Tag Archives: #holidayromance

MOONSTRUCK AT MARDI GRAS by Aurora Paige – Featured New Release

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MOONSTRUCK AT MARDI GRAS

 Holidates Series Book 16

Aurora Paige

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Juliana

Who knew a dating app would match me up with my long-time crush–my big brother’s best friend?

After my best friend bailed on me for my birthday trip to Mardi Gras, I was stuck with two options–go alone or find someone to accompany me using the Holidates app. Lo and behold, I find myself on vacation with the man who’s been the star of more than one of my naughty fantasies–Easton Hawthorne.

That sinful smile, those soulful brown eyes, that delicious dark scruff. For as long as I can remember, Easton has been completely off-limits.

But not anymore. Not after we’ve shared more than just the most epic kiss and an unforgettable night in the same bed.

But when life brings us both back to reality–with our pasts hellbent on keeping us apart–will Easton and I be strong enough to be more than just a holiday fling?

 

Easton

Who knew Juliana Delarosa, my best friend’s little sister, was the one I’ve been searching for?

She’s been under my nose this whole time. Hell, she even sold me Girl Scout cookies when we were kids!

Gone is the chubby-cheeked little girl with pigtails and braces. In her place is a curvy, classy, and compassionate woman who knows exactly what she’s looking for. Don’t even get me started on what those dimples do to me!

We made a deal–take a fun trip as nothing but friends. No kissing, no touching, and definitely no sharing a bed.

But when we broke that promise, all hell would break loose, too.

Who knew I’d be moonstruck at Mardi Gras?

 
Buy Now! Amazon
 
 

ABOUT AURORA

Aurora Paige
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.
 
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FINDING MY DESTYNEE – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

FINDING MY DESTYNEE
Rafter O Ranch, Book 3
by
NATALIE CLINE BRIGHT & DENISE F. McALLISTER
Holiday Romance / Country Music Romance / Wholesome
Publisher: CKN Christian Publishing
Publication Date: October 18, 2022
Page Count: 245 pages

SCROLL DOWN FOR A GIVEAWAY!

True heart’s desire cannot be ignored.

Destynee Olsen has always done what her mother asked, but the road to stardom could mean leaving behind a piece of her heart.

Travis Olsen tries desperately to honor his vow to support his wife. Watching their son grow up without a mother is asking too much and his resentment builds. A marriage alone and single parenting is not what he signed up for.

The line has been drawn between a woman who has been told that her destiny to be a star is more important than she is and a cowboy who refuses to destroy his wife’s dream. Destynee and Travis have to decide what’s important. Can they discover the life they were meant to have at the risk of denying their own hearts?

PRAISE FROM AMAZON REVIEWERS:

“The dialog brings the story to life, and the stage scenes are intriguing and vivid as Destynee decides just how much fame is worth, and the cost to her heart and family.”

“…an emotional read about a young couple, each trying to survive their marriage. The storyline brings heartache, forgiveness, and reconciliation as God works to bring peace and contentment back to their marriage.”

“Another great read with excellent characters.”

CLICK TO PURCHASE!
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Discerning God’s will is never easy. For young couple Destynee and Travis, following God’s plan becomes a struggle when separated by distance and ambition. That they’re miles apart during the holidays, having their faith–in God and in each other–shaken by doubts makes Finding My Destynee an affecting read.

Ms. Bright and Ms. McAllister created realistic and sympathetic characters in Destynee and Travis, infusing them with both insecurities and resolve. I couldn’t help but feel for them, young and misguided though they were at the beginning. I appreciate how much they’ve grown at the end of the story. They were at times frustrating but I found myself rooting for them to overcome their problems, which happen to reflect real life.

The supporting characters, for the most part, were wonderful, especially Travis’s family. Baby Wyatt was a particular favorite of mine, having been described in the most adorable way possible by the authors. The one I had trouble with was Destynee’s mother Julee Rae. She was a villainess through and through with no redeeming qualities. I would have liked a stronger argument for Destynee following Julee Rae’s every demand if her mother was shown to really care about her daughter. Unfortunately, she was one-note heinous and that was disappointing.

Another aspect I consider lacking in the story was Romance. Destynee and Travis only had three scenes together. Four, if I count the phone call. In two of those scenes, they were fighting. That is not incredibly romantic. I wish more of their backstory were included here and I don’t have to read the first two books in the series to find out how they got together and fell in love.

What the co-authors got right most was in telling a seamless story.  Readers more familiar with their individual works might be able to distinguish which parts each wrote, but I couldn’t. That speaks very well of their talents.

Finding My Destynee invokes the spirit of Christmas and I am thankful to the authors for the gift of their story and to Lone Star Lit for including me in the blog tour.

Three-half-stars

Texas author Natalie Bright writes novels for kids and adults that combine her passion of the American West with a small-town vibe. She calls the wide-open land and endless sky of the Texas Panhandle home, which inspires her work. Her co-author is a Georgia writer and editor. Denise F. McAllister credits a love of horseback riding and 15 years in equestrian showmanship for her heartfelt connection to all things western.
Natalie’s Social Media & Author Pages
Denise’s Social Media & Author Pages
| Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon |
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ONE WINNER!
Receives the full Rafter O Ranch eBook Series
(US only; ends midnight, CST, 12/29/22.)

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SECRET KISSES by Aurora Paige – Featured New Release

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SECRET KISSES

Midnight Kisses Series

Aurora Paige

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Secret Kisses

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.
 
 
 
 
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.
 
 

 

ABOUT AURORA

Aurora Paige
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.
 
 

JOY OF THE SEASON by Heather Scarlett – Featured New Release

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JOY OF THE SEASON

by

Heather Scarlett

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Joy-of-the-Season-Kindle

If this Grinch in a cowboy hat thinks he can steal Joy’s Christmas spirit, he’s got another thing coming.

No one believes in the magic of Christmas more than Joy Williams. She owns a Christmas-themed store in Wildwood Falls, Montana, and loves nothing more than sharing the happiness of the holidays with her customers. But then a sexy cowboy saunters into town, with his fancy boots, shiny belt buckle, and lazy smile—and an eviction notice. Turns out, he’s her new landlord, and his plans for the building don’t include her shop.

Luke Hudson is a down-on-his-luck ex-rodeo star. After a devastating injury caused him to miss out on the rodeo circuit for a full season, he needs an infusion of cash—fast. When he unexpectedly inherits an historic building, the solution is clear. Evict the tenants and sell the building. But after meeting the charming owner of the Christmas shop, that’s easier said than done.

It’ll take more than Christmas magic to save Joy’s store and teach Luke the importance of community. They’ll both have to lay their hearts on the line.

Buy Links:

Universal          Amazon          Apple          Barnes & Noble          Google Play          Kobo

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ereader showing the cover of Joy of the Season

To follow

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Heather Scarlett lives on the East Coast, though her heart is in Montana where she lived for six wonderful years. She loves big sky, wide open spaces, and cowboys. Heather writes smart and sexy romance that is equal parts sweet and emotionally satisfying. Her heroines are strong and sassy and her heroes are rugged and capable. Heather’s stories are family focused and relationship driven.

Social Media Links:

Facebook
Instagram
Bookbub
Goodreads
Amazon

WRAPPED UP WITH YOU by Claire Marti – Featured New Release

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WRAPPED UP WITH YOU 

by

Claire Marti

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Claire Marti_Wrapped Up with You - FINAL ebook USA TODAY

When cocky financial genius Rafael Cruz is forced to partner with his snarky office rival Phoebe Hollingsworth to land a prestigious new client, nothing goes as planned. At work, they ignore each other, but at the Jingle Ball their unexpected chemistry changes the game. Will their secret holiday hook-up ruin the deal or is it the start of a deeper connection?

** A shorter version of this steamy enemies-to-lovers romance originally appeared in the Jingle Balls anthology. It has been revised and expanded into a novella. **

Buy Links: 

Amazon:  amazon/wrappedupwithyou
B&N: barnesandnoble.com/wrappedupwithyou

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He flashed a grin. “Look at us, agreeing and everything. This truce isn’t too tough.”

Her lips curved upward in the first genuine smile she’d ever bestowed on him. “We’re regular besties now. And who knows, maybe we can even extend it to work on Monday.”

He held up his hands and laughed. “Don’t get all wild and crazy on me now. One evening at a time.”

She rolled her eyes, but grinned back.  “Anyways, should we head downstairs?”

 

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Headshotfullbody518smallClaire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.

Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga.

 

Social Media Links:

Website:  clairemarti.com
Facebook:  ClaireMartiAuthor
Twitter:  @clairepmarti
Instagram: clairepmarti
Goodreads: Claire_Marti
Bookbub:  claire-marti
Amazon:  Claire-Marti

 

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Review to follow.

TWELVE DAYS OF KISSES by The New Romance Café – Featured New Release

TWELVE DAYS OF KISSES

A New Romance Café Anthology

Twelve Days of Kisses, the latest contemporary anthology of short stories for charity from the authors at The Romance Café is now available!

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KHC5WM3
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KHC5WM3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55725322-twelve-days-of-kisses

Release Date: 10 November 2020

Charity: Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Group: This anthology is brought to you by The Romance Café, a community of romance novel fans and writers, born out of the desire for a safe space to discuss our shared passion for romance, as well as empower and support authors of the genre. Join us every day for your dose of romance in the Café:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenewromancecafe.

SPARKLING ROMANCE WITH A SPRINKLING OF HOLIDAY MAGIC AND A TOUCH OF SASS AND SPICE.

Breast cancer affects one in four women. Here’s your chance to read a swoon-worthy book and help other women at the same time.

Curl up in your comfy chair in front of the fire and know that every book purchased, and every page read raises money for breast cancer research.

This winter romance collection has it all:

Small towns
Multicultural couples
Hawaiian escapes
Hot surfers
Firefighters – ooh!
Delectable bakers and cakes
And a touch of noir

Grab Twelve Days of Kisses for romance with all the feels.

***ALL proceeds go to fund research in the fight against breast cancer. ***

STORIES

Mugshots & Candy Canes
a Blue Blooded Brothers Christmas novelette
By Sofia Aves

Ally royally screwed up her job as an Internal Affairs officer in Melbourne, interrupting Cal and Danny’s investigation. 

When her boss offers her a second chance, she jumps at the opportunity to make up for her mistake. The catch? She’s going undercover to audition for a place in the task force she deceived. Cal’s team is the best there is, and if Ally wants to resurrect her career, she needs to have this job completed by Christmas. 

Brett Walker is her point of contact within the small time drug racket. Sexy as hell with an easy going smile, he’s a crook and she can’t trust him. 

But as they work more closely together, Ally suspects there’s more to his story, and she’s determined to discover who he really is. 

Cake Decorating for Beginners
By Danielle Bellwood

Rachel is a hard-working woman with a singular mission: to save her custom cake business. Recently divorced, and drowning in a sea of debt, she decides to tackle the annual Texas National Wedding Cake Show competition for the chance to win a $100,000 grand prize. But it’s not all gumdrops and lollipops in San Antonio, TX. The competition is stiff; famous bakers and designers from all across the country will be entering cakes fit to grace the covers of magazines. Add major distractions like a sexy Texan and an overzealous family, and Rachel will have her work cut out for her. 

Aloha Christmas
*a second chance romance, with a little help from Santa*
By Aubrey Brandon

Kate Harmon is in Hawaii for her best friend’s Christmas wedding. As maid of honor, she’s determined to make sure everything is perfect. The only problem is the best man, Nick Reed. Kate and Nick spent two perfect days together, or at least they seemed perfect, until he dumped her by voicemail and she never saw him again. 

Can Kate make it through three days in paradise with the man who broke her heart? Or is there a chance that Santa might work some Christmas magic, and deliver the best gift of all?

Callum’s Awakening 
A Billionaire’s Holiday Romance (MM)
By Leila Coltyn

Can a broken young billionaire with a history of being used for his fortune move past his distrust of men?

The holidays have made Callum even crankier than usual. Unbidden memories haunt him as he arrives at a festive resort for his brother’s wedding, and his irritation only intensifies when he agrees to share a cabin.

Finding himself paired with Ryker in a secluded cabin, Callum uses snark and sarcasm to keep Ryker at arm’s length. It takes being snowed in together during a blizzard for the patient tattoo artist to warm Callum’s heart.

Her Christmas Angel
A Delsey Dozen Novelette
By Zoey Fox

Can a tragic fire really help to rekindle an old flame?

Anabelle Delsey plans to spend Christmas with her family, celebrating their plans to renovate the family’s 100-year-old farmhouse when tragedy strikes. 

An accidental fire destroys the Delsey home, landing both Anabelle Delsey and her younger sister Emma Delsey in the hospital. The fire destroys not only the house, but also precious family heirlooms left behind by Anabelle’s late mother. Her favorite heirloom, a Stained-Glass Angel Tree Topper, survives the fire but is badly damaged. Will Anabelle’s ex-boyfriend, Caleb Lenox, and her older brother, Trenton, be able to step in to save Christmas?

Joyeux Noël, Elinor
Inspired by A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Book 1 of Christmas With The Scrooges
By Élodie Garroway

Christmas is a fucking humbug.

Elinor Scrooge’s antiques business is failing, her evil stepmother Joann Marley is dying, and her fiancé might as well be a ghost. But Elinor is given a chance to at least save her business when her stepmother promises her two thirds of the estate at the time of Joann’s passing. All she has to do is stay at the estate through Christmas. No big deal, Christmas is only a few weeks away…

Only it becomes apparent once she arrives that Elinor has to save more than just the antiques. Suddenly she has a few weeks to pack up and renovate the crumbling estate, keep her best friend away from her baby brother, avoid an old childhood friend who makes her want more, and try not to help her stepmother into an earlier grave.  Will Elinor be able to make it to Christmas? Or will she find herself with an uncertain future?

Changed in Time for Christmas 
by Liz Martinson

Opposites attract, so they say. It certainly happens between Jake and Emily. One of them used to casual affairs and being laid-back, and the other used to commitment and having her life carefully planned out.

But it seems it’s easier for Emily to drop the control and accept uncertainty than it is for Jake to understand his shallow relationships might be a thing of the past and he needs to understand commitment isn’t a ten-letter word.

An unexpected event puts their love to the test. Can it withstand the upheaval? And can Jake be saved from the near catastrophic results?

Baking a Living
By Molli McBeal

Clara is broke and forced to take a job catering her ex-boyfriend’s wedding until a ray of hope comes in the form of the ex’s brother, Garret who suggests she dump the wedding gig and cater his Christmas party instead. The catch? He wants edibles!

Clara has never been good at letting loose, so the idea of experimenting with drugs sends her for a loop. Running out of options, she decides to take a leap—and with Garret’s help, she discovers that the beauty of life lies somewhere between right and wrong. 

Naan but you
By L.S. Ram

She’s avoiding reality. 
He’s done with her secrets.
And together? Love just doesn’t seem to be enough.
At least, not anymore.

Many years and one engagement later, things have been less than ideal between Riya and Ethan. One Indian and one Korean, they knew from the beginning that certain secrets and issues were inevitable. For instance, besides his family and a select few friends, no one else knows of their couple status.

However, after seven years together and hopes for marriage? The excuses are starting to get stale. 

He’s been patient for a long time, allowing her to make all the rules. Meanwhile, her solution was playing dumb.  

But if Riya’s resolve doesn’t bypass her fears in time for Christmas? Perhaps only a certain miracle could keep these two together. 

Step Into a Very Noir Christmas
By Sydney Woods

Crime Noir … With a peppermint twist!  Step into a cheesy modern homage to a fun classic genre.

Phoebe was a dame that could take care of herself.  Although she was smart enough to know when she needed help, and there was only one person she could trust.  A stoic PI named Reece, who joins her in solving this Christmas caper.  It’s unfortunate, for her that the heat between them is still palatable and he’s still a hot…potato.

Will they pull it together and solve this nutcracker of a case or get burned by the yule log fueled by desire?

NEW YORK ENGAGEMENT Recipe – Soda Bread

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Who isn’t baking these days? I certainly am. One of my creations is soda bread. I mentioned it in New York Engagement on Chapter Nine where Krista had a family meal with the Ryans at their pub in Hell’s Kitchen. In the book, they served brown soda bread to go with Guinness caldereta, longganisa coddle, and chicken lechon. As the only flour I have at home was all-purpose white and I wanted it for breakfast and tea, I followed this Irish-American version with whiskey-soaked cranberries from seriouseats.com. The Ryans are Irish-Americans after all.

Ingredients:
1 cup dried cranberries (or raisins or currants)
1/2 cup Irish whiskey (or hot water)
4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 cups buttermilk

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (~190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the cranberries and whiskey (or hot water). Cover and set aside to rehydrate for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cut the butter into slices, then work it into the dry ingredients with your fingertips until it is fully incorporated. Add the honey, buttermilk, and the cranberries and soaking liquid mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until all the liquid is absorbed.

20200509_011808222_iOS3. Flour your work surface lightly and turn out the dough. Gently bring it together without kneading so as not to overwork it. Form the dough into a 6-8 inch disk about 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 inches high and place it on your prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make four cuts all the way through to create eight triangles.

4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the bread is nicely browned, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack. If you like a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel as it cools.

5. Serve plain or, as I do, with cream cheese and your favorite beverage. Mine is coffee with Baileys.  

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New York Engagement is available in eBook and paperback from major online retailers. Signed paperback can be purchased from this website.

LONGING FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS By Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, & Amy Sandas – Book Blog Tour: Promo and Giveaway

LFACC tour cover

LONGING FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS

with stories by

ROSANNE BITTNER, LINDA BRODAY,
MARGARET BROWNLEY, AMY SANDAS,
LEIGH GREENWOOD, ANNA SCHMIDT

Genre: Romance Anthology / Western / Historical
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date of Publication: September 24, 2019
Number of Pages: 528

Scroll down for the giveaway!

 

Synopsis

LFACC book cover

Find your very own cowboy to keep warm these long, wintry nights as you cozy up with six sweeping, epic tales of heroism, passion, family and celebration from bestselling authors Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, and Amy Sandas.

Fall in Love with Christmas

Whether it’s a widower finding an unexpected new start, a former outlaw and his new wife welcoming their very own Christmas miracle, a long-lost lover returning just in time for a special holiday celebration, a second chance at love between two warring hearts given peace at last, an unlikely pair working together to bring joy to a small Texas town, or a cowboy and his dark-eyed beauty snowed in one unforgettable wintry eve … every Christmas with a cowboy is filled with light, laughter, and a forever kind of love.

book trailer

 

——–║——–

CLICK TO PURCHASE

AMAZON ⬥ iTUNES
BARNES AND NOBLE ⬥ INDIEBOUND

add to goodreads
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PRAISE FOR LONGING FOR A COWBOY CHRISTMAS:

“Greenwood is a master at westerns.” ―RT Book Reviews for Leigh Greenwood

“An emotional powerhouse! This classic historical western is destined for the “keeper” shelf.” ―RT Book Reviews, Top Pick for Rosanne Bittner

“Fun and sensual…great for fans of history, romance, and some good old Texas grit.” ―Kirkus for Linda Broday

“A great story by a wonderful author.”―#1 New York Times bestselling author DEBBIE MACOMBER for Margaret Brownley

“The perfect read.” ―RT Book Reviews for Anna Schmidt

“A genuine page-turner…electric and absorbing.” ―Kirkus for Amy Sandas

 

LFACC authors

Blog Tour Participating Authors (L to R): Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Margaret Brownley, Amy Sandas

Author Links

Rosanne Bittner:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Blog * Amazon
Linda Broday:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Pinterest * BookBub * Amazon
Margaret Brownley:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon
Leigh Greenwood:
Website * Goodreads
Amy Sandas:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Instagram * Amazon
Anna Schmidt:
Website * Pinterest * Goodreads

————————————-
GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: Copies of Longing for a Cowboy Christmas, The Cowboy’s Honor,
Logan’s Lady, Cowboy Charm School + $25 Amazon Gift Card
2nd Prize: Copies of LFACC, The Cowboy’s Honor, Logan’s Lady + $25 Amazon Gift Card
3rd Prize: Copies of LFACC, Logan’s Lady
October 15-October 25, 2019
(U.S. Only)

LFACC giveaway

Click on the picture to enter.

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VISIT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

10/15/19 	Book Trailer 		Carpe Diem Chronicles 
10/15/19 	BONUS STOP 		Hall Ways Blog 
10/16/19 	Review 			Book Fidelity 
10/17/19 	Author Spotlight 	That's What She's Reading 
10/18/19 	Review 			Chapter Break Book Blog 
10/19/19 	Author Spotlight 	All the Ups and Downs 
10/20/19 	Author Spotlight 	StoreyBook Reviews 
10/21/19 	Review 			Reading by Moonlight 
10/22/19 	Author Spotlight 	The Page Unbound 
10/23/19 	Review 			Missus Gonzo 
10/24/19 	Review 			Forgotten Winds

 

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LSBBT pairing

MEET THE PARENTS – A Carpe Diem Chronicles Foodie Event

Like many cultures, Filipinos attach great significance to the introduction of a special someone to their immediate family. It’s a signal of deep commitment to the relationship often called “taking it to the next level.”

In Boracay Vows, it was extra special for Blake when Krista’s mother invited him to their home in the province of Quezon. Marissa Lopez had been opposed to her daughter being in a relationship with a foreigner. He was understandably nervous right before their meeting but their warm hospitality, which Filipinos are known for, put him at ease immediately. Blake knew things were going to be all right when he and Krista were presented with a feast.

Here’s an excerpt from that meeting:

Krista stroked Blake’s back as they walked, and asked, “You okay?”

“I’m great, baby.” He smiled down at her. “They’re nice—your parents. I like them.”

“I told you—” The sight of their dining table, groaning under the weight of the platters and platters of her favorite dishes, brought her up short. Pancit Malabon, lechon kawali, embutido, menudo, kare kare, lumpiang Shanghai, relyenong bangus, sapin-sapin, maruya, and rice crowded the long table.

 

In New York Engagement, it was Krista’s turn to be introduced to Blake’s family. That meeting also involved food since it took place at the pub the Ryans co-own with the O’Connors. They serve a fusion of Irish and Filipino dishes since the cook/part-owner Belen O’Connor is from Palawan in the Philippines.

These were the food served as explained by Craig, one of Blake’s brothers who will be the hero of Samui Heat:

“In front of you, Krista, is Guinness caldereta, our version of beef stew. There’s steamed rice, of course. Or brown soda bread, if that’s what you prefer. Next to that is longganisa coddle. Instead of regular bangers, we use the sweeter Filipino pork sausage. Lastly, we have chicken lechon with mushrooms and whiskey-cream sauce. Enjoy.”

Both “Meet the parents” events were successful for Blake and Krista and at the end of New York Engagement, we see them planning a wedding for the following Christmas in the Philippines.

I will be writing that story soon, so watch out for announcements on publication here. In the meantime, please accept my gift for you this Christmas: the recipe of Longganisa Coddle.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon
  • 8 pork longganisa
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (substitute with 2 tablespoons dried if fresh is not available
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 pieces dried bay leaves
  • Black pepper
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • my secret ingredient: patis (fish sauce) to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook bacon in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towel-lined plate; cut into 1-inch pieces. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon drippings.
  2. Add longganisa to saucepan; cook about 10 minutes or until browned on all sides. Remove to paper towel-lined plate; leave whole.
  3. Add onions to saucepan; cook and stir about 8 minutes or until translucent. Return bacon and sausages to saucepan. Add carrots, potatoes, parsley, bay leaves, and thyme; sprinkle generously with pepper. Pour broth over vegetables; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low; partially cover and simmer about 1 hour 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add fish sauce to taste. Sprinkle with additional parsley, if desired. Serve with rice or soda bread.

**Recipe adapted from Irish Pub Food by Publication International, Ltd.

Boracay Vows and New York Engagement are available in both eBook and paperback from major online retailers. Signed copies can be purchased on this website.

Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop

The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time for Chick Lit Chat HQ’s annual Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop and this year it’s bigger and better than ever! 63 bestselling and award-winning authors in the Chick Lit and Romantic Comedy genres are participating in this fun-filled event and each one is doing a fantastic giveaway. Books, author swag, gift cards, and other assorted holiday treats are all up for grabs.

I’ll be giving away a $100 Starbucks gift card to one lucky winner and an ebook copy of New York Engagement to five winners. Check out my Facebook Author Page Maida Malby for details on how to enter.  

But wait! There’s much, much more. On the hop’s Facebook group page, you can enter to win our Grand Prize—a large holiday gift box filled to the brim with a fabulous variety of holiday and winter-themed goodies (the darling, KitschNStyle gingerbread house apron, Snoozies! sherpa socks, Calvin Klein cashmere pom-pom beanie in petal pink, Too Faced sugar cookie eyeshadow purse palette, Sally Snowflakes mug by Bella Pilar, Well Read Women: A Reader’s Journal, and handmade chocolate soaps shown in the graphic below are just a few of the items included in the box!

We’ll also be handing out four Runner-Up Prizes. Each one is a pair of Fitz & Floyd holiday mugs that will be accompanied by a canister of Williams-Sonoma classic hot chocolate as well as a tin of The Republic of Tea’s Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas Tea. So, you’ll have delicious, warm beverages to keep you cozy all winter long!

The celebration runs from Monday, Dec. 3rd through Sunday, Dec. 9th, so head on over to the Holly Jolly Chick Lit Hop Facebook group for some lively conversation with both authors and readers, incredible prizes, and lots of holiday fun! You’ll find each day’s featured authors, along with the links to their pages/giveaways, in the pinned post at the top of the group. We look forward to seeing you there!

*The Grand Prize giveaway is open to US residents only. 
However, all of the individual author giveaways and the Runner-Up
Prize giveaway are open internationally.