Sunday, December 2, 2018

Double Review: Starstruck and Jilted by Carla Laureano


Heidi Reads... Starstruck by Carla Laureano

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis

Novelist Christine Lind has achieved her lifelong dream—a string of best-selling books and a cable-TV adaptation about to go into production. But on her way to London FanFest for the cast reveal, disaster strikes: their leading man is injured in a motorcycle accident… and his replacement is the one person she hoped she’d never seen again.

Nick Cleary has clawed his way to recognition as a Hollywood actor, but it’s long past time he get the chance to show he’s more than a pretty face and a chiseled set of abs. His big break comes in the form of a juicy lead role in a new steampunk fantasy series. There’s just one catch—casting has to be approved by the author… a woman he once devastated through his own youthful stupidity.

Christine is the last person to be starstruck by the handsome heartthrob, but as the clock ticks down to the cast announcement and Nick races to show that he’s really changed, she begins to wonder if there’s more to her ex than his Hollywood persona. Except now the consequences of being wrong no longer apply only to her career… but also to her carefully guarded heart.

My Review

I liked how Christine created an alter ego for her appearances before her fans, and that Nick was able to see past that to the real person inside. They definitely have a rocky past, and I appreciated that they both were able to eventually come to terms with their mistakes and own contributions to what went wrong. They are both more mature now and this is a great second-chance romance that explores  forgiveness and moving forward... after a little revenge, all in good humor ;)

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



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Exclusive e-book, free to Carla's newsletter subscribers!
More details on author's web site.

http://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Three days. Two jaded hearts. One unexpected love.

Bethany Hall is hiding out on a remote private island off the coast of Belize, creating romantic meals for the rich and the privileged. But when her client Derek Moretti’s bride jilts him at the altar, he’s left with a bitter view on love, a $30,000 a week bungalow, and for the first time in his life, nowhere else to be.

After Derek overhears his beautiful personal chef talking about how he dodged a bullet when his bridezilla left him, he begins to think that maybe she’s right. He convinces Bethany to act as his personal tour guide for the remainder of his trip, but neither expect that their purely platonic arrangement could shake their preconceptions about love.

Could Derek have been in the right place at the right time…just with the wrong woman?


My Review

This is a fun story complete with a narrow escape, beautiful travel excursions, and amazing food. I thought it was interesting how Bethany has created her own little world on the island, and yet has connections that allow her to give Derek glimpses into the tropical paradise. There's some attraction, some angst, and some great romantic chemistry as Derek and Bethany figure out what they really want in their lives and their relationship.

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


The Songkeeper Chronicles by Gillian Bronte Adams #FantasyforChristmas!

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Gillian Bronte Adams for
Days of Fantasy for Christmas

https://amzn.to/2SlqDPGOrphan's Song
(The Songkeeper Chronicles #1)
By Gillian Bronte Adams
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 289 Pages
October 14th 2016 by Enclave

HER SOLO IS A DEATH SENTENCE

Deep within the world of Leira flows a melody that was sung at the beginning of time by Emhran, the Master Singer. Now it is broken, buried, forgotten. But in each generation, a Songkeeper arises to uphold the memory of the Song against those who want it silenced forever.

When Birdie first hears the Song coming from her own mouth, her world shatters. She is no longer simply an orphan but the last of a hunted people. Forced to flee for her life, she must decide whom to trust—a traveling peddler, a streetwise thief, or a mysterious creature who claims to know her past.

With enemies at her heels and war threatening to tear her homeland apart, Birdie soon discovers an overwhelming truth: the fate of Leira may hinge on one orphan’s Song.


https://amzn.to/2P9OxeQSongkeeper
(The Songkeeper Chronicles #2)
By Gillian Bronte Adams
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 341 Pages
April 15th 2016 by Enclave

WAR RAVAGES LEIRA AND THE SONG HAS FALLEN SILENT.

Freed from the hold of a slave ship, Birdie, the young Songkeeper, and Ky, a street-wise thief, emerge to a world at war. Hordes of dark soldiers march across Leira, shadowed by whispers of plague and massacres, prompting Ky to return to his besieged home city in hopes of leading his fellow runners to safety.

Desperate to end the fighting, Birdie embarks on a dangerous mission into the heart of the Takhran’s fortress. Legend speaks of a mythical spring buried within and the Songkeeper who will one day unleash it to achieve victory. Everyone believes Birdie is the one, but the elusive nature of the Song and rumors of other gifted individuals lead her to doubt her role. Unleashing the spring could defeat the Takhran once and for all, but can she truly be the Songkeeper when the Song no longer answers her call?

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleBook Depository


https://amzn.to/2ParIaTSong of Leira
(The Songkeeper Chronicles #3)
By Gillian Bronte Adams
YA Fantasy, Christian
Paperback & ebook, 416 Pages
June 5th 2018 by Enclave

THE SONG BIDS HER RISE TO BATTLE.

Reeling from her disastrous foray into the Pit, Birdie, the young Songkeeper, retreats into the mountains. But in the war-torn north, kneeling on bloodstained battlefields to sing the souls of the dying to rest, her resolve to accept her calling is strengthened. Such evil cannot go unchallenged.

Torn between oaths to protect the Underground runners and to rescue his friend from the slave camps, Ky Huntyr enlists Birdie’s aid. Their mission to free the captives unravels the horrifying thread connecting the legendary spring, Artair’s sword, and the slave camps. But the Takhran’s schemes are already in motion. Powerful singers have arisen to lead his army—singers who can shake the earth and master the sea—and monsters rampage across the land.

As Leira falters on the verge of defeat, the Song bids her rise to battle, and the Songkeeper must answer.


Interview with Amos McElhenny
Prior to the events documented in Orphan’s Song, reported by Gillian Bronte Adams

He is already seated when I arrive at the Whistlin’ Waterfly. From the number of empty mugs, I guess he had company or has been here some time—the fly exploring his discarded meal seems to point to the latter. I rummage in my satchel for a parchment and quill as I approach.

GBA: Pardon me, but are you “the great Amos McElhenny”?

AM: (blinks bleary eyes and scowls) So they tell me.

GBA: My readers will be thrilled to know your story. Thank you for agreeing to this interview.

AM: Not sure I did exactly. (He scratches his head.) Who are ye with?

GBA: Uh … The Kerby Post.

AM: Oh. Right. Well, I’ve stayed too long already. Time I was on my way—

GBA: Rumor is you have quite the interesting past for a traveling peddler from … Bryllhyn is it? That Waveryder village in the Westmark? Care to comment on the years you spent in Kerby?

AM: I … ye must be mistaken. I’ve never been t’ Kerby.

GBA: Well, maybe not as Amos McElhenny the traveling peddler. Which is odd since your route takes you to every other village and town nearby. Is there something in Kerby you’re avoiding?

AM: Ye know, I don’t have t’ sit here an’ be interrogated. I’ve more important things t’ do.

GBA: Like checking on that girl at the Sylvan Swan? Speaking of Birdie, how did you meet her?

AM: Well, the innkeeper—Dalton—an’ I are old friends from … back in the day. So I always stop by t’ chat on my way through. She was only a wee wisp o’ a thing when I first met her. Somewhat about her reminded me o’ … well, I just felt I had t’ look after her.

GBA: I see. So what was it about Birdie that reminded you of the Songkeeper Artair?

AM: Well, there was a sort o’ music in her laughter even then an’—bilgewater, what are ye goin’ an’ puttin’ words in my mouth for? Birdie doesn’t remind me o’ him. If she did, I’d stay away, ye can bet yer britches on that. I’d like nothin’ better than t’ forget I ever knew him.

GBA: Why is that? If you don’t mind sharing …

AM: I do mind. (But he doesn’t leave.) He lied t’ us is all. Deceived us with sweet words an’ left us to ruin. What wouldn’t I like t’ forget about that? Was it Nisus put ye up t’ this? Sounds like his doing. Tell him we were fools then an’ he’s a fool now if he still believes. (Stands and throws on his overcoat.)

GA: Wait. (I grab his arm) Look, I know who are and I think my readers deserve to know too.

Amos: Aye. (He pulls free.) I’m the great Amos McElhenny. (He strides away with a muttered “bilgewater” and leaves me with more questions and fewer answers than when I began.)

About the Author


Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, through epic battles, and onward to adventure. And at the end of a long day of typing, she can be found saddling her wild thing and riding off into the sunset, seeking adventures of her own (and more coffee).

She loves to connect with fellow readers and wanderers online through her blog, Facebook page, and Instagram.


Tour Schedule
(Links won't work until the posts go live.)

December 1st: Launch
December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams - The Songkeeper Chronicles
December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse - Mark of the Raven
December 4thEvangeline Denmark - Curio
December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison - A Gift of Poison
December 6th: J.M. Hackman - Spark
December 7th: Ronie Kendig - Embers
December 8th: C.E. Laureano - Oath of the Brotherhood
December 9th: Belle Malory - The Twelfth Keeper
December 10th: Melissa McShane - Voyager of the Crown
December 11th: J. Ellen Ross - The Remembered Queen
December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood - Silver Hollow
December 13th: Melissa Wright - Blood & Brute & Ginger Root
December 14th: Morgan Wylie - The Age of Alandria Series
December 15th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway


Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):
- CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark
- A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison
- THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
- SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner's choice) by Melissa McShane
- THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross
- SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood
- THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright

Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):
- ORPHAN'S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams
- MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse
- SPARK by J.M. Hackman
- ABIASSA'S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig
- The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano
- SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie

Ends December 19, 2018





Saturday, December 1, 2018

Review: The Christmas Heirloom by Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas, Becky Wade



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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

Synopsis

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?


My Review

I enjoyed each of the stories in this collection by four of Bethany House's strong authors! It was neat that they took place in different eras, connected by the heirloom brooch that is passed down the maternal line. With each story I was immersed in the setting and characters, and a full story arc was achieved in the space of a novella. The romances were sweet and full of chemistry between the lead characters, making the stories come to life. This is a collection that I plan to read again in the future! It would also make a lovely Christmas gift for readers and fans of wholesome romance.

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


Review: The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall, Erin Woodsmall


Heidi Reads... The Christmas Remedy by Cindy Woodsmall, Erin Woodsmall

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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

Synopsis

When an Old Order Amish woman takes a job at a small-town pharmacy struggling to survive in a world of "big box" stores, her motive is to help her Plain community. But the advent of the holiday season brings an unusual mystery to the surface--and possibly love.

Twenty-four-year-old Holly Zook lives a unique life for a young Amish woman. Years ago, her bishop allowed her to continue her education and become the lead technician for Greene's Pharmacy, an old-timey drugstore that looks out for the Amish community--a group largely without secure healthcare plans. She knows she can't marry and hold onto her professional job. She's Amish, and she can only have one or the other, so she spurns love and works toward addressing treatable diseases--like the one that claimed her father's life.

As long as Holly continues to avoid Joshua Smucker, the one man who draws her like a warm hearth in winter, she should be fine. When something unexpected threatens Greene's Pharmacy, Holly and Joshua must work together to unravel what's happened and find the "missing" patient before the Board of Pharmacy shuts them down. As the snows of December arrive, with Christmas in the air, will Holly succumb to the generous spirit of the season?


My Review

This is a sweet Amish story with a mystery to be solved. I thought it was sad that Holly felt like she had to sacrifice marriage and a family in order to have a fulfilling career that would be so beneficial to the members of her Amish community. I liked Joshua and how he helps Holly, even after he discovers he has no hope with her. The element of light suspense kept the plot moving forward and I liked seeing how interconnected the Amish families are and how they were all happy to help. There is a definite warm feeling despite the snowy setting, and I was satisfied with how everything all worked out.

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


12 Days of Clean Romance $100 Kick Off Giveaway!

12 Days of Clean Romance

December 2018

During the month of December, we will be featuring 12 Authors who write clean romance!

There will be $400 worth of Giveaways plus great deals on books!

You are invited to come join the fun, learn about these great authors & find your next favorite book!

There will be FREE ebooks, awesome sales & great giveaways!
 
Check out this great list of featured authors who are sponsoring this event!

 
Never miss a giveaway, freebie or sale by signing up for Clean Wholesome Romance's Reader Newsletter!

Are you a blogger or reader who would be willing to post about this event on your blog or social media? Sign up here.

Are you an author who writes clean romance? Learn more about CWR upcoming events here, or Sign up for the Author Newsletter.
 

To start things off we have a $100 Giveaway!

 

 

Giveaway Details $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 1/1/19 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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.





Book Tour Launch: Days of Fantasy for Christmas #FantasyforChristmas!


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Launch for
Days of Fantasy for Christmas

We're excited to be sharing books from 13 fantasy authors with you this holiday season! Each
day different author and book or series will be featured. There is also a fabulous giveaway!
If you love reading fantasy, or are looking for a gift for someone who does, join us on this tour!

Tour Schedule
(Links won't work until the posts go live.)

December 1st: Launch
December 2nd: Gillian Bronte Adams - The Songkeeper Chronicles
December 3rd: Morgan L. Busse - Mark of the Raven
December 4th: Evangeline Denmark - Curio
December 5th: Kate Avery Ellison - A Gift of Poison
December 6th: J.M. Hackman - Spark
December 7th: Ronie Kendig - Embers
December 8th: C.E. Laureano - Oath of the Brotherhood
December 9th: Belle Malory - The Twelfth Keeper
December 10th: Melissa McShane - Voyager of the Crown
December 11th: J. Ellen Ross - The Remembered Queen
December 12th: Jennifer Silverwood - Silver Hollow
December 13th: Melissa Wright - Blood & Brute & Ginger Root
December 14th: Morgan Wylie - The Age of Alandria Series
December 15th: Grand Finale

Books on Tour




Blogs Participating

Among the Reads
An Indie Adventure
Andi's Book Reviews
Angela Walker's Reviews
Book by Book
Bri's Book Nook
Brooke Blogs
Coffee Books and Cakes
Colorimetry
Cover Lover Book Review
Deal Sharing Aunt
Declarations of a Fangirl
Heidi Reads...
Jorie Loves A Story
Locks, Hooks and Books
Mythical Books
Nicole's Book Musings
Reading On The Edge
Remembrancy
SilverWoodSketches
Stacking My Book Shelves!
Teatime and Books
We Write Fantasy
Wishful Endings

Tour Giveaway


Grand Prize #1: Winner will receive a FIRE HD 8 TABLET along with the following ebooks (open to those who are eligible for the Fire Tablet in their area can receive Kindle gifted copies of ebooks):
- CURIO, MARK OF BLOOD and ALCHEMY (The Curio Prequel), and THE ICE CHILD (a holiday novelette) by Evangeline Denmark
- A GIFT OF POISON by Kate Avery Ellison
- THE TWELFTH KEEPER by Belle Malory
- SERVANT O THE CROWN or VOYAGER OF THE CROWN (winner's choice) by Melissa McShane
- THE REMEMBERED QUEEN by J. Ellen Ross
- SILVER HOLLOW by Jennifer Silverwood
- THE FREY SAGA (Books 1-3) ebook box set by Melissa Wright

Grand Prize #2: Winner will receive the following print books (open to continental US residents):
- ORPHAN'S SONG by Gillian Bronte Adams
- MARK OF THE RAVEN by Morgan L. Busse
- SPARK by J.M. Hackman
- ABIASSA'S FIRE 3-book collection by Ronie Kendig
- The complete set of SONG OF SEARE TRILOGY by C.E. Laureano
- SILENT ORCHIDS by Morgan Wylie

Ends December 19, 2018





Book Tour Grand Finale: Miracles are Golden by Catherine Lanigan

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Miracles are Golden
By Catherine Lanigan

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

Miracles are Golden is a different kind of Christmas story in just about every manner of literary pre-conceptions a reader could have. To follow with that unique place it holds not only in my heart, but on the roster of books I have written, this PRISM BOOK TOUR is different as well...


Jimmy Longwood pressed his face against the pet store window, not minding the cold. On the other side of the glass was an eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppy that Jimmy had named “Bubblehead” because the puppy’s head was unusually large. Bubblehead was just as eager to see Jimmy and jumped over his five brothers and sisters to stand nose to nose with Jimmy.

Jimmy’s heart leapt just seeing the adorable puppy.

“Did you miss me, boy? I missed you. Now that school is out for the holidays, I can visit you every day for as long as I want.”


Jimmy glanced at the clock once more as he followed his father into the kitchen where he sat on a wrought iron Tuscan influenced bar stool. He leaned on the granite counter top watching his father hiding presents in the pantry.

“Did you talk to your mother?” John asked.

“We began a discussion about Bubblehead and again I reminded her that Grandpa and Grandma gave me a hundred dollars for my birthday this year which puts me over the top for enough money to buy Bubblehead. Which we can do, Dad, if you’ll just get your coat and hat…”

“Jimmy,” John sucked in a long breath to cool his frustration.

“No.”

Among the Reads - Excerpt

A good night’s sleep did not help Jimmy’s disposition or settle his fears by morning. His mind was overwhelmed with emergency last minute plans to rescue Bubblehead. Unfortunately, all of his plans were bizarre visualizations worthy only as segments of the Extreme Sports Network.

Because he was a long way from sixteen and did not know how to drive a car, legally or illegally for that matter, even if he did break the pet store window with a rock, steal Bubblehead and make his escape, he could not drive a getaway car.

He conjured up a scenario involving a SWAT team and a helicopter rescue. He thought of calling the Mayor on the phone and involving him in his “Save Bubblehead” campaign.

All my plans are doomed!

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Jimmy picked up the remote and turned on the television. As luck would have it, the first thing he saw after the in-house cable program promoting the hotel’s features and restaurants, was a Christmas ad in which three Golden Retriever puppies knocked over a plant and the owner had to use a special vacuum to clean the mess. Jimmy threw the remote high in the air and caught it on its way back down. “It’s a sign!”

He raced to the adjoining door and closed off his parents’ laughter.

“Yes!” he said to himself, watching the adorable puppies with tags around their necks. “There isa Santa Claus. I just have to believe. Maybe I will get a miracle.”


Though they moved quickly, the wind gusted at ever increasing speeds thrusting the cloud of blinding snow down the slope. It threatened to overtake them.

John knew that if they didn’t beat the squall, they would have to find shelter until the snowstorm passed. There was no telling how long that could be. If they were to remain this high on the mountain overnight, they could freeze. Realizing their predicament was more dire than he’d originally thought. John slowed and motioned for them to take another route to the left. “We need to go around the squall,” he yelled to them.

But the wind suddenly seemed more than wind. It didn’t howl anymore, it thundered.

John slowed down for Jimmy and Melanie to catch up to him.

It was then Jimmy saw the panic on his father’s face. “What is it?”

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Even though he didn’t have a body, Jimmy felt tears. He felt incredibly sad. “I could have done more to be a better kid. I wish I’d been more...loving.”

“Wonderful, Jimmy. You’re understanding a great deal.”

Sadness engulfed Jimmy’s soul. “But I did love them… I just…”

“Took them for granted?” Mr. Angel asked.

“Uh, huh.”

“So you see, Jimmy, we must send you back to earth. You must learn to give love with all your heart. It’s the only reason souls go to earth.”


"This is a sweet story including one of the things I love a lot and that is dogs. . . . I highly recommend this book to other readers."


There was a rustle of footsteps on the second floor. Jimmy heard voices.

“Do you think Santa has been here yet?” A woman’s voice said.

“Oh, yes, Mommy,” a weak, yet happy child’s voice replied.

“Well, come on, then,” a male voice said.

Jimmy looked up at the landing on the staircase and saw a mother, father and a child all dressed in flannel pajamas, robes and slippers descend the stairs. Behind this trio came an elegant woman dressed in an expensive red satin robe and matching satin slippers.

“I know Santa has been here, Robin and he’s brought something very special for you.”

Uplifting Reads - Excerpt

“Oh, thank you, Mommy! Thank you, Daddy!” Robin hugged his parents with weak arms.

“Thank your Aunt Daphne. She brought him all the way from New York City for you,” Hal said.

There was nothing weak about the brightness of the little boy’s smile as he approached the fireplace, his hands outstretched to cuddle Jimmy.

“Robin, do you think Santa remembered it right?” The boy’s mother asked.

Robin, I like your name. It’s like Robin Redbreast. The first sign of spring. The new life.

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

The day after Christmas Jimmy was roused early, taken out the front door to potty in the bushes and then given breakfast, all before daylight.

What’s up with these people? Don’t they sleep in? What’s the rush?

“Here you go, Beau. Yum. Doesn’t this smell good?” Robin asked placing a dish of canned dog food in front of him.

Jimmy sniffed the food and jumped back.

They don’t expect me to eat this stuff do they? How about a rasher of that bacon? Or maybe a smidgeon of that hot cinnamon bun?

"...I loved this book. I think everyone should read it and discuss it with their family, friends, church group, etc. Ms. Lanigan could re-write the phone book and I would read it. Seriously. She is that good."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

The impact of Robin’s emotions on Jimmy was like two spaceships colliding in a Star Trek episode. It rocked Jimmy’s psyche.

He needs me! Not even my parents in my other life ever acted like they needed me!

“I love you, Beau.”

I love you, Robin. Jimmy gulped back a puppy tear.

I’m thinking fast here, kid. I’m not gonna let this thing, whatever it is, beat you...er, us. You’ve got me now. We can do it.

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Suddenly, Jimmy’s mind went back to his time in heaven. The memories of some of the things he was taught there came back to him.

But he had to think. Think hard. Mr. Angel had told him that he was supposed to help people with the knowledge he’d been given. It had all come so easily to him in heaven. But now, it was as if his little puppy brain was going to burst with the effort. He thought and thought. But still he couldn’t remember what it was he was supposed to do.

He had the answers locked in his head. All he had to do was remember.

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

https://amzn.to/2Q3Wfg3Miracles are Golden
By Catherine Lanigan
Women's Fiction, Christmas
ebook, 100 Pages
February 2, 2016

This heartwarming story is about eight-year-old Jimmy Longwood, who has fallen in love with a Golden Retriever puppy. When his parents explain that their condo does not allow pets, Jimmy is heartbroken. While skiing in Aspen the entire family is killed in an avalanche. Jimmy goes to heaven and meets an angel who decides to send Jimmy back to earth as the very Golden Retriever he’d wanted for his own and to learn the one lesson all human beings must learn…unconditional love.


About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and MY RACING HEART (2019).

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. 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. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.


Tour Giveaway


$50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends December 5, 2018

Grab Our Button!





Friday, November 30, 2018

Review: Five Golden Wishes by Cari Lynn Webb


Heidi Reads... Five Golden Wishes by Cari Lynn Webb

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

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

Synopsis

Dylan King never intended to get involved with Christmas Town. He'd arranged his business trip to include a short visit with his Aunt Odette. But now he's fixing furniture for Over the River Retirement Home residents, welding a fence for the carousel and extending his stay every other day. If he stopped making up excuses to spend more time with Sadie Kent, he could finally get back to business like he wanted.

Sadie Kent has fallen to a new low. Not only has she ditched Santa School (a birthday gift from her young daughters to regain her Christmas spirit after her holiday divorce last year), Sadie has seriously embellished her culinary skills. Between keeping her volunteer commitments and trying to find a job that won’t interfere with her daughters’ school schedules, baking and decorating Christmas cookies to help raise money for the carousel refurbishment might be one step too far. If Dylan King stopped offering suggestions and distracting her, and reigniting her holiday spirit, Sadie could prove she had everything under control.

Welcome back to Christmas Town where wishes in the heart, no matter how deep they're buried, find a voice. And the power of family and love endures.


My Review

I've read a couple other books in the Christmas Town series, and was happy to revisit the community that really knows how to get into the season! This is a sweet story between two people who have their hands full, but despite their lack of time for romance, are pushed together by three well-meaning busybodies. There is plenty of humor, especially involving Aunt Odette and her friends who have their finger on the pulse of Christmas Town. I felt like the chemistry and romance was a bit lacking- there was more telling than showing- and because their relationship was so platonic for 2/3 of the book, I didn't really feel it when things finally got moving in that department. Overall it was a pleasant story and nice addition to the series.

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