Cover Reveal: Under the Apple Blossoms ~ A Lake Harriet Novel

I'm thrilled to share with you the

cover of my upcoming 

romance novel

UNDER THE APPLE BLOSSOMS

the 4th book in the

Lake Harriet Series

Coming March 2020!

Beautiful Cover Design by Deborah at Tugboat Design

Book Description:

Sometimes the only one standing in the way of your happiness is you.

Debbie Adams has never thought of herself as beautiful or witty. Her short, curvy stature has always made her feel self-conscious. As the owner of Deb’s Bridal Boutique near Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Debbie runs the business she’d inherited after her mother’s death. But owning a bridal shop has never been her dream—it had been her mother’s. And as the years go by, Debbie sees friends and neighbors pairing off and building a future while her life remains stagnant. Then, one March day, frantic to get in shape before a friend’s wedding, Debbie forces herself to go biking. As she rides along the icy lake path, she’s startled by a runner and slips and falls. Regaining her bearings, she looks up into a pair of warm, brown eyes and the most handsome face she’s ever seen. Could this tall, extremely fit, and good-looking man be her destiny?

Marc Bennett’s life is amazing. He owns a chain of fitness centers around the Twin Cities and lives in a beautiful mansion that overlooks Lake Harriet. The only thing missing from his life is a wonderful woman to share it with. Not that he’s lacking in applicants for the position. He’s a handsome man with a warm, caring personality and women flock to him. But at thirty-six, he’s had the shallow relationships and he’s not in a hurry to commit to anyone. Then one crisp, spring day, as he’s running the lake path with his dog, Bernie, he literally crashes into a woman on a bike. As he attempts to help her up, he finds himself looking into the most beautiful pair of blue eyes. Eyes he can’t seem to get out of his mind.

Release Date: March 17, 2020

Preorder now:

Amazon Kindle

Coming soon to:

Paperback 

Audiobook

Chasing Bailey Release Day!

Release Day!

I'm so excited to share that it's Release Day for my new romance CHASING BAILEY! 
CHASING BAILEY is the third book in The Lake Harriet Series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel as well. Grab it now on Amazon in Kindle or Paperback formats. 


Chasing Bailey (A Lake Harriet Novel)

First we met Kristen and Ryan in Walking Sam. Then we met Mallory and James in As the Snow Fell. Now, we'll meet two more residents of the Lake Harriet neighborhood and a wiley dog named Bailey in the sweet romance, Chasing Bailey.

Book Description:

A Lake Harriet Novel

In the charming Lake Harriet neighborhood where we first met Kristen, Ryan, and their dog Sam in Walking Sam, two people are struggling to put their lives back together with the help of a rambunctious dog named Bailey.

Lisa Evan’s life has been in turmoil since her husband, Andrew, left her nine months earlier. With two-year-old Abby to care for and a new full-time job as a school nurse, she’s just trying to keep her head above water both emotionally and financially. It didn’t help that her ex-husband gifted a rambunctious puppy to Abby for her second birthday. But Abby instantly fell in love with Bailey, so Lisa didn’t have the heart to say no. Even though Lisa’s quiet neighborhood is a great place for kids and dogs, there’s one neighbor who isn’t thrilled about Bailey—the hermit across the street. And try as she might, Lisa can’t keep the dog from digging his way out of the yard and running to the hermit’s house. But after one particularly nasty clash with the hermit, Lisa discovers that maybe the man across the street isn’t as terrible as she’d once thought.

Avery McKinnon moved to the quiet neighborhood to hide out after an extremely nasty divorce. In one year his entire world has fallen apart. His wife left him, he lost his house, and his novels are no longer selling as well as they used to, taking a bite out of his income. He’s bitter and angry and the last thing he wants is to become chummy with all the annoyingly happy people in his neighborhood. When the puppy across the street keeps running over to his house and digging up his yard, Avery explodes. Can’t that annoying woman across the street control a puppy? But when he finally sees Lisa for who she is, he realizes that maybe he’s been angry long enough. Maybe it was time to let someone back into his life. And then her ex-husband comes back into the picture and ruins everything.

Contemporary Romance

Sweet Romance

Buy now on:

Amazon Kindle U.S.

Amazon Kindle UK

Amazon Kindle AU

Amazon Kindle Canada

Paperback Now Available

Audiobook coming soon.

Book Review: Take Me To Your Heart Again (Redcliffe Sisters Series, Book 2) by Marius Gabriel

Hi all,

 

I read the first book in this series, Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye, and absolutely loved it. So, of course, when the second book in the series became available, I just had to read it. Here is more about the book and my 5-Star review.

 

Take Me To Your Heart Again

Marius Gabriel

 

Book Description:

Tensions between three sisters, divided by life and love, are about to spill over into all-out conflict.

It is 1942 and the world is at war. The eldest of the Redcliffe sisters, Isobel, impulsive and ideological, strives to make herself heard in a world distracted by violence. But her ambitious new path is strewn with obstacles, not least a private scandal that threatens to become public. Optimist Chiara has had to grow up fast, to set aside teenage dreams and make way for the unexpected realities of adulthood—but who can she count on for help? Meanwhile Felicity has challenges of a more spiritual nature: will her journey of self-discovery lead her away from the convent she thought was her calling?

Separated by distance and war, Isobel, Chiara and Felicity must learn to confront life’s challenges with passion, strength—and unity. Because family is the tie that binds tightest of all.

This is the second title in the Redcliffe Sisters series and follows on from Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye.

Buy now:

Amazon Kindle

Paperback

 

My 5-Star Review:

This novel continues on where we left the Redcliffe sisters. It’s 1942 and Isobel has changed course again – politically and romantically. Chiara has lost the love of her life to Isobel, and is determined to make it on her own except there is a “bump” in the road. And former nun Felicity has taken life by the horns and is expecting all the life she missed in her youth in the convent. The sisters find a few surprises along the way – and new loves come their way. But who are they?

I truly enjoyed the second book in this series about these three very different sisters who have all gone their own way in life. Plenty of action, love, and drama amidst the horror of war. If you love novels from this time period, then this is the perfect series for you.

(I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)

 

About the Author:

Marius Gabriel served his author apprenticeship as a student at Newcastle University, where, to finance his postgraduate research, he wrote thirty-three Mills & Boon romances under a pseudonym. His identity as a man had to be kept secret until he turned to longer fiction under his own name. Gabriel is the author of eight sagas and historical novels, including the bestsellers The Mask of Time, The Original Sin and The Seventh Moon, and was once accused by Cosmopolitan magazine of ‘keeping you reading while your dinner burns’. He very seldom burns his own, however, being an enthusiastic cook, as well as an artist and a musician. Born in South Africa in 1954, he has lived and worked in many countries, and now divides his time between London and Cairo. He has three grown-up children.

 

Cheers,

Deanna

Book Review: Sisters in Love (Love in Bloom: Snow Sisters Book One) by Melissa Foster

Hi all,

I recently read Melissa Foster's latest novel, Sisters in Love which is the first in the Snow Sisters series. I had bought it when it first came out and was happy to see when it hit the top 100 in the Amazon paid store when Ms. Foster ran a promotion for it. When I purchased Sisters in Love, I expected a light romance novel. I was surprised to find it was much more than that. Here is a description of Sisters in Love and my review.

 

Sisters in Love

(Love in Bloom: Snow Sisters Book One)
Melissa Foster

 

Book Description:

Danica Snow has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister. As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life.

Blake Carter is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to stop doing what he does best.

When Blake walks into Danica’s office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn't the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica’s desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she’s ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she’s been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister’s promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn’t sure it’s the right time to set her desires free.

 

My 5 Star Review:

When I purchased Sisters in Love by Melissa Foster, I expected a lighthearted romance, but as I began reading this novel, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the story was much more than that. While at its core, Sisters in Love is a romance (sometimes even steamy), the characters and the story has a depth you don't usually find in lighthearted romances. The main character, Danica Snow, is a strong woman who is very straight laced and work orientated, quite the opposite of her younger sister, Kaylie, who parties and jumps from man to man. As Danica's life unfolds, we find that she is also a very caring person as she spends time with a troubled teenaged girl, Michelle, as part of the Big Sister Program. The same is true of Blake Carter, who at first we believe to be nothing but an egotistical playboy. However, as events occur, we find there is a heart and soul below the showy exterior. When Danica and Blake meet, the attraction is mutual, but there are many barriers they each must break down before they can give in to those emotions.

I really enjoyed this first novel in the Snow Sister's series. The characters are complex, likable, and well developed. The storyline kept me interested and reading so I could find out what happened to each of the characters. If you enjoy a romance novel with depth, heart, and soul, you will enjoy Sisters in Love.

 

Buy Sisters in Love:

Amazon Kindle

Paperback

Nook

Kobo

 

As of this writing, Sisters in Love is only $0.99!

And the best part is you don't have to wait to read book two in the series because it is already out. Look for:

Sisters in Bloom: Snow Sisters, Book Two by Melissa Foster

 

I hope you will pick up a copy of Sisters in Love and give it a try.

 

Cheers,

Deanna

 

Book Review: Portrait of a Gossip by Melanie Jackson

Hi all,

It is no secret that I am a fan of Melanie Jackson's novels so whenever I'm in the mood for a book that I know will be well-written, interesting and entertaining, I pick up one of hers. And believe me, she has many to choose from. With over 50 novels to her credit and more on the way, there is an array of novels by this talented author to choose from.

Melanie writes several series of books and I was first hooked with her Wendover House Mystery Series. After enjoying all of those, I picked up the first book in the Miss Henry Mystery Series, Portrait of a Gossip. I really enjoyed this novel and I will be sure to read the other two in the series (and possibly more if they come along!) Here is more about this novel and my 5 star review.

Portrait of a Gossip (A Miss Henry Mystery Book 1)

Melanie Jackson

 

Book Description:

Juliet Henry, water-color artist and retired agent of the NSA, wouldn't stack up her knowledge of the human heart against the great romantic poets, but she knows a thing or two about human avarice and stupidity. It comes as no great surprise when the small artists' colony of Bartholomew's Woods ends up with a dead resident. Harvey Allen was a professional gossip, hated the length and breadth of the state for his scandal-mongering in the press, and it seemed that one of Juliet's talented but idiosyncratic neighbors had finally had enough of his pernicious tale-bearing and decided to paint him out of the picture. Juliet may sympathize, but she also knows that once a person resorts to murder to hide a secret, chances are good that they may choose to kill again. Can she find the murderer before the killer paints the town red?

Move over Miss Marple, there's a new sleuth in town. If you are a fan of Ngaio Marsh or Agatha Christie you are going to love Juliet Henry and the residents of Bartholomew's Woods.

Buy on Amazon Kindle or in Paperback    

 

My 5 Star Review:

There is murder in the little artist village and ex-NSA agent turned painter Juliet Henry is trying to unravel the mystery overtaking their little community of artists. Could one of the artists in their village really be a murderer?

This is another wonderfully written novel by Melanie Jackson. I just love her writing style and the characters are so real they just jump off the pages. I adored the character of Juliet Henry - she is both intelligent and humorous. If you enjoy a good mystery full of colorful characters, you will enjoy this novel. Melanie Jackson is a literary treasure!

 

More Novels by Melanie Jackson

 

 

I hope you will try one or more of Ms. Jackson's novels - you certainly won't be disappointed!

Cheers,
Deanna

New Book Release: Reflections by Susan Griscom

Hi all,

I recently shared on this blog a review of Brief Interludes, a collection of short stories by Susan Griscom, which I enjoyed immensely. Today I'm please to announce the release of her latest novel, Reflections (Whisper Cape, Book 2).  Reflections is the second novel in the Whisper Cape Series and is already receiving rave reviews. Also, be sure to check out Susan's book blog tour for Reflections at the link below.

 

Reflections (Whisper Cape, Book 2)
Susan Griscom writing as Regan Walsh

 

Book Description:

Gerry has loved Maia from the very first moment he laid eyes on her and now that she’s pregnant with his child, he’s over the moon with happiness. Likewise, Maia is overjoyed about having Gerry’s baby, but when she starts seeing and hearing an old woman who warns Maia about the pregnancy, Maia starts to think she is losing her mind. But Maia’s nightmare has only just begun...

A most sought after beautiful woman, the talented lead singer in an up and coming rock band, sets her sights on Gerry determined to rekindle an old flame. But murder befalls the sleepy town of Whisper Cape once again, creating suspicion and betrayal, and a love once considered invincible, begins to crumble and fall apart.

Fiction/Paranormal Romance/Suspense

 

What readers are saying:

"This is a really wonderful and unique supernatural fiction series." - D. Lancaster on Amazon

"The storyline is intense, surprising, and filled with emotion."  - Literal Addiction's Review 

"REFLECTIONS does not disappoint!" – Ann Carter on Amazon

Buy REFLECTIONS now on Amazon Kindle

 

About the Author:

Susan Griscom was born, Susan Marie Whittaker, in a small town in Pennsylvania. Under the name, Regan Walsh she writes the popular paranormal-urban fantasy, Whisper Cape, series and writes young adult and mainstream under her married name, Susan Griscom.

Upcoming release 2013 - Allusive Aftershock - A young adult love story.

Be sure to check out her Whisper Cape Series under the name of Regan Walsh

She enjoys writing about characters living in small quaint towns and tends to lean toward the unusual and spooky.

Her paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday she might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now she likes the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets her blood running hot.

Susan lives in Northern California with her very romantic husband, her small yippy dog, Riley, and humungous black cat, Saké. Her family consists of his and her children, four wonderful sons and one beautiful daughter, seven grandchildren. Her greatest love in life is her family and those large and ever growing holiday dinners.

She enjoys traveling. She hates running, but does it once in a while. Reading and writing are her favorite pastimes.

 

 

Visit Susan's AmazonAuthor's Page  

Visit Susan on Goodreads  

 

Follow along on Susan Griscom's book blog tour for Reflections.

 



 

I hope you will check out Susan's latest novel - you will not be disappointed!

 

Cheers,

Deanna