Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: Sanctuary Cove by Kate James



On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Sanctuary Cove

by Kate James
Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

March 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can his safe haven be enough for her?

Emma Meadows never imagined that sticking to her principles against an act of corruption by a New York senator would cost her her job as VP of communications. Heartbroken, she retreats to her cottage in the Adirondacks to lick her wounds and, in the process, rescues an injured dog that only Josh Whitmore can save.

The veterinarian works diligently to bring dog and woman back to full fighting form, until allegations against the senator become more serious. Seeing Emma's reaction to the increasing pressure, Josh realizes that inevitably she'll find a way back to the top…and he'll likely lose her for good.

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Excerpt

Suddenly, the dogs veered off the path. There was a distressed mew followed by the dogs’ excited barking.

Emma and Josh rushed toward the sound and came upon a small fawn lying awkwardly on the ground. Emma pressed a hand over her mouth to keep from crying out. It was obvious that the fawn was injured. “What’s wrong with her?” she asked in a strained voice.

Josh shook his head as he cautiously approached it. “I don’t know. Take the dogs away with you, Emma, if you can.”

All she could think of was the beautiful, injured elk that Josh had shot. She looked at the fawn, so defenseless and filled with terror, and froze. “You’re—you’re not going to…” Emma could feel the blood drain from her face.

Josh slanted a glance at her. “No, I’m not going to hurt her, Emma. The dogs’ presence is doing more harm than anything I plan to do. Please take them back with you.”

Emma was sure he hadn’t intended to sound harsh, but his tone snapped her out of her paralysis. Inside the cottage, she tried to remain patient until she finally saw Josh emerge from the forest, carrying the fawn. Relief washed over her.

Leaving the dogs inside, she rushed out to meet him. She slowed her approach as she neared, not wanting to startle the fawn.

“How badly is she hurt?” she asked in a subdued voice.

“Probably a torn ligament.”

“What are you going to do with her?” Emma knew the fawn wouldn't survive on her own in the forest.

“I’ll examine and treat her, and then see if I can get her to an animal refuge.” He made a sound of frustration. “I’ve been meaning to add on to the clinic to be able to accommodate wildlife, not just domestics. I’m not sure where to keep her, until I can get her to a reserve.”

“How about here?” Emma asked.

They’d reached her cottage and he glanced around. “Where?”

She pointed to the stand-alone shed a couple of hundred feet away from her cottage. “I can fence off an area inside. She’ll be safe in there. I can set up an outside enclosure for her, too.”

“Emma, you can’t save every wounded creature that comes your way,” he said softly. “Let’s get her checked over first.

About the Author

Kate spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word. Kate's goal is to entertain her readers with engaging stories featuring strong, likable characters. Kate has been honored with numerous awards for her writing. She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors, with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.

Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by email, through her website, her Facebook page, Twitter, or mail at PO Box 446, Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0, Canada.

  

  

Tour Schedule

March 11th: Launch
March 12th:
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Hearts & Scribbles
Rockin' Book Reviews
underneath the covers
Becky on Books
March 13th:
With Love for Books
Zerina Blossom's Books
Faithfully Bookish
deal sharing aunt
My Devotional Thoughts
March 14th:
Getting Your Read On
Thoughts of a Blonde
Christy's Cozy Corners
Mel's Shelves
March 15th:
A Slice of Life
The Silver Dagger Scriptorium
Hardcover Feedback
Falling Leaves
Granny Loves to Read
March 16th:
Reading Is My SuperPower
Harlie's Books
Rosanna Leo
Heidi Reads...
March 17th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

US/CAN PRIZE PACK, which consists of:

- San Diego K-9 Series T-shirt (winner’s choice of size S, M or L)
- San Diego K-9 Series tote bag
- San Diego K-9 Series mug and a small pack of gourmet coffee
- Signed copy of When Love Matters Most (second book in the San Diego K-9 Series)
- Signed copy of The Truth About Hope
- When I Found You (third book in the San Diego K-9 Series) key chain
- An assortment of bookmarks and bookplates
Open to US/CAN only

Ends March 21st

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Review & Giveaway: The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Pride, prejudice and forgiveness...

Hampton Hall's new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter--all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend's daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother--his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia's world.

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother's, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn't supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison's fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible--he begins to care. But Lavinia's aloof manner, society's opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along.

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what will happen when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she's ever known?

My Review

Regency England is one of my favorite settings, and I was thrilled to find a new author to read in this genre! I loved the writing style, it was perfectly balanced between the formality of the time and revealing the emotions and feelings of the characters. There are powerful themes of humility, compassion, and forgiveness. Nicholas isn't the only one who goes through a process of change and self-improvement, Lavinia also learns some hard truths about herself and becomes more accepting and less condemning of those whose society she has a difficult time with. The two have great banter and chemistry, although I would have enjoyed seeing more happy moments between them instead of so much angst, misunderstanding, and regret. Overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more by the author!

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

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Regency romance fans have another must-read novel to add to their lists: Carolyn Miller's The Elusive Miss Ellison. Enjoy the spirited exchanges between the bluestocking minister's daughter and the bruised war hero as they move past pride and presumption to a humbled appreciation of God's grace and the true strength of love. These two lonely hearts may each have something the other needs. But with society's opposition, ancestral obligations, and a shocking family secret, there may be too many obstacles in their way.

Settle in for a cozy night of reading with a cuppa and a Kindle from Carolyn!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of The Elusive Miss Ellison
• A Kindle Fire
• Two William Morris mugs (winner's choice)
• A box of tea

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on March 22. The winner will be announced March 23 on the Litfuse blog.

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!

A Moonbow Night by Laura Frantz is a book that absolutely blew me away! It is just amazing- read my 5 star review here. I'm so excited to be able to give away a copy in the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop! Enter for a chance to win in the Giveaway Tools widget below and then try your luck at the other great giveaways in the hop :)

Synopsis

After fleeing Virginia, Temperance Tucker and her family established an inn along the Shawnee River. It's a welcome way station for settlers and frontiersmen traveling through the wild Cumberland region of Kentucke--men like Sion Morgan, a Virginia surveyor who arrives at the inn with his crew looking for an experienced guide. When his guide appears, Sion balks. He certainly didn't expect a woman. But it is not long before he must admit that Tempe's skill in the wilderness rivals his own. Still, the tenuous tie they are forming is put to the test as they encounter danger after danger and must rely on each other. 

With her signature sweeping style and ability to bring the distant past to vivid life, Laura Frantz beckons readers to join her in a land of Indian ambushes, conflicting loyalties, and a tentative love that meanders like a cool mountain stream.

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New Release! Condemn Me Not by Heather B. Moore

It's finally here! Tuesday is the big day!

Synopsis

“This woman was one of the most impudent, scurrilous, wicked creatures of this world; and she did now throughout her whole trial discover herself to be such a one. Yet when she was asked what she had to say for herself, her chief plea was that she had led a most virtuous and holy life.” —Reverend Cotton Mather, 1692

USA Today Bestselling author Heather B. Moore brings the life of her 10th great-grandmother to center stage. Susannah North Martin, accused of witchcraft in 1692, joins five women in the Salem Jail, all sentenced to death for their crimes. Amidst tragedy, Susannah finds hope and compassion as she remembers a well-loved life, and readers discover that love reaches far beyond the grave as Susannah faces the magistrates in Salem.

Review & Giveaway: A Fine Gentleman by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Jason Jonquil can't go anywhere, it seems, without hearing at least one of his many brothers praised to the skies. He is hard working and accomplished, but no one seems to notice. Especially Miss Mariposa Thornton. On the surface, she seems quite empty-headed. But Jason is certain she is hiding something. Initially, he wants nothing more than to be rid of the exasperating lady. But as her mask begins to slip, he finds himself wishing she saw him in the same way the world sees his brothers: as a gentleman worthy of admiration, respect and love.

My Review

Bliss! Several years ago when I finished the first four books in the Jonquil Brothers series, I wanted to immediately read the next, A Fine Gentleman, only to discover it was out of print and I could not locate a copy anywhere! So you can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that it was going to be republished, and the day finally arrived that I had it in my eager hands! This is one of my favorite family sagas and the sometimes complicated dynamics between the characters are infused with the trademark light humor of the author.

In the previous books Jason has been pretty straight-laced and even stern. The bond between him and his brothers is obvious, but his harsh criticism of the oldest brother Phillip's facade of an empty-headed dandy created a wedge between them. Mariposa also presents herself to Jason with a mask, and her patronizing treatment of him aggravates him to his wit's end. I think he takes it so personally because she's poking at a particularly sore vulnerability he's struggling with- living up to the examples of his brothers and expectations of his late father. Mariposa's tragic history is unfolded to the reader and then as Jason becomes aware of her fight for survival he is seriously humbled. Learning not to condemn others so quickly is a lesson he then applies to his relationship with his brother, and I appreciated that he came to accept Phillip before learning the truth of why he has been putting on an act for so many years. I loved seeing the continuation of Phillip and Sorrel's story and the way he also helped resolve some of Mariposa's fears. Once Jason and Mariposa let their guard down with each other they have hilarious banter and great romantic chemistry. I love how he becomes her hero and the confidence it gives him of his purpose in life. I also appreciated that Mariposa finds an important purpose as well, one that is close to her heart as a survivor of war. Highly recommend this book and the entire series!

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

Don't miss the first books in The Jonquil Brothers series! They read well as stand alones but of course I recommend reading them in order for maximum enjoyment :) 
Click on the covers to learn more about each book (affiliate link)

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March 6th

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Nominate Keeping Kinley on KindleScout!

 

Keeping Kinley by Annette K. Larsen  

He's noble. She's common. It's complicated. Kinley is content with her common life until a chance meeting with an old friend—a noble—brings the possibility of love. Though Rylan pursues her with a charming carelessness, she doesn’t dare hope that their relationship will be accepted. When Kinley’s livelihood is threatened, she is thrust into his world as a servant, but the Rylan she encounters there isn’t the quirky friend she thought she knew. Can she trust him, or will she be forced to accept that her dreams are only that—dreams?  

 Excerpt 

My breath caught as soon as he said the name and my eyes searched his features, looking for the little boy I had known in the man that stood before me. “Rylan?” I breathed and he nodded, still with that familiar grin in place. “Oh…my,” was all my idiot brain could say as I took in his fine horse and his fine clothes and his fine eyes. I probably still had pear juice on my face. “How are you, Miss Kinley?” he asked with the same light in his eyes that he used to have whenever he would tell me about his favorite part of a lesson. “I am…well,” I answered in a breathless sort of stuttering. “Very well, thank you. I hope all is well with you and your family. How are Lord and Lady Baylor?” “My father runs his business affairs with an iron fist and my mother coddles the staff, so everything is as it should be.” He grinned. “Good.” I had to ignore the grin so that I could speak. “And Master Welsley and Tayana?” “Welsley takes life too seriously, but is ready to take over for father at a moment’s notice. Tayana is soon to be married.” “Good, good. That’s very good.” It was so very awkward to be standing in front of this man who had befriended me as a child. How was I supposed to act? “And what of your family?” he asked eagerly. “It was your brother, was it not? That married…” “Princess Ariella, yes.” No one seemed to be able to say it out loud, worried that if they were wrong, I’d somehow be offended. I was used to finishing the thought. He gave a crooked smile. “That must have been an interesting adjustment.” I laughed, surprised at how succinct that description was. “It was a surprise and an adventure, and I really do adore her.” “I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting her, but everyone seems to have an opinion one way or the other.” “I can only imagine.” While most of the common folk had accepted Ella and Gavin, I knew that the nobility had not been so easily convinced when she’d stooped to marry a commoner. He smiled, so casual, so comfortable. I felt the need to fill the silence. His horse bobbed its head, trying to get Rylan’s attention. I pointed to him. “And who is this?” He reached up, stroking the horse behind its ear. “This is Apollo. Say ‘Good day,’ old man.” The horse actually nodded its head up and down. I was reminded of Herman, who I had abandoned. “I should go.” I gestured awkwardly down the lane. “It was a pleasure seeing you.” “Wait, can I see you tomorrow?” My confusion made the corner of my mouth quirk up. “Why would you do that?” “Because I’d like to speak with you again,” he said as if it was the most normal thing in the world. “Oh, um.” He was nobility, and I was decidedly not. “I have to get Herman. My pony, he’s—” I pointed behind me as if that would explain my inability to speak coherently, then turned to walk back the way I had come.


     

Author Annette K. Larsen

 I was born in Utah, but migrated to Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia before settling in Idaho. Though I dabbled in writing throughout school, being an author seemed like an unattainable dream. It took me seven years to write my first book, Just Ella. During that time, I taught myself how to write a novel. Not the most time effective method, but it gave me an education I wouldn’t have received from a class or a how-to book. Something about the struggle of writing without a formula or rules worked for me. I write clean romance because I love it. Jane Eyre is the hero of my youth and taught me that clinging to your convictions will be hard, but will bring you more genuine happiness than giving in ever can. I love chocolate, Into the Woods, ocean waves, my husband, and my five littles. And I love books that leave me with a sigh of contentment.

Website * Facebook

Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/9/17 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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Can't Wait Wednesday: The Return by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I just finished the second book in the Amish Beginnings series and already I can't wait for the third one, The Return! I love the historical setting and of course Suzanne Woods Fisher's lovely writing :) It releases August 2017 and is available for pre-order.

Synopsis

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.
 
Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
 
Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of pre-revolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

Review: The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In 1737, Anna Konig and her fellow church members stagger off a small wooden ship after ten weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. On the docks of Port Philadelphia waits bishop Jacob Bauer, founder of the settlement and father to ship carpenter Bairn. It's a time of new beginnings for the reunited Bauer family, and for Anna and Bairn's shipboard romance to blossom.
 
But this perfect moment cannot last. As Bairn grasps the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World--isolated, rigid with expectations, under the thumb of his domineering father--his enthusiasm evaporates. When a sea captain offers the chance to cross the ocean one more time, Bairn grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him?
 
When Henrik Newman joins the church just as it makes its way to the frontier, Anna is torn. He seems to be everything Bairn is not--bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And the most dramatic difference? He is here; Bairn is not.
 
Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves together the lives of Bairn, Anna, and Henrik. When a secret is revealed, which true love will emerge?

My Review

I absolutely loved the first book in the Amish Beginnings series, Anna's Crossing. I was thrilled when I learned that it would become a series and we had two more books to look forward to, continuing Anna and Bairn's story. The Newcomer picks right up where Anna's Crossing left off, so I highly recommend reading Anna's Crossing first in order to get to know the characters and especially to understand Anna and Bairn's relationship. In The Newcomer we also get the point of view from Bairn's mother Dorothea and his little brother Felix. I appreciated that as some members of the church become separated we are able to see what is happening with each smaller group. Felix adds plenty of humor to the story with his curiosity and talent for getting into scrapes; he was one of my favorites in this book! Dorothea and Bairn's journeys were far apart in miles but paralleled in spirituality. They both did quite a bit of soul-searching and I loved the theme of drawing closer to God in order to find peace in the midst of tribulation. Anna endured the complaints and uncertainty of the church members at the homestead with grace and compassion, which is what I love most about her character. Henrik's optimism helped her during this anxious time when Bairn was absent, but the foreshadowing woven in had me feeling anxious and I just wanted to quickly read to see how the book would end, how Anna would choose between these two men. I missed the interaction between Anna and Bairn that made me love the first book, so I'm hoping that the next book will offer more in the romance department ;)

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