You'll Be In Luck With LILY'S LUCK ~ From Romance Gem Nancy Fraser

 Happy weekend, everyone! Please help me welcome Nancy Fraser back to visit us with her newest release, LILY'S LUCK. Isn't this a lovely cover? I mean, I really love it! Nancy is one of my favorite writers. Her writing is smart and fluid which makes reading her books a pleasure. Let's find out a little more about this book...

Blurb~ 

Lily O’Halloran is the eldest daughter of Boston elite, and so outspoken she has as yet to find a suitable husband. At twenty-six, she’s considered a spinster. Unlike her more docile younger siblings, Lily longs for adventure. Excitement. With her parents breathing down her neck to accept a proposal from a man she abhors, Lily decides to take matters into her own hands. An advertisement for Miller Matrimonial Services outlining their search for mail-order brides for the upcoming land run sparks Lily’s interest. Surely, considering marriage to a total stranger can’t be any worse than the horrid man her mother has chosen for her. Using a portion of her trust fund, Lily books rail passage west to Wichita.

Brendan (Bren) MacKinnon is eager to begin a new life away from the Kansas farm where he was raised by a beloved uncle. When his uncle passes, Bren sees this as his chance to do what he’s always wanted to do... become a cattleman rather than a wheat farmer. He sells the farm and all that comes with it to fund his dream of setting out on the next Oklahoma Land Run to claim himself a proper homestead. However, he knows the best chance he has of making a go of it is to have someone by his side. A partner. Maybe even a wife.

Will the cowboy and the socialite be a match made in Heaven, or the worst decision either has ever made?

Excerpt~ 

 

Bren stood off to the side of the nearly-empty room. There were less than a dozen people left, five women and six men by his count. The men were all considerably older than his twenty-nine years. Unfortunately, so were the women.

Two widows with grown children, two former saloon workers, and a very stark looking schoolmarm. At least that’s what the listing he’d been given said. Given there were two names on the list that hadn’t shown up, Bren couldn’t help but wonder if they’d met earlier and decided to skip the whole greeting process.

The entryway door opened, the loud click drawing his attention, as well as that of every other person in the room. The woman who stepped through was tall, slim, and at least a dozen years younger than any of her counterparts.

He pushed himself away from the wall and joined the queue of men who’d also noticed the late arrival. Picking up his speed, he closed the distance between them a half-dozen long strides.

Lily O’Halloran. The name badged pinned to the bodice of her plain brown jacket listed her age as twenty-six. She glanced from side-to-side, offering each of the men before her a cautious smile. The closer Bren got, the more he realized she was as nervous as he was—her eyes wide with fear—her pulse beating rapidly at the side of her long, elegant throat.

Bren’s breath hitched. Her skin—what little he could see of it in her buttoned-up suit—was like alabaster. Obviously, Miss O’Halloran wasn’t used to working in the sun. If her delicate hands were anything to go by, she probably hadn’t done a hard day’s work in her life either.

Definitely not what he was looking for in a wife, a partner. Still, he couldn’t help himself when his turn came for an introduction.

“Mister Brendan MacKinnon,” Missus Miller began, “may I introduce Miss Lily Marie O’Halloran from Boston.”

Bren brushed his hand across the leg of his trousers and offered it to her. “Hello, Miss O’Halloran. It’s nice to make your acquaintance.”

She placed her hand in his, the touch of her soft skin sending his senses sideways.

“It’s lovely to meet you too, Mister MacKinnon.”

“Would you like some punch?” he asked, the simple words tangling on his tongue.

“No, but thank you for offering. I’d much prefer to talk, if you’ve got a few minutes.”

“I’ve got all the time you need.”

She gave him a coy smile that set his heart pounding.

“Good. I guess, first of all, I should ask—what are looking for in a wife?”

Bren did his best to recall the long list of attributes he’d thought of the day before, but all that currently came to mind was tall, redheaded, with skin as soft as a newborn lamb. Swallowing back the sudden dryness in his throat, he told her, “Obviously, someone who doesn’t mind marrying a total stranger.” Once the first sentence came out, mostly in some semblance of order, he relaxed a bit and added, “Someone who doesn’t mind the thought of taking part in the land run over rugged territory. A woman who can handle hard work, can cook a decent meal over a campfire, and...”

His words stalled when her complexion paled, the slight change accentuating a spray of freckles across her high cheekbones.

Why hadn’t he noticed those before? The cheekbones, and the freckles.

“Have I said something wrong?” he asked.

She shook her head, the tightly coiled hair she’d pinned at her nape coming loose enough to send a few stray tendrils flying across her cheeks. The beat of his heart picked up speed.

“No, of course not. It’s just that your list is far longer than the few men in line ahead of you.”

Her honesty drew his laugh. “I’d reckon those old codgers would say almost anything to get a young woman like you into their bed.” He immediately regretted the insensitive remark when her face flushed a bright shade of pink. “My apologies. That was rude. I’m truly sorry.”

“Is it rude and insensitive of me to say I agree with you?”

There it was again, her unbridled truthfulness. An attribute he’d not even put on his list, but one he truly valued. “How about you, Miss O’Halloran? What are you looking for in a husband?”

She made a show of glancing around at the men who now stood off to the side, their narrowed stares shooting daggers in his direction.

“Someone far closer to my age than those fellows.” She raised her head, meeting his gaze. “Your age, perhaps. Also, a man who has a plan for this land run over and above just staking his claim to a piece of the Almighty’s fine earth.”

His offered her a tentative smile. “That would be me, then. I’m planning to become a cattleman. I even know exactly which section of land I want, and why.”

“You’ve obviously put some thought into your plan. I like that. The only other things I need in a husband include him being a kind and honest Christian man.” She paused, as if gauging his reaction, then added, “It would also be helpful if he wasn’t absolutely set on those cooking skills you mentioned.”

“Something tells me, Lily Marie O’Halloran, that I’d find it most pleasurable teaching you to cook.”

Her coy smile came again. And, as it had before, it nearly undid what little was left of his composure.

TO PURCHASE LILY'S LUCK:

 Amazon/Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WDJMB1Z/

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XBFXX3X


Puzzle Links:

Simple Link: https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0d4684177be7

Bio~ 

Nancy Fraser is a best-selling and award-winning author who happily jumps across multiple romance genres with gleeful abandon.

She's also the granddaughter of a Methodist minister known for his fire-and-brimstone approach to his faith. Nancy has brought some of his spirit into her Christian romances. And, her own off-beat sense of humor to her clean & wholesome books.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

YOU CAN FIND NANCY HERE:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: https://romancesweetreads.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B09FTH655Z

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser

Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/bxkKvD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser


Thank you so much for joining us, Nancy, and best wishes for LILY’S LUCK!

Let Nancy Fraser Tell You A Story ~ ONCE UPON AN ANGEL...

 

Good morning! Is it snowy in your neck of the woods? Maybe you need a sweet romance to keep you warm. And I've got just the thing for you... Please help me welcome back Romance Gem Nancy Fraser with her new release, ONCE UPON AN ANGEL! Let's find out more...

Blurb ~

Ariel’s an angel-in-training who has only one task she must complete to earn her wings—help the man she left behind find true love. She’s tried twice before, and failed. Or, did she?

 

Mark is a newly arrived soul in Heaven, one who was taken far too soon. He’ll need Ariel’s help to acclimate to his new, and totally surprising, surroundings.

 

Rick misses Ariel, yet is determined to move on with his life. Can this new barista at his favorite coffee shop be the woman he’s waited for?

 

Sabrina’s totally head over heels for the handsome Vice Principal, Rick. Yet, she comes with some hefty baggage. Can they make it work?

 

And, what has the archangel Gabriel done to hasten this double romance along?

 

Trigger warning: this story also contains two scenes that reference traumatic events surrounding children and schools. Please be advised that if this is something that may cause discomfort, you may wish to skip this book.

 

Excerpt ~

Ariel Pearce stood at the front of the assembled group, doing her best to covertly study the six newbies there for orientation. They sat still as statues in their seats, the only indication they were even awake shown in the way their gazes darted around the open space, taking it all in. Their expressions were a mixture of confusion and wonder. Glancing down at her notes, she prepared herself for the slew of questions she often had to field. Whether she wanted to or not.

She was about to begin her standard welcome speech when the door opened and Gabe—her direct supervisor—came through.

Oh great. Another impromptu performance evaluation.

It wasn’t until he’d come forward that Ariel realized Gabe wasn’t alone. Another man followed closely behind, his focus moving right and left; a look of utter disbelief rearranging his otherwise pleasing features.

“Oh good,” Gabe said, his deep voice filled with calm. “You’ve not started yet. I have a late arrival for orientation.”

Gabe motioned the young man to a nearby seat. Rather than turn and leave, Gabe settled into the chair at his side.

Drawing a breath for strength, Ariel launched into her presentation. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to your first day. My name is Ariel, and I’ll be leading orientation. Today we’ll cover the rules, our expectations, and I’ll answer your questions to the best of my ability.”

Whispers flitted through the room like a buzzing of bumblebees.

What? They weren’t expecting “rules”?

“Before I begin,” Ariel continued, “how about we go around the room and everyone tell us a bit about yourselves. Perhaps you can talk about your family, or a previous occupation. Whatever you’d like to share.”

When she motioned to the front row, a kindly looking, gray haired woman rose slowly to her feet.

“My name is Harriett. I’m a grandmother of five. I love to bake and used to work as an auditor for an insurance company. However, I’ve been retired for seven years.”

Once Harriet sat down, the young man next to her stood.

“My name’s Jeremy. I just graduated high school and was hoping to start trade school next spring. I enjoy playing video games and hanging with my buddies.”

One by one, they went around the room until they finally reached the man to Gabe’s left.

“And, you are?” Ariel prompted.

He raised his head and met her gaze. Yet, unlike the others, he remained seated. “My name is Mark. I am... was... a schoolteacher before...” His words drifted off.

Ariel knew better than to press for more.

“Thank you all for sharing. Once we’re done here, everyone will be assigned a mentor who will give them a more personalized tour. The overall expectations and rules are simple. We expect you to complete any assignments you’re given. We expect that you’ll attend to your personal space and keep it neat and clean. More importantly, we expect everyone will follow the golden rule of ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’.”

“That’s it?” Harriet asked. “Surely there’s more.”

Ariel offered the anxious woman a smile. “That’s all there is to it, Harriet.” Ariel paused a moment before asking, “Does anyone else have a question?”

When no one raised their hand, Ariel breathed a sigh of relief. She hated the questions. Sometimes there were just no acceptable answers. “Well then, we’ll adjourn to the reception room next door where you will be introduced to your mentor.”

She raised her head and looked out across the room one last time, and let the importance of her next words sink into her very soul.

“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Heaven.”

One-by-one, the newly deceased filtered into the adjoining room, eager to meet their assigned guide. Only Gabe and Mark remained behind. Hesitantly, Ariel approached.

“Wonderful job, as always, Ariel,” Gabe complimented as she drew close.

“I’ll need to find another mentor,” she said once she’d stopped at Gabe’s side. “I’d only planned for six arrivals.”

“That won’t be necessary, Ariel. I’ve decided to have you work with Mark.”

“Me?” Ariel squeaked. She hadn’t been on mentoring duty in at least two years.

“Yes. You,” Gabe responded, his voice wrapping firmly around the two simple words.

“Of course. I’d be happy to be Mark’s guide.” Nobody argued with or questioned Gabe. She wasn’t about to be the first one to try.

“Here’s his intake information,” Gabe said, handing her the single piece of paper, the gold calligraphy exquisite in its perfection. Rising to his feet, he told them, “I’ll leave the two of you to get acquainted.”

Once Gabe left, Ariel scanned the form quickly, her attention drawn to the final few lines. “You were a teacher in Baltimore,” she said, meeting Mark’s dark stare. “So was I. Elementary though, not high school. Ages ago.”

“How long was ‘ages ago’?” Mark asked.

“Five years as of next February.”

He grew quiet, pensive, as if he were mentally calculating events and dates. Subconsciously, she supposed, he ran a trembling hand across his chest and glanced down at his black shirt and sport jacket, before coming back to meet her gaze.

“Peterson Elementary?” Mark finally asked. When she nodded, he drew a breath and added, “It makes sense, now.”

“What makes sense?”

“Why your boss chose you to be my mentor. We obviously have something in common.”

“Yes, I guess we do,” she agreed. “Gabe’s good at matching newly arrived souls with the right guide.”

“Gabe, is it? He never told me his name.”

Ariel stifled her urge to laugh. “Yeah, he’s reluctant about introducing himself. He goes out of his way to avoid intimidating people.”

A look of confusion furrowed Mark’s brow. “Intimidating? How?”

“Most new arrivals get star struck and nervous when they realize they’ve come face-to-face with the Archangel Gabriel.”

“Arch... Jeez, Louise.”

This time Ariel did laugh. “Exactly.”

Bio ~

Nancy Fraser a Top 100 best-selling and award-winning author.

She's also the granddaughter of a Methodist minister known for his fire-and-brimstone approach to his faith. Nancy has brought some of his spirit into her Christian romances. And, her own off-beat sense of humor to her clean & wholesome books.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

YOU CAN FIND NANCY HERE:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: https://romancesweetreads.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B09FTH655Z

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gC68iMStwKCr4v_S6fMIA

Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/bxkKvD

YOU CAN PURCHASE ONCE UPON AN ANGEL HERE:

BookBub Link:  https://www.bookbub.com/books/once-upon-an-angel-a-heavenly-sweet-romance-by-nancy-fraser

 

Kindle Unlimited Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P9SZV3C

 

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60040067-once-upon-an-angel

 

 

Thank you, Nancy, for joining us and sharing your latest romance! Best wishes for you and ONCE UPON AN ANGEL!

 

When It Comes To #RomanceGem Author Nancy Fraser, One Book Is NEVER ENOUGH!

Please welcome back Romance Gem author Nancy Fraser with her newest release, NEVER ENOUGH! 

But before we get to that, let's find out a little more about Nancy...

What is something you struggle with when you write?

Time management and the tendency to over-extend myself and take on too much. I always manage to make the deadline but it can get annoyingly close and leave me with a bad need for a nap, or more coffee.

How do you balance the demands of your everyday life and your writing life?

My everyday life is my writing life. Fortunately, pretty much everyone who knows me accepts the fact that I’m an introvert and would prefer to stay home. Of course, every once in awhile I break out and go crazy.

 

Where do you live? Where would you love to live?

I live in Oromocto, New Brunswick Canada, about 40 minutes north of the Maine border. If I could live anywhere (other than here), it would likely be in Las Vegas. Of course, I’d need a lot of money for that ... but a girl can dream.

Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I’ve now officially been divorced longer than I was married and that’s saying a lot since I’ve still got the silver tea service I received for my 25^th anniversary. I have two “really” grown sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and five wonderful grandchildren. I don’t have pets of my own but I do have seven grandpets—one dog, two cats, and four adorable guinea pigs.

 

Just for fun, when trick-or-treating as a kid, was there any kind of candy that you didn’t like to get?

Anything black-licorice-flavored, whether it was actual licorice or jelly beans. Nope. Not for me.

 

Name your favorite children's story.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

What is your concept of a fruitful day?

5,000 or more words written; promotional work done before noon; and that I remember to eat.

 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Tardiness for no reason other than laziness or inattention. Unfortunately, I have a family full of late-runners. The only one I can truly count on being on time is my youngest grandson. Unfortunately, he’s only 8 so he can’t drive ... which means he’s going to be late because of dad.

 

What are your three favorite smells?

Freshly brewed coffee, fresh lemon, and cookies right out of the oven.

Blurb ~

When Amanda Thorne arrives on San Bella Island, she’s tired and in bad need of a vacation. She’s just finished paying off her late husband’s many debts by selling their home and belongings. On her way to Dallas for a new job in a medical research lab, she’s taking one week to recoup before beginning her new life.

Nicholas Holloway is recovering from a 2-year stint undercover for the U.S. Marshal Service. Ordered to take a vacation to clear his head, he ends up on San Bella at the same time.

Will these two battle-scared souls find peace in the other’s arms? And, will they be able to walk away at the end of their one-week fling?

Caution: This book contains love scenes and language some may find offensive. Or hot!

Excerpt~

Montauk, Long Island

Saturday Morning

Amanda Thorne turned full circle in the three-story entryway, her sensible two-inch heels clicking against the expensive slate flooring. Sparing one last, longing glance at the great room to her right, she engaged the alarm, closed the door behind her, and dropped her keys in the realtor’s lockbox.

The past eight years of her life—the last vestige of her inheritance—gone.

Right on time, the taxi pulled into the long, winding driveway, stopping just inches from where she waited. The driver, a short, stocky man who reminded her of her maternal grandfather, took her single suitcase and placed it in the trunk.

“Where to, Miss?” he asked.

“LaGuardia, please. Domestic terminal.”

He held the door open and waited for her to settle into the seat before slipping behind the steering wheel and shifting his weight to get comfy.

“Going to visit family?” he asked, casually starting up a conversation.

“No,” she said softly. “I’m relocating.”

He shot her a quick glance over his shoulder before pulling the car into gear and starting out across the inlaid brick drive. “You’re moving away from Long Island?”

His question sent a sharp pain through her chest. After all, who in their right mind would leave Long Island, especially the beautiful area of Montauk?

It’s not like you had a choice, now did you?

Amanda bit back an angry curse, willing her conscience back into its allotted corner of her mind. Suddenly remembering the man’s question, she told him, “I’m taking a job out of state. As much as I’ll miss parts of New York, I won’t miss the winters.”

“Ah,” he said, chuckling. “You’re relocating somewhere warm.” He paused, then asked, “Were those your three moving vans I passed on the way from the highway?”

Three vans? Not hardly.

The single small load truck she’d hired had held everything she owned, save for what she’d packed for her trip. So, if there was a caravan of trucks, it wasn’t hers.

“No, not mine,” she acknowledged finally.

He turned the taxi onto the highway leading to the airport. “Good luck to you, wherever you’re headed.”

“Thank you.”

Sliding her fingertips over the screen of her cell, Amanda pulled up her reservation-- the short vacation a gift from the real estate agent who’d benefited greatly from the sale of her home.

Diamond Key Resort, San Bella Island. An island paradise, or so the brochure claimed. All she wanted was time to recoup, a handful of days to reset her emotional clock and prepare herself for her new life.

A week alone... away from the cloying pity of her so-called friends and family.

Find out how that week goes by purchasing NEVER ENOUGH at one of these places:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096MXVM4Y/

ASIN: B096MXVM4Y

Apple: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/never-enough/id1570899435


B&N (Nook): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/never-enough-nancy-fraser/1139637631

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/never-enough-50

Universal: books2read.com/u/bzeNJ2

Custom: books2read.com/NvrNuff

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58717394-never-enough

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/never-enough-a-later-in-life-steamy-romance-never2late4love-book-1-by-nancy-fraser

Bio~

NANCY FRASER—Jumping Across Romance Genres with Gleeful Abandon—is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

Find Nancy here:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: https://notesfromaromanticsheart.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor

Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Fraser/e/B004AOL61Y/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gC68iMStwKCr4v_S6fMIA

Newletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/bxkKvD

Thank you for joining us today, Nancy, and for sharing NEVER ENOUGH with us!

The Return of Romance Gem Author Nancy Fraser and her RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE!

Ladies and gents, please help me welcome back the lovely and prolific, Nancy Fraser! It's been forever since her last release. Like, four whole weeks! And, if you're thinking she's must not put out quality work at that rate, you're wrong. Her work is fun, smart, and well-edited. This month's release is a Last Chance Beach romance, RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE. Not only is she a fantastic writer, look at the visual images she creates. This is her kick-butt cover!

Nancy brought along Jared Wilson, considered by some to be the second hero of RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE.

Jared, to start off with, tell me about yourself? What is your occupation? Why? What are your strengths & weaknesses?

I have the honor of being best friends with Chase and Emily. I was supposed to be the best man at their wedding. At least until Emily ran away and left my good buddy at the rehearsal altar.

Now, five years later, Chase and I have gone into business together and own Sink and Swim Scuba and Land or Leap Parasailing. With Emily back as well, things are sure to be exciting.

As for strengths ... Basically, I’m a really good person. I care for my friends and all of Last Chance Beach. While both Chase and Emily left, I stayed behind and held down the fort, always expecting they’d return.

As for weakness ... I’m hiding a secret from my best friend. One that could end our friendship if he ever found out. Hint: I might have had a part in why Emily bolted on the eve of her wedding.

Whoa! Do tell! What is your earliest childhood memory?

My earliest and fondest childhood memory was my first day of kindergarten. It was also the day I met both Chase and Emily. I remember Emily fell off the monkey bars and Chase and I both rushed to help her. It was magic ... that first meeting morphed into all these years of friendship and togetherness.

What do you like about the heroine?

Emily? She’s the best. Not just a good friend, but a confidant. Despite running out on her wedding, she’s really a kind person. I'm confident that with her return to Last Chance Beach, she’ll realize coming home is exactly what she needs.

What is it that you want out of life?

Happiness. A great relationship, like Chase and Emily once had. Success. I want our businesses to thrive so that we can expand and never have to leave Last Chance Beach.

Has life handed you any major disappointments?

A few. Estrangement from my parents really hurt. Yet, as much as I want to fix that, it may not be possible. Having both Em and Chase leave me behind hurt for a while as well, but we’re working on it now that they’re back.

If you had an unexpected free day, what would you do with it?

That’s easy. I’d go cave diving. We dive nearly every day with customers, but that’s business and we only go as deep as the caverns – where you can still see the surface of the ocean. The real excitement is diving down into the underground caves. There’s nothing more relaxing, or reviving.

What is on your iPod right now?

I’m a mid-90s baby, but love music from the late 60s and onward. On my iPod at the moment ... a mixed tape of songs from the two Guardians of Galaxy movies. I get the best music of four decades all on one stream.

Hmm...interesting. Well, let's tell folks a little more about RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE...

Blurb ~

Five years earlier, Emily Bennett ran out on Chase Michaels on the eve of their wedding. At twenty-two, she wanted more than the island of Last Chance Beach could offer. Intent on making a name for herself as a world-class journalist, she left to take a job with a big city newspaper.

Heartbroken, Chase left Last Chance Beach and joined the Coast Guard in an effort to rebuild his life. Returning four years later for a family emergency, he decided to stay and go into business with his best friend.

Emily’s returning as well. Not as the journalist she’d hoped to be but as a bestselling romance author. One of her books is about to be made into a movie, and filming will take place on Last Chance Beach and in the nearby town of Summerville.

Will Emily’s return give them a second chance at the love they once shared? Or, will her ‘other’ reason for leaving put a wedge between three best friends that can’t be healed by time or intention?

Excerpt ~

Last Chance Beach Wedding Chapel
Five Years Earlier

Chase Michaels stood at the front of the non-denominational chapel, in muted conversation with the justice of the peace. He turned slowly, surveying the half-dozen guests who’d been invited to the wedding rehearsal.

The only persons missing were his best friend Jared, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and Emily, his bride-to-be.

Carly and Becca, Emily’s bridesmaids, hovered nearby.

“I’ve heard of a bride being late for the wedding before,” Carly whispered, “but the rehearsal?”

“You know Emily,” Becca responded, shaking her head in teasing resignation. “She does like to make an entrance.”

When the back door of the chapel opened, everyone raised their gazes in anticipation. Rather than the blushing bride, it was Jared Wilson, Chase’s best man, who entered the sanctuary and made his way down the narrow aisle.

Stopping just short of the flower-covered altar, he pulled Chase aside.

“She’s gone,” Jared said, his words falling like a lead brick on Chase ’s ears.

“What do you mean ‘gone’? Gone where?”

“Mrs. Bennett said Emily packed her suitcase, gassed up her car, and left. She’s on her way to Boston for a job interview.” Jared stuck his hand in the pocket of his jeans and withdrew a velvet pouch. “She left this for you.”

Chase didn’t need to look to know what was in the bag. After all, he’d been the one to give the modest ring to Emily in the first place. Drawing a deep breath, he spun around and faced his friends and family.

“Thank you all for being here for the wedding rehearsal.” Blinking back the threat of tears, he met his mother’s worried gaze. “However, there will be no need to practice. The wedding’s been called off.”

“Called off?” Carly asked. She and Becca exchanged glances and then closed the distance between themselves and where he stood. “If Emily’s got cold feet, we’ll straighten her out.”

Chase gave a quick shake of his head and bit back the string of curses welling up from within. “Emily’s gone. She sent back the ring and, as we speak, she’s on her way to Boston, eager it seems to put both me and Last Chance Beach in her rearview mirror.”

One-by-one, the guests slowly filtered out of the chapel, Carly and Becca giving Chase a hug of support. His mom wrapped her arms around his middle and squeezed, nearly drawing the tears he was fighting so hard to contain. Within minutes, he was left standing at the altar alone, but for the best friend he’d known since kindergarten.

“Are you okay, Chase?” Jared asked.

“No, but I will be. Just not anytime soon.”

Whoo! I don't know about you, but I'm already invested in this story! It may need to be bumped up on the to-be-read pile! 

Here's where you can get RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY BRIDE:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094TQVB28

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1567305673

B&N (Nook): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/return-of-the-runaway-bride-nancy-fraser/1139455089

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/return-of-the-runaway-bride-2

Universal Custom: https://books2read.com/RunBride


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58049814-return-of-the-runaway-bride


BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/return-of-the-runaway-bride-last-chance-beach-romance-by-nancy-fraser

 

Thank you so much for joining us, Nancy, and for bringing along Jared! I can't wait to dip my toes in the waters of Last Chance Beach!

Return of the Runaway Bride Jigsaw Puzzle

I Enjoyed Reading Nancy Fraser's Novella So Much, I'd DO It AGAIN!

Hey, all! Have I got a treat for you! Romance Gems author Nancy Fraser has joined us today with her new release I DO...AGAIN, a Return to Last Chance Beach novella. I had the good fortune to read this one and Nancy gives you smart writing that pulls you in and flows so smoothly it just carries you on to the end. Truly a pleasure to read! She was nice enough to answer a few questions for me...

What is the best thing you’ve learned about writing and/or the publishing business?

That a writer needs to develop a thick skin. And, while you should take your craft seriously, the opinion of others only matter if they control your career (e.g., editor, publisher, agent). If you learn how to handle both criticism and rejection early, it will make your writing journey much easier.


I may or may not still be working on that... ;) That's something that transfers over to everyday life, too. What is something you struggle with when you write?

It may seem trite ... but the writing. I always wonder if my current book will be my last. Will I run out of ideas? Let’s face it, romance follows a formula. There are not that many tropes that haven’t been done to death. As well, if you write in one particular genre, how do you keep from repeating yourself over and over again? That’s probably why I genre jump. It helps me from getting stale and – hopefully – there will be at least one more book in there somewhere.


Where do you live? Where would you love to live?

I live in Atlantic Canada, in New Brunswick, along the beautiful St. John River. If I were going to move, I wouldn’t go far. Just one province over to Nova Scotia, specifically Cape Breton Island. Or ... if I had the money, Las Vegas. Something tells me I’d be broke quickly.


Yes. Always that possibility in Vegas. Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

I am divorced and, as of this past September, divorced as long as I was married. I’ve been blessed with two wonderful sons who were both smart enough to marry equally wonderful women. Between them, they’ve given me five grandchildren. And, given we live within twenty minutes from the farthest points, we’re very close. As for pets, I have grandpets. One rescue husky, two cats, and four guinea pigs.


Grandpets are the best! What was one of the best Christmas presents you ever received?

That’s easy. Christmas of 1970 (well, a couple days early). My first son. Nothing will ever top that.

What CD is in your CD player right now? Or what was the last song you listened to in your digital library?

Surprisingly, I still have CDs. On both my phone and in CD player, Pentatonix latest album, The Lucky Ones. Of course, I do occasionally swap out the PTX CD for the Elvis 75.


Name your favorite children's story.

I was hooked on the Nancy Drew mysteries growing up. However, as a Grandmother, I have to say Robert Munich’s “Love You Forever”. I’ve read it to all five and I’m moved every time.


It's amazing how many writers were Nancy Drew fans! What is your concept of a fruitful day?

At my age – just waking up. Getting out of bed is a great bonus. Of course, after one or two cups of coffee, my writing day begins. At that point, it’s all about the words. I write full time, Monday through Friday, three weeks of every month. My goal is always 3-5K, depending on the complexity of the book. In the fourth week, I do extensive edits and catch up on other tasks. Weekends are split between family and updating my website and blog.

That sounds like a great schedule! Thanks for sharing yourself with us. Now let's share a little bit about I DO...AGAIN...

Blurb ~

Thirty-five years earlier, Lily Abbott and Mitch Colby exchanged wedding vows in a quaint ceremony attended by a small crowd consisting of four Micronauts, a one-eyed pet rock, two special-edition Barbies, and an assortment of stuffed animals. Officiated by Stretch Armstrong, it was the social event of their 8^th summer.

 

Lily never forgot the childhood ceremony. Or the fact her best friend and first love had left her behind and relocated to Boston to pursue an Ivy-League education. Now a divorcee, with college-bound twin daughters, Lily’s moved on and put the foolishness of first crushes and the childish dream of true love behind her.

 

At eighteen, Mitch had never wanted the expensive education his father mapped out for him. He’d have been perfectly happy to stay in Summerville, marry the love of his life, and settle down. However, when push came to shove, he’d not wanted to upset his ailing mother, and had left everything...and everyone...that he’d wanted behind.

 

The 25^th reunion of the graduating class of Summerville High has brought Lily and Mitch back together at The Sands, a seaside resort on Last Chance Beach. Will one weekend together be enough? Or, is there a possibility for more?

Excerpt ~

The soles of her sandals skittering across the wet surface, Lily Abbott landed on the weather-worn dock with a loud thump, her backside slapping against the damp slats in the same way a fish flops around on the ground after being pulled from the lake.
 
So much for a graceful entry.


She glanced from side-to-side, wondering if any of her former classmates had seen her awkward faux pas. Gracie Potts and Shep Warren stood off to the side, more engrossed in each other than those around them. Ellie Cabot was stoking the campfire, poking at it with angry jabs and then letting loose a string of curse words when the embers jabbed back.


At least half of the varsity football team were huddled around two well-stocked coolers, chugging beers and laughing about past victories.


Off in the distance, laughter, mixed with strains of Meatloaf’s I’d Do Anything for Love, floated across the warm night air from the hotel’s patio. Nostalgic music from their senior year...as if time could be turned back, memories either revived or erased.


Settling more comfortably on the edge of the dock, Lily removed her sandals, and dangled her legs over the side, her toes flirting with the water. Closing her eyes, she welcomed the breeze wafting across her face.


“So, this is where you’ve been hiding.”


Lily startled at the sound of the deep, male voice. She didn’t need to look to know who was speaking. The intervening years weren’t nearly long enough to wipe away the familiar sound.


“I’m not hiding,” she insisted. “I’m relaxing.”


“If you say so,” he countered, the sarcastic tone of his comeback sinking into her senses.


Mitch Colby. Her best friend, her first love, the one that got away. Or, more precisely, the one who left her behind.


“I didn’t expect to see you here,” she said truthfully.



Turning slightly and tilting her head, she met his gaze, then wished she hadn’t. He smiled down at her, his familiar smirk ratcheting up her heart rate. As her late Aunt Ethel had once observed, ‘The good Lord had surely taken his sweet time with Mitchell Colby’. Twenty-five years hadn’t altered Ethel’s keen observation one iota. He was still a breathtakingly handsome man.

Bio ~

NANCY FRASER—Jumping Across Romance Genres with Gleeful Abandon—is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

 

Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.

 

Published in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has published over thirty books in full-length, novella, and short format.

 

When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.

 

Find Nancy Fraser Online

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bookbub

Amazon Author Page ~ Goodreads ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube

 

  

To purchase I DO...AGAIN:

Universal link ~ 

https://books2read.com/IDoA 

Thanks for sharing yourself with us here today, Nancy!

~ There's No Place Like HOME IS WHERE THE HUNK IS! ~

Please welcome the lovely and talented Nancy Fraser! Ladies, she's brought with her a hunk. A hunk of major proportions! Right this way --->


Today I'm interviewing Evan Carver from HOME IS WHERE THE HUNK IS!

Q: Evan, I understand you own the Double C Ranch, just outside of Wharton, Montana. How many acres do you have and how did you decide on the name?


Evan: The Double C is named for the joined spreads of the Carver and Cain families. Lifelong friends, my parents and my late-wife’s parents had always dreamed of joining their lucrative ranches into one big conglomerate. After our marriage, and the passing of both sets of parents, it became important to us that we honor their dream. The ranch is a little over 5,000 acres, made up mostly of prime grazing land. We also have a number of streams, brooks and our own natural waterfall. The spread now belongs to me and my sister-in-law, Allison. Although, because of her successful career away from the ranch, the day-to-day decisions are mine.

Q: As a widower with a young son to raise, how do you balance work and family responsibilities?

Evan: (Chuckles) Very carefully. Ranching requires long days and great attention to detail. I’m blessed to have a wonderful network of long-time family friends to rely on. As well, my ranch staff are the best in the business. I do everything in my power to devote as much of my time to my five-year-old son, Cody.


Q: We hear that you’ve been dating? Is there another Mrs. Carver on the horizon?

Evan: Dating yes, ready to re-marry, not so much. Although, if the lovely ladies of Wharton are to be believed, I’ve got one foot on the altar and the other in a slippery pile of cow dung.


Q: You mentioned your sister-in-law earlier. We understand she’s on her way home for a vacation. How eager are you and your son to see her again?


Evan: Cody is over the moon. He loves his Aunt Ali very much. I’ve always considered Allison the little sister I never had. It will be great to have her home for an extended visit.


Q: You also mentioned her successful career. She’s a very in-demand photojournalist, correct?

Evan: Yes, very talented and sought after for many projects. Her constant traveling takes her all over the world. She just returned from six months in South America where she assisted in bringing some much needed relief to the poorer residents of a number of South American states.

Q: You must be very proud of her altruistic work. Does she have another assignment coming up?


Evan: Both Cody and I are very pleased she was able to share her photographs with the world and aide in making changes. As for another assignment, you’d have to ask her. All I can confirm is that she’s welcome to stay here with us for as long as she’d like.

Q: To get back to your status as a very handsome, successful and available man, what is it you’re looking for in a wife … assuming of course that you’re actively looking?


Evan: (Another chuckle) First of all, thank you for the glowing compliments. Of course I’d love to meet someone and fall in love again. A mother for my son, and possibly more children, is every sane man’s dream. If I had to pinpoint one or two attributes that I consider a must, it would be compassion and honesty. Any woman I would date, and consider marrying would have to be willingly open to loving and caring for my son. She’d have a kind heart and be a giving, loving person. She’d also have to be up front and honest. Her integrity must be beyond reproach.

Q: One final question. Where should all of these compassionate, honest women go to apply?


Evan: Applications are not necessary. If, and only if, I’m interested, I’m confidant fate will intervene and I’ll find them on my own.


Hmm...Fate may need to buy me a ticket to the Double C! Thanks for joining us. Now here's a little bit more about HOME IS WHERE THE HUNK IS ~

Blurb ~

When globe-trotting photographer Allison Cain comes home to her family ranch in Montana it’s to get to know her nephew and to make amends with the widowed brother-in-law she’s left alone to raise his young son.



Evan Carver could never deny his late wife’s younger sister anything, despite the fact she’s been conspicuously absent over the past three years since her sister’s death. Now she’s home again on what she’s called an extended vacation. Evan’s first concern is for his son, Cody, and how his aunt’s visit will affect the five year old when she decides to return to her high profile career.



Allison has no intention of going back to work. In addition to getting to know Cody, she needs to confess her biggest secret to Evan. How do you tell the man you’ve always loved that you’re not just his son’s aunt, but also his mother?

Excerpt ~


Slowly she raised her head. Unshed tears filled her eyes, making them glisten like liquid stars. Evan felt a lump form in his own throat. She blinked rapidly in what Evan suspected was a conscious effort to hide her emotions. A knot tightened his gut. He had the sudden urge to take Ali in his arms, as he’d done the day she arrived, and bury her face against his chest, preferably without the argument that followed.

In the very back of his over-used imagination, he could see her coming willingly into his arms. He could feel the heat of her tears against his chest. His reaction surprised and frightened him in equal measure. He didn’t want to feel this way about her, especially when he knew she wouldn’t stay.

“Me, too,” she admitted softly, drawing Evan’s attention from her teary eyes to her soft, pink lips. The tears she’d been fighting back so tenaciously now pearled on her lashes, threatening to spill forth at any second.

Evan moved away from the tree, inching his way around Cody and close to Allison’s side. Cautiously, he lifted his hand and caught the first tear on his thumb, uncertain of exactly what had made her cry, yet knowing he selfishly welcomed the chance to offer her comfort.

“When I left South America, the only thing I could think of was coming here. I wanted desperately to feel the lush grass beneath my bare feet and to smell the fresh, clean air.”

“I don’t care what made you decide to come home. You’re here now and welcome to stay as long as you like.” Drawing her into his arms, he held her close and tilted her chin up with his fingertips until their gazes met.

At the first touch of his lips to hers, Evan tasted the cinnamon and apple of the dessert they’d just consumed. He pressed his lips more firmly to hers. She hesitated only briefly before returning his kiss with one of her own. He barely had time to consider what they’d done when Ali’s trembling voice broke through his consciousness.

“Evan,” she whispered. “Don’t, please.” Pressing her hands to his chest, she pushed lightly. Yet, when he would have backed away, she clenched the front of his shirt tightly in her fists. “We can’t . . .” she warned, still seemingly unwilling to let him go.

“Ali, it was only a kiss.”

She looked up at him with tear-filled eyes and Evan knew if he didn’t let her go he’d likely do something they’d both regret. Gently, he grasped her hands in his and pulled them from the death grip she’d taken on his shirt. With his thumb he wiped away a final spent tear then released her completely. A moment later he was on his feet and walking back toward the damaged fence. It would take every ounce of strength he possessed, he realized, to keep from turning around and taking her into his arms again.

Author Bio ~

Like most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.


When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five beautiful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people. She invites you to visit her website (www.nancyfraser.ca) and follow her on Twitter (@nfraserauthor). Or, more importantly, just enjoy what she writes.

You can find Nancy at:

Website: www.nancyfraser.ca

Blog: http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor Facebook: http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser

You can buy HOME IS WHERE THE HUNK IS at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Home-Where-Hunk-Nancy-Fraser-ebook/dp/B00OPJECVU/

Giveaway ~

Nancy has been kind enough to offer this giveaway, so be sure to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway