Showing posts with label #smalltownromance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #smalltownromance. Show all posts

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Author Spotlight! Freefalling in the Moonlight


What a beautiful cover! Audrey Lynden books always look so inviting! Read to learn more about it?

A daring love story … facing the past, finding a voice, and falling for the one who never let go. After a high-profile case goes awry, defense attorney Rob Reid escapes Chicago and drives to his easy-going hometown in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Dog sitting for his famous brother and tinkering with his vintage sports car sound like the perfect reprieve…until he crosses paths with his one true love, Maddie Logerquist. Once inseparable, a fateful decision turned to tragedy and tore the two apart.

To safeguard her late mother’s legacy, Maddie has returned home to Baileys Harbor. A New York fashion stylist and influencer for the past decade, Maddie now must brave daddy long-legs, decrepit lighthouses and fundraising fiascos in the tiny lakeside town. Then while reconnecting to her roots, she trips into her first and only love, Rob Reid.

As Rob and Maddie navigate old wounds, fresh sparks fly. But when a high-profile scandal threatens Maddie’s safety and reputation, she must fight back to reclaim her voice. Without a doubt, Rob stands beside her. Except when justice is on the line and gossip battles with truth, a newly mended love might not survive.

Rob and Maddie have another chance… Will they dive in and hang tight or will their love go adrift again?

More about the author:

Tricia Quinnies writes contemporary women’s fiction under the pen name Audrey Lynden. Living in Wisconsin, she’s inspired by her home state’s charming small towns, celebrity residents, the beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan and quirky traditions. Her modern romances will make you laugh, cry and cheer. With her love of British mysteries, jaunty capers find their way into her stories. She favors writing—second chances, hope, empowerment, and satisfying endings. No cliffhangers. Audrey is a mom to three incredible sons and has a Hollywood crush on her husband. He was once told he looked like George Clooney and he’s never forgotten! As a journalism major, she’s inclined to keep up with news but has an affinity for celebrity gossip and pop culture. Every winter, she binges all seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

You can pick up a copy of Freefalling in the Moonlight: https://www.amazon.com/Freefalling-Moonlight-Brothers-Audrey-Lynden/dp/0997340053/




 

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Author Spotlight! Samara Reed! Sheltered Hearts



 Bodie Davis has been unsure of love for a long time. Being a local legend will do that to a man. But when he steps into the middle of a domestic dispute and his neighbor needs somewhere to go, he finds himself falling for both her, and the daughter he never knew he wanted.

Trix Harper doesn't have the best track record with men. So when her neighbor Bodie swoops in to stop her boyfriend's rage, yet again, she is reluctant to believe his motive is simply to help. What she doesn't expect is the way his eyes sparkle when he interacts with her daughter, or the way his gentle touch soothes the ache deep inside her. When Bodie and Trix finally admit to the fire burning between them, will it be enough to allow them each to find the love they've thought they were destined to live without? Sheltered Hearts is a story about the way love blossoms from broken things, and the beautiful family that grows in its wake.

I love how the title fits the story. Their hearts are sheltered. He finds himself giving shelter to her. Ready to read the story of Bodie and Trix? You can get it from Amazon: https://a.co/d/3TmUrHB or from Samara's website at https://authorsamarareed.net/products/sheltered-hearts-epub-digital-download

Samara is a mom of two small humans (one that's taller than her), and 3 dogs (2 little ones that think their big and a big that thinks she's a cat!) and a dedicated wife to the most amazing and supportive man she's ever encountered. She lives in a small town in the mid-west and is reading or creating nail polish strips when she's not writing or taking photos. She loves loose leaf tea, music and cozy blankets and loathes cold weather and snow.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Author Spotlight! Cecelia Conway: Can Five Days In July Change Your Life?


Five Nights in July: Door County Dreams Book One 

Can five days in July change your life?

Lenore Michaels has her doubts when everything seems to go wrong one morning. Her car breaks down on the highway, she loses her job, and she’s down to her last dollar. She moved to Door County for a new life, but it seems like she’s proving everyone right.
Then Matt Song steps in to save the day. He’s the local mechanic, he’s hiring, and he’s smitten with the gorgeous woman he meets in line at the gas station.
The handsome stranger makes Lenore feel like anything is possible. Can he convince her he’s worth the risk to have it all: a fresh start, a new job, and a new relationship?

Click here to get your copy! https://buy.bookfunnel.com/5k2brom2oy

Want to know more about Cecelia Conway and read more of her books?   Hop on over to her website! 

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Do You Read Book Blurbs?

 It's very rare for me to read book blurbs, I usually read books other people recommend. I judge a book by the cover more than the blurbs. 

What about you? Do you read blurbs? 

I started reading more blurbs recently because I decided to update the blurb on the back of my first book. I found out that it's better not to give too many plot details because then a potential reader might decide not to read the book because they think they already know the story. Like when you see a movie trailer and at then end of it, you feel like you just saw all the best parts of the movie.

Would you like to see my new blurb? Here it is!

She survived cancer. He’s consumed with running his restaurant.

Nicole is determined to take care of herself after her cancer treatments are complete. She’s done risking her peace of mind to find love. But when she meets a handsome chef with the cutest dimples she’s ever seen, she questions if playing it safe is working.

Sean is the optimistic owner of Jesse's Pub. The restaurant is a hit and a way for him to distance himself from his family. Then he meets a woman who ignores his attempts at flirtation, and he can't get her out of his mind. In the aftermath of a disastrous date, he must get creative with his approach.

Nicole tells herself Sean is different, but she struggles to get past the scars of her past. Just when Sean thinks she is ready to move on from the past, she ghosts him.

Can Sean convince Nicole to open her heart and trust him in return?

If you love small-town romance where the hero falls first, she’s the grumpy one, and there’s just the right amount of spice, pick up 
No Gouda Without You today!

What do you think? 

There is a Kong Dog in the food court that you have to walk past to go to the movies by us. So after we saw Fantastic Four I had to try a Korean-style corndog. This is a chicken sausage corn dog covered with cinnamon sugar. It was delicious!


Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Happy Release Day To Your Mr. Brightside!

You would think since it is release day, the hard work is done! But honestly this is actually when the hard work really begins! Ugh! Marketing!

I hope people enjoy the story of Brandee and Luc finding love. If you have Kindle Unlimited you can read Your Mr. Brightside as part of your subscription. And as I'm sure you already know, reviews are super important for indie authors. I appreciate it so much when readers take the time to rate or also rate and review!

Want to know more about Your Mr. Brightside? Here you go:

Love is the last thing on her mind. A curvy girl is the last thing on his. One fateful night will change everything.

Brandee doesn’t have time to date. Between two jobs and raising her son, life is all about survival. When a rare night off lands her in a handsome man’s arms, everything changes. But he’s too young, too carefree, and so not ready for her messy life.

Luc’s life was perfectly planned. Then he meets a stunning, curvy woman and wants nothing more than to see her again. When they run into each other months after their steamy night together, Luc is determined to show Brandee why she should take a chance on him.

Just when Brandee is ready for a relationship with Luc, surprising developments change everything. How can she drag Luc into her mess? He’s ready for a lifetime with Brandee, but if she won’t take down the walls keeping him out, how long does Luc hang on?

Will Brandee stop assuming the worst and look on the bright side?

If you love steamy small-town romance with a sunshine guy who falls first, a single mom, and an age-gap where she is older, 
Your Mr. Brightside will tick all your boxes!


Thursday, July 24, 2025

Regular People Books


I like romances that feature regular people. I like them so much that's what I write. Written in the Cards is a delightful book about an artist who becomes a runaway bride and then an art teacher. She is working through grief. The main male character is the school custodian! I don't think I've ever read a book where the love interest was the custodian. 

The book is a perfect weekend read. A five-star treat. The next book in the series is on my TBR ready to go! 
 Have you read any good books lately? Next up is another book that features a tarot card reader, "Play The Fool"

While we were in Georgia my argula went to seed. At least it looks really pretty when you can't eat it anymore!


Saturday, May 10, 2025

Happy Mother's Day 2025 The Sunday Post!

  



The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

This year we get a real treat of a Mother's Day. It's going to be sunny and in the 70s (low 20s Celcius). My plan for the day is to go for a run, write 1,000 words in Your Mr. Brightside and enjoy carryout from a favorite local restaurant. Still working on dietary adjustments from having diverticulitis, I probably won't enjoy a nice crisp glass of white wine. I'm also planning to get some reading in. I won't be doing anything with the garden because I need soil and plants and someone needs to put together the new raised bed we got. That someone is not me. 

Do you have any plans for this Sunday? 

If you need more free books on your TBR here is the link to the small-town romance free book promo I am part of this month:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/freesmalltownromancereads/7iz7fven21

What are you streaming?  I am really enjoying "Friends and Neighbors" on Apple TV. Jon Hamm, the main character, does things each week that put him closer and closer to completely imploding his entire life and it's very interesting to watch. 

Here's a picture of me and the hubs with our youngest back in 2022. Since then I decided I'd rather pay to have my hair colored than to live the grey hair life. And our youngest is finishing her third year of college!


Thursday, January 30, 2025

Book Birthday Today! It App-ened One Night!


Out into the world, it goes! I hope people like it. I write stories I'd like to read, so hopefully there is a nice bunch of people out there who enjoy reading the same things I do. I also hope that we caught the typos between my editor, my proofreader, and my reviews!

When I was writing this book in October and November, there were days when I didn't think I'd ever finish it! Then I had it finished a week before it was due. 

Sometimes authors talk about their book babies and I didn't understand why until I was revising my first book. Writing a book is like being in labor. Once it's done and the baby has arrived you quickly forget the finer points of how arduous the whole process was to endure! 

So now the drafting process is almost a warm fuzzy memory and the finished version is ready for everyone! 

Here is the link to my website if you'd like to get any of my books or become a subscriber for bonus scenes, ARC opportunities, and other special perks. 

 

Saturday, January 25, 2025

Say There, Would You Like A Bunch of Free Books? The Sunday Post

 


The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

On Tuesday, over 1,000 romance ebooks will be free. Some are free on Kindle and some are free on a bunch of different places, so if you don't do Kindle but you do Nook or Apple Books or Kobo, you are in luck! You can go to https://romancebooklovers.com and pick what books you want to grab on Tuesday.



My first book No Gouda Without You is free under the small-town romance section of the website. If you plan to pick up some books let me know!

I have a cold or a sinus infection--to be determined, so I've been laying around hoping to feel better and trying to read. Here is what I've been reading:








Sunday, September 15, 2024

The Sunday Post! Sundays Are For Not Leaving The House

 


The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.


How was your week?  It's been too warm during the day around here and there's no end in sight for ragweed pollen. I am not going to be sad when the ground freezes and kills off the pollen! This upcoming Friday I'm going to a concert with my eldest. I am hoping for cooler temps and no rain. 

Since last week my middle kiddo moved to the middle of Illinois because he got a job at at TV station near the University of Illinois. It's his first ongoing job in his field. He found housing at the last moment, thankfully since he is in a college town, the place was furnished. He loaded his ancient car, drove down, and started his job the same day.  We will be going down to meet him for lunch soon. A long-ago picture of middle kiddo.


Readingwise, I need to stop adding more books to my TBR and read some of the books already on there. But that's not going to happen!
Quick plug: If you like to read cozy romance books with a hint of spice, my first book "No Gouda Without You" will be 99 cents on Kindle tomorrow (September 16th)! Here is the link: https://a.co/d/3fS0O4t


 I am finishing up these books and will be writing about them soon: 












Sunday, September 1, 2024

Can We Start Fall Now Please? The Sunday Post!

   


The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

What I'm reading this weekend: 




I don't know about you, but I am excited to have Monday off! A three-day weekend after a couple of weeks of school!  I'd be more chill about everything, but it's been so hot we haven't even had outside recess. I am ready for sweater weather! I am also ready to break out my fall-themed shirts. Going through my closet I realized I've added four new fall t-shirts over the summer!  I'm going to kick off fall by wearing my Halloween Town shirt.  Do you enjoy the autumn season?


Yesterday I brainstormed with an editor for my upcoming book It App-ened One Night. The brainstorming session was very helpful; now I know I can make this book a satisfying story. I would love for you to join my newsletter. I'll share a prequel to the Marley Creek Series, doing cover and blurb reveals, and ARC sign-ups. Plus I'm commissioning some fun stickers to give to my subscribers! 

Thanks so much! 

Saturday, August 24, 2024

The Sunday Post-- I survived!

  


The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.


I survived the first week of pre-K, and I now have one week of working with the most delightful three- and four-year-olds!  Were there tears?  Yes. Where they mine? No!  Then when I got home from work I had a snack and took a nap. Seriously--and I bet the kiddos did the same. It's going to be such a treat to see how much the students change as the year goes on. I also look forward to getting better at my job! 

How was your week?  Can you believe this upcoming weekend will be Labor Day weekend?  I can. The summer I had was packed with travel, medical stuff, and thinking back it seems like I was working summer school ages ago. 

I just finished listening to Dead and Gondola in time to take part in the Cozy Mystery Book Club livestream on Tuesday. Speaking of the Cozy Mystery Book Club, I'm going to be doing a guest blog post for the 12 Days of Cozies in December! I'm so excited I have to turn it in by October 15! I plan to talk about a few Christmas Cozy Mysteries and share a cookie recipe I love.

In my own person book news, my latest book Is This Love Fur Real? was a sponsor on this weeks Fated Mates podcast.  You can hear it around the 45-minute Mark! Here is a link to the episode: https://fatedmates.net/episodes





Sunday, August 11, 2024

What's A Reader Magnet?

 This month I'm working on writing and editing my reader magnet. What's a reader magnet? I'm glad you asked. It's a short story I can give away virtually to people as a thank you for signing up for my newsletter! So Victoria, how's this reader magnet thing going?  Well, I wrote about three-quarters of the story back in January and then I put it away for six months. Now I'm reviewing what I've written and making sure I don't have any continuity errors.

My reader magnet is a little prequel to my first book and the main characters in it are Zaina's mom and stepdad. This story allowed me to write an age gap where she's the older of the pair! When it is done, I'll make a post linking to the story so you can visit Marley Creek for a fun weekend. 

I got a secondhand copy of this book as a gift. If you are looking to get me a gift, you can't go wrong with a secondhand book, especially if it's a cozy!  Murder of the Cat's Meow is the fifteenth book in Denise Swason's Scumble River Series. I haven't read any other books in this series and I didn't have any trouble following the storyline.  I love when a cozy mystery series is written well enough that I don't have to read in order!  This was an enjoyable cozy, there were several possible suspects and I wasn't sure who did it. 

In this book, you get to know the murder victim before the murder which I know many people prefer. I enjoyed that our amateur sleuth doesn't put herself in unnecessarily dangerous situations and that she is a consultant to the police department. There is also a fun ghost situation as a small side plot. Lastly, this book is practically spicy for a cozy! I wonder, since this was written twelve years ago, if cozy mysteries have gotten more puritanical in the last five or so years.  Something for someone to blog about.

Have you read anything good lately?  How is your week going? 

I'm embracing the upcoming change of season. Looking forward to those lovely September days!