Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 172
September 6, 2022
Blog Tour: SALTED CARAMEL BLISS WITH A WEDDING KISS by Cherie Colyer
One Scoop or Two Series - Standalone
Paranormal Romance
Date Published: August 24, 2022
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Roman Briggs built a life for himself in Siren’s Cove. He restored the Sugar Cones Ice Cream Parlor and turned it into a popular stop along the boardwalk. He has everything he needs until a certain blue-eyed woman wanders back into his life.
Seer and witch Peyton Woods isn’t sure why her latest visions feature a man and boy she’s never met. Determined to find out, she casts a spell that leads her to a small beach town in Maine and, to her utter surprise, the man who broke her heart eight years earlier.
Peyton's left with one question. Why didn't her magic show her him?
Excerpt 1:
The man who had broken my heart on my twenty- third birthday walked out of the backroom. Eight years was a long time. My heart had since healed. Or so I had thought. Seeing him again ripped open old wounds. And darn it if he didn’t look as attractive now as he did then. It would have been easier to run into him again if he were fat, bald, and ugly. But he was just as handsome as before—all tall and sinewy. He still wore his black hair shaved close to his head, and I recognized his Hawaiian shirt as one I’d bought.
After the long road trip, I had to be a sight and not a knock ’em dead one. I almost twitched my nose, ready to cast a spell to smooth my hair and add a little color to my cheeks, but stopped. With my luck, magic would decide the enchantment was for personal gain and turn me into a hag. I ran a hand over my head instead.
“A customer thinks your ice cream is delicious. What else?” Karly said.
“Thank you.” Roman threw a friendly grin my way. His mouth fell open. “Peyton?”
Since vanishing in a puff of green smoke wasn’t an option—partially because it would expose magic and partly because I wasn’t even sure that was possible—I returned his smile. I wouldn’t let him see me rattled.
“Do you two know each other?” Karly asked.
“Ah...yeah.” Roman’s jaw muscle twitched the way it always did when he was flustered. I bet he wished he could vanish in a puff of smoke too.
About the Author
Professional network technician by day, novelist by night, Cherie lives a quiet life in the Chicago suburbs with her charming husband. She has four amazing sons who she loves dearly. Cherie magically weaves together stories with a paranormal twist. She’s the author of the Embrace series, Challenging Destiny, Damned When I Didn’t, and Friends to the End. She waltzed into the adult novel world with Merry Little Wishing Spritz. She’s delighted to be back with Salted Caramel Bliss with a Wedding Kiss.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
a Rafflecopter giveaway
August 31, 2022
Blog Tour: RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD by Joe Fisher
Join Us for This Book Series Tour: Aug 22 to Sep 9, 2022Book Series Details:
Book Series Title: The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8)
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: May 2017, August 2021
Content Rating: G for children. Books in the Series:
Book Details:Book Title: Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: May 2017
Content Rating: G for children. Book Description:
When the Mayor Himself decides the town of Someport-by-the-Sea needs a new fire engine the Fire Chief picks a shiny, bright red one that has all the latest tools needed to put out fires. The new fire engine becomes the joy of the children in town and the pride of the fireman and townspeople alike.
But after many years the fire engine becomes old and worn until everyone begins to laugh and call it Rusty. Sad and forlorn Rusty is ignored and forgotten. Then during the 4th of July parade in a summer like no other Rusty saves the day in a most surprising and unusual way.
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine tells the story of a fire engine and the fireman and boy who love him. It is a lighthearted and multi-layered story, richly told, that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Whimsical illustrations create an air of fantasy, drawing children into Rusty’s world while stimulating their imaginations as they follow Rusty’s journey from hero to outcast and back again.
The surprise ending brings the tale to a heart-warming and satisfying conclusion that reveals all things have hidden value that is waiting to be released. Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a classic story of love, loss, transformation and redemption.
BUY THE BOOK:
Joe Fisher Books
Amazon
iBook ~ KOBO
add to goodreads
Book Details:Book Title: Rusty Goes to Water World (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8), 36 pages
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: August 2021
Content Rating: G for children. Book Description:
The townspeople of Someport-by-the-Sea want to honor Rusty for saving them during the “Summer Like No Other” so the Mayor Himself decides a park should be named in Rusty’s honor. But, finding the right place is not as easy as it sounds. Then when students at Sea Stone Elementary take Rusty on their end of year celebration at Water World things don’t go as planned.
Just as Mr. Spritz the Manager of Water World is about to close the park because of an equipment failure, Rusty, with the help of Fireman Jim and Mike the Deputy Fire Chief, once again saves the day and in the process finds a new home in a water park that bears his name.
BUY THE BOOK:
Joe Fisher Books
Amazon ~ iBook
GUEST POST
Reading to Children: The Gift that Kept on Giving
By Joe Fisher
I come from a family of readers who share. When my siblings and I were young my father read to us regularly and separately. The story I requested every time he did was Rikki Tikki Tavi, Kipling’s classic tale of a mongoose and snake in a fight to the death, with rule over the garden in a Colonial Indian household the prize for the winner.
Rikki Tikki Tavi is long and reading it represented a significant commitment by my father. Nonetheless, he did it periodically commenting every time that his father read it to him when he was a boy. Message delivered I dutifully read it to my son when he was young as I know he will do when his children are the right age. A hundred year old tradition kept alive over four generations now waiting for the fifth.
That was not the end or the story, however. My father continued to read to us as we grew. He was a rural physician right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. His day consisted of long office hours followed by family dinner with house calls after. Dinner and house calls were our opportunity to spend time with him. Every night one of my siblings or I went with him on his house calls. Driving from one farm to the next was the time we had with him all to ourselves.
Because his day end was unpredictable, my mother waited for dinner for him every night so we could all be together in one place at one time during the day. It was a hard and fast rule. If he had a day overflowing with patients, had to deal with an emergency or some other contingency, we waited no matter how hungry we got.
My father when he arrived used the occasion to read to us again. He brought some selection to the dinner table each evening. It was an eclectic mix, contemporary stories, articles from the newspaper but his preference was the classics. Were expected to listen and comment when he finished.
I recall he once read us Le Morte D’authur, Sir Thomas Malory’s 500-year old saga of the Knights of the Round Table at dinner. With the omnipresent depictions of medieval battle I’m pretty sure the story appealed to me than my three sister what with all the cleaving people into their brain pans and such. Even later we offspring were encouraged to bring selections to the table that we could read and discuss.
He influenced our lives in many ways high among them was his gift of reading to us. Showing the way with the implication that we should do the same once we were parents.
Review: The townspeople had just survived “The Summer like No Other” and were delighted to celebrate. They were especially grateful to Rusty, the old fire engine. How could they possibly thank Rusty for getting them through the summer? A statue? Naming a street after him? Or how about making the day a Rusty Day on the calendar? Then the town mayor decided to dedicate a park to Rusty. But where to find this park?
Days, weeks, and months passed that eventually the idea for the park—and Rusty—soon became forgotten. Everyone forgot about Rusty…except the elementary school kids.
The kids wanted to take Rusty to Water World. What a fun day it was! But then something happens that might end up closing Water World for all the kids. Oh no!
Can Rusty save Water World?
Find out in this delightfully charming tale.
The illustrations were so dynamic and colorful with a fun and innocent child-like wonder. The characters were comical and almost like a cartoon. They were a real joy.
A nice summer read!
Rating: 5 stars
Meet the Author:After successful careers in market research and public health consulting, Joe now writes fulltime from his home base in Sanibel Island, Florida.
Like his career, his writing is wide ranging from academic books to works for the trade including:
Killer Among Us: Public Reactions to Serial Murder, The Next Breath: New Life After Near Death His work has earned praise from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Library Journal, The Miami Herald and the New England Journal of Medicine among others. Recently, Joe jumped to the world of children’s picture books with the series The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine :
Book 1 – Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine Book 2 – Rusty Goes to Water World A third book in the series, Rusty and Calliope , is in development.
In addition, a fourth children’s book, Ospreys in the Outfield: A Sanibel Story will be available in the fall 2022.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads Tour Schedule:
Aug 22 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Aug 22 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 22 - Faith and Books - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 23 – Book Zone Reviews - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 23 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 24 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 24 - icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 25 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 25 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 26 – Writer with Wanderlust - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Aug 26 - icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 29 – Captive Dreams Window - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway
Aug 29 - Sandra's Book Club – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Aug 29 - Faith and Books - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 30 – Lisa's Reading – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 31 - Paws.Read.Repeat - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway
Aug 31 – Book Zone Reviews - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 31 - Sandra's Book Club – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 1 – Library Lady's Kid Lit - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway
Sep 1 - Splashes of Joy – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Sep 1 - Captive Dreams Window - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 2 – Reading is My Passion – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Sep 2 - Library Lady's Kid Lit - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 2 - Writer with Wanderlust - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway
Sep 6 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Sep 6 - Bound 4 Escape – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Sep 6 – Lisa's Reading – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 7 – Pause for Tales – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Sep 7 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 7 = Paws.Read.Repeat - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 8 – Pause for Tales – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 8 – Reading is My Passion – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 8 - Splashes of Joy – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 9 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 9 - Bound 4 Escape – book review of RUSTY GOES TO THE WATER WORLD / giveaway
Enter the Giveaway:
RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE Book Tour Giveaway
August 30, 2022
Blog Tour: CELESTIAL BODIES: THE TESS LEE AND JACK MILLER NOVELS by Patricia Leavy
Celestial Bodies: The Tess Lee and Jack Miller Novels by Patricia Leavy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Romance/Women's fiction
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Heart-warming and wonderfully romantic, written with the sharp wit of Candace Bushnell and the sensitivity of Meg Donahue, comes best-selling author Patricia Leavy’s tour de force about learning to balance darkness and light in our lives.
Celestial Bodies is a series of six novels that follow the epic romance of Tess and Jack: Shooting Stars, Twinkle, Constellations, Supernova, North Star, and Stardust. An exploration of the power of love, each novel focuses on love at the intersection of another topic: healing, doubt, intimacy, trust, commitment, and faith. While external threats occur in each book, this is ultimately a story about internal threats—the audio playing in our own heads.
Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find happiness in her personal life. Jack Miller is a federal agent who specializes in counterterrorism. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself. The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on a beautiful love story that asks the questions: What happens when people truly see each other? Can unconditional love change the way we see ourselves? Their friends are along for the ride: Omar, Tess’s sarcastic best friend who calls her Butterfly; Joe, Jack’s friend from the Bureau who understands the sacrifices he’s made; and Bobby and Gina, Jack’s younger friends who never fail to lighten the mood. Along the way, others join their journey: the female president of the United States, with whom Tess bakes cookies and talks politics; the Millers, Jack’s childhood family; and many others. Celestial Bodies is about walking through our past traumas, moving from darkness to light, learning to live in color, and the ways in which love—from lovers, friends, or the art we experience—can heal us. Written as unfolding action, this collection moves fluidly between melancholy, humor, and joy. It can be read for pleasure or selected for book clubs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt One:
Tess clung to Jack as they sped along the cliffside road on their Harley, winding around the last curve as they approached their house. When they arrived home, Jack carefully took off Tess’s helmet, kissed her, and grabbed the bag of fruit they’d bought at the farmers’ market. She pulled the scrunchie out of her hair, releasing dirty blonde locks down to her waist. They headed inside. “You thirsty, baby?” he asked.
She nodded.
He quickly tapped a coconut, stuck a paper straw in, and handed it to her.
“You’ve gotten so good at that,” she said, taking a sip.
“Yeah, just in time to go back to DC. I can’t believe we have to leave our Hawaiian paradise tomorrow morning. We’re crazy to leave Maui this time of year.”
“I know, baby. But we’ll be back in less than three months to throw Omar and Clay the tropical Valentine’s Day wedding of their dreams. Besides, it’ll be fun to see our friends.”
He smiled and kissed her forehead.
“Here, have some,” she said, handing him the coconut. “Let’s leave the pineapple out. We can grill it tonight for our Thanksgiving feast while we sit on the lanai and watch the sunset.” She kicked her shoes off, slipped her T-shirt over her head, and shimmied out of her shorts, revealing a hot pink string bikini. “Bet I can beat you to the ocean,” she teased, darting off.
Soon, they were splashing around in the warm water, the sun beating down on them. Jack wrapped his tanned arms around Tess and kissed her. They stared at each other, the energy between them electric.
“I could get lost in your big, brown eyes,” he said.
She smiled and said, “Come on, let’s dry off.” They walked to their pool and lay together on a chaise lounge.
“Jack?” Tess whispered.
“Yeah, baby.”
“I know you hold back sometimes, but you don’t need to.”
“Tess…”
“Baby, I know you do. There’s nothing that could ever happen between us that I wouldn’t want.”
He caressed the side of her face. “You’re so beautiful and delicate. I just want you to feel safe and loved.”
“I do and I always will.”
“You’ve been through so much. It wasn’t that long ago that Ray was stalking you; I know that brought up memories of your childhood abuse. I don’t ever want to be the cause of your pain or remind you of the ways you have suffered.”
“You couldn’t. You only push those thoughts further away. I trust you, Jack. Nothing could ever change that. I want to share everything with you. I’ve never felt as close to another human being as I do to you.” She ran her fingers through his wet, salty hair and said, “I still remember the first time we came here, before we owned this place. You took me in the shower and we were so free.”
He grazed his fingers along her cheek.
“I’m gonna rinse off,” she said. She untied her bikini top, let it fall to the floor, and headed for the outdoor shower.
Jack hustled out of his swim trunks and followed her. She flipped the water on, turned toward him, and smiled. He cupped her face in his hands, kissed her softly, and with one swift movement, swung her around and pulled her bathing suit bottom down. “Don’t let me hurt you,” he whispered. He pushed her against the wall and they made love passionately.
With his quivering body pressed tightly against hers, Jack kissed Tess’s neck and nibbled on her ear. Finally satiated, he turned the shower off and wrapped towels around each of them. He picked her up and cradled her in his arms as he carried her to a lounge chair. They resumed their tender kisses, Jack caressing the side of her face. He looked at her with unadulterated adoration.
“I love you so much,” he said.
“I love you too. More than anything.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
INTERVIEW:
INTERVIEW 11
What are your favorite TV shows?
24, Sex and the City, Lipstick Jungle, Grey’s Anatomy, Big Little Lies, City on a Hill, Ozark, The Americans.
What is your favorite meal?
Grilled cheese (gluten-free) with potato chips and pickles.
If you were to write a series of novels, what would it be about?
Celestial Bodies: The Tess Lee and Jack Miller Novels is a series of six novels. It’s a contemporary epic love story. At the core, it’s about the power of love to help us heal from both visible and invisible wounds, and the journey we take as we learn to balance darkness and light in our lives so that we can live in full color. It’s a story about romantic love, friendship, and the human desire to be seen.
Is there a writer you idolize? If so who?
Tori Amos is the songwriter I most admire. She’s gifted and completely original. As for authors, I know too many personally to step into this landmine.
How did you come up with the title of this book?
It’s a collection of six novels which are titled: Shooting Stars, Twinkle, Constellations, Supernova, North Star, and Stardust. Each title is a central metaphor in the book, and you don’t know the meaning until you read it. Given the overall theme, Celestial Bodies felt like the perfect title. It works on two levels. First, the celestial theme. Second, this is a love story about a passionate couple, so “bodies” works on that level too. Truthfully, I never considered an alternate title. I knew it had to be Celestial Bodies.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Patricia Leavy, Ph.D., is a bestselling author. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chair of Sociology and Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College in Massachusetts. She has published over thirty-five books, earning commercial and critical success in both fiction and nonfiction, and her work has been translated into many languages. Patricia has received dozens of accolades for her books. Recently, her novel Shooting Stars won the 2021 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite Contemporary Novel, her novel Film won the 2020 American Fiction Award for Inspirational Fiction, the 2021 NYC Big Book Award for Chick-Lit, and the 2021 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite Chick-Lit, her 3-novel set Candy Floss Collection won the 2020 American Fiction Award for Anthologies and the 2021 NYC Big Book Award for Anthology, and her novel Spark won the 2019 American Fiction Award for Inspirational Fiction, the 2019 Living Now Book Award for Adventure Fiction, and the 2021 National Indie Excellence Award for New Adult Fiction. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2016 Mogul, a global women’s empowerment network, named her an “Influencer.” In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” She lives in Maine with her husband, daughter (when she’s not away at college), and her dog. Patricia loves writing, reading, watching films, and traveling.
Website: www.patricialeavy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenWhoWrite/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricialeavy
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Celestial-Bodies-Tess-Miller-Novels-ebook/dp/B09WZGRGML/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAugust 29, 2022
Blog Tour: RUSTY, THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE by Joe Fisher
Join Us for This Book Series Tour: Aug 22 to Sep 9, 2022Book Series Details:
Book Series Title: The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8)
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: May 2017, August 2021
Content Rating: G for children. Books in the Series:
Book Details:Book Title: Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: May 2017
Content Rating: G for children. Book Description:
When the Mayor Himself decides the town of Someport-by-the-Sea needs a new fire engine the Fire Chief picks a shiny, bright red one that has all the latest tools needed to put out fires. The new fire engine becomes the joy of the children in town and the pride of the fireman and townspeople alike.
But after many years the fire engine becomes old and worn until everyone begins to laugh and call it Rusty. Sad and forlorn Rusty is ignored and forgotten. Then during the 4th of July parade in a summer like no other Rusty saves the day in a most surprising and unusual way.
Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine tells the story of a fire engine and the fireman and boy who love him. It is a lighthearted and multi-layered story, richly told, that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Whimsical illustrations create an air of fantasy, drawing children into Rusty’s world while stimulating their imaginations as they follow Rusty’s journey from hero to outcast and back again.
The surprise ending brings the tale to a heart-warming and satisfying conclusion that reveals all things have hidden value that is waiting to be released. Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine is a classic story of love, loss, transformation and redemption.
BUY THE BOOK:
Joe Fisher Books
Amazon
iBook ~ KOBO
add to goodreads
Book Details:Book Title: Rusty Goes to Water World (The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine) by Joe Fisher
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 4-8), 36 pages
Genre: Children's Fiction
Publisher: Angler Publishing
Release date: August 2021
Content Rating: G for children. Book Description:
The townspeople of Someport-by-the-Sea want to honor Rusty for saving them during the “Summer Like No Other” so the Mayor Himself decides a park should be named in Rusty’s honor. But, finding the right place is not as easy as it sounds. Then when students at Sea Stone Elementary take Rusty on their end of year celebration at Water World things don’t go as planned.
Just as Mr. Spritz the Manager of Water World is about to close the park because of an equipment failure, Rusty, with the help of Fireman Jim and Mike the Deputy Fire Chief, once again saves the day and in the process finds a new home in a water park that bears his name.
BUY THE BOOK:
Joe Fisher Books
Amazon ~ iBook
GUEST POST
Reading to Children: The Gift that Kept on Giving
By Joe Fisher
I come from a family of readers who share. When my siblings and I were young my father read to us regularly and separately. The story I requested every time he did was Rikki Tikki Tavi, Kipling’s classic tale of a mongoose and snake in a fight to the death, with rule over the garden in a Colonial Indian household the prize for the winner.
Rikki Tikki Tavi is long and reading it represented a significant commitment by my father. Nonetheless, he did it periodically commenting every time that his father read it to him when he was a boy. Message delivered I dutifully read it to my son when he was young as I know he will do when his children are the right age. A hundred year old tradition kept alive over four generations now waiting for the fifth.
That was not the end or the story, however. My father continued to read to us as we grew. He was a rural physician right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. His day consisted of long office hours followed by family dinner with house calls after. Dinner and house calls were our opportunity to spend time with him. Every night one of my siblings or I went with him on his house calls. Driving from one farm to the next was the time we had with him all to ourselves.
Because his day end was unpredictable, my mother waited for dinner for him every night so we could all be together in one place at one time during the day. It was a hard and fast rule. If he had a day overflowing with patients, had to deal with an emergency or some other contingency, we waited no matter how hungry we got.
My father when he arrived used the occasion to read to us again. He brought some selection to the dinner table each evening. It was an eclectic mix, contemporary stories, articles from the newspaper but his preference was the classics. Were expected to listen and comment when he finished.
I recall he once read us Le Morte D’authur, Sir Thomas Malory’s 500-year old saga of the Knights of the Round Table at dinner. With the omnipresent depictions of medieval battle I’m pretty sure the story appealed to me than my three sister what with all the cleaving people into their brain pans and such. Even later we offspring were encouraged to bring selections to the table that we could read and discuss.
He influenced our lives in many ways high among them was his gift of reading to us. Showing the way with the implication that we should do the same once we were parents.
Review: A new fire engine was needed for the small town of Someport-by-the-Sea. They searched and searched until they found the perfect fire engine. The townspeople loved the fire engine so much that they decided to call him Reddy. They even came up with a song for him.
Reddy, Reddy red and bright
Standing guard both day and night
In the dark and in the light
Reddy, Reddy has fires to fight
With so much love and attention Reddy was getting, the town featured him in the annual parade. But then, year after year, something new pushed him farther and farther behind.
As the years went by, Reddy was looking old and tired. “Reddy doesn’t look ready anymore,” they said. “Reddy? Don’t you mean Rusty?” And that’s how the new name came about.
Rusty, Rusty, old and slow
The fire’s out before you show
Rusty, Rusty time to go
Will it take one old friend to bring back the shine in the old fire engine?
With colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes, this book was joy to read.
Rating: 5 stars
Meet the Author:After successful careers in market research and public health consulting, Joe now writes fulltime from his home base in Sanibel Island, Florida.
Like his career, his writing is wide ranging from academic books to works for the trade including:
Killer Among Us: Public Reactions to Serial Murder, The Next Breath: New Life After Near Death His work has earned praise from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Library Journal, The Miami Herald and the New England Journal of Medicine among others. Recently, Joe jumped to the world of children’s picture books with the series The Adventures of Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine :
Book 1 – Rusty the Forgotten Fire Engine Book 2 – Rusty Goes to Water World A third book in the series, Rusty and Calliope , is in development.
In addition, a fourth children’s book, Ospreys in the Outfield: A Sanibel Story will be available in the fall 2022.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads Tour Schedule:
Aug 22 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Aug 22 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 22 - Faith and Books - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 23 – Book Zone Reviews - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 23 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 24 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 24 - icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 25 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 25 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 26 – Writer with Wanderlust - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Aug 26 - icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 29 – Captive Dreams Window - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway
Aug 29 - Sandra's Book Club – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Aug 29 - Faith and Books - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 30 – Lisa's Reading – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Aug 31 - Paws.Read.Repeat - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway
Aug 31 – Book Zone Reviews - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Aug 31 - Sandra's Book Club – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 1 – Library Lady's Kid Lit - book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway
Sep 1 - Splashes of Joy – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Sep 1 - Captive Dreams Window - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 2 – Reading is My Passion – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Sep 2 - Library Lady's Kid Lit - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 2 - Writer with Wanderlust - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 5 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / author interview / giveaway
Sep 6 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / guest post / giveaway
Sep 6 - Bound 4 Escape – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Sep 6 – Lisa's Reading – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 7 – Pause for Tales – book review of RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE / giveaway
Sep 7 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 7 = Paws.Read.Repeat - book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 8 – Pause for Tales – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 8 – Reading is My Passion – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 8 - Splashes of Joy – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 9 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review of RUSTY GOES TO WATER WORLD / giveaway
Sep 9 - Bound 4 Escape – book review of RUSTY GOES TO THE WATER WORLD / giveaway
Enter the Giveaway:
RUSTY THE FORGOTTEN FIRE ENGINE Book Tour Giveaway
August 27, 2022
Review: SLAIN AT THE SEA by Cindy Bell
Following her mother’s death, Maddie Mills returns to her childhood home. After the disaster of her marriage, it was the only option—not a choice. Fortunately, it hasn’t been so bad since the people from the small town just welcomed her back—everyone except Helen, who spoke of how atrocious Maddie’s house had become. Nobody liked Helen. Was it any wonder that the woman was found dead? Was there anyone in Bayview that would grieve her death? With so many suspects surrounding her, Maddie had her work cut out in finding the killer.
A good mystery!`
Rating: 4 stars
Review: DEAD IN LITTLE LEAF CREEK by Cindy Bell
Two visitors go off kayaking, get lost, and are found dead. One person claims it was murder, and that theory is solidified when holes were discovered in the kayak.
It turns out that one of them was a cop. Was it an estranged husband, a pushy mother-in-law, or a couple of drug dealers?
Interesting, sure. But mild at best. Certainly not as good as previous books.
An okay read
Rating: 3 stars
August 26, 2022
Blog Tour: THE MERCURY OF MADNESS by Connie DiMarco
This post ispart of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Connie di Marco will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
The Zodiac Mysteries feature San Francisco astrologer, Julia Bonatti, who never thought murder would be part of her practice. In The Madness of Mercury, Julia’s outspoken advice in her newspaper column, AskZodia, makes her the target of a recently-arrived cult preacher who advocates love and compassion to those less fortunate. But the power-hungry preacher is waging war on sin and his Army of the Prophet will stop at nothing to silence those who would stand in his way. Julia is at the top of his list.
Read an Excerpt
Zora was walking in circles around the table, murmuring to herself. Nikolai had donned purple robes and placed several large candles around the room. He cut a very impressive figure. He caught my eye and winked. Gudrun and Eunice were closeted upstairs in Eunice’s room, while everyone else waited in the parlor. I was fairly certain Nikolai would put on a good show. Depending on what happened, I just hoped it wouldn’t be too upsetting or disappointing for Evandra.
Zora turned to me, “There are strong energies close by. I feel sure we’ll have some communication tonight. Julia, will you ask everyone to come in, please.” I nodded and left the room. I found Reggie chatting happily to Alba in the front parlor. She nodded occasionally, but seemed distracted. She looked frightened and I was sure she was only here under duress.
Richard led Evandra slowly down the stairs and into the library and helped her sit. Her face was flushed with excitement. Richard sat next to Evandra and Dorothy took the seat on the other side of her aunt across from Reggie. Alba hesitated in the doorway but finally took a seat at the round table next to Reggie. I sat on Reggie’s other side. When we were all seated, Nikolai and Zora sat down across the table from each other. Outside the rain pelted furiously against the library windows. I caught a flash of lightning and the lights in the chandelier flickered for a moment. It happened so quickly I wasn’t sure I hadn’t imagined it.
Nikolai had turned off the lights in the front parlor and dining room. A small lamp was still lit in the front hallway. No light could reach us in the library. Candlelight cast eerie shadows against the bookshelves and ceiling. No one spoke a word. We waited for Nikolai’s instructions. He stood and raised his arms. In a booming voice, he spoke. “As I pass through the vays, I feel the presence of the gods. They are vith me and I vith them forever.” He glanced around the table at each of us, and finally with a nod from Zora, said, “May vee in this circle be protected from any and all harm.”
Nikolai sat down. “Please. Take hand of the person next to you.” He reached over and took Richard’s hand on one side, and Alba’s on the other. He nodded once to Zora. “Be patient everyone, and vhatever you do, this is most important, do not break circle.”
Zora closed her eyes, breathing slowly and deeply for several minutes. We watched her intently. No one spoke a word or appeared to breathe. Nikolai studied Zora’s face. After several interminable minutes, Zora’s head dropped to her chest, her breathing was faster.
Nikolai spoke. “Is someone here? Do you haf message for us?”
We waited. Zora continued to breathe rapidly. Nikolai asked again. “Is anyone vith us tonight?”
Zora raised her head slowly, her expression had shifted. She rose higher in her chair, her head slowly turning from side to side with a coquettish air. Her neck appeared to lengthen. “I’m here. I’ve been trying . . .” I stared, not sure if what I was seeing was a trick of the light.
Dorothy gasped. Nikolai shot her a warning look.
“ . . . to reach you.”
“It’s Lily!” Evandra cried.
I glanced at Reggie and Alba. Reggie’s mouth hung open in disbelief. Alba looked frightened, as if she were about to flee the room.
Nikolai spoke, “You haf message for us?”
“Yes.” The voice was not Zora’s normally rough tone. It was several octaves higher. The skin on my arms prickled. What was happening? I struggled to stay in this reality. Could Zora really be channeling Lily’s spirit?
“Danger.” Zora’s head dropped to her chest.
“What nonsense,” Dorothy muttered her breath. Richard shushed her.
Nikolai spoke, “Danger for whom, spirit?”
Zora raised her head, her eyes were blazing, “For all.”
“Lily!” Evandra cried.
Nikolai asked again, “Vhat danger?”
Still in that girlish voice, Zora spoke, “Danger . . . death is planned.”
A tremendous thunderclap struck, shaking the entire house. A bolt of lightning lit up the sky beyond the library windows and threw the stone statuary in the garden into high relief. A cold draft swept through the room. The candles flickered in the sudden rush of air and were extinguished. Evandra cried out and collapsed in her chair.
Review: The death of the gardener kicks off the story with an easy and descriptive narrative. The story sets the characters and the story well. Julia is an astrology reader and a columnist for a newspaper. She has an elderly client who thinks her life is in danger. Shortly after, they find the gardener dead. Meanwhile, Julia receives strange emails with biblical phrases. Was there a connection?
Julia gives various readings as they coincide with planetary and star alignment, which were mildly amusing but slowed down the story. A mystery slowly eases in here, but it doesn’t settle as quickly. It almost feels like there’s too much going on. The astrology angle was interesting and good for people that are into that stuff.
A fairly nice read overall.
Rating: 3 stars
About the Author:Connie di Marco is the author of the Zodiac Mysteries featuring Julia Bonatti, a San Francisco astrologer who never thought murder would be part of her practice: The Madness of Mercury is the first in the series. Writing as Connie Archer, she is also the author of the national bestselling Soup Lover’s Mysteries from Penguin Random House. You can find her excerpts and recipes in The Cozy Cookbook and The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook. Connie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, The Crime Writers Association and Sisters in Crime.
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Blog Tour: WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GO HOME? by Andria Henry
Who Says You Can't Go Home?
by Andria Henry
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GENRE: Contemporary Romance
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BLURB:
When Toronto party girl Kylie is fired from her perfect job, she's forced to do the one thing she never wanted to do: go home. Returning to her sleepy hometown is her definition of failure. She drags herself back to the lakeside town of Camden with her tail between her legs, and she'll do whatever it takes to get back to the big city.
When Derek runs a routine traffic stop on a speeder, the one person he never expects to see in Camden again is Kylie. In fact, he barely recognizes her. She doesn't look like the quiet, sweet girl he had a crush on in high school.
Kylie's brother offers her a job back in the city if she can prove she’s changed her ways. She finds the perfect opportunity, but it means working with Derek to save the town’s waterfront. Can she look past their feud and get the job done?
Can she avoid falling in love with him and complicating her plans to return to the big city?
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Excerpt One:
“Maybe she’s on the lam from a shady business deal gone bad.” Cate dunked her hands back into the soapy sink to grab another dish.
“Really.” Derek took a plate from the dish rack to dry. Maybe he shouldn’t have told his sister about running into Kylie.
“Or she had an affair with her boss and needs to hide to raise their love child in peace.”
“You watch too much TV.”
“Why else would she be in town when it’s not Christmas?”
“She’s probably just visiting her parents or something.” Derek put the plate away.
“Well did she say anything to you?”
“Mostly she apologized for speeding then yelled at me when I gave her the ticket.”
“She’s lucky you didn’t throw her in jail.” She flicked dish water at him.
“Speeding isn’t exactly an indictable offense.”
“I’ve seen you throw folks in the cell for less. Someone endangering the citizens of Camden by driving like that?” She side-eyed him. “Are you going soft?”
“What? No.” He took another plate to dry.
“Wait, are you still sweet on her? It’s been like ten years.”
“Did you just say, ‘sweet on’? Am I eighteen again? No. She seems to be even more of a snob now than she was back in school.”
She huffed and fished around in the soapy sink for the cutlery.
“Besides she’s so…different. I didn’t even recognize her at first.”
“But she looked good, right?” She grinned and bumped her hip against his.
“She looked, well, like too much.”
“Uh huh.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Review: Kylie, now jobless and homeless, was returning to Camden, her hometown, to figure out the next step in her life. Who says you can’t go home?
Unfortunately, Kylie didn’t receive the warm welcome she was anticipating…especially not from him. Derek, the royal jerk of all people.
Story had an easy and amusing narrative that was very rich and descriptive. It definitely paints the small-town life well with everyone knowing everyone and everyone knowing your business. The plot kept to a steady and consistent pace—not rushed or overly exciting. The characters, of course, were the endearing element. Two antagonistic people reconnect over a shared high school past and somehow realize a chemistry. At times, the story felt uneventful and slow for me. Although this wasn’t anything to write home about, overall, this was a nice, feel-good romance. If you like a sweet love in a small town, this one is a fairly good one.
Rating: 3 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Andria Henry is the author of adult sweet romance and romantic comedy, as well as young adult and middle grade science fiction and fantasy. She firmly believes that coffee is a food group, the holiday season starts on November 1st, and that stories are our most important resource. She lives with her husband, kids, and furkids in Hamilton, Ontario.
https://twitter.com/andriaontherun
https://www.facebook.com/andriahenryauthor
https://www.pinterest.ca/andriaontherun/_saved/
https://www.instagram.com/andriaontherun/
https://www.goodreads.com/andriaontherun
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GIVEAWAY
Andria Henry will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAugust 25, 2022
Blog Tour: GRAYALITY by Carey PW
Grayality
By Carey PW
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GENRE: LGBTQIA Contemporary Romance
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BLURB:
Love knows no gender.
Pate Boone, a twenty-six-year-old transgender man, embarks on a new adventure when his childhood best friend, and yes, ex-lover, Oakley Ogden, convinces him to escape their hometown in hopes for something new.
They land in Cloverleaf, a tiny rural town in Montana, so that Oakley can care for his granny who is battling breast cancer. She pressures the two young men to enroll in a nearby college. Pate immediately becomes enthralled with Maybelle, a young, vivacious freshman to whom he fears revealing his transgender identity. Still, he finds it impossible to resist Maybelle, even after he meets her ex, Bullet, a large, violent man determined to keep Pate away from “his girl.”
But there are others who accept Pate immediately, like Stormy. An outdoorsy, rugged freshman, Stormy warns Pate away from Maybelle and Bullet, but Pate’s too infatuated to heed these warnings.
Oakley tries to support his friend’s new love but finds himself entangled in his own emotional calamity when he unintentionally falls for Jody, a gay and ostentatiously confident drag queen. This new relationship awakens deep internal conflicts in Oakley as he struggles to accept his bisexuality, lashing out at Pate and causing friction between him and Jody.
Oakley must decide if he can overcome his insecurities so he doesn’t lose the love of his life. And Pate must discover if the love between him and Maybelle is strong enough for her to accept him as a transgender man, or if she will break his heart.
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Excerpt One:
Pate held up his hand to stop me. “You didn’t pull away when he held your hand. Even he noticed that. You didn’t pull away from his kiss. You think he’s never hit on straight guys before? I think he’d know by now that straight guys pull away—”
“And gay guys don’t?” I asked.
“They don’t if they are interested. Oakley, sexuality is not either/or. Maybe you have some attraction to him. Maybe not toward just any man, but toward him.”
I had been so busy trying to analyze my repulsion toward guys that it had never dawned on me to consider what made Jody attractive to me. His emerald-green eyes alone were enough to mesmerize anyone. His skin was silky and soft like a woman. His frame was small and delicate. But thinking on it, it wasn’t so much those physical traits as it was his confidence and free spirit. I had never seen a girl perform and light up a room as if she owned it the way Jody had dominated the club in Billings. When he realized that I thought he was a girl when I made the date, his response was calm. He didn’t get offended or even embarrassed. Jody was going to keep being Jody. I hadn’t found that certainty for myself yet.
“It wouldn’t mean anything different than me preferring to stay a feminine guy,” Pate replied, shrugging his shoulder. “It’s not about girl or boy. It’s about the feminine and the masculine that’s in all of us.”
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INTERVIEW
What are four things you can’t live without?
I can’t live without Clorox or any disinfectant product. I subscribe to wipes on Amazon, and during the pandemic when all the stores were out, I never ran out. I’m pretty particular about germs and keeping my things clean. It’s part of my OCD. I couldn’t live without running shoes. A month ago, I traveled to Whitefish for a marathon and forgot my shoes at home. Determined to still run my race, I ran in my regular sneakers. It wasn’t fun. I had horrific blisters all over my feet when I finished.
I can’t live without water. I know that no one can, but I literally have a water addiction. It has to be around me at all times, and I consume about five liters a day. Ironically, I’m not diabetic, either. Lastly, I can’t live without my music. It takes me to my happy place even when it makes me sad. I love the way music opens up my emotions. It’s a great escape.
What is your favorite television show?
It’s hard to choose one as my favorite. Some of my favorites include 90 Day Finance, Sex and the City, MTV’s The Challenge, The Amazing Race, Survivor, and My 600 Pound Life. I’m a reality T.V. junkie. It’s something easy to just turn on and watch for hours.
If you could be any character, from any literary work, who would you choose to be? Why?
I can’t say that I fantasize about being other people, including characters. The only one that comes to mind is perhaps Odysseus. He got to travel all around and have interesting adventures for twenty years. I guess Penelope loved him considering she waited for him all that time, so having a partner that devoted would be cool.
What have you got coming soon for us to look out for?
I submitted my next book called Acing the Game in May. It’s a story about two married men and is also set in the fictional town of Cloverleaf, Montana. Shep is a chef (trans and ace) who married Elmer, a shy, reserved high school principal (cis and allo). Elmer struggles to understand Shep’s asexuality and longs for more sexual discovery. Through a surprising dive into polyamory, they explore every side of their compatibility, and they just might learn how strong their romantic bond can be.
What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
As an English major during my bachelor’s degree, I mostly read classics, so I am heavily influenced by literary fiction. I like novels that focus more on characters and internal conflicts over plot. Ones that resonated with me were Black Boy, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Picture of Dorian Gray. However, today, I try to read a mixture of traditional and self-published authors, and I would also say that they inspire me. I enjoy other people’s characters and feel as if I am getting to know them through their characters. Plus, if they are writing, then I can write. It’s all about community.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
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Carey PW (he/they) is a debut author, college instructor, and mental health counselor. Carey is currently completing his next manuscript, Acing the Game.
Carey lives in Montana, and identifies as nonbinary, transmasculine (AFAB) and panromantic asexual. Due to the lack of resources in rural communities, Carey has discovered that writing about his lived experiences is a therapeutic outlet for him and hopes that his readers relate to his own personal struggles and triumphs shared through his characters’ narratives. Carey is particularly interested in exploring relationship conflicts around sexuality and gender differences. He has also worked as a high school writing instructor and college writing instructor, earning a B.A. in English Literature, a M.Ed. in English Education, and Ph.D. in Social Foundations of Education all from the University of Georgia. In 2020, Carey earned his second M.Ed. in Counselor Education and works as a licensed clinical professional counselor, LCPC. He has a strong passion for working with the unique mental health issues of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Readers can learn more about Carey from his blog, www.careypw.com. When he is not writing, Carey is busy training for marathons, parenting his six cats, sharing his culinary talents on social media, serving on the board for the nonprofit Center for Studies of the Person (CSP) and learning photography.
Carey PW loves to hear from readers. You can find his contact information, website and author biography at http://www.pride-publishing.com.
Other links:
Author Blog: www.careypw.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careypatrickwertz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CareyPW2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerri.p.singer/
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GIVEAWAY
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAugust 24, 2022
Blog Tour: LAST MAN STANDING - Book 7: FLETCHER by Katrina Kylie
Fletcher: Last Man Standing – Book 7
by Katrina Kylie
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GENRE: Sweet Contemporary Romance
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SERIES BLURB:
You know who he is... the confirmed bachelor. The fellow who claims no woman will ever tempt him enough to succumb. Cupid will never hit his mark.
Well, guess what? We’ve got fourteen feisty heroines who are about to change their minds.
Series Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZXNJWY5
Available Exclusively on KINDLE UNLIMTED
BLURB:
Fletcher can set a trap for wolves, grizzlies, and skunks, but can he avoid the wily schemes of a meddling baby sister determined to end his bachelorhood once and for all?
Working for the Forest Service hasn't exactly honed Fletcher's people skills. He's alone eleven months of the year, and the twelfth, well, he yearns for the solitude of his wilderness home. Relationships just aren't high on his priority list, and what sort of woman would go for his type of lifestyle anyway?
Those objections don't matter a whit to Fletcher's younger sister, a dating coach by trade. One by one, Reagan has helped her friends and family members find success with love. When she sets her heart on finding a match for her winsome brother, no one will stand in her way. Despite Fletcher's conviction that bachelorhood is the life for him, can he convince Reagan and remain the last man standing?
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Book Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09YZ1F24V
Available Exclusively on KINDLE UNLIMTED
Excerpt One:
Fletcher stooped to pick up the shovel he’d tossed just off the single-track path through the forest earlier.
“You know, maybe you oughta take your sister’s advice and jump back into the dating pool. Ladies love a pretty face.”
As a professional dating coach, Reagan would be absolutely giddy if Fletcher approached her about dating. Close friend that he was, Curtis took every opportunity to remind him.
“This might be news for you, Curt, but not everybody has their sights set on marriage. Meaning me. The fact an obnoxious guy caught the attention of a female is pretty miraculous. Meaning you.”
“You don’t know what you’re missing out on, Fletch,” Curtis pressed. “If there’s anything I could say that would get you to pull your head out of the sand and see all the happiness you’re missing out on, tell me what it is. I want you to have what I’ve found with Christine.”
“Listen, I can appreciate your advice, but this is all I need.” Fletcher swept an all-encompassing hand over their scenic mountain surroundings. “I’ll be your best man but that’s as close as I’ll ever get to the altar.”
Turning to resume his work digging up jagged rocks from the path, Fletcher could feel his friend’s gaze on his back. “Famous last words,” Curtis grumbled.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Katrina Kylie is a Utah, USA native who loves all things horses, chocolate, and romance. She and her husband claim four rambunctious kids, a puppy, and six chickens. You can expect a sweet happily-ever-after from each of her books.
Katrina also writes sweet historical romance under her real name, Krystal M. Anderson.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatrina.kyle.9
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Katrina-Kylie/e/B08L5PVV4V
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katrina-kyle
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GIVEAWAY
The authors will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn host via Rafflecopter. Please use the code below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
