Canoodling Up North by Shawn M. Verdoni

 

Summer is about to close, but the romance doesn't have to end! Welcome to the blog tour for Canoodling Up North by Shawn M. Verdoni. I have an excerpt for you to enjoy to day. And then you need to be sure to follow the tour so that you can read even more! Leave comments and questions along the way and then enter to win a $25 Amazon/BN gift card!

At first glance, Damon MacGregor is living his best life as a bachelor and veterinarian in rural Wisconsin. That is until a wounded crane and an enchanted stranger bring his house-of-cards life crashing down. Not exactly where she expected to be at this time in her life, Catrina “Cat” Carneri has left her dreams in Montana to move back to her hometown where she is nursing a broken heart and working for an ungrateful boss.

A chance encounter at a wildlife rescue changes everything. Cat’s calm and organized demeanor impresses Damon. However, it is how her hair reminds him of autumn and is complimented by her curvaceous figure that beckons him to pull Cat into his arms, claiming her as his own. Damon’s compassion and gregarious personality intrigues Cat. Yet it is his cobalt blue eyes that first capture her heart; so infinite in their depth, she knows the moment he touches her, he takes a hold of her soul.

Soon after forging their passionate bond, a secret from Cat’s past has her facing a difficult decision. If she tells Damon the truth, he may leave or give her the chance to rebuild his trust. If she keeps the secret and Damon finds out, he will leave her forever.

Canoodling Up North is a love story about building fulfilling relationships; fostered in traditional values, confronted by modern complex challenges, while being nurtured by Wisconsin’s natural, cultural, and spiritual beauty.

Read an excerpt:

Damon MacGregor was the kind of man people noticed. Towering at 6-feet 6-inches with a shock of red shaggy hair that melded into a closely trimmed beard and mustache, it was easy to see that he would stand out in a crowd. It also helped that his preference of clothing made him look like a lumberjack most of the time; jeans, brown work boots, and a plaid cotton shirt during spring and summer switched to flannel in the fall and winter. Damon took up space when he entered a room because of his broad shoulders and muscular thighs that showed through his jeans. He didn’t deliberately wear tight jeans; it was just that he always found it difficult to find jeans long and wide enough to fit his build, and he wasn’t about to spend an obscene amount of money on clothes that he could easily buy at a big box store.

As much as his appearance screamed, “Notice me!!!” he had other features that were just as intoxicating. Against his creamy white skin and shocking red hair, his ice-blue eyes were striking. A person could look at them and feel like they were looking out into an immense ocean, the color so crystal clear that you could see to the bottom. Just above his beard line lay another surprise. When Damon smiled or laughed, twin dimples appeared in his apple cheeks.

With her eyes still closed, Cat tried to clear her head. However, being a firstborn child, that was hard to do. Always trying to pay attention to the details, always trying to be the best, always trying to be perfect took a toll on her in more ways than one. At least she granted herself this moment to not do anything or be there for anyone else. This was her time and her time alone. She deserved it. She deserved to not do anything at all. Though she was no longer a kid, in Marshall’s eyes she would always be one, and therefore the one and only rule for Loon Lake, “kids rule,” was guaranteed to Cat if she came to the cabin to visit.

After her sun-kissed meditation, Cat squinted her eyes open and looked at the sky. If she had to guess, it was getting close to dinnertime. She felt something prickly on her leg and looked down. A pale-blue dragonfly with black wings had landed on her thigh. For such a beautiful creature, she was surprised at how coarse their legs felt on her skin. Cat smiled, noticing how the dragonfly’s coloring matched her swimsuit. She wondered if the suit attracted it to her. Since no one was around, Cat talked to the dragonfly as if it could understand her. “Hello, Mr. Dragonfly! I want to thank you for eating up the mosquitoes up here.

Book Links

Amazon US / Amazon CA / BN / Google Play 

Shawn M. Verdoni is the author of Canoodling Up North: Book One, Canoodling Out West: Book Two, and is working on her third book. She attended UW Whitewater for her degree in secondary education and is currently attending MSOE to complete her Master’s in Business Administration. Her best days are spent with her husband, two children and two dogs just hanging out. She loves living in Wisconsin, especially in fall when you can find her in a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard collecting tart baking apples for her famous crumble crust apple pie.

Web site: http://shawnverdoni.com/

Shawn M. Verdoni will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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The Battle Between Honesty & Deception: A Grand Debate by Herman Kagan, Ph.D

 

Whether we like it or not, deception is something we have to deal with almost every day. We are bombarded with advertisements for great deals, but the catch is always in the fine print. Deception has become a norm but does that mean honesty has ceased to exist?

The Battle Between Honesty and Deception takes a look at honesty versus deception by delving deeper into research done by professionals in the scientific and medical fields. Written in a conversational style, two people go head to head in a discussion to prove which is more prevalent in society today.

Who will win the final battle?

Buy on Amazon

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About the author:

Herman Kagan is a retired California licensed clinical psychologist, who specialized in treating abused children and their families. He worked for a private psychiatric hospital, the California Youth Authority and the Mental Health division of Ventura County. He has a Ph.D. from The University of Arizona in Tucson and taught classes at The University of California in Santa Barbara. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Meddlesome Madge (Mail Order Brides Rescue Series 11) by Jo Grafford

  

A small-town spinster more concerned about the happiness of others than her own and a highly eligible bachelor determined to change her mind...

Madge Barra has a finger in every pie — managing her rascal half-brothers and their mail-order brides, feeding the diamond mining crew at Hope’s Landing, and helping fundraise for the Ladies Auxiliary. Now she’s being asked to serve as the church secretary until their handsome new pastor can hire full-time help. With her too-busy schedule spinning her straight for spinsterhood, Madge fears she’s long since missed her chance at love.

Abe Sullivan is at his wits’ end managing church renovations while juggling the never-ending charity outreaches, Sunday potlucks, and other demands of the meddling Ladies Auxiliary. When they dish up the delectable Madge as his temporary secretary, however, he discovers there’s one woman in the world whose meddling he actually enjoys. Unfortunately, Madge makes it clear she’s far too busy to make time for him on her personal calendar.

He enlists the help of a local matchmaker in his quest to convince her to court him and accidentally stirs up a whole new level of bridal nerves, mishaps, and mayhem!

Available on Amazon

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Find more of Jo Grafford's books here.

Jo is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance stories with humor, heart, and happily-ever-afters.

Readers can connect with her in Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CuppaJoReaders and Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit JoGrafford.com.

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

A Story of Bad by Edward M. Krauss

A Murder Mystery... A Romance... Intertwined

Mystery, Romantic Mystery

Publisher: Global Authors Publications

 

A Story Of Bad features a woman and a man, both intelligent with strong personalities.

She is June Replyn, a city reporter working the business side of the fashion world. June is asked to write a story about how a small company, a clothing factory, survives the death - by murder - of its inspirational leader.

He is Detective Terry Stans. Reviewing clues and interviews, Detective Stans comes away with the impression that the dead man knew his assailant, and his dedicated workers and bereaved family are all prospective suspects.

One day June is at the clothing factory gathering additional material, and Terry is there, continuing his investigation. The detective is stuck. The case is going nowhere, and he believes that the fashion writer has a better view of the inside workings of the company than he has been afforded. Hoping that fresh eyes will see something he hasn’t, he obtains a promise from her that nothing will be printed without his permission, then he invites her to come to his precinct station and review the file. Not long after, he invites her to dinner at his favorite ribs joint.

This novel is about a reporter and a detective, both asking questions about a murder - although from different perspectives - who become ensnared in a romance. Their relationship raises questions about confidentiality, loyalty to one’s employer, professional ethics; she is trying to write a story for her readers, he is trying to keep control of an investigation. Both of their bosses caution them about the dangers to their careers raised by this situation. And there they are, lovers.

The tale is designed to intrigue with two intertwining stories, the mystery of the murder and the unexpected love affair. As the relationship grows and the mystery is solved we visit the worlds of Cambodian employees in America, police investigations, newspapers and their editorial policies, and drug smuggling.

There is no graphic violence or sex in the novel.

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

In this excerpt June Replyn is interviewing two sisters, Cambodians, about a cousin and co-worker who was murdered in front of them. Because their English is quite limited, June has brought along Salath Doeung (Sal), a college student born in  New York to Khmer-speaking parents.

 

            The four sat in silence for a moment, sipping the hot green tea, eating the sweet, wonderful dessert, and then the conversation began again. June wrote some clarifying comments next to the notes she had hastily written as he was speaking. She took her time, her head down, not wanting to convey the least impatience. Silence, and she glanced up to see him writing. Then he said something else and the cousin’s smiles disappeared. They paused, and then in lowered voices began to speak. June felt like screaming, she wanted simultaneous translation. What were they saying? But she waited, waited. Finally they paused, and he turned back to her.

            “Two things. The first is that she had done a little dating here but no boyfriends, and she liked it that way, she thinks it isn’t easy to be a married woman with little kids here, not if you don’t speak English. Like I said before, she really wanted to go home, planned on it, and pretty much was at work or here or a local restaurant, not out late, no mysteries. As far as your guess, the one you mentioned in the car, I think your impression is right, correct.”

            June, head down, nodded slightly as she wrote.

            “Second, someone at work, guy who unloads boxes and helps the cutter, assistant cutter I guess, had a fight with her about some boxes or materials or something. Something at work. They don’t know what it was about because Rith didn’t want to talk about it, most unusual, she liked to gossip. They had a fight, and after that she avoided him.”

            “Avoided scared or avoided mad at?”

            He turned back and there was a brief flurry of Khmer.

            “Scared, but she didn’t want to talk about it.”

            “Did they tell the police about this, and if so, why not?”

            Even as she said it she realized her mistake; anyone living here, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, knows the word ‘police’ no matter what their language background or skills. The sisters visibly tensed.

            He started to turn, but she stopped him.

            “Wait, I just made a stupid error, they recognized the p-word and they’re already on guard. I really want to know the answers, hope you can fix things.”

            He winked at her, a youthful show of confidence, and turned back to the two young women, who now sat holding their tea cups tightly in their laps, their backs straight. He spoke for some time, they both listening intently, occasionally glancing at June. Then he stopped, and no one spoke for almost a minute. Then Sopheara Moeun softly began to speak, said only a few words and her sister spoke sharply to her. Sopheara responded in a raised voice, Sopharath responded loudly, and suddenly both were standing on their feet, noses inches apart, screaming at each other. In the midst of this June noted that they carefully placed the teacups back on the tray, a gentle, delicate gesture while they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly Sopharath whirled and looked at June with a startling combination of fear and anger, tears starting to run, and held out both hands, palms up, pleading, and said “You all make dead.” Her right hand changed, index finger pointing, and pointed at herself and her sister, back and forth, pointing at each several times. “You all make dead, you all make dead.” She ran from the room.

            June wasn’t sure what to do next, so she did nothing. She lowered her eyes, giving up any control, trusting that her interpreter, who had done so well so far, would know what to do.

            He said something softly, and Sopheara sat down again. He paused, then turned to June. “They do know something, they may even know who did it. They are, as you can see, scared. They didn’t say anything to the police for that reason, but now Sopheara feels that she has to make it right, has to help the Americans...I mean, the government, punish him.”

            June took her time, spoke slowly and gently, nodding at Sopheara Moeun, trying to be positive, reassuring, conveying not only through the words to be translated but with her demeanor and tone of voice. “Please tell her this. First, she is doing the right thing, honoring her cousin’s memory, and that she is very brave. Second, I have.. friends... in the police department, and I promise her that they will be very careful, move cautiously, and not do anything that will.... No, that doesn’t work. Sorry. Say this, say that I will explain the situation and ask the police to be very careful.”

            The Khmer began again, both speaking in soft voices for a short time. Then Sal leaned forward and gently patted Sopheara on the shoulder, looked her in the eyes and said something. She smiled shyly, got up and started to leave the room. She stopped in front of June and, while looking at her, said something in Khmer. Salath Doeung translated “I hope you are the one who wins.” Then she was gone.

 

About the Author

Edward M. Krauss is the author of A Story Of Bad; Solomon The Accountant (a gentle love story set in a middle-class Jewish community in Toledo, Ohio in 1950); Here On Moon (betrayal, divorce, recovery).

 

Contact Link

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Purchase Links

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Review of Cooking For Ghosts (Secret Spice Cafe) by Patricia V. Davis

 

A couple of weeks ago, I featured The Secret Spice Cafe trilogy here on Andi's Book Reviews and told you that I would be reviewing the first book soon. Today I'm sharing my thoughts with you. I was pleasantly surprised! You can also see an excerpt and then even more thoughts if you follow the tour. Be sure to let the author know what you think. And best of luck entering the giveaway!

Do hearts broken long ago forever leave a tangible trace?

A Vegas cocktail waitress. An Indian herbalist. A British chemistry professor. An Italian-American widow. Four unique women with one thing in common: each is haunted by a tragedy from her past.

Cynthia, Rohini, Jane, and Angela meet on a food blogging site and bond over recipes. They decide on impulse to open The Secret Spice, an elegant café on the magnificent ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary, currently a floating hotel in Long Beach, California. Rich in history and tales of supernatural occurrences, the ship hides her own dark secrets.

The women are surrounded by ghosts long before they step aboard, but once they do, nothing is quite what it seems. Not the people they meet, not their brooding chef's mystic recipes, and not the Queen Mary herself. Yet the spirits they encounter help them discover that there's always a chance to live, as long as one is alive.

An Official Pulpwood Queens Book Club Selection, and read by Ann Marie Gideon, COOKING FOR GHOSTS is an unforgettable tale of love, redemption, and divine female power.

Read an excerpt:

Unconcerned with what her business partners were up to, Rohini was giggling with excitement. Hugging herself, she whirled in circles, then flung her arms up over her head and collapsed back in dizzy elation onto the enormous bed in the glorious stateroom. Everything was glorious. She was here. This was her room. The Secret Spice was, in part, her restaurant.

Hers.

And when she’d first seen the Queen from the back seat of Cynthia’s preposterous little car, she knew she was headed to exactly where she should be. She couldn’t stop smiling, until, abruptly, a lump formed in her throat and her eyes misted with tears.

“I made it, Zahir,” she whispered. “I made it.”

She sobered as she thought of him, of all he’d done for her, and all that she might still need to do on her own.

But that wasn’t for today. Today was for celebration and thankfulness. Getting up from the bed, she opened her case, pulled out all the little plastic sacks of spices and herbs she’d packed, and sighed with relief. Not a one had opened or torn. Even so, she could smell their pungent bouquet right through the protective wrappings. Rauvolfia, Serpentina, Jaiphal, Javitri, Khus Khus, Ashwagandha and more — why did cinnamon always smell the strongest? There were dozens of varieties that she’d stuffed inside shirt sleeves and trouser legs and white cotton gym socks, just like a drug dealer might hide a stash. The TSA had missed them completely. They’d even affixed a sticker to the top of her bag: “Checked by Homeland Security.”

Giggling again at that, Rohini placed all the smaller sacks into a large white bag she’d found in the wardrobe. The bag had a price list for various laundry services printed on it. With that mission accomplished, she took her treasures downstairs to the kitchen.

But she wasn’t two steps in before she stopped stock still and remained right where she was, listening.

“Oh, my,” she murmured to herself. “Oh, my, my, my.”

Now she understood why she’d felt that the ship had summoned her. To anyone else who might peek in, the kitchen appeared silent and empty. But not to Rohini. She could hear the walls sighing.

Gradually, she walked further inside, and the sighs turned to whispers. She stood still, breathing cautiously, waiting, watching. In unison, the stainless steel cooking utensils dangling from the long, narrow cylinders that were screwed to the walls began to sway, soundlessly. The copper pots that hung from the ceiling over the two spanking-new ovens and eight burner stoves began to twirl, gracefully. Every inanimate object in the room that wasn’t bolted down was waltzing eerily, on its own. To Rohini, the dance seemed sad rather than ghoulish.

Walking quietly, listening carefully, she followed the hushed sounds as they moved along the walls, leading her back to the scullery. As she approached, an ancient, enormous, floor-to-ceiling freezer blew out a puff of ice cold air as its door swung wide open as though it were greeting her, then gently clicked closed again.

Unafraid, Rohini observed it all. Still clinging to the laundry bag filled with her precious sacks of spice, s she turned in a full circle, leisurely, so as not to miss any of it. After a while, she set the bag down on one of the gleaming stainless steel work tables. Bending into a full and formal curtsy, she spoke aloud.

“It is my great honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”

Buy on Amazon

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**My thoughts**

I wasn't sure what to expect from this story at all. And I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to be so delighted with the author's debut novel.

I admit that I did not like any of the characters at the beginning. But you know that all four of them are coming from difficult pasts and are starting their lives over again. There's hope for them as they start to heal and share about their pasts, which are somewhat of a mystery to each other and slowly come to light. As we learn more about each of them, we understand their quirks and can forgive them.

And there are all of the other characters who bring out the more likable sides of the characters - the daughter, the other employees. But most importantly is the main character, the

 ship. The Queen Mary. She is full of more secrets than these four friends who have taken on a restaurant onboard. She slowly reveals some of them, while also being very protective of her new tenants. I think I like her the best of all.

This book has so much going on - friendship, second chance romance, coming of age, magic, psychic powers, mystery, suspense, paranormal, ghostly encounters, history, and more. But all of these different cogs work together seamlessly to tell a fascinating story that keeps you turning the pages all evening until you are done. Strong storytelling makes every scene clearly play out in your mind, almost as if you are watching a movie at the same time. I think this would make for a great movie or miniseries. 

A bonus is that several of the stories are based in fact. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end, but only after you have read the whole book.

I'm now curious about the rest of the series.

Thank you to the author and to Goddess Fish for supplying me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

PATRICIA V. DAVIS's debut novel series, THE SECRET SPICE CAFE, is comprised of three books: COOKING FOR GHOSTS (2016) SPELLS AND OREGANO (2017) and DEMONS, WELL-SEASONED. (2019) The audio books will be released in 2020 by Tantor Media, and narrated by Ann Marie Gideon. Patricia lives with her husband, who is both a poker player and a rice farmer, so she divides her time between southern Nevada and northern California. Say hello to Patricia at her author website: www.TheSecretSpice.com


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpatriciavdavis/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patriciaVdavis

TikTok: @patriciavdavis

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_V._Davis

Patricia V. Davis will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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The Billionaire's Birthday Surprise (Billionaire Birthday Club) by Jenna Brandt

 

Samuel Butler is a billionaire celebrity chef, equally known for his playboy ways as he is for his Irish gourmet cooking. When a close friend encourages him to use his next birthday adventure to find something deeper, he’s not sure if he’s ready to stop giving in to life’s pleasures.

Vanessa Lewis is staying on the Billionaire Birthday Club’s private island to celebrate her sister’s extravagant birthday. When she runs into Samuel Butler, the charming hunk she shared a passionate kiss with on New Year’s Eve two years earlier, she wants nothing to do with the man who could so easily forget her. Fate intervenes, however, when the sisters are invited to join a private party for the very man she wants to avoid.

Will Samuel’s birthday surprise be more than he bargained for? Can Vanessa trust Samuel to change? And what happens when their new relationship is tested in more ways than one?

Available on Amazon

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Find more of Jenna's books on Amazon here.

Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement as well as Border Brides and Playing for Keeps. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association. 

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.

To find out more about Jenna, to sign-up for her newsletter, or to purchase her books, visit her website at http://www.jennabrandt.com

Jenna’s Joyful Page Turners Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/844819802336835/

Heroes and Hunks Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430422374043418/

Her books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1497269877&sr=8-1

Like her on Facebook www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

Follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt

Stalk her on Instagram www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

Pin her on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter

Look her up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

Check her out on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenna-brandt

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Review of I Do...Again by Nancy Fraser

  

"I Do...Again" is a short story by Nancy Fraser that is featured in the multi-author anthology Last Chance Beach: Summer's End. I had the opportunity to review this short story and am sharing my thoughts with you today. You can also read an excerpt and then buy the anthology for just 99 cents! I can't wait to check out the other stories inside it. Be sure to follow the tour for even more and of course, best of luck entering the giveaway at the end!

LAST CHANCE BEACH is the island paradise where dreams go to live again and wishes may come true. It’s Summer’s End on the island, and the cottages, condos, hotels, and bungalows are filled to capacity.

There’s still plenty of time to find summer fun and summer love, new romances and second chances; hot alpha males and heartwarming heroes, beach bunnies, dudes, and romance popping up when you least expect it.

Throw a log on the beach bonfire tonight and celebrate LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer’s End, a special collection of 14 short stories from bestselling authors—all new, never published before—that will thrill the hopeful romantic in you. Some stories are sweet; some are sizzling hot. All will touch your heart and make you want to book a vacation to LAST CHANCE BEACH!

Hot August Night by Joan Reeves, NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Can a chef and a hot dog loving cop resist desire when they’re forced to share the same overbooked beach cottage?

Something New by Liz Flaherty, USA Today Bestselling Author
Their lives are all planned out--until they're not.

I Do…Again by Nancy Fraser, Amazon Top 100 Author
Thirty-five years earlier, Lily Abbott and Mitch Colby exchanged wedding vows in a quaint ceremony attended by a small crowd consisting of four Micronauts, a one-eyed pet rock, two special-edition Barbies, and an assortment of stuffed animals. Officiated by Stretch Armstrong, it was the social event of their 8th summer.

Lily never forgot the childhood ceremony. Or the fact her best friend and first love had left her behind and relocated to Boston to pursue an expensive education. Now a divorcee, with college-bound twin daughters, Lily’s moved on and put the foolishness of first crushes and the childish dream of true love behind her.

At eighteen, Mitch had never wanted the expensive education his father mapped out for him. He’d have been perfectly happy to stay in Summerville, marry the love of his life, and settle down. However, when push came to shove, he’d not wanted to upset his ailing mother, and had left everything...and everyone...that he’d wanted behind.

The 25th reunion of the graduating class of Summerville High has brought Lily and Mitch back together at The Sands, a seaside resort on Last Chance Beach. Will one weekend together be enough? Or, is there a possibility for more?

The Man in Gull Cottage by Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Top 100 Author
Will the solution to her dilemma drive them apart or into one another's arms?

That One Summer by Maddie James, Amazon Top 100 Author
He's the one who got away. She's the one who couldn't commit.

Romancing the Spouse by Jan Scarbrough, Amazon Bestselling Author
Can she turn back the clock to save her marriage?

Blue Sky Summer by Kathleen Lawless, Amazon Bestselling Author
Of all the beaches on the coast, who does she see again? Him!

Hangover Husband by Bonnie Edwards, Amazon Bestselling Author
What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there.

One Last Shot by Marcia King-Gamble, National Bestselling Author
She can run, but can she hide? Will love still find her?

Secondhand Hearts by Kathryn Hills, Award Winning Author
Life takes you down many winding paths. Will theirs lead to love on Last Chance Beach?

Paradise Perfume by Connie Vines, Award Winning Author
Fragrance and love cannot be hidden.

Dreams of the Past by Laura Hunsaker, Award Winning Author
Can dreams of the future erase her nightmares of the past?

Beach Kisses & Sunset Wishes by Nora LeDuc
She wants someone interested in a fling. He wants someone interested in a ring.

Can't Buy Me Love by Hannah Rowan
Things aren't always what they seem.

Read an excerpt from "I Do...Again"

The soles of her sandals skittering across the wet surface, Lily Abbott landed on the weather-worn dock with a loud thump, her backside slapping against the damp slats in the same way a fish flops around on the ground after being pulled from the lake.

So much for a graceful entry.

She glanced from side-to-side, wondering if any of her former classmates had seen her awkward faux pas. Gracie Potts and Shep Warren stood off to the side, more engrossed in each other than those around them. Ellie Cabot was stoking the campfire, poking at it with angry jabs and then letting loose a string of curse words when the embers jabbed back.

At least half of the varsity football team were huddled around two well-stocked coolers, chugging beers and laughing about past victories.

Off in the distance, laughter, mixed with strains of Meatloaf’s I’d Do Anything for Love, floated across the warm night air from the hotel’s patio. Nostalgic music from their senior year...as if time could be turned back, memories either revived or erased.

Buy for 99 cents on Amazon!

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**My thoughts**

I've been reading a lot of second chance romances lately, so that was part of the reason this story caught my eye. And then it also takes place during their 25th high school reunion. Mine was supposed to be this year, until COVID, so that appealed to me. Of course, I have no interest in trying to rekindle anything with anyone I dated during those days!

Lily and Mitch had grown up together, were best friends, and were madly in love with each other, but then life happened. Neither one forgot about the other. And when you have that kind of a past together, you just know that you're going to be able to pick up almost where you left off. And honestly, the time likely wasn't right the first time around, so you know this time is going to work.

I usually prefer stories like this to be in a longer novel format, but this one worked well just the way it was. I enjoyed reading it and it did make me a little nostalgic for the past. 

I'm looking forward to reading other stories in this collection!

Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published thirty-one books in full-length, novella, and short format.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

Media:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor 

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

Nancy Fraser will be awarding $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Bridge Home (Back to Bluestone River #3) by Virginia McCullough Book Tour Grand Finale

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops, you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

. . . Even more than A FAMILY FOR JASON and THE CHRISTMAS KISS, A BRIDGE HOME is a multigenerational story about the longing for home, family, and love that will last. Maybe at its heart, Amy and Eric’s story is about the power of believing in ourselves and each other. Be sure to enter the drawing!

—Virginia

Christy's Cozy Corners - Excerpt

Amy smiled and exhaled. She’d been holding her breath and didn’t even know it. “I trust you, Eric. My reluctance to open up is about me.” She let out a nervous snicker. “Who wants to talk about their failures?”

He didn’t respond in words, but gave her an understanding look.

Jorie Loves A Story - Review

"Everything was percolating so well in this installment - from how the community was rallying together to discuss their future plans for development and to how Amy needed to find her footing in her choices to return to Bluestone River. Even Eric was at a crossroads in his life wherein he needed to sort through what was motivating him and the choices he needed to be making. . . This is a story about choices and owning them once they are made as everyone needs a boost of confidence at different junctions of their lives. . . . What keeps you rooted in the series is the familiar way in which McCullough makes you feel like you've gone home yourself - Back to Bluestone River!"

My Life Loves and Passion - Excerpt

“So smart to wear sunglasses on this bright, sunny day,” Amy said, taking a final picture of Eric and Cassie looking triumphant standing with the snow lady between them. She sent a couple of her best photos to Eric’s phone. “Her crossed legs and shoes make her very special, Cassie.”

“I love her,” Cassie exclaimed, clapping her hands and jumping up and down. “She’s Miss Sparkle, the best snow lady ever.”

Remembrancy - Review

". . . the romance is engaging. What really makes this series enjoyable is the way the town is coming together to re-energize their home and bring visitors in. From the covered bridge to the charity bike ride to the Fourth of July parade, something is always being cooked up, and you can’t help but feel the excitement and energy."

Books and Zebras - Review

"Virginia McCullough wraps up her Back To Bluestone River series with A Bridge Home: A Clean Romance. This book is part of the Heartwarming collection from Harlequin. If you are a fan of books one and two, you will not be disappointed with book three. . . . I found the story charming, witty, entertaining and compelling enough to have substance without being heavy. It's the right balance of serious and humorous together with likeable characters that make A Bridge Home an excellent read. And, it's a clean story, which are hard to find these days. Romance readers will enjoy this book!"

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"This is a familiar scenario of life in a small town. Many of the youth are anxious to leave, yet often, it is the place they return to. . . . This is a wonderful small town story with typical small town dilemmas. It is a relaxing drama with a few "twists"."

Nicole's Book Musings - Review

"I love this series. Full of make you televised stories. There is plenty of heart and feels. At times this book will hit you in the heart and get a little teary. . . . I loved Eric and Amy. Eric finally gets his chance, but he has to be patient and weather the little storms that come their way."

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

“That’s me and Miss Sparkle at the Snowball Fair,” Cassie said. “Remember, we got the Special Mention ribbon and we had burgers and fries.”

“Oh, I do recall that day. As a matter of fact, I have the same picture on my fridge.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. And I also remember you and your mom feeding an apple to one of the horses.”

Splashes of Joy - Review

"This small town was special in the way they pulled together to save their heritage. A town I would love to live in. . . . . There is so much more going on in this story and author Virginia McCullough does an amazing job of weaving it all together to make A Bridge Home the Heartwarming story it is. If you enjoy a good clean Romance, I am sure you will love this one. And check out the other books in this series by Virginia McCullough. They are the same Heartwarming romance as this one is."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

She took a deep breath. Yikes, she was overreacting. Her past with Scott had triggered this anger and was bleeding into her exchange with Eric. She forced a smile. “Let’s just say my feelings about the bridge are about what, in my opinion, is good for the town.” She pointed toward the wooden mess. “I admit I have a certain emotional attachment to it. But I’m beginning to understand why some people in town don’t feel the same way.”

“Well, that’s good.” His blue eyes softened. “I do have a fondness for some old things,” he said, smiling now. “I care enough to invest my savings into rehabbing a worn-out eyesore of a house.”

 

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"A Bridge Home is another great installment in this series. You will be invested in the town’s bridge, in the town itself, and in the characters who take center stage this time around. McCullough seamlessly weaves in witty dialogue, emotional dimension, and swoony romance, making this a book you won’t easily put down until you’ve turned the last page."

Pause for Tales - Review

"This is a gentle love story of second chances of the sort. Amy letting go of past mistakes and Eric finally, maybe getting the chance with Amy he has always wanted. Throw in a little family drama and you have yourself a heartfelt read."

Hallie Reads - Review

"A Bridge Home is another sweet addition to Virginia McCullough’s Back to Bluestone River series! . . . Naturally, living in a small town gives Eric and Amy plenty of opportunities to explore their feelings and the possibilities of their relationship. I so enjoyed getting to know them as they did so, in addition to revisiting the charming town. A Bridge Home proves to be a delightful read for anyone in need of some contemporary romance!"

Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting - Review

"What a heartwarming, sweet romance story. This is the third book in the series. I have not read the other two books, but I did not have any issues following along. . . . I love how the author has touched on divorced kid issues. I am a product of a divorced family. My two younger boys are a product of a divorced family. I love how the story builds from this meeting.

This story contains well written characters, a original storyline and flows nicely."

Reading Excursions - Review

"Clean, wholesome, sweet read that tugs at the heartstrings and makes you want to get up and hug everyone! Messages of compromise, adjusting, and learning to trust are apparent; and McCullough creates a beautiful story that is realistic while being uplifting. . . . Those who’ve read the previous two novels and fans of the author will likely want to read this. Anyone who enjoys clean, wholesome, and a story with a beautiful ending will enjoy it as well."

Rincón de Joss - Excerpt

For the few minutes Cassie dabbed at her eyes Amy thought about how she wanted to respond. If the boys were being that mean, and she had a feeling the story was true, she had to choose her words even more carefully. She refused to make her daughter feel bad about reacting to anyone taunting Lottie, but she couldn’t allow her to shove other kids.

“I believe you, honey, about the boys being mean, but you can’t go around pushing people,” Amy said, exasperated. “No matter what.”

“I know.”

Andi's Book Reviews - Review

"This is the third book in this series, and I have been enjoying every single one of them. While it is a part of the series, it is very easily read as a standalone book. . . I really enjoyed this story. It was a perfect escape while sitting on the deck on a lovely summer morning with a latte in hand. I really hope there is more to this series, because you can be sure I will be picking it up as well!"

Bookish Jottings - Review

"Virginia McCullough’s A Bridge Home is a charming contemporary romance written with such warmth and heart that once readers start reading it, they will find themselves completely and utterly hooked. Tender, emotional, intense but uplifting and heart-warming, A Bridge Home is a delightful romantic read with an honorable hero, a kind-hearted and intelligent heroine and a beautifully rendered small town readers would just love to move to. . . a small-town romance that is hard to resist."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

A Bridge Home

(Back to Bluestone River #3)

By Virginia McCullough

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

August 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will a new beginning…

Lead to forever?

What good is a home without a family? School principal Eric Wells finally has the house he’s always wanted, but a painful childhood makes him question his ability to be a father. So when his high school crush Amy Morgan returns to Bluestone River with her troubled daughter, he’s surprised to find he wants to be there for both of them. Will Amy finally give him a chance?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub | Amazon | Newsletter

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a $25 Etsy eGift Card
Open internationally for those who are eligible
Ends August 12, 2020

ENTER HERE

Review of On the 18th of May by Jordan R. Samuel

 

Melanie: A Tale of Wonder by Ed Benjamin

  

In this story, a 60-year-old hitchhiker gets hit by a car in Wichita Falls, Texas in July 1995. After receiving treatment in the local hospital, he decides to enter a talent contest to help out a ten-year-old girl, Melanie, when he learns her father is dying. What happens next has the town and the media buzzing.

Book Links:

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo *Apple iTunes * Scribed 

(affiliate link included)

One reviewer says, "Ed never fails to make you feel good when reading one of his books. This one was no exception."

Ed Benjamin retired from the United States Air Force in 1990 where he served as an aircraft maintenance supervisor.

He currently works part-time as a proposal writer helping companies obtain business with federal, state and local governments.

He also writes short stories; some of which he offers for sale via digital download. He is currently working on a full length novel featuring Harry Miles.

For more information, visit Ed's website at http://EdBenjaminBooks.com

He can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/colbenjamin

I was compensated via Twitter for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Review of A Bridge Home by Virginia McCullough

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for A Bridge Home by Virginia McCullough. This is the third book in her Back to Bluestone River series that I have been greatly enjoying. Read on for my full book review and check out the tour for even more!

A Bridge Home

(Back to Bluestone River #3)

By Virginia McCullough

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

August 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will a new beginning…

Lead to forever?

What good is a home without a family? School principal Eric Wells finally has the house he’s always wanted, but a painful childhood makes him question his ability to be a father. So when his high school crush Amy Morgan returns to Bluestone River with her troubled daughter, he’s surprised to find he wants to be there for both of them. Will Amy finally give him a chance?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Harlequin

**My thoughts**

This is the third book in this series, and I have been enjoying every single one of them. While it is a part of the series, it is very easily read as a standalone book. Characters from the previous books do make an appearance, but their backstory is not essential to this one. But you will want to definitely go back and read their stories anyway.

This series is definitely one about second chances. As people are returning to the town of Bluestone River, they are seeking to touch home base to start their lives over again after having a great deal of difficulty in life after they left. For these two characters, their lives growing up were difficult, thanks to poor relationships with their parents, but being home is so very important. Eric's father was basically worthless and Amy's parents abandoned her with her grandparents before perishing in an accident. They both have a desire to help the next generation in their lives not have to suffer the same way that they did, and while facilitating this to happen, find some healing in their own lives.

Eric and Amy actually were friends back in high school. Eric had a huge crush on her, but Amy only had eyes for Scott, the man she ended up marrying and divorcing after having their daughter. Eric has just moved back to be the school principal and finds himself encountering Amy more frequently while navigating issues that Amy's daughter Cassie is having at school. I really like Eric and how he handles children who are having problems. I felt a sort of kinship with him, because that was one of my specialties when I was teaching.

Amy is so sweet and so caring, yet protective of her heart, and especially protective of her daughter's heart. She is also very smart and business savvy and is able to make a splash in this small town. She also has an innate desire to help others, particularly Kyra and her foster daughter Lottie, with whom Amy has a special understanding of the roller coaster of feelings.

Amy and Eric are just a natural fit with each other. They really do want the same things in life and I enjoyed watching their bond grow.

And then there is the whole substory about the town's beloved covered bridge being damaged in a storm and the debate about what to do with it and how do you balance maintaining the essence of the small town while also trying to survive and have some progress. I am partial to covered bridges because they were one of my father's favorite things to visit and paint. And I am also sensitive to that balance of preserving a way of life while also making some progress. It will be interesting to keep watching this town work through this and develop if the series continues.

The only weird thing for me with this book was Amy's ex Scott. He wasn't much a part of Cassie's life, and then suddenly started coming around a lot more. I was expecting there to be more going on with him as the story unfolded. It felt like his presence was a bit of an afterthought and then he kind of disappeared. And this one did resolve a little faster than I expected, almost as if the word count limit was imminent and it had to end.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this story. It was a perfect escape while sitting on the deck on a lovely summer morning with a latte in hand. I really hope there is more to this series, because you can be sure I will be picking it up as well!

Thank you to the publisher, author, and to Prism Book Tours for providing me with a requested review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

Read my review of A Family for Jason

Read my review of The Christmas Kiss

About the Author

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub | Amazon | Newsletter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a $25 Etsy eGift Card
Open internationally for those who are eligible
Ends August 12, 2020

ENTER HERE