Category Archives: guest release

guest release, Release Promotion

Guest promotion–Waiting for a Miracle by Jennifer Wilck

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Benjamin Cohen, widowed father of six-year-old Jessie, is doing his best to hold it together through order and routine. The last thing he needs is his matchmaker mother to set him up with her next door neighbor, no matter how attractive she is.

Rachel Schaecter’s dream of becoming a foster mother is right within her grasp, until her meddlesome neighbor tries to set her up with her handsome son. What’s worse? He’s the father of her favorite kindergarten student! She can’t afford to let anything come between her and her dream, no matter how gorgeous he may be.

Can these two determined people trust in the miracle of Hanukkah to let love and light into their lives?

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EXCERPT

Six-year-old bodies were good at many things— bouncing, hugging, and racing. Rachel was thankful they were also good at hiding her surprise. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine her favorite student, and her student’s father, would be at her neighbor’s house the same night she was invited to celebrate Hanukkah.

She met the hard gaze of Jessie’s father across the room. Eyes narrowed as if he suspected her reasons for being here. His broad shoulders were stiff. His jean-clad muscular legs were spread apart in a solid stance. Square hands fisted at his sides, and one of them held a menorah. Did he plan to throw it or club someone with it?

Giving Jessie a last pat, she rose. With an arm around Jessie, she extended her other hand to her father. “Happy Hanukkah.”

“Ms. Schaecter.”

“Mr. Cohen.”

“Oh, please,” Harriet said, “Such formality between you two. Rachel, this is my son Benny. I mean Benjamin.”

Benny. Rachel filed the information away for later, along with his flushed skin at the nickname. Interesting.

“And Benjamin, this is my neighbor, Rachel. We’re not at a school event. You can call each other by your first names.” Harriet pointed at Jessie, who gripped Rachel’s hand so hard, Rachel’s fingers lost their circulation. “Except for you,” Harriet added. “You have to call her Ms. Schaecter.”

Jessie giggled. “Yes, Grandma.”

Jennifer Wilck is an award-winning contemporary romance author for readers who are passionate about love, laughter, and happily ever after. Known for writing both Jewish and non-Jewish romances, her books feature damaged heroes, sassy and independent heroines, witty banter and hot chemistry. Jennifer’s ability to transport the reader into the scene, create characters the reader will fall in love with, and evoke a roller coaster of emotions will hook you from the first page.

WEB LINKS

Website: https://www.jenniferwilck.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/879114386079365

Newsletter: https://www.jenniferwilck.com/contact.html#newsletter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWilck

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjenniferwilck/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-wilck

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Guest Promotion–Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams by Wendy Kendall

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Liz buried her hopes three years ago when she buried her husband. She hides under a corporate desk, struggling for time with her young son and his grandmother Violet.

George is chef at the assisted living facility where Violet recovers from an accident. He loves his adopted beagle, Phil. This tail wagger is George’s only family. They are a therapy animal team for the patients.

Juggling work, her son, and Violet is complicated for Liz. Continual collisions with meddling George irritate, and intrigue her.

Violet plots a cookie bake, as matchmaker and to reunite her family. She conspires with George as chef, not realizing it puts his job at risk. Could baking together soften Liz’s heart?

Phil’s sudden disappearance interrupts plans. George is desperate to find his dog. The search leads him into a surprising twist of fate, and accidentally pulls Liz along with him.

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EXCERPT

She approached the car and noticed the back tire. Flat. She rolled her eyes and groaned. She put her hands on her hips and paced back and forth next to it. She gently kicked the rubber, but it squished against the rim, confirming no air inside.

She crouched down and pulled her wallet out, searching for her road assistance card. Phil walked around her, stuck out his dog tongue, and licked the back of her hand. “Thanks, Phil, but that won’t help me get to work on time.”

She stood up again and turned around to see George. His hands on his hips. “Flat tire? Can I help?”

“Thanks, but I’ll call somebody.”

“Do you have a spare?”

“Yes, in the trunk.”

He grinned. “Assuming your spare is in good shape, I can get this changed faster for you.”

Her mouth dropped open. Someone willing to help.

“Really? I couldn’t put you to the trouble.”

“No worries. Lunch is over, and we came outside for a dog walk and a break.”

“This isn’t a very nice break, but I’d really appreciate it.” She unlocked the trunk.

George took off his black chef shirt, putting it on the front seat of the car. He rolled up the sleeves of his blue shirt, revealing toned forearms. Liz’s glance lingered. She called her assistant to have the VP of Sales step in to host the client. Disaster avoided. Someone else could help. She felt like celebrating. She scratched Phil’s tummy, talked nonstop to George about his cooking, baking, and recipes, while she stole admiring glances at his physique, including his broad shoulders and flat stomach. When he finished, he put the jack and flat tire into the trunk. “You’re all set to drive.”

“I don’t know how I can thank you, but I’ll find a way. This was really nice of you.” Impulsively she hugged him. The warmth of his arms wrapped around, then her phone rang. They broke apart, and Phil barked. She looked into George’s brown eyes.

He grabbed his shirt off the driver’s seat. “I’m happy to help.” He turned toward the building and called Phil.

She glanced at her phone screen and let it go to voicemail. Had she misjudged George? She’d actually felt comfortable talking with him She hadn’t talked about baking in years. It felt good. When she hugged him, she’d surprised herself. What a pleasant embrace.

She drove across the lot to the exit, smiling to have all tires turning. She waited for a chance to turn onto the road, one problem solved. Maybe today she could dream of a little dream? In the rear-view mirror, her back window was fogged. She turned onto the road with an unfamiliar feeling of hope, although she had no idea what might be around the corner.

From designer bags to body bags. Kat Out of the Bag – Katherine Watson purse designer/sleuth. Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash – cozy cold case. Finalist, 2022 Best Suspense, Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For. Cherry Shakes In The Park blends danger, divas, and frothy delights. Ribbons of love run through Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams. Wendy enjoys Pacific Northwest life, as blogger, podcaster, syndicated columnist.

WEB LINKS

Website – WendyWritesBooks.com

Website url – https://sites.google.com/site/wendywriteshere/

Facebook – WendyKendallMysteries

Twitter – @wendywrites1

Instagram – wendyekendall

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20099387.Wendy_Kendall

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Guest Promotion–Magic, Mimosas & Mistletoe by M.L. Bonatch

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She doesn’t see dead people, but her dog does. Can the spirits help her solve the mystery and save Christmas?

Marissa Hale is excited to visit her friend Grace’s new Inn. But the twinkly lights attached to the inheritance are frightful, and finding a dead body in the poinsettias resembling one of Santa’s fabled elves is not delightful. The death of Grace’s aunt was already suspicious, is someone trying to scare Grace into selling the Kringle Inn?

Grace’s bloodline is the magic mainline for keeping the yuletide spirit alive, and losing the Inn could mean the end of Christmas. The clues to both deaths may reside with the spirits of the Inn, but Marissa’s dog is the only one who can see them.

Does Marissa stand a ghost of a chance of solving this mystery to save Christmas?

On sale for 99cents through December 15 on  Amazon

EXCERPT

“My love of the holiday season began with this inn,” Grace said with a sigh.

I patted her arm. She was the type of person who decorated trees in every room and started shopping in July.

I glanced around. “Is anyone else here?” My voice echoed from the vaulted ceiling and second floor balcony. The string of lights wrapped throughout the wrought iron balcony railing flickered.

Grace nodded, sending a few red coils of her hair bobbing. “A few staff members stayed on to maintain the upkeep. They should arrive soon.”

Mulder’s yipping drew my attention. He rarely barked, instead using a multitude of odd sounds as his preferred method of communication. It wasn’t often he engaged in a barking rant unless a squirrel or bird taunted him.

“He must’ve found more decorations to harass.” I located his pom-pom-like tail poking out among a bunch of poinsettias.

Jasper slunk over to investigate. Despite his disdain for his furry sibling, the cat couldn’t contain his curiosity, and Mulder always found things of interest to the animal species.

“Jasper, stay out of those poinsettias! They’re poisonous,” I yelled, as if the feline was hard of hearing. The knot in my stomach confirmed I loved the little bugger. Grace was accustomed to my banter with the cat, despite only hearing a bunch of meowing when Jasper spoke to me. She’d accepted it when I told her Jasper and I could communicate after a spell backfired—at least that was what I thought had happened.

Jasper got close enough to see what had secured Mulder’s attention and turned to respond. “For goddess’ sake, woman, it’s not like I’m going to eat a plant. I wouldn’t stoop to that level. Besides, there’s something over here. It smells bad and might be dead.”

“What?” Had I heard him correctly over Mulder’s barking? “Mulder, that’s enough.”

I shook my head when the dog regarded me with big pleading eyes. Trying to silence him was a waste of my breath. He ignored the few requests he understood, unless they benefited him.

“Jasper, did you say dead? You mean a flower, right?” I paused at the edge of the poinsettias and peered over the leaves. “There’s practically a forest of these plants.”

My foot smacked against something hard and unyielding. As I hopped on one foot to cradle the injured toe of the other, I lost my balance and fell face-forward with a yelp into the flowery forest.

Mulder backed away, whining now that I’d heeded his alert to investigate.

“Marissa, are you alright?” Grace rushed across the tile.

“I think so,” I muttered to the floor. My pool of hair occluded my view. I pushed the pink strands away—which clashed with the red flowers—and turned my head. “But I don’t think he is.”

M.L. Bonatch believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and caffeine and wine are essential for survival. She writes paranormal cozy mysteries as  M.L. Bonatch, urban fantasy, paranormal romance and other genres as Maureen Bonatch.

 

 

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Guest Promotion–A Secret Santa Christmas by Lucinda Race

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A Dickens Holiday Romance, book 7

Christmas just isn’t Holly’s thing but will a family secret help her find the true meaning of Christmas?

Holly Ivey needs a change. After sacrificing everything for the big city office, her career is over, frozen as firmly as Antarctica. At a loss of what to do next, her father suggests she relocate to the small town of Dickens and run her grandmother’s yarn shop. But Holly doesn’t know a knitting needle from a crochet hook. How is she going to run Ivey’s Knittery? Fueled by determination and sweet memories of her grandmother, Holly accepts the challenge and moves to the quaint town, even though she feels like a fish out of water. Even worse, the holidays are huge in Dickens and, despite her festive name, Christmas just isn’t Holly’s thing.

Gabriel Reyes is the Director of the Dickens Community Center and loves working with kids and the families in town. Every year he runs a toy drive but this year more families need help. Will the town’s Secret Santa step in to fill the town’s needs, and just who is the mysterious benefactor? When Gabriel meets the town’s newest shop owner, he begins to think the lovely Holly Ivey might be the girl to capture his heart. But only if he can help her find the Christmas spirit.

Will the magic of the Christmas season melt Holly’s heart before it’s time for her to leave Dickens and Gabe behind?

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EXCERPT

Leaning against the counter, he cast a quick look at her meager sandwich. “I was on my way to Dorrit’s Diner to pick up some lunch. Can I get you something?”

“That’s really nice of you but the peanut butter is just fine.” She wasn’t about to confess she hadn’t made time to go to the market and this was all that had been in Grammie’s cupboard. Well, that and a loaf of old bread in the freezer. It was better than nothing.

“It’s no trouble and Amy makes the best soups at this time of year. Trust me, they’re not to be missed.”

A cup of soup did sound a lot more appetizing than the pathetic sandwich drying out as they talked. A smile slipped from one side of her face to the other. Gabriel had a way of making it sound like the best idea of the day.

“You’ve talked me into it, but I don’t think I should close the shop.”

Gabriel glanced around and grinned. “I can see you’re slammed today.” With a twinkle in his eye, he winked. “Not to worry. I’ll pick up lunch, and then we can eat together if you’d like so you can get to know a little more about day-to-day life in Dickens. Chrissy mentioned you didn’t come around much, something about a big job in New York City.”

She didn’t feel that he was baiting her, but did she need to explain why she was here now? “Well…” She shifted from one foot to the other and glanced at the floor. “It was time for a change.”

He gave her a sympathetic smile. “Anything you absolutely can’t stand?”

Gabriel had changed the topic back to soup. She quirked her lips. “I like to keep the roof of my mouth unharmed so take it easy with spicy foods. Other than that, I’m game for anything.”

He tapped the top of the counter. “I’ll be back in a while. Anything else you think you might want or need?”

With a shake of her head, she said no, and then she pulled a twenty-dollar bill from her wallet. “Since you’re flying, I’m buying.”

He held up his hand and pushed the bill back toward her. “I’ve got it this time. You can get it another day. Consider it a welcome to the neighborhood gesture. It’s a small-town thing.”

Without letting on that she thought he was right, there might be a next time, she decided to have a little fun with him. “What makes you think we’ll eat lunch together again?”

“I’m a great lunch partner and working in a shop all day without stimulating conversation for something other than yarn might grind on you.”

He had nailed that one. Especially when nary a customer had come in so far today. “Okay, you got me on that point.”

After a quick, “See you in a while,” he sauntered out the door and she watched him. He was one good-looking man and at least this part of her change was looking up, not that she wanted to date, but that man made her heart beat quicker.

Thirty minutes later Gabriel walked in with a white paper bag looped over his arm and balancing a cardboard cupholder. “Sorry it took longer than I thought. Dorrit’s was busier than normal. A tour bus stopped off for lunch which is good for her business and any others nearby if the driver lets them poke around a bit.”

Her eyes grew wide and she perked up with the sound of potential shoppers. “Do you think they’ll find me?”

“Maybe, if they have time. But maybe in some small way it’s good you’re having a quiet first day. Let you get your feet wet before you have a lot of customers popping in.”

She could feel her shoulders sag. “At least one customer would be nice for today. Just to remind myself this is a viable business.”

He had set out cups of what smelled like chili, a bag of corn bread, and pats of butter on the counter. Handing her a spoon, he said, “I ordered the mild version. I hope you enjoy it.”

“Hold on. I have another stool in the back.” She hurried into the other room and using a paper towel, she wiped off the seat of the stool before returning to the front. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” He dipped his spoon in and sighed. “This is good.” He watched her as she did the same. “Am I right?”

She rolled her eyes back for dramatic effect and his hearty laugh filled the shop. “This is delicious. You can make lunch suggestions any day if you keep this up.”

“Anytime.” They ate for a minute and he put his spoon down and buttered a piece of the corn bread. “Amy’s been running the business for over thirty-five years; she took over from her parents and everything is homemade.”

“That’s good to know.” She ate a little more. “Tell me about Dickens. Have you lived here long?”

“I moved to town two years ago for the director position at the center. Prior to this I lived in a suburb of Chicago and was an AD for a community center there.”

“A small town like Dickens is a little different than Chi-town.”

He gave a half nod. “The same could be said for you. NYC and Dickens don’t exactly have the same vibe.”

“My grandmother was from here; do you have family close by?”

“If you call close Puerto Rico via Miami, then sure.” He scraped the bottom of his chili cup.

“It sounds like we’re both on our own in small-town USA.” She thought of her parents still in New York, living their jet-set life as if nothing unpleasant had happened to Holly.

“Then maybe we need to stick together.” He held out his hand to her. “Want to be partners?”

Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of fiction. As a young girl, she spent hours reading mystery and romance novels and getting lost in the fun and hope they represent. While her friends dreamed of becoming doctors and engineers, her dreams were to become a writer—a novelist.

As life twisted and turned, she found herself writing nonfiction but longed to turn to her true passion. After developing the storyline for the McKenna Family Romance series, it was time to start living her dream. Her fingers practically fly over computer keys she weaves stories about with mystery and happily ever afters.

Lucinda lives with her two little dogs, a miniature long hair dachshund and a shitzu mix rescue, in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts. When she’s not at her day job, she’s immersed in her fictional worlds. And if she’s not writing mystery, suspense and romance novels, she’s reading everything she can get her hands on.

WEB CONTACTS

Twitter  https://twitter.com/LucindaRace

FB https://www.facebook.com/LucindaRaceAuthor/

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Goodreads – Lucinda Race- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10174985.Lucinda_Race

Youtube Lucinda Race https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=lucinda+race+author

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lucindaraceauthor

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Bookbub Lucinda Race https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lucinda-race

Amazon Author Page  https://www.amazon.com/Lucinda-Race/e/B00Q0MMNUM

Lucinda’s Heart Racers Reader Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/118597305361578

https://lucindarace.com

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Guest Promotion:A Full-Bodied Love by Amber Cross

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Smooth and mellow meets spunky and sweet

Lisa Kirkpatrick is stubborn, but she’s not stupid. If this guy needs a date to evade an unwanted admirer, who is she to object? It’s not as if handsome men are lining up to ask her out. Sure, they know there’s a woman in the wheelchair, but it would never occur to them that there’s a WOMAN in the wheelchair. He notices. This solid, fun, straight-shooting guy ticks off every box on her ideal man list. But why do they call him Slick? ​ Roger Plankey thought his life was full until he walked into the town clerk’s office and laid eyes on the woman behind the counter. A spunky, independent woman with a dash of humor and just enough sass to keep him on his toes. She fills that unknown void in his life like she was made for him. But is there such a thing as too perfect?

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“If you’re running from the law, you’ve come to the wrong place.” A woman leaning out of the town clerk’s service window pointed to the police department across the hall. She wore a black felt witch’s hat, and orange pumpkins dangled from her ears, as brilliant as the smile on her face. Well, well, well. “It’s not the cops I need,” he admitted, approaching the window and thrusting his hand out in greeting. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. Roger Plankey.” “Lisa Kirkpatrick.” Her skin was soft against his work-roughened palm, her beautifully manicured nails a sharp contrast to his blunt-tipped square fingers. Halloween decorations sparkled on the black-painted ovals, but nothing shone from her left ring finger. He checked. “Are you new here, Lisa?” “I’m the deputy clerk. I work when Maisie needs a day off.” “Ahh, that would explain why we haven’t met before.” Reluctantly, he took his hand back to retrieve paperwork from the inside pocket of his canvas barn jacket. “I’ve got a bunch of vehicles to register.” He passed the documents through the window, letting his gaze wander over her pretty face while she scanned them. Brown hair curled against the brim of her witch’s hat and caressed the nape of her neck. Thick eyelashes feathered high apple cheeks, and when they lifted, her hazel eyes reminded him of spring rain on the meadow.

Amber Cross was raised on a family farm in New England, one of a dozen siblings, each one inspiring her writing in some way. She still lives in that same small town with her husband and the youngest of their five children. She loves spending time in the woods, in the water, and watching people because every one of them has a unique and fascinating story to tell.

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Guest Promotion–A Maple Cookie Homecoming by Judy Ann Davis

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When Julien Franklin returns home for Christmas after retiring from the military, his first mission is to taste his hometown’s maple cookies and find office space for his civilian website business. He’s delighted to find the apartment above The Book Bin bookstore is for rent and owned by his old high school sweetheart.

Natalie Pinkett, widow and single parent, has some tragic secrets gnawing at her soul, but she needs to rent the empty rooms. Now an old love will be literally working above her head and with a rambunctious puppy her daughter has fallen in love with.

Can Julien woo the pretty bookstore owner? Will they find love again?

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EXCERPT

She crossed the room, knelt down beside the tree, and searched for the plug. “Naturally,” she muttered through a disgusted hiss, “the plug would be located at the very back against the wall.”

Sliding down on her stomach, she grunted and inched herself under the low branches just as a deep male voice asked, “Can I help?”

Startled, Natalie jerked upright. Her head crashed into some low hanging branches. Ornaments, dislodged from the tree, rained down and bounced onto the floor, rolling away.

“Yeeeoow,” she shrieked, and slid backwards into the still lit, but semi-dark room.

“It’s only me,” Julien said.

“Do you always sneak around?” she grumbled, shaking needles from her hair and shoulders. “You’re lucky you’re not wearing this tree.”

“My, my, someone is prickly tonight.”

She rubbed the top of her head and glared at him. “Now I have to crawl back there twice to get those darn lights turned off.”

A deep laugh rumbled out over her head. “Here,” he held out his hand to help her up. “Are you hurt?”

“No,” she said through gritted teeth and swatted at the top of her head. “Everyone loves pine pitch in their hair, right?”

BIO

Award-winning writer Judy Ann Davis has written for industry and education throughout her career. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction and is best known for “writing romance with a touch of mystery.” She is a member of Pennwriters, Inc. and Romance Writers of America. She divides her time between Central Pennsylvania and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

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A Writer’s Revelations (Blog)  https://judyanndavis.blogspot.com/

website http://www.judyanndavis.com/

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Author will gift three Amazon digital copies of her novella, A Maple Cookie Homecoming, to three randomly selected participants who follow Judy Ann Davis on her Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Judy-Ann-Davis/e/B006GXN502/

NOTE: After following her, leave your name in the COMMENTS SECTON below her blog post on “A Writer’s Revelations” https://judyanndavis.blogspot.com/ so she can contact the selected three winners.

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Guest Promotion–Finders, Keepers by Chloe Holiday

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Hurt and humiliated by her boyfriend’s cheating, Farrah ducks into a bar—and goes home with Caleb for a round of incendiary revenge sex. Horrified when she later finds out she was mistaken, Farrah sneaks out. When Caleb wakes up alone, he has to see her again, but all he has is a single mitten…

Finders, Keepers is a fast, fun novella: a sexy modern Cinderella story with a dash of humor, plenty of spice, and NO CLIFFHANGERS!

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EXCERPT

Just three more hours to go. Softly humming “Frosty the Snowman” to herself, Farrah made the rounds with her mail cart, already excited about Global Marketing’s party tonight. Or rather, Justin’s reaction to her killer new dress.

Farrah stepped into the copy editor’s cubicle, her short red skirt trimmed with white marabou feathers swinging. She dropped a couple of manila envelopes onto his desk and resumed her circuit through the quiet maze of workstations.

The cart took a sudden lurch to the left — the darned wheel stuck again. The detour triggered the motion-activated Rudolph on the new guy’s desk — and the glares of coworkers — as a tinny version of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” blared.

The new guy smiled, his eyes on her short skirt.

Maybe not her best choice—he probably thought she did it on purpose, just to meet him. Farrah rotated the offending wheel and shuddered: a gummy chunk of red candied fruit clung to the rubber. Who really eats fruitcake?

The guy turned from his computer. “Hey. I’m Brad. Need a hand? ”

She smiled at his eagerness. ” Can I get a tissue?”

“Absolutely.” He yanked two out of a box and handed them to her, grinning.

“Thanks. I’m Farrah. Nice decorations — I love the holidays.” She extracted the nasty wad of gunk from the wheel.

“Will you be at the party tonight?” he asked.

“Yes, with my boyfriend, Justin.” Farrah pretended not to notice the way his face fell. “Nice to meet you, Brad.” She tossed the crumpled tissue in his trash bin.

It would take more than fruitcake to dent her mood, her usual holiday cheer sparked higher by anticipation. Still humming, she finished her rounds and wrestled the mail cart back into place. Her stomach growled at the smell of cinnamon from the plug-in air freshener. It’s a break from Pumpkin Spice, anyway. A few festive cubicles were decorated in bright tinsel garlands or Hanukkah dreidels, but this year most employees had refrained after Shelby, the new department manager, made known her distaste for such “vulgarity.”

Someday I’ll be free of Shelby and the corporate world, too.

At least the witch hadn’t extended her disapproval to attire yet. In addition to her red skirt, Farrah wore small holly earrings and her pine-green nails glittered with tiny candy cane decals. Her late grandmother always told her, “Have fun while you’re young, honey—it gets beat out of you soon enough.” Farrah had taken those words to heart.

No one was going to ruin her holidays, not even her dragon lady boss. Tonight’s party was destined to be wonderful. She smiled, imagining the look on Justin’s face when he saw her in that glamorous new dress, and slipped back to her cubicle. Her “in” box brimmed with more documents to photocopy. One eye on the clock, Farrah raced through her drudge work.

The moment five o’ clock arrived, she hurried to gather her bag and coat and rushed outside, humming “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

BIO

I write the things I love to read: steamy, fun stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, smart women and men who aren’t jerks. I like to read about friendships, either close women or a good bromance. I want all the feels: the thrill of a smoldering gaze or the barest brush of fingertips, the shocked gasp at the underhanded villain, the angst of heartbreak, the joy of reunion, and of course, happily ever after!

 

WEB CONTACTS

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Guest Promotion–Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For by Wendy Kendall

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Irresistible December magic. Desiree and Leo tangle in mystery and romance. Desiree wanted to believe in magic again. An enthusiastic teacher, she’s created a fun game of secret Santa for her first grade class. A mysterious stocking with her name and a creepy message appears. This creepy secret Santa is stalking Desiree. Who is it? Could it be devastating news that it’s Leo, her new romantic love interest? What can be learned from the legend of the snow kiss cookies? Will this secret Santa be stopped before Desiree is harmed? Cookie recipe included.

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EXCERPT

On Sunday Dez luxuriated in reflections of the night before. She tenderly placed the heart wreath on her kitchen table as a centerpiece.

She texted Katherine. What a night. Do you believe in Christmas miracles and true love? I do now.

            When her cell beeped later, it was a response from Katherine and thankfully not the anonymous sender. Sounds like a good time. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

            Dez took Katherine literally and called her right away to fill her in.

On the drive to work Monday morning, Dez noticed all black sedans, wondering if one of those is the one that aimed to run them down last night. There had been no threatening texts since Friday. In fact, other than Katherine’s text, the only others had been the most romantic treasures from Leo. She’d relished and responded to those.

She drove into the parking lot and focused on her morning ahead. Her students would be excited before the break, plus the tantalizing secret Santa fun would need to be managed. She walked down the hallway conscious of the click of her pumps on the linoleum and the swish of her tan khaki pants Her colorful winter sweater offset the bland slacks.

Dez hoped to run into Leo first thing, to say good morning. It was just as well she hadn’t since she was late. She opened her class door and got right to work setting up for the day.

The shared classroom door with Madeline’s room stood ajar. On the wall, there was an extra stocking. It had glitter all over it, sparkling stars, and her name, Dez. She took it off the hook. There was something inside. John swung the adjoining door wide open and walked in carrying a box.

Madeline followed. “Oh wait, here’s one more.” She slipped a smaller box on top of what he was carrying. She looked at Desiree. “Good morning. John, let me know if I can help with anything else. Glad I was in early for you.”

said good morning to Dez. “I’m getting ready for the reading group lesson for Thursday.” He thanked Madeline and walked over to his desk.

Voices and laughter echoed as students came in from the hallway. Peter and Jack rushed up to Dez and said together, “Cool stocking.”

She put the stocking back on it hook. “Bood morning. Please put your secret Santa cards on your desk, and then take your seats.”

Madeline said, “An admirer? Is that really appropriate at school?” She walked through to her room, closing the door behind her.

Dez reminded herself to get with Principal Milner today about how she’d caught Madeline. She considered what Madeline had said. An admirer? Maybe the stocking was from Leo. How nice of him. How fun.

It was a very busy morning. Dez was happy that John’s mood had improved, and as her Teaching Assistant he was trying to engage with the kids. She’d still have to ask him about his actions after school in the parking lot Friday. She shuddered remembering that stare he’d given her.

With the class out to recess, Dez made a beeline for her secret Santa stocking. Her excitement matched her students’ as she took down her stocking and reached inside. Would she find a sweet gift from Leo? She pulled out the cardboard, and her heartbeat sped up. One look and her heartbeat pounded.       The card was a picture of Santa in his sleigh with reindeer. Her smile faded seeing a cut out photo of her face pasted on the drawn figure next to Santa. Where did that picture come from? The caption read: Secret Santa may sleigh you if you’re not a good girl

No signature. A secret and creepy Santa. Would Leo give her this? There was a bump in the toe of the stocking. She shook it upside down over the counter and a sprig of holly with berries fell out. From Saturday night’s heart wreath?

Dez looked around, including out the windows. Was anyone watching? The idea of someone putting up a stocking with her name was odd enough, but with this inside?…her phone vibrated… It was from that hideous anonymous sender.

Her hand shook as she clicked on it and read. How did you like your card?

Dez turned her cell phone off. Her hand shook as she secured it in her desk. John brought the students back from recess and she focused on her job. During lunch she attempted to meet with the principal about Madeline. No luck, he had a busy schedule today too.

Dez walked back to her room. Leo came to mind. It would be nice to bump into him now. How nice to see him sometime today, or at least hear from him. Or had she heard from him already? Was that stocking from him? The text?

From designer bags to body bags. Kat Out of the Bag – Katherine Watson purse designer/sleuth. Purse-Stachio Makes A Splash – cozy cold case. Finalist, 2022 Best Suspense, Snow Kiss Cookies To Die For. Cherry Shakes In The Park blends danger, divas, and frothy delights. Ribbons of love run through Heart of Christmas Cookies and Dreams. Wendy enjoys Pacific Northwest life, as blogger, podcaster, syndicated columnist.

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Guest Promotion–Going Home, At Your Age? by Jacqueline Diamond

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Her hidden past is about to explode! Sara, an artist who’s turning 50, returns to her hometown for Christmas to face her estranged sisters—and the man she left behind—with a stunning secret. A compulsively readable tale of love and redemption packed with heartwarming surprises, Going Home, At Your Age? is a standalone book in the “Sisters, Lovers & Second Chances” series by USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond.

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EXCERPT

In her life, Sara Matchett had committed three huge, earth-thumping, wildly stupid mistakes. She planned to confront them, wrestle them to the ground and, in the process, probably commit a whole swarm of new and even more idiotic screwups.

Then leave her hometown for the last time.

Why not? At nearly fifty, she’d reached the perfect age to turn her world, and everyone else’s, upside down.

“I think that’s a worthwhile goal, regardless of which secrets you plan to unload,” said seventy-one-year-old Aunt Jewell, clear-wrapping a plate of cookies in her kitchen. “In fact, I’m dying to hear about them. What would Christmas be without a soap opera?”

“And I have a lot of experience in the field,” Sara conceded as she snapped a lid atop the cranberry-orange stuffing casserole she’d prepared.

She wished the kitchen had a mirror so she could check whether her green velvet dress was too fussy. Were the stars she’d embroidered ridiculous on a grown woman? “If I ever write my memoirs, I’ll call them, I Was a Teenage Drama Queen.”

“Why limit yourself to the past when you have such talent?” deadpanned her aunt, who sported her own original outfit, red with sparkles cascading along the bodice and skirt. She’d tucked a glittery comb into the dyed jet-black hair. Sara hoped that, in another twenty years, she’d have as much panache as her aunt.

“I’m not sure I’m as gifted as that.” Hearing the quaver in her voice, Sara swept into the living room, ready to head out the door. Might as well get it over with.

Until this moment, she hadn’t allowed herself to dwell on exactly what might happen when she arrived at the family celebration and set the record straight with her sisters. Not that Sara wished to dampen anyone’s holiday, but they deserved to learn why she hadn’t been part of their little world in Rancho Allegro, California, for thirty years…

Also, she didn’t plan to miss Jewell’s upcoming marriage, which was the main reason for her extended visit. After a decade of widowhood, her aunt was remarrying and had requested that Sara, the only one of her three nieces to share her artistic talents, help prepare for the event in late January….

Sara yanked her thoughts back to today’s planned gathering. This would involve people new to her, including her sisters’ bridegrooms and their offspring from previous marriages. Well, she could tolerate having an audience. Just as long as she didn’t have to see the one person who knew too much, and had hurt her more than almost all the others put together.

Although Dr. Nate Patton shared a medical practice with her sister, Cody, there was no reason for Sara to run into him. Not today, at least. He’d no doubt be celebrating the holiday with his relatives.

USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Diamond has sold medical romances, romantic comedies, mysteries and Regency romances—more than one hundred titles! A former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist, Jackie has been honored with a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Her popular series include Safe Harbor Medical Romances and Downhome Doctors.

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Guest Promotion: Christmas in the Air by Josie Riviera

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

Penelope Reid meets an elusive, handsome stranger on a plane trip. Along the way, she confesses her problems and fears, her unrealized goals, while she believes the man is only half-listening. She is a single mother, readjusting after a difficult divorce, and raising a challenging twelve-year-old son.

Months later, she comes into direct contact with Jacob Williams, the new pediatrician in town, and the man she met on the plane.

Will he use his knowledge of her life to embarrass her, or pursue her?

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EXCERPT

Prologue:

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. 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. “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.” 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.

At his assessing gaze, a flush warmed her cheeks. “I’m bored with my job. I want to create, not manage.”

“Create what?”

“Let’s call it a midlife crisis.”

“Let’s.” Another smile. “Do you have another job lined up?”

“No.”

“Is your job difficult?” His tone lowered. Thick, wavy hair fell across his forehead, and he pushed back the strands with his hand. His features were a bit weathered, his jawline and cheekbones prominent. A rugged man who apparently spent time outdoors if appearances were any indication.

The thump of attraction in her chest surprised her. She hadn’t felt an interest in any guy since her divorce.

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.

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