Hiding in the Pages

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Christmas Lights on Evergreen Avenue by Tara Watson {Review}

Christmas Lights on Evergreen Avenue by Tara Watson

Kindle Edition, 433 pages

Published December 14th 2018

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42925671-christmas-lights-on-evergreen-avenue

In the Christmas-loving town of Harmony, electrician Winnie Anderson is determined to win the annual Christmas lights competition. With $10,000 prize money on the line, it's Winnie's ticket to saving her beloved father's house. If she doesn't win, she'll lose the house, and have to move out of Harmony for good.

Winnie is sure she's the best woman to win. There's only one problem: Dan Parker, rival electrician.

All Dan wants is a place to call home, and after moving to town three years ago, he knows Harmony is everything he dreamed. He's always hoped Winnie would be a part of his future, since she's the only woman who has ever caught his eye. But first he must get past the strange tension between them.

When Winnie breaks her leg, Dan surprises her by stepping up to help complete the display. As they grow closer, Winnie begins to realize Dan isn't the man she'd always believed. But with both her career as an electrician and her father's house hanging in the balance, has her revelation come too late?

Christmas Lights on Evergreen Avenue is a sweet contemporary romance that celebrates love, Christmas, community, and friendships. For fans of Hallmark movies.

My Review: 4 Stars

This book truly does read like a Hallmark movie--a broken girl, a competition (even if it's only one-sided), and a blossoming romance in a small town. Winnie and Dan are both electricians and there doesn't seem to be enough room for both of them. Winnie is very stubborn and headstrong, especially when it comes to her pride, which is understandable, but she almost takes it too far. Her inability to confide in others and the way she assumes so much is infuriating. Dan is hardworking and kind and can't seem to get Winnie out of his mind. Lucky for her, he's one very persistent man.

I enjoyed the hustle and bustle in getting the town, Harmony (especially Winnie's street), Evergreen Avenue, ready for the Christmas lights celebration. I loved watching her learn to lean on others, as she is alone in the world, and I loved the friendships and connections she has with a handful of people who surround her. Small towns are really the central part of Christmas stories because they inspire feelings of home, love, and tradition, which is why Dan moved here from the city.

This heartwarming tale of hope is all wrapped up with a pretty bow and delivers a sweet holiday punch of love to the heart.

Content: mild romance; very mild language

12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Donna Hatch

Christmas Secrets by Donna Hatch

A stolen Christmas kiss leaves them bewildered and breathless.

A charming rogue-turned-vicar, Will wants to prove that he left his rakish days behind him, but an accidental kiss changes all his plans. His secret could bring them together...or divide them forever.

Holly has two Christmas wishes this year; finally earn her mother's approval by gaining the notice of a handsome earl, and learn the identity of the stranger who gave her a heart-shattering kiss...even if that stranger is the resident Christmas ghost.

This scene takes place when everyone on Christmas Day takes a turn kissing their spouse or sweetheart underneath the mistletoe ball. Now the group turn to Will and Holly, who have only known each other a few days, and start goading them into sharing a mistletoe kiss...

“Come now, don’t be shy,” her sister called. “It’s tradition.”

The others called out encouragements.

Apology edged into Will’s uncertain expression. “Do you mind?”

Holly’s palms grew sweaty inside her gloves, and her smile probably came out wobbly. “Who are we to go against tradition?” Did she sound desperate in her desire to kiss him?

Will held out a hand. She placed hers in it and walked at his side to the kissing ball. They stood, hand in hand, facing each other. His neck cloth shifted as he swallowed. He leaned in. Her heart stumbled and her knees shook. She closed her eyes. Aching, she lifted her face. His cinnamon-spiced breath warmed her mouth.

He kissed her cheek.

Stunned, she opened her eyes. The watching guests groaned and some chuckled.

“No, no, that won’t do at all,” Joseph’s voice rang out. “Give her a proper kiss.”

Will froze. That intensity she occasionally saw in him returned. “Holly.” He swallowed again but instead of nervousness, a hunger that sent a flurry of shivers through her overtook his expression. “May I?”

She nodded. It didn’t matter if he saw how much she wanted this, wanted him. Let him know. Let the whole world know.

He touched her chin, lifted it, and leaned in. Again, she closed her eyes. This time his lips touched hers, pliant and unbelievably gentle. Heat exploded at the contact and shot through her all the way down to her tingling toes. Different from her mystery kiss, this one sang of affection and respect and a deep longing to be accepted. Sweeter, more chaste, more filled with caring, Will’s kiss brought her a level of joy she’d never known. All the world faded away leaving Will and the power of his affection, his touch, his kiss. Every moment of her life seemed to have been designed to bring her to this single, perfect moment of bliss and wholeness.

“Ahem.” Father cleared his throat conspicuously.

Will pulled away all too quickly. A tiny sound of distress caught in Holly’s throat. It was over too soon. But oh, what a glorious kiss!

"I can always count on Donna Hatch to weave a delightful tale with vivid characters and swoony kisses. Christmas Secrets does not disappoint."
~Reading is my Super Power

"Filled with delightful holiday traditions, growing attraction between Holly and one of the guests, a mother set on a desirable match for her daughter, and a few heart-melting kisses, this novella is the perfect book to cuddle up with this holiday season."
~Remembrancy Book Reviews

"It's been some time since an author made me believe their characters like this, but Donna Hatch writes it so beautifully I was quickly drawn into the idyllic past."
Silver Wood Sketches Book Reviews

Author Donna Hatch

Donna Hatch is the award-winning author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series” and is published in sweet Regency romance and fantasy. Her professional memberships include Romance Writers of America (RWA)and American Night Writers Association (ANWA). A sought-after workshop presenter, she juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, not to mention her six children (seven, counting her husband), and still manages to make time to write. A native of Arizona who recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash

Ends 1/6/19

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 14, 2018

The Songs That Brought Me Back by Mylissa Demeyere {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

The Songs That Brought Me Back

Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end.

Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves.

Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past.

Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew.

They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together.

Always together.

Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.

My Review: 5 Stars

Everyone has a story and sometimes there is more to a person than what is seen at first glance. Ainsley was not my favorite character in The Songs of You and Me, but discovering her hidden demons and trials was a refreshing reminder not to judge others and there actions, for there is almost always a reason.

This is a hard topic to swallow, and I was slightly intimidated by the content, but Demeyere was able to deliver it in a very tasteful, informative, heartfelt, and hopeful way, which quickly dispelled my hesitations.

Beautifully raw and emotional, and full of exquisitely swoony moments, this story hooked me from beginning to end (I read it in one sitting). I couldn't put it down! The characters are rock solid, imperfectly perfect (especially Ethan), and the magnetic chemistry was mesmerizing.

I loved the cozy home in Boston, as well as the love-filled house in Belgium. It was a treat to not only go back and forth between these two settings, but to have the book clearly laid out in alternating points-of-view. Of course, I loved the song choices for each chapter and had to go download them all.

Hope, love, and second chances are what this one is all about and I can't wait for more.

Content: mild-moderate romance (swoony, passionate kissing; living together without intimacy, vague talk of an affair); mild-moderate violence (suicide, suicide attempt); mild language

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Why I wrote Ainsley's story (from Mylissa Demeyere)

Did you know that every forty seconds 1 person dies due to suicide? That’s close to 800,000 worldwide, each year. There are indications that for each adult who dies of suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide. That’s an estimate of 16,000,000 attempted suicides worldwide amongst adults. (Source: The World Health Organization).

Five days shy of my sixteenth birthday, my father’s body was found after he had killed himself. Needless to say, it wasn’t the sweet sixteen it could have been.

That event had quite an impact on my life and how I decided to face the challenges I meet.

When I wrote The Songs of You and Me, I delved into Jackson’s past. He got to tell his side of how Ainsley’s choices affected him. I never felt I could leave her tale untold. Each story always has at least two sides to it.

Why does a person make such horrible choices as Ainsley did? What drives them to such selfishness? And does a person like Ainsley have it in her to redeem herself?

My dad made the choice not to fight and right the wrongs in his life. It not only ended his life; it impacted many other lives.

Ainsley’s story is my way of showing you what can happen when people who make mistakes decide to try and do better. Because everyone deserves a second chance to right the wrong and start over again.

This is Ainsley’s story of what happens when you choose to not give up.

I hope that whomever reads this, will realize that we all, at one point in our life need and deserve second chances. When we take those chances, and turn our lives around, miracles can happen. I have seen it firsthand and the stories that follow are beautiful. Not perfect, but definitely worth living.

Even when life seems dark, lost, and like there is no other way than ending it, there is ALWAYS another option.

To everyone who has ever felt like there was never another way, this story is for you. My dad didn’t take the other way, but I hope you will find help. Life isn’t always perfect, but it is a wonderful gift. Definitely worth fighting for.

Author Mylissa Demeyere

Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast.

The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.

Website * BookBub * Facebook * Instagram * Twitter

Amazon * Goodreads * Pinterest

$25 Tour Giveaway
Ends 12/30/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Hayley Wescott

A Snow Globe Christmas by Hayley Wescott

Kelsey Patrick is homesick for the snow and family Christmas tree from her childhood in Connecticut. The holidays are coming and South Florida weather is lovely, but it's not what she wants for Christmas. She's making the best of it, but she expects her Christmas to be un-snowy and lonely.

When she receives a lovely and thoughtful last minute Secret Santa gift from Mrs. Claus, Kelsey's Christmas spirit is revived. When she tries to find the one who gave her the gift under the guise of Mrs. Claus, she makes an assumption that leads her down the wrong path. Brett Taylor is firmly seated in the friend zone and knows Kelsey is making a mistake, but he's in no position to try to change her mind.

Just when both Brett and Kelsey are set to spend their holidays working and alone, a chain of events just might change all that. And maybe Mrs. Claus will see her sweet work behind the scenes bring two love birds together at last.

“Oh, you are still going to be able to make it to my supper party after the gift giving, aren’t you?” Kelsey asked. “I mean, it’s nothing special, just a big tray of lasagna and some appetizers and dessert, of course. And being cramped into my tiny apartment will be an adventure. But, it’s Christmas, and you guys are my Florida family. We’re all working over the festive period, so we need to let our hair down a little, don’t you think?”
“Hey, I’m coming back with you after the gifts to help you get ready. Wouldn’t miss the Patrick festive Christmas lasagna,” Annie said giggling. “Tell me what you need me to bring and I’ll get it while I’m out now. It was the best night of the year, last year.”
“Thank you, that means a lot, Kelsey said, touched at Annie’s compliment. “I think I’m good, though.” She paused. “No, hang on a minute. They didn’t have any heavy cream when I went to the store earlier. Could you see if Nielsen’s has any, if you’re going to be next door at Caspar’s.”
“I can do that. Ooh, I do hope you’re gonna use that cream in your famous cherry trifle. I just love that stuff,” Annie said, not disguising the desire in her voice. Kelsey couldn’t help wondering if she was actually drooling. It made her smile to think her food was so appreciated.
“I might, I might not. It’ll all depend on whether you get me the cream,” she teased.
“Oh, I’ll get you that cream,” Annie vowed. The two women laughed and made their good byes, assuring each other that they’d meet up at work the next day.
Hanging up, Kelsey wondered what it must be like, to be one of those people who left everything to the very last minute. To not have even thought about what you were going to buy someone, the night before that gift was to be given, that would never sit well with Kelsey. Normally her tree would have been up on the very first day of December, and her presents and cards wrapped and delivered across the country a week ago. She absolutely hated that her tree had only gone up today when it was just a week and a half from Christmas. But, because of all the shifts she’d taken at work she didn’t really have much of a choice if she wanted to sleep any. It was done now and her living room sparkled from all the fairy lights as they flashed their bright hues over the glittering tinsel and shiny metallic baubles.
Feeling weary, Kelsey stretched and yawned loudly. Winston looked at her with wide eyes. “Bed time?” she asked him. He ran straight through to the bedroom and began to stake his claim at the end of the bed. He kneaded the mattress with his paws, then settled down, curling his body up into a tight ball, though he left his legs out in front of him, making him look a bit like a furry shrimp.
Kelsey slipped off her shorts and tee shirt and slipped on an old night shirt. It had a very faded Mickey Mouse on it and was so misshapen from all the years of washings that it was barely holding itself together. But it was comfortable on the warm nights here in Florida, and so Kelsey would never part with it.
The sheets were cool as she slipped between them, and it wasn’t long before she had fallen fast asleep. She dreamed of snow falling all around her with fat, heavy flakes landing on her hair and her eyelashes. Wrapped up in a thick coat, with woolen mittens and a hand-knitted scarf and hat she was toasty warm. She twirled around and around, as though she were a ballerina in a music box, turning her face up to the sky and opening her mouth so the snow could land on her tongue, all icy and fresh. It was like Heaven on Earth, and when the alarm sounded Kelsey didn’t want to wake up and face the bright sunshine, or the palm trees, or the sea because there would be no snow again today in Florida.

Wonderful story! The characters are engaging and I love the emphasis on family.

Christmas away from home filled with memories takes the reader on a sweet Christmas adventure with friends and surprises to make for a nice evening read.

The end is such a sweet surprise, I never saw it coming! Very good clean romance.

Author Hayley Wescott

Hayley Wescott loves a sweet love story with the emphasis on the sweet. As a Christian author, she's happy and fulfilled to write stories about real life that don't include cringe-worthy moments or details a reader doesn't really want.

Some of Hayley's stories are about real life. Contemporary stories about flawed people and people that have issues. But each of these stories is resolved in a positive way and the guy always gets the girl.

As part of the Hero Hearts group, Hayley loves writing about heroes who will save the day in big ways and small ones. With Annie Boone, who writes historical romance, and Kate Cambridge who writes both historical and contemporary romance, these three will deliver sweet stories that will capture your heart. Handsome men with big hearts and big jobs and the women who end up falling for them.

Thursday, December 13, 2018

From Ash and Stone by Julie Daines {Blog Tour Review and Giveaway}

From Ash and Stone by Julie Daines

Paperback, 240 pages

Published December 1st 2018 by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42550174-from-ash-and-stone

Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith's son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed. She is left with nothing but bitterness, an unwavering mistrust of men, and a strange and mysterious curse that allows her to feel the thoughts of anyone who touches her.

Now, after six years away, Margaret is returning home for one reason: revenge. She hopes that by avenging her family's deaths, she will somehow be freed from her curse. But it won't be easy. The identities of the raiders are still unknown, she has little left to her name, and traveling alone in the Northumbrian hills during the border wars is dangerous. Matters are further complicated by handsome Angus Robson, a Scotsman whose charm threatens to distract her from her plans. But the raiders are closer than she knows, and Margaret soon realizes that what she believed to be a curse may be the key to finding those she seeks. One touch will reveal the truth.

My Review: 5 Stars

There are elements of danger and excitement embedded within these pages that once again confirm that while these times and events are entertaining, I would never survive actually living in them.

Margaret is one brave, strong, and stubborn woman! She is intent on finding out who is responsible for killing off her family and for leaving her with a curse. This curse is slightly fascinating, yet disturbing, and aids her in her quest. I loved how this component gives such an interesting aspect to this tale.

Angus is such a persistent sweetheart. Am I allowed to say that about this tough Scotsman? It's all in the little things that he does to show he cares. That's what endeared him to me and I loved the role he plays in supporting Margaret.

These really are dangerous situations and I really enjoyed the adventure and mystery, as I immersed myself in this book.

Content: mild romance; mild+ elements of danger/violence; death