Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt from Mistletoe Season by Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller and Pepper Basham

 

Authors: Sheila Roberts, Kathleen Fuller and Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Pages: 320
Genre: Romance/Women’s Fiction/Holiday Romance
 
BOOK BLURB:
 
This Christmas, three couples find themselves under the mistletoe . . . whether they want to be there or not.
Say No to Mistletoe by Sheila Roberts—Mistletoe is Hailey Fairchild's kryptonite. Every time she's kissed someone under the mistletoe it's led to love disaster. Not a good thing for a romance writer! When she was a gawky high school girl, her hunky neighbor, Carwyn Davies, star of the basketball team (and her dreams) kissed her under the mistletoe on a dare. But the kiss wasn't a dream come true. It was a mortifying moment she's never forgotten, and now she's about to go home for the holidays, unengaged and . . . determined to say no to mistletoe. Especially if Carwyn is anywhere around.

Return to Mistletoe by Kathleen Fuller—Emmy Banks has always loved Christmas. How could she not when she lives in Mistletoe, Missouri? Kieran O'Neill has spent years abroad, renovating an old Irish castle, but returns to Mistletoe for his mother's seventieth birthday. He reconnects with Emmy, his sister's close friend, and spends time with her in her charming antique shop. When the weather turns colder, things start to warm up between Emmy and Kieran. But can Emmy risk her heart when she knows he'll never stay in Mistletoe, and she will never leave?

The Mistletoe Prince by Pepper Basham—Prince Arran St. Clare has lost his freedom and fairytale life in exchange for a three-month "punishment" in the small town of Ransom, North Carolina. To prove he is ready for the royal life for which he was born, Arran must engage in the Christmas charity fundraiser, The Mistletoe Wish. But when kindness, authenticity, and hard work prove more appreciated in Appalachia than a royal pedigree, Arran must face the mirror and find out who he is beyond the crown. Add a beautiful and intelligent woman who doesn't recognize her own worth, some mistletoe, and a little Christmas magic and it all might be enough to help the rebel-prince understand what truly matters most.

Mistletoe Season is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
 

My Thoughts:

Mistletoe Season is an anthology of stories that have a mistletoe theme.  If you are looking for a cozy set of novellas to get you into the holiday sprit, then this is a good place to start.  I did enjoy all of the stories, but the second one, Mistletoe Prince was my favorite.  I really liked Arran and and Charlie together.  There is something for everyone in here, so give it a try.

Book Excerpt:

Mistletoe is my kryptonite.One kiss under it, and I go weak in the head. My last three mistletoe kisses resulted in relation- ship disaster. Which is why I, Hailey Fairchild, am swearing off it. 
You’d think after three love fails I’d hate cupid. I don’t. I’m one of his loyal acolytes. I write romance novels. I’m a believer. 
If you ask me, everyone should be. We need more love in the world. I need more love, but so far I’m only finding it on the pages of my computer screen. 
On the screen is better than nothing. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. 
Consider this a public service announcement, a warning. Don’t go under the mistletoe. It’s hazardous to your heart. Here’s what it did to me. 
 
About the Authors
 

Sheila Roberts has written over fifty books under different names and in different genres. She’s seen three of her novels made into movies for the Lifetime, Hallmark and Great American Family channels and has over 3 million copies of her books in print. The story in this anthology makes her eighteenth Christmas story.
 
Website ➜ https://sheilasplace.com 
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/funwithsheila/
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/sheilarobertswriter/

With over two million books sold, USA Today best-selling author Kathleen Fuller writes amusing stories with quirky characters and happy endings. Her novel, Written in Love, won the 2018 Romantic Times Inspirational Romance of the Year. Many of her books have also hit the CBA and ECPA best-seller lists. A retired Special Education teacher, she and her husband James live in Arkansas and are the parents of four adult children. When she’s not writing you can find her reading and crocheting—usually at the same time. She also enjoys traveling, football, and collecting recipes she’ll never use. 
 
Website ➜ https://kathleenfuller.com 
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/WriterKathleenFuller/ 
Instagram ➜  https://www.instagram.com/kf_booksandhooks/ 
 

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is a wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her dual timeline novel, Hope Between the Pages, was a 2022 finalist for the prestigious Christy awards. Pepper’s newest book, Loyally, Luke, made it on the ECPA bestseller list for May. She loves connecting with readers and other authors through social media outlets like Facebook & Instagram.
 
Website ➜ https://pepperdbasham.com 
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/pepperdbasham/
Instagram ➜  https://www.instagram.com/pepperbasham/

Happy New Year!

 

From both of us to all of you.

Happy New Year!

May it be the best year yet!

Blog Tour: Review of The Wishing Bridge by Viola Shipman

 

Publisher: Graydon House (November 7, 2023)
Paperback: 336 pages

Workaholic Henrietta Wegner can feel her edge beginning to dull in middle age. Once the company’s hottest mergers and acquisitions executive, Henri can see the ambitious and impossibly young up-and-comers gunning for her job. When her boss makes it clear she’ll be starting the New Year unemployed unless she can close a big deal before the holidays, Henri impulsively tells him that she can convince her aging parents to sell Wegner’s—their iconic Frankenmuth, Michigan, Christmas store—to a massive, soulless corporation. It’s the kind of deal cool corporate Henri has built her career on.

Home for the holidays has typically meant a perfunctory twenty-four-hour visit for Henri, then back to Detroit as fast as her car will drive her. So turning up at the Wegner’s offices in early December raises some eyebrows: from her delighted, if puzzled, parents to her suspicious brother and curious childhood friends. But as Henri fields impatient texts from her boss while reconnecting with the magic of the store and warmth of her hometown, what sounded great in the boardroom begins to lose its luster in real life. She’s running out of time to pull the trigger on what could be the greatest success of her career…or the most awkward family holiday of her life.

My thoughts:

In The Wishing Bridge, Henrietta returns home in an attempt to talk her parents into selling their business to the big company she works for.  She is sure it will help save her job.  Can she get back into the Christmas spirit that she had when she was a child? 

I'll be honest, this just wasn't a book for me.  I had a hard time connecting with "Henri".  She is supposed to be in her 50s but she is written much younger.  I almost felt like the character was originally supposed to be in her 30s maybe (?), but she was aged up for an unknown reason.  I also had a big issue with the beginning where things like certain toys were mentioned as being in a 1975 toy catalogue that didn't exist until a couple of years later.  If you are going to throw in name brands like Simon, Star Wars and Nerf, at least make sure the year fits the toys.  This reads very much like a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.  I know there are a lot of people who l enjoyed this one, so it's probably a me thing.  Give it a shot.

About the author

Wade Rouse is a popular award-winning memoirist and internationally bestselling author of twelve books, which have been translated into twenty languages and selected as Today show Must-Reads, Indie Next Picks and Michigan Notable Books. Rouse writes fiction under his grandma’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose heirlooms inspire his writing. He lives in Michigan and California, and hosts Wine & Words with Wade, A Literary Happy Hour, every Thursday. –This text refers to the paperback edition.
TLC tour schedule:
Monday, November 6^th: @donasbooks
Wednesday, November 8^th: @readingwithremy
Thursday, November 9^th: The Romance Dish
Friday, November 10^th: @coffee.break.book.reviews
Saturday, November 11^th: @booksimperfectcondition 
Monday, November 13^th:  @nobookmark_noproblem 
Wednesday, November 15^th: @temmathomas
Thursday, November 16^th:  @randi_reads 
Friday, November 17^th: @nurse_bookie
Friday, November 17^th: Reading Reality
Saturday, November 18^th: @webreakforbooks 
Monday, November 20^th: @subakka.bookstuff and Subakka.bookstuff
Wednesday, November 22^nd: @shopcoffeekids 
Friday, November 24^th: @wordnerdbookworm
Saturday, November 25^th: Laura’s Reviews and @laurasreviews_1
Monday, November 27^th:  From the TBR Pile
Tuesday, November 28^th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438
Wednesday, November 29^th: @a_book_read_in_jersey 
Friday, December 1^st: Girl Who Reads
Friday, December 1^st: @everlasting.bookworm 
Saturday, December 2^nd: @readdrinkandbemary
 

Happy Holidays!!

 

Whatever you celebrate, may your days be filled with peace and joy.  

We are off for a couple of days to celebrate with friends and family!

Love, Kari & Autumn.

Happy Independence Day!

 Took the day off today to celebrate our country's birthday! 

 We hope everyone had a safe and fun day celebrating!

Merry Christmas!

 

From our homes to yours...Merry Christmas!  

May you find peace and joy in this holiday season!

Love Kari & Autumn

Blog Tour: Reviews of Slothy Claus by Jodie Shepherd and Night Night, Angel by Amy Parker

 

Author: Jodie Shepherd
Illustrator: MacKanzie Haley

Publisher: Tommy Nelson

What will children do when a sluggish Slothy Claus doesn’t make it to their home in time for Christmas morning? This charming story helps kids learn that Christmas is about more than just presents under the tree.
Slothy Claus has lots of presents for good boys and girls this year, but how is this notoriously lethargic animal supposed to travel all around the world in just one night? You guessed it! Slothy takes his sweet time, and when kids wake up to empty stockings and bare trees, it feels like Christmas is ruined! How will they ever find happiness without their chocolates and toys?

Slothy Claus is equal parts humorous and heartwarming. Children ages 4 to 8 will

• learn that the joy of Christmas doesn’t come from material things but from the love between family and friends

• enjoy the delightfully funny one-of-a-kind artwork

• love the classic rhyme that will fill your own family’s Christmas with love, laughter, and a spirit of giving

Slothy Claus concludes with a summer scene complete with flip flops and a barbecue when Slothy Claus finally flies down in his sleigh to deliver gift after gift–for a special celebration of Christmas in July. With a bright, glittery cover, this fun picture book is the perfect gift for advent or Christmas.

My thoughts:

Slothy Claus is an adorable story about a very slow sloth who is tasked with bringing gifts to children on Christmas Eve.  He doesn't quite make it and the kids wake up with nothing under the tree.  After being upset, they begin to realize what the season really means and that they feel blessed with their friends and family.  Slothy does finally show up about 6 months later.  The illustrations are adorable and vibrant.  This is such a cute story and one I would have read to my kids when they were small. 

Author: Amy Parker

Illustrator: Virginia Allyn

Publisher: Tommy Nelson

‘Tis the season for joy! Celebrate the family fun and season’s blessings of Christmas with a young arctic fox as your family remembers that Jesus is the best gift of all. Amy Parker’s delightful rhymes and Virginia Allyn’s sweet illustrations make Night Night, Angel the perfect read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers enjoying the Christmas season.

Little fox loves all the excitement that Christmas brings to the forest: making creative presents, placing the star on the tree, and making sure she is spotlight-ready for the big Christmas play. But soon she realizes that the perfect gift has already been given through the baby who arrived on the first Christmas night!
As the fourth seasonal title in the hugely successful Night Night bedtime storybook brand, this Christmas board book

• gives families a fun way to say goodnight during the Advent season

• celebrates the special moments of family holiday activities

• gently reminds children that Baby Jesus is the reason for the season

The Christmas theme and sparkling cover make Night Night, Angel perfect for an Advent gift, stocking stuffer, or Christmas morning surprise from parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and friends. Your little angel will be ready to snuggle in for the night as together you celebrate the many blessings of Christmas!

My thoughts:

Night Night Angel is a board book that follows woodland creatures as they get ready for Christmas.  IT has colorfully illustrated scenes  that will definitely keep the attention of any young child.  There is a lot to discover on each page.  The story talks about the true meaning of Christmas. Each page ends with saying Night Night to something on the page.  This is a really cute story and one that is perfect for being used as a bedtime story.

Review tour for SLOTHY CLAUS and NIGHT NIGHT, ANGEL:

Monday, October 25th: @bookshelfmomma
Tuesday, October 26th: @literannie
Wednesday, October 27th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438
Thursday, October 28th: @shobizreads
Friday, October 29th: Write Read Life
Monday, November 1st: @irishgirliereads
Wednesday, November 3rd: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks
Friday, November 5th: View from the Birdhouse
Monday, November 8th: Blooming with Books
Wednesday, November 10th: A Holland Reads
Tuesday, November 16th: @bookscallmyheart
Wednesday, November 17th: Run Wright and @karen_runwrightreads
Thursday, November 18th: @parksidereads
Monday, November 22nd: Christian Chick’s Thoughts and @cctblog
Wednesday, November 24th: From the TBR Pile
Monday, November 29th: Bookworm for Kids
TBD: Friday, November 12th: @celiamcmahonreads
TBD: Monday, November 15th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

 From our quarantined houses to yours. 

 Have a Merry Christmas. 

 May Santa bring you your next favorite book!

Love,

Kari & Autumn

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's Thanksgiving Day here in the USA.  

We are so thankful for our followers.  We are also thankful for the amazing authors who feed our TBR piles all year long.  

May you and yours have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving Day!

Love, Kari & Autumn

Happy New Year - 2020

Happy New Year from us to you.  May you find peace, joy and 

your next favorite read in the coming year!

Love, Autumn & Kari

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are taking a break today to spend time with our familes and friends.  To all of our readers and authors, we are so thankful for you all!

Happy New Year - 2019

May your new year be full of amazing books and wonderful adventures!

Love, Autumn & Kari

Merry Christmas to You!!

Wishing all of  you a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

May you find peace and joy all year long!.

Love,

Autumn & Kari

Happy New Year!!!

While 2017 was a great year for books, we are looking forward to discovering more amazing reads in 2018.  We hope you will join us for more reviews, spotlights and giveaways. 

2017 was also a busy year for Autumn.  She is hoping to make it back to the blog sometime this year! So stay tuned!

We both wish for you an amazing year full of peace, health, joy and amazing reads!

Merry Christmas!!!

Wishing all of  you a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

May you find peace and joy in all you do.

Love,

Autumn & Kari

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

 We are so thankful for all of our followers and the authors who provide us endless hours of reading! We hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends!

Autumn & Kari

2 in 1: Christmas Novellas

Merry Christmas Baby by Katie Reus (KR Press, January 2016) 

Merry Christmas Baby was a really cute story involving Nora and Jackson.  It's the first in the O'Connor Family Series.  I reviewed the fourth book last week.  I enjoyed this one. I loved that Jackson and Nora were friends first.  Despite getting cold feet, Jackson realized quickly that Nora was it for him and begs for a second chance.  I found myself rooting tor the couple. 

I never felt like this one was rushed as I often do in novellas.  They had a good amount of friendship behind them before making the leap to lovers.  Aside from the romance, Nora's relationship with her sister was endearing.  It's a great short story to help get you in the mood for the upcoming holidays.  I definitely want to read the rest of the books in the series.

A White Hot Christmas by Rene Webb (CreateSpace September 2016)

White Hot Christmas is a short novella about a love at first sight relationship.  Although, I would probably call it more of a lust at first sight romance.  I didn't really care for this one.  The relationship happened WAY too fast for me.  June and Tom went from having a rude encounter to saying hi the next day to making out in a dressing room later that afternoon.  Then onto sex that night with Tom topping it off by asking her to move in with him when they get back to Orlando. 

I do sometimes enjoy whirlwind romances, but this one was a bit over the top.  I felt like Tom got really possessive of June really quickly.  How do you agree to move in with someone you just met?   The couple did have chemistry, but I didn't feel like I got to know them at all. It's a quick read, but it just wasn't for me.

Blog Tour: Sweet Christmas Romances 2017 anthology

Author: Sharon Kreve

Christmas is around the corner and all Evie Holmes wants is a nice, sincere, honest guy to spend the holidays with. Andrew Summerfield seems like the perfect boyfriend until Evie discovers he is only after her bakery, and beautiful, turn of the century home. When she ends their relationship, he stubbornly refuses to take no for an answer.

When her friend suggests Evie adopt a pet, she finds herself wanting to adopt a dog and a sexy veterinarian.

Nick Tucker has a killer smile, a heart of gold and loves her Chocolate Kiss cookies. Can a Saint Bernard named Brewster and a passionate veterinarian bring the holiday spirit back into Evie’s life in time for Christmas?

Author: Jennifer Conner

This holiday season, Analeigh’s put everything into a Christmas wedding where her cupcakes are taking center stage. Analeigh quit her job and went back to school to follow her dreams and her passion.

In a second, Analeigh’s worst case scenario happens when she’s involved in a hit-and-run.

Her cupcake trays become road kill and her dreams fade.

But, when a cute tow truck driver, Danny, comes to her rescue maybe the worst day of her life can be resurrected. Anything can happen… it’s Christmas.

Author: Angela Ford

Nicholas Reed arrives in the small town of Troy to acquire the Delbert farm for his investors. He hadn’t expected his competition to be a beautiful, confident woman. His heart takes control over his business-minded mission. Christine Spencer is the owner of the coffee shop ‘Sugar N’ Spice’. She serves the best sugar and spice, and everything nice.

Chrissy’s heart melts the first time she meets Nick. Then she discovers he’s the man that can destroy her dream to own the Delbert farm. His plan to bring in his investors for a viewing of the property would cancel her annual Christmas dance at the farm. He proposes a deal for her to date him for a week and he’ll stall his investors. Can Nick convince her those first sparks they felt, are real? Nothing like a little spice added to the holidays, unless someone ends up on the naughty list.

Author: Tammy Tate

After being attacked in the parking lot of her San Antonio apartment complex, Amy fears all men. One day she stumbles upon Sawyer Creek. Using all her savings, she buys a small house and café and her Chicken Dorito Casserole becomes an all-time favorite among the community. After four years, the nightmares have stopped, but the panic attacks haven’t.

Christmas is four weeks off when the Sheriff calls saying a shovel hit the backdoor of her café, setting off the alarm. Vowing to never be a victim twice, she arms herself with the shovel only to learn that he’s been shot.

Can she help him despite her fear of men?

Author: Laura Strickland

Margie’s mom taught her to bake, and to believe in Christmas magic. She also promised this would be the year Margie found love. When Margie draws the name of her office crush, Trent in the Secret Santa Pool, she decides to make it happen by baking him a batch of her irresistible Magic Christmas bars. But it’s Bryan, the new guy in the office, who falls under her spell.

Bryan doesn’t need any encouragement when it comes to Margie. From his first day on the job, he’s been captivated by her sweet nature and beautiful smile. Bryan can tell Margie only has eyes for Trent, but he recognizes Trent for what he is, a charming user likely to break Margie’s heart. Before that happens, he must make Margie see she’s closer to her Christmas miracle than she ever dreamed.:

My thoughts:

  If you are in the mood for some sweet and quick romances, then this collection just might od the trick. All five of the stories are quick holiday novellas with really cute love at first sight romances in them.  I enjoyed all five.  But if I had to pick my favorite, it would be Christmas Chocolate Kisses; with Amy's Christmas Casserole coming in a close second.  My only complaint is that I wish the stories were longer.  I would love to get to know the characters more and be able to savor the romance. I will warn you though, don't read it on an empty stomach or you will be hunting down cupcakes and sweet treats to binge on.

Buy Links:

Amazon   KOBO Apple iTunes  Playster   SCRIBD   Inktera

All five authors will be giving away a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card

Entry-Form

About the authors

Sharon Kleve was born and raised in Washington and currently lives on the Olympic Peninsula with her husband.  Sharon is a multi-published author of contemporary romance. She loves romance. She loves reading romance, living romance, and especially loves writing about romance. She gets no greater feeling than watching her characters come alive in each other’s arms. Most of all, she loves giving her characters the happily ever after they deserve—with a few bumps and bruises along the way.

Email: sharon.kleve@gmail.com

Blog: http://authorsharonkleve.blogspot.com/

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/sharonrkleve

Facebook Timeline: https://www.facebook.com/#!/sharonkleve

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharonKleve

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/btSoS1

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SharonKleveAuthor/posts

Jennifer Conner is a best-selling Northwest author who has seventy short stories, books, and audiobooks. She writes in Christmas Romance, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance, and Erotica.  She has hit Amazon’s top fifty authors ranking and her books have been #1 in sales.  Her novel Shot in the Dark was a finalist in the Emerald City Opener, Cleveland, and Toronto RWA contests.

Jennifer is an Associate Publisher for the indie e-book publisher, Books to Go Now who resides in the Seattle area. They pride themselves in helping new authors get their foot in the door with well-edited manuscripts, professional covers, and platforms uploads.

Please email her at jenniferconnerwriter@gmail.com

Website:  http://jenniferconnerbooks.com/

Email: jenniferconnerwriter@gmail.com

Publisher: Bookstogonow@gmail.com www.bookstogonow.com

BLOG:  http://jenniferconnerwriter.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.conner2

For Updates about new releases as well as exclusive promotions, visit Jennifer’s website and sign up for the VIP mailing list. http://www.jenniferconnerbooks.com/

Angela Ford originates from Nova Scotia…Canada’s Ocean Playground!  Her love of the ocean and sunsets are always in her heart and give her inspiration. Her love for words keeps her turning the page. She is never without a book, whether she’s reading or writing. Her dedication to volunteer and involvement with cyber safety seminars gave her an Award of Distinction and sparked the idea for her first book Closure - Best Selling Action/Adventure/Crime/Suspense. Ms. Ford continued her FBI series with Forbidden and Obsessed. Now available in a boxed set – Cyber Crime Series. In between mysteries, Ms. Ford writes short contemporary romance...sometimes with a dash of suspense! 

Visit her website Romantic Escapes at http://www.angelafordauthor.com to connect with her on social media. She loves to hear from her readers – they keep her smiling!

Tammy Tate was born and raised in Hollywood, Florida but has lived most of her adult life in Texas. Her passion to write began in high school. It follows her everywhere she goes...creating a world where anything is possible. She's been married to the same wonderful man for over thirty years. Her secret to a long marriage? It's easy when you marry your best friend. In her world, Friday night is still date night.

Before she became a full-time author, she was an Executive Secretary, a Computer Consultant/Technician, and a Communications Officer (Police Dispatcher). She doesn't mind a challenge which has allowed her to race a late-model in a women's powder puff race, run barrels and poles in a play-day rodeo and drive an 18-wheeler. Somewhere in between, she and her husband raised three wonderful children. When she's not breathing life into her characters or jotting down ideas for a new book, she is most likely spending quality time with her husband or curled up with a good book.

Since she believes reading is the next best thing to writing, she enjoys romance, fantasy, science fiction and thrillers. In December of 2013, she signed her first book contract with a traditional publisher. Her books have made Amazon's Best Seller list.

Email me: authortammytate@aol.com
Like my author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/tammytateauthor
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/authortammytate
Check out my blog: http://authortammytate.blogspot.com
Publisher: http://bookstogonow.com

Award-winning author Laura Strickland, born and raised in Western New York, has pursued lifelong interests in lore, legend, magic and music, all reflected in her writing. Although she enjoys travel, she’s usually happiest at home not far from Lake Ontario, with her husband and her "fur" child, a rescue dog. Author of numerous Historical and Contemporary Romances, she is the creator of the Buffalo Steampunk Adventure series set in her native city. Margie’s Magic Christmas Bars is her second title with Books To Go Now.