Review: Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Evocative Contemporary Romance Set in a Charming Inn on Beautiful Prince Edward Island 

In her kitchen at the Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful. 

Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets.
When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart. 

Readers will discover hope for the hurting, joy for the broken, and romance for the lonely at the enchanting Red Door Inn.

My Review

So charming. I love the Red Door Inn and the great people in the community on PEI. We met Caden in the first book of the series as the bubbly and friendly baker that brightens Marie's day, so I was thrilled to see that the second book in the series featured her as the main character. There's a lot going on beneath that cheerful mask though- insecurity, vulnerability, and fear. I loved the layers to Caden's personality; even though she has struggles and often feels like a mess, she does have a quiet confidence and is accepting of herself and her flaws. Adam is dealing with some hard stuff, and in the Red Door Inn and Caden's friendship he finds a place to rest his spirit and a safe place to begin to sort things out. Adam is super friendly and appealing to Caden who has never really dated, but his charm didn't win her over so much as his persistence ;) There is great romantic tension that steadily builds and amazing special moments that Caden and Adam share. While this book can easily be read on its own, there is a subplot that is continued from the first book dealing with inn owner Marie and her father and their finances, and reading the books in order will give you a better sense of the history of the inn and Marie and Seth's characters.

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

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Check out the other books in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series...

Synopsis

Marie Carrington is running from a host of bad memories. Broke and desperate, she's hoping to find safety and sanctuary on Prince Edward Island, where she reluctantly agrees to help decorate a renovated bed-and-breakfast before it opens for prime tourist season.

Seth Sloane didn't move three thousand miles to work on his uncle's B&B so he could babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her. He came to help restore the old Victorian--and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart.
The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just three months will take everything they've got. Can these two wounded souls find hope, healing, and perhaps a bit of romance on this beautiful island?

Step into the Red Door Inn, a lovely home away from home tucked along the north shore of fabled Prince Edward Island. It's a place where the wounded come to heal, the broken find forgiveness, and the lonely find a family. Won't you stay for the season?

Synopsis

Fifteen years after she left Prince Edward Island, Natalie O'Ryan had no plans to return. But when her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose's Red Door Inn, she sets out to put the finishing touches on the perfect wedding. But she can't possibly prepare for a run-in with Justin Kane--the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.

Justin's never forgotten Natalie or the music career he always dreamed of pursuing. He'd been prepared to follow her off the island until his dad died and he was left to run the family dairy farm. He's done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him--but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he's been missing.

After Natalie's reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin's property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin discover the groundwork for forgiveness--and that there may be more than an old friendship between them. 

Spotlight & Giveaway: The Start of Us by Rachel John

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Blitz for

The Start of Us

By Rachel John

On SALE for 99¢ March 19th - 25th!

The Start of Us

(A Change in Plans #1)
by Rachel John

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 156 pages

November 10th 2017

When Corrie Windsor's roommate dies in a car accident, she leaves behind her four-year-old daughter, Ella. Corrie loves the little girl and hopes to adopt her, but instead, she’ll have to stand by while Ella’s uncle steps in to take custody. If things aren’t awkward enough, there’s a chemistry between them that neither wants to acknowledge.

Preston Ford can’t imagine instant parenthood, especially considering he just chickened out of proposing to his girlfriend. However, once he meets Ella, there’s no other choice. The time he spends with her and Corrie solidifies an alliance between the three of them, a plan to give Ella the stability she needs. But reality can sometimes turn the best of plans upside down.

With more than one heart hanging in the balance, how long can their platonic teamwork really last? Romance has never been this complicated.

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Excerpt

“Ask her to dance,” Ella prompted. Her big brown eyes, so much like April’s, shined up at him. Only her hair was different, a dark brown instead of April’s blonde.

“What?” Preston looked at the doll she was shaking in his face.

“Sprinkles wants to dance. You have to ask her to dance.”

Preston snuck a glance at Corrie, who was holding back silent laughter, and then in his best doll voice said, “Sprinkles, may I have this dance?”

The two dolls swayed together, and Preston felt like the world’s biggest idiot. But if this was what Ella wanted to do, that’s what they’d do. Whether he adopted her or not, he was still her uncle, and he wanted her to have good memories of him.

Loretta cleared her throat and stood up. “I’m going to go. Ya’ll keep getting acquainted. Preston, give me a call later and we’ll talk. Bye, Ella.”

Ella waved. “Bye, Miss Loretta.”

Corrie looked a little panicked to see the woman go. He couldn’t blame her. He’d been in the apartment for five minutes and now they were left alone together to figure things out. He needed to explain how long he was staying. When he’d thought about spending a week with Ella, taking the time to make a careful decision, he hadn’t even thought about the roommate tagging along. She was just this person offering temporary housing. Having met her, she seemed like someone a little more important to Ella than that.

He ran a hand through his hair. “Um, I can go whenever you need me to. I don’t want to make you feel like I won’t leave if you give me a gentle hint. Although I’m here for a week, and I’d like to come over every day. My flight is next Tuesday. I can change it though, if I need to.”

Corrie came over and sat on the couch next to where they were playing on the floor. He had to look away from her long legs perched at eye level. Corrie wasn’t model-gorgeous like Nicole, but she was pretty enough to make the room feel smaller when he looked at her. He liked the sprinkle of freckles across her little snub nose and her big green eyes. He mentally smacked himself. They had things to work out, and dumb guy hormones would only make that harder.

“Spend as much time with Ella as you need. Would you like to stay for dinner?”

“That would be great.” The thought of eating alone in a restaurant was not appealing.

Ella reached up and pulled on Corrie’s arm. “Play with us, Corrie. You can have Buttercup. She wants to dance with…um, what’s your name again?” Ella turned her questioning eyes to Preston.

“Preston,” he prompted.

“Dance with Preston,” Ella insisted.

Corrie sat next to them and gave Preston an amused look. “Okay, Ella, but only for a minute. Then maybe we should play something else.”

Preston bounced his doll back and forth next to Corrie’s, although his eyes were trained on the wall behind her. He could ham it up for Ella, but having Corrie playing along ramped up the embarrassment ten-fold. Somehow it reminded him of slow dancing with a girl for the first time at a seventh-grade dance. He hadn’t been able to make eye contact then either.

And just released & on SALE...

Better with You

(A Change in Plans #2)
by Rachel John

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 162 pages

March 11th 2018

Paige Parker has no time for romance. She’s too busy building up her house-flipping business. But when a charming guy comes between her and the house she wants, Paige is a little more torn than she expected. For a girl who’s always gone with her firm business sense, she’s not sure how to trust her heart.

When it comes to dating, Shaun Randall is not about to get serious with anyone. He has his mother to take care of and enough family secrets to keep him running from any girl who gets too close. Spending time with Paige starts out as a means to get the house he wants, but every time he thinks it’s time to bail, he finds himself drawn in a little more.

When is it worth taking a chance on love?

On SALE for 99¢ in ebook for a limited time!

Amazon

About the Author

Rachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter

Blitz Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends March 23rd

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Movie Spotlight: PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST #PaulMovie #FlyBy

In PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST, Luke risks his life to visit Paul, who is held captive in a Roman prison under Nero’s rule. Together, they struggle against a determined emperor and the frailties of the human spirit in order to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spread their message to the world.

Paul’s letters and writings were vital to the spreading of Christianity, and became a large part of the New Testament.  Our story focuses on how, despite persecution and peril, they shared Jesus’ message of love, redemption and forgiveness with a small community of believers who in turn, took it to the whole world.

Great pains were taken to maintain biblical accuracy.  Using scripture as the only reference, director Andrew Hyatt recreated the story of Paul on film, including the close relationship with Luke, whom at the end of Paul’s life, at his own peril, traveled in and out of the prison carrying Paul’s writings to the community of believers

In Theaters Nationwide the Week Before Easter-  Friday, March 23, 2018.

BUY TICKETS HERE


Check out more videos and behind-the-scenes here

The MPAA has rated the film PG-13 for some violent content and disturbing images

Running time is 1:47 min

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC, Collide Media Group and Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc. for providing tickets to see this movie on its release in exchange for this promotional post.  Opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.

Giveaway: VEINS OF GOLD by Charlie N. Holmberg

Synopsis

Desperate to save her siblings from poverty, a young woman discovers magic fueled by gold . . . and a love for the man who wields it.

Abandoned by their father for the gold rush, Gentry and her siblings labor to survive alone in the inhospitable west. When bizarre natural disasters begin wreaking havoc on the land, Gentry discovers a world of magic. Desperate for help, she accepts aid from a mysterious stranger.

Winn not only sees the magic, but controls its hunger by feeding it gold—the very thing Gentry’s father left to acquire. But the earth’s unrest only grows worse, and Gentry’s fear leads her to a terrible choice: marry a wealthy man she does not love, or trust in Winn’s unpredictable power to save her family.

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Spotlight & Giveaway: The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts

 

The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts 

A daughter escaping, a Navy SEAL sent to protect her, and the beautiful island that might prove more dangerous than her father. Ally, daughter of the Duke of Gunthry, has spent her life terrified of her father and dreams of the day when she can escape his tyrannical rule. When her mum helps her escape to the beautiful island of Kauai, Ally thinks she’s found paradise and maybe more with the handsome River who keeps crossing her path. But there are unexpected enemies lurking in the shadows. And no matter how tough River seems, no one can withstand the army her father will send when he discovers her location. River Duncan is part of an elite security task force of ex-Navy SEALS. Little does he know his first assignment might prove irresistible to resist and protect. When he finds himself falling for the fun-loving Ally he plans to resign his position so they can join forces in their common goal of fighting human trafficking. River has never underestimated the enemy before, but is he fully prepared to protect and love Alexandria Gunthry? Will River’s protection and Ally’s love be enough to conquer a lifetime of fear and responsibilities? Or will they be forced to give up on their dreams in the face of her sadistic and powerful father? 

   

Praise for The Protective Warrior 

I’ve read pretty much every Cami Checketts book, and I think this is my favorite of all time ever!

I absolutely love the way Cami Checketts is able to sweep me away to an exotic location, completely immersing me in the story. She always adds an element of suspense that keeps me on my toes and I was almost looking over my shoulder while hiking the lush trails of Kauai this afternoon.

It doesn’t get any better than this! An excellent read from start to finish! I love this book!

Outstanding! One of my all-time favorites!

The Protective Warrior is the perfect balance of sweet romance and on-your-toes suspense. I loved it!

   

Excerpt

They reached the pebbled area next to the waterfall, she gave him a mischievous glance and then dropped her backpack, turned, and ran straight into the pool. Diving into the water, she swam toward the waterfall. The force of the water drove her back away from it, splashing water into her face.
River stared. This girl was nuts. He would think she was fun if he wasn’t responsible for her safety.
“Come on, chum,” Ally hollered to him.
River blew out a breath, dropped his backpack, and peeled off his shirt. No reason to be completely wet when he got out.
Ally’s eyes swept over his chest as he walked toward her and she gave him a coy grin. This girl was trouble. No wonder her parents had been so willing to pay top dollar for River to protect her. Hopefully it was simply protecting her from herself. If there was a stalker or someone bent on hurting her, this innocent creature would be done for.
He stepped into the water and shivered. You’d think all water in Hawaii was warm, but it was February and the source was coming out of a mountain. Bracing himself, he dove in and swam quickly to Ally. The spray from the falls was strong. It stung his face, but he’d been born to be in the water and it didn’t bother him.
“Isn’t this the bee’s knees?” she asked, all childlike exuberance.
“Yeah.”
They treaded water next to the downpour from the waterfall for maybe half a minute; then she grinned and splashed some water at him before swimming away. She stopped and stood in water about waist deep. Water streamed down her smooth, tanned skin and her wet hair looked like gold. Her tank top clung to her chest and abdomen. She was far too beautiful and apparently clueless of that fact.
In a dozen strokes River was next to her and stood on the uneven boulders that made up the bottom of the pool.
She glanced up at the greenery surrounding them and the water cascading down. “It’s so … invigorating.”
She stuttered a step and River moved forward to steady her. The rocks were slippery and unstable. “You okay?”
“Yes. Thanks for sharing this with me! Cheers!” She threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips. Her lithe body was warm against his chest and her lips were soft and seemed to mold perfectly to his. She pulled back, laughed, and dove under the water like some sea nymph.
River sat there, stunned. That kiss had been sweet and innocent yet warmed him all the way to his bones. She couldn’t really act like this with every guy she’d met; she wouldn’t have any of the innocence left that leapt from her bright blue eyes. Didn’t she realize how dangerous this was? Being alone with some guy she didn’t know was one thing, but flinging herself at him and kissing him?
Now where was she? He glanced around the small pool. Had the waterfall gotten a hold of her and pummeled her against the rocks?
He was coiling to dive in after her when she surfaced and wiped the water off of her face. “Isn’t this fun?”
River couldn’t take it any longer. He pushed through the water, grabbed her arm, and hauled her back onto dry ground.
“Are you daft?” she asked, her eyes finally wide with fear. Maybe there was an ounce of sense in that pretty head. “Let me go!”
River released her arm, but he stayed right in her face. “Are you completely insane?”

     

Author Cami Checketts 

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing. 

Website * Instagram * Facebook

   

Nani Swimsuit Giveaway 

To celebrate the release of The Protective One we are giving away an adorable Nani Swimsuit of your choice ($80 value). Enter to win below.  

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Whitcomb Springs series

      

Welcome to Whitcomb Springs! This is a collection of short stories, and the occasional novella, written by multiple authors. The series is filled with stories of adventure, danger, romance, and hope, and is set in the fictional town of Whitcomb Springs, Montana Territory. The stories span the years of 1865-1885. Although each story may be set during a different time, they are stand-alone and may be read in any order. While the first stories will publish on March 15, 2018, this is an on-going project, so new stories may be published at any time by one of the participating authors. For a complete listing of all currently available and upcoming Whitcomb Springs stories, visit http://www.mkmcclintock.com/whitcomb-springs-series.  

 

 

“WHITCOMB SPRINGS” BY MK MCCLINTOCK 

In the spring of 1865, a letter arrives in Whitcomb Springs for Evelyn Whitcomb. The Civil War has ended and the whereabouts of her husband is unknown, but she doesn’t give up hope. With courage, the help of a friend, and the love of a people, Evelyn finds a way to face—and endure—the unexpected. “Whitcomb Springs” is the introductory, stand-alone short story of the Whitcomb Springs series set in post-Civil War Montana. 

   

Excerpt from “Whitcomb Springs”  

Whitcomb Springs, Montana Territory—April 25, 1865 

The letter fluttered to the table. Evelyn stared at the sheet of paper but could no longer make out the words as they blurred together. Surrender. She prayed this day would come, they all had, and after four tortuous years, the war was finally over.

There would be more capitulation on the part of the South, and too many families who would never see their men again . . . but it was over.

Separated, yet not untouched, from conflict, Evelyn Whitcomb lived in the same town her husband and their two friends founded one year before news of the Civil War reached them. By way of her sister, who lived in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania with their parents, they were kept informed as often as Abigail could get a letter through. Evelyn often wondered if she should have returned to Rose Valley to help with the war effort, much as her sister Abigail had done, yet she found the needs of Whitcomb Springs to be vast as the town continued to grow.

Many men and boys left, leaving their wives, mothers, and sisters behind to fight for a cause they didn’t fully understand, yet still felt it their duty to serve. Others remained behind to continue working in the mine and watch over those families with or without kin.
Evelyn read over Abigail’s letter once more, letting the words settle into her mind, for even now she struggled to believe it was over—that her husband might return home.

Dearest Evelyn,

For too many years now I have shared with you the horrors and travesties befallen many of the young men with whom we spent our childhood. News has reached us that on the ninth of April, Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse. Oh, sister, I dared not believe it was true when Papa brought home the news. He tells us not to become overly excited for there will surely be a few more battles waged until the news reaches both sides, but we can thank God that this war is officially over.

Your news of Daniel’s disappearance has weighed heavy on my mind these past months since we heard, and Papa has attempted to learn of his whereabouts, to no avail. We have not given up! There is much confusion right now on both sides and Papa said it could be weeks or months more before the men return home. Do not lose faith, sweet Evie.

Your most loving sister,
Abigail

 

Author MK McClintock 

MK MCCLINTOCK is an award-winning author of historical romance and westerns, who has written several books and short stories, including the popular "Montana Gallagher" series, the "Crooked Creek" series, and the "British Agent" series. She continues the search for a time machine that can transport her to nineteenth-century Montana or Scotland—either works. MK enjoys a quiet life in the Rocky Mountains where she spins tales of romance, adventure, and mystery set in bygone times. 

Website & Blog * Amazon * Facebook * Twitter

   

“HEALING FIRE” BY SAMANTHA ST. CLAIRE 

After the death of Nora Hewitt's husband, the citizens of Whitcomb Springs didn't see odds favoring the young widow for holding onto the ranch with only her ten-year-old son to assist. That changes when a gentle giant of a man offers a helping hand. Motivated by compassion and his own grieving heart, the blacksmith becomes a mentor for the troubled boy and befriends the attractive widow, scandalizing the town gossips. Propriety is wielded like a weapon to separate them, but Providence makes its own plans through fire, loss and redemption. 

 

Excerpt from “Healing Fire” 

Sawdust floated into drifts beneath the workbench, swirling in the cold Montana morning air. His breath a thin fog, Dominik Andris sang to himself as he ran his palm down the length of the cedar plank. Deep and resonant, the Austrian’s voice might have suited his appearance had it not been for its soft timbre. Broad-shouldered, square-jawed, and generally solemn in bearing, most people avoided him except when his skills as a blacksmith or undertaker were required.

Today, someone had need of him as the latter. A rectangular box stood propped against the back wall. Nearly complete, the box lid before him was carved in designs more suitable for a cradle. Dominik picked up a carving knife, dwarfed in his hands, and bent to correct a curve on the delicate vine tracing its way from one end of the lid to the other. He ran his fingers along its length, testing for burrs in the grain. His humming ceased and a line formed between his brows, a frown not directed to his work but to the reason for it.

As he straightened, he rubbed at the back of his neck and a little groan escaped his lips. He took a sip of cold coffee before crossing the workshop to the back wall where he picked up the box in one hand. The weight of it or the absence of weight, struck a painful chord. Just four feet in length, it was enough. Enough to hold the body of the child, the woman’s child.

 

 

Author Samantha St. Claire 

SAMANTHA ST. CLAIRE was born in 2016, the alter-ego and pen name of an author of historical fiction born a few decades earlier. She may have found her niche in western historical fiction, served up sweet. Never faint of heart, her signature protagonists face the hazards of the frontier with courage, wit, and a healthy pinch of humor. 

Website & Blog * Amazon * Facebook

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 4/8/18 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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