Good Morning! Let's Start A New Day With SUNSHINE'S WELCOME! From Kara O'Neal

 

I've got one of my absolute favs on today, gang! My Romance Gem buddy, Kara O'Neal! Kara created this charming little town called Pike's Run, Texas full of colorful characters and wonderful stories. SUNSHINE'S WELCOME is one of the last books in the series, which kind of freaked me out until I found out that Kara has started a Gamblers and Gunslingers Series, shoo!  So, without further ado, here's Kara to tell you about her latest release!

SUNSHINE’S WELCOME is on the shelves. Delilah’s story is done. And I’m awed.

 

I started writing the TEXAS BRIDES OF PIKE’S RUN series in 2000. The first book, WELCOME HOME, was published in 2013.

 

My Texas Brides series is almost done. Only one book left. I can’t fathom this.

 

And while SUNSHINE’S WELCOME is not the last story in the collection, it is the last that will take place in the past. We’re going to say goodbye to the characters that started Pike’s Run and the Swinging A.

 

My heart can’t take it.

 

While Delilah’s story is hers, it’s also everyone else’s. We go on a journey that recalls what came before her, those who shaped her, and made her Little-Bit, Dynamite, and now…Sunshine.

 

If you’ve been with us through the whole series, I hope you find SUNSHINE’S WELCOME as the proper goodbye to the past. You might want to read it with some tissues. (I sure needed to.)

 

 

Blurb ~

 

Pike’s Run, Texas, 1891

Delilah Davis has all she could want—a loving family and freedom to do as she pleases. Nothing has ever disrupted her world. That is, not until a tall, dark and stand-offish wrangler is hired to work on her family’s ranch. Killian Blake irritates Delilah’s sunshine life, and she’s determined to show him that she’s more than capable of handling herself.

 

Detective Killian Blake of the Pinkerton Agency must go undercover on the Swinging A ranch to solve a thirteen-year-old murder. Once hired, he expected to be dealing with cowboys. He hadn’t counted on investigating a family with bonds thicker than frozen molasses. And to make matters worse, there’s a beautiful, wild and headstrong female dogging his steps, and cracking the ice around his heart. The closer he gets to Delilah Davis, the more he wants to keep the family secrets. But fate has other ideas…

  

 

Excerpt ~

Killian Blake trotted down Main Street early Tuesday morning, looking straight ahead, senses alert and aware of his surroundings. A variety of shops stood on either side of the road, along with the Royal Hotel that rose two stories and had an upper balcony. The shingle for the sheriff’s office swung in the chill breeze. Not many people strolled the walks, the colder temperature keeping them inside where fires burned, as evidenced by the smoke wisping out of chimneys.

A quiet place. A small town. Not even on his map. But here he was, on assignment. Who knew for how long, but hopefully the stint allowed him to rest for a few weeks. After chasing Sasha Parker, The Debonair Kid, and his gang of train robbers across five states for six months, Killian was ready for a breather. Even if that reprieve put him back in the corral.

But he’d handle it. After eight years, it might be good to work with horses again. Of course, he still had to get the job with the Swinging A ranch. If he didn’t, Detective Irwin wouldn’t be happy.

It didn’t take long for Killian to reach the end of the line of stores, and he continued on, heading to the cattle ranch located two miles outside of town that was run by the Davis and Lonnigan families. Killian was on the hunt for a position as a wrangler.

The solitary ride out to the ranch allowed him the chance to survey his surroundings even more. He went past pasture and forests of pine before a homestead came into view on his left. A sign proclaiming “J. Lonnigan, Veterinarian” stood at the gate. A one-story cabin about fifty feet in length sat on a gentle rise, while a variety of stables, paddocks, pens and corrals were on the side and behind the dwelling. Someone worked with a mule in one of the paddocks, and children darted around, some carrying out chores while others played.

Though the last name was the same as the owners of the ranch, Killian didn’t stop. He had the advertisement for the needed wrangler folded in his shirt pocket. It indicated that more information could be found at Callahan’s in Pike’s Run, Texas. The bartender at the saloon had told Killian to whom he should apply— J.T. Davis, Kyle Lonnigan or Deacon Tolbert—and that their spread was two miles south of town on the right. It shouldn’t be much farther and once he arrived, he just had to be hired.

When the gate to the Swinging A appeared, black iron against a chill, blue sky, he turned his horse down a path with deep wagon ruts going under the arched entrance. To his right rose a three-story, grand Victorian home, while a dog-run cabin stood to his left. About two hundred yards of freshly plowed land separated the dwellings. Probably for cotton, he surmised.

He trotted toward the cabin as the bartender had directed him to do, but when he knocked on the kitchen door, no one answered. Frowning, Killian headed out of the dog-run and scanned the field. A barn had been a little behind the cabin. Perhaps the owner of the home was inside. Leaving his horse tethered to the hitching post outside the house, Killian walked toward the larger structure.

As he did so, movement in a tall oak grabbed his attention. He slowed his steps as bits of yellow peeked through the branches that, despite the season, still held leaves. Someone was up in the tree.

He moved closer, ducking down to try to get a better view of who sat on one of the higher branches. Petticoats peeked out beneath a yellow linen dress. Struck, Killian barked, “What the hell?”

A feminine squeak and gasp accompanied a crash.

The bright yellow bundle tumbled down, and Killian’s heart flew up into his throat. He shot forward, stretching out his arms, and caught her just in time. He stumbled under the blow but kept his feet, jostling her close against his chest.

Breathing heavily, his pulse beating wildly, he gazed into the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. Auburn hair framed an angelic face that blinked in astonishment. Her full lips parted as she clutched the front of his shirt with one hand and held tight to his shoulders with the other arm.

Oh…what the hell…

He’d just caught a beauty.

 

 

 Isn't she awesome! Now, here's where to run get your copy of SUNSHINE'S WELCOME, and then I'll tell you a bit more about Kara and where you can find her.

 

 

Book Purchase Link:  https://books2read.com/u/49ka68

 

 

 

Bio~

Award-winning author, Kara O’Neal is a teacher and lives in Texas with her husband and three children. She writes stories with strong family ties, lots of romance and guaranteed happy endings! Please visit her at www.karaoneal.com.

 

Where to Find Kara

Website –  www.karaoneal.com

Bookbub –  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kara-o-neal

Amazon –  http://www.amazon.com/Kara-ONeal/e/B00FL19TH8/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1465007993&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble –  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/kara+o'neal?_requestid=845025

Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/KaraONeal84/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/KaraONealAuthor

Pinterest –  https://www.pinterest.com/karaoneal7/

Goodreads –  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278350.Kara_O_Neal

Blog -- http://www.karaoneal.com/blog

Blog – The Story Continues -- http://www.karaoneal.com/the-story-continues

 

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!

 

Today You Have A Shot At CLAIMING SHANDY, Return to Welcome Book 4, from #RomanceGem Bonnie Edwards

Good morning, one and all! Hope you guys are having a splendid day thus far! I've got my Romance Gem friend, Bonnie Edwards, on with her new book, releasing today, CLAIMING SHANDY! Let's find out more...

Blurb ~ 

She thought her divorce was final…

Welcome WA, where rumor, gossip, and old grudges endure long past their best before date.

Justin Camden wants his life back. His wife back. His son back. And he’s returned to Welcome to get them. Justin has a plan for the Christmas season and moving in with his ex and his boy is just the beginning.

Shandy Camden is stuck. Her big oaf of an ex-husband has finagled his way into her home for the entire month of December. He claims to want an old-fashioned family Christmas with their son. She’s forced to let Justin stay because refusing will break her son’s heart.

Slowly, Shandy sees that her ex may have another agenda. But she doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas the way their son does. Helpless and forced to live with her ex, Shandy struggles to overcome her growing attraction to the only man who’s ever left her. The only man she’s ever loved. But Justin left once and if he leaves again, she’ll never recover, and neither will their son…

When the truth comes out, Shandy and Justin may well have discovered that more than anything, Christmas is about love.

 

Warning: This book has lots of groveling in it. If you don’t want to read about a divorced man making things right, then this romance isn’t for you. 

Excerpt ~

Chapter One

December 1 Welcome WA

Justin Camden was no quitter. Never had been and he wasn’t about to give up now. But first he had to do battle against the dragons breathing fire in his gut. He’d never been this scared. Not even at fourteen when his dad caught him out driving his mom’s car at midnight.

He parked outside the Welcome Bar & Grill and called his buddy, Jake Morrow who was inside with a group of friends. Friends who included Justin’s wife, Shandy.

Everything he wanted to accomplish tonight hinged on whatever BS line Jake had come up with. “It’s me. I’m here. What did you tell her?”

In the background, Justin heard happy people greeting each other over the distant sound of a Christmas song. The season had begun. He climbed out of his car while he heard Jake excuse himself to take the call.

“Bedbugs.”

The background noise had receded, but Justin couldn’t have heard right. “What?”

“Every hotel in the area’s infested. Didn’t you know?” Jake said with a smirk in his voice.

“She’ll never believe that.” He had his hand on the brass door pull. Yanked it toward him.

“I believe she does believe me.”

He shook his head. No way. Shandy was the smartest woman he’d ever met and for the past three years, she’d been made of stone. He had to make her crack, but nonsense about bedbugs wouldn’t do it. The flame-thrower in his belly belched. Maybe he should turn around and leave.

“Plus, I told Shandy how much Brianna and I are enjoying our honeymoon period,” Jake was saying. “She can’t force you to stay with us. She has to let you stay at her place. She’ll have no choice.”

“Our place.” The home they’d bought together, to raise their family in. “You ass. Bedbugs?” He was inside the vestibule now, looking through the stained-glass partition, searching the restaurant side of the building. “I see the table.”

Jake stood a few feet away from the group. “Don’t worry, you got this,” he said, looking right at him through the multi-colored pane.

“My best and only shot.” He ended the call, plastered a smile on his face and made his way through the tables to where Shandy sat beside an empty chair. If this crazy bedbug story worked, he’d have a chance to get her angry. He needed her angry.

If she were angry with him, it was a sign that she still cared. That he could still make her feel something for him.

An angry Shandy was honest, and open. Angry Shandy was not a stone angel, cold and remote, the way she’d been for too long. He needed honest and open or his plan to return to Welcome and be the husband and father he wanted to be would fail.

Justin Camden was no quitter. He doused the flames in his gut.

YOU CAN PURCHASE CLAIMING SHANDY HERE: 

https://books2read.com/ClaimingShandy  

 Bio~

Bonnie Edwards has been writing all her life, starting with a poem about Santa suffering with gout. She was seven, Santa was a thousandteen years old. Delighted with writing, she went on to write family sagas, humorous contemporary romance, romantic suspense, erotic paranormal ghost romances and more.



She may jump around within romance, but all her stories come with a tear, a laugh, and a happy ending. Published by Kensington Books, Harlequin Books, Carina Press, and Robinson (UK) Bonnie’s stories stretch from short stories to novellas and novels. Now, she's happy to be publishing her work herself.

With 40 titles to her credit, she has been translated into several languages and sold books worldwide. Aside from standalone romances, she has 6 romance series that include Christmas romances and beach reads. Contemporary family sagas find a home in Return to Welcome. Learn about more exciting releases and get a free romance by subscribing to her newsletter, Bonnie’s Newsy Bits.

Cheers and happy reading!

Bonnie Edwards

Follow her online:  Amazon     Website     BookBub     Twitter     Facebook

 

 Thank you for joining us today, Bonnie! It was a delight having you! Come back any time!

TALKING TALES FROM THE WINDOWS ~ BY ROMANCE GEM LIZ FLAHERTY

 

Please help me welcome back Romance Gem Liz Faherty! Last time she was here, she gave us a little HEALING SUMMER; but in this new season she brings tales from windows, theWINDOW OVER THE SINK and the WINDOW OVER THE DESK. Let's find out more about them...

Blurbs~

WINDOW OVER THE SINK ~

It’s been nearly ten years since we retired. I’m still in the office Duane and the boys created for me. The seven quilts I promised to make have been completed. A few books. He has new knees and new guitars. We’ve had grief and loss in these years, occasional discontent, times of being alone even when we were together. We’ve also had a blessed amount of fun. Of music and laughter and family. Of the other side of being alone that comes of knowing we never really are.

Much has changed in those nine years and change, and much has stayed the same. At first, it seemed as if this book was a vanity thing. Or a thing for the grandkids to look at and think Okay, Nana, what do you want me to do with this? But in the end, like most other things in life that are worthwhile, it is a labor of love. A gathering of thoughts and dreams and memories.

Thanks for joining me on the journey.

WINDOW OVER THE DESK ~

In 2020, I released the first collection of Window Over the Sink columns. It was for my family, really, and to give my own ego a boost. (Any writer who says she doesn’t need that now and then is lying, by the way.)

It was so much fun.

Which is why I decided to open the Window Over the Desk. My view out this particular window is a favorite—even today, when I’m drying…things…on the clothesline. Also today, the hay bales in the field that have given me pleasure for several weeks have been gathered and stored for the long winter.

I hope the essays in this book give you some pleasant reading time over that winter. I hope they make you remember things, laugh sometimes, and refill your cup and sit down and read “just one more.”

As I mention way more often than is necessary, I’m kind of old. The years have dimmed some reflections through the window, brightened others, and changed a whole bunch of them. What a trip it’s been.

Thanks—again—for joining me on the journey.

Here's Liz at that desk!

Bio~

I was always daydreaming as a kid, about living in elegant places where other people made your bed and dusted your furniture, wearing clothes that screamed triumphantly, "Liz Claiborne, size two!" every time I put them on, and writing blockbuster novels.

Instead, I live in a big old farmhouse back a dusty lane, where whoever is the last one out of bed makes it and no one bothers with dusting. My clothes mumble sheepishly, "J. C. Penney, buy a bigger size." And my novels aren't what you'd call blockbusters. What they are is stories about people like me and maybe like you, whose dreams have gone awry or simply withered up and died. It's my job as a writer to take care of those dreams, either by straightening out the old ones or finding new ones. Either way, I love it, and I'd love hearing how you feel about how I've done that job. Email me at lizkflaherty@gmail.com

You can see all of the books that Liz has published on her Amazon page:

https://www.amazon.com/Liz-Flaherty/e/B001J919R4/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Thank you, Liz, for joining us and telling us about your latest release!

Thank you, readers, for joining us on today's journey! I hope the rest of the journey will be all that you want it to be.




  

I'm Bringing You SWEET DREAMS today! Hey, It Was The Least I Could Do! #RomanceGem Kari Lemor

 The weather is changing which means...you've got it! Christmas is on the way! And there's nothing better than a sweet Christmas romance to get you in the holiday mood! Please welcome Romance Gem Kari Lemor and her latest release, SWEET DREAMS! (Who else has the Eurythmics' song going through your head? Have you seen this guy singing it at the gas pump? One of my favorites! https://youtu.be/q6PAGwtoBwU)

Blurb ~

Faking it has never been so sweet.

When Zachary Donahue breezes back into town for his sister’s wedding, he finds himself the unwilling target of her matchmaking. He’s partnered with her best friend, Kelsey, his biggest childhood crush.

Bridesmaid, Kelsey Ramos, isn’t interested in being set up with her friend’s annoying older brother who used to put frogs and snakes in her backpack. She liked the frogs better than she liked Zack.

To ensure the bride focuses on her wedding, not them, Kelsey and Zack will have to pretend they’re dating. But when Christmas magic hits the air, there’s no telling which way the sweet wind will blow.

Excerpt ~

The bell above the door tinkled and Kelsey glanced up from the shelf she was stacking jars of local jam on. She loved being able to sell the wares of people who lived in and around town. It worked out for all involved as town folks loved supporting each other.

The navy wool beanie she’d gotten used to seeing appeared above the shelf next to her. Zack grinned down at her.

“Trying to hide and get out of our date tonight?”

Could she? When they’d made arrangements a few days ago to go skating after work, she hadn’t thought anything of it. But now that the time had come, a tiny flutter of nervousness skittered around her stomach.

“Would it work?” Her flip tongue always got the better of her.

“Nope. You said you closed the shop at four on Sunday. So we’ve got plenty of time to skate. I need to get in shape if I plan to infiltrate one of the morning hockey games. Are you almost ready to go?”

“I just need to neaten up this shelf and make sure none of the mix and match candy got mixed up.”

Zack peered into the half wooden barrels at the individually wrapped sweets. “I can do that. Finish up the shelves, and we can go.”

She pointed to the door. “Do you mind flipping the open sign to closed, please?”

He did as asked, then poked through the wooden barrels while she straightened the shelves. It had been a busy weekend and she’d need to contact her suppliers to refill the stock. That always made her feel great when she sold local goods.

“Let me just lock up the back and grab my skates. Do you have a pair?”

“There was an old pair of mine hanging in the barn at my parents’ house. Not sure how sharp they are, but I won’t be going for any hat tricks today, so maybe I’ll be fine.”

Kelsey gave the back room a quick check, made sure the doors were locked, then took her skates, coat, mittens, scarf, and hat. The weather had warmed up to the mid-thirties today, but with the sun going down any second, it would get chillier.

As she entered the store front, Zack backed away from the glass case he’d been drooling over.

“Do you want something before we go? Are you hungry?”

“Haven’t really had anything since lunch. I didn’t want to be late getting here. But I can wait until after we skate. No sense having you open up the register again now that it’s shut down.”

Kelsey laughed and scooped two red velvet cupcakes from the case, then closed it again. “Here. I remember you liked these. It’s on the house.”

“I’ll pay you back later.” The cupcake was gone in four bites.

“You can pay me back with a cup of hot chocolate after we skate. The Boy Scouts sell it by the bandstand.” She took a bite of her own cupcake. He had good taste. The red velvet ones were amazing.

“It’s a deal. Finish that up so we can go.”

Kelsey took her time eating the rest, savoring it, then licking the frosting from her lips. Zack stared at her and his expression was interesting, but she couldn’t quite interpret it. Most likely she had chocolate stuck to the corner of her mouth. She grabbed a napkin and did a thorough wipe. Having a dirty face while seeing other people from town would be embarrassing.

“Am I all clean now?” She smiled at Zack, and he nodded, then tipped his chin at her.

    “How about me?”

There was a tiny fleck of cake crumb snagged in the bristle on his chin, so she reached up and brushed it away. The scruff felt good scraping her fingers, but she pulled them away as fast as she could. This was a fake relationship, and it wouldn’t do to start enjoying touching Zack in any way. 

FIND KARI LEMOR AT:

https://www.karilemor.com

BUY SWEET DREAMS AT:

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GJQGKBX/

B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1140172551?ean=2940162584926

iBooks https://books.apple.com/us/book/sweet-dreams-a-christmas-in-new-england-story/id1586384794

Google https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kari_Lemor_Sweet_Dreams_A_Christmas_in_New_England?id=gpBDEAAAQBAJ

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sweet-dreams-a-christmas-in-new-england-story

Books2Read https://books2read.com/b/bWGyNW

Thanks for joining us today!

Needs Me A Little SAND, SALT, AND SPIRITS! ~ KATHRYN HILLS #RomanceGem

 So happy to welcome back the lovely Kathryn Hills with her latest release, SAND, SALT, AND SPIRITS which is a LAST CHANCE BEACH ROMANCE! Now when I hear sand, I think beach. Salt, I think beach and tequila. Spirits? Tequila! But I don't think those are the kinds of spirits Kathy is talking about. Let's find out...

Blurb ~

Can a weekend visit to Last Chance Beach undo decades of brokenhearted memories? Conjuring up some island magic might just be their trick. Or treat!

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near-strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

The last time Kathryn was here she shared this cover and I think it's one of my all-time favorite covers! And get this...it's only 99¢ right now!

Get your copy here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sand-Salt-Spirits-Chance-Romance-ebook/dp/B096N46PXH/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sand-salt-and-spirits-last-chance-beach-romance-kathryn-hills/1139677812

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sand-salt-and-spirits-last-chance-beach-romance

Bio~

The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories involve time travel. And ghosts! Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure.

When not writing, this best-selling author is researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband and daughter, and three crazy dogs.

Find Kathryn Hills Online



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