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Showing posts with label sweet christmas romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sweet christmas romance. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

#WednesdayWordswithFriends Welcomes @Josieriviera Josie Riviera!

Good Morning,

I have known Josie for quite some time now as a member of 2 different promo groups but I was surprised to find she's never been a guest here on our blog so .... W-E-L-C-O-M-E Josie! Please share with us your Christmas book as part of our All Christmas thru Christmas feature.

Christmas in the Air is a sweet, small-town romance filled with delightful characters and holiday cheer.

What if you told your innermost secrets to a guy you assumed you’d never see again?

Penelope Reid owns a toy business, and meets an elusive, handsome stranger on a plane trip to Hilton Head Island. Along the way, she confesses her problems and fears, her aspirations, and unrealized goals, while she believes the man is only half-listening. She is a single mother in her late 40s, readjusting to her life after a difficult divorce, and raising a challenging twelve-year-old son.

Two months later, she comes into direct contact with Jacob Williams, the new pediatrician in town, and the man she met on the plane. Jacob knows many facts about her life. Will he use his knowledge to embarrass her, or pursue her?

As Jacob and Penelope get to know each other, Jacob relates his story—his poverty-stricken childhood, his mother’s disapproval when he left the family farm, and his recent job.

She is touched and impressed by his new goals to forego his ambitions and help people. And she is a bit envious he has decided what he wants and is going after it.

Things can only take a turn for the worse when their romance begins to develop, all under the disapproving eyes of her critical son and the small, inquisitive community who thought they knew her.

Her son is begging for a snuggly puppy for Christmas. But is he ready to assume the responsibility? And does Penelope have room in her heart for a new romance and an adorable puppy?

Excerpt: Penelope Reid sat glued to her seat.

Breathe in. There’s nothing to be nervous about. Flying in an airplane is routine for many businesspeople.

And she, unfortunately, was a businessperson.

She attempted to smile at the flight attendant who walked past, before resuming her pep talk to herself.


Virginia to Hilton Head Island is a short flight.

She considered texting her brother, Lincoln, with a ‘mission accomplished’ message, though he wouldn’t get the message until she had cell service again. He’d encouraged her to take the flight to secure a toy shop location. She’d complied, albeit reluctantly, though she’d been successful with the negotiations and closed on the deal. Nonetheless, when she finally arrived home, she intended to wring his neck. He knew how much she dreaded flying.

She cut a glance at her handsome seatmate’s profile. She’d admired the angle of his face—his sharp jawline and straight nose—throughout most of the flight. Framed by the afternoon sunlight streaming in the window, he seemed relaxed. Of course, he seemed relaxed because he was sleeping. In fact, he’d slept almost non-stop.

She coughed and nudged him with her elbow. She needed someone to talk to and take her mind off the flight. She’d already breezed through every magazine in the seat pocket.

“Hmm?” He took off his aviator sunglasses and turned toward her. His eyes were a deep shade of brown, warm and mesmerizing, rimmed with black eyelashes. His skin exuded a healthy golden glow. “Have we arrived?”

“Hardly.”

He peered out the window. “Cloudy day.”

“The weather forecaster called for rain.”

“He was probably right.”

“She was probably right,” Penelope corrected.

He grinned. “Touché.”

Penelope sat up straighter. “Before you fell asleep, we were discussing our jobs.”

“Were we?”

“We were about to.” Her seatbelt tightened as she leaned toward him. “I’ve managed a toy shop business ever since I was a teenager.”

“Sounds fun.”

“I hate it.”

His dark eyebrows curved upward. “Why?”

“Do you want the truth?”

“By all means.”

“I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I’ve never been good at deception.”

“Bravo.” He gave her a thumbs-up. “So, do tell.”

“I’d like to do something else.”

“Nothing wrong with that. I’ll keep your secret.” He flashed her a positively magnetic smile.

Her heart stilled. Here sat a good-looking man who had listened to her rattle on about her life whenever he opened his eyes. At least, she assumed he listened. She’d held him captive because he couldn’t escape. They were seated next to each other in first class. Still, she’d begun to assume they were friends, and he was an attentive guy.

Josie Riviera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations. Find out more about Josie by visiting her Website and connecting with her on Social Media (links available through website). Check out her other books by visiting her Amazon Author Page.

Get your copy of Christmas in the Air HERE.

Wow, Josie Christmas in the Air sounds like a wonderful, book! Thank you for sharing. Good luck and God's blessings.

PamT

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

#WednesdayWordswithFriends welcomes Alina K Field & Belles & Beaux!

Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving!

Before we get to our All Christmas thru Christmas guest I'd like to take a moment and THANK Each and Every One of YOU who follow my blog and support my guests and to wish you ALL a BLESSED and Happy Thanksgiving! 

Now on to our guest....

Alina K Field is no stranger to our blog and today she shares with us her story from the Christmas collection published by the Bluestocking Belles. Take it away, Alina....

Now available for Pre-order for only 99 cents!

I’m excited to share with you this newest collection of stories from the Bluestocking Belles, including my brand new novelette, Flowers for His Lady. If you’ve read A Leap Into Love, you’ll recognize the heroine as one of the secondary characters from that story.
Belles & Beaux

Just in time for Christmas 2022 comes this boxed set of eight charming stories of love, family, and miracles. Each Belle has contributed a sweet tale set in the festive season–each just long enough to fit in between tasks at this busy time of the year. The tales are unrelated, except by the festive season.

Some have been written for this collection, some are made-to-order stories never before published, some have been used as fan giveaways. All are delightful.

So pour the drink of your choice, find a favorite chair, and step into one of our worlds.

A Mistletoe Kiss: Sherry Ewing
As Christmas approaches, Sophie Templeton’s one wish is a kiss beneath the mistletoe from the man who holds her heart. Spencer, Earl of Wilmott has been quietly waiting for Sophie to grow up. Has he left it too late to make his offer?

The Magic Christmas Stew: Susana Ellis
The life of an idle spare was no life at all for retired Captain, Daniel Winthrop. He was capable of doing many things, but they all required a wealthy bride. Governess Emily Bainbridge feared being pursued for her fortune, so she kept hers a secret. Will this pair find the courage to conquer their pride and risk all for love?

Flowers for His Lady: Alina K Field
After her fall from grace years ago, Eleanor Gurnwood has made a family of the villagers in her vicar-brother’s parish. His rising career means she must choose between continuing as his minion or staying with the village. Then her past rides in on a white horse in the form of Major Sir Bramwell Huxley.

An Angel’s Promise: Rue Allyn
Artis MacKai might be only a little girl, but she is not going to let a blizzard, wolves, or a deadly enemy stop her from rescuing the stolen mare and foal who are the hope of her family. It will take the spirits of her parents, a determined boy, and her desperate brother to save her.

Room at the Inn: Caroline Warfield
A fatherless child requires a village with room in their hearts. A hardhearted baroness makes it impossible. The Honorable Declan Alworth steps up to make room in his heart and his home for the little treasure. How can the vicar’s niece, Maera Willis, resist either one of them?

Zara’s Locket: Jude Knight
After Zara MacLaren is dismissed from her post on Christmas Eve, things go from bad to worse. When a goldsmith recognises the locket he once made in the hands of a would-be seller, he sets out to find her. What seems bad fortune might just turn into a Christmas miracle.

Three Ships: Elizabeth Ellen Carter
Laura Winter lives on a tidal island that is home to a lighthouse. On a late November day a violent storm brings not only the handsome Lieutenant Michael Renten but also a clutch of pirates bent on wreaking mischief.

The Beau of Christmas Past: Cerise DeLand
Years ago, Alyssa and Declan were caught enjoying a Christmas kiss, which broke Alyssa’s betrothal to another man, and caused the pair to be exiled, far from their families and one another. Home for Christmas, will they find the past something to be overcome? Or fulfilled?

Excerpt from Flowers for His Lady

The helpers had departed St. Tancred’s hours ago when the wet snow falling showed a determination to stick, as the last few December snowfalls had not done. Besides, some of the members of the Ladies’ Society for the Improvement of Village Life had meals to prepare. Those with servants had children to tend to and husbands who would worry about their safe arrival. 

Even the new curate, Mr. Godwin, had left, polite and pleased, after a cursory visit in the late afternoon. He and his wife—a lovely woman due to give birth soon—would serve the people of Upper Upton far better than… 

With a steadying breath, Miss Eleanor Gurnwood shook off what would be an uncharitable thought. 

She had stayed on in the peaceful solitude to finish arranging great urns of winter greens and holly, despairing of their broken organ, and the promised flowers from the Brockton Manor greenhouse. 

Never mind. This would be a lovely Christmas at St. Tancred’s, or at least better than last year’s celebration when her brother’s cheeseparing meddling had decimated the ranks of her helpful ladies. 

He’d left weeks ago, and the ladies had come back. 

No one waited at home for her but Millie, her landlord, Galt Wyman’s housekeeper. Millie would be ready with her usual meat pie and cabbage mash keeping warm near the hearth. And despite that it was the sabbath, old Galt would be at the Royal George, himself pie-eyed, and cabbage-mashed after too many pints.

The stained glass of the windows, depicting the medieval martyrdom of St. Tancred and his siblings obscured the view, but outside, the winter night glowed with the sort of soft light that comes with a snowfall. She hoped the weather wouldn’t spoil the plans for tomorrow night’s Christmas Eve Carol service, or the Christmas morning liturgy, or the children’s party Christmas afternoon at the Longview Children’s Home. 

She bent close to the lantern and reached for her watch, remembered she’d sold it to get through the quarter, and sighed. Next year her small trust would be her own to manage and draw from. 

The remaining lit candle told her it was likely past seven. Well then, she’d best go rescue Galt before he stumbled his way to the church to fetch her. But first…

Three layers of skirts cushioned her knees against the cold marble as she bent her head and gripped her gloved hands together. Lord, give me wisdom, guide my path; for pity’s sake, send an angel, send someone, to show me the way. 

Tears sprang and she blinked them back. And cleanse me of this nauseating self-pity. 

It was, after all, her own fault. She’d loved impetuously, with the natural consequence of losing emphatically. 

And she wouldn’t trade that one experience of love—of loving—for all the rubies in India. Pity herself, she might, and battle the hurt that had followed, but it seemed St. Paul was right—for the love had never quite gone away.

Besides, she wasn’t entirely alone. There were good people here in the village of Upper Upton. Her landlord, for one, and his housekeeper. And the innkeeper and his wife. And the matrons and teachers and the young residents of the nearby Longview Children’s Home. 

She had friends, though those ties were still tenuous. She had hopes of a position at Longview. She also had her brother, who loved her in his own overbearing way. 

If only he could display more charity. 

What really was so terrible about what she’d done? It had been reckless, and foolish, and so wonderful that she pulled out the memory sometimes and savored it. She, destined to spinsterhood, had been loved. 

In the end, she’d suffered no more than a wound to her heart and endless hours of tiresome lectures. She felt certain that God had forgiven her. So why did his servant, Reverend Matthew Gurnwood, keep reminding her of that one lapse from propriety? 

A man’s rumbling voice and the creaking of door hinges accompanied a blast of cold air that blew out the candle’s flame. 

Blasted Galt. “Please close the door and spare me a moment,” she called over her shoulder, “and I’ll add a prayer that God in his goodness may spare you the consequences of tonight’s imbibing.” 

“I fear more than a prayer is needed for this fellow, madam.” 

A frisson of awareness shivered up her spine. The deep, gruff voice caressing her wasn’t Galt’s. Or Matthew’s. Or Mr. Godwin’s. And it was no angel’s voice. 

Memories flooded her with yearning—hopeless yearning for something her pride would balk at receiving. It wasn’t him. It couldn’t be him. 

“Courage,” she muttered. 

Another blast of cold air swirled around her. She scrambled to her feet, snatched up her heavy mantle and the lantern, and hurried down the aisle. 

Release Day is 12/15/22. 

Pre-order your copy today for only 99 cents at your Favorite Online Retailer!


Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. She makes her home in Southern California, and between wrangling a terrier, a chihuahua, and two feisty grandkids, she’s hard at work on her next historical adventure.

Check out Alina's previous visits to our blog HERE.  Find out more and connect with Alina at the following sites....


Hope you enjoyed today's All Christmas thru Christmas book and that you'll stop by each week for another on Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time take care and God bless.
PamT

Saturday, November 19, 2022

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Linda Carroll-Bradd & Stained Glass Memories!

Good Morning!

LOT'S going on today... Bayou Writers Group Meeting then The Chosen then (hopefully) dancing. New band playing so we'll see.

As I mentioned Wednesday, all posts through Dec 31st will be Christmas books so let's give Linda Carroll-Bradd the stage with her lovely novella, Stained Glass Memories.....

Caterer Lorelei Warner juggles her fledging Southern California business and raising young twins with the help of her mother and sister. Handling a three-day wedding event stretches her limits…and then her old beau walks in and threatens the delicate balance.

Stained glass restorer Wynn Tatum hopes to cross paths with the woman he left behind to pursue his dreams. What he doesn’t expect is that seeing Lorelei again sparks the feelings from six years ago. Now that he’s held her in his arms again, and learned he’s the father to five-year-old twins, he will do anything to stay in touch. How can his family be whole if he and Lorelei live on two different continents?

EXCERPT: 
I’m not ready. Lorelei stiffened. The voice she’d expected, and dreaded, to hear from the moment she won the catering contract for this wedding materialized only a few feet away. Bracing for the impact of seeing her high school love again, she angled her body to face him. At nineteen, he’d been on the cusp of becoming the handsome man who now stood not four feet away. Sun-kissed brown hair pulled straight back from his broad, tanned forehead. His gray eyes stared from under thick, smoky eyelashes she’d always envied. Same as always, she flushed from her chest up her neck. “Wynn Tatum, you do remember your roots.”

“Just as smart-mouthed as always.” He glanced up and down her length, then smiled. “Still as bella as I remember. You haven’t aged.”

Foreign words? Well, he hadn’t lost his charming ways during his absence from Southern California. Not as muscled as when he’d played football, he appeared athletic and way too polished for her peace of mind. “Am I supposed to return the lie?” She adjusted the stack of plates a half inch to the left. Biting her tongue would have been better than snapping. She glanced again at his tall form and recognized the signature cut and details of a world-class tailor known for expensive, custom-made suits. The dove-gray color offset his tan. Those classes in fashion design hadn’t gone to total waste. She recognized quality when she saw it. Wherever he landed when he disappeared off the face of the earth, he’d done well for himself.

His eyebrows pinched, and he glanced around the immediate area. “Hey, I know we probably should talk.”

“Boss, how many stands?”

The voice came in her phone earpiece. Lorelei held up a finger to halt Wynn and tapped on the microphone with her other hand. “Four for now, please.”

“Coming right out.”

“Thanks, Amy.” She tapped off the microphone, then looked into those gray eyes that were so familiar—just like the ones she gazed into every day for the past five years. “Sorry, Wynn. I’m working this event and need to focus.”

He stepped closer, right hand stretched forward. A moment passed before he dropped it again to his side. “Promise me we’ll have a drink together tonight or tomorrow after the wedding.”

The effort to enact tomorrow’s reception would be huge. She couldn’t imagine meeting with him after her responsibilities ended. Following a wedding, she was always exhausted and just wanted to go home and crash on her comfy sofa. “Maybe tonight after this dinner or after Sunday’s brunch.”

“Tonight’s my choice.” He grinned and set his free hand on his hip. “I’m visiting family on Sunday.”

Family…if he only knew. “Your folks are still in the area?” She hadn’t meant to ask that question aloud. But when she’d been desperate to get in touch with Wynn shortly after their breakup, she’d gone to the house where he was raised only to find it empty with a For Sale sign in the front yard.

Shifting his stance, Wynn frowned and opened his mouth.

Footsteps approached.

Lorelei spun and stretched out her arms toward Amy. Here was a legitimate reason to end this conversation and stop blurting out too much information that she didn’t want to reveal.

As a young girl, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about fascinating characters having exciting adventures in places far away and in other time periods. In later years, she read and then started writing romances and achieved her first publication--a confession story. Married with 4 adult children and 2 granddaughters, Linda now writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor from her home in the southern California mountains.

Find out more about Linda by visiting with her on her Blog, FB Page, Twitter, Amazon Author Page, BookBub, Good Reads and/or signing up to receiven her Newsletter!

Check out Linda's previous visit to our blog HERE and get your copy of Stained Glass Memories at Amazon, B&N, Apple Books, Google Play & Kobo. Read my review of the book HERE.

Hope you enjoyed this post and that we'll see you next week for more All Christmas thru Christmas on Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight!

Until then, take care and God bless.

PamT