in her hometown of Clay, Wyoming, saving money while she figures out what to do next with her life and her dream of having her own online magazine. Then her ex, Cale Parrish shows up, working for her dad, of all things. Things are awkward, of course, since he broke off their engagement just a month before the wedding.
 

But Cale has known for a long time that he made a mistake five years ago, when he allowed the pressure to marry her right after his mission eclipse his true feelings for her. He can’t let Gwen slip away from him again.
 

Cale's thoughtful gestures and reminders of their once-perfect relationship begin to convince Gwen they should take a chance on them again—until a no-holds-barred kiss reminds her exactly how much she has to lose. Cale may be ready to jump right back in where they left off, but can Gwen trust him again so easily?

My Review

This is a sweet second chance romance in small town Wyoming. It focused on Gwen's indecision over her first love's return to town and attempts to rekindle their relationship. She's in limbo since she's stalled in her career and that sense of uncertainty is prevalent throughout the story. The plot wasn't exciting or compelling and I would have liked more depth and character development. Cale and Gwen were nice together, or at least Gwen's memories of how they used to be. Most of their present day interactions involved awkwardness and avoidance. I didn't feel invested in them, and was surprised at the jumps they made in the end after five years of zero contact. Perhaps if Cale and Gwen's previous time together had been more detailed, I would have felt there was more of a foundation to build on.

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


Review: Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts by Melanie Jacobson, Jenny Proctor, Becca Wilhite, Brittany Larsen


Heidi Reads... Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts by Melanie Jacobson, Jenny Proctor, Becca Wilhite, Brittany Larsen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

* The e-book is only $3.99, such a great deal for four great stories! *

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

Synopsis

Harper is an event planner with dreams of taking over the Charleston wedding scene . . . until she meets the biggest Bridezilla of her career. She needs the job, but the only way to keep it is to hire a temperamental chef with big dreams of his own.

Janie is a classical cellist booked to play a posh Charleston wedding. She’s excited to have the lucrative gig until the groom’s brother, Emmett, shows up and asks her to help him play a song he wrote for the happy couple. The only trouble? Emmett is her unrequited high school crush.

Lily has been Dahlia's best friend, partner-in-crime, and now her maid of honor . . . until suddenly there's no wedding, and she's left to clean up Dahlia's biggest mess of all. She's been friends with Deacon, the jilted groom, for just as long, and it's up to her rescue him after Hurricane Dahlia blows through.

Sutton is a photographer running from her past. Only the pleas from her best friend to photograph her wedding could bring Sutton back to Charleston. Her plan is to get in and get out before her ex knows she and their daughter are in town. At least it’s the plan until she meets Max, who turns out to be the safe place she didn’t know she was looking for.

Can each of these couples trust their growing chemistry, or are they on the verge of new disasters?


My Review

Oh my, what a great collection of stories! I try not to use this word too much, but it really is swoony! Each couple had a bit of a journey to take to finally come together, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride for each. I loved how the four stories weave together in subtle ways, connected through the big Charleston wedding, but also stand so well on their own. I also thought the choice to have the timeline start before the wedding and finish after was smart and it kept me interested and engaged to have the majority of each story occur at a different point in time with some overlap. I seriously can't decide which one was my favorite, I loved them all equally. The personalities and circumstances of each couple are distinct and unique, but something they all share is fabulous romantic tension and amazing kissing scenes! Highly recommend to fans of sweet contemporary romance!

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