Release Day $50 Giveaway – For the Love of Laura Beth by Aubrey Wynne

  

For the Love of Laura Beth by Aubrey Wynne 

The Korean War destroyed their plans, but the battle at home may shatter their hearts... Laura Beth Walters fell in love with Joe McCall when she was six years old. Now she is counting the days until Joey graduates from college so they can marry and begin their life together. But the Korean War rips their neatly laid plans to shreds. Instead of a college fraternity, Joey joins a platoon. Laura Beth trades a traditional wedding for a quick trip to the courthouse.

The couple endure the hardship of separation, but the true battle is faced when Joey returns from the war. Their marriage is soon tested beyond endurance. Laura must find a way to accept the tragedy thrown in their path or lose the love that has kept them anchored for so long. With a determination that only comes from the heart, Joe relentlessly fights an invisible enemy...for the love of Laura Beth.

 

 

Praise for For the Love of Laura Beth 

Warmth, compassion, heartache, faithfulness and more are emotions you will experience as you read this. I was completely immersed in this Korean War era tale, the historical details making the story come alive. 

Aubrey Wynne did an awesome job with this Historical book. Thank you Aubrey Wynne for a very beautifully written story!! 

An emotional read about the life, fears, and love during the Korean War! Aubrey Wynne begins each chapter with a thought-provoking quote. As a Midwesterner, who often visited Chicago in the 1950s, this romance includes well-researched historical details about Chicago, the era, and journalism. Aubrey Wynne blends history with a nicely paced full of family dynamics love story. 

   

EXCERPT: 

“Men always want to be woman’s first love – women like to be a man’s last romance.” 

Oscar Wilde 

Chapter One 

Late April 1949 Kankakee, south of Chicago 

It was the kind of first kiss all girls dreamed of, hoped for, and rarely received. The kind of first kiss a girl saw in the movies or read in romance novels. The kind of first kiss a girl only whispered about because the moment was too precious to share. 

A moment Laura Beth Walters had waited over ten years for. She sighed and leaned her cheek into the hand that still cupped her face, afraid to open her eyes. 

Joe put his forehead against hers. “So this is love.” 

Her lips still tingled from his touch. Her heart clamored against her chest. She wondered briefly if life would ever be this sweet again. Yes, this was love. 

She’d known it since first grade, but Mom said boys were a bit slower in the cleverness department. She peeked through her lashes and looked into his deep chocolate eyes. His lids were half closed, and a sated smile played on his lips, as if he’d just tasted something heavenly. Me, she thought wickedly. The moon threw shadows across his strong jaw and square chin. He was the most handsome boy in Kankakee. No, in the state of Illinois. No, in the entire Midwest. 

“Yes, Mr. McCall, I do believe it’s love.” She ran her fingertips down his cheek, the coarse, dark stubble bristly on her skin. Warmth spiraled through her with the intimate gesture. “What do you think?” 

“I think I understand why my mom smiled at me, and my pa thumped me on the shoulder when I left tonight.” Joe moved his hands around her waist, pulling her close. “So your parents will let you go to the prom with a senior?” 

Laura shrugged, trying for poise but failing miserably when the grin would not leave her face. Daddy had been reluctant to let her date. Her mother had come to the rescue, convincing him that sixteen was old enough to date a boy they trusted. The McCalls lived down the street and owned the local mechanic shop. Joe was a hardworking, polite boy. Their families attended neighborhood barbecues, community, and school functions together. 

“I’m practically a senior.” 

“And Roger Willard will be practically comatose if he ever buys you another soda. I saw him giving you the eye last week.” He leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “I don’t know how I missed you graduating from the Bobbysox Brigade and becoming such a dish, but I’m crazy about you now.” 

Their first date had come about by accident. She had been at the drug store, having a malt with a group of friends early last March. Tuesdays and Saturdays were her favorite days because Joe worked then. He looked so handsome in his white hat and jacket—like a sailor or a doctor. 

Laura had ordered a strawberry malt and was waiting for Joe to make it. He’d rubbed her head, still treating her like a child. “Give me a minute, kid.” 

“I’ll buy that,” Roger said to Joe as he slid onto the stool next to her. 

Joe had nodded and glanced over his shoulder, a puzzled expression on his face as he took in the other boy. “Nah, I got it for her.” 

“I said I’ll buy Laura Beth the malt,” Roger had repeated through clenched teeth. 

Joe, a scowl on his face, had set the malt on the counter with a thud that made the other girls giggle. “Fine. Like I care who buys it for her.” 

But Joe had rubbernecked from across the counter while the teenager tipped his head close to Laura’s and made her laugh. He studied Roger, then his sweet childhood friend, and then frowned at the boy as if something was definitely off. She knew the second it hit him, recognized the shock on his face. 

“You’re sweet on her. Sweet on my little Laura Beth.” He shook his head and then looked at her again, as if for the first time. 

“I’m done here in half an hour. Wait for me,” Joe had said, with a glower at Roger. 

“Sure, Joey, I’ll wait,” she replied in her sweetest voice, and then continued to talk Roger.        

Author Aubrey Wynne 

Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas. Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won Readers Choice Awards. Dante's Gift and Paper Love received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. 

In addition to her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will release two more Regency romances in 2019. Once Upon A Widow series will officially launch in March 2019, the Wicked Earls’ Club will release again just in time for the holidays.  

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Instagram * Newsletter * BookBub * Amazon

   

$50 Blast Giveaway:

Winner’s choice of a $50 Amazon Gift Code or $50 in PayPal Cash

Ends 1/2/19

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    

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Blog Tour: Wager for a Wife by Karen Tuft

Reviews * Giveaway

Wager for a Wife by Karen Tuft

Book Description:

William Barlow's life has been forever altered: his estranged father is dead, and William has inherited the title of Viscount Farleigh. Along with the title comes a neglected estate, an enormous amount of gambling debt, and one astounding acquisition that will turn William's world upside down . . .


It is her first London Season, and Lady Louisa Hargreaves could not be more pleased. She has attracted the attention of the Earl of Kerridge, and the two are on the cusp of an official betrothal. That is, until she learns of a generations-old family debt: her grandfather gambled her hand in marriage and lost, and now Louisa must pay the price. She will marry not the earl but a man she just met, who has taken her freedom in one fell swoop. Even as she struggles to understand the handsome and aloof man she is to wed, Louisa is irresistibly drawn to him—and he to her. But she soon realizes he is harboring secrets, and as her wedding day approaches, she must discover what her future husband is hiding before she makes the gravest mistake of her life.

Andrea's Review:

Wager for a Wife is a very good story. It has such a creative premise-an estranged son inherits his father’s title and estate, but he learns that it is deeply in debt. It is discovered that a wager made years before has the means of saving the estate, servants and tenants.

The interactions between Will and Louisa were very entertaining. From hate to friendship to more, I really enjoyed their story.

I loved Louisa’s relationship with her brothers and her parents. They were a very loving, supportive family. The teasing between siblings was fun and laughable.

I loved Will’s relationship with the servants in his childhood home. They were good family to him where his father was not.

The resolution was a bit rushed and could have used more detail about the emotions of the characters involved, but it had a sweet and happy ending.

This is a quick and clean read that I can see myself reading again.

Hopefully this doesn't detract at all from the review, but when the book first came in the mail my daughter started reading it to me while I was driving. The name Farleigh came up quite a few times right off the bat, and I couldn't help but think of the Three Amigos every time I heard or read it. 🤣

Rorie's Review:

Honor is a huge theme in this book. Honor is a good thing. But there is definitely a difference between honor and the type of honor discussed in this book. I know life was very different back then, but if I were told that I had to marry some complete stranger just because my grandfather lost a bet to his grandfather, well...it's just a good thing I wasn't born back then.

At any rate, I couldn't help but like William, because his heart was in the right place, even if he was going about things all wrong. There were a few times when he did things and chose not to tell Louisa and I just cringed, knowing that was not going to end well at all.

Louisa had a pretty easy life up until William walked in to it. I give her so much credit, because she definitely grew up fast and she did it with way more grace than I think I ever could.

I feel like the first kiss part came on too fast - I thought they were still in the "she totally hates him" phase, so it just didn't seem to be the right time for me. Thankfully, as the story progresses, more of a relationship develops and it's not based solely on physical attraction.

Tarah's Review:

I was not expecting this book! How fun was the premise of the whole thing. It ended up being one of those books that once I started I had no desire to do anything else and had to finish it quickly. I mean, it's the wrong time of year to finish anything quickly, but even with everything else it was a fast happy read.

I will admit that I was surprised to learn that I had read another book with this same family in it. At the back of the book the author tells us that there is more from this family, and that always gets me excited. Then I discovered I had already read those books, and I quickly became confused. Since this book is supposed to be first, but the other book was written first I would actually not suggest that they go together. Upon rereading the book about Louisa's brother I wasn't very happy to see that it didn't really follow this book as closely. The characters have different personalities than were set out in Wager for a Wife and there are some details that just didn't match up in my mind. Wager for a Wife was definitely the best out of this series if you are going to put them together, but honestly, I wouldn't.  I think they both are better alone.

I loved the relationship between Will and Louisa. In fact, all the relationships in this book were really well written. The love between Will and the servants, the teasing nature between Louisa and her brothers was super fun to read, and I thought the relationship between Louisa's parents was sweet.

I will definitely be reading this one again and again. I'm hoping it goes on an audio book soon so I can listen to it while doing house work.

Tour Schedule:

*Dec. 3^rd: http://mybookaday.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*Dec. 4^th: https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

*Dec. 5^th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*Dec. 6^th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/

*Dec. 7^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, https://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/

Tour Giveaway:

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Title: Wager for a Wife
Author: Karen Tuft
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: December 2018
ISBN: 1524407674
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

12 Days of Clean Romance – Delaney Cameron

 

The Gift of Love by Delaney Cameron 

Leah didn’t plan to still be searching for love so late in her twenties. Her looks almost guarantee her success with the opposite sex, but quantity doesn’t mean quality. Good thing she’s got a great career to fall back on. The only dark cloud on that particular horizon is the enigmatic Dr. Levy, the man she’s come to think of as a permanent thorn in her side. Brilliant and handsome he most certainly is, but that doesn’t make up for the fact that he’s also stern, impatient, and bad-tempered. Oddly enough, it isn’t their mostly negative encounters that linger in her mind. Instead it’s the sadness she glimpses from time to time in his face. There’s no explanation for why she’s so bothered by this, nor can she imagine a situation where she’ll be in a position to discover the cause of his silent misery. All of which means she’s wasting her time. If anyone can take care of himself, it’s Dr. Levy. 

Stratton had only been at Hutchison Clinic a short time before he heard about the beautiful nurse on the second floor. In his usual skeptical fashion he discounted the gossip until he saw Leah for himself. He had no problem admitting that the reports of her beauty hadn’t been exaggerated, but appreciation was as far as he was prepared to go. Love, romance and the so-called happily-ever-after only exist in the movies. Putting your happiness in someone else’s hands is just begging to be hurt. He has a monthly alimony payment to prove it. Getting his family and friends to understand his preference for bachelorhood isn’t so easy. While he appreciates their concern, he doesn’t need the complication of something with such overwhelming odds of failure. One ex-wife is enough for any man. 

Author's Note: Although this book is a romance novel, it deals with loss and grief. If you're sensitive to these issues, this might not be the book for you.   

   

Leah walked out the side door of the house and didn’t look back. She’d known that going to this party would be a mistake. What had she expected? This is what happens when you’re dumb enough to go on a trip with three other girls, only one of whom you’re reasonably acquainted with. 

A shudder went through her that had nothing to do with the coolness of the night air. It had everything to do with being around guys who don’t understand what ‘no’ means. She wasn’t going to spend the rest of the evening hiding in the bathroom. The cabin belonging to Jessie’s parents that overlooked Lake Oconee was only a few miles away. She could be there in an hour if she walked fast.  

It was strange that she felt safer on a lonely road than in a house full of people. She’d always been afraid of the dark; now it seemed like a haven. A sweater would have been nice, but then again, she hadn’t expected to be returning from this adventure on foot. Not bringing the right clothes was the least of the mistakes she’d made lately, but thankfully the end of this disastrous weekend was in sight. By tomorrow evening, she’d be back in Myrtle Beach. 

The flash of a set of powerful headlights had her groaning inwardly. She moved off the road and reached in her pocket for her phone. Please don’t stop, she pleaded inside her head. In spite of this silent request, the profile of a truck pulled alongside her followed by the ominous low whine of the window sliding down. Great! This was just what she needed to make this terrible night complete. 

“Excuse me, miss,” said the last voice she expected to hear. “Do you need a ride?” 

Of all people, why did it have to be him? Was she ever going to be in a situation with this man that wasn’t embarrassing? At least he hadn’t recognized her yet. Hopefully, she could keep it that way. Not looking at him, she lowered her voice before replying, “No, thanks.” 

“Are you sure?” his deep voice persisted. 

“Very sure. My house is the next driveway.” 

Dr. Levy laughed and for some reason Leah’s heart began to beat faster. She quickly found a reason for this anomaly. She’d never heard him laugh before. She’d even entertained the thought that he’d forgotten how. Like everything else about him, it was hard to ignore. 

“That’s quite a coincidence,” he was saying. “My house is the next driveway, too.” 

She might as well give up. This just wasn’t her night. “That figures. I can’t even get away with a lie these days.” 

“There’s no need to lie. It’s just common sense.” He leaned across the console and opened the door. With the aid of the dome light, she was able to confirm his identity. She couldn’t decide if it was the absence of the formal attire he wore at work or his ruffled hair that made him appear so much younger and (dare she say it) approachable. Her glance dipped lower, taking in the corded muscles in his arms and chest straining against the material of a long-sleeve t-shirt. Yowza! If the nursing staff at Hutchison’s could see him now… His voice brought her eyes back to his face. 

“Leah! What a surprise! I didn’t expect to find you so far away from home.” 

That made two of them. “I’m, uh, spending the weekend with friends.” 

“Who have apparently left you high and dry. Hop in, and I’ll give you a ride to wherever you’re staying.” 

“Are you sure? I hate to take you out of your way.” 

He smiled lazily, and this time Leah’s heart actually jumped in her chest. Could shock cause that? 

“Let me worry about that.” 

Feeling as if she’d stumbled into some kind of twilight zone, she climbed into the truck and reached for the seatbelt. “The address is 48 River Knoll.” 

He shook his head in what she assumed was disbelief. “You were planning to walk that far?” 

“It was better than staying where I was. Is your house really the next driveway?” 

“I may be a lot of things, but I’m not a liar. My uncle left me a small cabin on the lake.” He pulled back on the road. “You picked a good time to visit this area. The dogwood trees are at their peak right now.” 

Leah forced herself to relax against the seat. “That’s the main reason I came on this trip. Spring is my favorite time of year.” 

“Mine, too. Are you from Myrtle Beach originally?” 

“No. I grew up in Columbus, Georgia.” 

He sent her a quick sideways glance. “You don’t say? I’m from Stone Mountain, which means we’re both Georgians. That must count for something.” 

“I guess it does. You can drop me off by the mailbox.” 

“I don’t drop off passengers at the mailbox, and in case you haven’t noticed, it’s pitch dark outside. We don’t need you tripping over something.” 

Leah lapsed into silence. There was no point in arguing. This somewhat surreal experience would be over soon enough. A few minutes later he drew to a stop in the shadow of the porch.  

“Here we are.” 

She unbuckled her seat belt and fumbled for the door handle. “Thanks for the ride, Dr. Levy.” 

He threw her the same amused smile he’d done on those previous occasions. “You’re welcome, Leah. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.” 

She barely suppressed a shudder. There had been little enjoyment so far and having Dr. Levy find her in such a predicament hadn’t helped. 

 

 

  

I loved this book! It has every element that makes for a fantastic read. It pulls you into the lives of the characters and you laugh with them, cry with them, hurt with them, and rejoice with them. It has passion and yet it is clean....loved it! 

I confess I almost never leave reviews. This series, and in particular this book, deserves special treatment. If you enjoy well-crafted stories with depth and compassion, you owe yourself the gift of reading this series. The characters are people I would like to meet, and their lives seem genuine rather than contrived as is common in romance novels. 

So many authors ‘attempt’ to write romance, but Delaney has delivered a truly well done book. The story is so well written you feel like it’s real with characters that come alive. The heartache, loss, laughs and joy will capture emotion that’s not always believable, but in this story I felt all that emotion. On top of that I can recall no grammatical or editing errors. That’s another rare treat. Without revealing the story line I will only say that there are major life changing events which are woven so well into this single book you don’t realize it's all happening until you’ve finished the book and still want more.  

 

Author Delaney Cameron 

I'm a Georgia girl at heart if not by birth. I love to read, watch college football, and spend time with my husband. I'm a hopeless romantic so there will always be a happily ever after in my stories. I also like to write about second chances because love doesn't always work out the first time. 

My books are sweet romances set in both contemporary and regency settings featuring stories about the journey to love, from that first meeting to the point where two people know their hearts are no longer their own. My characters aren't perfect. They make mistakes and have faults like the rest of us. They learn the sometimes painful truth that the path to love isn't always smooth, but it's a road worth traveling. 

 

      

   

Giveaway Details: 

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash 

Ends 1/1/19 

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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12 Days of Clean Romance – Melissa McClone

   

His Christmas Wish by Melissa McClone 

Carly Bishop loved Christmas…until tragedy struck. 

Distraught and grief-stricken over the deaths of her fiancé and brother, she left Hood Hamlet and her Christmas spirit behind, to start over somewhere new. But now, six years later, her family needs her. Carly returns home to face her past and give her niece and nephew the best Christmas ever. 

Burdened with guilt, Jake Porter believes he could have saved his two friends on that fateful day and kept Carly from experiencing such a heart-wrenching loss. When she arrives in town, Jake wants to make amends so they can both finally move forward with their lives. 

As Jake helps Carly experience the magic of Christmas so she'll embrace the holiday again, will he also be able to open her heart to something else she’d given up on…love?

   

Jake forced himself not to stare. Drool. He reached for a knife. 

She looked good. Okay, hot. Better than he remembered. 

The cold temperature outside brought a natural color to her cheeks. Thick lashes, ones she’d had since she was younger, framed expressive hazel eyes that no longer held the optimistic promise of tomorrow, but hinted at new depths he hadn’t seen before. Those pink full lips smiling at him made him think about kisses. And the one time he should have kissed her, but instead he’d hesitated and lost her. Not that he needed kisses now. A taste of those glossed lips, simply a nibble, was all he wanted, but that wouldn’t be a smart move. 

Kissing her would be downright stupid. 

As he sliced the apple, the knife slammed against the cutting board. 

“Be careful.” Carly neatly placed cheese and crackers on a plate. “You don’t want to lose a finger.” 

Right now, he was more worried about losing his heart. 

Insane. 

His heart was off-limits, especially to a woman who was the only person aside from his father to call him Jacob and who’d left town six years ago never to return until now. Okay, not exactly true. She hadn’t been gone six years. Five years, seven months, and twenty-eight days, if he wanted to be exact. Not that he’d been counting. 

Granted, she’d had her reasons. Good ones. But that hadn’t made her leaving any easier. Which reminded him. She wasn’t here to stay. Hannah had mentioned Carly was staying a little over two weeks. Long enough to turn everyone’s life upside down, including his. He wanted no part of it. No part of her. 

Jake cut another piece of apple. This time, he didn’t put as much pressure on the knife.

 

    

"A wonderful debut of the Mountain Rescue Romance series with relatable characters with whom I could share emotions as I laughed, cried and loved every minute of this heartwarming and at times heartrending contemporary holiday romance."—Amazon Reviewer 

"His Christmas Wish is one of the the best holiday books I’ve read, hands down. With a hero and heroine to root for, 2 adorable kids, the winter wonderland backdrop of small town Hood Hamlet and a heartwarming storyline, this may well be my favorite Melissa McClone romance yet."—Amazon Reviewer 

"I truly enjoyed this book! It was an extremely well written romance book perfect in time for the holidays! A very refreshing sweet romance novel, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it!"—Amazon Reviewer 

     

   

   

Author Melissa McClone 

USA Today bestselling author, Melissa McClone has published over forty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group and been nominated for Romance Writers of America's RITA® award. With a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, Melissa worked for a major airline where she traveled the globe and met her husband. But analyzing jet engine performance couldn't compete with her love of writing happily ever afters. Her first full-time writing endeavor was her first sale when she was pregnant with her first child! When she isn't writing, you can usually find her driving her minivan to/from her children's swim practices and other activities. Melissa lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds, and cats who think they rule the house. They do!  

 

 

      

   

Giveaway Details: 

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash 

Ends 1/1/19 

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

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12 Days of Clean Romance – Lucy McConnell

 

Marrying Kiss Kringle: Frost 

Frost buried her face in her hands, feeling all the pressure to save Christmas. Neither Stella nor Robyn had the potential for love yet. They were starting from scratch. But she had more than potential; she had an invitation. It was up to her to find Tannon; get him to profess his love to her; and save her family, the North Pole, and Christmas for children all over the world. Oh, Tannon, I hope you're ready to love me. 

Frost Kringle broke one of the North Pole's rules the day she replied to a letter from Tannon Cebu; but, her Kringle-enhanced empathy wouldn't allow her to walk away from the anguish in his words. What began as a disobedient impulse grew into friendship and eventually love. If her secret romance is revealed, she'll be banished from her home and family. 

When the Kringles discover Christmas Magic is dangerously off balance, Frost musters up the courage to meet Tannon in person with the hope that they can marry and save Christmas. While she's away from her precious Letters Room, her secret is blown right open and she's exiled. In order to make it home for Christmas, Frost has to bring Christmas cheer to those who need it most. 

Tannon is tired of the corporate grind and wants out. He's decided to sell his paper mill and retire to a quiet corner where he can raise his son in peace. His announcement, right before the holidays, creates an uproar as employees wonder if they'll have a job in the New Year. No one in town feels like celebrating and they have little hope of a happy holiday. 

If Frost can get Tannon, and the town of Elderberry, to believe in Christmas once again, she'll make it home and save Santa's workshop from turning into a block of ice and ruining Christmas for children all over the world. Trouble arises when Tannon's interest turn to Frost more than to Christmas. She walks a tinsel-fine line between falling for him and failing in her Christmas quest. 

With her whole world out of balance, Frost must look deep inside herself to bring about a Christmas miracle--with a little help from her jolly family.  

   

Frost Kringle rubbed her arms. “It’s not my year. I’m the youngest. You two should find your husbands first,” she told her older, single sisters. 

Robyn huffed. “Apparently, Christmas Magic doesn’t give a partridge in a pear tree about birth order. And I don’t, either. Come with us—just to get used to being south-er.” 

Frost hesitated, searching for a polite way to tell them to jump out of a flying sleigh. 

Stella took her hesitation as a silent agreement and forged on. “Perfect. Where should we go? I was thinking of heading back to Alaska.” 

“No thanks.” Robyn popped another chocolate. “We need someplace new.” 

Frost puzzled the question of where they should go. She puzzled it high and she puzzled it low. And while she puzzled, a strange thought came to be. A thought she thought just might be the key. She tried to hold it in, did her best to be good. But there was a part of Frost Kringle that never quite could. “Oregon,” Frost whispered, staring off into space. “Elderberry, Oregon. That’s the place.” 

Both her sisters stared at her. “Why there?” asked Stella. 

Frost cleared her throat, breaking through the fog that had clouded her mind while at the same time giving herself clarity. She mentally stumbled to come up with an excuse that wouldn’t reveal her biggest and best-kept secret. “It’s got a large populate of single men. There’s a, um, paper company and mill and they make beautiful stationary.” Like cream envelopes with gold trim that bring the most wonderful letters. 

Stella shrugged. “As long as it’s got men, I’m game.” 

Robyn poked Stella in the arm. “That’s your problem—you need to be pickier.” 

“Do you have a better idea?” 

Frost held her breath. She’d dreamed and dreamed of going to Elderberry, of meeting Tannon, of finally seeing the man whose words had captured her heart. If she was a romantic, it was because each mail delivery included a little bit of romance just for her. 

“No,” admitted Robyn. “Okay, then.” 

Stella slapped her hand on the table. “Meeting adjourned. We’re going to Elderberry the day after tomorrow. Have your bags packed.” 

Frost threaded her fingers together under the table, holding her hands tight, tight, tight in an effort to hold in her excitement as her sisters left the room. She was going to meet Tannon. 

“I’m going to meet Tannon,” she said out loud. With a squeal, she threw her hands in the air. 

This trip may be the best thing that ever happened to her, or it may be the ending of a long and special friendship. Either way, the time had come to meet her crush face-to-face. 

   

 

 

I have loved all of Lucy McConnell's books, and this one definitely lived up to my expectations. 

I love the other books in this series and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable story that kept me reading late into the night. I can’t wait for next installment! 

I found Marrying Miss Kringle to be a fun and lovely read. It is light in nature with a feeling of watching one of those Lifetime Christmas movies, but only in book form.     

     

 

Author Lucy McConnell 

Award-winning author, Lucy McConnell, loves Christmas, romance, chocolate and Elvis. 

After graduating from the University of Utah, she became an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She loved teaching and often misses the academic environment. 

Lucy retired from teaching and began to write articles and sweet romance novels. She has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock. 

If she's not at the computer, you can find her trying to keep up with her husband and four kids on the ski slopes, on a bike, in the kitchen, or on a horse.  

 

    

   

Giveaway Details:

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash

Ends 1/1/19

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

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