Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 203
December 27, 2021
Blog Tour: LETTING GO FOR LOVE by Kris Francoeur
Letting Go For Love
by Kris Francoeur
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GENRE: Contemporary Romance
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BLURB:
Dot Murphy is not living the life she had planned.
Married at eighteen to her first love, her life had seemed perfect until the only man she had ever loved was killed in a tragic car accident, leaving her alone to raise their two young boys.
Years later, Dot meets the one man to get under her skin emotionally and hormonally, Sebastian Boone. Boone falls hard for the auburn-haired mom and artist, but she is hesitant to do anything that will take her total focus off her boys.
Can Dot trust Boone enough to allow him to fully be part of her world? Can she love him, body and soul, and still be the mom she wants to be? Is their love strong enough to survive?
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Excerpt Three:
Boone was like that basket of candy. She needed to stop, she knew that in her bones, but she couldn’t. She was careful to keep it platonic, like buddies, but it was getting hard to limit it to that. Each text gave her the same rush as one of those mini candy bars, and then she would beat herself up for feeling that way. Even so, she anticipated the buzz of her phone.
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Review: It just seemed like marriage was in the air and Boone was the only one holding his breath. Dot was a single parent of two boys, juggling a house, a family, and career. Then, out of nowhere, she runs into Boone again. Neither of them thought about dating again, but neither could deny their attraction to one another. Can they break the barriers of the past that’s keeping them apart? Can they let go…for love?
Well-written and simply captivating. Story has a nice narrative that’s rather slow at times. The characters are enjoyable with good chemistry and tension.
A sweet, romantic love story!
Rating: 4 stars
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
My name is Kris Francoeur, and I am an author, educator, speaker, wife, mom, grandmother, and farmer living in Vermont. I love to spend time with my family, travel, hike, kayak, knit, spin (fiber), garden, cook, and love time with my bees, alpacas and chickens.
Currently, I have published three romance novels with Solstice Publishing, and have one that will be released by Willow River Press in January 2020. My first three romances are written under the pen name of Anna Belle Rose, and they can be purchased in paperback format through my Book Store page on this website, or in e-book or paperback on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Francoeur/e/B07HP7ZGWD
Twitter: @KFAnnaBelleRose
Instagram: author_krisfrancoeur_aka_abr
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18490380.Kris_Francoeur
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authorkfrancoeur
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GIVEAWAY :
Kris Francoeur will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
December 25, 2021
Review: DACHSHUND THROUGH THE SNOW by Rosie Point
Holly was “an aspiring dog walking from the wrong side of the tracks.” As luck would have it, her very first client turns up dead, apparently poisoned by Christmas cookies. The worst part was that Holly bought those same cookies and the police saw her as a suspect. Oh great.
The whole thing was ruining her dog-walking business. Not only has she become the town pariah, but she also took possession of the cute, little dachshund the lady left behind.
Witty and charming, story is a real joy! A nice holiday read for the dog lover!
Rating: 5 stars
Review: HAVE A JOLLY COLLIE CHRISTMAS by Rosie Point
Holly and her dog are spending a week in a snowy cabin with people just as “pleasant” as her own family. Who would’ve thought that she’ d find a dead body under the Christmas tree?
With the roads blocked and no cell reception, they had no way to get help. On top of that, they all had to contend that they were stuck in the snowed-in cabin with a murderer. Oh boy.
The question was: who could’ve done it?
A nice holiday mystery!
Rating: 4 stars
Review: OWL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS by Rosie Point
Holly’s newest dog-walking job is…an owl? How the heck can you walk an owl? To top it off, the owl’s owner drops dead (literally) right in front of her. Death by Christmas Cake, which was stuffed with cherries that she was allergic to. Odd. Who had put cherries in the Christmas cake?
The witty, candid narrative was enjoyable, and it’s a great mystery to solve. The only issue was that we didn’t know what happened to the owl.
A great holiday mystery!
Rating: 4 stars
December 24, 2021
Blog Tour: MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVE by Adam Wallace
Children's Picture Book
Date Published: December 4, 2020
Publisher: Krueger Wallace Press & Riven Rock Projects
Christmas is coming and the Christmas spirit is nowhere to be found. There’s only one little elf with the get-up-and-go to find it. Meet Eve . . .
Review: Meet Eve, a merry, little elf. Her mission: to find the Christmas spirit.
Cute and colorful. The illustrations were just a joy. A nice holiday read!
Rating: 4 stars
About the Author
New York Times, Amazon and USA Today Bestselling author who loves writing stories that make children laugh and get excited about reading and drawing and writing . I also love taking naps and listening to music. Not at the same time. I have over 80 books published and out in the world, and love each one as if it were my child ... except if that child is like really naughty and always breaks my favourite things and writes bad words on the walls of our house.
None of my books are like that.
From How to Catch books to How to Draw books. From gross books to action and adventure books. From inspirational to just plain funny, there's something here for kids of all reading abilities, and all ranges of interests.
Contact Links
Purchase Link
December 21, 2021
Blog Tour: BOARDWALK by Dianna Wilkes
Providence Island Book 5
Mystery Romance
Date Published: 02 November 2021
Publisher: RedBird Books
A man denies his emotions to save the lives of other. A woman closes her heart to hide the pain. A child yearns for someone to trust.
Former hitman Ben Hampshire gave up everything to keep his honorary mother Dana Canfield safe. Settled into a peaceful life on Providence Island, he’s found the woman of his dreams but can't make himself say "I love you".
Stacy Andrews shunned long-term relationships until she met a man with a brain as sexy as his body. She's head over stiletto heels in love with him, but those words aren't in her vocabulary either. The secret she’s hiding might make Ben change his mind about their life together. If that’s not enough, her troubled eight-year old nephew coming to live with them could be the tipping point.
Ben finds himself in the spotlight after two murders occur. The first to find both bodies, he’s holding back evidence that points toward Dana’s husband as the perpetrator. If he can't stop the killer, Ben's future may turn into a happy never after.
Review: Another murder in Providence Island. Ben was the one that found the body of a dear friend. It started off well with this murder, but then it deviated to Ben’s relationship dilemma with Stacy. Should they move in together? Do they love each other?
Story was well-written and overall engaging. Occasionally, however, there were some long narratives with too many characters in the mix. Perhaps if I’d read the previous books in the series, I would’ve been familiar with the various characters and it would’ve been easier to know who was who.
The most captivating part was Ben’s intent on finding a killer. The whole thing, in general, wasn’t entirely focused on the murder though. It was kind of slow and didn’t lend much excitement.
A fairly nice read overall.
Rating: 3 stars
About the Author
Dianna Wilkes is an award winning contemporary romance author.
Reading has always been an important part of her life. "I learned to read when I was four years old. Writing my own stories seemed a natural progression."
Dianna holds a B.A.in Visual Communication and a M.Ed.in Instructional Technology. She worked as an Education Consultant for a medical technology company before leaving the corporate world. Despite all that nerdy stuff, she loves creating stories of romance and mystery with touches of humor.
When she isn’t writing, Dianna is deep in researching various branches and twigs on her family tree or fulfilling entries on her travel bucket list.
Contact Links
Twitter: @dwilkesauthor
Instagram: dianna.wilkes
Purchase Links
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 19, 2021
Q&A with Marcus Abston, author of STANDING AGAISNT THE WIND
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK
My new release is the second installment in the A Dying Truth Exposed Series. The story continues to follow Annabelle as she lives with her rescuers’ Cherokee family in Indian Territory. Due to her past traumas and tribulations her faith in God is challenged, but she seeks help from a Cherokee elder to heal. The story is filled with adventure with themes of family ties, friendship, solidity, bravery, trust, and betrayal.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE TITLE FOR THIS BOOK?
This era in Annabelle’s life is about her learning how to push forward when life is unfair. She shares these experiences with her fellow Native American protagonists.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK?
Because of how history is taught is school. We’re given the illusion that Native Americans and African Americans didn’t interact with each other. It’s also to piece together some of the missing pieces families with an African American and Native American background will never be able to get back.
WHAT DRIVES YOUR CHARACTERS IN YOUR STORY?
Integrity, Love, Spirituality, and Perseverance drive the characters of this sequel.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS A PIVOTAL SCENE IN YOUR BOOK AND WHY?
There’s a scene where Annabelle now feels fully accepted into her rescuers’ Cherokee family. It’s a powerful moment in her life.
IF YOUR BOOK WERE TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE, WHO WOULD BE YOUR CAST?
I’m not sure but maybe Irene Bedard could be Elder Joyce and Julia Jones could be Grace.
WHAT CRITERIA DID YOU USE WHEN SELECTING THE COVER FOR YOUR BOOK?
I want to give representations out of the novel.
WAS THERE A MESSAGE IN YOUR BOOK THAT YOU WERE TRYING TO CONVEY?
Never give up faith even when life is unfair. The story is bigger than what you can see.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A WRITER?
Creating chapters because I keep going and going.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW WRITERS?
Make a strong financial plan and a strong marketing plan.
DO YOU HAVE A BLOG OR WEBSITE READERS CAN VISIT FOR UPDATES, EVENTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS?
I have my website www.marcusabton.comand I’m also on Instagram @chasnovels
December 18, 2021
Review: STRANGLE ALL THE WAY by Clare Kauter
AC broke and her repair guy couldn’t fix it. Now the guy shows up at her doorstep dead—strangled by Christmas lights. And the police suspect her, the bitter old crank? To keep herself out of jail, she resolves to find the killer.
I loved how obsessively neurotic she got about the heat. Such a relatable problem and anyone would react the same way. Being jealous of the lucky corpse for going to the nice, cool morgue. Classic! Naturally, I enjoyed the humor. Of course, it was kind of weird how she’d argue with her pigs. But, hey, to each his own.
A nice holiday mystery!
Rating: 4 stars
Review: A MERRY MURDER AT SAINT BERNARDS CABIN by Cindy Bell (Book 3)
Nikki, the dog walker, was spending Christmas with her family at a ski resort. She was supposed to have the week off. Instead, she was bringing her furry clients with her.
Somehow she finds a body in the snow and the primary suspect was her brother, who didn’t get along with his dead co-worker.
A quick and interesting mystery!
My rating: 4 stars
Review: A MERRY MURDER ON RUFF ROAD by Cindy Bell (Book 6)
The owner of a butcher shop has been killed. But who did it?
Nikki and her dogs were about to find out. Can she solve the case in time to enjoy a family gathering for the holidays?
It’s the Season of Murders in this fast-paced and enjoyable mystery!
My rating: 5 stars
