Wrap-up and Grand Finale: This Christmas + Giveaway


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you’ll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch – Author Interview

What inspired you to write THIS CHRISTMAS?

My pastor, an avid snowboarder, shared how much he enjoyed visiting Park City, Utah. His stories inspired me to dream up a suspense series set in a fictional ski village called Polaris. For THIS CHRISTMAS, I wanted to feature a ‘seasoned’ second chance couple with older kids, and the good and bad that come with an empty nest.

Read. Write. Love. – Excerpt

After closing his eyes, he reopened them and took a deep breath. Their Christmas tree was set up in the corner, filled with lights and family ornaments. Three stockings hung off the fireplace mantel. Grief and anger scorched his insides. Why had Kenna decorated for Christmas after he’d asked her to leave everything packed away? His late wife’s stocking, snuggled between Kenna’s and his own, ripped at his heart. I can’t breathe. The bright and cheery room blurred his vision. Christmas was no longer welcome in his house. How could he celebrate when his world had been crushed?

Hallie Reads – Excerpt

Christmas decorations were so prevalent, he wondered how many one person could own. A miniature Christmas tree sat in the entryway, filled with glass ornaments of a variety of foods. The Batista house burst with merry cheer—a stark contrast to his home. The smells drifting down the hallway from the kitchen reminded him of past holidays when he’d come home to find Maggie and Kenna elbow-deep in cookie dough and frosting. Pain pressed against his temples, and Luke blocked out the memories. “I’m here about Alex. You called and reported him missing?”

Splashes of Joy – Review

“This is such a fun story, a story that tells of difficulties in families, but love still flows through no matter what. . . . If you are looking for a good clean story to read during the Christmas holiday, this is a great choice.”

underneath the covers – Excerpt

“I won’t stay long. As soon as I know she’s good, I’ll head back to town.” He blew over the top of the cup before taking another drink.

“No one will blame you for taking a day off.” She rested a hand on his arm. “Especially for your daughter.”

“I’ll take some time off once we find Alex and arrest the bad guys.” The corner of his lip lifted in a semi-smile.

E-Romance News – Excerpt

Out of the corner of his eye, he admired her beautiful face. Only a few fine lines were displayed on her otherwise smooth skin. She had striking cheekbones, and the rosy color filling the area below them gave her a youthful glow. Her good looks were well-developed—like a photograph, crisp and vivacious. “This might be a rude question, but how old were you when you had Alex and Marco? You don’t look old enough to have sons that age.”

QuirkyBookReads – Review

“It is well written with an creative description that paints a clear picture. The flow throughout is good with great character development. . . . I would recommend This Christmas as warm tale of finding love it is a good book [cozy] up in a blanket and read.”

Becky on Books – Excerpt

Removing his hands from her hair, he rested one on each cheek, gently cupping her face.

The smooth touch of metal on her skin made her jerk away. She didn’t have to see his left hand to know he still wore his wedding ring. She struggled for breath and the right words, finally pulling away.

Books & Benches – Excerpt

Celia bit her tongue, knowing how strongly Luke disliked Kenna’s interest in welding and art. But Kenna was at an age when she had her entire life spread out before her. She could take chances, and someday soon, she’d fly. “She’s a good daughter. You’re right, though, about her not being with you forever. I come home to an empty house after school, and sometimes, the quiet is more unnerving than when I’d walk into a house full of fighting boys.”

“I’m fine with being alone.” Luke’s blue eyes darkened, turning the color of the sky at twilight.

Jorie Loves A Story – Excerpt

“Dad test?” Kenna set down the piece of copper on the workbench in order to pet her dog, whose large frame sat on her feet. “Do I even want to know?”

“I’m a cop and a Marine veteran. No, you don’t want to know what I have planned.” Luke walked over to the old radio and turned up the volume. A modern country melody filled the space. “If you were back at Stanford, you could date without interference from your overprotective dad.”

Book Lover in Florida – Excerpt

After reading for about forty-five minutes, Celia’s eyes grew tired. A large cup of coffee from the lodge café would rouse her. Just as she was about to stand, a tall man wearing a beaten Stetson entered through the lobby’s front doors. At the sight of Luke Veldkamp, her breath hitched in her throat and her body went on high alert. If her heart didn’t slow down, she might end up with a cracked rib. She lightly pressed her fist on the hallow of her chest in an attempt to calm her heart rate.

Wishful Endings – Review

THIS CHRISTMAS is a story of letting go of grief and learning to open your heart again. It’s about family loyalty. It’s also about fighting for new beginnings and love. An overall sweet story for romance lovers.”

Lisa’s Reading – Excerpt

Downtown Polaris was bustling with activity. Most of the small shops on Main Street had closed for the night, but the restaurants and bars were well lit and drawing large crowds of tourists. Strands of Christmas lights hung on every building, and a massive, decorated pine tree was placed at the entrance to the city park. The holiday cheer mocked him. He calculated the cost of electricity. So many better ways that money could be put to use.

Christy’s Cozy Corners – Excerpt

Celia went through the entire store, showing every worker Alex’s photo and asking if they recalled seeing him yesterday. Each Alpines associate was friendly, but none had remembered her tall, dark-haired son. For as busy as the store was, she didn’t blame them. But all she needed was one person to have paid attention to Alex yesterday. One person who’d spoken with him or remembered him leaving the store. Each second she wasted hunting down clues delayed finding her son. Alex could be stuck somewhere, injured and waiting for help.

Bookworm Lisa – Excerpt

Celia strode away from Luke and toward Andrew. How could she have gotten swept up in her longing for affection and passion that she almost let herself fall for Luke Veldkamp? His heart and soul were as boarded-up as a beach town during a hurricane.

“What’s he doing here?” Andrew scowled. “And why is your face so red, Mom? Maybe you should sit. You look ready to fall over.”

I’m Into Books – Excerpt

Back inside his truck, he caught a whiff of Celia’s floral scent. His blood warmed in response, and his chest tightened. Focus on your job. Which, as of now, was Celia. And his mind looped back to her.

The roads in town had been cleared, but as soon as he reached the mountain pass leading to the cabin, conditions grew worse. His four-wheel-drive truck struggled in spots, and he drove slow and steady. The last thing he needed now was to send his truck, along with himself, over a cliff. Normally, the trip took about forty-five minutes. Today, he white-knuckled it for an hour and a half before reaching the driveway to the cabin.

Harlie’s Books – Review

“It’s a beautifully written book about dealing with loss, new love, and realizing that your adult children aren’t children anymore. . . . The suspense part of the book is top-notch. It is what drives the plot. Plausible and tension-filled at times but not over the top. Ms. Winter does an excellent job of keeping the tension up while keeping the book character-driven and the potential romances in the front. She blends it seamlessly for me as a reader. You know me, I’m a huge romantic suspense reader so for an author to do that, I’m hooked.”

Teatime and Books – Excerpt

“You lost him so young.” Kenna rested a hand on her shoulder.

“Yes, he was.” Celia wondered how he’d look now, if he’d lived to see his forties. Would his hair have turned silver early, like his dad’s? Would he have had to work out to keep the extra weight from creeping on, like she did, or would he have kept his youthful metabolism? “Luis and I didn’t wait for someday. We had a good life together, even if it was too short.”

brittreadsalattebooks – Spotlight

Heidi Reads… – Excerpt

Her heart beat increased in speed, along with her running pace. With fumbling gloved fingers, she reached inside the hoodie pocket for her cell phone. It slipped out of her grasp and onto the ground. She skidded to a stop and picked up her phone with a trembling hand. The sound of heavy breathing made bile rise in her throat. If she didn’t make it back to the beginning of the trail and out into the open soon, she might never get back.

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“This is a super story. I loved the intrigue and mystery in the story. I like the family dynamics with Celia and it was interesting to follow Luke’s emotional ups and downs. . . . I highly recommend this story to those who enjoy mystery and great romance.”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post…


This Christmas
(The North Star Series #1)
By Laurie Winter
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 240Pages
October 20, 2020

‘A beautiful story of loss and new love, set in a snow-capped mountain ski resort town.’

Celia Batista waited a long time for all three of her sons to be together for Christmas. But after one of her identical twins disappears without a trace, Celia must rely on Police Captain Luke Veldkamp for help. Despite Luke’s accusations that her other twin son is involved with organized crime, she falls for the handsome, Stetson wearing cop.

Luke Veldkamp is facing his first Christmas after the loss of his wife, working nonstop to avoid the holidays and his grief. His daughter, who’d moved home to care for her mom before her passing, pushes him to face his pain. Luke pushes back, telling her to return to college and regain her own life. If his own strife isn’t enough, the mission to locate the missing son of his beautiful neighbor grows more personal than any other case.

While Luke and Celia fight to keep their families from falling apart, they find comfort and strength in one another. And when love blooms between their children, Luke and Celia’s own relationship takes root and grows. But Celia is used to living on her own terms, and loving a man who has isolated his heart is a risk too great. Now, Luke must either confront his emotions or face a life without the woman he’s come to love.

(Affiliate link included.)
Goodreads | Amazon

About the Author

Laurie Winter’s head has always been full of stories. Then a dream gave her the inspiration to put her thought into written words, sharing a part of her heart and soul. Now, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog. Please connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Bookbub.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Loqi Reusable Shopping Bag with birds design, Soy Wax Candle – Snowflake and a $25 Amazon gift card (US only)

Ends October 28, 2020

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Book Blitz: Roping Christmas + Giveaway


Roping Christmas
(Rodeo Romance #8)
By Shanna Hatfield
Contemporary Romance, Western, Holiday, Clean & Wholesome
ebook, 335 Pages
October 22, 2020
Wholesome Hearts Publishing

A focused cowboy, a distracted executive, and a hilarious quest make for an unforgettable holiday . . .

Wyatt Nash is a professional tie-down roper, a good ranch hand, and not too shabby when it comes to attracting women. But according to his five-year-old niece, he needs to work on both his roping skills and his dating game. His sister thinks he needs to settle down. And don’t get him started on the advice he gets from well-meaning friends. When his rodeo sponsor, billionaire Jon Sinclair, asks for his assistance in tutoring a clueless city girl about Sinclair Industries, Wyatt doesn’t feel like he can say no. Then he discovers he’ll be teaching none other than the one woman on the planet who wants nothing to do with him.

Ashley Jarrett would do almost anything to turn her small publicity firm into a huge success. When Jon Sinclair expresses interest in working with her, she readily agrees to his crazy idea to have her learn about his company through hands-on projects. Not only is she forced far outside her comfort zone, but the man documenting every bumbling misstep she takes is an infuriating cowboy she’s determined to ignore.

Packed with small-town charm and the wonder of falling in love, Roping Christmas is a sweet holiday romance sure to bring laughter and infuse hearts Christmas cheer.

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)
Goodreads | Amazon


Find out more here.

Excerpt

Chase settled his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his side in a brotherly hug. “You know we love to have you anytime you can visit.”

“I do know that and am grateful for the standing welcome.” Ashley smiled up at her cousin while a tiny tornado swept into the kitchen.

Corkscrew curls the color of straw bounced in every direction as the little girl launched herself at Wyatt. He swung her into his arms and kissed her rosy cheek. The little one looked like a miniature replica of Sarah.

“Hi!” the child greeted with a broad smile that showed off a missing space in her front teeth.

“Hi, Livy.” Jessie smiled at the little girl. “Are you keeping your Uncle Wyatt busy while he’s here?”

“Yep! We watched a movie last night about the bear ’cessities. It was awesome! But Uncle Wyatt said he’s missing some of the ’cessities. I told him he needs a wife and babies.” Livy wiggled against Wyatt, so he set her on her feet.

She rushed over to Ashley and took her hand in hers. “Hi! I’m Livy. Wyatt’s my uncle, and that’s my mama, Sarah. My daddy is washing up, then we can eat. I’m starving to death! You’re pretty and smell nice, too.”

The little imp turned toward Wyatt. “Did you smell her, Uncle Wyatt? She smells good. Maybe she’d be your wife, and you could have babies, Uncle Wyatt.”

Other Books in the Series


(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Newsletter

Giveaway

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

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Spotlight: The children of the Light Trilogy + Giveaway

Cassy: Awakening Power
The Children of the Light Book 1
by Jackie Forster
Genre: Fantasy

 

Ever wondered what it’s like to be different?
No two people are the same!
Cassy is a coming of age story about a young girl who, shortly after her sixteenth birthday, discovers that she is different. She is a witch. She soon learns that there are other like her, but who can she trust.
There are many conflicts along the road that Cassy is now on. Including finding out that she is adopted, however, she is completely unaware that some are using her for their own means, including her real father.
Cassy is a fantastical fiction story that deals with issues faced by some teenagers as well as more imaginative problems. The magic within the story intensifies the conflicts so that even the mundane can seem strange.
**Only .99 cents!**
 
 
Aisling Dara: Threatened Power
The Children of the Light Book 2

 

Ever wondered what it’s like to be different?
Aisling Dara is the continuing story of Cassy, a young girl who recently discovered she was a witch.
After battling her father Cassy believes life will get back to normal, but Susan has other plans.
When the villagers first attack, Cassy joins the Children of the Light to make the school safe. Cassy struggles with her power, and the knowledge that she is to take over the running the school and coven. Even uniting with the sister she didn’t know she had, can not calm Cassy’s fear, so she runs away. When she returns, Cassy realises things are worse. Everyone she brought to the school is in danger.
Can Cassy overcome all obstacles and stop the threats against school?
Aisling Dara; Threatened power is preceded by Cassy; Awakening power and followed by The Children of the light; Exchanging power
 
 
The Children of the Light: Exchanging Power
The Children of the Light Book 3

 

Ever wondered what it’s like to be different?
Cassy’s story continues
After struggling for two years to gain a balance between Magic and normal life Cassy is once again confronted with problems that only she can solve.
Having saved the magical community at the school, Cassy is shocked to learn that the leader of the Coven is dying. She must take her place as High Priestess and lead the Coven. While the children at the school support Cassy, there are those who believe she should be stripped of her powers and memories.
As she waits for the decision of the elders Cassy discovers there are even more hidden secrets. More people who need saving. With her sister and best friends at her side, Cassy faces the puppet master and the shadows. Little does she know that her sister and boyfriend have secrets of their own.
Will Cassy succeed in her greatest challenge yet?
The Children of the Light;Exchanging power is preceded by Cassy;Awakening power and Aisling Dara; Threatened Power
 

 

Liza, Jenny, Drake
The Children of the Light Short Stories

 

Three short stories.
Liza
A young witch, wakes from a coma after five years to find her parents dead and life completely different.
Jenny
Moved from home to home,Jenny finds it difficult to hide who she really is. What will happen when people find out about her gifts?
Drake
As an immortal in the mortal world, Drake struggles to find somewhere he can be himself. After finding and losing someone who shares his gifts, Drake must watch over two young witches.
Three stories that expand on characters in The Children of the LightTrilogy.

 

The Children of the Light Trilogy Box Set
 
Full trilogy and three bonus short stories!
 

 

I am a single mum of two, who was lucky enough to grow up in Cornwall, where my interest and enthusiasm for books was born. As a result of being located so close to numerous ancient ruins, thus providing me with the ability to roam and investigate, my inquisitive side got the better of me and my passion for fantasy books and creative writing started to grow.
I have lived all over the UK, including Cornwall, Darlington and Newcastle. My first book began as an interactive bedtime story for my eldest son who, like me, loves anything supernatural.
I write anything and everything that comes to me, but young adult stories are my favourite. I get lost in the stories and I am usually as surprised as my readers by the end result. My children’s stories were written for, and about, my youngest son. During the harder times in life, I have found that writing gives me a release from the stress and often, as with the Danny series, helps others to find a way around their problems. My only hope is that those who read my work enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
 
 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 
$10 Amazon

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