GOUDA FRIENDS by Cathy Yardley – Featured New Release

GOUDA FRIENDS

Cathy Yardley

BLURB

Two high school BFFs reunite and endeavor to fix each other’s lives in this geeky romance from the author of Love, Comment, Subscribe.

Tam Doan dumped her boyfriend after he threw away her gourmet cheese. Sure, it’s a little more complicated than that, but the point is, he had it coming. Newly single and unemployed, Tam calls up her best friend from high school and utters the emergency code word—goldfish. Next thing she knows, she’s on a plane back home.

Josh O’Malley was a troubled, unconfident teenager. Now he’s the successful owner of a multimillion-dollar ghost kitchen. Tam, his high school BFF and fellow member of the Nerd Herd friend group, was instrumental in building his self-esteem. When she calls him out of the blue, he jumps at the chance to return the favor.

Josh and Tam immediately get to work fixing her life—but again, it’s complicated. Their close friendship was always a lifeline between them; a blooming romance might confuse things. Still, at least one thing is for certain: their chemistry is un-brie-lievable.

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EXCERPT

“Hey, Tam?”

“Mmm?” She glanced over to find him staring at her.

“You know I love you, right?” He looked so earnest. So sincere. “You’re the most important person in my life. And I don’t take that lightly.”

She sighed. Then she crawled out of bed, went over to his bed, and gave him a huge, almost bruising hug, breathing in the scent of his neck. She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.

“I love you too, Josh,” she whispered.

And that’s why we’re not sleeping together.

REVIEW

Fluffy, foodie, friends-to-lovers romance that’s better than gouda. It’s actually grate. 😜

Cheesy puns aside, I really enjoyed this book in both eBook and audiobook versions. It’s very current and has all the elements I love in a contemporary romance — diverse, likable, multidimensional main characters in Tam and Josh who experience character development individually and also grow as partners, a cohesive plot that flows smoothly, and fantastic relationships all around. There’s just enough push and pull to keep things interesting without being annoying.

Bonus: the cartoon cover doesn’t indicate it, but there are several sexytimes that are actually brie-meltingly hot.

ABOUT CATHY

Cathy Yardley is an award-winning author of romance, chick lit, and urban fantasy. She has sold over 1.2 million books with publishers like St. Martin’s Press, Avon, and Harlequin Books. She writes fun, geeky, and diverse characters who believe that underdogs can make good and that sometimes being a little wrong is just right. She likes writing about quirky, crazy adventures because she’s had plenty of her own: she had her own army in the Society for Creative Anachronism; she’s spent New Year’s on a three-day solitary vision quest in the Mojave Desert; and she had VIP access to the Viper Room in Los Angeles. Now, she spends her time writing in the wilds of East Seattle, trying to prevent her son from learning the truth about any of said adventures and riding herd on her two dogs (and one husband).

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THE SPARK OF LOVE by Amanda Cabot–Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

THE SPARK OF LOVE

AMANDA CABOT

Categories: Fiction / Christian / Historical Romance

Series: Mesquite Springs Series, Book 3

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: March 1, 2022

Number of Pages: 352 pages 

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She’s determined to start a new life in the West . . . if only the old one would leave her alone

When a spurned suitor threatens her, heiress Alexandra Tarkington flees New York for Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country, where her father is building a hotel. But the happy reunion she envisions is not to be, as her father insists she return to New York. Instead, Alexandra carves out a niche for herself in town, teaching schoolchildren to paint and enjoying the company of Gabe Seymour, a delightful man she met on the stagecoach.

But all is not as it seems. Two men, each with his own agenda, have followed her to Mesquite Springs. And Gabe, an investigator, is searching for proof that her father is a swindler.

With so much to lose–and hide from one another–Alexandra and Gabe will have to come together if they are ever to discover whether the sparks they’ve felt from the beginning can kindle the fire of true love.

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I’ve been looking forward to The Spark of Love ever since I read the wildly intriguing teaser for it in the previous book Dreams Rekindled. I’m happy to say the entirety of it lived up to my high expectations for the third installment of this brilliant series by Amanda Cabot.

Alexandra Tarkington is the quintessential Cabot heroine–possessing of beauty, brains, and backbone. Her boldness in journeying by herself from New York to Texas, her empathy towards the motherless twins, her generosity in giving of her time and talent, and her persistence in proving her worth to her father despite his antiquated beliefs gave me reasons to admire her.

Similarly, Gabe Seymour fits the mold of a Cabot hero–capable, protective, and supportive of the heroine in whatever she wanted to achieve. I was initially worried about his deception but was reassured by his honorable actions to make it right and his instant belief in Alexandra’s integrity. I really liked that he didn’t have all the answers and he sought assistance in his search of them.

The slow build of their romance made sense in light of Gabe’s hidden purpose for being in Mesquite Springs. I really liked the wholesomeness and sweetness of their courtship, especially the double dates with Sam and Laura. The friendship that developed among these characters was another highlight of the book for me. The support system, the warmth of community, the solace of church–they’re essential to the Mesquite Springs series and they’re in full display in this book.

My only cavil about this story is the presence of too many unsympathetic characters without much dimension to them. Two villains to provide intrigue and suspense would have been plenty. Four was excessive.

I truly enjoyed this series and I’m thankful to Revell and Lone Star Lit for giving me the opportunity to review these books. As always, I’m looking forward to Ms. Cabot’s future works.

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of Out of the Embers and Dreams Rekindled, as well as the Cimarron Creek Trilogy and the Texas Crossroads, Texas Dreams, and Westward Winds series. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards, the HOLT Medallion, and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming.

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OUT OF TEMPER by Amber Royer – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

OUT OF TEMPER

Bean to Bar Mysteries, Book 3

AMBER ROYER

Categories: Cozy Mystery / Women Sleuth / Romance 

Publisher: Golden Tip Press

Date of Publication: February 1, 2022

Number of Pages: 264 pages 

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Felicity Koerber’s bean to bar chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic Strand has been the scene of two murders – both of which she has been instrumental in helping solve. So when she gets invited to demo her chocolate skills aboard a cruise ship sailing out of the local port, she’s excited at the chance to get away from the shop long enough to regain her equilibrium. She even brings her best friend along, and makes plans for time at the spa. But when she gets on board, she finds out that she’s been booked for a mystery-themed cruise, and said best friend, Autumn, has to finally deal with the real reasons she quit writing mysteries. Only – if that wasn’t stressful enough – it doesn’t take long before there’s a real murder on the cruise, and someone Felicity knows becomes the prime suspect. When said suspect asks her for help, she can’t exactly say no, can she?

Felicity finds herself surrounded by cruise goers who all had connections to the victim – and finds that both Logan (her business partner, whom she recently kissed) and Arlo (the cop who was once Felicity’s first boyfriend, before she moved away from Galveston) are dealing with the case until more official help can arrive. How will Felicity survive the ensuing awkwardness?

One thing that helps: the retired police dog turned therapy dog she meets on board. Satchmo helps Felicity deal with being back on the water after tragedy in her past – and also helps her uncover a vital clue to the case. Can Felicity unmask the killer and keep a friend from being framed before all the suspects leave the ship?

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YouTube Link To The Book Trailer

In times of overwhelming stress, there is no better escape for me than losing myself within the pages of a great book. I almost always take refuge in Romance books because of their promise of happy-ever-after or at least happy-for-now, but I also seek comfort in cozy mysteries with their assurance that whodunit will be revealed and villains will get their comeuppance. When the cozy involves chocolates, an adorable dog, and romantic elements, it immediately gets taken out of my Mount TBR and into the Read and Reviewed Library.

Out of Temper is the third book in the Bean to Bar Mysteries series but the first work of fiction by Amber Royer that I’ve read. It exceeded my expectations of being well-written, properly researched, and suitably paced. While there were numerous minor characters introduced, it never got confusing or overwhelming. They added to the list of suspects and provided the necessary red herrings and misdirections required to make the story exciting and move the plot along. Ms. Royer cleverly maneuvered each of Felicity’s interactions with the suspects in such a way that convinced me I knew who did it and then immediately change my mind the second another character appears. I pretty much suspected everyone except for Satchmo. I loved him. I now want to adopt a beagle.

I like Felicity. As far as reluctant amateur sleuths go, she’s a believable and relatable one. I also like both Logan and Arlo. They’re handsome and capable. At this stage in the series, their little love triangle is fine. I just hope Ms. Royer doesn’t stretch it too long that it gets tiresome and starts to turn off readers. Maybe have Felicity decide which one to have a relationship with after a couple more books. It shouldn’t take twenty-five books. For what’s it worth, I’m Team Arlo. Second-chance romance for the win.

If love is real, you don’t want to let it go. You never know how much time you really have.”

I love me a good competence porn and that scene with Felicity doing the demonstration on chocolate tempering deserves all the stars I can give. Ms. Royer’s description of the process, the special pieces of equipment, and the products–basil-infused brownies! bread pudding-inspired truffle!–had me dog-earing pages and pages of the book for reference and re-reading. It also made my mouth water so much, I had to grab a bar of chocolate to enjoy along with the rest of the exciting story.

Thanks to Ms. Royer and Lone Star Lit for providing me with a paperback copy of Out of Temper to review and the opportunity to get away from the real world for a few entertaining hours.

Amber Royer writes the Chocoverse comic telenovela-style foodie-inspired space opera series, and the Bean to Bar Mysteries. She is also the author of Story Like a Journalist: a Workbook for Novelists, which boils down her writing knowledge into an actionable plan involving over 100 worksheets to build a comprehensive story plan for your novel. She also teaches creative writing and is an author coach. Amber and her husband live in the DFW Area, where you can often find them hiking or taking landscape/architecture/wildlife photographs. If you are very nice to Amber, she might make you cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes, of course! Amber blogs about creative writing technique and all things chocolate.

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THE WIND’S ECHOING EMBRACE by Erin Pirani–Featured New Release

THE WIND’S ECHOING EMBRACE

Erin Pirani

SYNOPSIS

The secrets of his past may hinder the future…

A year has passed since the attempt on Ali Raza’s life. He has managed to put everything behind him and live anew in wedded bliss with his wife, Charmaine Radcliff. Unfortunately, the peace in their lives is derailed when Ali is summoned to India to solve the assassination attempt of a respected official. Ali agrees that Charmaine accompany him, with the exception that she remains undercover. When alarming details from his past emerge, they are both at risk.

Lies, betrayal, and dangerous games…

When the intrepid seamstress Charmaine embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with her husband, her enthusiasm attracts the interest of a high-ranking British officer and her marriage is placed in jeopardy. Ali and Charmaine face a multitude of challenges, from interfering family members and dangerous attractions to an unidentified villain. Can their love see them through these betrayals,or will fears from the past endanger them both?

From the charming grandeur of England to untamed India, The Wind’s Echoing Embrace is a whirlwind journey of devotion and the power of love.

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EXCERPT

The food, spices, and incense whirled around her. It gave Charmaine some comfort. And little by little, she pulled her handkerchief away from her nose and tucked it into the suit’s breast pocket.

The men who were not bartering stopped and greeted her with an odd stare. Women draped in bright full-length clothing murmured behind their hands.

The activity pulled her in so many different directions that she could not think straight. She turned to speak to her husband but found him in a much-contrasted demeanor from his usual self. Since receiving the telegram from his superior, Ali’s behavior had altered. He now appeared guarded.

To the people around her, she must have seemed as if she were a foreign creature. Yet Ali still walked alongside her as any dutiful gentleman would. On the other hand, Charmaine saw him in another light. Stern, straight-laced—the conduct typical of a military officer. So different, so unlike the man she had grown to love over the last year. An uneasy feeling sprouted in the pit of her stomach. Now she was the stranger in a strange land.

ABOUT ERIN

Erin Pirani is an up and coming author who writes historical romances set in the Edwardian, Victorian, Medieval, and Fantasy Eras. She likes to sprinkle humor into her stories to alleviate the tension. Erin finally had her dream come true in the fall of 2017 her debut novella Carried by the Eastern Wind was published by a small press. She has then taken the self-publishing route with the release of her latest title The Wind’s Echoing Embrace.

Her love of reading stemmed from a journalist father while her creative abilities were fostered by her artist mother from her childhood in Northwestern Minnesota.

She currently lives with an adventurous husband and two rambunctious daughters in North Carolina. Their constant moves fuel the inspiration for Erin’s stories.

BEYOND REPAIR by Catherine Stein – Featured New Release

BEYOND REPAIR

Sass and Steam #4

Catherine Stein

BLURB

When life is a broken wreck, it takes a special kind of doctor to put the pieces back together.

Owen Cassidy’s life is in a shambles. His business is plagued by catastrophic malfunctions, a near-fatal attack has left him with a shoulder full of gears and wires, and the lady doctor who saved his life insists on bedrest over action. To make matters worse, she’s perpetually cheerful, utterly gorgeous, and entirely uninterested in him.

Dr. Eleanor Taylor has no intention of letting an obstinate, uncooperative tycoon ruin her hard work. Nora’s never been swayed by a handsome face, so desire is the last thing she expects to complicate the situation. But when she and Owen begin to bond, amorous feelings she’s rarely experienced—and doesn’t know how to handle—spark to life.

As Nora and Owen find themselves lost in a tangle of friendship and blazing passion, their enemy’s schemes become wilder and more dangerous. To escape with their lives and hearts intact, they’ll need all their wits, all their skills, and a relationship built on the deepest trust.

Beyond Repair is the fourth full-length novel in the Sass and Steam series. Sunshine demisexual doctor, grumpy businessman, and plenty of steampunk hijinks!

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ABOUT CATHERINE

Award-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.

Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.

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NOT ANOTHER FAKE MARRIAGE by R.L. Kenderson–Featured New Release

NOT ANOTHER FAKE MARRIAGE

R. L. Kenderson

BLURB

When she helps her ex’s brother and gets her revenge, he’ll show her that love can be better than vengeance.

After my husband and I split, he ignored our divorce decree and hasn’t paid me a single dime owed to me. But when my former brother-in-law tells me he needs a fake wife to get his inheritance and save the family business from my ex’s hands, I can’t volunteer fast enough.

Getting even is the only motive I need, but Trevor also offers to help me get my money, and it’s almost too good to be real. I can finally pay off my bills and move on with my life.

But when it comes time for us to get our own divorce, Trevor decides he’s not going to let me go as easily as his brother did.

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ABOUT R.L. KENDERSON

R.L. Kenderson is two best friends writing under one name.

Renae has always loved reading, and in third grade, she wrote her first poem where she learned she might have a knack for this writing thing. Lara remembers sneaking her grandmother’s Harlequin novels when she was probably too young to be reading them, and since then, she knew she wanted to write her own.

When they met in college, they bonded over their love of reading and the TV show Charmed. What really spiced up their friendship was when Lara introduced Renae to romance novels. When they discovered their first vampire romance, they knew there would always be a special place in their hearts for paranormal romance. After being unable to find certain storylines and characteristics they wanted to read about in the hundreds of books they consumed, they decided to write their own.

One lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and the other in the Kansas City area where they’re a sonographer/stay-at-home mom/wife and pharmacist/mother by day, and together they’re a sexy author by night. They communicate through phone, email, and whole lot of messaging.

Website: http://www.rlkenderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rlkenderson
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rlkendersonreaderlounge/
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THE KRONIC by Kenya Goree-Bell–Featured New Release

THE KRONIC

Kenya Goree-Bell

What happens when the Biggest Star in the world falls for a carefree Autistic Girl?

Miracle

Carefree

Neurodiverse

Sensory Seeking

Loves Green

Kris

Biggest Star in the world

Alpha but not a A-hole

DGAF

Cuddle bear

“I will always want to get lost in you. Always, Miracle. “

Kris, The Kronic Kyrikos has everything — but her, his best friend Miracle Howard. The Box Office Bully has his work set out for him when he finds himself wanting more from his bestie than movie nights, picnics and walks on the beach.

Miracle Howard has always defied other people’s expectations. But now her bestie, Kris is expecting kisses. Kisses she very much wants to return. Dare she? He’s the biggest star in the world but he’s looking at her like she holds the universe.

The Kronic is fourth story in the bestselling Mogul Series. Journey with Kris and Miracle as they discover what happens when walks on the beach and movie nights end with endless kisses and sleepovers where sheets and bodies end up tangled.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3qC6UPL

Signed Books: https://kenyagoreebell.com/signed-books/

Kenya Goree-Bell lives in Alabama with her former warrior husband and three kids. She is the author of the Harem Diaries Series and the bestselling Mogul Series. When not writing she is a romance novel influencer, lifelong bibliophile and can be seen weekly on Instagram and Facebook Live interviewing other authors on her IGTV Channel; TheKGB– The K’s Grown and Sexy Book Club. She believes that Happy Ever After belongs to everyone and writes about worlds where everyone has a chance at love.

Kenya@kenyagoreebell.com
www.Kenyagoreebell.com

SECRET KISSES by Aurora Paige – Featured New Release

SECRET KISSES

Midnight Kisses Series

Aurora Paige

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Stella

Did that just happen? Did Jaxson Mitchell really kiss me with his girlfriend in the other room?

I’d crushed hard on Jaxson for as long as I could remember. But my older brother had made it perfectly clear his best friend was off limits.

Childhood crushes were just a phase…or so I thought until that New Year’s Eve kiss. Now all of those familiar feelings were back.

Jaxson

I knew Stella was untouchable, but I made my move all the same.

It was risky, knowing friendships could be lost, and a family bond might be broken. Yet, kissing her was all I thought about from the minute I laid eyes on her at that party.

So, when the clock struck midnight, I knew it was my chance.

It was a new year, and I had a resolution I planned to keep. I just hoped Stella felt the same.

Available today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G14XB2R/

Midnight Kisses Series

This year, make the ultimate resolution to fall in love with the sexiest book boyfriends around.

Midnight kisses, parties in the city, cozy cabins, and all the taboo sexiness you can handle.

Strap on your slippers, and get cozy, cause these men are coming to you.

Series Page: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KMBGDHH

ABOUT AURORA

Aurora Paige is a healthcare professional by day and a Filipina-American writer of steamy contemporary romance with sassy heroines and sexy heroes at night. Each Aurora Paige story delivers a variety of Curvy Heroines, Multicultural relationships, Alpha Heroes, Steamy Heat, and a Guaranteed Happily Ever After.

Website: www.aurorapaige.com

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Facebook: www.facebook.com/xoaurorapaige

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THE YES DARE by Kathleen Y’Barbo – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

THE YES DARE

A Pies, Books

& Jesus Club Novel

KATHLEEN Y’BARBO

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Date of Publication: July 15, 2021

Number of Pages: 246 pages 

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Have you ever wished for a second chance to fix something you’ve messed up or for the courage to say yes to something that just may change your life? Sometimes saying yes to the last thing you want can mean saying yes to exactly what you need.

Ryan “The Rocket” Sutton’s winning streak is legendary makes him the undisputed best quarterback in the NFL. However, thanks to one dumb mistake, he’s a failure as a husband to Coco, the only woman he’s ever loved. When a judge’s mistake in divorce paperwork means Coco is still his wife, Ryan makes up his mind to fix what he ruined. Ryan’s game plan doesn’t count on an internationally famous movie director’s camera crew following him as he competes for Coco’s love.

After spending most of her adult life as a football wife and mother to twin sons, fashionista Coco Sutton is learning how to be single and fabulous. Emphasis on Fabulous. The sports trophies, memorabilia, and heavy masculine wood furniture in the home she used to share with Ryan have been banished to the attic, and her home is now a cozy haven of plush candle-scented comfort. She’s got big plans that include owning a boutique or maybe an art gallery, but she never planned to take on the biggest challenge of her life: staying single. Then her best friend gives her a copy of a book called The Yes Dare, and all her plans are turned upside down.

From a Hollywood movie to the local spring event formerly known as the Cow Chip Toss Festival and a country crooner with a crush on Coco, will Ryan dodge the obstacles to win back the only woman he ever loved?

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Stories like The Yes Dare are why I love to read Romance. Normally, I’d never touch a book if there’s even a slight hint of the kind of betrayal that broke up the main characters’ marriage in this story. Knowing the guarantee of a happy-ever-after ending in my favorite genre is what had me taking a chance on reviewing Ms. Y’Barbo’s latest title despite not having read any of her work before. I’m glad that trust was justified and the author delivered spectacularly on the resolution of the conflict that’s keeping Coco and Ryan apart.

You have no idea how many opportunities you’ve got to change your life until you start watching for them.”

Lighthearted and well-paced, The Yes Dare tells the entertaining story of Ryan’s campaign to win back Coco’s heart after finding out the invalidity of their divorce a year later. With the help of their sons, their friends, the people of their small town of Sugar Pine, Texas, the governor himself, and a book from which the story’s title came from, Rocket succeeds in getting Coco to say Yes to him once more.

I liked many things about this book. Now in my late-40’s, I prefer stories with protagonists close to my age so the fact that Coco and Ryan are almost forty made them more relatable to me. Ryan’s putting words into action and Coco’s competence in managing a large-scale event demonstrated their maturity in a way that’s very appealing. Also noteworthy is the subtle integration of faith in their words and deeds.

The sheer Texas-ness of Sugar Pine and its residents is really delightful. The members of Coco and Ryan’s community not only meddle, express their opinions loudly, but they also give their support wholeheartedly.

The low level of angst is something I highly appreciate. It’s obvious from the start that the estranged couple still loved each other and excessive push and pull would not have suited the story. I respect Ms. Y’Barbo for setting the right tone and flow that made this book an easy and enjoyable read.

Having said that, I’d have liked more setup for the climactic scene and perhaps an epilogue instead of the abrupt ending. I also would have appreciated more inclusiveness and wider representation to reflect the society we live in today.

Huge thanks to Lone Star Lit and the author for giving me the opportunity to review the book. I’ll be visiting Sugar Pine again in the future to get to know more about their residents, especially Sessa and Trey.

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students, Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Sisters in Crime, Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers, and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas, and are the parents, grandparents, and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and a trio of adorable Londoners.

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THE SPINSTER’S SWINDLE by Catherine Stein – Featured New Release

THE SPINSTER’S SWINDLE

Arcane Tales #2

Catherine Stein

BLURB

Revenge is in her future. But falling for her enemy’s son is one fate this spiritualist could never have envisioned.

Playwright Maxwell Millerson would rather spend his days dreaming up stories than cleaning up his father’s messes. But a trendy renovation has the family’s gaming club on the brink of ruin, and not even Max’s imagination can conjure a way out. Desperate, he turns to the multi-talented—and alluringly audacious—Madame Xyla to help him spin gold from straw.

Lydia Weaver, professionally known as spiritualist Madame Xyla, has long sought revenge on the man responsible for her cousin’s imprisonment. When her enemy’s son visits her seance room seeking advice, Lydia leaps at the opportunity for vengeance—until Max’s easy charm and poetic words threaten to turn her plans upside-down.

As their friendship grows and they give way to their mutual attraction, Lydia and Max must weigh family duty with their hearts’ desires. And only when they confront old wounds and new feelings can a happy ending be in the cards.

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REVIEW

I’ve been reading Ms. Stein’s books since her debut and I love witnessing her tremendous growth as a storyteller. The world she created with her words is filled with multifaceted characters, tightly woven relationships, richly drawn backdrops, and beautiful prose.

At a time when I needed a diversion from my worries, escaping into the romance between Lydia and Max meant a great deal to me.