Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Her Hope Discovered by Cynthia Herron, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Hope Discovered  
Series: Welcome to Ruby #1  
Author: Cynthia Herron  
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink  
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Release Date: December 31, 2018

Is the sure thing worth risking for the possibility of maybe?

Charla Winthrop, a savvy business woman seeking a permanent lifestyle change in small-town Ruby, learns that things aren’t always what they appear when she takes up residence in a house steeped in charm and a hint of mystery. Rumor has it that Sam Packard the town carpenter is her go-to guy for home remodeling, but can Charla convince him to help her—with no strings attached, of course?

Alone far too long, Sam’s prayed that God would send him a wife and a mother for his daughters. However, the new Ruby resident is hardly what he imagined. A new place to call “home,” the possibility of what might be, and the answer to someone’s prayers unite this unlikely pair with the help of the town’s residents.

Nestled in the Ozarks’ hills and hollows is Ruby, Missouri, a quaint, cozy town where “neighbor” is merely another word for “friend.” Ruby will charm and delight as will her quirky, lovable characters who will steal your heart, but hand it right back—with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Savor your new friends’ sorrows and successes in the community where offbeat is perfect and mishaps and mayhem never tasted so good.

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

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EXCERPT

August in the Missouri Ozarks…where humidity-laden air hangs heavy over these majestic hills and hollows, and time idles by easily, yet, with ordained precision of the Master’s hand.

“This isn’t a home I’d normally show you, Miss Winthrop.” Jerry Marshall removed his sunglasses and motioned toward the two-and-a-half story treasure. “The Ramsey place is a real beaut, of course, but five-thousand square feet is certainly more room than you’ll ever need. Still, you did ask to take a look.”

Charla cupped a palm above her eyes and blinked against the mid-afternoon sun. “Yes, I did.” Except the print-out didn’t do the house justice. It didn’t fully capture the charm. The nostalgia. The magnetic appeal that drew goosebumps. It didn’t convey the feeling the Ramsey home evoked—one of overwhelming love and longing. She stepped closer and gazed upward at the towering structure. 

“Details, Mr. Marshall?”

“Well,” her real estate agent paused. “Do you think—I mean, would it be…presumptuous of me to suggest we be on a first name basis? After all, we’ve known each other for a month now. Around here, formalities don’t hold water. In Ruby, we’re all friends.”

Charla shifted her gaze for a moment and smiled. “You’re right. First names, it is.”

“Great. Now about those details—this is a solid-built home, circa 1944. Excellent condition. Original woodwork, cedar closets. New heating and air, new roof, plumbing, and additional updates while preserving the home’s integrity. There’s an in-ground storm cellar out back, as well as a garden shed and a small garage. As the fact sheet indicates, it comes with a homeowner’s warranty. There’s a nice rolling meadow and fifteen wooded acres.” Jerry cleared his throat then and presented the asking price. “Now, there are some dandy places we haven’t even seen yet. Why don’t I show you a few of those, Charla? A number that are better suited to your…uh…needs, and more modestly priced?”

It should have irked her that he thought her both incapable and out of touch, but he was so sincere and likeable, Charla couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m single, Jerry, not incapacitated. And with a price tag like that, I bet the owner is willing to negotiate, right?”

“Well, a bit, I imagine. But still—we’re talking a whole lot of money here. Are you sure you still want to see the place?”

“I appreciate your concern, but what part of fat commission do you find distasteful?”

It was her agent’s turn to laugh. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to patronize.” He extended an arm with a grand flourish. “Shall we, then?”

“Absolutely.” She moved past him, excitement drumming in her veins. Drawn by an invisible force that mystified her, Charla hurried up the painted steps and waited for Jerry on the massive front porch. She needn’t look any further. This was it. This was the house. Even the imaginary scent of chocolate chip cookies confirmed it. “I can’t believe this home is still on the market.”

“Yes, well, Edwin’s waited a while for the right buyer.” Jerry met her at the door and inserted a key in the lockbox. “Said the good Lord would send that person when the time was right.”

He swung open the door and Charla’s world tilted. The time was definitely right. She hoped Edwin Ramsey was free to meet soon.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains. A hopeless romantic at heart, she enjoys penning stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances. Her Hope Discovered, her début novel and the first in a three-book series, released December 2018 with Mountain Brook Ink.

“Cindy” has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA.

She is a 2017 ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Finalist, and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her short story Words from the Heart appears in The Story Anthology (Karen Kingsbury/Family Fiction) via Salem Publications, 2014. Her work is represented by Sarah Freese at WordServe Literary.

Besides writing, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. She also adores a great cup of coffee and she never met a sticky note she didn’t like.

Cindy loves to connect with friends at her online home. She also hangs out on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.  

For love, fun, and encouragement ~ Sign up for Cindy’s monthly e-NEWSLETTERS

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card from the author (US only)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight February 18, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm February 25, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks 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!

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Camille Peters, Sale & Giveaway

 

   

Pathways by Camille Peters 

Eileen has never been interested in love. Ever since her father’s abandonment, she’s vowed to never experience such pain again. But the enchanted forest has different ideas. When the continuously shifting pathways lead her to a mysterious stranger, Eileen finds her promise to fiercely guard her heart increasingly difficult to keep. 

One night when she becomes lost in a storm, the enchanted forest’s pathways lead her to the castle, home to the kingdom’s Dark Prince, where Eileen finds herself entangled in what many consider an opportunity but which Eileen believes to be a curse: competing for the Dark Prince’s hand through a series of tests that judge one’s royal worth. Eileen is neither royal nor interested in becoming a princess. But the mysterious stranger she met in the woods has his own reasons for helping her succeed, but the cost of his assistance may be too high: that of Eileen’s heart, the one thing she’s vowed never to give.  

Inspired by “The Princess and the Pea”

   

   

“This was SUCH a cute book! The characters were very well developed…The supporting characters were just as endearing…as the main characters. The descriptions of surroundings were impeccable, I could just see the environment and feel the feelings that were invoked by them. The plot was really well thought out, the ideas were super creative, and I love the general fairy tale feel…I couldn’t put it down, I just fell in love with the characters and I can’t WAIT for the next one!”

“I ADORE the creativity in this book! The forest is so magical and has so many enchanting moments throughout the story. I loved being transported into a fairy tale theme as I read; it was a perfect escape into a sweet and charming era! I absolutely loved the direction the story went and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the adventure Eileen stumbled upon. There are so many fun characters in the story, each with unique personalities! This is such a darling story about loyalty, romance, friendship and all with a fairytale feeling!”

“This is a delightful story of romance and adventure, centered near a magical forest that guides its travelers to discover not only its own enchantments, but also to find true love along the way. It is also a story of growth and overcoming one’s weaknesses, and of going forward despite one’s fears. Both of those things are inspirational to me, and I found myself relating to the characters and hoping for their success. An enjoyable journey to give hope to your heart!”

“I really enjoyed this story. The characters are fun and delightful and they were well developed. I liked that it was only loosely based on an existing fairy tale and branch out in interesting ways to create romance and drama. I get really bored with the same re-telling over and over and this was fresh and new.”

   

  

 

A knock sounded on the door. I bit back a sigh, both of impatience and relief. “Come in.”

I gasped as the door swung open, for it wasn’t Alaina who stood there but—“Aiden?”

He beamed, his eyes lighting up as they settled on my face. Warmth seeped over me to see him again after all these weeks, and my heart performed several cartwheels as he stared at me, his expression tender.

“Aiden!” I fell into his arms, burrowing myself against him.

He nestled against my hair. “It’s wonderful to see you. I admit I thought it’d be much longer before our paths crossed again, and I’m pleased that’s not the case.”

I tipped my head back to gape up at him. “Wait, what are you doing here?”

“An excellent question; one I was about to ask you. May I come in?”

I slowly nodded. He shut the door behind him, his eyes never once leaving my face. The shock of seeing him at the palace of all places slowly subsided and I tentatively smiled. “I can’t believe you’re here. I never thought I’d see you again.”

He returned my smile with a lopsided one of his own and my insides fluttered. “I promised we’d see each other again. How are you?”

I sighed. “I’m in a bit of a predicament.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Indeed. So you’re a secret princess keen on trying to persuade the prince to marry you?”

I pulled a face. “No, this is all some horrible misunderstanding.”

“Is it?” He folded his arms and leaned against my bedpost. “And how did a common girl end up in such a plight?”

I narrowed my eyes at him. A secret danced within his dark eyes, taunting me. “You don’t happen to know the answer, do you?”

He chuckled, and the warm sound I’d fiercely missed washed over me. “I do, actually.” His smile widened. “I’ve really missed you, Eileen. I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Why am I here?” I pressed my hands on my hips and glared at him, demanding he answer me.

He straightened and came over until he stood directly in front of me, enveloping me in his warmth and causing the strange sensations that only came from him to fill my heart. “It so happened I witnessed your unexpected arrival last night.”

“What are you even doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m a member of the court.”

My brow furrowed. “I don’t understand. How does your being a member of the court explain why I now find myself trapped here?”

“Because thanks to my position, it wasn’t difficult to convince the guards that you’re one of the princesses come here to woo the prince.” He winked.

I gaped at him, my heart pounding furiously. With each beat my insides burned, my anger searing and poisonous. “You told them what?”

He frowned. “I told the guards that you’re a princess.”

“You mean to tell me,” I hissed through gritted teeth, “that it’s your fault I’m tangled in this dangerous mess?”

Perplexity twisted his expression. “Mess? It’s an opportunity.”

“An opportunity for what, exactly? To be executed?”

He rolled his eyes. “Why so dramatic?”

My fists tightened. “If I’m caught posing as a royal, what do you think will happen? You think the royal family will merely have a good laugh before releasing me? No, they’ll send me to the gallows.” 

My blood chilled. I needed to escape. I stomped to the door, but Aiden blocked my exit.

Author Camille Peters

Camille Peters was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where she grew up surrounded by books. As a child, she spent every spare moment reading and writing her own stories on every scrap of paper she could find. Becoming an author was always more than a childhood dream; it was a certainty. Her love of writing grew alongside her as she took local writing classes in her teens, spent a year studying Creative Writing at the English University of Northampton, and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English and History. She’s now blessed to be a full-time author. When she’s not writing she’s thinking about writing, and when’s she’s not thinking about writing she’s…alright, she’s always thinking about writing, but she can also be found reading, playing board games with her family and friends, or taking long, bare-foot walks as she lives inside her imagination and brainstorms more tales. 

 

  

   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/14/19 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 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Upon My Haert Forever by Amber Lynn Perry

From the Timeless Romance Singles line comes the new novella UPON MY HEART FOREVER by Amber Lynn Perry!

Releases April 30th, 2019

Available for Pre-order!

Synopsis

Can three days be enough to mend two broken hearts?

When Clara Moore learns of her brother's unthinkable scheme--to take her to England and force her into a hasty marriage--she knows she must escape New York. But when she finds out who it is who has accepted the job to take her to Boston, she almost rethinks her own hurried plan. For the handsome man who comes to her aid is none other than Ethan Barrik--her former fiance. He left her heart in shambles six years before. Can she trust him a second time?

Ethan Barrik is no stranger to struggle. But tracking the enemy, and war-time spying is nothing to the pain of regret he has endured. Ready at least to leave everything behind, he accepts one last job for a friend, only the discover the person he's really helping is Clara Moore--the woman he still loves. Despite her ire, he knows he must make every attempt to make it right--and hope she will find a way to forgive him and give their love another chance.

#RomanceIsInTheAir - Author Elizabeth Johns, Sale & Giveaway

 

    

  

Surrender the Past 

After suffering a brutal attack at fourteen, Elinor Abbott avoided men, finding refuge in America until war sent her back to England's shores. Viscount Easton, wounded and sent home, falls for the unrefined beauty on the voyage home. Can Easton help her overcome her aversion to men? Can Elinor conquer her fears and give love a chance? 

Seasons of Change 

Cruel pranks motivated by jealousy spoil her betrothal and send Lady Beatrice Chalcroft, daughter of a Duke, into rustication at an orphanage in Scotland. Lord Vernon decides to move on and forgo love, until a chance meeting awakens his heart to Beatrice, but he isn't sure love is enough to overcome her shrewish ways. 

Seeking Redemption 

Lady Lydia Markham and Lord Nathaniel Fairmont find love in a whirlwind season, but a tragic incident caused by his wild behaviour force him to leave abruptly and join Wellington. He comes home and unexpectedly runs into Lady Lydia--but will secrets and war spell disaster for rekindling their romance? 

Shadows of Doubt

Gwendolyn Lambert's finds her life reduced to penury and homelessness after her father is killed in a duel, and her invalid mother dies. Her godmother, the Dowager Duchess of Loring, is determined to see Gwendolyn taken care of and restored to her rightful place, and schemes to bring her handsome grandson up to scratch as Gwendolyn's perfect love match. But will they be able to overcome being separated by oceans, storms, and the interference of scheming mamas? 

Second Chance 

The Dowager Duchess of Loring has a chance meeting with a flame from the past- Luca Faranese, Conte de Salerno- a man who was never able to forget the woman who stole his heart. Fate gives them a second chance, but will their love be enough to keep them together forever the second time around?

 

     

  

"Johns' wonderful,well-crafted characters come alive in this engaging series...These characters are well written and lovable and will keep readers turning the pages." -LibraryJournal 

"Elizabeth Johns' books have never disappointed. From the cover to the last page, these books are amazing. The stories are all well-written, and while they can stand alone, they are even more enjoyable with every additional book in the series." -K. Simpson 

"I had a hard time putting them down! I also love that she is so talented in redeeming characters into honorable and endearing heroes. Each story stands alone but I found myself leaving each one wanting to know more. She delivers in each book. I'm hooked and will hunt down everything Elizabeth Johns writes. Bravo!" -C. Miller

    

  

 

   

Author Elizabeth Johns 

National bestselling author Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen’s clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was “forced” to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing. Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.  

  

  

 

   

Giveaway Details $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/13/19 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 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway