About the BooksThe Dad Next DoorA Place to Call Home Lawman Joe Sheehan is desperate to bond with the daughter he's just discovered he has. But as a virtual stranger to twelve-year-old Amelia, the task seems impossible. Until Claire Conley moves to town. A social worker renovating a mansion into a foster home, Claire is the first person to get through to Amelia. Falling for the single dad was not on Claire's to-do list. But with Joe and Amelia around, the house finally starts to feel like home. Claire's ready to fight to convince Joe that together they've done more than fix a house...they've built a family. A Baby for the DoctorA Family to Call Her Own After becoming a foster parent to a young boy, equine therapist Jordan Conley's life gets turned upside down. Little Levi is in need of an exceptional pediatrician, which means seeking help from Dr. Ash Sheehan—a man that, despite her heart-pounding crush, isn't her type. Her life is horses and hay, and she can't imagine the suit-clad doctor in a pair of cowboy boots. As a confirmed bachelor, Ash has never been nervous around women, but there's something about Jordan that flusters him, and working closely together doesn't help. The last thing he's looking for is long-term romance. But the more involved he gets, the more he wishes they could stay together…always. Their Secret Baby BondHe wanted roots. She chose career. Can a baby bring them back together? Wynn Sheehan planned to change the world—not return to Alabama alone and pregnant. Her life is in shambles, but at least she can help take care of Latham Grant’s ailing grandpa. Latham isn’t ready to trust the woman who eagerly left him and their small town behind. But can they ignore the spark rekindled by unexpected Family Blessings? The Marriage BargainJules Sheehan will do anything to keep custody of the two orphaned girls in her care—including a marriage of convenience with their uncle. Cam Quinn crosses the globe as a travel writer, but he’s ready to settle down. Now tough, tender Jules is offering the home he’s secretly longed for. Can this marriage in name only become a family of the heart? About the AuthorAward-winning author Stephanie Dees lives in small-town Alabama with her family, two spoiled dogs, and a very bossy cat. A Southern girl through and through, she loves sweet tea, SEC football, corn on the cob and air conditioning. Favorite writing snack: Chex mix with honey-roasted peanuts Favorite vacation spot: Gulf coast of Florida Favorite day of the week: Monday (there's just so much possiblity...) Favorite thing ever: first coffee in the morning Favorite rom-com: The Proposal Favorite family activity: Game night (favorite game: Ticket to Ride) Reviews
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About the BookLife post-graduation was supposed to see the launch of Jadyn’s art career, or at least an art gallery showing one of her watercolor paintings. Instead, this Pittsburgh native is locked into a low-paying consultant position with an impossible boss. When another coworker is fired, Jadyn inherits an extra workload, including the company’s biggest client. If she loses him, she’s fired. Evicted from her apartment because of a small spending problem, she is forced to move in with her know-it-all sister. While everyone else plans a neat, buttoned-up life for her, Jadyn longs to paint professionally. Stretched like canvas between responsibility and dreams, she must choose. About the AuthorHiya, I’m Barbara! I believe words heal. Whether written or read, words have a way of building a bridge from the heart to the mind. I want to explore that. I’m a 20-something hope-in-progress bent on growing despite the gritty, pot-holed road of adulthood. Jump in the passenger seat and I’ll try to be a good driver! My work experience includes a smattering of jobs from shop girl to communications manager with a healthy dose of nanny and house-cleaner. Basically, I’m your Jane of all trades. I’ve lived in three countries (USA, Dominican Republic, and Austria), and I’ve visited 17 more countries on top of that. My goal is to visit the world. Shhh! A girl can dream! My most cherished dream (besides traveling the world) is to become a published novelist (which is happening on November 15, 2018, when Teal Paisley Tights releases). I rarely turn away ice cream (peanut butter please) and only buy purses that provide room for a book or two (or a kindle). I’d love to connect on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook. Cordially (and with so much love), Barbara ReviewBarbara Brutt’s debut novel, Teal Paisley Tights, is a charming and funny story that readers will delight in. Although the writing is a bit scattered, this fits the main character’s personality so readers will quickly overcome this pitfall. A fabulous chick lit and romcom style story, from page one readers will be giggling. This story follows Jadyn’s life as she strives to come to know herself as she works hard and develops her creativity. There is also a strong focus on family and family drama within the story. Brutt’s debut is one that readers will thoroughly enjoy!
Genre: contemporary, romance, women’s fiction, chick lit, romcom Publisher: Vinspire Publishing Publication date: November 15, 2018 Number of pages: 230 An ARC print review copy of this book was provided via JustRead Publicity Tours, as well as an e-copy purchased on Amazon for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Forever Yours with Liwen Y. Ho
1/15/2019
The Sweetest Spark by Liwen Y. Ho He’s a fun-loving ice cream shop owner looking for more than a fling. She’s a straight-laced food critic too scared for love. Little did they know how much a foolish kiss would trigger an avalanche of emotions too great to contain. Colin Spark may not have the best track record when it comes to his career choices, but he’s loved the same woman since he was thirteen. His only obstacle to winning her heart is proving he’s ready to settle down—an impossible task now that his store is going out of business. Since her sister’s passing, Candy Connelly has survived by being in control and protecting her heart. There’s only one man she’s let her guard down with, but his unreliable past shakes her confidence in his future. Colin won’t give up pursuing his passion; Candy won’t give in to her attraction. That is until an accident brings all their unspoken issues to the surface and forces them to listen to their hearts. Will this incident be the spark that drives them apart for good or gives them their sweetest taste of romance yet? Candy followed Abby as they headed back to their table, her heels clicking against the wooden floor, until a tall figure stepped in front of her. One whiff of the man’s musky cologne confirmed Colin’s presence, as did the warmth radiating from his body. Candy would’ve liked to wrap herself up in it, especially in this cold winter weather. Instead, she stepped back, careful not to make contact with the man who had a way of worming his way into her heart. “Excuse me,” she stated, trying to side step her way around him. “Candy, can we talk?” Colin stood firmly, crossing his arms as if he meant business. “Please?” “Colin, that’s not a good idea.” Candy peered around him to look for Abby and see if she’d help her out of this situation. No luck though; her friend was long gone. So much for counting on her friend’s nosiness. She crossed her arms and peered up into Colin’s pleading eyes, then immediately dropped her gaze. It was best not to look directly into his eyes. That’s how she’d found herself letting down her guard around him. “I thought I made it clear; there’s no future for us. We’re too different. It would never work.” He stepped close, leaning his head down next to hers. His voice was husky when he spoke. “If that’s the case, I want you to tell it to me straight. Look me in the eyes and say there’s no future for us. Then I’ll let you go on your way and never bother you again.” “What? What difference does it make how I say it?” Candy turned her head to the side, away from his face. She stared at the intricate pattern of the tiles on the wall, anywhere but his eyes. For some people, sugar was their weakness; for her, it was Colin. "I loved the chemistry and banter between Candy and Collin. Their escapades and experiences drew me into the story and their love and forgiveness stayed with me long after the last page." "Colin really is the sweetest Spark! He and Candy had such beautiful character arcs as they grew to trust God and each other more. The romance was tender and the Christian elements gentle and poignant. I found I could actually identify with parts of both of their personalities, and that make me cheer for each of them even more. The push-and-pull of their relationship was the richest of any Liwen Ho book I’ve read yet, and I’m already a fan. She just keeps getting better!" "The Sweetest Spark is a book where the characters just walk right into your heart-well, by book 3 of the Spark Brothers, you are invested in these lovable and fun people - uh... CHARACTERS (Characters in a book, NOT real people-yes, I know! Really!) Colin and Candy are wonderful characters BECAUSE of their issues that they work through... and discover that everything works when they work together. Isn’t that something that we would all benefit from learning!!! I am looking forward to the rest of the series!" Author Liwen Y. Ho Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and referee by day (AKA being a stay at home mom) and an author by night. She writes sweet and inspirational contemporary romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots). In her pre-author life, she received a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary, and she loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children.
Forever Yours with Jennie Goutet
1/14/2019
A Friend in Paris by Jennie Goutet Friendship between a talented young artist and her handsome French neighbor is a promising start—until it’s not enough. April promised her dying father she would study painting in Paris, but friends are few, her budget is tight, and her landlord increasingly won’t take "no" for an answer. Then she meets Victor. Victor is as chivalrous as he is wealthy, and if it weren't for him, April would have already left the City of Light behind. Too bad Victor still has eyes for his ex-girlfriend, who is now back on the scene and wants to get married. Although April and Victor swore to remain just friends, magical Paris seems to weave a different spell. The more their connection deepens, the more it becomes difficult to keep a proper distance. Or to remember why they should. Penelope peeked into the hallway. “We’re about to play poker. Who wants in?” “Me,” April said. “But I need a refresher for the rules. It’s not for money, right?” “Nope, just for chips. Hey, Victor,” Penelope said, “Are you able to take April back to your grandmother’s apartment tonight after you bring Margaux home? She probably won’t ask for help, but we’re afraid Lucas is following her, and we want to make sure she doesn’t get stalked.” “Sure.” Victor turned to her in consternation. “Another thing you’re not telling me, April. Please tell me these things.” A flash of anger came over April, and she replied without thinking. “Don’t expect me to tell you everything. It’s not like I’m your girlfriend. I don’t owe you explanations, or details, or anything.” “Er…let me see how the game is going.” Penelope turned, whisking away a smile. “What are you talking about, April. We’re friends. Friends talk.” “Victor,” April hissed. “It’s like you expect things from me you don’t even expect of your own fiancée. You want me to come to you for help and tell you everything. But you don’t even know what Margaux was doing that whole year in Monaco. You don’t know what brought her back or…or whether the baby is even yours.” There. I said it. April’s pulse pounded in her temple. “Victor doesn’t ask me these things, because he already knows the answer.” Margaux's cool voice came from where the living room joined the hallway. “And, since he is satisfied, I don’t see what business it is of yours.” Margaux managed to communicate all her disdain in two sentences. April’s face was crimson. She could feel the heat of shame emanating from her. She’d let everyone know how she felt about Victor as plain as if she’d announced she was in love with him at the dinner table. It’s not like I’m your girlfriend. And what was even worse was that she was completely in the wrong attempting to sow seeds of doubt. She was not the type of person to try to break people up. She was not “the other woman”. It was not her style. If a man wasn’t free to love her, she had absolutely no interest in him. So what had happened? How had she gone so wrong? Victor’s eyes were fixed on hers. He hadn’t answered, but now he looked toward Margaux and the crowd that was gathering behind her. “Hey guys, could you give us a minute? Margaux, I’ll be right there to take you home. I imagine the baby needs you.” Margaux folded her arms and planted her feet. So Victor took April’s arm and pulled her into the first room he saw. It was the toilet, and they had only enough room to stand face to face. He fumbled for the light, and when it went on, April wouldn’t look at him. He grabbed her by the arms. “April, I need to say this fast so no one gets the wrong idea about us being in here together.” They were standing in a tiny cubicle, nose to nose, and his words brought on an insane desire to laugh. She needed to get a hold of her emotions. He’s not available. “I think one of the biggest regrets of my life,” Victor said, “will end up being that I wasn’t free to follow my feelings in this instance. But I’m not. I’m a father, and that comes first.” I am a great fool, April thought, and any wisp of humor over the situation fled. To complete her shame, her eyes filled with tears. “If I could’ve followed my feelings…” He stopped short, looking at her eyes, her lips…They heard only the sound of their breath. Then Victor dropped his arms, turned in the tight space, and opened the bathroom door. “Margaux and I need to get going. Penelope, do you think one of you could see April home safely?” “Sure,” Penelope said. She handed the pack of cards to Auriane and slid past Victor to where April was. “You guys go ahead and play.” Once I began to read I couldn't put it down until I finished. The characters are well developed and I easily identified with their struggles and triumphs. A wonderful story you will want to read again A Friend in Paris is rich with everything a romance needs and more – drama, plot twists, characters you’ll fall in love with…and some you’ll love to despise. The setting of Paris and the wonderful descriptions are added bonuses! I devoured this book in two sittings. Really enjoyed this read! I was completely absorbed into the Paris setting. Felt like I was there! The hero and heroine are interesting, believable, and their chemistry was natural and lifelike. Nothing felt contrived. The supporting characters were intriguing too. Highly recommended. Author Jennie Goutet Jennie Goutet is an American-born Anglophile, who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside Paris. Her imagination resides in Regency England, where her upcoming romance, A Regrettable Proposal, is set. Jennie is the author of the sweet, contemporary romances, A Friend in Paris and A Noble Affair, as well as the award-winning memoir, Stars Upside Down. A Christian, a cook, and an inveterate klutz, Jennie writes about faith, food, and life—even the clumsy moments—on her blog, aladyinfrance.com.
First Line Fridays -- Playing for Keeps
1/11/2019
via Hoarding Books Today I'm posting a line from Playing for Keeps by Ranee S. Clark. This is book 1 in the Playing for Keeps Series. My First Line: The football sailed gracefully through the air, a perfect spiral if TyAnne Daws ever saw one. What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Then head on over to Hoarding Books and link up! And then hop around the linky to visit other blog stops. About the Book'Handmade Hearts' is an historical romance short story set in New Orleans during World War II and was inspired by a true story. Toward the end of his life, the author asked her Uncle 'Allen' how he met his wife. He shared about how he met 'Irene' at a church social in their neighborhood in New Orleans in the early 1940s. He had been seriously wounded in Guadalcanal in the South Pacific as a young Marine and was using crutches to get around as best he could. He had many inner wounds which needed time to heal, too. He had no way of knowing when they first met that Irene had suffered her own wartime tragedy. She bravely sought to keep her grief locked away deep inside because thinking about her loss caused her even more sorrow. She needed to be strong because she was the breadwinner for her small family. Times were tough, but these two unique individuals made it through each day with inner fortitude, determination, and the sincere hope of something greater just over the horizon. This inspirational short story follows the growth of Allen and Irene's relationship beginning with their chance meeting and leading forward to a lifetime spent together. 'Handmade Hearts' was created to honor this unique couple's love for and devotion to each other in a relationship which spanned seven decades. About the AuthorJune McCrary Jacobs was the winner of Cedar Fort Publishing's 2013 Holiday Tale Contest for her debut novella, 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'. 'Robin's Reward', her first full-length novel, was set in her favorite location in California—the Mendocino coastal region. This book is the first installment of the 'Bonita Creek Trilogy'. June's debut middle-grade novel, 'RES-Q Tyler Stop', an historical novel set in Sonoma County, California, in 1968, will be released in the spring of 2019. The second installment of the 'Bonita Creek Trilogy', 'Penny's Promise', will be released in late 2019 or early 2020. June's original sewing, quilting, and stitchery designs have been published in over one hundred books, magazines, and on sewing industry blogs in the past decade. When she's not writing, reading, blogging, or sewing, June enjoys cooking, walking, visiting art and history museums, and touring historic homes and gardens. Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' Author's Blog Author's Facebook Page Goodreads Author Page Goodreads Author Blog Amazon Author Page Praise for Handmade Hearts"What a lovely tribute to your aunt and uncle. It was a joy to read! . . . I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your story and thank you again for sharing it with me." ~Sandy Author InterviewCheck out the interview with the author HERE. GiveawayAbout the BookDespite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won't abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option. Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life. Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he's in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help? About the AuthorJody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults. As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories. She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee. Author InterviewCheck out the author interview HERE. ReviewJody Hedlund’s third book in the Orphan Train Series, Searching for You, is a beautiful, influential, and enriching story that readers will adore. From page one, Hedlund brings to life the struggle of being an orphan and living on the streets, as well as the dangers and tragedies of families being separated when they go west on the orphan train. This story shows the power of one women’s love for two children that she calls her own and the importance of keeping them together and having them returned to her at any cost. It’s also a story of the power of having a good man and true romance in one’s life. This story is deep, original, and powerful, speaking to readers in a way that will cause them to pause and reflect long after the last page is turned.
Series: Orphan Train Genre: historical, romance, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: December 4, 2018 Number of pages: 341 Other books in the series: 0.5-An Awakened Heart 1-With You Always 2-Together Forever A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via the author’s launch team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Forever Yours Clean Romance Event! January 2019 During the month of January, we will be featuring 12 fabulous Authors who write clean romance! There will be $400 worth of Giveaways plus great deals on books! You are invited to join the fun, learn about these great authors & find your next favorite book! There will be FREE ebooks, awesome sales & great giveaways! Check out this great list of featured authors who are sponsoring this event!Jennie Goutet Liwen Y. Ho Crissy Sharp Jo Noelle Laurie Winter Sophia Summers Stephanie Fowers Lorin Grace Ranee S. Clark Rebecca Connolly Reina M. Williams Jess Heileman Never miss a giveaway, freebie or sale by signing up for Clean Wholesome Romance’s Reader Newsletter! Are you a blogger or reader who would be willing to post about this event on your blog or social media? Sign up here. Are you an author who writes clean romance? Learn more about CWR upcoming events here, or Sign up for my Author Newsletter.To start things off we have a $100 Giveaway!Giveaway Details $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/3/19 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout the Book
In the still of a cool Colorado evening, the Circle J Ranch house burns to the ground, leaving Susannah Jones and her two brothers orphaned and homeless. Embittered by the tragedy, Susannah’s older brother grows increasingly cruel, leading Susannah to make the difficult choice to leave the last of her family behind to forge a new life for herself. It is the kindness of Dr. Kate, the woman physician in town, as well as a chance meeting with a rugged homesteader that give Susannah the strength she needs to escape.
When Joseph Iverson encounters the harassed young woman on his land one day, he has no thought but to provide the assistance she so clearly needs. Overcoming his shyness, he takes Susannah under his wing and agrees to a marriage of convenience to liberate her from her brother. As the pair works side by side, their mutual admiration deepens. But their happy existence is threatened all too soon by a series of “accidents” on the farm. With danger looming ever closer, Susannah and Joseph must discover who is bent on their destruction before the life and marriage they’ve built together goes up in flames. About the Author
Carolyn lives in Kaysvile, Utah with her husband and teenage daughter, her other four children having fled the nest, but still live close by (thank heavens). When she's not writing, she loves to read, garden, sew, and play with her grandson.
In 1994, she incorporated her basement sewing business, eventually moving it into a warehouse, hiring more people, and developing her unique line of puppets and educational curriculums into a full-fledged, international business. She sold the main arm of her business in 2009, retaining a small portion to bring in income while she pursued her writing career. She has been writing seriously since 2006. Review
Saving Susannah Jones by Carolyn Twede Frank is a delightful and sweet western romance. The story has enchanting and charming characters that readers will fall in love with as the book progresses and their stories come to life. Twede has brought to life a story of pain and hardship, but the strength of character shows as that is conquered by friendship and eventually love. This is a story that will keep readers hooked at the turn of every page with multiple plot twists and turns. A heartwarming story, readers will not want to miss this beloved story, and will miss the characters at the turn of the last page.
Genre: historical, western, romance Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: January 1, 2019 Number of pages: 224 A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayTour Schedule
Jan. 7th:
http://mybookaday.com/ https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ Jan. 8th: https://www.wishfulendings.com/ https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/, Jan. 9th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ Jan. 10th: http://empowermoms.net/ http://fireandicereads.com/ http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ Jan. 11th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ https://brightlystreet.com/ https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/ About the Book“What if I told you there is a way that we could all be happy? That if I were to propose to you, your father couldn’t deny us?” “What is it, John? Tell me!” Just then the basket hit the water and the sea began to stream in through the spaces between the reeds. This was the end. The year is 1887, and the small community of Pleasant View is abuzz over Penelope Pottifer’s serialized romances in the local paper. Since the release of the first volume, the thrilling story has captured the hearts and minds of the entire town— and several towns over! Each successive edition of the Pleasant View Gazette spins a breathtaking tale of kidnappers, pirates, and forbidden love. Between volumes, however, Pleasant View resident Mary Clarence, the story’s toughest critic, hears a rumor that Penelope Pottifer is not, in fact, the author’s real name. Determined to uncover the mystery, Mary drags her friend Elizabeth Black into a hunt for the elusive author’s true identity. But fiction and reality seem to entwine when along the way, Mary and Liz discover unexpected truths, exciting adventures, and dramatic romances of their own. About the AuthorValerie has a love for stories with happy endings and bright comedy. A native to the California high desert, she now considers Utah her home where she lives with her husband, three children and two chihuahuas. Growing up in a family of seven kids, Valerie learned to embrace her unique creativity and way of looking at the world and hopes it will enrich other’s lives. In 2015 she published two children’s books, Singing Not so Sweetly and Anabelle Loves Babies. She believes writing is the ultimate end-all for creative pursuits because there are no limits to what you can create. A picture may say a thousand words but a novel is usually around seventy-thousand. Facebook PartyGiveaway |
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