12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Rebecca Connolly & Giveaway

 

   

The Spinster and I by Rebecca Connolly  

Poor, unfortunate Spinster... 

Prudence Westfall, spinster, has unexpectedly had the greatest misfortune of all: she has inherited a fortune, and is now an heiress. But as a Spinster, and a stammering shy one, nothing could be worse than having a bevy of suitors pay her attention. Opportunity strikes at a house party when the most unlikely person offers the perfect solution. Camden Vale is no gentleman, and he’s not prone to saving anyone, but something about Prue changes all that. When his offer to befriend her extends beyond the house party, and his feelings extend beyond expectation, no one is more surprised than he. Except, perhaps, for the other Spinsters, and they have much to say on the subject. 

    

“Didn’t you hear how they flattered me? You said yourself, men lie through their teeth.” 

He hissed, and she looked over at him only to see him shaking his head. “Prue, I didn’t mean… Sometimes we are sincere. Sometimes we do mean everything we say. And you should like it and take it as a compliment.” 

Prue smiled a very tight, thin smile. “They never have before, so I have no taste for it.” She exhaled and looked back into the ballroom, clasping her hands before her. “I just wish to be left alone.” 

“Well,” he sighed, “then we have another problem.” 

She looked up at him wryly. “And that is?” 

He shrugged, something new in his dark eyes. “I don’t think I can leave you alone.” He stared at her for a long moment, his hand stilled on her back, and added, “I know I can’t.” 

Her head tilted in a question. “Why not?” 

 “Because I see you,” he admitted with a rawness she did not anticipate. “And I like what I see.”

      

You know we say "a good clean book" to indicate, yes there is no sex, no obscenities and very little kissing but a good read nonetheless? There is no "nonetheless" here. It is a good book without qualification. Nothing was missing. Prue was a character who faced serious debilitating problems communicating with others and villainous family members and Cam, who fought his own demons, helped her as she helped him. Her blossoming was realistic and touching. The writing was good and the treatment of characters and flaws sensitive and well developed. A good read. 

Rebecca Connolly creates vivid characters who want to fight for, to laugh and cry with. Sweet and breathtakingly romantic. I read this book in kindle unlimited, but now I'm going back to purchase it. I really like Ms. Connolly's books! 

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Prue and Cam. They appear to be complete opposites but they truly are wonderful for each other. I especially love how they helped each other heal without even trying or realizing. And of course, I love both Prue and Cam's friends. So much loyalty. A wonderful clean read for a hopeless romantic like myself. The next book can't come soon enough! Thank you for another enjoyable read Rebecca Connolly, I needed this escape! 

       

   

Author Rebecca Connolly 

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict. 

   

  

       

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/6/19 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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols

Let's all get in the mood for Christmas with this blog tour and giveaway for Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols, hosted by JustRead Tours.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Silent Days, Holy Night  
Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols  
Publisher: Gilead Publishing  
Release Date: October 30, 2018  
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction/Christmas  

The sounds of Christmases past echo through a silent house...  

Everyone in town knows Emerald Crest, the green granite mansion atop the highest hill: the legendary, lavish Christmas festivities that used to light up the nights— and the silence that followed when the parties abruptly stopped many years ago. And everyone has heard whispers about the reclusive, mysterious master of the manor, Henry Lafferty the Second . . .

When eleven-year-old Julia Russell steps into the great house for the first time and meets Mr. Lafferty, the entire course of her life is altered. She meets a man who is nothing at all like the rumors she’s heard from neighbors and classmates. He’s kind and extraordinarily talented—he also happens to be deaf and uses a wheelchair. And when she overhears a secret about him, Julia decides it’s time for the town to bring Christmas back to Emerald Crest—an act that will change them all forever.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository

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EXCERPT

H hung up. I looked at the clock. 6:38. I ran to the garage. “Dad, H just called.” I forgot I wasn’t supposed to call him that. “You must go, and you have to get there fast. He used all capital letters.”

“What? Julia, slow down.” Dad came down the attic stairs.

“It’s another broken window, and Mr. Lafferty wants you to come right now.”

“How do you know this?” Dad shuffled the rest of the bins out of the pathway to the mudroom. “Oh, yes, the TTY. I forgot.”

“He just called. He said Mr. Hornsby was chasing two guys. He watched them from the window.”

“Two. One is vandalism. Two? That’s trouble.” Dad looked at Mom. “Could you get me the key to the mansion? It’s in my top right-hand desk drawer, and it’s labeled.” Then he looked at Jackson. “Son, get your heavy jacket. You’re going with me.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll get the big flashlight from the gun closet. You want me to get my gun?” “No. Don’t need to shoot anybody over a broken window. Just the light, and let’s get going.” Dad looked at me. “Did Mr. Lafferty say anything else?”

“No, sir, just to get there as soon as you can.” I followed Dad inside.

“I’m getting my jacket too.”

“No, you’re not. You’re staying here with your mom.” Dad grabbed his heavy coat and gloves.

“But Mr. Lafferty’s my friend, and Jackson doesn’t even know him. I can make him feel okay. And besides, you can’t even communicate with him.”

“Not happening, Julia. You’ll be more help here talking to him on the TTY. Come on, Jackson.”

Mom returned with the key. Dad and Jackson were in the truck and out of the garage in less than three minutes.   

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phyllis Clark Nichols’s character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions using the imagined residents of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a strong faith and a love for nature, art, music, and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment . . . often through surprisingly serendipitous events.

Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.

She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.

Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.  

CONNECT WITH PHYLLIS: website | Facebook | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive (US only):

• a print copy of Silent Days, Holy Night by Phyllis Clark Nichols
• a print copy of Sleigh Bells Ring by various authors

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight December 10, 2018 and last through 11:59pm December 17, 2018. US only. 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.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review: Wait For Me by Susan May Warren

The sixth book in the Montana Rescue series

My Rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he's no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness--with murderous intent.

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he's learned to find Jess and Esme--and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving.

My Review

I have a horrible habit of putting off reading the last book in a series I've loved because then that would mean there are no more books to look forward to. Completely irrational, since I know the author has another exciting series coming. All the books have been full of adventure, action, and angst, and this one is no different. Pete and Jess have provided some of the relationship drama in the previous books, and it was satisfying for them to finally grow, communicate, and have a resolution. They had quite the build-up! There is also a romance between Esme/Shea and a young man she met in the previous book, which gave us a nice break from the Pete and Jess drama. The murder case involving Esme's friend also comes to an end with the unexpected villain made known and it brought the elements of suspense and danger to the plot. It was nice to have everything wrapped up, and I'm ready for some fresh love stories from the author!

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

New Release & Giveaway: A Me and You Thing by Taylor Dean

   

A Me and You Thing by Taylor Dean

 THE DEEPEST HEARTACHE IS THE ONE YOU DON'T SEE COMING. 

Golden couple, Sawyer and Quinn Denali, have an amazing love story. A match in every way, their happiness is evident to all who spend time with them. The arrival of twin baby girls completes their picture-perfect family. When Quinn has the opportunity to help others on a two-week volunteer trip, she reluctantly leaves her family, knowing a short break from the demands of motherhood will be good for her. She doesn’t expect the trip to change her life forever. But it does. It changes everything. Struggling from day to day, the young family moves forward, finding happiness . . . and love. But fate isn’t done mixing things up in their lives. When an unexpected event leaves them all reeling, the unspoken question rings loudly and can’t be ignored: “What happens now?” 

A Me and You Thing is a novel that explores the strength of enduring love and friendship. 

 

   

Praise for A Me and You Thing: 

Wow! This heart-tugging romance blew me away. It’s an emotional roller-coaster ride of epic proportions…so prepare yourself. My heart soared up into the heavens, then was dragged into the bitter misery of hell, like being dragged behind a pickup truck for a mile or so. Ouch! But I got my happy (actually, glorious!) ending, so I loved it. The ending was so much more fulfilling because of what my heart went through to get there with the characters. This story is unique and refreshing—not your run-of-the-mill predictable romance that doesn’t stick with you when you finish. No! This one is made of super glue, and will be stuck in your heart forevermore. ~Author Charissa Stastny 

Here's my recommendation. Don't read the summary. Don't read any more reviews. Order this book now! Clear your calendar and plan to spend the day reading. You'll be thanking me if you do. ~Kathy Habel  

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up. 

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter

   

Release Day Giveaway Details $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/28/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

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12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Liz Isaacson, Freebie, Sale & Giveaway

 

   

A Marriage for the Marine by Liz Isaacson  

A Marine, a maid, and a match made in heaven. 

Tate Benson can't believe he's come to Nowhere, Utah, to fix up a house that hasn't been inhabited in years. But he has. Because he's retired from the Marines and looking to start a life as a police officer in small-town Brush Creek. Wren Fuller has her hands full most days running her family's company. When Tate calls and demands a maid for that morning, she decides to have the calls forwarded to her cell and go help him out. She didn't know he was moving in next door, and she's completely unprepared for his handsomeness, his kind heart, and his wounded soul.  

Can Tate and Wren weather a relationship when they're also next-door neighbors? 

  

Bent over the tub, she heard the distinct sound of boots entering the house.

“Hello?” a man called, and he sounded softer, kinder, than he had on the phone.

Wren scraped her bangs off her forehead, cursing her hair for the tenth time that morning as it stuck to the back of her neck. It wasn’t quite long enough to pull into a ponytail, and she had the fleeting thought that she’d like to shave every last hair from her head.

She hadn’t even made it to her feet when he said, “You call this cleaning?”

Wren faced him and put her hands on her hips. She felt red-faced and sweaty and her guard went right up as she drank in the boxy shape of his shoulders. The deep brown hazel color of his eyes. The way his jaw already held a day’s worth of facial hair. It matched the rich brown color of his hair, and Wren suddenly needed a very cold glass of water.

“Yes,” she managed to clip between her lips. “I call this cleaning.”

“There’s dust on the shelves in the living room.”

“Impossible,” she said. “If that’s true, it settled there in the past half-hour.”

His eyebrows went up as if he wasn’t used to being questioned. And it was clear he wasn’t. “You want me to show you?”

Frustration boiled in her, and though her momma had always taught her to clean until the customer was satisfied, she bent and extracted a duster from the box she’d brought. “I’d rather you just wiped it up.” She held the blue duster toward him, satisfied when he looked at her like she’d grown a second head and told him he would too if he touched her.

Who was this man?

Your new next door neighbor, her mind whispered, and Wren regretted her decision to quip at him to do the dusting himself. She started to withdraw her hand, but he reached out and snatched the duster from her, spinning with military-precision on his toe, and marching down the hall.

 

   

 "Wonderful addition to the Brush Creek series and a good reminder of the ongoing sacrifices & struggles so many of our brave service members face after returning home." 

"A Marriage for the Marine is a sweet feel-good book. Liz writes a good paced love story that is easy to believe. If you want to lose an afternoon in a good book, please buy a copy and enjoy." 

"Liz is a wonderful writer and I will recommend her books to everyone!"

      

 

    

Grab these other Brush Creek Brides Romances for just 99 ¢!

   

Author Liz Isaacson 

USA Today bestselling author, Liz Isaacson, writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains.  

  

 

       

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 1/6/19 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 author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    

a Rafflecopter giveaway