An Autumn Kiss - Spotlight Book Tour and Excerpt

 

     

An Autumn Kiss is the seventh book in the Timeless Victorian Collection, a bestselling anthology series from Mirror Press. The book features three novellas from acclaimed historical romance authors whose stories reveal if one kiss will change the lives of the three heroines.

“The Plucky Miss Ruth,” by Laura Rollins 

Miss Ruth Hughes is certain she’s caught in a time loop—every day she wakes to find it exactly as the one before. A thrilling prospect to be sure. If the many books she reads on time travel has taught her anything, it is that to break free she must complete an all-important task. For Ruth the task is straightforward: reunite a couple, once desperately in love but forced apart by society. Unfortunately, things are not always as easy as they first appear. Struggling, Ruth opens up to the handsome Lord Lambert and he readily agrees to help. With autumn on the brink of turning into winter, time is running out for Ruth to help the ones who need her most. And, with a bit of luck, perhaps she can even find a little time for her own happily ever after.

“Mr. Dowling’s Remedy,” by Annette Lyon

Crandall Dowling’s aspirations of becoming a physician collapse when he develops symptoms that land him in an asylum. He’s been at Sherville Retreat long enough for autumn leaves to appear when Beverly Stanton arrives. She’s held under the dubious diagnosis of “hysteria” but seems perfectly sane, unlike Crandall, though his verbal and physical tics don’t seem to scare or even bother her. Beverly and Crandall develop a friendship fueled by an undeniable attraction that under other circumstances could become more. But in an asylum, one cannot plan a future, let alone one of love or marriage. Then tragedy strikes, testing staff and patients beyond anyone’s training. When the dust settles, Beverly’s diagnosis may be reversed, but if she leaves, what will become of her? What of Crandall? And what of their autumn-born love?

“A Railway Through the Roses,” by Lisa H. Catmull

Mr. Adrian Everard has tried everything to keep his father’s factory open, but a single solution remains. Marry an heiress before Christmas to fund the desperately needed railway. The local landowner, Lady Anne Baxter, will not agree to sell her garden—or her heart. Indeed, his childhood friend is determined to sabotage all his efforts to find a wife. As the deadline for Adrian to choose a bride draws close, one thing becomes painfully obvious. Saving the factory will mean losing the woman he loves forever.

 

ABOUT THE SERIES

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been presenting the Timeless Romance Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories featuring bestselling authors from the contemporary and historical romance genres. The collection has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.  

 

ADVANCE PRAISE

·         5 STARS – “…a fun collection and each of them have something unique from most of the romances I've read. Very enjoyable reading.”— Maria Thomas, Goodreads

·         “This anthology is truly wonderful. Each story is very distinct from the others, and each is also very compelling. It will keep you reading and wanting more with each page and chapter.”— Shauna Jones, Goodreads

·         5 STARS “absolutely adored this collection of short stories! I would recommend this collection to anyone who needs an escape for a couple of hours.”— Jzcotter03, Goodreads

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

 

 

Laura Rollins has always loved a heart-melting happily ever after. It didn’t matter if the story took place in Regency England, or in a cobbler’s shop, if there was a sweet romance, she would read it.

​Life has given her many of her own adventures. Currently she lives in the Rocky Mountains with her best friend, who is also her husband, and their four beautiful children. She still loves to read books and more books; her favorite types of music are classical, Broadway, and country; she loves hiking in the mountains near her home; and she’s been known to debate with her oldest son about whether Infinity is better categorized as a number or an idea.

 

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Annette Lyon is a USA Today bestselling author, a 9-time recipient of Utah’s Best in State medal for fiction (three times for novel-length works and five times for short fiction), and a Whitney Award winner for BAND OF SISTERS. She's the author of over a dozen novels, at least that many novellas, a cookbook, a popular grammar guide, and over a hundred magazine articles.

She’s a founder and regular contributor of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, which she served as editor for its first three years. She's also one of the four co-authors of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. She graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.

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I write clean and wholesome romances in the Victorian era and sweet contemporary romances. My books have been nominated for Swoony, RONE, and Whitney awards. 

 I taught Middle School English and History for seven years before pursuing screenwriting and writing. I currently live between a canyon and a lake in Utah with my husband, two cats, and two rambunctious children. 

 

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The Plucky Miss Ruth, by Laura Rollins

Chapter One

England, 1895

Time, it seemed to Ruth Hughes, had stopped in the gardens at Gildredge Manor.

The autumn leaves hung on brown branches, but never dropped. The muggy weather had cooled, bringing one brisk day after another but never truly turning cold. The pink aster and deep red dianthus peered up at her, rich and bright, but never fewer in number than the day before.

If she didn’t know better, Ruth would say she was stuck in a continuous loop.

Such a delightful notion, a continuous loop. She couldn’t quite remember where she’d first read that term, but it had stuck with her all the same. To relive a single day, over and over again . . . only breaking free when a lesson was learned, or a goal accomplished. When she’d first come across the term, she’d thought on little else for days.

Walking alongside her cousin, Nettie, Ruth couldn’t help but keep an eye out as they turned off the street, walked through the gate, and into the gardens. Here she always found a little bit of calm, a break from the busy Eastbourne. There, just inside the gates was the gardener, Mr. Harrison, same as he always was.

“Good afternoon,” Ruth called to him, repeating the words she always said. “The flowers look beautiful today.”

“Thank you, miss,” he replied. “I can take credit for the fine soil and proper placement.” As he spoke, Ruth mouthed along with the words, she’d heard them so many times. “But it’s the Good Lord who you ought to give credit to for the brilliant blooms.”

They walked over the well paved path, deeper into the gardens. Each bed was perfectly planned, boasting blooms and greenery native to both England and abroad; truly some of the most exquisite blooms Ruth had ever seen. Short yellow violas were planted just in front of a stunning pink clematis variety she’d never seen anywhere else. When she’d asked the gardener about it several days ago, he’d called it Rooguchi clematis.

Beyond that was a vibrant purple butterfly bush and then some stunning white Japanese anemone—again, another name she only knew due to her asking the gardener. She hadn’t a mind for botany; she’d much prefer spending her time studying science, new engineering feats, or even the inexplainable, yet wholly familiar, attributes of Time itself.

Still, that didn’t mean she couldn’t thoroughly enjoy the beauty around her. And these gardens were nothing short of lovely. Colors covered every corner—yellows, pinks, purples, and even blues—all resting against a variety of greens. Reminding her of an artist’s palette, it was a rainbow of life and vibrancy. And the smell . . . heavenly. Sometimes light, sometimes heavy. Sometimes floral, sometimes woody.

All in all, not a terrible place to be stuck in a continuous loop.

Of course, if this truly was a continuous loop, next up they would see—

“Good afternoon,” Ruth called out as a nanny walked by them, going the other direction, pushing her charge in a white baby carriage. Miss Gates, right on cue.

Nettie silently nodded her greeting as the woman passed.

The small movement on her cousin’s part put Ruth in mind of a summer they’d spent together as young girls. Then, Nettie had been as openly spoken as Ruth; only, when Nettie spoke up it rarely went without censure from one of her parents or her governess. Though Ruth and her parents had visited for over a month that summer, it had only taken Ruth three days to see that her cousin’s life was far different than her own, no matter they were of equal standing among society.

They visited Nettie’s family again two years later, and Ruth found her cousin quiet and demur, and she’s remained such ever since.

Ruth shook the sad memory away and instead chose to focus on the lovely sights around them.

“This garden is exquisite, is it not?” she asked Nettie.

“Nothing was ever more so,” Nettie replied in her soft voice. “I especially love the view of the sea up ahead.”

“I must confess, if Mother must banish us from home every afternoon, this is not a bad place to be sentenced to.”

Nettie was silent a moment longer than Ruth expected before saying, “I do hope my presence is not a burden.”

Ruth pulled her cousin to a stop. “Nonsense, we all love having you.”

Second Chances - Spotlight Book Tour

 

Second Chances

by Ronald Osgood

Abigail never knew her mother, so her father is her world. Though she’s missed having a woman’s influence, she wants to grow up and be like her father–a veterinarian. 

But then one summer it all changed. 

It’s not what happens to you that counts, but how you deal with it. And Fred, as her dad calls her, deals with a lot. 

Taking what her father and new faith has taught her, she uses her gifts of compassion and empathy to help a young girl in a desperate situation.  But this time, it could cost her more than compassionate tears over an injured animal. It could cost her…her life!

I learned at a very young age that my daddy, though strong in stature and mind, had a very soft heart. Not just toward animals, but people too. Often, he would say to me that all God’s creatures deserved second chances, especially people. So, when I came home from school a few weeks ago and saw the sheriff’s truck and a group of inmates tearing down our old barn across the road from our house, I wasn’t at all surprised. I learned from Daddy later on that he and the sheriff worked out a deal to rehabilitate some of Winfield’s finest citizens. One in particular was a man named Philip Craig. Philip was mentally less advanced for his age, but not incompetent. He was just slow with words and making good decisions. He and I would talk sometimes after I got off the school bus in the afternoons while doing my chores and I always found him to be quite gentlemen like. Daddy took a real liking to Philip right away. He said he would make a good farm hand because he loved horses, although I could never make that connection myself. Philip seemed to find favor with the jailer too.

Links to All Excerpts:

Excerpt One: https://travelerswife4life.com/second-chances-by-ronald-osgood/

Excerpt Two: https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/2022/08/24/epic-book-launch-second-chances/

Excerpt Three: https://englishmysteriesblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/second-chances-spotlight-book-tour.html?m=1

Excerpt Four: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2022/08/second-chances-epic-book-launch.html

Excerpt Five: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2022/08/celebrate-lit-presents-second-chances.html

Excerpt Six: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/second-chances-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Seven: https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/2022/08/23/second-chances-epic-book-launch/

Ronald Osgood was born in St. Peterburg, FL. At age five he moved with his family to Tennessee. He joined the Marines and married his high school sweetheart. After serving his country and receiving an honorable discharge, he and his wife returned home to start a family. Then Jesus called him, and he responded. He is a simple man with a simple plan. He serves his Lord, loves his wife and kids, and writes stories concerning issues he’s passionate about. The Bible is a fascinating book of the human spirit. It guides him along his journey in life. It is the basis for this book and has inspired him to achieve what he once thought was unachievable. His hope for his sons, Augustus and Abrahm, is that they will grow to be fathers to their children that he never had.

On Heaven’s Doorstep - Spotlight Book Tour and Interview

In Life or Death, There's Only One Guarantee—God Will Be There

Medical emergencies are among life's most unexpected and terrifying realities. But isn't it reassuring in times of crisis, you can find hope and comfort in the hands of a loving God?

Encounter heart-stopping drama in these real-life stories of everyday people like you who found themselves on heaven's doorstep—fully dependent on the skilled and courageous efforts of first responders and on the mercy of God.

As you read these firsthand accounts of perilous situations with uncertain outcomes, you will experience a full spectrum of emotions, from tender heartache to tremendous joy. Through it all, you will witness God's amazing love and care for His children, both for those who are brought back from the edge and for those He welcomes into eternal fellowship with Him.

Be inspired as you go on call with veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers and other brave professionals dedicated to helping when humanity is at its most frail.

Andrea Rodgers has been a volunteer EMT for 30 years and has responded to more than 7,500 first-aid and fire calls. She holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist in a trauma center for over 20 years.

 

1.When did you first start finding a passion for literature? 

I recall being a voracious reader by first grade. Even before I could read, I was fascinated by picture books. I wrote my first “book” when I was six. It was about how my mom and brother rescued a baby duck from our town’s lake, so I guess writing about rescues has been in my blood from an incredibly young age. 

2.When did you first realize you wanted to become an author, and who or what would you say is your biggest influence in your writing journey? 

I decided I wanted to become an author after my son and I survived a life-threatening elevator accident. Following much reflection, I decided to write about my inspirational experiences as a volunteer EMT with my local first aid squad. Back when I was in high school, my mother suggested I should keep a journal of first aid calls that made an impression on me. When I first thought about writing my book, I dug the journal out of a box in my attic. As I read my journal entries, the people in the first aid calls sprung to life again and I was able to re-live the calls as if they occurred yesterday. Without the journal, I couldn’t have written my books with such detail (thank you, Mom). Being a witness to miracles and answered prayers during my thirty-five years with the squad influenced my writing journey. 

3.Travel and meeting people seem to be a good basis for a wonderful story. Where are your favorite places to travel, and how have these adventures inspired you?

In 2016, my family and I flew to Rapid City, South Dakota and visited Mount Rushmore. I conceived the idea for my middle grade action-adventure novel Saving Mount Rushmore: Saint Michael the Archangel Academy Mission 1 in the airport and began feverishly writing all the way there. I wrote Saving the Statue of Liberty-Mission 2 after a family trip to the famous American landmark. 

4.Writing takes so much time and research. In fact, I believe as readers we sometimes forget how much love and sacrifice an author puts into his or her work. As a writer, what has been your most rewarding and memorable moment? 

I've been blessed to have numerous memorable moments. The first occurred when my dream came true while I was at the park with my children. I’ll never forget my elation when I received an email that my first book, At Heaven’s Edge: True Stories of Faith and Rescue, would be published by Harvest House Publishers. Another rewarding moment occurred when Saving Mount Rushmore won a Third Place Selah Award at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in May 2019. More recently, I had an incredible experience as a guest on EWTN’s At Home with Jim and Joy. 

5.I tend to read fiction more than non-fiction--what led you to writing non-fiction? 

During my years as a volunteer EMT with my local first aid squad, I’ve witnessed some utterly amazing things and I wanted to share them with others. At Heaven’s Edge, Help from Heaven, On Heaven’s Doorstep, and Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues include stories that I would consider to be miracles, others that are sad, but faith-filled, and a few are humorous. My hope is that people will be inspired or comforted by the stories. Perhaps they’ll be able to relate a story to a situation in their own lives and know that whatever they’re going through, they’re not alone because God is with them. 

Gilmore Girls - Oy with the poodles already!

Where You Are and How to Get There - Spotlight Book Tour

Where You Are & How to Get There

by Nolan Ryan Recker

Release date: August 4, 2022

Have you ever had the thought or asked yourself the question, “How did I get here?”

You know, the kind of question examining the indirect decisions and circumstances that led you to the point life that you even need to ask such a question.

One of the oldest questions ever recorded in human history speaks to this very question we ask ourselves in moments of doubt. What if that ancient question was a question we ought to ask ourselves on a regular basis?

Journey with me as we wrestle with a question that if meant for us, today, would change everything about we view the life we choose to live.

When we ask the question “how,” most of the time we aren’t asking for an explanation. 

Oftentimes, we are really asking “Why?” Though this question is more about wanting to know or understand something, maybe seeking some sort of explanation, as if we need someone or something to blame. 

This almost happens so often to a point where we think knowing the reason for something will make it better or easier to understand and accept. 

Why did that person drink, drive, and killed my daughter? 

Why didn’t God save my marriage? 

Why did the bank lend me that money? 

Why didn’t the President pass a better tax bill like they promised? 

These questions seem right whenever we ask them. 

How often does satisfaction come from the answers to these questions? 

If something didn’t work out the way we wanted it to, asking “why” is part of the process, but we often get distracted by the pain or disappointment. 

We cope. 

We deny the pain and move on with our lives. 

Eventually, we find ourselves asking the same questions over and over, as though we are only taking right turns in a corn maze. 

Links to All Excerpts:

Excerpt One: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-book-excerpt/

Excerpt Two: https://catsinthecradle.blog/2022/06/28/where-you-are--how-to-get-there-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Three: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2022/07/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-excerpt.html

Excerpt Four: https://splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/2022/06/28/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Five: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2022/06/28/where-you-are-how-to-get-there-epic-book-launch/

Excerpt Six: https://englishmysteriesblog.blogspot.com/2022/07/spotlight-book-tour.html

Excerpt Seven: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2022/07/celebrate-lit-presents-where-you-are.html 

Nolan’s toughest and rewarding opportunities are being a husband and a father. As a husband and a father, Nolan wants his family members to discover and live a flourishing life. Nolan’s life experience has covered the spectrum from being a camp counselor to a school teacher to a custodian to a Lead Pastor of a church. This, is why he writes. If he wrestles with the ideas he writes about, maybe others wrestle with the same things, and if they do, would they benefit from a different perspective? He’s honored to listen to anyone who graces him with their time to tell their story; especially if it involves coffee or pizza.

Happy 4th of July!

 

Much Ado About Persuasion - Book Review and Giveaway!

Much Ado About Persuasion

by Barbara Cornthwaite

Some duel with swords, others with ships. In love, however, they duel with hearts.

When Sir Walter Elliot, secret admirer of the Navy, invites officers to visit his estate, what could be more natural than for his two daughters to find themselves in love?

Elizabeth Elliot’s legendary, bitter pride clashes with Admiral Baldwin’s stubborn conceit until any hope of a match seems impossible. They say love conquers all, but does it?

All looks hopeful for Anne Elliot and the dashing Captain Wentworth, but when a cousin steps in and sets evil plans into motion, is their love enough to withstand the storm, or is it best to let the captain sail that ship… alone?

Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing meets Jane Austen’s Persuasion in this story about trust, disappointment, and disguises.

 Click here to get your copy!

As much as I love Shakespear and Jane Austen, it was so exciting to learn that this book would be a mingling of both authors stories.  That is to say that this author, Barbara Cornthwaite, wrote this book with two of their stories in mind--Much Ado about Nothing and Persuasion.  Even before I knew this, I could recall certain events from these books throughout the pages of Much Ado About Persuasion, which was simply marvelous!  

It is interesting to see how Cornthwaite is inspired by these two amazing classic authors as she takes note and inspiration from their work to pen her own words.  This was such a fabulous idea for a modern day story--of course, even though Shakespeare and Austen are from generations ago, we can still learn so much about life and friendship from them today.  If you enjoy classic literature, I recommend picking this book up!  Happy reading friends!  

 

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her six children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

 

More from Barbara

I discovered Jane Austen in college when I was required to read Pride and Prejudice. This was in the dark ages before the famous adaptations, and I knew nothing about the storyline. In fact, I expected it to be depressing, probably because the title sounded similar to War and Peace. It was a delightful surprise to be charmed by the novel, and I went on to read all Austen’s other books on my own. Each of them have a special place in my heart. I love Emma so much that I wrote a two-book parallel novel for it (the George Knightley, Esquire series). I also have novellas based on Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park and Emma in the A Very Austen anthologies. This book, however, is the first thing I’ve written based on Persuasion.

Shakespeare I met in high school, and furthered my acquaintance with him in college. Much Ado About Nothing is, I think, my favorite of his plays (although there are several close contenders for the top spot). His grasp of character is unmatched, and his language, even after five hundred years, is striking.

Mixing the stories of these two authors has been great fun, and redeeming a couple of characters who didn’t learn anything from their mistakes in the original stories gives my version a spiritual twist. I hope you enjoy it!

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Enter giveaway here!