With No Regrets by Julie Ford (Blog Tour + Sneak Peek + Giveaway)

 

Blog Tour Schedule

With No Regrets by Julie N. Ford 
Living With No Regrets Is Harder Than It Seems

Finley isn’t exactly sure when her life began to feel unfamiliar. She suspects the transformation started long before she caught her husband and fellow garden club member doing the white-trash-two-step on her new Bernhardt sofa. Now free from the shackles of a loveless marriage, and with her children off to college, she’s finally able to go searching for the missing pieces of her heart.

Finley’s best friend, Cathyanne, is already working hard to ensure that Finley finds true love this time around. But when Finley is unwittingly tossed into the arms of two men—their sexy trainer and her neighbor, a popular country star—Cathyanne fears finding the right guy will be more complicated than she ever could have imagined.

For Finley, building a new life feels as impossible as flying a paper airplane to the moon. But maybe, just maybe, with the right help, she will find her whole heart—even if it’s in the very last place she thinks to look.
  

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Praise for With No Regrets 
“The imagery is beautiful, the romance very well done and realistic.” Rachel Ann Nunes.

 Finley is a spunky and snarky Southern woman with a lot of sass! The romance is swoon-worthy and satisfying. And underneath it all, it's got a great message. Definitely worth a read!

Sneak Peek

Packed like corralled cattle between four wood paneled walls, the riotous crowd filling the bar overwhelmed the echo of Finley’s boots as she made her way through the darkened hallway. Built during the early days of Nashville, Tootsie’s was rumored to have launched Willie Nelson’s career as well as other famous performers like Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings, and in more recent decades, Quinton Townes. 

 

At the end of the hallway, and through an open door, Finley spied her neighbor. 

 

Jagged locks of ashy-blond hair peeked out from under a worn cowboy hat to poke at the frayed edges of his western shirt. A dimple split his right cheek as he smiled, his head bent toward that of a young woman.

 

Finley moved closer, watching as the groupie handed Quinton a cocktail napkin. “Will you sign this for me?” she said, adding a coy smirk.

 

Quinton ran his smoky gray eyes over the woman’s skintight T-shirt as he slipped the paper and pen from her hands, his fingers lingering a touch longer than necessary on hers. “Who should I make this out to?” he drawled in that slow, Texas way of his.

 

Gazing out from under a pair of mascara-laden lashes, she said, “McKenna,” and then bit down on her plump bottom lip.

 

Finley rolled her eyes. This one was young, even by Quinton’s standards. Likely, not much older than her daughter Royanne, or Quinton’s own estranged daughter, Annie, for that matter. Because she hadn’t known him back when he was married, it was hard for her to imagine him as anyone’s daddy. But then he’d become a father long before the world had known his name. Before his solo career had taken off and he’d mistakenly boarded a high-speed train running on tequila and cocaine, barreling headlong into the blinding lights of one forgotten arena after another. Before he’d traded the unconditional love of a wife and three children for the fleeting admiration of his fans. Before the cheers of the crowds had echoed into a deafening abyss where there wasn’t enough booze or blow in his empty hotel room to silence the void. And certainly before he’d woken up one morning a homeless, washed-up one-hit-wonder with nothing but a broken-down Mazerati to call his own. The very day he just so happened to have entered Finley’s life.

Author Julie N. Ford 

A graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science, Julie N. Ford also earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of six women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, and the cutest Scottish fold cat you’ve ever seen. She loves to chat with readers.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram

 

Blog Tour Giveaway 

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 

Ends 6/28/15 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver, A Ripple Effect Romance (Blog Tour + Review)

Second Chances 101

by Donna K. Weaver

A Ripple Effect Romance, Book 5

Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

Available May 2014

HEA Publishing

144 pages

About the Book

Thirty seven year old Francie Davis, a recent widow and empty nester, gets to attend college at last. She’s sure her luck has changed when she also lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition, as administrative assistant to a history professor. When her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie worries she will never be good enough.

For Professor Alex Diederik, life is going downhill fast. Not only is his bitter ex-wife trying to poison their only daughter against him, but now his one place of solace—his work environment—is being complicated by his attractive new administrative assistant. She drives home his feelings of failure as a husband and father, and Alex wonders if hiring her was the right thing to do.

Francie will have to put aside her hurt and insecurities or risk her dreams, while Alex must look outside himself if he’s to mend the breach with his daughter. And, perhaps, find someone who can help heal his pain.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

I am loving this series of books, and Second Chances 101 is no exception! This book is a bit different from the others in that the characters are a bit older, with grown children. I thought this really added to the story because it gave them a bit of life experience and wisdom as they approached various situations.

Sam, Alex's daughter, was probably my favorite character in the book. I'd definitely love to read more about her story in the future! Alex and Francie were fun characters as well—thought for most of the story we got to know them individually or as friends. I loved that Alex was trying to navigate how to parent his college-aged daughter and Francie was learning how to be independent for the first time in her life. The story line is pretty rich due to the topics that were covered in such a short book. The end felt a bit rushed to me as things wrapped up quickly, but so it goes with novellas sometimes.

This is one of my favorite plots in this series, and I loved reading another clean romance! [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Donna K. Weaver has always loved reading and creating stories, thus she’s been ever entertained. An avid cruiser, she’s sailed the Pacific five times. Wife-mother-grandmother-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd.

Donna K. Weaver Online

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest

Sneak Peek

The door burst open and a pretty girl with long strawberry blond hair stomped out. Her headlong rush drove her right at Francie, who squeezed against the wall, almost out of the way. Their shoulders hit, and they both stumbled. As Francie steadied herself, she could see tears in the girl’s heavily made up eyes. Staggering for a couple of paces, she managed to stay on her feet and then ran down the hallway.

“Come back here,” a man yelled from inside. He dashed out the door and halfway down the hall before it was obvious the student had made her escape.

Yelling at a student and chasing her down the hallway? That can't be my new boss. Francie couldn’t help staring at the compact but solidly built—almost buff—man who stood with his back to her. The angry energy came off him in waves, and she had to fight a primal instinct to run and hide. Giving a quick glance over her shoulder, Francie began to edge away. Maybe she could pretend she hadn’t seen. Suddenly the man swore and spun around, seeming to see Francie for the first time.

“What are you doing there?” he growled. “Eavesdropping?” 

Giveaway

As part of the blog tour, there's a giveaway! The prize? A $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash! Open internationally. Ends May 26. Enter through the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

*** Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  ***

Lost and Found by Karey White, A Ripple Effect Romance (Blog Tour + Review)

Lost and Found

by Karey White

A Ripple Effect Romance, Book 4

Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

Available April 2014

HEA Publishing

144 pages

About the Book

Lydia was supposed to have an adventurous and exciting summer. Instead she’s done nothing more than read and eat takeout. Now it’s time to go home, and what does she have to show for it? A big fat nothing. Unless, of course, her trip to the airport somehow turns into something more than just a flight home.

Blake feels like he’s been sent on a wild goose chase. While work is piling up back in Denver, he’s on the other side of the country, hunting for some mysterious box that his grandfather left him. Well, no more. Nothing inside that box could possibly be more important than the opportunity to make it as the youngest partner at his firm. So he’s going home, and that’s that. But that’s before he discovers his flight has been cancelled.

When these two strangers meet at the airport, they make a split-second decision to search for the box together. Maybe with both of them on the hunt, Lydia can have her adventure and Blake can find the box. And maybe, if they’re lucky, they’ll even find some romance.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

The premise of Lost and Found is unique. Lydia and Blake meet randomly at an airport when their flight is cancelled. They realize that if they team up and stay a few extra days Lydia will get the adventure she seeks, and Blake will be able to continue searching for his inheritance. It's not love at first sight ... more like a convenient partnership that is developed in a matter of seconds. But what a fascinating start to their journey!

Blake and Lydia make a great team. While I wasn't sure how this story would play out, the author did a great job of delivering a fun story without being cheesy or overly predictable. Lost and Found is a wonderful addition to the Ripple Effect Romance series, and I definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun, clean romance! [4 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Karey is a USA Today best-selling author. She grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, cook, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four wonderful children.

Karey White Online

Website & Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Sneak Peek

Blake and Lydia stayed in their seats as the area around them cleared and a line formed. Finally, Blake stood, picked up his duffel bag and briefcase, then waited while Lydia gathered her things. They took a spot at the back of the line. After a minute, Lydia spoke.

“Since you have to change your flight anyway, maybe you should stay another day or two and try to find the box.”

The corner of Blake’s mouth twitched. “Maybe you should stay a couple of days and have an adventure.”

“Touché. I guess if the plane had gone down, I’d have had an adventure to tell about. Or not tell about.”

The line moved slowly. “You know,” Blake said. “Maybe your adventure could be staying and helping me find my grandfather’s box.”

Lydia nearly choked on her last bite of brownie. Was he joking? They didn’t even know each other.

“I have to be back for teacher’s meetings. And I need to get my classroom ready for school to start. The desks are all stacked up in a corner of the room and I need to get them set up and organized and I’ve got to put up a couple of bulletin boards. And I have to get papers for the parents copied for back to school night and…” Blake’s smile widened as she spoke. “And I’m babbling, aren’t I?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry about it. I should get back to the office anyway. It was a crazy idea.”

“Yeah,” Lydia said, relieved. A few minutes passed, and they neared the front of the line. A voice in Lydia’s head wouldn’t be quiet. You’re a coward. You don’t really want an adventure. You’re all talk. You could kill two birds with one stone. Have an adventure and help this guy find the box from his grandfather. But you’re too big of a wimp. She wanted to tell the voice to mind its own business, but it wouldn’t shut up. Chicken. Scaredy cat. But this wasn’t about adventure. This was about good, common sense, right? It wouldn’t be smart to stay with this man she didn’t know. And yet her instincts told her this guy was safe, that she didn’t need to fear his intentions.

It seemed the only way to stop the nag in her head was to speak. “It wasn’t a crazy idea. It was an adventurous idea. And I came here for adventure. I need something to tell Cambri when I get home, right? And you need to find that box or you’ll miss out on something important. And I don’t technically have to be back until Wednesday morning, so...”

“Really? Are you just talking a big game?” Blake teased.

“You’re not a psychopathic killer, are you?”

“No. But I certainly wouldn’t tell you if I was.”

“That’s true. That would really up the whole adventure factor, though.”

“See, you’re braver than you thought.”

Giveaway

As part of the blog tour, there's a giveaway! The prize? A $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash! Open internationally. Ends May 12. Enter through the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  ***

Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson, A Ripple Effect Romance (Blog Tour + Review)

Righting a Wrong

by Rachael Anderson

A Ripple Effect Romance, Book 3

Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

Available April 2014

HEA Publishing

144 pages

About the Book

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her senior year ended in a fiasco. Only Jace Sutton knew the real reason why—that she was a spineless coward. Now, seven years later, her father’s been in an accident and needs help, and Cambri has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and boards a plane, hoping against hope that Jace is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past.

If only life worked that way.

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she’d led him on, bruised his heart, and left town without a backward glance, he was forced to pick up the pieces and try not to hate her for it. Eventually, he put it behind him and moved on, creating a life for himself in his beloved hometown. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jake instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs.

If only it were that easy.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

This post was supposed to go up on April 19 as part of a blog tour. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the post did not go live as I had originally planned. My apologies to the author and the tour coordinator for the delay!

Oh my! What a cute story! Righting a Wrong was a fast read that I flew through in just one day! I thoroughly enjoyed Cambri and found myself relating to her on a number of levels. She feels a responsibility to her dad—despite their differences—but really just wants to go back to her life.

Of course, Jace could have something to do with that! The sparks and the tension were palpable, and I loved the chemistry and awkwardness that characterized their interactions early in the book! The pacing was right on, and I felt like I got much more than a mere 144 pages!

I definitely recommend Righting a Wrong as a clean romance and am looking forward to reading more of this author in the (hopefully near!) future! [4.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Rachael Anderson Online

Website & Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Sneak Peek

Her father eyed her hand with disdain. “I feel fine. I don’t need a bunch of medication to mess that all up.”
 

“No medication, no breakfast.” Cambri wriggled her palm.
 

“What’s for breakfast?”
 

Her eyebrow lifted. “I can tell you it’s not the fatted calf.”
 

Although he harrumphed, a twinkle of humor appeared. “I almost forgot how cheeky you could be.”
 

“And I almost forgot how ornery you could be.”
 

He rolled his eyes, but grudgingly accepted the pills, swallowing them with a sip of water. Then he settled back against his pillow. “I always have sausage, eggs, and hash browns on Saturdays.”
 

“Believe it or not, I remember.” Cambri retrieved a breakfast tray from the kitchen and set it on his lap, mentally preparing herself for what would come.
 

“What’s that supposed to be?” Her father stared at the food in disgust.
 

“Oatmeal, whole wheat toast, and freshly squeezed OJ,” said Cambri smoothly. “Try it. You might like it.”
 

“Why isn’t there butter on this toast? Where’s my sausage and hash browns?”
 

“Your heart doesn’t want bacon and hash browns. It wants oatmeal.”
 

“Bullwinkle.”

Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin, A Ripple Effect Romance (Blog Tour & Review + Giveaway)

Silver Linings

by Kaylee Baldwin

A Ripple Effect Romance, Book 2

Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

Available February 2014

HEA Publishing

172 pages

About the Book

Drew Westfall wants nothing more than to forget what he had to do in the name of "smart" business. Cutting off all ties with his parents—including handing over the entire contents of his trust fund to a charity—he takes off for Bridger, Colorado where his best friend has an extra room for him. It doesn't take long for him to realize that his business degree won’t do him much good in a town as small as Bridger, but he's broke and has nowhere else to go.

Eden Torresi has every reason to wallow. Not only did she have to sell her house to pay for her mother’s medical expenses, but she also had to drop out of school and is in a relationship with a guy unwilling to commit. But Eden isn't the wallowing type. Instead, she chooses to spend most of her time taking care of the seniors at Silver Linings Assisted Living. When she learns that her boyfriend's new roommate is down on his luck, her caring nature makes her want to reach out to him and offer what help she can. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated things get, especially when the seniors of Silver Linings decide to play matchmaker.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think

My Thoughts

What a sweet story! Eden's interactions with everyone around her made me just love her! She cares so much about the residents at the Assisted Living home—and they care about her just as much. Some of the residents were hilarious! As Drew and Eden got closer, I really loved the two of them together. The "love triangle" aspect was a little different in that I liked the other guy too! Eden's relationship with her mom was really special too. It was such a tender story line, and I got misty a few times reading about them as her mom got worse.

Silver Linings is another clean romance novel that I am happy to recommend without any reservations! [4.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

When Kaylee Baldwin isn’t writing, she’s usually chasing after her four children, checking her email, trying to get motivated to train for that race she shouldn’t have signed up for, hanging out with her pretty awesome husband, and reading whatever good book she can find. She graduated from Arizona State with degree in English Lit. Her published books are Meg’s Melody, Six Days of Christmas (part of the All I Want collection), and Silver Linings.

Kaylee Baldwin Online

Website & Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Sneak Peek

Eden opened the door and hopped out. “I’ll be just a second, if you want to stay out here.”

Drew could tell a non-invitation when he heard one, so he nodded. He did get out of the car—where somehow it was less cold—and stomped his feet a few times while she walked up the stairs, a firm grip on the rail. She disappeared through the door.  A few minutes later, she came out, the worry lines back on her face. Instinctively, he moved closer, but before he could say anything, her heel slipped out from under her and she slid down several stairs. He rushed over to stop her fall, catching her just before she fell down the last three steps.

“Are you okay?” Drew’s heart pounded with adrenaline.

She moaned and used the railing and his hand to pull herself up to standing. “Guess I should have scraped and salted those this morning.”

“Your landlord doesn’t do it?”

She let out a short, humorless laugh. “No.” He noticed her limping when they started toward the car and he slid his arm around her waist.

“Do you need to go get that looked at? Did you break something?”

“No. I just twisted my knee. It’ll be okay. This happens like once a week.”

Drew stopped walking and stared at her in disbelief. Once a week?

“I’m fine. Really. But we’ve got to go before it gets too late. Thank you, though.” She glanced up at him and Drew’s breath caught in his throat. The sunlight kissed her pale hair, skin, and eyes, reminding Drew once again of an angel. She was so beautiful. So kind. And so taken.

He forced himself to step back and pretended nothing weird had just happened by running a hand through hair still slick with the gel he’d put in it after his shower. He discreetly wiped gel off onto his pants. “So, Silver Linings?”

“Yes. Silver Linings.” She wouldn’t meet his eyes, and he didn’t think it was his imagination that she sounded breathless too.

Giveaway

As part of the blog tour, there's a giveaway! The prize? A $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash! Open internationally. Ends April 14. Enter through the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  ***

A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander (Sneak Peek)

I'm thrilled to be part of the Launch Team for Tamera Alexander's latest novel, A Beauty So Rare. I thought it would be fun to share a sneak peek and the trailer. I'll be posting my review in the weeks to come!

A Beauty So Rare by Bethany House Publishers

Home Matters by Julie N. Ford, A Ripple Effect Romance (Blog Tour & Review + Giveaway)

Home Matters

by Julie N. Ford

A Ripple Effect Romance, Book 1

Fiction / Contemporary / Romance

Available February 2014

HEA Publishing

156 pages

About the Book

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach.

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.

Buy a copy  |  Find out what others think  

My Thoughts

Home Matters was a great introduction to this new-to-me author! As an avid fan of home improvement shows—since the days of Trading Spaces!—it was fun to read about the stars of a fictional show. I enjoyed the love triangle, but definitely had an opinion about who Olivia should choose. Nevertheless, the journey she went on to figure out who she wanted to be with was a fun one. The book had plenty of humor thrown in, which added to my enjoyment of the story. Overall, I thought this was a great book. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series and to reading more from Julie in the future! [4.5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.

About the Author

Julie is a forty-something, dangerously close to becoming a fifty-something, graduate from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama, which has only made her better able to recognize the unhealthy, codependent relationship she has with writing. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a marriage and family counselor. She is the author of four women’s fiction novels, including Count Down to Love, a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she entertains delusions of being a master gardener, that is, when she’s not killing the unsuspecting plants in her yard with her good intentions. She lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, two daughters, a Betta named Bob, and a Scottish fold kitten, Ardweal.

Julie N. Ford Online

Website  |  Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Sneak Peek

Pete scratched the scruff on his chin. “Olivia Pembroke,” he repeated, as if giving her name some serious thought. “Sounds like a character from a Jane Austen movie.”

Olivia responded with a dour look. “You a fan of turn- of-the-century romance films?”

Pete shrugged off her comment. “I have three older sisters,” he said, his eyes studying her from head to foot. “Except, the more I’m getting to know you, with that fiery disposition and those Bambi eyes, you’re reminding me more of a feisty little Disney fairy than a demure lady of class.” He lifted his thick eyebrows, curious. “Is that your real name, or some sort of made-up stage name?”

Just because a girl had a heart-shaped face, turned-up nose, and bow mouth, didn’t make it okay for people to tease her about resembling any sort of cute little pixy. She hated when people made the connection. He was really starting to annoy her, which was obviously what he intended, so she refused to allow him the satisfaction of knowing just how much.

“Not that it’s any of your business, but both.” She idly examined her manicure. “My momma named me Olivia because she thought Olivia Pembroke would look good all lit up on a marquee. She knew I was going to be a big star when I grew up.”

He huffed out a laugh. “You, and about a few thousand other pretty faces in this town.”

Olivia shot him a withering look. “What’s your point?”

Pete shrugged. “Why waste your life chasing what will likely amount to no more than two minutes of fame when there are nobler causes out there worth pursuing?” He almost sounded genuine. “After all, love and fame can’t live in the same place.”

Olivia’s hands curled into tight, angry balls. Who did this man think he was to lecture her on the nobility of her ambitions? The most infuriating man she’d ever met, that’s who. “Says the man who was obviously born to clean toilets.” Taking a step closer, she faced him straight on and planted her fists on her hips. “And just a tip, Socrates. The next time you go all philosophical on a girl, and you expect her to take you seriously, try not using movie quotes to prove your point.” She slid him a superior glance. “Like I wouldn’t recognize a line from Country Strong.”

Pete moved closer as well. Their noses were barely inches from touching. She could actually feel his breath on her face, and for some unconscionable reason, she found the sensation oddly tantalizing. Then he opened his mouth to say something else. But before he could get a word out, a voice from the near distance interrupted.

“And, that’s a wrap!”

Olivia jerked toward the casting director. “What?” she questioned, though she knew fully well what “that’s-a-wrap” meant. “I’m sorry, but unless I’m mistaken, we haven’t begun shooting yet.”

The director rolled his hand through the air. “Yes well, we’ve seen all we need to,” he said, his attention already diverted to the phone his assistant was handing him. “Thank you for coming down today, Olivia. We’ll be in touch.”

Giveaway

As part of the blog tour, there's a giveaway! The prize? A $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash! Open internationally. Ends March 31. Enter through the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

*** Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Inspired Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  ***

Cover Reveal | Until That Distant Day by Jill Stengl (Giveaway)

It's time for another cover reveal! And this is a special one ... Today is the author's birthday! So before we go any further, Happy Birthday to Jill Stengl! Jill Stengl is releasing her first new book in seven years, and her daughter (author Anne Elisabeth Stengl, who I'm sure many of you have heard of!) and Amber Stokes (of Seasons with Humility) have collaborated to put together this special cover reveal!

Without further ado, let's talk about the cover! Well, in a word, it's GORGEOUS! I'm quite partial to aqua, really all shades of blue, so of course I would be drawn to it. But the rest of the dress is great ... the ruffles, the feminine detail, and what an interesting neckline! The model looks appropriate to the time period, but I still feel like I can connect with her. All in all, it's a winner!

About the Book

Paris, France, 1792

Colette DeMer and her brother Pascoe are two sides of the same coin, dependent upon one another in the tumultuous world of the new Republic. Together they labor with other leaders of the sans-culottes to ensure freedom for all the downtrodden men and women of France.

But then the popular uprisings turn bloody and the rhetoric proves false. Suddenly, Colette finds herself at odds with Pascoe and struggling to unite her fractured family against the lure of violence. Charged with protecting an innocent young woman and desperately afraid of losing one of her beloved brothers, Colette doesn’t know where to turn or whom to trust as the bloodshed creeps ever closer to home.

Until that distant day when peace returns to France, can she find the strength to defend her loved ones . . . even from one another?

Coming April 25, 2014
From Rooglewood Press

Learn More About The Book

About the Author

Jill Stengl is the author of numerous romance novels including Inspirational Reader's Choice Award- and Carol Award-winning Faithful Traitor, and the bestselling novella, Fresh Highland Heir. She lives with her husband in the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, where she enjoys her three cats, teaching a high school English Lit. class, playing keyboard for her church family, and sipping coffee on the deck as she brainstorms for her next novel.

Sneak Peek from Chapter One

I was born believing that the world was unfair and that I was the person to make it right.

One of my earliest memories is of Papa setting me atop a nail keg in the forge; I could not have been older than two at the time.

“Colette, give Papa a kiss,” he said, tapping his cheek.

“Why?”

“Come and sit on my knee.”

“Why?”

My response to every order was the same, asked with genuine curiosity. I did not understand why his watching friends chuckled. Why should I press my lips to Papa’s sweaty, prickly cheek? Why should I hop down from the keg, where he had just placed me, and run to sit on his knee, a most uncomfortable perch? I felt justified in requesting a reason for each abrupt order, yet he never bothered to give me one.

Mama, when thus questioned, provided an answer in the form of a sharp swat. This I could respect as definitive authority, although the reasoning behind it remained dubious.

My little brother Pascoe was born believing that the world was his to command. As soon as he acquired his first vocabulary word, “No,” he and I joined ranks in defiance of established authority.

Many impediments cluttered the path of destiny in those early years: parents, thirteen other siblings, physical ailments, and educational difficulties. And as we grew into adulthood, more serious matters intervened, even parting us for a time. But I will speak more of that later. For now, let me assure you that, no matter the obstacles thrown in our way, our sibling bond seemed indissoluble; the love between us remained unaffected by any outside relationship.

Pascoe and I were young adults when revolutionaries in Paris threw aside the tyranny of centuries and established a new government based on the Rights of Man. From the seclusion of our little village in Normandy we rejoiced over each battle fought and won; and when our local physician, Doctor Hilliard, who had first mentored then employed Pascoe for several years, was elected as deputy to the National Assembly from our district, a whole new world opened at our feet.

My story truly begins on a certain day in the spring of 1792, in the little domain I had made for myself in the kitchen at the back of Doctor Hilliard’s Paris house. Perhaps it wasn’t truly my domain, for it did not belong to me. I was merely the doctor’s housekeeper and could lay no real claim. Nevertheless, the kitchen was more mine than anything had ever been, and I loved that small, dark room; especially during the hours when sunlight slanted through the bubbled-glass kitchen windows, making bright, swirling shapes on the whitewashed walls, or each evening when I arranged my latest culinary creation on a platter and left it in the warming oven for the doctor to discover whenever he arrived home. That kitchen was my home. Not the home I had grown up in, but the home I had always craved.

On that particular day, however, it did not feel the safe haven I had always believed it to be. Loud voices drifted down from the upper floor where the doctor and Pascoe were in conference, disturbing my calm. When I closed the connecting door to the dining room, the angry voices drifted in through the open kitchen windows. I couldn’t close the windows; I might smother of heat. Yet I needed to block out the sound, to make it stop.

So I slipped a filet of sole into a greased skillet and let it brown until golden on both sides. The hiss and sizzle did not quite cover the shouting, but it helped. Then I slid the fish onto a waiting plate lined with sautéed vegetables fresh from my kitchen garden; and I topped all with an herbed wine-and-butter sauce. A grind of fresh pepper finished off my creation.

But my hands were still trembling, and I felt as if something inside me might fall to pieces.

Pascoe often shouted. Shouting was part of his fiery nature, a normal event. He shouted when he gave speeches at section meetings. He shouted about overcooked meals or inferior wines. He shouted when his lace jabot refused to fall into perfect folds.

But never before had I heard Doctor Hilliard raise his voice in anger.

Doctor Hilliard was never angry. Doctor Hilliard never displayed emotion. At most, he might indicate approval by the glance of a benevolent eye or disapprobation by the merest lift of a brow. Yet there could be no mistaking the two furious voices overhead. I well knew Pascoe’s sharp tenor with its sarcastic edge; but now I also heard the doctor’s resonant voice crackling with fury.

I managed to slide the hot plate into the warmer alongside a crusty loaf of bread and closed the door, using a doubled towel to protect my shaking hands.

Behind me the connecting door was flung open, and Pascoe burst in as I spun to face him. “Gather your things; we are leaving,” he growled. His eyes blazed in his pale face, and the jut of his jaw allowed for no questions. He clapped his tall hat on his head as he passed through the room.

I donned my bonnet and sabots and picked up my parasol. “What has happened?” I asked just above a whisper.

“I’ll tell you once we are away from this house.” His lips snapped tight. His chest heaved with emotion, and he grasped a portfolio so tightly that his fingers looked white.

I could not recall the last time I had seen my brother in such a rage.

Giveaway

As part of this special cover reveal, there is a giveaway! Enter to win 10 autographed novels/novellas by Jill Stengl. What a great prize! The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only. Enter through the Rafflecopter widget below.

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Blogside Chat | Debut Author Karen Barnett

It's been quite a while since I had the privilege of hosting anyone for a Blogside Chat. Today, I'm happy to welcome debut author Karen Barnett to i blog 4 books!

i blog 4 books: Welcome, Karen! Tell us a little about your novel. Where did you get the idea for Mistaken? What is the story behind the story?

Karen Barnett: The idea for Mistaken came from an old family story. My grandparents lived in Port Angeles, Washington during Prohibition. Like the character Johnny Burke, my grandfather and some buddies used to row across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to get whiskey to share with friends back home. On one of their return trips they found G-men waiting for them on the beach and were able to jump overboard and swim to freedom. In later life, he claimed my grandmother had turned him in to officials, but she refused to ever speak of it. Whether this was true or just family lore I'll never know, but I thought it was an irresistible premise for a story.

ib4b: How much of yourself do you put into your characters? Are Laurie and Daniel and Samuel based on anyone in particular?

KB: Laurie is quite a bit like me: introverted, contemplative, private. She also makes snap judgments about people that sometimes prove to be incorrect in the long run. I hate to admit it, but I'm prone to this failing as well. Daniel resembles my own real-life hero—my husband, Steve—a generous spirit who will bend over backward to help the people he cares about and a man with deeply-held beliefs that drive his choices.

ib4b: What do you hope readers will take away from reading Mistaken?

KB: Laurie's deepest desire is to find one man of honor who will never disappoint her. Many women feel let down by men in their lives and sometimes we turn to romance novels to fill that need. I hope that by reading Mistaken, we will all be reminded that everyone sins and falls short. The only man truly worthy of our unfailing trust is Christ.

ib4b: Who encouraged your love for reading and/or writing when you were growing up?

KB: My parents always encouraged me to read, and I picked it up at a young age. It was customary in our house to read for at least 30 minutes before lights-out each night (and that’s when the flashlight became my trusted friend). I also had a 5th grade teacher who assigned weekly creative writing exercises and wouldn’t accept tearful pleas of "I can't do it" as an excuse—as much as I tried.

ib4b: It seems like most authors have quite an interesting journey to publication. What did you do in your "former life"?

KB: My first paying job was in a library—not a big surprise, right? I spent several years working as a park ranger with both the national and state parks. I loved explaining nature to park visitors and encouraging them to look around with new eyes. After we had kids, I was fortunate to be able to stay at home while they were little, and entered into full-time writing when they reached their school-years.

ib4b: What are you working on now?

KB: I am currently writing a three-book series set in 1906 San Francisco, the first of which will be arriving in bookstores next spring. In Out of the Ruins, Abby Fischer prays for a miracle for her dying sister, but doesn’t expect the answer to come in the form of the handsome Dr. Robert King. When Robert’s innovative treatment fails, Abby’s grief is surpassed only by the chaos of the San Francisco earthquake and fires. Will Abby finally find God—and love—in the ruins?

ib4b: Thank you so much for stopping by, Karen!

---

About the Author

Karen Barnett is the author of Mistaken and several articles that have been published by Guideposts and other national magazines. She lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband, two children, and three cats. Connect with Karen through her website KarenBarnettBooks.com.

About the Book

Laurie’s judgment about men has never steered her wrong. Until now.

Since alcohol and prohibition have made criminals out of every man in her world, Laurie Burke resolves to find at least one honorable man to fill her life.

Convinced that handsome newcomer Daniel Shepherd is connected with her brother’s rum-running gang, Laurie quickly scratches his name off her list. Federal agent Samuel Brown might be the answer to her prayers—or her worst nightmare.

If you're interested in learning more about Mistaken, check out this sneak peek of the first chapter.

Sneak Peek of Stranded by Dani Pettrey (& Giveaway!)

Tour Schedule

Sneak Peek of Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Darcy strode down the eerily silent corridor, heading for the elevator. Where was Abby? Perhaps, after returning from the day’s excursion, she’d been called in to help with the evening’s bash on Deck 9. Whatever the cause of Abby’s delay, Darcy wasn’t going to spend the rest of the night waiting. She had signed on with the Bering to aid Abby in an investigation—an investigation she still knew very little about.

Abby’s calls from various Alaskan ports over the past few weeks had been brief—telling Darcy about an adventure journalist opportunity aboard Destiny Cruise Line’s Bering and encouraging her to apply. The last call—the day before Darcy was scheduled to leave California to join the cruise—had been different. It had lasted less than a minute, and there was a heightened urgency to Abby’s tone, true fear—unlike anything she’d heard in her former undercover investigation partner before. She wouldn’t give any details, only frantically confirmed that Darcy was indeed arriving. Whatever Abby was on to, it was big.

For the first time in three years, the hunger of the hunt was back for her. And the beauty of it was that her adventure journalist “cover” was real.

Her adventure credentials and her ability to be on board the ship within forty-eight hours had impressed Destiny Cruise Line and snagged her the spot. She’d been on board little over twelve hours, and already she was anxious to plunge into whatever Abby needed her help with.

She pressed the Up button, tapping her foot until the elevator doors slid open. She stepped inside, hit the button for level 9, and leaned against the rail. Who would have thought she’d ever be back on a case? When she left undercover investigative reporting three years ago, she’d vowed never to return. But this was different. Abby needed her help, she wasn’t totally undercover, and most importantly she wasn’t working for Kevin—that fact alone made all the difference. Or, at least, she tried to convince herself it did.

The elevator moved slowly, or perhaps the anxiety was getting to her. She’d been so restless since she’d left Alaska last December . .  left the McKenna family . . . left Gage. She’d expected to stay in contact, but nothing had come—five months with no phone calls, no e-mails . . . nothing.

She jiggled her leg as the numbers overhead lit with each deck passed—5. 6. 7.

The elevator jerked to a sudden halt at 8, jarring her hard against the back rail. An alarm whirred and the lights dimmed.

You’ve got to be kidding.
 She pressed the 9 button. Nothing. 
“Oh, come on.” 
Depressing the emergency call button, she held it in, trying to ward off the encroaching panic. She was trapped.

About Stranded

When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances. 

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg. 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

About Dani Pettrey 

Dani Pettrey is a wife, homeschooling mom and author. She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves–the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of one’s faith and plenty of romance. She’s a huge fan of dark chocolate, is always in search of the best iced mocha and her dream is to one day own a little cottage on a remote stretch of beach. She and her husband reside in Maryland with their two teenage daughters. 

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Tour Giveaway 

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 

Ends 10/10/13 

*** Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ***

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