Thursday, May 17, 2018

Man Cave Library Giveaway Ends 6/11

From travel to brewing, technology to grilling, there's sure to be a book here for the man in your life. Individually purchase the ones you think he may like and/or enter to win the whole collection!

   

Welcome to the Man Cave Library Giveaway!

1 Winner takes all!

This giveaway is part of our Mother's and Father's Day Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network!

Host that put together this giveaway is Michigan Saving and More


Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide giveaways.

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This giveaway Sponsors are all of the Authors/publisher of the books below:
See review for all of these HERE.

Please note that some of the following are affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help support my websites at no additional cost to you.


Ford Model T Coast to Coast

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The Life Harley-Davidson

Available on Amazon HERE.

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Black & Decker The Complete Outdoor Builder

Available on Amazon HERE.

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Project Extreme Brewing

Available on Amazon HERE.

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Pitmaster: Recipes, Techniques, and Barbecue Wisdom

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The Complete Guide to Drones

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from this sponsor in the last 12 months. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 6/11/18. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contests are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!

Enter below to win this Mother's and Father's Day Prize and Good Luck!

Review of Order Up (An Assignment: Romance Novel) by Barbara Valentin with Giveaway



Welcome to the blurb blitz tour for Order Up by Barbara Valentin! In addition to giving you a sneak peek into the book with the blurb and an excerpt, I'm also giving you my completely honest review of this book, which I am enjoying on a warm spring evening on my front porch. Romantic comedies are the perfect companion on these evenings and I'll tell you all about it. You can get other excerpts and reviews if you follow the tour. That also gives you more chances to leave comments and questions for the author, which also means more chances to win the giveaway. Thanks for stopping by and good luck!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help support my websites, at no additional cost to you. I also received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I only share those books that I feel will interest my readers.



Order Up

Nancy Braley is the Chicago Gazette's food editor with a taste for hot chefs and talent for replicating their "secret" recipes. But when she finally gets up the nerve to ask out a hot local café owner, Doug Johnston, she's crushed when he says she's not the "marriage material" he's looking for.

Doug is perplexed by his attraction to Nancy whose take-no-prisoners personality reminds him way too much of his cheating ex. To keep Nancy and his conflicted feelings at bay, he throws out the only excuse he can come up with—she's just not marriage material.

Not one to be deterred, Nancy becomes obsessed with figuring out what exactly that means—partly because she doesn't want to emulate her oft-married but divorce-settlement-wealthy mother, and partly because her attraction to Doug is driving her to distraction. So when a married and very pregnant colleague gets put on bed rest until her baby arrives, Nancy volunteers to feed her family, hoping to get a first-hand look at what marriage is all about. And when Doug's ex opens a new coffee shop nearby, stealing business from his café, it's Nancy who comes to his aid! Eager to call Doug's bluff, can she convince him she's the real deal?


Buy links

Read an excerpt:
With a fresh wave of warmth riding up her neck and cheeks, Nancy folded the yolks into the saucepan, whisking the concoction until it thickened just enough to coat the sides of the pan and her complexion had returned to normal. Handing control over to Doug, she watched as he poured the mixture through a strainer into a metal bowl that he had set in the middle of a larger bowl filled with ice water.

With a nod over to the assembled ingredients, Doug instructed her, "Go ahead and stir in the vanilla."

"How much?" Nancy asked before her brain could stop her.

Doug cut her a look from behind his sorry seventies frames that, had he used the measuring spoons she had offered, might have made her knees wobble.

"Trust your instincts."

Shields up, she tipped the vanilla container over the bowl for a quick second before deflecting his mandate with ease. "What is this, Doug? Zen cooking? Next you'll be telling me to use the force."

The whole class, annoying young woman included, snickered.

Successful, award-winning, well-connected professional—1; hunky quiche slinger—zip.

The next thing Nancy knew, Doug was directly in front of her, holding up a spoon half filled with the sauce. "Close your eyes and open your mouth."

"Oh. Uh, well, ok."

Flustered, she had no sooner closed her eyes and parted her lips than she felt the hard tip of the spoon covered with warm velvety sauce on her tongue. Closing her mouth around it, she pressed her lips against it, just tight enough to prevent any dribbles while he pulled it out.

"Now keep your eyes closed and tell me how it tastes."

**My thoughts**
Okay, first, if it is a book from Gemma Halliday Publishing, it's pretty much a given that I am going to want to pick it up. Second, when it involves a leading man with food, I'm also usually game. Men who can cook or bake well rank right up there with musicians in my life. Bonus points if they are both. Alas, Doug is just a quirky former teacher who has opened up his own cafe, but that is good enough for me.

Another plus in my book is that our heroine, Nancy, is 38 years old. In a market that is inundated with young women in their early 20s finding the loves of their lives, it's nice to have someone closer to my own age. Yes, some of us are single past the age of 30.

Both of these characters are a bit pathetic, but in a way that works. Nancy has had to deal with her crazy mother, who has tried to abandon that title for the past couple of decades, and who is working on her eighth marriage. It's no wonder that Nancy wants to control other aspects of her life. She couldn't get affection from her mother, so she turned to food and used it to get attention from other kids, later adults in her life. It makes sense. And it is no wonder that she is drawn to a man who creates his own majestic concoctions.

Doug had been a married teacher, who finally burned out after the death of his father. And then after giving in to the dream of having his own cafe, his wife abruptly left him. It's no wonder that he is kind of stuck going through the motions, while trying to find out who he really is deep inside. He also has a quirky sense of humor, demonstrated in his t-shirts that read things like, "Lit Happens." He seems like the nerdy kind of guy you wouldn't be able to help but to crush on as you got to know him, especially with his cooking and baking skills.

Of course the two of them are completely attracted to each other, but seem to be completely lacking in the skills necessary to achieve a decent romance in your late 30s. They stumble over their words, say things they don't mean, and make general fools out of themselves. I cringe while I am reading, but it's also because I totally get it and have likely done a lot of the same. They are total opposites in a lot of ways and yet have some very important things in common. And it is those very differences that help them complement each other so well and lay the foundation for a great relationship on a lot of levels. So much of their story rang true for me in a lot of ways, though the ending was almost a little too perfectly rushed. 

It's okay, though. It's totally a fun read that was perfect for my front porch. I am new to this series and to Barbara Valentin as an author, but I have a feeling I will soon be back for more. These lighthearted romantic comedies are such a great way to escape for a few hours.



About Barbara Valentin

Author of the popular Assignment: Romance series, Barbara was named "Indie Star of 2015" by Publishers Weekly when her first book earned a coveted starred review. A member of Romance Writers of America, she looks forward to the days when her to-do list includes tasks such as “Attend premiere of movie based on my book” or "Accept Godiva's request to be a taste-tester” …much better than “Vacuum hallway” or “Pick up clothes from dry cleaners,” don’t you think?

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.barbaravalentin.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpinningInBurbs

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Valentin/e/B00OPWO5NM/

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8551312.Barbara_Valentin

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100161712753019104174/posts

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


Barbara Valentin will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Review of 30 Noodles by Raw Munchies with Spicy Chicken Curry Recipe and Giveaways

Welcome to the book tour for 30 Noodles by Raw Munchies. It's a cookbook designed with the raw food vegan in mind, chock full of information in addition to the recipes. The author was kind enough to allow me to share a recipe with you, and I went for the spicy chicken curry. Doesn't that just sound fantastic? I'm also giving you my thoughts and opinions on it.

Please be sure to check out the recipe and other fun from the 30 Noodles cookbook and Raw Munchies website. Be sure to leave the author a comment and/or question. And of course, if you follow the book tour, you will find even more recipes to try, as well as getting more chances to win the giveaway at the end. The author also has included a bunch of other fun giveaways and resources for you to check out, so make sure you scroll all the way down to the end!

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Falling For You (A Bradford Sisters Romance #2) by Becky Wade Book Tour Grand Finale with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Falling for You
By Becky Wade

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed the Facebook Chat, go check it out here. If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below. Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Launch - Note from the Author

...Falling for You stars both Corbin and the oldest Bradford sister, Willow. The two had a romantic relationship long ago, so when I thrust them into each other’s path again (kicking and screaming, I might add) fireworks ensued, which was so much fun to write. I enjoyed their banter. Willow’s strength. Corbin’s charm. And the chance to explore the novel's theme of reconciliation.

I hope Falling for You steals your heart!

Warmly, Becky

Amy Watson Author - Excerpt & Review

Text message from Corbin to Willow fifteen days before their breakup:

Corbin
I miss you. It feels like forever since you left.

Willow
I just left Dallas yesterday.

Corbin
Exactly. Until I met you, I didn’t know a day could feel like forever.

"'Falling For You' has twists and turns that left my mind racing almost as fast as I could turn the pages. The complex, yet beautifully woven story lines elicited visceral responses as I read. And somehow, somewhere along the way, it stopped being about just Willow’s story, it’s your story and my story...

You may shed some tears (I did!), but have no fear; there is plenty of humor! Rare are novels that produce legitimate laugh out loud moments and inside jokes amongst friends. Wade’s ability to introduce humor into her novels is really something special. Finally, the last page comes WAY too soon and I was left salivating for the NEXT novel! Watch out for another award for this beautiful story! This is a MUST READ!"

Remembrancy - Review

"A second chance romance with two likable characters—more so as details of their tumultuous past are revealed—Falling for You introduces a new romance with some familiar faces. Wade once again delivers the complications of romance with the nuances of family (how much do you love these sisters?)."


"'Falling for You' did me in. It is decidedly my favorite of Becky’s books (and you have no idea how strong the competition was!).

I loved that both Willow and Corbin had made very obvious, very heartbreaking mistakes in their past. Mistakes that influenced them negatively years later. I also loved that they, slowly, came face to face with those mistakes. And overcame them. And found forgiveness...

This book gets all the stars, all the happy tears, and my full recommendation."

Heidi Reads... - Review

"There is a perfect balance between all the plot threads and the redevelopment of Willow and Corbin's friendship and romance. They share fun banter, even (especially) when they are at odds, their chemistry is crackling with passion, and their relationship develops greater depth as Corbin is determined to show Willow how devoted he is to her. . . . I love the spiritual themes that are woven in seamlessly of forgiveness and the importance of turning all our worries over to God and allowing him to guide our lives. Even though this is the second book in the series it can definitely be read as a standalone. Highly recommend!"


"It’s not often that a book makes me reach for Kleenex but this one did...

Some hard issues were discussed in regards to their relationship and Wade did a fabulous job of weaving the descriptions throughout and heightening the emotional pull you felt towards Corbin and Willow...

Whew! What a fantastic book! You won’t be disappointed."

Radiant Light - Review

"Ms. Wade has created her own niche` in romantic suspense, and I am a huge fan! Even with the romance and mystery thread, the faith thread is not missing. It is woven beautifully and gives hope and encouragement to the reader.

Ms. Wade's mysterious thread is so good I wasn't exactly sure until later on which romance I was reading about, and I loved that!

Highly recommended!"

Cafinated Reads - Spotlight


"I loved Willow and Corbin’s story. Their past made for some great storyline for the future. The chemistry between these two is undeniable. You cannot help but fall in love with their story.

This is one book you will definitely not want to miss from Becky Wade!"


"I loved this book as much as I loved the first one! It was so good! It was deep and very thought provoking. It was just as big of roller coaster of emotion as the first book. I enjoyed revisiting all the characters from the previous book while reading Willow and Corbin’s story...

This whole book was great and I honestly can’t wait for the third! Becky is absolutely amazing and will always be a favorite! I highly recommend you read this series if you haven’t yet!"


Moments - Review

"Becky has done an incredible job with bringing Willow and the other characters to life; I felt as if they are real people. . . . It is so easy to connect with the characters and empathize with them as Becky really writes portraying the characters' hearts and their internal struggles with the various situations and their relationships. I found myself not being to put the book down once I started reading. I highly recommend "Falling for You," but encourage you to read the prequel novella and first book in the series as well. "



"For the best in contemporary romance, Becky Wade delivers every single time. I could never pick a favorite book because whatever I’m reading at the time is best, and that’s surely the case with Becky’s newest, Falling for You. In fact, it presented me with a conundrum … should I quickly read this story that totally captivated me, or proceed at a slower pace, so as to enjoy these characters longer and not miss a single nuance?

I really had no choice but to choose the latter because Falling for You is that good...

Falling for You is an outstanding story in every way and I hope we’ll see Britt’s story soon."


"As much as I related to Nora in True To You with her nerdy bookish self and the adoption themes . . . in a lot of ways I relate more to Willow. I will never be model material and only consider myself beautiful on good days, but Willow struggles with two big things that I have as well: shame from a past relationship, and growing up, the feeling that I had to be the perfect child."

I Am A Reader - Excerpt

Nora had recently acquired an excellent boyfriend named John Lawson. John’s only fault, so far as Willow could tell, was his bad taste in friends. John, who’d been unaware of Corbin and Willow’s past, had brought Corbin to Willow’s grandmother’s birthday party in July.

Since the party, Nora and John had been trying their best to keep Corbin separate from Willow. Ordinarily, Nora took pains not to breathe his name to Willow, despite that Willow knew that John and Nora hung out with Corbin. Every time she found out that Nora had seen Corbin, Willow felt a little like a high school girl whose best friend was being stolen away by her arch rival.

Willow only had two sisters, both younger. Corbin could have befriended the boyfriend of anyone else’s sister in all of America. Anyone else! In all of America! Why had he insisted on befriending hers?

Book by Book - Spotlight


"...the attraction and chemistry between Willow and Corbin was fantastic. I could literally feel it. There was a steady build of information and insight that kept me invested and interested from the first page until the end. It was so, so good. I just loved Corbin- his sense of humor, his determination, his kindness.

There was a bit of a mystery being solved in this book as well. It was light and fun and kept an added element of intrigue to the story."

cherylbbookblog - Review

"Falling For You is a wonderful work of fiction by Becky Wade. Characters and a story line that you are sure to love. If you love romance than this is the book for you."


"Falling for You encompasses so many emotions and moments of truth. Just when it seems like the characters are making progress, another layer of Willow and Corbin’s past relationship is revealed, increasing the tension and complexity of the story. I love that Becky Wade can make me laugh, cry, and swoon in a matter of pages. Mostly, I love that my own faith can be challenged through story — and what a lesson it is!"


"Falling for You is everything right in a romance novels. Becky Wade upped her game and brought me to tears a time or too, laughter (because Corbin is that hilarious), and a bunch of heartfelt sighs at the love blossoming between Corbin and Willow. I absolutely loved it!..

All in all, this was a one-nighter, page turning, gotta love Becky Wade type of read."


"...Falling for You was fabulous, as expected!

All I can say is that I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was the perfect compliment to the previous book and the end was just what I was hoping for! Another fantastic novel by Becky Wade, but I have come to expect nothing less! If you have not had a chance to pick up this series you must!"


"Sizzling romance, heart-wrenching loss, and a faith theme woven throughout the story make Falling for You a stand-out Christian romance. A touch of mystery and epistolary chapter endings only add to the reading pleasure."


"Becky Wade writes in a way that draws a reader in, causing hope to surface, and tender love to arise. I felt like an honorary character and enjoyed being a part of this family so much. I love that this story isn't one dimensional--there are so many facets that meld together in a satisfying read that will twist your heart."


Willow had seen him in person for the first time years before when he’d sauntered into a Sports Illustrated photo shoot featuring philanthropic pro athletes, models, actors, musicians, and business magnates. She’d been holding a to-go cup of coffee by its protective sleeve in that moment. Golden sunlight had bathed the studio. His legendary status had whisked around him like a spell.

He’d been very relaxed that day. His sense of humor, charm, and easy confidence had worked like a balm on all of them. He’d won over every person in the place, including cautious her. She’d had no idea then that the quarterback with the irresistible smile would become her downfall.


"I personally love Willow (she might be my favorite of the three sisters), and I just loved this love story. True to any Becky Wade novel, this book is packed full of heart-stopping romance that just makes your toes tingle (Can we say Corbin? Mmmhmm)! There’s also a little bit of a mystery thrown in — Charlotte quickly became one of my favorite characters!"

God is Love - Review

"This story is filled with intrigue, faith, hope, and romance. As a reader, I couldn’t stop turning the pages until I reached “the end”. As a writer, I applaud Becky Wade for her masterful storytelling. She writes beautifully and tells her characters’ stories in a way that draws the reader in and makes them care about what happens in their fictional story world.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who needs a second chance romance in real-life or just enjoys reading a good story that will make you laugh with hilarious dialogue and smile as you share sweet moments with the characters. "


"This story made me literally laugh out loud at times, but other moments it had me thinking serious, deep thoughts about God, His love for us, grace, and forgiveness. I loved the balance this book found between humor and serious. It also included a wonderful love story - probably my favorite type - the 'reunion romance.'"


"It makes me happy to be able to recommend a book to friends that really is just that good. It’s sweet, and unpredictable, and clean, yet very romantic and real. This author doesn’t sugar coat real life situations just because it’s an inspiration read. She dives right in, but in a way that is very respectable.

Falling for You isn’t the kind of book you can “just read one more chapter in” because when you finish that chapter, you want to keep going! This is a bingeable book, an “up till 2 AM” read."

Wishful Endings - Review

"Becky Wade has written another story with lovable characters and a message that will touch readers' hearts. She delves into some difficult topics with humor, love, and grace. Add to that a sizzling romance and you have a story that is sure to be a favorite."

Mel's Shelves - Review

"It shouldn't be too surprising that I loved everything about this book, including the fabulous cover!...

This is a fabulous book from beginning to end! It's one I highly recommend and will definitely read again! Even though I wasn't familiar with the characters, I loved the setup for the next book and look forward to how that relationship will play out. "


"I LOVE how the author kept what happened in their relationship SO REAL! Couples really do face temptations and struggles in real life, especially when one person in the relationship is a Christian and another is not. Consequences, forgiveness, peace, and not becoming a victim of your past were all explored in this book, through the truth of God's Word and who He is. So well done! And, of course, the romantic tension was great ; ).

Basically...put this book, and all of Becky Wade's other books, on your To Be Read list! : )"

Jorie Loves A Story - Spotlight



"I must say that when I finished this book, it jumped to one of my all-time favorites...

Becky created a superb novel, well worth the 5 star read and a spot on your keeper shelf."


"All in all, this book seems to have a little bit of everything. Mystery! Romance! And precocious twelve-year-old girls who understand their uncles way better than anyone else. Charlotte was a really sweet addition to the cast of characters and became one of my favorites. Her small nudges certainly help get the ball rolling in the beginning, for which none of us are unhappy! :D

There are many more reasons that I could name in order to try and convince you to give this one a try. But ultimately? All I've really got is that it's by Becky Wade and that should totally be enough to convince you! So what are you waiting for? Go read it."


"For those of you sticking with me, let me tell you why I enjoyed this book so much that I began rereading it less than a month after devouring it. This is no ordinary romance though. It begins with a wounded NFL star, a precocious child, a missing person mystery AND a lost love with wounds so deep they are almost part of the characters blood. When you put all of that together and catapult the former couple back into each other’s worlds, you have yourself a serious page turner...

If you love a great romance with so much more, this is a must read."


"Falling for You, the second book in Becky Wade’s Bradford Sisters series, is a fantastic addition to the set!..

I loved the witty, and sometimes snarky, back and forth of this story. I loved observing the softening of Willow’s heart. I loved seeing Corbin becoming the hero he is meant to be. And I believe you will, too!"


"In her novel, Falling for You, book two in the Bradford Sisters Romance series, author Becky Wade has written fun and exciting clean contemporary romance that readers are sure to fall in love with. From page one, this novel comes to life off the pages...

Readers definitely do not want to miss this excellent sequel to True to You and the continued story of the Bradford Sisters!"


"What a wonderful, clean, fun, delightful, suspenseful, and romantic story...

...I highly recommend it. I believe many readers would relate to the power of forgiveness, moving from the past, and redemption."

Dawn's Dreams - Review

"This book was so much fun! I loved both Willow and Corbin! I also loved the mystery of finding Josephine. I can't wait for the next one."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...


Falling for You
(A Bradford Sisters Romance #2)
By Becky Wade
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
May 1st 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.


About the Author


Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.


Tour Giveaway


Celebrate the release of Becky Wade's Falling for You by entering to win a fabulous prize pack that includes some of Willow Bradford's favorite things!

One grand prize winner will receive*:

  • A model-worthy Kate Spade bracelet
  • A $100 cash card (so you can feed a housewares and home décor addiction like Willow’s)
  • A Seattle Candle Co. candle (that smells just like the setting of the book)
  • Roasted in Seattle Rainy Day Coffee
  • A delicious scone mix (so that you can enjoy scones just like Willow and Corbin do while having high tea)
  • Cozy book-lover socks
  • And of course, a copy of Falling for You
Two runner up winners will receive*:

  • A Seattle Candle Co. candle (that smells just like the setting of the book)
  • A copy of Falling for You
*Due to shipping costs, US entrants only.



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Love, Unexpected by Virginia McCullough Book Tour Grand Finale and Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Love, Unexpected
By Virginia McCullough

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below. Note that affiliate links are present, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Have fun!

Launch - Note from the Author

Dear Reader,

Welcome to this book tour for LOVE, UNEXPECTED. I hope you’re happy to be back for the third visit to Two Moon Bay, Wisconsin. Book 3 of my Two Moon Bay series finds us on the waterfront again. Back when I wrote GIRL IN THE SPOTLIGHT, I knew Andi Sterling, Miles Jenkins’ former wife and Brooke’s mom, needed her own story. She told me so many times. You may remember Zeke Donovan and his dad, Art. They own Donovan Marine Supply and they made a couple of appearances in Book 2, SOMETHING TO TREASURE. They’re now front and center is this story, and Zeke gets a chance to expand his world—and his heart...

Heidi Reads... - Drifting Dreams

Like Andi says in LOVE, UNEXPECTED, someone (they don’t yet know who) named the wooden motor yacht Drifting Dreamer for a reason. For me, the name brings to mind the old song “Moon River,” with “two drifters off to see the world.” As Zeke observed, in 1939 no one built a 50-foot yacht if they didn’t have some big dreams.


"There's a lot to like in this sweet romance by Virginia McCullough, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Andi and Zeke in Love, Unexpected...

I loved how everything comes together, making the story’s restoration theme not only about Drifting Dreamer, but Andi’s dreams as well."


He let Teddy take him to the woman, who was tall and slender, and wore jeans and a red T-shirt. When she saw him coming, she lifted her sunglasses and perched them on her head. In her other hand, she held a giant-size Bean Grinder to-go cup.

“Good morning,” she called out, smiling. “I suppose I’m trespassing.”

He was tongue-tied. By a pretty smile and long legs. He raised his hand in protest. “Probably so, but we won’t call the sheriff, at least not yet.”

“I see. I have to prove myself first.” She held up the cup. “I’m armed only with the Bean Grinder’s morning mix.”

“In that case, we’ll…” Zeke watched Teddy sniffing the woman’s sneakers. “I was going to say we’ll call off the dogs, but, too late.”

I Am A Reader - Does Zeke Keep his Promises?

Early readers have remarked that Zeke is a likeable guy. What’s not to like? He’s very attractive, friendly, a successful owner of a marine supply store, smart, and he even has a sense of humor. But he’s in his late thirties, and he’s never been married and doesn’t have kids. And it looks like he lives with dad. Really? Could be Zeke is a guy afraid to make a commitment. Here are the facts. You be the judge...


"Love, Unexpected by Virginia McCullough takes us back to two moon bay. I love this little town. I always enjoy each visit. In this visit we get to restore an old yacht as well as get to know the lovely Andi and Zeke. The are both very humbling and sweet. I enjoyed getting to know both of them."


Andi stretched her arm to get deep inside a hard-to-reach cubbyhole behind the navigation table to check for damaged wood. Her hand hit a divider with a finger grip, but the first tug didn’t budge it. The second and third tries didn’t move it, either. Determined now, she took a breath and gave it one more hard pull. Bam…she captured the graying piece of wood, but jerked backward with the force of the movement.

When she righted herself, she shined her flashlight inside to have a look inside the narrow space. The beam caught the corner of something that looked like paper.

“Well, well, what’s this all about?” she said to herself, curious and excited. Secret papers? That could be an overstatement, but these pages weren’t left out in the open. Someone had stashed them out of sight.

Colorimetry - Andi’s Tips for Single Moms

Andi laughed in my ear when I ask her about tips for single moms, but once I got her started, she didn’t hesitate to give me her list, starting with:

Luck out and have a good ex-husband...


Andi tilted her head and looked where he was pointing. “Stars. Imagine that. It’s been ages since I’ve seen more than a few of the brightest ones.”

Zeke exaggerated a sweeping gesture to take in the boat. “So happens we have a boat. I guess when we get her put back together some, she could take us far enough out to see some stars, huh? This fall, before it gets too cold.”

Andi responded with a quick slap of her palms. “See? You inherited a floating stargazer. She’s only slightly torn apart.”

Zeke laughed. Drifting Dreamer wasn’t exactly ready for even a short cruise. It wouldn’t be long, though. Andi was making progress.


"Love, Unexpected was a fun read. I recognized some of the characters, since I'd read the first book in the series, Girl in the Spotlight, last year. I definitely think this book stands on its own, but it was fun seeing how those characters lives have continued...

I definitely recommend this novel to all fans of contemporary romance. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

“I’m probably speaking out of turn,” Joy said, grimacing, “but I had a peculiar kind of bond with Zeke because of his mother.”

“Oh?” Andi’s heart pounded as she waited for the information. She was impatient for it, whether she’d like what she learned or not.

“My mom was a teacher, too,” Joy said. “One afternoon I was waiting outside for her after school. Zeke was there, too. I remember how he was kicking a stone around the gravel schoolyard while he waited for his mom to pick him up.”

Call it intuition or simply picking up Joy’s somber tone, but Andi began to feel a little queasy. “This story ends badly, doesn’t it, Joy?”

“Yes.” Joy paused, but Andi didn’t fill the silence.


"Heartwarming is definitely the right category for this sweet romance. It's such a subtle one, which is a breath of fresh air in a market saturated by fast love and lust. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a lot of those books as well. But a story like this one feels so much more realistic to me and leaves me feeling a bit more peaceful and nostalgic.

...I have fallen in love with Two Moon Bay and its inhabitants. I hope more stories are yet to come from this beautiful place."


"I thought it was sweet, inspiring and heartwarming. Andi and Zeke had wonderful chemistry and their story were relateable to me. I love the beautiful setting of Two Moon Bay..."

Wishful Endings - What’s So Special about a Wooden Yacht?

Zeke and Andi have become attached to Drifting Dreamer. I understand why. I’ve been lucky enough to own a classic wooden sailboat, and later, a fiberglass boat with gorgeous wood trim. What was the difference between the two boats? Why do Zeke and Andi have such special feelings about the classic wooden motor yacht?...

Bri's Book Nook - Review

"I haven’t read a sweet romance novel in a while, and this was definitely a nice refreshing one. I read this book almost entirely in one sitting even though the book is almost 400 pages long, and was engaged for every single page."

underneath the covers - Restore? Or Accept “as is?”

When Zeke hires Andi to work on Drifting Dreamer, he has no doubt that the boat can be restored, meaning made wonderful and operational again while preserving the original beauty from its era. Zeke’s confident about this because at one time he was well known for restoring many local historical sites...


Zeke opened a cabinet where they stored things they almost never used and spotted a couple of vases on the top shelf. He pulled one down and arranged the flowers inside it before adding water.

Art let out a low whistle. “I haven’t seen you bring flowers to a woman in a long time.”

“It’s been a long time. That’s a fact,” Zeke said.

“Look, Zeke, you can tell me if you’re interested in Andi.”

“I know, Dad.”

He didn’t know how to respond. He was getting serious, but he didn’t know about Andi. With his back to his dad, he said, “I like her for lots of reasons, Dad. I think she likes me, too. That’s all I can say right now.”



"In this entertaining new novel by talented Author, Virginia McCullough, a woman and her 10 year-old-daughter move to a new, smaller town to be nearer the girl's father and his new wife...

This is a relaxing read with a few twists. However, it is mostly predictable but written with a flair and well-utilized literary skills. It keeps the reader's interest."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Love, Unexpected
(Two Moon Bay #3)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
May 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Moving to a new place isn’t easy…

Until a neglected ship and its owner make her feel at home

After spying a boat in need of some TLC, single mom Andi Sterling strikes a deal with its owner, Zeke Donovan, who shares her passion for restoring old things. Uncovering the legendary ship’s secrets draws them closer. Is it too soon for Andi to open her heart to the chance to build new dreams?

Other Books in the Series

Girl in the Spotlight
(Two Moon Bay #1)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The daughter they never knew

When Miles Jenkins sees the graceful young figure skater on TV, he can't believe how much she resembles Lark McGee, the girl he dated briefly in college. Could this aspiring star be the child Lark gave up for adoption eighteen years ago? He has to find out.

Locating Lark ignites conflicting emotions in Miles—including regrets for what might have been and romantic feelings that take the two single parents by surprise. As they prepare to meet their daughter, this deeper connection between the two just might be the chance at love they never got.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequiniBooksKoboGooglePlay

Something to Treasure
(Two Moon Bay #2)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

If anyone can save him, she’s the one

Jerrod Walters hopes relocating to the coastal town of Two Moon Bay can be the fresh start he and his young daughter need. But the single dad is caught off guard when a beautiful PR professional offers to promote his diving excursions to legendary shipwreck sites. There’s so much he admires about Dawn Larson, starting with the woman’s upbeat, can-do personality. Dawn’s boundless capacity for joy might be the only thing capable of bringing him back to life after his tragic loss…


About the Author

A writer all her adult life, Virginia McCullough has had the opportunity to write the stories of her heart in her novels, including Girl in the Spotlight, the first book in her Two Moon Bay series for Harlequin Heartwarming. (Book 2 is scheduled for release in January 2018). Her award-winning romance and women’s fiction titles include The Jacks of Her Heart, Amber Light, Greta’s Grace, The Chapels on the Hill, and Island Healing.

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia 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.

Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and the pictured Handfelted Wool Bowl and Gemstones (US only):

Description: A beautiful handfelted wool bowl filled with colorful gemstones to add a little beauty to your home. The bowl contains a small amethyst cluster from Uruguay which is generally used in rooms where people tend to congregate such as kitchens and family rooms. It is said to bring about peace and open communication. The bowl also includes a pink chunk of rose quartz from Brazil as a reminder of love and healing, a candle quartz crystal crystal from Madagascar said to make anyone who enters your home feel welcome, a pretty piece of blue lace agate from Southwest Africa to help create relaxing and accepting energy near your front door, a deep blue apatite heart from Sri Lanka to encourage the sharing of feelings and tangerine quartz from Brazil for information retention and perfect for your office, study or a student's room.

Ends May 16th

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Monday, May 14, 2018

The Renaissance Club by Rachel Dacus with Giveaway



Welcome to the blurb blitz tour for The Renaissance Club by Rachel Dacus. I have an excerpt for you, as well as more information about the book and a giveaway at the end. If you follow the tour, you can read more excerpts and will have even more chances to enter this giveaway. You may also leave a comment or a question for the author.

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to support my websites at no additional cost to you. I only share those books I think will be of interest to you, my readers.


The Renaissance Club


Would you give up everything, even the time in which you live, to be with your soul mate? That’s the question my heroine, May Gold must answer in this time travel love story. And she has to answer it in three short weeks, on a tour of Italy. A college adjunct teacher, she often dreams about the subject of her master’s thesis—17th century sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini. In her fantasies, she’s in his arms, the wildly adored partner of the man whose passionate art invented the Baroque style. But in reality, May has just landed in Rome with her teaching colleagues and older boyfriend. She considers herself a precocious failure and yearns to unleash her passion and creative spirit. May finds she has to choose: stay in a safe but stagnant existence or take a risk.



Buy links

Read an excerpt:
“Signorina, please. I cannot concentrate. Do you not have something else to do?”

His open arrogance was true to his time, an era when powerful men flaunted their status to the point of rudeness. Bernini’s fame, even at his young age, was second only to the cardinals and popes he served. His arrogance had been legendary.

“I thought the church was open today,” she said.

“It is not open to you, unless you are applying to become my assistant. But you will not be any use to me in that long skirt.”

She looked down. She had acquired voluminous folds of blue silk, a dress she hadn’t been wearing before. She felt air on her shoulders—her dropped-sleeves left them bare. “Well, not in this I wouldn’t,” she said, appreciating the rustle and texture. “But I’m not applying. I just want to watch you work.”

He said more gently, “Are you a traveler? You do not look Roman.”

“Yes. I’m a traveler. From a long way away. I’m with a group touring Rome. It’s our first day. St. Peter’s is so gorgeous, I can’t believe it. The Baldacchino is one of your finest pieces.”

Ignoring the compliment, he said, “If you are a traveler, then please travel to some other masterpiece. This church has many.” He waved her away and picked up the rod, checking the column once more.

 About Rachel Dacus

Rachel Dacus is the author of The Renaissance Club, a novel called “Enchanting, rich and romantic…a poetic journey through the folds of time.” Dacus’ book Gods of Water and Air is a collection of poetry, prose, and drama. Her other poetry collections are Earth Lessons and Femme au Chapeau. Her poetry and prose have appeared in Atlanta Review, Boulevard, Prairie Schooner, The Pedestal, and Valparaiso Poetry Review. Her fourth poetry collection, Arabesque, is forthcoming in August 2018 from FutureCycle Press. Read more on her website: racheldacus.net. Follow on Twitter: @Rachel_Dacus.



Rachel Dacus 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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Thursday, May 10, 2018

Welcome to the Apocalypse by D.L. Richardson with Giveaway



Welcome to the blurb blitz tour for Welcome to the Apocalypse by D.L. Richardson. This sci-fi/apocalyptic trilogy is now available and you can check out an excerpt before purchasing your own copy. Be sure to also leave a comment or question for the author. You can also follow the tour for more excerpts and more chances to win the giveaway below.

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help support my websites, at no additional cost to you.



Welcome to the Apocalypse

"Players. Welcome to the apocalypse"

Book One – Pandora:

The Apocalypse Games is a state of the art virtual game, yet when it traps over 100 players inside, there’s reason to worry – their simulation pods are designed to last 3 days and the artificial intelligence is taking over.



Book Two – CyberNexis:

When rescue finally arrives, the players are transported to an offsite facility to recover from cyber sickness. Not all the players survived and not all is what it seems. What is CyberNexis hiding out in the desert?


Book Three – Primal Scream:

The disaster known as The Event has plunged the world into icy darkness. Humans can’t survive but a group of mutants can. All signs lead back to the simulation pods. What were they really designed for?


Join these characters on an emotional and fast-paced journey to explore what it really means to survive.


Read an excerpt from Book 1:
Jack Minnow grabbed a brochure off the rack and his eyes scanned the back page. "It says
here that rule breakers are ten times more likely to survive an apocalypse. They're adaptable and they rely on cunning and instinct."

Jack was five-foot-eight, and the woman behind the counter, called an operator, was easily six-feet tall. Looking at her was like looking at a marble statue atop a pedestal. All white – her hair, her tight-fitting jump suit, her face, neck, and hands, painted to resemble a computer generated character. He allowed himself to imagine that the stage make-up covered places he couldn't see.

She smiled at him. "It also says that rule breakers are ten times more likely to die within the first hour. They're reckless and often act without thinking."

She pushed a plastic tray towards him, the kind handed out at airports to slip under x-ray machines. Jack dropped his wallet, phone, and car keys into the tray.

"So it's a win/win day for a guy with a superhero complex," he said.

Superman, his mother had called him after he'd brought home a stray dog for the fifth time.
"Can't help but save things," she'd told the dog ranger. Even as a boy, Jack knew what happened to the mutts who were handed over to the ranger, but he still brought dogs home for one last night of fun. His superhero complex was the reason he'd entered The Apocalypse Games. Save everyone. Save the world. Nobody dies. Not for real anyway.

The operator removed the tray and he stood there waiting for a voucher. None came. A warning flared up into his brain. What did he really know about this operation?


https://amzn.to/2wr8Lwq


About D.L. Richardson

D L Richardson writes speculative fiction. She is currently a self-published author of three YA novels "The Bird with the Broken Wing", "Resident Spy", and "One Little Spell". She is also the creator of the apocalyptic/sci-fi series "Welcome to the Apocalypse", and the novella series inspired by Tales from the Crypt, "The Shivers Novellas".

A former singer and musician, she credits this stage experience for her ease of public speaking, conducting writing workshops, and appearing on panels. Her books don't feature the usual tropes and this has earned her many loyal readers.

When she's not writing she enjoys playing music, watching Netflix, reading, gardening, and walking the dog.

Website  http://www.dlrichardson.com
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/DLRichardsonAuthor/
Twitter  https://twitter.com/DLRichardson1
Google +  https://plus.google.com/u/0/112189215156085425271
Blog   http://dlrichardsonwrites.blogspot.com.au


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

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