Virtual Book Tour: All Bags Go to Cleveland by CS Hale

 Good morning everyone! Please welcome author CS Hale to Full Moon Dreaming. He's here to tell us about her new release, All Bags Go to Cleveland. The author will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter in the tour via Rafflecopter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

ALL BAGS GO TO CLEVELAND

by CS Hale

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GENRE:  

 

paranormal romantic comedy

 

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BLURB:

 

Angela Grimalke appears more blonde bombshell than the gremlin she is. But there is no denying her supernatural truth after her clumsiness gets her fired from her modeling career. Forced to work for her family’s upscale airline, she spends her days slinging luggage and wishing her parents would get off her back about finding a nice gremlin guy to settle down with. 

 

Relationships were the last thing on her mind, not that her family would accept that. 

 

For Dave Ford his frequent business travel made it next to impossible for him to find a woman who could tolerate his chaotic schedule. Which is why he appreciates Angela. Neither of them are looking for love, but Dave feeds Angela's addiction for chocolate while she provides him with the chaos to keep him on his toes.

 

However, as Angela’s parents bombard her with a parade of "eligible" gremlin men at their weekly family dinners, she finds herself torn between who she longs to be and her family’s expectations. Will she give in and live the life of magic they want for her? Or risk it all by to confessing to Dave that she isn’t human?

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

EXCERPTS:

 

 

“You owe me.”

 

Angela glanced up from her computer screen. Dave Ford stood in front of her. The blood drained from her face. “Do I?” She raised her “helpful” smile.

 

“Yes.” Dave handed over his passport and put the Louis Vuitton garment bag on the scale. “Last time, you sent my bag to Cleveland.”

 

“The system isn’t perfect,” Angela said, punching Dave’s information into the computer. “Things do happen sometimes.”

 

“You control the system. I think you owe me a glass of wine for having to find a tailor at six a.m. I had a nine o’clock business meeting and just my jeans and sweatshirt.”

 

“Hmm. By that reckoning, I think I’d owe the tailor for having to get you a functional suit so quickly at that early hour.”

 

“I tipped him £100. Least you can do is buy me a glass of wine in return.”

 

Angela lifted her gaze. Dave—all six feet of him with his fabulous hair— had a hopeful expression on his face.

 

“I’m not in the habit of buying strange men alcohol.”

 

Dave stuck his hand out. “Hi. Dave Ford. Business traveler.” Angela laughed. “All I’m asking for is a glass of Malbec. Or maybe pinot noir. Small price to pay in comparison to my having to fight off jet lag via acupuncture.”

 

“Acupuncture?”

 

Dave shrugged. “It was early for the tailor. His aim wasn’t quite what it could have been.”

 

Angela dipped into Dave’s mind. The tailor had stabbed him a couple of times. And Dave was playing with her. He wanted to see what she’d do.

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

INTERVIEW 12

What group did you hang out with in high school? I hung out with the drama nerds. They were the most fun group ever. We were actually a lot like Adam and his friends in The Goldbergs. And it was even the 80s. Whether it was bringing our kazoos to football games and playing “Tequila” until the band joined in, leaving the cheerleaders confused with pom poms on their hips, or slapping ourselves against the movable wall separating the stage and drama room from the rest of the multipurpose room to the cry of “Barnacle!” we always had something going on. At the private school I went to my first two years of high school, two of the students spent an entire night wiring EVERYTHING IN the history teacher’s room to the ceiling, creating an upside down classroom. There was even a paper airplane wired to skim the floor, and they reversed the magnet in the clock so that it ran backwards. Trevor lost his keys to the building after that stunt, but his partner-in-crime went on to teach physics at Edinburgh University.

What are you passionate about these days? Kindness. I have been bullied most of my life, even as an adult, and I don’t care how much you disagree with someone, there is never any excuse to be mean. Actually, the more you disagree with someone, the kinder you need to be. Your getting heated only makes you dangerous and someone who needs to be eliminated. It’s the basic fight or flight response we have little control over. I’m always willing to be open to changing my mind, but I’m also Irish and a pretty good shot. You don’t want to mess with me if I haven’t done the flight response. And I have a circle of friends who would make sure you were never found. So be kind. The life you save might be your own.

If you had to do your journey to getting published all over again, what would you do differently? Nothing. I spent eight years trying to go traditional and it allowed me to create four separate different worlds with an eventual twelve separate books plus the other character who has been talking to me for several years. I learned a lot and watched publishing change. Some for the better. Some not. Those eight years allowed my skills to grow. I wish I had done things differently with Fall From the Moon’s first cover. That was a $1,200 learning experience, but I ended up with Melissa and an absolutely gorgeous cover in the end. Things were not in place to have that cover on the first go-around.

Ebook or print? And why? I have to confess that I don’t own an e-reader. I love paper. The way it smells. The way it feels in your hand. I do understand how handy an e-reader can be to take on vacation. I took 5 print books with me on my honeymoon many moons ago (I needed something to do on the beach).

I love that in the UK bookstores are still on nearly every corner and you see people everywhere reading print. And both my cover designer and formatter turn out gorgeous print books that you just can’t do on an e-reader. Even Cleveland had to change from fun fonts to distinguish the different characters texts to plain bold as you can’t do specialized fonts for Kindle. I get that ebooks are MUCH cheaper and easier to tote around, but check out the print interiors of Lichelle Slater’s Forgotten Kingdom series and tell me that you don’t wish every book had an interior like them.

What is your favorite scene in this book? My favorite scene is the one where Dave and Angela first picnic by the Central Park boat pond and Dave tells Angela how much he’s always admired Stuart Little. I cried when I wrote that scene because it so perfectly summed up the theme of the book - you need to embrace your differences, instead of hiding from them, and just go out and do things.

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Catherine “C.S.” Hale has been writing fantasy since she could hold a pencil. When not holed up in a comfortable corner writing all her books out by longhand, she can be found somewhere by the sea, enjoying tea and pastries.

 

Website: cshalebooks.com

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

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

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FVDJL54

 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #49 (11.4)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Everyone had adjustments to make to the new situation, but Evan is afraid the children just don't like him, and he isn't sure what to do about it. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Then go visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them! Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #49 (11.4)

The first couple of weeks after becoming a family was spent in adjusting to the new situation. Some adjustments were easier than others, Evan found. He and Chan had had their own routines, but these were gone now, naturally. Although some things were similar, such as meals. They still shared the cooking duties, although Chan was by far the better chef. An opinion which was born out by his siblings, who seemed less than enthusiastic when Evan cooked. In all fairness, Evan had done little cooking for himself prior to meeting Chan, other than grilling when the mood hit him. Even so, he was trying to please their palates, just not succeeding very well.

Chan and Evan didn’t work the same hours. Well, Chan did, but Evan’s schedule tended to change. Sometimes he worked into the evening, or over the weekend, and was off during the week. On those days, he would stay home with Madhu, instead of Denise. At least that was the plan. But after she cried pitifully when left alone with him, he found himself calling the babysitter, who rushed right over. Evan didn’t know what he was doing wrong, but he didn’t want to upset the little girl. She’d just lost her parents and still didn’t understand why her whole world had changed. He didn’t want to add to the problem.

Every day, Laksha and Kamal walked home together from school, a few short blocks away. Once inside the house, Kamal would toss his backpack into his room, grab a snack and run off to play with one of his friends while Laksha studied. When Evan expressed an interest in knowing where he was going, Kamal informed him that it was none of Evan’s business, he wasn’t his father. Before Evan could react, he’d run out the door. He glanced uncertainly at Laksha, but the young girl only shrugged, as if to say not her problem, then picked up Madhu, who was tugging at her skirt, and carried her into the kitchen.

Evan debated telling Chan about what had happened but decided his lover didn’t need the added pressure. He would just have to figure things out for himself. Hopefully the children would not act up forever. Or for very much longer.

One night Evan decided to try his hand at making curry, hoping to please everyone. He found a recipe online, and luckily they had all the ingredients on hand. He grilled pork chops with it, and asparagus. Chan declared it delicious, and Laksha seemed to like it as well. But Kamal only played with his food for a while then asked to be excused and wanted to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Chan started to say no, but then gave in and agreed. Madhu picked at her rice quietly.

“I’m sorry,” Evan apologized later, when they were alone in bed. Not the way he’d wanted the evening to go, not at all.

“For what?” Chan asked, stretching his arms and legs, and then his neck until it popped and he relaxed. “Dinner was great, I promise. Thank you for that.” He kissed Evan softly and patted his cheek. “Things are different for them, that’s all. They’ll adjust. I promise.”

Evan wasn’t so sure, but he wasn’t about to express his doubts or add to Chan’s stress in anyway. So he nodded his agreement instead and buried his misgivings. Turning to face Chan, he laid one hand upon Chan’s slim hip—since moving into the house, they’d begun wearing sleep pants rather than sleeping in the nude as they had before—and began to stroke his leg, wanting Chan so badly he could taste it. Chan meant the world to him and he wanted to show him just how much.

Sliding his hand beneath Chan’s waistband, he was gratified to find that Chan greatly desired him as well. He cupped Chan’s erection, caressing his warm length, as Chan scooted closer to him to facilitate his reach.

“What did you have in mind?” Chan teased, his fingers stroking the faint stubble on Evan’s jaw.

“You, of course,” Evan replied before he claimed Chan’s lips. He tightened his grasp of Chan’s cock and began to slowly pump it.

“Chan!” An imperious voice broke into the moment. Evan recognized it immediately as belonging to Kamal. Maybe if they kept quiet…

But no, as a few seconds later, “Chan, I’m thirsty,” could be heard as well as the rattling of their doorknob. Evan wasn’t worried as he knew the door was locked, for their privacy, but even so…

“I’ll get him a glass of water and be right back,” Chan promised. “Okay?” He looked so anxious that Evan could do no less than agree.

“I’ll be right here,” he replied.

“Sorry,” Chan murmured. He rolled from the bed, adjusting himself as he did, and threw on a robe before answering the door. Just then a wail sounded from  down the hall. Madhu was crying.

The mood was broken now. Evan sighed and got up, to see if he could help in anyway. Somehow he doubted that he was wanted by any of them, though.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 27 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 27        

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Ulquiorra has taken Orihime hostage, capture while she is being escorted back to the World of the Living. Warning her that resistance is futile, he allows her to go to Kakura Town to say good-bye to one person, without being seen, and then she is to report to Hueco Mundo. Orihime agrees, rather than see anyone get hurt. And of course the one person she chooses to say good-bye to is Ichigo.

Meanwhile, the battle between the Soul Reapers and the Arrancars continues, following the arrival of Uruhara. Yammy thinks he’s killed Kiskue but the shop owner is a lot tougher than he’s given him credit for. And he’s a quick study. Fool me once, shame on you… but Kiskue won’t be fooled again.

Ichigo, along with Rukia,  is battling Grimmjow, and things aren’t going particularly well when Dutch Boy (Shinji) shows up, and he isn’t anything Grimmjow has ever seen before. And neither will he explain himself to the Arrancar, which infuriates him. But just as Dutch Boy lashes out with a Cero of his own, and it seems as if the tide has turned in their favor, the call comes to the Arrancars that the battle is and they are to return. Obviously a sign that their objective has been attained, ie the capture of Orihime, although the others don’t know that yet.

An exhausted Ichigo is taken home to recuperate and is totally unaware of Orihime’s arrival and her heartfelt good-bye in the middle of the night. But when Hitsugaya arrives the next morning and detects her spiritual pressure, that knowledge seems to change everything. Now the Soul Reapers will do nothing to assist in her rescue, claiming that she has joined Aizen et al of her own accord and is therefore a traitor. Rukia and the other Soul Reapers are ordered back to Soul Society immediately and the Captain General forbids Ichigo to help Orihime either, claiming he needs him for more important thing.

Like Ichigo’s going to listen to the old man when Orihime’s life is in danger.

Before he heads off to Hueco Mundo, Ichigo briefly returns to school and cuts ties with his friends for their own protection, then heads to the shop, suspecting Kiskue can help him get to Hueco Mundo. But rather than play Lone Ranger, it seems that Ichigo will have a couple of companions, who have been waiting for him to turn up. And they are not the only ones keeping Ichigo on their radar.

An interesting turn of events with the capture of Orihime. Now we finally understand just why Uruhara wanted to keep her from the battle, and it has nothing to do with her abilities or lack of, but it was done for her protection, knowing she will become a target of Aizen. See how well that worked out. Now is the time to find out what this seemingly fragile, mind-mannered, sweet young girl is truly made of. In order to survive Aizen and his cohorts in Hueco Mundo, it had best be something really strong.  Also interesting is her admission of her feelings when saying farewell to Ichigo.

Perhaps losing the support of the Soul Reapers – at least for now – was for the best, because that’s what is allowing Uryu to come along, providing the loophole in his agreement with his father which helped him regain his Quincy powers. But it seems that dear old Dad is not surprised, as even Isshin can tell.

In this volume, we get a little more of a glimpse into Kiskue as more than a comic relief character who happens to own a shop in the World of the Living.  Did you really think that was his only purpose? No, that man has a lot more to him, and a lot more we have to learn about him. You just don’t become a supplier to the Soul Reapers without having some sort of inside knowledge… maybe friends in high places?

The first arc of Bleach involved the saving of Rukia, and now on to the saving of Orihime. Not coincidentally, both rescues involve Aizen, the renegade Soul Reaper, who no longer has any redeeming values. That man is just bad to the bone. And more than a little egomaniacal and crazy. No telling what that kind of crazy will do, as it tends to want everything.

Another good volume of Bleach, setting the stage for what is coming, namely battle with Aizen and pals on their own turf. That can’t be good, surely, especially when he was so many bad things at his disposal. So what is his long-term agenda?  Well, he still has the Hogyoku, waiting for it to come to fruition. What’s he plan to do with it? Hard to say.

Can’t wait for the next volume.

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #48 (11.3)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Despite the tragedy, life goes on, and so it is with Evan and Chan. Evan returns to work, to be greeted by his friends, who are glad to see him. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's going on with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #48 (11.3)

“I’m so sorry about Chan’s parents.” Christina’s brown eyes were warm and sympathetic as she greeted Evan when he entered the station on his first day back at work. Her desk was always the first place he stopped when he began his shift, to check for calls he needed to take right away or simply catch up on what was happening and pass a few minutes before the day started. “How is he doing?”

“About as well as expected, all things considered. Thanks for the flowers. They were beautiful.” Christina had sent a sympathy card and a bouquet of chrysanthemums and marigolds to the house. Evan and Chan had gone out with Christina and Nathan a couple of times, despite her protestations that she and the other trooper were just friends. Everyone pretty well saw through that nonsense, though. It wasn’t hard to see that Nathan was very taken with the young Latina desk clerk, and she was equally attracted to him.

“You’re very welcome. Those poor kids.”Christina sighed. “I can’t even imagine what they’re going through. I know I would have been devastated to lose my parents at such a young age. I wouldn’t handle it well even now, as old as I am.” Evan knew her parents were both alive and well, as she talked about them frequently. They’d come up to Texas from Mexico many years before and set down roots in Tucker Falls. They still had family in Mexico, and there was frequent visitation across the border.

Evan had no such happy familial ties, but he realized that this wasn’t an easy time for Chan or the kids. All they could do was hang in there and try to get through it as well as they could. He had to admit to himself, though, that he wasn’t used to being around children all the time. Their proximity still felt odd to him. He imagined that would change over time. At least he hoped so.

“Want some coffee before you head out?” Christina asked. “I just made a fresh pot.”

At that moment, with perfect timing, Nathan walked in the door. He must have heard her question and assumed it was meant for him.

“I’d love some, beautiful,” he said, taking up a position next to Evan, who was leaning over the front desk while he conversed with Christina.

“You know where it is,” Christina replied, never missing a beat.

Evan couldn’t help but snicker.

“Yes, but nobody makes it like you. You add that extra little something that makes everything so much better,” Nathan shot back.

“You mean arsenic?” Christina said sweetly.

“Actually, I had sweetener in mind.” Nathan turned toward Evan and winked. “Don’t let her fool you. She’s sweet on me, just hides it well.”

“Very well,” Evan agreed. “C’mon, let’s get some coffee and get out of her hair.”

“Whose side are you on?” Nathan pretended to pout as he followed Evan into the break room, but not until after he’d blown Christina an air kiss. Evan noticed with no surprise that she caught his kiss and pretended to put it in her uniform pocket, smiling all the while.

They each poured coffee into plastic cups from the pot that was always brewing, no matter what time of day, added cream and sugar, and a lid. One never knew when the first call would come. If nothing else, they would take it on patrol with them as they began their rounds.

“Ooh, donuts!” Nathan exclaimed at the sight of a familiar bakery box on one of the tables in the room. Nathan liked to say he didn’t how cliché it was he loved his coffee and doughnuts. “Thank you, beautiful!” He raised his voice in order to be heard at the front desk. That was generally not a problem, since his voice carried very well, especially when he wanted it to.

“Don’t think I did it for you,” came the cheeky reply. Evan had to smile. Luckily, some things never changed.

They each snagged a doughnut from the box, then began to munch, leaning against the kitchen counters as they ate.

“How’s it feel to be a father?” Nathan asked between bites.

Evan frowned. He wouldn’t say he felt very fatherly. He wasn’t even sure if he qualified as any kind of uncle, either, or evan an older brother. Despite being with Chan for a while, he was mostly a stranger to them. Just one who happened to be dating their brother. He had a lot to adjust to himself, he realized. Maybe not in as dramatic a way as they all did, but a change nonetheless.

He must have taken too long to reply, he realized belatedly, judging by the shrewd look Nathan was giving him. He really wasn’t sure how to respond, but was saved having to do so when another trooper walked in, an older man who was heading toward retirement in a few years but showed no signs of slowing down.

“Hey Wally,” Evan greeted the newcomer. He gestured toward the table. “Donuts, courtesy of the lovely Christina.”

“She’s a good damn woman,” Wally said, making a beeline toward the pastries. “Damn shame no one’s scooped her up.” His last words were aimed squarely at Nathan, whose face reddened.

“Not for lack of trying,” Evan quipped.

They all shared a laugh, and the previous topic was dropped, to Evan’s relief. At least for now.

 to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them!

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Book Review: Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

 

Heart-Shaped Box     

Author: Joe Hill

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

American release date:  January 1, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Ghost Fiction/400 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Jude Coyne, at the age of fifty-four, isn’t exactly in his prime. Not so much as the number of his years but the way he’s spent them. Jude is, or was, a hard-living death-metal rocker who likes to live life on the edge.  But he hasn’t made any new music for a while, not since most of his band have died. Doesn’t mean he’s changed his ways. He’s living in a farmhouse with a young girl thirty years his junior, who he calls Georgia. Not because that’s her name but because that’s where she’s from. He’s always called his girls by their states of origin, rather than bothering to learn their real names.  That’s just how Jude is.

Jude has a taste for the macabre, and possesses rather an esoteric collection of strange items, including a cookbook for cannibals, a used hangman’s noose, and a snuff film. So when he receives an invitation to purchase something strange and unusual, he decides to give the item a look. Imagine his surprise to discover a ghost for sale on a wannabe ebay site? How can he resist? He doesn’t, and makes a snap judgment to buy it now, so no one else can purchase it. The ghost arrives in the form of a suit, packed in a heart-shaped box. And now the fun begins.

When Jude receives the suit, his life changes forever. He will have to deal with his past in order to survive the present… or he may have no future.

This is not my first Joe Hill rodeo. He’s a really good writer, reminiscent of Stephen King. Not surprising, considering that’s his father. But that isn’t to say he’s an imitation of his father, because he isn’t. Far from it. Joe Hill knows how to tell a good story, and he tells it well. He can even take an outwardly unlikeable character like Jude Coyne and layer him in such a way that by the end of the book, you like him and are rooting for him. He draws on a vast knowledge of humankind and creates some memorable characters, including the ghost. He doesn’t sugarcoat his characters, and shows them with all their blemishes and flaws.

This book is a real page-turner, as you just can’t imagine what is going to happen, or what’s waiting up ahead on the road, and you’re really excited to find out what’s there. If you like ghost stories, you’ll love this one. Going to find more of his books and read them.

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #47 (11.2)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

So many changes for Chan and Evan, and for Chan's siblings, and for such a sad reason. But life goes on, as they struggle to find a new normalcy. See what's going on with them in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #47 (11.2)

For practical purposes, Chan and Evan decided to take the master bedroom for themselves, instead of continuing to sleep in the guest room. They’d discussed it between them, and Evan had understood when Chan explained how he felt closer to them there. He was still finding it difficult to cope with their deaths. He could only imagine how the children felt, having never been faced with such a situation before in their young lives.

 Chan offered to move Laksha into the extra room, so she would have a bedroom of her own, instead of having to share a space with Madhu. But Laksha turned down their offer, albeit politely.

“Madhu needs me,” she said simply. “I don’t want her to be alone.”

Chan was touched by his sister’s generosity. Touched but not surprised. She had always shown empathy and understanding to her siblings. Still, he was worried that she was going to be forced to grow up more quickly than she should.

The promised sublet didn’t happen, unfortunately, but the manager promised to keep looking. Evan told Chan not to worry about anything. But Chan couldn’t help but worry. Evan was paying for an apartment he wasn’t even using, plus he intended to pay half the bills for all of them. Certainly not what he’d signed on for. And yet he never complained.

When it was time for the children to go back to school, Chan almost cried. He wanted to hold on to them as much as he could. But he realized it was better for them to get back to some sort of normalcy, see their friends, and resume their education. Plus he and Evan needed to get back to work.

He made sure Laksha and Kamal had a hot breakfast, gave them lunch money, made sure they had everything they needed and watched from inside the house until the school bus arrived. Shortly after that, Denise arrived to watch Madhu. Evan had an earlier shift, so he was already gone.

Madhu hadn’t spoken much in the past few days, and she had never cried. She carried her stuffed wolf Kela everywhere, and would often cuddle up to the animal while watching TV. What concerned Chan was that she was sucking her thumb again, a habit he thought she’d outgrown. But he didn’t think this was the right time to fuss at her about it. Maybe it was comforting to her, and he could understand her need for comfort.

He picked up his little sister and held her close. “I’m sorry I have to go,” he murmured softly. “But I’ll be home before we know it, okay?”

Madhu made no response, just looked at him with her large brown eyes. He had no idea what was going on inside her head. “I love  you,” he said before handing her to Denise.

“Why don’t we read?” Denise suggested. Madhu nodded. Chan was glad to see her respond well to her new babysitter.

“We’ll be fine,” Denise assured him.

“I know,” he said. “And thank you again.”

“Any time,” she said. “Your parents were lovely people. They didn’t deserve…” She paused and took a deep breath. “Well, anyway, I’m glad to help. Have a great day. We’ll see you later. C’mon, baby.” She carried Madhu toward her room. Chan gave a forlorn little wave in her direction, but Madhu never looked back. Chan sighed and headed out the door. He didn’t want to be late on his first day back. At least his commute was shorter now.

 to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them!

Cia Nordwell

J Alan Veerkamp

Carol Pedroso

Virtual Book Tour: Secret Angel by Cherry Christensen

 Good morning everyone! Please welcome author Cherry Christensen to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here to tell us about her new release, Secret Angel. Cherry will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

Secret Angel

by Cherry Christensen

 

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance, Christian Holiday Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

Doctoral student Hannah Wagganer has big dreams of leaving her hometown of Glen Arbor behind to teach at a large university. That is, until Jasper Morgan, the new mail carrier, arrives in town. Not only does he send Hannah’s heart racing, but he creates an instant bond with her cat, Jingles.

 

While Hannah is busy preparing for the church’s candlelight Christmas Eve service and running the family store, she keeps bumping into Jasper—right in front of the prying eyes of the locals, who suspect there’s more going on than business as usual.

 

But then, a series of unexpected blessings occurs that changes the town’s focus: first, an anonymous donor pays to have the church furnace repaired, and then other locals suddenly find solutions to their problems. Is it coincidental, or the work of a secret angel?

 

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EXCERPT:

 

“The meal was wonderful, and so was the company,” Jasper answered, turning briefly to catch Hannah’s eye.

 

“Glad to hear,” Sabela said, grinning. “Be right back.”

 

Hannah rolled her eyes. “Now you’ve gone and done it. We’ll be the talk of the town by tomorrow morning.”

 

“That’s one time I won’t mind being in the spotlight.”

 

The heat in his voice melted her insides to mush. “You’re crazy.”

 

“Uh-oh,” Sabela said, approaching their table. “I bet you weren’t supposed to figure that out until he had you completely under his spell.” She handed him the credit card and winked at Hannah. “Thank you and come back soon.”

 

Hannah laughed and put on her coat. Exiting the restaurant, frigid air smacked her cheeks as the door closed behind them. She pinched her collar tighter, stepping beside Jasper on the way back to the shop.

 

“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you in there,” he said, kicking a chunk of ice with the toe of his boot.

 

“It isn’t the first time.” She listened to the faint sound of a snow blower off in the distance, remembering other occasions when Sabela instigated rumors about Hannah’s love life. She quirked a smile, realizing fantasy was more gossip-worthy than reality, and perhaps Sabela’s meddling would somehow prove beneficial in the future.

 

“Is that a good smile or an ‘I’m plotting my revenge on him’ smile?”

 

She hastened her pace as Deer Crossings came into view. “I’ll never tell.”

 

“Hey, wait,” Jasper called out, his footsteps stomping behind her. “That’s not reassuring at all.”

 

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Cherry resides in the Mitten State with her husband of 19 years and a tabby cat named Caden. A true Michigander, she points at the palm of her right hand when telling people where she lives, drinks Vernors ginger ale when she’s under the weather, wears shorts and a sweatshirt at the same time, and measures distance in minutes, not miles. She also cheers for her favorite football team, the Michigan Wolverines. Go Blue!

 

A confirmed night owl, Cherry wholeheartedly agrees with whoever said, “I could be a morning person, if morning happened around noon.” It’s no surprise then she prefers to write in the evening. She’s a bit of a pantser writer, meaning she dreams up stories without using an outline, so every day is an exciting adventure as she waits to see where the characters lead her next!

 

A lifelong avid reader, Cherry turned to writing as a creative outlet. Drawing partly from her own experiences, and partly from her wild imagination, she weaves romantic tales with a smidgen of religion and a hint of mystery. Cherry’s first novel, The Fearful Heart, debuted in 2014, and she has never looked back. She continues to grow as an author, learning more about the writing craft with each book.

 

Social Media:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cherry-Christensen-Author-1427146804175227

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cherry-christensen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9872402.Cherry_Christensen

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cfyfechristense/_saved/

 

Buy Link:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081JCH37D

 

Note: Secret Angel is regularly priced at $0.99. It’s the first book in my Secret Series.

 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Virtual Book Blast: Late for Love (The Way Over the Hill Gang Book 5)

 Please welcome author M.K. Scott to Full Moon Dreaming! They are here today to tell us about their new release, Late for Love. They will be awarding a $40 Amazon/BN GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on their tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

Late for Love

(The Way Over The Hill Gang Book 5)

by M.K. Scott

 

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GENRE: Cozy Mystery

 

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BLURB:

 

The senior sleuths love a good laugh, but this conundrum is no laughing matter. A missing journalist, an African Grey parrot, and a possible mob connection sound like the beginning of a bad joke. Unfortunately, there is no punchline and no one, aside from the seniors, who would dare to take the case on.

 

Will their first chance to handle a case on their own prove to be way too much for them to handle, and more importantly, could this first be their last? 

 

 

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EXCERPT:

 

 

 

“Cheez and crackers.” He growled the words, knowing good and well this phone could do close-up shots. He had done it before.

 

“What’s wrong?” a feminine voice asked.

 

Jake turned slightly and met the inquisitive stare of a twenty-something nursing aide. It would be embarrassing to admit he was trying to take a photo of the group in the courtyard.  None of the sleuths would know how to do it either.

 

Choices. He swallowed hard and held up his phone. “I forgot how to make the phone take a close-up shot. My great-nephew showed me at one time...” He shrugged his shoulders, leaving the obvious unsaid.

 

“Okay.” The aide glanced past the phone into the courtyard. “Ah, I see.” She giggled before holding out her hand for the phone.

 

Once situated in her left hand, she put her thumb and forefinger of her right hand together against the screen, then slowly separated them, making the image larger. “You can do this as many times as you need, making the people larger. I’ll warn you the bigger it is the blurrier it gets. I think it’s sweet you’re trying to get a photo of your crush. Which one is she?”

 

“There’s no crush,” Jake informed her brusquely. Even though he wasn’t familiar with the helpful aide, it didn’t stop her from talking. The last thing he needed was the staff gossiping about him.

 

“Uh-huh,” The woman grinned at him. “That’s how my grandpa and grandma met.”

 

“What?” Jake was certain he’d missed part of the conversation.

 

“Grandma was coming out of the church…” she started conversationally.

 

Jake cut his eyes to the courtyard window, worried he might lose his chance for a photo, but he couldn’t duck out of a story that was being related for his benefit. His lips turned up slightly in a forced smile, and he nodded for her to continue. “Church, huh?”

 

“Yes…” The aide nodded, but it did nothing to slow her narrative. She held her hands up as if holding a small object. “Grandpa was on the other side of the street taking a photo of her leaving church. One of her friends pointed out his action to grandma.”

 

“Why would he be across the street taking a photo of his own wife?” This story made no sense. He only hoped it got better. Surely there could be no comparison of himself and a man crossing streets to photograph his wife. At least, he hoped not.

 

The aide, whose name tag identified her as Sheila, chuckled. “They hadn’t met yet. Grandma was a widow and grandpa a long-time bachelor who attended the same church. Anyhow, when grandma saw him taking her photo, she marched right across the street and…”

 

“I know…” Jake interrupted. “She snatched the camera out of his hands.” A similar incident had happened to him in France.

 

“No.” Sheila shot Jake a confused look. “She invited him to lunch. They got to know each other and married not too long after.”

 

Well, that hadn’t turned out the way he thought it would. Too bad he didn’t have that kind of luck. At the moment, he’d be fortunate if the helpful Sheila hit the road. “Great story,” he enthused. “I appreciate the help, too. Don’t let me cut into your break, though.”

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach.  Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are fun series to create and read.

 

Social Media

 

Website: http://www.morgankwyatt.com/

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

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826299.Morgan_K_Wyatt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/morgankwyatt/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-K-Scott/e/B01M4JGK1A/

 

Buy Links:  The book will be on sale for $0.99 on the day of the tour.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08FYX8SCL/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sout 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway