Saturday, November 17, 2018

Book Tour Grand Finale: Ava's Prize by Cari Lynn Webb

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Ava's Prize
By Cari Lynn Webb

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

Welcome to my blog tour with Prism!

I’m thrilled to be celebrating the release of my new book, Ava’s Prize, in my City by the Bay Stories with Harlequin Heartwarming. Ava’s Prize is a sweet contemporary romance that brings together, paramedic, Ava Andrews and inventor, Kyle Quinn...

I Am A Reader - Guest Post

Family Game Night

In my new release, Ava’s Prize-a Harlequin Heartwarming sweet romance-my heroine, Ava Andrews plays a game called: You Know What We Need with her family and friends...


Kyle opened the door to the suite and welcomed his guests inside. He would’ve explained his plans to work that afternoon if Ben hadn’t disrupted the silence with a drawn-out whoa.

Kyle shut the door and turned around to find the young boy bouncing from one foot to the other, his gaze darting around the suite. Ben never moved from his father’s side, as if he waited for a referee to blow a start whistle to let the games begin.

Remembrancy - Review

"Cari Lynn Webb quickly threw off my misgivings and invested me in her story (in large part due to said friends). . . . Webb gives readers a taste of the lonely high life with Kyle’s home, workspace, endless invitations, and press scrutiny. That’s juxtaposed against Ava’s simple life in which she’s working more than forty hours a week to make ends meet but she’s surrounded by friends and family she loves and who love her in return. The addition of the contest and the inventions are just icing on this story cake."

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

Work Spaces and Offices that Inspire

In my new release, Ava’s Prize, a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming, my hero, Kyle Quinn has a second-floor suite that doubles as both his living and work space in San Francisco...

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

But Ava was here. Dressed in a bold bottle-green dress and looking like the model she never claimed to be. Kyle wanted to be near her again. That should’ve made him run in the other direction. Instead, he moved through the crowd, offered a chin dip acknowledgment to different guests, yet never lost sight of Ava.

Finally, he stood within touching distance. And hesitated like he’d stepped back into middle school and watched the party invites flash across cell phones in the hallway. He’d always held his breath, waiting for his phone to vibrate with a new text alert. The invites had never arrived. He’d long since stopped hoping.


"Ava’s Prize is a solid story with electric romantic chemistry and several sweet moments. Both Kyle and Ava experience steady character growth over the course of the novel, and readers will experience a wide range of emotions as they follow the plot. The fact that several characters have specific medical needs not usually seen in contemporary romance adds another dimension to this already layered story and keeps readers invested in the characters."

Colorimetry - Guest Post

San Francisco and First Kisses

Ava’s Prize, my new sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming, is set in San Francisco. One of the most iconic images from San Francisco is the cable car. Fortunately, a cable car ride led to the first kiss between my hero, Kyle Quinn and my heroine, Ava Andrews.


"This is a fabulous romance. I like the way two people who are determined to live their lives alone find something so different in their futures. . . . I highly recommend this book to others who like a good romance and fun friendships."

Among the Reads - Interview

Other than the ability to create your own happily-ever-after endings, what is your favorite thing about being an author?

[Cari] Other than getting to work out of my house and spending most days in my comfy clothes (aka pajamas) and pony tails, I like the writing friends I have made that have become best friends and my writing tribe. There is a very strong writing community in romance and I can’t say enough about the support I’ve found among other authors. I also really like meeting readers – it is so much fun to meet people who share the same passion about books as I do.

Book by Book - Review

"...the story unfolds in a way that challenges them to grow and change, and it is oh so enjoyable.

So, if you’re a reader of contemporary romance, check out Ava’s Prize. It’s a heartwarming, delightful read that does not disappoint."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Ava changed directions midstep and veered toward the buffet. She strolled along the table, stopping as if considering her options. One glance over her shoulder confirmed her bathroom reporter still watched her. Ava grabbed a plate and piled food on it, in no particular order. Stacking the crackers on top of the cheese, she balanced fruit on top of the crackers. Adding a strawberry for color, she studied the plate. If she added another layer, would it collapse like she worried her own world might? Perhaps being a risk-taker wasn’t her thing after all.

Reading On The Edge - Guest Post

You bought what?

Kyle Quinn, my hero in my new release, Ava’s Prize-a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming-is an inventor. Kyle invented a medical earbud that sold for a rather large profit and became a popular commercial product on the market.

Harlie's Books - Review

"The romance in the book is fabulous. Talk about two people that didn’t want to fall in love but did. And then fought it every step of the way. It’s plausible, relatable and sweet."


Senior Pets Need Love Too

In my new release, Ava’s Prize-a sweet contemporary romance from Harlequin Heartwarming-my heroine, Ava Andrews fosters senior cats and dogs thanks to her good friend, Sophie Callahan. Sophie owns The Pampered Pooch, a pet store in the city and takes in rescues quite often. (The Charm Offensive, Book 1, City by the Bay Stories). Ava fosters the senior pets as often as she can, preferring to spread her love around to the older animals until Sophie finds the dogs and cats their forever homes.


Outside the conference room door, Kyle stopped Ava with a hand on her arm. “By the way, I’m flattered.”

One side of his mouth tipped up, drawing Ava’s gaze. “Flattered?”

“That you’re trying to win me, too.” His voice was quiet and tempting.

Ava jerked her gaze away from his mouth. “I’m not…”

Kyle touched her chin with his knuckles, closing her mouth and stopping her protest. “But there can’t be anything more between us than this.”


"I enjoyed reading this storyline, as it was different than most other romances out there. I also enjoy characters who are deeper with more complexities that they have to work through. It allows for measurable growth, which you want to find in a good book. And I like those romances where an unlikely friendship and romance can blossom from what seems to be an improbable place."


"I enjoyed the witty commentary of this book. Ava and Kyle are great. . . . This book has it's highs and lows that can be hard to connect with but the highs definitely out weigh the lows."

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

https://amzn.to/2K95iWE
Ava's Prize

(City by the Bay Stories #3)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He needs a great idea

She can provide it—but at what cost?

The battle lines are drawn when army medic turned EMT Ava Andrews enters a contest devised by San Francisco entrepreneur Kyle Quinn. The first responder isn’t just competing for a tempting grand prize. She’s fighting her attraction to the self-made millionaire…and losing the war. But private and professional boundaries blur when a breach of trust threatens Ava’s future with Kyle.


Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a$50 Amazon e-Gift Card & e-copy of The Rancher's Rescue (open internationally)
- 1 winner will receive a San Francisco Cable Car Ornament, Signed Copy of The Rancher's Rescue & $50 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- Ends November 21, 2018

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Friday, November 16, 2018

#TFBRC First Book



One of the earliest chapter books I remember reading is Betsy~Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace. I loved the simple and genuine friendship and enjoyed several of the other books in the series.


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Synopsis

Best Friends Forever

There are lots of children on Hill Street, but no little girls Betsy's age. So when a new family moves into the house across the street, Betsy hopes they will have a little girl she can play with. Sure enough, they do—a little girl named Tacy. And from the moment they meet at Betsy's fifth birthday party, Betsy and Tacy become such good friends that everyone starts to think of them as one person—Betsy-Tacy.

Betsy and Tacy have lots of fun together. They make a playhouse from a piano box, have a sand store, and dress up and go calling. And one day, they come home to a wonderful surprise—a new friend named Tib.

Ever since their first publication in the 1940's, the Betsy-Tacy stories have been loved by each generation of young readers.




Review: Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Julie Wright




Heidi Reads... Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany's by Julie Wright

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

The Lie
Women in Hollywood are just pretty faces. But Silvia Bradshaw knows that’s a lie, and she’s ready to be treated as an equal and prove her worth as one of Hollywood’s newest film editors.

The Love
She and Ben Mason had worked together as editors before Silvia got her big break, so he’s the perfect person to ask for feedback on her first major film. But even as their friendship begins to blossom into something more, a lawsuit surfaces, jeopardizing both Ben and Silvia’s jobs—as well as their fledgling romance. Audrey Hepburn once said: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.” Silvia agrees. Or she used to. It’s one thing to risk her job and her heart, but can she really risk Ben’s, too? Does she have the right to make decisions for her own happiness when they affect so many other people?

The Breakfast
With everything to lose, Silvia meets Ben for breakfast at his favorite diner, Tiffany’s, for one last conversation before the credits roll on true love.


My Review

This book is a hoot! And with wonderful depth! Isn't that a great combination? First of all, I will forever remember the unique main character- Silvia had cancer as a five year old which left her with inner scars as well as outer- she lost her eye and has a glass eye she named Audrey (the little details about her vision and glass eye as an adult are fascinating!) Her fears stemming from her experiences in the hospital influence her relationships and priorities. I loved that she is strong and ambitious in a cutthroat Hollywood career, but also struggles with vulnerability and confidence at times. Ben is pretty awesome, and unrequited love (that is eventually rewarded) is one of my favorite tropes! He and Silvia have a comfortable friendship, fun banter, and quirky mannerisms that really made them come to life. It was interesting to see Ben as the vulnerable one as he shares his long-time angst over his romantic feelings and sadness when they had drifted apart. Their chemistry is amazing and only grows as Silvia sorts through her feelings for Ben. She has a loyal friend in Emma and her grandmother, and I enjoyed the dynamic they each brought to Silvia's life. She learns important lessons through the obstacles she faces and grows as she begins to model her life into one of compassion like the real-life Audrey Hepburn. This is a book not to miss!

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


Review: Ellie Claire Art Journals




Heidi Reads... Faith & Lettering Journal by Krystal Whitten
My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

The perfect resource to discover and develop your own personal style for lettering and illustrating your faith.

New from professional letterer Krystal Whitten! With guides, instructions, and tutorials, this is a fun and inspiring way to create beauty with words. It is the perfect place for journalers to practice Bible journaling, lettering quotes and verses, or decorating a page with original thoughts and plans. Exploring your God-given creativity has never been so rewarding.

My Review

This was definitely my favorite of the three journals because I really love modern calligraphy. I was super impressed with the quality of the book construction, the hardcover designs are embossed and the title is gold. The spine of the book is cloth covered with an elastic to hold a pen, and when the book is opened it can lay flat for a much easier way to draw and write. The two-page introduction is inspiring and encourages the reader/journaler to build faith through rediscovering creativity. Throughout the blank, lined, or dot grid pages for journaling, there are beautiful creations by the artist (full page and smaller ones in the corners), practice pages for tracing and freehand copying art lettering examples, and practice pages for basic serif and sans serif letters, script, swashes, flourishes, and banners. The paper is sturdy and smooth. I loved the fresh style and the lovely balance between energy and simplicity. Highly recommend! This would make a lovely gift.

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

Heidi Reads... The Illustrated Word: An Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Just as medieval monks brought the Scripture to life through intricate inked illustrations in handwritten manuscripts, you can now create your own masterpiece of color and design. Copy Scripture as a spiritual exercise or record your own thoughts and prayers on the pages. Your words and art will unite to create a keepsake that will be a treasure for years to come.

My Review

Fans of adult coloring books will enjoy this journal inspired by artwork from ancient Bibles. The color images throughout the journal come from the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. and the 40 black and white line drawings for the journaler to color are derived from those medieval designs. I appreciated that there is a source citation for each piece. The quality of the book construction is excellent, with an embossed hardcover and cloth covered spine which allows the book to lay open flat for easier writing. The pages are cream colored and sturdy with a slight texture that is ideal for using colored pencils. This is not a thin book, there are plenty of pages, yet it somehow doesn't feel heavy. This would make a great gift for those who enjoy ancient art and traditional designs.

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



Heidi Reads... Illuminate Your Story Journal

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Use this almost-lost art of illuminating letters to enhance your writing, Bible journaling, or sermon note-taking. Rich illustrated manuscripts in the Museum of the Bible’s collection inspired these gorgeous letters. Easy to follow instructions, practice pages, and encouragements guide you through the creation of amazing start letters, flourishes, and more.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cloth spine opens 180º—takes lay-flat journaling to a new level
• Elastic pen loop on spine
• High-quality, non-bleed paper
• Uplifting, inspirational quotes sprinkled throughout
• Drawing guides, grid background practice pages, plus lined pages for journaling
• Ribbon marker, pocket, elastic band closure.
 
My Review

This creative journal is one that will be enjoyed by artists and fans of creative lettering. The introduction includes 4-5 pages of the history of illumination through the ages, described the process, and included a supply list for the reader. The creation of the traditional designs are shown in a step-by-step method which I found to be very helpful. There are designs for each letter of the alphabet, with two designs for many of the more used letters, as well as step-by-step practice for flourishes, birds, and other artistic elements. There are journal pages in between each layout of lettering with inspirational quotes that I found enlightening and appreciated that they were from a wide variety of sources. The construction of the book is obviously high quality with an embossed hardcover, a cloth spine that makes the book lay flat when opened, an elastic pen loop on the spine, and a keepsake sleeve inside the back cover with a ribbon bookmark and and elastic band to hold the book closed. The paper is sturdy and perfect for drawing and coloring as well as writing. This would make a fine gift for ages as young as 12 if they are interested in art and drawing.

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






Thursday, November 15, 2018

#TFBRC Shelfie



Here are the two sets of shelves in my home that have some of my fiction books on them! They are a mix of to-read and favorites I've read. (The second picture has books stacked two deep). Do any jump out at you?

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

E-book #SALE 99 cents for The Risky Groom by Carly Morgan

 



The Risky Groom by Carly Morgan 

A football player and the woman who got away! How much would you bet on true love this holiday season? 

The generous and seriously hot, Dalton Ruff, wide receiver for the Denver Storm, has had a rough twenty-four hours. Spending time in jail with his teammates a week for Christmas wasn’t on his to do list. But after fellow player and good friend, Will Kent bets him that he can’t find, date, and kiss the woman who got away, he accepts the challenge. 

The beautiful and talented Lydia Landon is newly relocated to the quaint town of Port St. Austen. The fact that it happens to be her ex-boyfriend, Dalton’s, hometown doesn’t bother her at all, until she runs smack into his naked chest on the beach and then finds herself at his brother’s house having dinner with his family. When Dalton asks her to go out with him again, she tells him no because there’s NO way they could ever work out. But when he shows up to help out with the Christmas program she’s in charge of… she remembers how determined he is. 

After exploring a cave of sea creatures together, unexpectedly discovering the secret acts of service Dalton was doing for a family down on their luck, and finding herself being comforted in Dalton’s arms when she’s attacked by a dangerous stalker, Lydia can’t help but find herself falling for him all over again. Now they have to make a choice, let the problems of the past keep them apart or give the ultimate sacrifice and get everything they ever wanted.

Get your copy for just 99¢ today!
 
Praise for The Risky Groom 

This is a refreshing and thoughtful love story with characters that will just steal your heart and lift your spirits with their journey towards true love.




#TFBRC LOL



Great characters and funny moments made this novella one to remember! I've read it three or four times now, and just re-reading my review makes me want to pick it up again! The e-book is only $2.99 and well worth it.

https://amzn.to/2K6fhMh

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Synopsis

My name is Kirstin Hill. I'm a simple girl trying to figure out life in a small town. There are a few things you should know about me before we begin. I grew up in the city. I'm a teacher--a first year teacher, (some of you understand that significance). And, finally, when it comes to cooking, I'm a disaster. Maybe none of those things seem story-worthy, but trust me, I have a story. I call it The Cupcake Dilemma, and it literally changed my life. How? I'm glad you asked.

It all started with an extra assignment delegated to me at school right before Valentine's Day... but before we get too far, let me begin by stating this clearly. I was voluntold.


My Review

Oh-so-cute! I loved this light and funny novella with a sweet romance that made me want to read it again as soon as I finished it. (So I did) ;) Kirstin's voice is a perfect blend of humorous and vulnerable that makes her easy to relate to and enjoyable to read. Ian was fun and unexpected, and I loved his reactions to Kirstin. They have a fun friendship with potential for more, but they are both playing it cool. Awesome romantic tension and even better when things get really interesting! This is one that's going on my "get-me-in-a-better-mood" list :)