Saturday, November 21, 2020

What They Don’t Tell You About Menopause: A Gynecologist’s Unofficial Guide to Premenopausal, Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Life by Dr. Heather L. Johnson

 


Women have always struggled with the idea of how much better life would be if they had a better body, a better exercise routine, a better life. This can make it difficult for women to grasp that aging is both a normal and natural part of life. With over 40 years of experience working as an obstetrician gynecologist (OBGYN), Dr. Heather Johnson is equipped with the knowledge to help women of all ages mature gracefully

. In What They Don’t Tell You About Menopause, Dr. Johnson discusses the various stages of menopause and what to expect throughout this natural aspect of life for women. From perimenopause to postmenopause, and everything in between, this book will be your guide through this daunting period of womanhood.


(affiliate link)
#1 New Release in Health Reference






Dr. Heather Johnson is a senior partner at Reiter, Hill, Johnson and Nevin, with offices in Washington, D.C., Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, where she has been since 2001. Dr. Johnson is an actively practicing gynecologist and retired obstetrician after delivering babies for 40 years.







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

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Review of Silver Bells by Anne Shaw

 


Welcome to the review tour for Silver Bells by Anne Shaw! Today I'm sharing an excerpt and my thoughts about this contemporary romance novel. You can find out more people's thoughts as you follow the tour. Be sure to let the author know what you think in the comments! And best of luck entering the giveaway



Alice had to act, and she had to act fast: a girl’s life depended on it.

A series of coincidental events leave Alice with more questions than answers. Could the sick little girl in need of a bone marrow transplant be the daughter she gave up for adoption ten years before? To become close to the girl without revealing her identity, Alice develops a plan to cast the girl’s uncle, a chocolatier, as a contestant on a live Christmas Eve show.

A television cooking competition was never in Niko’s plans, but when his sick niece expresses her wish for him to compete on the show, he reluctantly agrees. His past as an MMA fighter taught him to guard himself from punches being thrown his direction, but he wasn’t prepared for the fallout of letting his emotional guard down for Alice.

When sparks fly between Alice and Niko in and out of the kitchen, will the secrets Alice keeps shatter the budding relationship?


Read an excerpt:

Alice moved around the kitchen, enjoying the cadence of Niko’s voice and the enthusiasm behind it much more than she should. She’d been upset when he’d flouted her plans for a one-on-one sit-down interview, but she was glad he’d made this into an educational session. He was a natural in front of the camera, down to earth and charming. “I’m done. What’s next?”

“Come over here and close your eyes.”

“What?” she asked, the question coming out more of a whisper.

His husky laughter played across every nerve ending in her body, and she stiffened at the unwelcome sensation.

“Because chocolate plays on more than your palate,” he said. His gaze fell to her lips.

She fought the instinct to swallow. Then he met her eyes again, and the spark of telling light in the depths sent her heart thudding.

“This is a PG show,” she reminded him and herself. She was engaged to Richard.

Yet you’ve ignored his every phone call.

“Chocolate isn’t a four-letter word. Now close your eyes, and smell the flavor.”


Available on Amazon

(affiliate link) 


**My thoughts**

I was drawn to this story because of the plot involving Alice seeking her daughter she had given up for adoption 10 years before, and hoping that she can help save her biological daughter's life. And honestly, that was the part that I focused on the most while I was reading this book. The romance was more a part of the background for me. That's not to say that there was anything wrong with the attraction between Alice and Niko, who also happens to be the uncle of the little girl. 

I admit that I wasn't a huge fan of Alice at first. I had to warm up to her. But as you learn more about her background, it makes a lot of sense why she comes off as more abrasive in the beginning. But you have to really admire her tenacity and desire to help this little girl. That was the Christmas miracle I took away from this story.

The scenes from the TV show were probably my favorite parts. I could actually see all of the action playing out in my head. I don't watch a ton of those cooking contest shows, but I felt like I was right there on the stage observing and participating. And I have had a serious craving for chocolate since about halfway through the book. I really want to try that last one in real life!

I appreciated this novel for not being your typical holiday romance. In fact, she describes it more as a contemporary romance. It just happens to take place during the Christmas season. But miracles still do happen, just as you would expect. And I do think that this would make for a fun made-for-TV holiday movie.

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


About the author:

Anne Shaw is the author of both contemporary and historical romances. She lives in western Washington with her four-legged friend Larry, a quirky cat who stares at her for hours on end while she loses herself in a world where a sexy hero, and bold heroine face unsurmountable odds to reach the ultimate goal, a happily-ever-after. If you like rom-dramedies, then visit www.Anne-Shaw.com


Website: https://Anne-Shaw.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.shaw.501151

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anneshawcom1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1423794.Anne_Shaw


Anne Shaw will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour

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Thursday, November 12, 2020

Review of An Alaskan Family Christmas by Beth Carpenter #AFCPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours


The holiday season is upon us, and that means all of the warm and fuzzy romances that you can handle. I had the honor of reading An Alaskan Family Christmas by Beth Carpenter and am sharing my thoughts with you today. Be sure to download your copy! And then check out the rest of the tour for even more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!


An Alaskan Family Christmas
(Northern Lights #7)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages (Large Print)
November 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

A little mix-up…

Could make her Christmas wonderful!


Natalie Weiss is mortified. After mistaking handsome Tanner Rockford for his cousin, she’s followed him to rural Alaska. Now she’s stranded—until Tanner invites her to spend Christmas with his family in their rustic, cozy cabin. But in this idyllic winter wonderland, Natalie discovers the family she’s never had…and the love she never knew she needed. But what happens when they all discover why she’s really there?


(Affiliate links included.)
BAM | IndieBound | Apple | Google | Kobo



**My thoughts**
I've read a couple of Beth Carpenters other books in this series and loved them, so I knew I needed to read this one.  And I was not disappointed. There is something about the mystique of Alaska. Throw in a Christmas holiday and you have a recipe for magic and romance.

I admit that I had to laugh about Natalie charging off to track down the father of her best friend's baby. It seemed completely ridiculous, and yet I can see someone doing this. And it turns into a very unique meet cute kind of situation when she encounters Tanner and ends up meeting his family.

Natalie has been badly hurt in the past and does not trust anyone. So I understand her hesitation in acknowledging her feelings for Tanner and his family. (And can I just say how much I love his family? I want them to be my family!) 

Tanner also has some of his own issues that he needs to work through. He has a hard time accepting when people make their own decisions in spite of him feeling like his advice is the correct advice. (Don't we all have someone like that in our lives?) But the two of them seem to complement each other well. And you just hope that the magic of the holiday can help them find their way to each other and triumph over all.

This story really did give me a magical feeling while I was reading it, especially during the Christmas holiday. It's been a while since I truly felt that kind of magic in a holiday romance. It makes me want to reread this and to revisit the rest of the series, especially to catch up on any that I have missed!

P.S. calling Hallmark, this needs to be made into a holiday movie! Just sayin'.

Thank you to Prism Book Tours and the author for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 


Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author


Beth Carpenter is thankful for good books, a good dog, a good man and a dream job creating happily-ever-afters. She and her husband now split their time between Alaska and Arizona, where she occasionally encounters a moose in the yard or a scorpion in the basement. She prefers the moose.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a signed print copy of A Gift for Santa, a set of jingle bells, a sheet of winter stickers, a peppermint bead bracelet, and a $25 Amazon gift card (US only - if winner is outside the US winner will receive an ebook of A Gift for Santa and a $25 Amazon gift card)

Ends November 18, 2020

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Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Review of Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion by Nina Singh

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the took tour for Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion by Nina Singh! 'Tis the season for holiday romance and second chances for sure! I'm sharing my thoughts on this book with you today. Please be sure to follow the tour for even more!

Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion
By Nina Singh
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages
November 1, 2020 by Harlequin Romance

Can a mistletoe kiss…

…heal the past?


When Zayn walks back into Izzy’s life, years after he was forced to walk out of it, she’s faced with the undeniable attraction that’s never faded. Finding themselves co-owners of the vineyard that means so much to Izzy makes tensions run high! But then she’s seduced into a kiss under the Parisian Christmas lights… Can Izzy find it in her heart to forgive the man who once broke it?



(Affiliate links included.)
BAM | IndieBound | Apple | Kobo | Google Harlequin


**My thoughts**
I'm a sucker for second chance romances, especially around the holidays. And the bonus to this one is that it also takes place in a winery. It's a very formulaic plot that I have read many times. But the nuances of the journey make reading it quite a lovely adventure.

Zayn and Izzy were a thing back in the day. They have a long history that extends back into high school. But then suddenly, Zayn disappeared with no explanation, completely devastating Izzy in the process.

Fast forward 5 years and they have both inherited this winery, but have completely different visions of how it should be run. Being at odds over the winery, compounded by their mutual attraction that has never died over these years, plus complications from deep-seeded family issues that still have not resolved, makes for a volatile situation.

It's a second chance romance, and the two of them find themselves trying to rekindle that romance before they ever reconcile the past break-up, which surprised me a bit because especially Izzy was in great need of closure. At the same time, this allows for a bit more drama as they navigate their reconciliation, those aforementioned family issues, and trying to figure out what to do with the winery.

(Side bar, I really feel like I need to get back to Paris, preferably with an attractive male companion!)

So again, it's an enjoyable second chance romance that kept me occupied on a rainy weekend. I don't think I have read any of Nina's books before, but she is an author I will keep an eye out for in the future!

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


About the Author


Nina Singh lives outside of Boston with her husband, children, and a very rambunctious Yorkie. When not at her keyboard, she likes to spend time on the tennis court or immersed in a good read.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive an ebook of Her Billionaire Protector by Nina Singh and a $20 Amazon eGift Card
Four Winners will receive an ebook of Her Billionaire Protector by Nina Singh

US only
Ends November 18, 2020

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Saturday, November 7, 2020

The Cowboy's Holiday Bride by Cathy McDavid Book Tour Grand Finale #CHBPrism

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

I’m so excited for the release of THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BRIDE, book one in my news series Wishing Well Springs. All four of the books in the series are very — and I stress very — loosely inspired by a different popular rom com movie. . .


"The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride by Cathy McDavid is a sweet holiday romance that is so entertaining. I loved Ms. McDavid’s approach with this one and how it is truly an enlightening tale. Wishing Well Springs is a nice Western-themed wedding destination, or I would think even going for a Western event would be cool. I am giving this book four stars and recommending it to everyone that likes these types of books."


"This book gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling right out of the gate and helped to keep me warm even as the early snow was blustering outside my window. I'm now completely in the holiday romance mood and want more! And I am very much looking forward to future installments in this sweet romantic series."


"Sweet, swoony and smile-inducing, The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride is a must-read for fans of small town holiday romances. From the completely charming wedding venue to the magic of the Christmas season, readers will fall in love with Wishing Well Springs even while they are falling for the characters too. Cash and Phoebe bring out the best – and the worst – in each other, allowing for fun banter/bickering and delightfully romantic moments. Eager to read the next book and catch up with Cash, Phoebe, and Laurel too!"

EmpowerMoms - Review

"This was a sweet, fun to read, holiday twist of the classic “The Christmas Carol” story. I love heartwarming Harlequin books because they are clean, easy to read, entertaining and a great escape from real life. . . . Lots of laughs and holiday spirit in this entertaining story. I really enjoyed it!"


No one in their right mind climbed a fifteen-foot extension ladder in flaming red three-inch heels—which, in Cash Montgomery’s mind, explained a lot.

He strode through the barn’s wide entrance, removing his denim jacket first, then his Stetson, and tossing both onto the nearest table. While bare now, it would soon be sheathed in a linen tablecloth, set with fine china and silver flatware, and surrounded by happy guests. That was, if Phoebe Kellerman didn’t accidentally kill herself first and cause the wedding to be cancelled.


"What a beautifully written, delightful, fun and entertaining read! I loved this story from the very start. I thought Cash and Phoebe had great chemistry. The plot was somewhat predictable but still so very good. . . . I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean romance. It is most definitely a must read."


"This clean romance was quite cute, with several romantic twists as the hero, Cash learns a lesson in visits from his three ex-fiancees. . . . The banter between the main characters was really great"

Remembrancy - Review

"The fuse between Phoebe and Cash is sparked by witty dialogue and butting heads, but it soon catches with growing attraction. I felt like a guest during the gorgeous Christmas wedding scenes, and the last one is just a little sweeter than the rest.

With this being the first book in a new series, I look forward to visiting Wishing Well Springs again soon."

@onemused - Review

"THE COWBOY'S HOLIDAY BRIDE is a sweet Christmas romance that takes a fun twist on A CHRISTMAS CAROL. . . . I really enjoyed reading their story and the setting of the place where romance happens with lots of happy couples. The twist was truly delightful, and it all puts the reader in the holiday mood with a heartwarming romance. I loved Phoebe and Cash - they are both great characters in their own way, and they really bring out the best in each other. . . THE COWBOY'S HOLIDAY BRIDE is a charming Christmas read that brings on the holiday spirit and romance. Recommend for people looking for a new, fun contemporary romance read."


"I loved the surprises in store for Cash. His former fiancé has a lot to do with the surprises. I enjoyed the closeness that Cash had with his family. The book had me hooked from the first page."

Splashes of Joy - Review

"The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride is another Christmas story that I love! I had so much fun reading this sweet story about Phoebe and Cash. . . . There were some twists in the story. Tensions were a bit tight at times when Cash had visits from his past, but they were ironed out and everything was good again. I really enjoyed Cash and Phoebe, their chemistry was phenomenal, just what I love in a sweet Romance."


"McDavid has the knack for creating Western ranches and wedding venues with the care and concern of those who work there . . . I felt this provided just the right amount of irony for the series - how they can plan and produce weddings but they cannot find that kind of sweetened harmonic happiness in their own lives . . . There is a lot of tongue-in-cheek moments between Phoebe and Cash - where they are each not necessarily willing to compromise with the other but where they get into bouts of arguments where you can tell neither one minds being the one to compromise in the end. You can see how they are simply two persons who never fully gave each other the time or inclination to pursue romantically and in that kind of way, the set-up McDavid has provided for the backdrop of this novel is apt fodder for a romance reader to soak inside because of the drama it organically brings into the story-line."


"The Cowboy's Holiday Bride is a heartwarming holiday romance filled with likeable characters, witty dialogue, a great small town setting, and the special magic associated with Christmas. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romantic fiction and I look forward to more books in this Wishing Well Springs series by author Cathy McDonald."


Left with no choice, he admitted, “Um, actually, I’ll be here for the next three weeks. I’m covering for Laurel while she’s in Palm Springs,” he finished with less conviction than he would have liked.

“You’re covering for your sister,” Phoebe repeated slowly.

“Yeah. We—you and I—are going to be working together. Well, more than we usually do.” He produced what he hoped passed for an affable smile “I’m your new able-bodied assistant.”

“You’re…joking.”

“Afraid not.”


"This book was sweet, a little sassy, and made me smile. I so enjoyed getting to read and learn about Cash and Phoebe. I thought that their story was well laid out, had good character arcs, and I loved (have I said I loved the interesting take on A Christmas Carol?) Cathy McDavid’s unique and fun take on this classic story. It was just what I needed in the midst of this season. I recommend it to anyone wanting a feelgood story that will make you warm and fuzzy inside."


"This fun story is a nice start to a new series set at Wishing Well Springs . . . I was happy with the ending to this sweet novel and hope that both Cash and Phoebe truly were able to change for the better and be a couple who would truly last."

Hallie Reads - Review

". . . Cathy McDavid’s The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride delighted me from beginning to end. . . . The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride offers a fun twist on a classic holiday tale. The friendship between Cash and Phoebe proves endearing and makes them an easy couple to cheer toward romance. I definitely recommend this to readers looking for a Christmas romance to read this season."


"This beautiful, emotional, and endearing story does have a happily ever after. The author brought real life issues, dual perspectives, and realistic feelings to life in a lively story that held my attention with engaging writing and fast paced storyline. I definitely found it hard to put down. I’d definitely be interested in reading more."


“What does that mean?” Phoebe was less adept than her sister at interpreting tones and inflections.

“Just that… Well, come on. You. And Cash. Together…”

“So what?” Don’t say it. Please.

“You…like him—”

“I do not,” Phoebe insisted with enough vehemence that Georgia Ann sent her a curious look.


"This is a super-cute cute novel with delightful characters and a wonderful premise. I quickly became interested in the story of Cash Montgomery, his sister, Laurel and their business partner/friend, Phoebe Kellerman. . . . There is so much to love about this book, there is a strong loving, hardworking family dynamic, solid friendships, genuine care and concern for each and every wedding they plan and just an all around sweet fun read."


"Cathy McDavid’s The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride is a warm, witty and wonderful Christmas romance readers will not be able to resist! . . . Cathy McDavid effortlessly blends delicious humor, heart-warming drama and uplifting romance in an emotional read that is absolutely perfect for curling up with during the holidays: The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride."


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


The Cowboy's Holiday Bride
(Wishing Well Springs #1)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Changing his heart…

Would be a Christmas miracle!


Cash Montgomery creates Western-themed weddings and knows all about happily-ever-after. In theory. He’s been hurt too many times to think that he could ever be a marrying man. His business partner Phoebe Kellerman doesn’t agree with him—on anything! At Christmas, Cash is visited by three of his past girlfriends…and he begins to see the error of his ways. Will it be before he loses Phoebe, the woman he’s falling for?

New York Times Bestselling Author



(Affiliate links included.)
BAM | IndieBound | Apple | Kobo | Google Harlequin


About the Author


In the third grade, NY Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Cathy McDavid made it her goal to read every Black Stallion book ever written. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things western, owning a stagecoach pulled by six mules, and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With over 50 titles in print and 1.3 million-plus books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world six years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money. It's a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice. 



Tour Giveaway



One winner will receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card (US only)

Ends November 11, 2020

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Wednesday, November 4, 2020

10 Things You Didn't Know About A Very Witchy Yuletide by D. Lieber

 


Welcome to the book tour for A Very Witchy Yuletide by D. Lieber! Today you're going to get a sneak peek inside with an excerpt and then learn 10 fun facts about the book! Follow the tour for even more and then be sure to enter the giveaway!



First love is hard to forget, and even harder to ignore…

Evergreen Pendre wasn’t planning on going home for Yule. But when her Mom tells her the old coven is coming for a visit, she wants to see everyone. Well, almost everyone.

After four and a half years, Sawyer Collins finally has a chance to reconnect with his first love, Eeva Pendre. He might have been too shy to tell her how he felt before, but he’s changed. And he’s determined not to let her slip away this time.

As the coven prepares for Yule, they are reminded that not everyone has the holiday spirit in this contemporary Pagan holiday romance.


Read an excerpt:
As Eeva shifted her weight from foot to foot, swaying in time, they started the simple steps of the dance, circling each other.

“Yeah, that’s it,” Sawyer encouraged. “You remember. Ready for the staff?”

Eeva smiled. “Go for it.”

Sawyer struck out with his staff, and Eeva met it with hers. He did it again with the same result. And so they went on in rhythm, the mock battle playing out in a dance. They circled each other. They clashed in the middle. They retreated.

Sawyer’s heart raced as the exercise made him warm in his coat. He took it off, his steps still in time. Eeva did the same, her breaths punctuated by white puffs from her lips.

“Ready to try the end?” Sawyer asked her.

“Come at me,” she challenged, her voice teasing.

Sawyer attacked, bringing his face in close to hers, their staves crossed between them. This was where he was supposed to push them apart. She was to fall to the ground, defeated. But as they locked eyes, and he felt her breath on his face, they both froze.


Available on Amazon
(affiliate link)


10 Things You Didn’t Know About A Very Witchy Yuletide

  1. Sol was originally named Efir
  2. I had planned for this book to be a “clean read.” My characters had other ideas.
  3. Evergreen’s visual impairment was added at fan request. My fans have been pressuring me to write a visually impaired character to tell people what my vision is like.
  4. Niko’s reaction to Eeva’s visual impairment happened to me in my real life.
  5. The Jehovah’s Witness visit was based loosely on a visit that once happened at my in-laws’ house.
  6. All the magic throughout the book is entirely real, though I did make up the circle casting chant during Ella’s naming ceremony.
  7. I originally based the dates in 2020 so they would match up with the book’s release date, but then COVID-19 happened. So, in order to make all the character behaviors plausible in the real world, I changed it to 2019, which is when it was written.
  8. I originally made Evergreen’s white cane pink like one I have. Then I made it green but thought that would be too much green with her dyed hair. So, I finally settled on purple.
  9. Muir’s personality and behaviors, that’s Evergreen’s cat, are all based off my actual cat Nox, though he is black while Muir is a grey tabby.
  10. I came up with the title for this book before I even knew what it would be about.


D. Lieber is an urban fantasy author with a wanderlust that would make a butterfly envious. When she isn’t planning her next physical adventure, she’s recklessly jumping from one fictional world to another. Her love of reading led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.

Beyond her skeptic and slightly pessimistic mind, Lieber wants to believe. She has been many places—from Canada to England, France to Italy, Germany to Russia—believing that a better world comes from putting a face on “other.” She is a romantic idealist at heart, always fighting to keep her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds.

Lieber lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox).


Published Works:
Conjuring Zephyr June 2016
The Exiled Otherkin November 2017
Intended Bondmates June 2018
In Search of a Witch’s Soul (Council of Covens Noir, #1) March 2019
Dancing with Shades (Council of Covens Noir, #0) August 2019
Once in a Black Moon March 2020
A Very Witchy Yuletide October 2020

Links
Website: www.dlieber.com
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/dlieberwriting
Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/profile/d-lieber



D. Lieber will be awarding a hand carved tree of life tarot/jewelry/keepsake box (carved by DhewaDecor) to a randomly drawn winner (US ONLY) via rafflecopter during the tour.




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The Sinister Superyacht (Julie Cavallo Investigates #3) by Ana T. Drew

 


Coming soon is the third book in the Julie Cavallo Investigates cozy mystery series by Ana T. Drew! The Sinister Superyacht will be dropping on your kindle on November 20 if you preorder below! Follow the tour for more. Be sure to enter the giveaway!



French tycoon Jean-Louis Ponsard is having a bad year.
Unwise investments, canceled orders, deals falling through…
In the thick of it, his yacht becomes the scene of a suspicious death, and his year of misfortune hits the bed of the Mediterranean Sea.
To make matters worse, the victim isn't just anybody.
She's his much-hated mother-in-law.

Onboard, caterer Julie Cavallo and her quirky grandma Rose do some poking around.
But every luxury cabin hides a secret.
Every passenger has an alibi or no reason to want the victim dead.
Discretion rules.
The crew keeps mum.
So do the marble countertops, gem-incrusted walls, and gold sinks.
When the cops take charge, things go to pieces, and not only for the Ponsard family.

Can Julie dive to the murky bottom of the sea, unravel the case, and come back up still breathing?


Pre-order on Amazon!
Arrives 11/20
(affiliate link)


Ana T. Drew is the evil mastermind behind the recent series of murders in the fictional French town of Beldoc. When she is not writing cozy mysteries or doing mom-and-wife things, she can be found watching “The Rookie” to help her get over “Castle”. She lives in Paris but her heart is in Provence.

>>> Visit ana-drew.com for a free cookbook and a game!


Website: ana-drew.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/ana-drew

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

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ana-t-drew

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/anadrew

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authoranadrew



Ana T. Drew will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

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Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Soundtrack for As Good As Can Be by William A. Glass

 


Music can often amplify the ambiance of a novel. In As Good As Can Be, William A. Glass takes us back in time and shares some classic hits that best describe various scenes and storylines in his new novel. Let him know what you think! Please also enjoy an excerpt and then follow the tour for even more fun. Best of luck entering the giveaway!



Dave Knight is a wayward child growing up in a military family during the 1950s. His older sister wants to kill him but settles for regularly beating him up. Other siblings join in the mayhem while their alcoholic father contributes to the chaos with his unique approach to parenting.

As the Knight family moves from one army base to the next, Dave develops a give-a-damn attitude that often leads to trouble. In high school, he joins other delinquents in a series of escapades, some dangerous, others funny, and a few that would be worthy of jail time should they ever be caught.

After barely graduating, Dave is drafted into the army and sent to guard a nuclear weapons depot in Korea. There, he gets into trouble with his sergeant and tries to avoid dishonorable discharge.

Read an excerpt:
Upstairs all is pandemonium. Dan is furiously pounding on the bathroom door while inside Marie stares into the mirror applying eyeliner. She’s in the seventh grade now and has discovered that boys aren’t just for beating up. Meanwhile, Dave’s in the basement ironing a shirt. He gives it a couple finishing touches then slips it on while running up the stairs.

“Have you seen my book bag?” Melissa asks.

“Isn’t that it next to the door?” Dave replies.

The bus pulls up in front of the house, and Melissa grabs the book bag. Knight hands her a bacon-and-egg sandwich as she goes out. “Tell the driver to wait,” he asks. Then one by one the other Knight children rush out while the driver insistently honks his horn. Finally, Marie comes downstairs, gets her sandwich, and strolls down the front walk, arms full of accoutrements. As she climbs aboard, the enlisted men’s dependents in back sarcastically applaud. Marie ignores them, and once seated she uses a can of hairspray to laminate her teased tresses. She pays no heed to mounting protests from others on the bus who object to being gassed this early in the morning.


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A Soundtrack for AS GOOD AS CAN BE

Guest Post by William A. Glass


I’m sitting on the front porch of my house in rural South Carolina, enjoying the semi-tropical weather. In the background, Bruce Springsteen’s new album is playing. It’s a great reminder of the vital role music plays in my novel As Good As Can Be.

As Good As Can Be is a coming of age tale about Dave Knight. He’s named after his father, an alcoholic army officer. After downing a few rum and Cokes, Colonel Knight likes to belt out tunes for the appreciative audiences he finds in officer’s clubs on far-flung military bases. He’s also not shy about entertaining his family during road trips in their Plymouth station wagon.

Dave grows up listening to his father’s repertoire consisting of Irish drinking songs like “MacNamara’s Band,” old standards including “The Man on the Flying Trapeze,” and the Colonel’s favorite music hall number “Abdul The Bulbul Ameer.”

When he’s behind the wheel of the Plymouth, Knight often has a brown paper bag tucked between his knees. Inside the sack is a spiked Coke. Once his five children are put to sleep in the back, Knight and his wife, Bobbie, look for nostalgic music on the radio. Their favorite tune is “A String Of Pearls.”

While still in grammar school, Dave hears “Heartbreak Hotel” on the radio. It’s a radical departure from any music he’s heard before and Dave is smitten. His father hates it and that makes it even better!

During the early sixties, hard-edged rock gives way to insipid harmonies on the radio. So, Dave and his high school friends get guitars and try to emulate rousing folk tunes like “Greenback Dollar.” Mercifully the folk phase is short-lived. Soon a rock and roll revival is underway led by cross-over acts from the world of soul music.

Dave’s living on an army base outside Augusta, Georgia and in his junior year of high school, when James Brown comes to town promoting his hit, “I Got You.” It’s Dave’s first concert and he’s blown away.

When Colonel Knight gets transferred to the Pentagon, his family moves to Northern Virginia. Dave graduates from high school into the mid-sixties hippie scene. He hears Janis Joplin sing “Ball and Chain” at the Alexandria Roller Rink and the Who perform “My Generation” in Constitution Hall.

The good times come to an end when Dave is drafted and sent to Korea, now a backwater of the Vietnam War. There, Dave follows in his father’s footsteps, becoming a popular vocalist for the house band at his unit’s NCO club. Any song having to do with going home is a hit, and Dave’s happy to oblige with tunes like, “We Gotta Get Out Of This Place.”

If As Good As Can Be ever gets made into a movie, the songs mentioned in this post would make a great soundtrack. In the meantime, please look them up on YouTube and crank up the volume!

Best wishes, always!

Bill


Bill is a retired business executive now living in South Carolina with his wife, Bettina. She teaches high school German while Bill coaches soccer at a small college. Their three sons, Alex, Robert, and Gordon, have all graduated from college and moved away to pursue careers.

For recreation, Bettina and Bill enjoy hiking and camping out. Usually, they take their dog, Scout, along. When the weather permits, Bill commutes to work on his motorcycle.

https://williamaglass.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20170818.William_A_Glass



William A. Glass 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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Monday, November 2, 2020

Review of The Cowboy's Holiday Bride by Cathy McDavid

On Tour with Prism Book Tours


I've been a fan of Cathy McDavid's books for quite some time now. And how can you not love a holiday romance? I am sharing my thoughts with you today about the first book in a new series, The Cowboy's Holiday Bride. Please be sure to check out the rest of the tour as well! And best of luck entering the giveaway.


The Cowboy's Holiday Bride
(Wishing Well Springs #1)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Changing his heart…

Would be a Christmas miracle!


Cash Montgomery creates Western-themed weddings and knows all about happily-ever-after. In theory. He’s been hurt too many times to think that he could ever be a marrying man. His business partner Phoebe Kellerman doesn’t agree with him—on anything! At Christmas, Cash is visited by three of his past girlfriends…and he begins to see the error of his ways. Will it be before he loses Phoebe, the woman he’s falling for?

New York Times Bestselling Author



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**My thoughts**
I fell in love with Cathy McDavid's books during her Sweetheart Ranch series. So I was excited to see that she was starting on a new series with a new romantic destination! And of course, it has to kick off with the holidays.

This one is loosely based on A Christmas Carol, as the character of Cash is hesitant to act on his feelings toward his friend and business partner Phoebe. He has been burned many times in the past in love, and while not totally against it, it's definitely not at the top of his list to pursue right now. So he is visited by three ghosts, in the form of each of his ex-fiancees getting married right at his venue. I think it is a clever storyline!

Phoebe also has some heart scars from her own failed engagement some years ago. Plus she has a bit of family drama going on. But she has had a thing for Cash since they were in high school. And there's no denying the attraction between the two of them. But they both have a lot to work through.

They're fun together as they are complete opposites. But opposites attract, right? And their opposite natures actually make them work well together, a real yin and yang. 

This book gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling right out of the gate and helped to keep me warm even as the early snow was blustering outside my window. I'm now completely in the holiday romance mood and want more! And I am very much looking forward to future installments in this sweet romantic series.

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

About the Author


In the third grade, NY Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Cathy McDavid made it her goal to read every Black Stallion book ever written. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things western, owning a stagecoach pulled by six mules, and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With over 50 titles in print and 1.3 million-plus books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world six years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money. It's a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice. 



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Sunday, November 1, 2020

Grace (Angle Creek Christmas Brides Book 13) by Jo Grafford

 


A long-lost soldier, a sister of the woman he was once engaged to, and the merry mischief of a Christmas matchmaker…

Grace Byrd has been in love with Lieutenant Charley Arrington for as long as she can remember, but he barely notices her existence when her oldest sister, Elizabeth, is around. Grace’s heart is shattered when he goes missing in action and is presumed dead. She silently vows to live out her days as a spinster, because she cannot imagine ever giving her heart to another man.

Now he’s back in their lives — returned from a southern hospital where he suffered of amnesia for months. Ready to claim her oldest sister’s hand in marriage at long last, he quickly learns Elizabeth has become a mail-order bride in his absence to help out with her family’s failing finances. What’s more, she’s fallen in love with her new husband.

Is this Grace’s second chance to win the heart of the man she loves? Can Charley move beyond his old dreams and replace them with new ones? One-click this sweet, small town romance to find out…and be whisked away by the hope and healing of the holidays!

ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES SERIES
★ Titles by Jo! ★
Elizabeth
Grace


Available on Amazon
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Read an excerpt:
Grace peered into the mirror over the table in her cousin’s entry foyer, nervously straightening her travel hat. Of all people in the world, why did it have to be Charley Arrington coming to escort her back to Angel Creek?

She knew the logical answer to that question, of course. He’d come to Charleston to fetch his parents for the holidays. However, it felt monumentally unfair that the man she loved would be the one delivering her into the arms of the man she would marry— one she’d never met. One who wasn’t Charley.


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 I feel will be of interest to my readers.