Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: Protecting the Single Mom by Catherine Lanigan



On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Protecting the Single Mom

(Shores of Indian Lake #7)
Catherine Lanigan

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

April 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Getting involved shouldn't be this dangerous…

Cate Sullivan is no damsel in distress. She's kept herself and her son safe for six long years. Built a good life in Indian Lake. But now that her drug-dealing ex-husband is moving his operation here, that life is about to explode.

Her instincts tell her to trust Detective Trent Davis. That he's more than just a handsome cop doing his duty. The former Green Beret has even formed a fast bond with her son. But there's something he's not telling her. Some darkness that keeps him from giving in to the feelings she knows are growing between them. Cate trusts Trent to keep her safe, but the real question is whether he'll trust himself with her heart.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Advanced Review for Protecting the Single Mom

This is an exceptional romantic fiction novel that inspires women to achieve their dreams and warms the hearts of the romantics. It is a beautifully well-written story with a clean context. It is suitable for anybody who loves a good romance and yearns to be inspired to make a change in their circumstances. - Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

EXCERPT

They walked up the drive to the back steps, which led to the private entrance for the second-story apartment. Trent stopped Cate at the bottom of the steps. “I want to tell you that I think you’re very brave for doing this. You could have bolted like you did before.”

“I thought about it.”

“I’m sure you did,” he said, touching her cheek. “Why didn’t you?”

“Because this is my home. I’ve put down roots, and I don’t want to see anything happen here if I can prevent it. Maybe we wouldn’t be in this position if I’d turned Brad in years ago. This time I’m standing up to him. If you and the police need me to rout him out, then I’m willing to do it as long as Danny is never in danger.”

“I swear I’ll do everything—”

She put her fingers over his soft, full lips. Ones she wanted to kiss. “Don’t promise. Nobody knows what’s going to happen. Brad is a cancer in this world. He needs to be surgically removed. I know that now.”

Trent kissed her palm. “Like I said, you’re a very brave woman.”

“I’m not that brave,” she whispered. “Because right now I’m terrified to be standing in the dark with you.”

“I thought so,” he replied, and kissed her. It was a kiss like none other. Compelling, thrilling and comforting all at once. She felt heady, as though she’d had a glass of champagne. He drew her close to that iron-hard chest of his that told her she needn’t worry ever again. Trent could take care of her. But it was the feel of his tender lips against hers that caused shivers to race down her spine.

She put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. If she could stay here, kissing Trent, she didn’t have to think about nightmares and a murderous ex-husband. At this moment, she lived another lie—that she was worthy of having a real love with a man like Trent.

Other Books in the Series

  

  

About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of forty published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile, as well as over half a dozen anthologies, including “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Living your Dream”, “Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul”, and more. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into dozens of languages including German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese. Ms. Lanigan’s novels are also available in E-books on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com, Apple Store, Mobi and Kobo. Several of her titles have been chosen for The Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Clubs. Her Vietnam war-based novel, The Christmas Star, won the Gold Medal Award Top Pick from Romantic Times Magazine and has also won Book of the Year Romance Gold Award from ForeWord Magazine as well as Book of the Year Romance from Reader’s Preference.

Lanigan is the author of a trilogy of non- fiction books regarding angelic intervention in human life: Angel Watch, Divine Nudges and Angel Tales published by HCI and Cedar Fort. Skyhorse published Lanigan’s “how-to” book on writing: Writing the Great American Romance Novel. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid Foundation to write a non-fiction book addressing teen addictions. Ms. Lanigan’s first Young Adult adventure novel, The Adventures of Lillie and Zane: The Golden Flute, was published by Cedar Fort.

Currently, she has published seven novels in the Shores of Indian Lake series for Harlequin Heartwarming: Love Shadows, Heart’s Desire, A Fine Year for Love, Katia’s Promise, Fear of Falling and Sophie’s Path. Protecting the Single Mom pubs April, 2016. She has recently contracted for two more in the series: Wedding for Isabelle and A Bride for Mica.

As a cancer survivor, 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. (THE EVOLVING WOMAN). 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.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│LinkedIn│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

March 26th: Launch
March 27th: Thoughts of a Blonde & Katie's Clean Book Collection
March 28th: Rockin' Book Reviews & Book Lover in Florida
March 29th: Rainy Day Reviews & Zerina Blossom's Books
March 30th: Hearts & Scribbles & Harlie's Books
April 2nd: Hardcover Feedback & Reading Is My SuperPower
April 3rd: Mel's Shelves & Kati's Bookaholic Rambling Reviews
April 4th: underneath the covers & Wishful Endings
April 5th: The Silver Dagger Scriptorium, Heidi Reads... & Singing Librarian Books
April 6th: Nicole's Book Musings & Becky on Books
April 7th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

- 1 winner will receive a tote bag and three Shores of Indian Lake books: Katia's Promise, Fear of Falling and Sophie's Path (US only)

- Ends April 11th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.

Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.

A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.

As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?

My Review

I loved the Regency countryside setting, with the vicar's family at the center of the story along with the newcomer heir to one of the largest estates in the neighborhood. There is a strong focus on the complex dynamics of family relationships which I enjoyed. I loved seeing the generosity Evan's uncle has for him, especially since in most stories the distant heir is reviled or seen as undeserving. Evan's genuine compassion for his uncle's sorrow creates a balance in their relationship where they are each benefiting from the other's support. In fact, that is what I liked most about Evan, his genuine nature, and that is what I think he found attractive in Cassie. Her manipulation of Evan and Lenora is not well thought out, and the deeper she gets, the more complicated the situation becomes. I initially found it hard to have sympathy for her, but the author is skilled at writing flawed characters and then bringing about a deep redemption, so when Cassie was enduring her period of penitence and self-reflection I felt for her anguish and admired her determination to make things right with those suffering from the consequences of her impulsive decisions. The cast of characters was so vivid and really came to life in my head as I read the book. I absolutely loved the resolution and it made up for some of the more depressing parts when I got my happy ending ;)

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

Special Blog Tour and Giveaway! Expedition: Still Life with guest post by author Dani Pettrey

Charm City

Welcome to Charm City and the first stop on the Expedition: Still Life Tour. If you haven’t checked out the contest I’m running during this fabulous blog tour, drop by my contest page for all the details. Over the next few weeks, we’ll “visit” many places and each stop will include a different giveaway.

Baltimore is home to the Chesapeake Valor gang, as well as myself and my family. It’s also home to over half a million people including a wealth of artists throughout years such as Edgar Allen Poe, Frederick Douglass, Laura Lippman, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, Dashiell Hammett, and Francis Scott Key.

Baltimore is divided into a number of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own feel and vibe, bringing a unique thread to the beautiful tapestry that makes up Baltimore. Here’s a sampling of the beauty from Charm City:

“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”

~Edgar Allen Poe

“One and God make a majority.” ~ Frederick Douglass

“And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave/O're the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

~Francis Scott Key

It had to be you. ~ Billie Holiday

Baltimore Mural

Attribution: (Handout photo, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts)

-- Chris Kaltenbach

Copyright © 2017, The Baltimore Sun, a Baltimore Sun Media Group publication

Artist: Lyle Kissack Location: 592 Presstman St. Year: 2007

http://www.raoulmiddleman.com/gallery.html

Special thanks to Dani Pettrey for her guest post about Baltimore and the exciting Expedition: Still Life blog tour and contest! Learn more about Dani and the Chesapeake Valor series below (which I loved!), and don't forget to enter both giveaways- one here on Heidi Reads... and the tour Grand Prize!
 

Author Dani Pettrey

Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a sigh-worthy romance novel. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent” of romance (USA Today).

Dani’s adventure-focused Alaskan Courage series climbed the CBA bestseller lists, with Submerged staying in the top twenty for five consecutive months. The five-book series also won multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others. She turns her attention to crime and law enforcement in her home state of Maryland in her new Chesapeake Courage series, starting with Cold Shot, which Library Journal called, “a harrowing and thrilling ride.” For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com.

Check out my 5 star review here!

Synopsis

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

 

Don't miss Cold Shot, the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series!

Check out my 5 star review here!

Synopsis

In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.

Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern--a young social justice lawyer missing since spring--and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

www.danipettrey.com

Giveaways!

To be entered to win a Starbucks gift card, just answer the question below in the comments section. Thanks again for joining me on this expedition.

What’s your favorite city to visit and why?

(Contest ends April 30, 2017)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this artistic tour of Charm City. Thanks so much to Heidi for hosting the first stop on the Expedition: Still Life. Be sure to grab your passport stamp to be entered to win the Grand Prize by entering your information here:

Collect The First Stamp!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

The Grand Prize is an Expedition: Still Life vintage leather travel tote full of locally-procured goodies (and some of the Chesapeake Valor gang’s favorites) to help you travel in coordinated style. It includes the following:

•         Autographed copy of Still Life (to read on your next trip)
 
•         Still Life Tote Bag (for carrying around all your sightseeing gear)

•         Still Life Disposable Camera (to take pictures of your travels)

•         Still Life Magnetic Picture Frame (to share your travel pics on your fridge)

•         Milk Makeup Sleep Mask & Cooling Gel Insert (to help you rest and keep your eyes looking refreshed)

•         L’Occitane Floral Cherry Blossom Voyage Set (in honor of cherry blossom season)

•         Blush Infinity Scarf (to keep you traveling in style)

•         Collapsible Water Bottle (to keep you hydrated)

Review: A Temporary Family by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When Tilly Hargreaves and her three nieces are stranded at his small stagecoach station in an abandoned town and threatened by outlaws, Nolan West must protect them. And the only way he can do that is by pretending he's married to Tilly. But can the former solider, whose only wish is for solitude, stop himself from growing attached to his temporary family?

Tilly knows the charade is necessary to keep her and the girls safe, but now her heart is in danger. The longer she pretends the stoic station agent is her husband, the more genuine their union feels. Nolan believes he's better off alone, but Tilly's certain that if he'd only open his heart to his make-believe family, he'd want to claim them as his for real.

My Review

This western historical is full of suspense and danger throughout the entire book as Tilly and Nolan endure the occupation of the station by villainous outlaws intent on stealing a pending shipment of gold. It seems that nothing goes right for these two as they face obstacle after obstacle. I liked Tilly's cheerful spirit and how it contrasted sharply with Nolan's discouraged attitude, yet over time she helped him lighten the darkness that's plaguing him through her hope and faith. He helps her put things in perspective as well, and that kind of symbiotic friendship was lovely. Their romance is hesitant and full of doubts, and I appreciated that their friendship and support of each other stood strong in spite of that. I was quickly turning pages to see what would happen next and how they would manage to come out on top of such a rough and dangerous situation!

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

Review & Giveaway: Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she's getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky... if only she wasn't too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone- even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she'll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called "The Recluse" confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he's misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God's gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there's always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

My Review

This is a suspenseful story, albeit a bit predictable, with plenty of character growth as Isaac, Hannah, and members of their families learn life lessons about compassion, family loyalty, and strength. Most of the characters' flaws are revealed at some point in the story, which makes them easier to relate to- knowing they aren't perfect and struggling with choices and behavior. The person that was the hardest to understand was Hannah's little sister Jenny, who feels uprooted and places the blame entirely on Hannah, but has secrets of her own that she fails to communicate to her family. Isaac is charming and likeable, and his attentiveness and protectiveness for Hannah only makes him more so as time goes on. The level the story is written on is a bit simple, without the depth of emotion I've been used to from recent Amish fiction I've read, but it was an entertaining book and one that I wouldn't have a problem recommending to ages teen to adult.

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

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

   

---

The next book to keep you up way past your bedtime? Shelley Shepard Gray’s Her Secret, a suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love with Isaac (the friendly Amish man who lives next door), more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

Enter to win a copy of Her Secret. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced April 3rd on the Litfuse blog!