'Romance: Weather Through' by Benjamin Sheetz

Karen

“I cannot believe it.”

“No one can.” I said to myself. Joi was freaking out more than anything, maybe it’s because she barely had enough credits to graduate in the first place.

“Are you ready?” She asked me as I smoothed out my golden honor cord against my dress. I smoothed out the bun on my head and stared back at my glowing blue eyes, I couldn’t believe I was graduating either.

“Yeah, let’s go.” Joi looked a lot more extravagant in her bright red, knee length dress against my gold, knee hiding dress underneath our black graduation gowns.

“You girls look beautiful!” Jemma, Joi’s mother told us. She might as well be my mother too. She took me in after my parents died two months ago in a car accident. Well, Joi begged her but she agreed. Joi has been my best friend since junior high. Even through puberty, boys and mean girls, she has been my person. 

“Thank you.” We said simultaneously.

Available on Amazon

Read an excerpt from 'One More Second Chance (Lobster Cove Series)' by Jana Richards

One More Second Chance

Lobster Cove Series 

by Jana Richards

Book Description:

Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy.

Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.

Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering?

Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?

Read an excerpt:

“What did the x-ray find?” she asked.

“A spiral fracture of the right arm.” He paused for a moment and took a deep breath as if trying to control his emotions. “I’ve seen this kind of injury before. A fracture like this can be the result of a fall, but it can also be an indication of child abuse. An arm as small as Ava’s will break like a twig if it’s twisted hard enough. I’m obligated to contact the authorities if I suspect abuse.”

Julia stared at him in mute shock, her brain struggling to process his words, as if trying to translate some unintelligible language. The words child abuse rang in her ears. Finally she found her voice.

“You think someone deliberately hurt her?”

“Her injuries are consistent with abuse.”

“I don’t give a damn what they’re consistent with. Ava has not been mistreated. My mother said she fell down the stairs, and if that’s what she said, then that’s what happened.”

“I believe there’s more to the story than a simple fall.”

“If it comes down to believing you or believing my mother, I’m going with my mother.”

“Perhaps you don’t know your mother as well as you think you do.”

Julia sucked in a breath and stared into Dr. Campbell’s dark, accusing eyes. The idea that her mother would hurt Ava was ridiculous. She adored Ava, would do anything for her…

She blinked and looked away, remembering an incident the other day. She’d heard her yelling at Ava about the milk she’d spilled on the kitchen floor, making such a huge deal of it that Ava had cried. It had struck her as strange, since she couldn’t remember her mother yelling at anyone, ever. She wasn’t as patient as she used to be. And how did she explain her strange phone call telling her Ava had been hurt? Of course she’d been upset, but her mother had been nearly incoherent with distress. Was something going on she wasn’t aware of? She was seventy-one now. Maybe looking after a rambunctious five-year-old was too much for her.

No. She shook her head to reject the disloyal thought. Dr. Campbell was the one who was wrong.

“I know my mother. She didn’t do this. It was an accident.”

“We’ll soon find out. Sharon is questioning Ava now.”

Julia stared at the door. “She’ll be scared, all by herself.”

“Sharon’s very good at what she does. She has a way of making kids feel comfortable.”

Julia turned on him, the anger and despair she’d been holding inside spilling out. “And you? Do you enjoy upsetting five-year-olds and turning families’ lives upside down? Does it make you feel powerful to sic the authorities on us?”

“Look, Mrs. Stewart, I take no pleasure in bringing in the authorities. But I’ve seen child abuse, up close and personal, and I can tell you it’s damn ugly. The things parents and caregivers are capable of doing to defenseless children…”

He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving. Closing his eyes, he averted his face and took a deep breath. When he turned back to her, his steely control was back in place. “So yeah, if I have even the smallest suspicion that a child has been abused, I’m going to ask questions. And I’m not going to apologize for it.”

**My thoughts**

Julia has had a lot on her plate. As the principal of the local high school, she is facing ridicule by some for her inventive idea to implement a daycare, so that young mothers can find a way to return to classes. She is a single mother, raising a five year-old daughter on her own, after her ex-husband decided to abandon them. She is essentially estranged from her in-laws. Her parents are suffering from some serious health concerns. Her best friend is having her own crises. And Julia just plain cares too much about everyone in her life. She carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, and always drives full force into whatever life throws at her. This is one of her greatest strengths, but her stubbornness is also one of her biggest challenges.

Alex was merely looking for escape. He needed a break from his family in California. He sought an easier way to repay his staggering school bills. And though a desire to stay near an ocean was part of the reason he choose Lobster Cove, he really didn't know how much he simply needed a small town to help him learn more about himself and how wonderful people could be. 

The two of them were destined to meet, no matter what, thanks to the small town. Unfortunately, their first encounter is a less than positive one. If it weren't for Julia's daughter, Ava, and her innocent attachment to the good doctor, it is quite possible that Julia would have never given Alex a second thought. Children are intuitive creatures, though. This threesome learns a lot about love and life as they learn how to trust both themselves and the world around them.

While I loved the romance part of this book, I was also extremely drawn into Julia's story about dealing with her aging parents. I went through something almost identical with my own parents a few years ago. I perfectly understood her struggle to accept the diagnoses, her desire to do what is best, and the drive to protect them at all costs. Her advantage, at least, is that they are in the same town. So, that storyline really stood out for me.

A few other medical storylines are thrown in there. It seems crazy that a small town would have so much happening within it all at once, but it is possible over the length of time that passes through this book.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and am now interested in what other stories may lie within Lobster Cove. 

Buy links:

 Amazon * The Wild Rose Press * Chapters * Kobo * iBooks

About the Author:

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel.

Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish.

She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JanaRichards_

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile: https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

Jana will be awarding $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host.

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'Saving Forever (Part 1)' by Lexy Timms

BLURB: 

Charity Thompson wants to save the world, one hospital at a time. Instead of finishing med school to become a doctor, she chooses a different path and raises money for hospitals – new wings, equipment, whatever they need. Except there is one hospital she would be happy to never set foot in again--her fathers. So of course he hires her to create a gala for his sixty-fifth birthday. Charity can’t say no. Now she is working in the one place she doesn’t want to be. Except she’s attracted to Dr. Elijah Bennet, the handsome playboy chief. 

Will she ever prove to her father that’s she’s more than a med school dropout? Or will her attraction to Elijah keep her from repairing the one thing she desperately wants to fix?

This is NOT Erotica. It's Romance & a love story.

This is Part 1 of a FOUR book series.

Buy links

Amazon \ iTunes \ B&N \ Kobo

Find the series on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SavingForever?ref=hl

'Nurse Romance: Craig's Love Story' by Jane John-Swankwo

Blurb:

After the love of his life leaves Craig for a social worker, can he still fall in love with another nurse?

Available on Amazon

Biography

Jane John-Nwankwo is a motivational and inspirational speaker, published author and successful entrepreneur. With more than 10 years as a professional speaker, Jane John-Nwankwo can hold any audience sitting straight on their chairs for any lenght of time! She is a published author of 50 books and still counting. Her universally loved books include "It's in your hands", "How to make money writing", "Weight Loss Inspiration","How to start your own business", and the "Nurse Romance" series.

She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing Science from University of Phoenix.Her speaking interests include: Motivational speeches for new business owners,Motivational speeches for any category of people, Employee seminars, Students' Empowerment, Healthcare topics, Topics related to women and any christian topic. Book a speaking appointment today and become a repeat customer as a result of 100% satisfaction.Visit www.janejohn-nwankwo.com

Review of 'Timeless Escapes: A Collection of Summer Stories'

Timeless Escapes: A Collection of Summer Stories

by Ruth A. Casie, Lita Harris, Emma Kaye, Nicole S. Patrick, Julie Rowe

Introduction by Roxanne St. Claire

Genre: Contemporary, Time Travel, Military, Medical Romances
Publisher: Timeless Scribes Publishing
Date of Publication: May 29, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-9910520-2-8
Number of pages: 280
Word Count: 68,000

Cover Artist: Julie Schroeder Designs

Book Description: 

Escape to the Virgin Islands where the bonds of marriage are renewed, friends become lovers, and new love is given a chance to thrive.

Ruth A. Casie ~ Second Chance by the Sea Married for ten years, she and her husband have grown apart. When they go back to the Virgin Islands for a family funeral, they find their marriage was never registered. Will an impending disaster be the final straw that breaks them up or will it rekindle their love and send them back to the altar for a second chance?

Lita Harris ~ Chasing Fireflies Soured on love by a recent breakup, a travel agent with a fear of flying and open water takes a trip to the U.S Virgin Islands. She meets a boat captain who challenges her fears. Will she survive her breakup and find happiness in the arms of another man?

Emma Kaye ~ In Her Dreams When an author escapes to the Virgin Islands to work on her latest book, she’s swept back in time to Regency England and must decide whether the love she finds with an English lord is real or only in her dreams.

Nicole S. Patrick ~ Poseidon’s Strength A beloved hero’s death leads his sister and his best friend, who have never seen eye-to-eye, to discover that helping family can be their happy medium, and possibly lead them to uncover a love that's meant to be.

Julie Rowe ~ A Pirate’s Vacation A doctor grieving the death of her husband, buys a B&B in the Virgin Islands in need of a lot of fixing. Her old flame arrives to help with repairs, but will she let him heal her shattered heart?

Read an excerpt from Poseidon's Strength:

“Hello, Ryan.” 

He swung around. “Well, that explains things,” he mumbled under his breath.

Five foot-eight inches of long legs, blond hair, and the smallest bikini he’d ever laid eyes on walked into the room and the oxygen was sucked out. 

Faith Reagan. 

Sam’s sister was a beautiful as ever. She gave him a cool stare and walked into the kitchen. And apparently just as warm and fuzzy too. So much for a little R&R. 

He shot a glance at Jenna, who pretended to study the condensation on her iced tea glass like it was a pirate’s treasure map. 

“Earthy-crunchy girl” was the name he’d made up to tease Faith with when he was young and stupid. He felt bad about that. A little. 

However, Faith had no problem expressing what she thought of him—a shallow, animal-eating, fast-car-loving-mucking-up-the-environment jerk. 

Ah, the memories came tumbling back.

**My thoughts**

What could be more perfect than finding love on a tropical beach? These five romance writers got together to create their own little slice of paradise, taking place on St. Thomas. Each one featured her own set of characters, finding their way again in love and life, within a span of a few days to a couple of weeks on the island. The characters and the general framework do overlap from story to story, so you will see "familiar faces" throughout. You will also recognize a couple of major incidents, such as the big storm.

I felt like the stories got stronger as the book went on, and I found myself liking each subsequent story more than the previous one. I am not a fan of regency romances, but was entertained by the middle story "In Her Dreams," mostly because it was a writer essentially falling into one of her own plots. I felt like the last two stories, "Poseidon's Strength" and "A Pirate's Vacation" felt like the most real of the collection. Or else I am just a sucker for old flames and old friends finding each other again. 

Each one of these stories could be further developed, taking the characters forward into their lives after the storm. For the one where characters find each other again, it could be fun to have more stories about their past. They wouldn't work for this collection, but perhaps some of these characters will make an appearance elsewhere at some point. Quick summer read.

Available on Amazon

About the authors:

About Ruth A. Casie:

A seasoned professional with more than twenty-five years of writing experience in communications and marketing for a large financial institution, she gave way to her inner muse and began writing a series of historical fantasy romance and contemporary romance novels. Ruth is published by Carina Press and Harlequin Books.

When not writing you can find her home in Teaneck, New Jersey, reading, cooking, doing Sudoku and counted cross-stitch. Together with her husband, Paul, they enjoy ballroom dancing and going to the theater. Ruth and Paul have three grown children and two grandchildren. They all thrive on spending time together. It’s certainly a lively dinner table and they wouldn’t change it for the world.

You can read more about Ruth online at http://www.RuthACasie.comon Twitter at twitter.com/RuthACasie, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RuthACasie

About Lita Harris:

Lita Harris spends her time between New Jersey and the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, where she writes most of her books. She also lived in Alaska for a short time just for fun. An avid crafter, unused supplies clutter her basement and attempts at making pottery, jewelry, and stained glass are proudly displayed in her house, usually behind a picture or holding a door open. She also makes candles and homemade soap. With enough books to stock a small library she may need to construct a building to store her literary obsessions.

She writes in multiple genres, including women’s fiction, contemporary romance, paranormal, and cozy mysteries. For more information about Lita, please visit her website at www.LitaHarris.com or at twitter.com/litaharris and facebook.com/litaharrisauthor.

About Emma Kaye

Emma Kaye is married to her high school sweetheart and has two beautiful kids that she spends an insane amount of time driving around central New Jersey. Before ballet classes and tennis entered her life, she decided to try writing one of those romances she loved to read and discovered a new passion. She has been writing ever since. Add in a playful puppy and an extremely patient cat and she’s living her own happily ever after while making her characters work hard to reach theirs.

For more information on Emma, please visit her online at www.emma-kaye.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emmakayewrites, or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/emmakayewrites.

About Nicole S. Patrick:

Nicole S. Patrick has always loved to read, and in her teenage years, she “borrowed” her mom’s books to sneak away and become lost in the world of romance. After more than ten years in the corporate world of tech recruiting and HR management, she decided to stay home and raise children. But with so many romantic stories and characters floating around in her head, when the kids napped, she was compelled to put those words on a page and pursue this crazy dream of becoming published. Nicole writes romantic suspense and her heroes are those alpha males in uniform. She lives in New Jersey with her real-life hero, her husband, and her two sons.

For more information about Nicole on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Nicole S. Patrick, www.twitter.com/NicoleSPatrick, or please visit her website at www.nicolespatrick.com.

About Julie Rowe:

Julie Rowe’s first career as a medical lab technologist in Canada took her to the Northwest Territories and northern Alberta, where she still resides. She loves to include medical details in her romance novels, but admits she’ll never be able to write about all her medical experiences because, “No one would believe them!” In addition to writing contemporary and historical medical romance, and fun romantic suspense for Entangled Publishing and Carina Press, Julie has a short story in The Mammoth Book of ER Romance (September 2013). Her book Saving the Rifleman (book one of the War Girls series) won the novella category of the 2013 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her writing has also appeared in several magazines such as Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest (Canada), Canadian Living, and Romantic Times Magazine.

For more information about Julie, please visit her online at www.julieroweauthor.com, on Twitter @julieroweauthor, or at her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JulieRoweAuthor.

The authors will be awarding the following prizes during the tour:

First prize - $50 gift certificate plus ebook Timeless Keepsakes by Ruth A. Casie, Lita Harris, Emma Kaye, Nicole S. Patrick, Julie Rowe

Second prize - $25 gift certificate plus 3 ebooks 1) Molly Gets Her Man by Julie Rowe 2) Knight of Runes by Ruth A. Casie 3) Timeless Keepsakes by Ruth A. Casie, Lita Harris, Emma Kaye, Nicole S. Patrick, Julie Rowe

Third prize - 3 ebooks 1) Love at Christmas by Lita Harris 2) Time for Love by Emma Kaye 3) Timeless Keepsakes by Ruth A. Casie, Lita Harris, Emma Kaye, Nicole S. Patrick, Julie Rowe

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