Book Blitz & Excerpt: Secrets + Giveaway

Secrets
(In Midsummer, #4)
Jessica Frances
Out November 6th 2020
Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Romance, Suspense

One storm. One Santa Claus. One stalker. One secret. One surprise. One question. One answer.

Christmas is meant to be a jolly time of year, right? So, why is everyone acting like the plague is around the corner? Every year, I’m always the grumpy guy. Yet, this year, I might as well be sunshine personified.

Conner is definitely hiding something from me, River is unusually moody, and the townspeople have clearly lost their minds. Unfortunately, I can’t arrest everyone in my life and demand they explain themselves … can I?

Since my relationship with Conner is becoming more vital to me than ever, I need to find out what has everyone acting so strange. This Christmas will be the first for Conner and me together. I need to make it special. That means I have to ensure nothing can come between us. Not a Hollywood hunk, not a creepy stalker, and definitely not a snowstorm.

So, will we make it through our first Christmas together? Or will this end up being the worst day of the year?

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

I pull up to the unmanned front gate and park, since the boom gate won’t open without power. Then I exit my vehicle, check to make sure my weapon is secure at my side, and make my way toward the front entrance.

“This is Sheriff Green! Anyone here?” I shout, receiving no response.

I tread carefully, not wanting a broken ankle on this icy ground, and head to the front door. I try the handle and find it’s locked. Then I move to the first window and take a peek inside, but it’s too dark to see anyone. I consider radioing Abby, but I don’t want to distract her or give her presence away in case she’s still in pursuit.

When I then round the building, I see what looks like blood spilled along the icy ground.

“What the …?” I crouch down to it. It’s either real blood or fake from a movie set. Then again, they’re not filming here right now; Prince confirmed that.

I get back to my feet and keep alert as I continue to move around the house, trying windows and doors as I come across them. Everything is locked up, and nothing looks disturbed. But where is everyone? Where are the guards? Where are my deputies?

I freeze as I make out sounds close by. I then continue moving and find they’re growing louder. I can’t hear the words being said, but the panic is obvious.

I draw my weapon, unsure what I’ll find as I move around to the back part of the building and take a quick peek around the corner.

Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

 

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Book Tour Recap and Grand Finale: The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride + Giveaway

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:

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


The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride
(Wishing Well Springs #1)
By Cathy McDavid
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
November 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Changing his heart…

Would be a Christmas miracle!

Cash Montgomery creates Western-themed weddings and knows all about happily-ever-after. In theory. He’s been hurt too many times to think that he could ever be a marrying man. His business partner Phoebe Kellerman doesn’t agree with him—on anything! At Christmas, Cash is visited by three of his past girlfriends…and he begins to see the error of his ways. Will it be before he loses Phoebe, the woman he’s falling for?

New York Times Bestselling Author

(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
BAM | IndieBound | Apple | Kobo | Google | Harlequin

Launch – Note from the Author

I’m so excited for the release of THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BRIDE, book one in my news series Wishing Well Springs. All four of the books in the series are very — and I stress very — loosely inspired by a different popular rom com movie. . .

Baroness’ Book Trove – Review

The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride by Cathy McDavid is a sweet holiday romance that is so entertaining. I loved Ms. McDavid’s approach with this one and how it is truly an enlightening tale. Wishing Well Springs is a nice Western-themed wedding destination, or I would think even going for a Western event would be cool. I am giving this book four stars and recommending it to everyone that likes these types of books.”

Andi’s Book Reviews – Review

“This book gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling right out of the gate and helped to keep me warm even as the early snow was blustering outside my window. I’m now completely in the holiday romance mood and want more! And I am very much looking forward to future installments in this sweet romantic series.”

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“Sweet, swoony and smile-inducing, The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride is a must-read for fans of small town holiday romances. From the completely charming wedding venue to the magic of the Christmas season, readers will fall in love with Wishing Well Springs even while they are falling for the characters too. Cash and Phoebe bring out the best – and the worst – in each other, allowing for fun banter/bickering and delightfully romantic moments. Eager to read the next book and catch up with Cash, Phoebe, and Laurel too!”

EmpowerMoms – Review

“This was a sweet, fun to read, holiday twist of the classic “The Christmas Carol” story. I love heartwarming Harlequin books because they are clean, easy to read, entertaining and a great escape from real life. . . . Lots of laughs and holiday spirit in this entertaining story. I really enjoyed it!”

Christy’s Cozy Corners – Excerpt

No one in their right mind climbed a fifteen-foot extension ladder in flaming red three-inch heels—which, in Cash Montgomery’s mind, explained a lot.

He strode through the barn’s wide entrance, removing his denim jacket first, then his Stetson, and tossing both onto the nearest table. While bare now, it would soon be sheathed in a linen tablecloth, set with fine china and silver flatware, and surrounded by happy guests. That was, if Phoebe Kellerman didn’t accidentally kill herself first and cause the wedding to be cancelled.

Locks, Hooks and Books – Review

“What a beautifully written, delightful, fun and entertaining read! I loved this story from the very start. I thought Cash and Phoebe had great chemistry. The plot was somewhat predictable but still so very good. . . . I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean romance. It is most definitely a must read.”

Read Review Rejoice – Review

“This clean romance was quite cute, with several romantic twists as the hero, Cash learns a lesson in visits from his three ex-fiancees. . . . The banter between the main characters was really great”

Remembrancy – Review

“The fuse between Phoebe and Cash is sparked by witty dialogue and butting heads, but it soon catches with growing attraction. I felt like a guest during the gorgeous Christmas wedding scenes, and the last one is just a little sweeter than the rest.

With this being the first book in a new series, I look forward to visiting Wishing Well Springs again soon.”

@onemused – Review

THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BRIDE is a sweet Christmas romance that takes a fun twist on A CHRISTMAS CAROL. . . . I really enjoyed reading their story and the setting of the place where romance happens with lots of happy couples. The twist was truly delightful, and it all puts the reader in the holiday mood with a heartwarming romance. I loved Phoebe and Cash – they are both great characters in their own way, and they really bring out the best in each other. . . THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BRIDE is a charming Christmas read that brings on the holiday spirit and romance. Recommend for people looking for a new, fun contemporary romance read.”

reviewingbooksplusmore – Review

“I loved the surprises in store for Cash. His former fiancé has a lot to do with the surprises. I enjoyed the closeness that Cash had with his family. The book had me hooked from the first page.”

Splashes of Joy – Review

The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride is another Christmas story that I love! I had so much fun reading this sweet story about Phoebe and Cash. . . . There were some twists in the story. Tensions were a bit tight at times when Cash had visits from his past, but they were ironed out and everything was good again. I really enjoyed Cash and Phoebe, their chemistry was phenomenal, just what I love in a sweet Romance.”

Jorie Loves A Story – Review

“McDavid has the knack for creating Western ranches and wedding venues with the care and concern of those who work there . . . I felt this provided just the right amount of irony for the series – how they can plan and produce weddings but they cannot find that kind of sweetened harmonic happiness in their own lives . . . There is a lot of tongue-in-cheek moments between Phoebe and Cash – where they are each not necessarily willing to compromise with the other but where they get into bouts of arguments where you can tell neither one minds being the one to compromise in the end. You can see how they are simply two persons who never fully gave each other the time or inclination to pursue romantically and in that kind of way, the set-up McDavid has provided for the backdrop of this novel is apt fodder for a romance reader to soak inside because of the drama it organically brings into the story-line.”

Older & Smarter? – Review

The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride is a heartwarming holiday romance filled with likeable characters, witty dialogue, a great small town setting, and the special magic associated with Christmas. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romantic fiction and I look forward to more books in this Wishing Well Springs series by author Cathy McDonald.”

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

Left with no choice, he admitted, “Um, actually, I’ll be here for the next three weeks. I’m covering for Laurel while she’s in Palm Springs,” he finished with less conviction than he would have liked.

“You’re covering for your sister,” Phoebe repeated slowly.

“Yeah. We—you and I—are going to be working together. Well, more than we usually do.” He produced what he hoped passed for an affable smile “I’m your new able-bodied assistant.”

“You’re…joking.”

“Afraid not.”

Adventures of a Travelers Wife – Review

“This book was sweet, a little sassy, and made me smile. I so enjoyed getting to read and learn about Cash and Phoebe. I thought that their story was well laid out, had good character arcs, and I loved (have I said I loved the interesting take on A Christmas Carol?) Cathy McDavid’s unique and fun take on this classic story. It was just what I needed in the midst of this season. I recommend it to anyone wanting a feelgood story that will make you warm and fuzzy inside.”

Britt Reads Fiction – Review

“This fun story is a nice start to a new series set at Wishing Well Springs . . . I was happy with the ending to this sweet novel and hope that both Cash and Phoebe truly were able to change for the better and be a couple who would truly last.”

Hallie Reads – Review

“. . . Cathy McDavid’s The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride delighted me from beginning to end. . . . The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride offers a fun twist on a classic holiday tale. The friendship between Cash and Phoebe proves endearing and makes them an easy couple to cheer toward romance. I definitely recommend this to readers looking for a Christmas romance to read this season.”

Reading Excursions – Review

“This beautiful, emotional, and endearing story does have a happily ever after. The author brought real life issues, dual perspectives, and realistic feelings to life in a lively story that held my attention with engaging writing and fast paced storyline. I definitely found it hard to put down. I’d definitely be interested in reading more.”

Kathryn Cooper Writes – Excerpt

“What does that mean?” Phoebe was less adept than her sister at interpreting tones and inflections.

“Just that… Well, come on. You. And Cash. Together…”

“So what?” Don’t say it. Please.

“You…like him—”

“I do not,” Phoebe insisted with enough vehemence that Georgia Ann sent her a curious look.

Peaceful Pastime – Review

“This is a super-cute cute novel with delightful characters and a wonderful premise. I quickly became interested in the story of Cash Montgomery, his sister, Laurel and their business partner/friend, Phoebe Kellerman. . . . There is so much to love about this book, there is a strong loving, hardworking family dynamic, solid friendships, genuine care and concern for each and every wedding they plan and just an all around sweet fun read.”

Bookish Jottings – Review

“Cathy McDavid’s The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride is a warm, witty and wonderful Christmas romance readers will not be able to resist! . . . Cathy McDavid effortlessly blends delicious humor, heart-warming drama and uplifting romance in an emotional read that is absolutely perfect for curling up with during the holidays: The Cowboy’s Holiday Bride.”

About the Author

In the third grade, NY Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling author Cathy McDavid made it her goal to read every Black Stallion book ever written. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things western, owning a stagecoach pulled by six mules, and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With over 50 titles in print and 1.3 million-plus books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world six years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money. It’s a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card (US only)

Ends November 11, 2020

ENTER HERE

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Spotlight: Christmas Comes to Dickens and Holiday Heart

Today is my stop on the Goddess Fish Book Tour for Christmas Comes to Dickens, a Christmas anthology. Specifically, I’m highlighting Caroline Clemmons’ Holiday Heart. There’s lots of fun goodies below, including a cookie recipe book, digital jigsaw puzzel, excert, and more!

Let’s get started.

Welcome to Dickens—a quaint New England town bustling with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday. We have the annual tree lighting in the town square, a snowman building competition, ice skating on Grosvenor’s Pond, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. You’re welcome to cut down your own Christmas tree at Gridley Meadows, or join in the caroling on the Common.

Dickens offers an abundance of heartfelt wishes, a few much needed miracles, and—quite possibly—a touch of magic! Families reunite, new friends are made, and old flames take a second chance at happiness. All while celebrating this most joyful time of the year.

Join us as our best selling and award-winning authors fill your holiday stocking with ten brand new novellas ranging  from sweet to sassy.

Anthology Purchase

Digital Jigsaw Puzzle of Anthology Cover

Free Cookie Book

But we’re here to talk also specifically about Holliday Hearts!

Blurb
Laura Jordan plans a quiet holiday at home except for the time she serves dinner at the homeless shelter on Christmas Day. She loves her job at Callahan Group advertising agency and doesn’t want anything to jeopardize her position there. She’s aware of how quickly office gossip could ruin her reputation and career.

Ward Callahan is a wunderkind who started earning money online trading when he was in high school. At thirty-two, he owns a successful ad agency and is gaining industry recognition. He hasn’t had time for a relationship. When Laura starts working for him, he can’t get her off his mind.

When vicious remarks cause Laura to threaten a halt to their budding relationship, Ward is determined to set things right.

Excerpt:

Ward took the vase of flowers and set it on the counter then turned her to face him. “Thank you for taking care of Mom. You’ve been exceptionally kind. And Helen, too. I appreciate all you’ve done.”

She stared at the V of his collarbone. “Doris is a nice woman.”

“She counts you as a good friend.”

“I hope so because I count her as one.”

His grip tightened and he stepped toward her. “Please, don’t think less of me because I wasn’t here when she needed me. If she’d told me she was injured I’d have come home immediately.”

They stood so close she had only to lean a few inches to kiss him. She forced herself to meet his gaze. “That’s why she didn’t tell you. You have a business to manage and people depending on you. She knows you can’t be here all the time. Hopefully this was once-in-a-lifetime.”

“You’ve splashed water on your jacket. I hope it won’t ruin the fabric.”

“It’ll be all right.” She removed the jacket, revealing that the dress left her back bare to the waist.

He pretended to stagger and put his hand on his heart. “You mean that dress has hidden under that jacket whenever I’ve seen you at work? I’ll never be able to look at that ensemble without picturing the secret it hides.”

She was able to smile. “I like versatile clothes.” She put the jacket over her arm.

“You’ve messed with my mind.” He shook his head as if trying to clear his mind. “I have a huge favor to ask of you. It’s important that Vince and Helen go a few places together. If you’ll go along with me, I’ll explain later. Will you trust me?”

“I do trust you, Ward. But if I’d known you and Eddie were the same person, I don’t think I would have come tonight.”

“Why? You’ve made Mom happy.”

“You’re my boss. It’s not appropriate.” She couldn’t be like Celia and plot a trap.

“There’s nothing wrong with having dinner with a group of friends, even if one of them is your boss. The only conniving here has to do with Vince. I promise I’ll explain his story later.”

“If you’re sure.”

He took her hand. “Shall we join the others?”

Author Bio

Through a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To compensate for this illogical error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a tiny office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued pets: a dog and two indoor cats.

The over sixty titles she has created in her pink cave have made her a bestselling author and won several awards. She writes sweet to sensual romances about the West, both historical and contemporary as well as time travel and mystery. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, reading her friends’ books, lunching with friends, browsing antique malls, checking Facebook, and taking the occasional nap.

Author Media Links:

Amazon Author Page
Bookbub
Facebook
Romance Gems blog

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