Showing posts with label Grand Finale Blitz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grand Finale Blitz. Show all posts

Friday, May 31, 2019

(Late!) Grand Finale Blitz- Hers to Protect by Catherine Lanigan


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Hers to Protect
By Catherine Lanigan

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

I am thrilled to bring you the eleventh story in the Shores of Indian Lake series. For those of you who are following our community, you will remember that I introduced the Hawks family in FAMILY OF HIS OWN. Although, Isabelle Hawks, the artist, has been a character from the very first story, LOVE SHADOWS, our new story is about Isabelle’s younger sister, Violet. . . . I hope you like HERS TO PROTECT. Look for my November release, CHRISTMAS UNDER GLASS. The story of Joy Boston who returns to Indian Lake to bury her grandfather and sell the family greenhouses and finds her first love, Adam Masterson, is the one part of her past she can never leave.

―Catherine


“She said Maserati. My brother Eric always had posters of Italian race cars in his room. She said it was something like that.”

“It could be anything,” Sal interjected.

Trent unfolded his arms. “How many Maseratis have you seen around here? Even in tourist season, Sal?”

“None.”

Chief Williams pointed at Violet. “Hawks, I’m ordering you on a stakeout. Davis, you get her outfitted with what she needs. If something is going on up there on or around 1000 North, I want to know about it. This makes sense. It’s close to the Michigan state line. The interstate is a stone’s throw away. Those county roads up there are a spiderweb. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed my turn and ended up in Three Oaks, Michigan.” He cleared his throat.


"This is the second book that I have read in the Shores of Indian Lake series. I will say that you definitely do not need to read the other books in the series to appreciate this title. The story, while it alludes to the other couples that have come together in this town, really focuses on the current couple and their path to making things work out, if meant to be. . . . There is just a hint of a thriller story in here, which is fun in a romance. And they have a slow burning flame that is kindled and nurtured throughout the story."

Remembrancy - Review

"Catherine Lanigan once again gives readers a story to delve into and get lost in. The police investigation and challenges for Violet are genuine, the romance is sweet, and the residents of Indian Lake once again welcome readers in, whether it’s your first visit or your eleventh."

Heidi Reads... - Guest Post

I have always been fascinated by cars. A great deal of that interest, delight and awe, comes from the fact that I AM from Indiana. Historically, Indiana was the birthplace of many of the first automobiles being manufactured in the United States. Long before there was The Motor City of Detroit, there was Studebaker in South Bend and the Duesenberg in Indianapolis. The Austin. The Cord. These were history makers. . .

EmpowerMoms - Review

"Josh and Violet were great main characters and I really enjoyed the story line and steady pace. Easy to read story with some police drama and clean romance."


Before she got to the blue bullet, the door was flung open and a tall, lean, blond man exited. Violet halted. He didn’t look like any drug dealer she’d ever seen in mug shots. He was killer handsome, dressed in expensive black slacks, a dark blue knit shirt that stretched over his broad chest, its fine material lying over cut muscles. The long sleeves were shoved up to his elbows, exposing taut forearms. He clenched and unclenched his fists. He glared at her. She notice his eyes were sky blue.

“Aw jeez. A country cop.” He spat the word from between pursed angry lips.

“ILPD. City cop.”

His anger vanished as he flashed her a blazingly charming smile. “What a coincidence.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m from Indianapolis. It was a joke.”

“I’m not smiling.”


"This is a fun tale with strong characters, fortitude, emotions, mystery, action and romance.

It is very well-written. The Title is a terrific "play on words" and fitting, as is the Cover very fitting.The characters are well-defined and easily connected to."


What’s next for you in the writing realm?

I’m currently working on CHRISTMAS UNDER GLASS for Heartwarming, due out in November of this year. I have three stories in the proposal stage for Heartwarming, the first of which I’m barreling down on the minute I finish up my edits on CHRISTMAS UNDER GLASS.

I have a couple thrillers I’m tying up and a paranormal novel as well.


“I’m telling you, Josh. This may have been fun for you, but it can cost us. If that cop has you on resisting arrest, that tells me you let your mouth run away with you. Again.”

“It wasn’t that bad,” Josh muttered.

“Yeah? Tell it to the judge. And believe me, you will. In the meantime, shut your trap. You got that?”

“Got it.”

“Good. Be as polite as you know how. I don’t know anything about this Indian Lake, but I’m going to find out. These little towns take small infractions seriously. It’s not Indianapolis where you can buy or autograph your way out of just about anything.”

By Her Shelf - Review

"I really enjoyed this book! I read it in a couple days (work and life interrupted, unfortunately). The plot was engaging and Ms. Lanigan kept the conflict strong throughout the story. The author did a great job of balancing moving both the plot and Josh and Violet’s relationship forward. . . . I would recommend Hers to Protect to anyone looking for a clean read with a compelling conflict, a light enemies to lovers angle, and plenty of small town heart."

Splashes of Joy - Review

"There are several issues going on in this story that you will find when you read this story. And Ms. Lanigan weaves them all together beautifully. And I appreciate that the romance wasn’t fast acting but a slow, get to know each other romance that turns into a sweet heartwarming relationship. And add a bit of mystery into the story and we have a nice clean romance that will warm your heart."


"Sweet romance with a hint of intrigue! With a return trip to the Shores of Indian Lake series by Catherine Lanigan, we are always sure to find ourselves enmeshed into the heart of the small town culture very quickly. . . . Violet & Josh were very easy to connect with. . . . The intrigue was spot on, the relationship heartfelt and overall I loved their story!"

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Josh had been very young when his parents died, and even now he could remember the smell of lavender on his mother’s skin when she held him close. He could hear his father’s wing tips on the wood stairs when he came home late from work and came to check on Josh.

“But they left me,” he whispered, feeling wrenched again straight across his midsection.

He would give the world to feel his mother’s hug again. And hear her voice telling him that she loved him. Even his father’s seldom-heard laugh would be a gift. Just one more time.

That was why he drove so very, very fast. He felt closest to them when he pushed the limits of speed. As if he could almost touch them. He had no intention of crashing, but he also couldn’t resist the urge to go just a little faster.

onemused - Review

"Although HERS TO PROTECT is classified as heartwarming, it also has some light suspense elements which are a cherry on top of a slow-building, delicious romance. . . . As a heartwarming romance, you won't find more than kisses in the book, so it is very clean. I would recommend for fans of slow-building romance, enemies turned lovers, and fans of light romantic suspense (as a secondary plot)."

Hallie Reads - Review

". . . I had fun with this story between Violet and Josh that Hers to Protect delivers. There’s plenty of romance amidst the cop intrigue and small-town charm. For the reader looking for a quick, contemporary read, it is sure to be a delightful summer-reading choice."

Nicole's Book Musings - Guest Post

When I first introduced Violet Hawks’ character as Isabelle Hawks’ younger sister in FAMILY OF HIS OWN, I saw her as the one female sibling who couldn’t wait to leave the little town of Indian Lake. Violet was attending the Police Academy and her dreams of becoming a detective were based on what she believed were her natural instincts for putting clues together and solving riddles, puzzles and crimes. . .

Pause for Tales - Review

"What plays out in this story is a beautiful friendship and romance of two people that have some serious trust issues and a bit of pride on both of their sides; especially when it comes to judging each other. This book has a bit of suspense as well, that adds more friction between these two, not like they needed that but it certainly keeps the plot moving at a quick pace.

This is a first time read for me by this author and I enjoyed her writing style and look forward to reading more of her work."

Kimber Li - Guest Post

The Shores of Indian Lake series hits its eleventh installment with HERS TO PROTECT. One of the aspects of the series is the sense of a strong community connection. The town of Indian Lake shines like a hope-filled beacon in our disturbing present world. Indian Lake is not a dream or illusion. It exists in many towns around the world. It is where people come to each other’s aid in time of need. More importantly, the people of Indian Lake are there for each other in good times as well. . .


"Hers to Protect was a really good story. This was the first book that I have read by this author, and now I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!"


"I truly love tucking back inside Indian Lake - I have come to love the Contemporary Romantic style Ms Lanigan infuses into her stories and each new visit I have within the series is a happy homecoming! It has become one of my favourite Harlequin Heartwarming series. . . Lanigan has created a close-knit community . . . He found a new lease on life in a place he would hardly have considered if life hadn't intervened and that is what makes this such a sweet second chance romance - as it wasn't a second chance relationship but rather a carving out your own niche of living in a place which took you by surprise."

Colorimetry - Guest Post

TIPS TO WIN OVER A TOWN

Hi, There!

Josh Stevens, here. I’m the lead character in HERS TO PROTECT. As a Formula One race driver, I’ve been all over the world winning races, making money and earning kudos from millions of fans. Charming people is part of the game and essential to my business. I can smile for cameras, hug fans, and blow kisses. I’m constantly aware of the importance of my media presence. I’ve never had a glitch in that department.


"Brimming with the strength of community and the power of love, Hers to Protectis another fun and rewarding visit to Indian Lake thanks to the talented pen of Catherine Lanigan. The characters are layered and vivid, allowing readers to experience the full range of emotion while discovering their stories and cheering them on once they’ve fully taken up residence in reader hearts. Easy to become absorbed in even for those who are making their first trip to Indian Lake, this novel is perfect for fans of small town romance that’s clean and well-written!"


"I give Hers to Protect a well deserved five plus stars. . . . I recommend this one for readers who enjoy good, clean, and heartwarming romances."

Becky on Books - Guest Post

Why We Love Stories Where the Heart Wins

The obvious answer to the title above is because we yearn for happiness in our own lives, many times when there is far too much heartbreak.

As the author of over fifty romances and romantic themed novels, I have to say that I’ve learned some things myself. . .


"Hers to Protect by Catherine Lanigan was a great book that I didn’t want to put down for any reason at all. Violet and Josh are two fascinating characters that were a blast to read. Violet is trying to be good at her job so that she can become a detective and get out of Indian Lake. Josh, with his thing of wanting to be close to his parents but also wanting to be kept busy. I love a happy ending.

I am giving Hers to Protect by Catherine Lanigan five stars and recommending it to all Harlequin Heartwarming contemporary romance lovers out there."


His eyes caught Violet’s.

She didn’t know what happened, but it was as if everyone else had vanished. Violet could have sworn she was suddenly standing inches from Josh. His gaze held hers, and she had to consciously remind herself that she could not hear his thoughts.

Contrition filled his eyes and his smile was tenuous, where only a second ago, he’d beamed at his fans as they jostled each other for his autograph or a photo. Paul had been correct. Josh with his public was all performance.

What she was seeing was the real person. She felt his regret, and a pang of conscience told her if she ever had a chance to get to know the real Josh Stevens, she just might wind up liking him.




"Catherine Lanigan has written a sweet and heartwarming story with Hers to Protect. I felt as if I were a part of the story and befriended the characters myself. . . . I adored it to pieces and plan to read more of the books in the near future."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...

Hers to Protect
(Shores of Indian Lake #11)
By Catherine Lanigan
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
April 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s sworn to protect…

But does that include a speeding celebrity?

Violet Hawks is a by-the-books police officer—so when she catches a man speeding, she arrests him. Only, the man is famous race car driver Josh Stevens. To make amends, Josh launches a charm campaign, and it works on the small town…and on Violet. But when Josh is connected to an investigation, Violet begins to wonder—can she trust her instincts when her heart is involved?


Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Catherine Lanigan is the international bestselling and award-winning author of over forty-five published titles in both fiction and non-fiction, including the novelizations of Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Ms. Lanigan’s novels have been translated into over twenty-four languages. Lanigan was tasked by the NotMYkid foundation to pen a collection of compelling and informative true stories of teen addicts. Ms. Lanigan’s SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series for HARLEQUIN HEARTWARMING includes LOVE SHADOWS, HEART’S DESIRE , A FINE YEAR FOR LOVE, KATIA’S PROMISE, FEAR OF FALLING, SOPHIE’S PATH, PROTECTING THE SINGLE MOM, FAMILY OF HIS OWN, HIS BABY DILEMMA, RESCUED BY THE FIREFIGHTER and HER TO PROTECT (2019).

Ms. Lanigan is a frequent speaker at literary functions and book conventions as well as inspiring audiences with her real stories of angelic intervention from her Angel Tales series of books. She is an outspoken advocate for domestic violence and abuse and was honored by The National Domestic Violence Hotline in Washington, D.C. She has been a guest on numerous radio programs including “Coast to Coast” and on television interview and talk show programs as well as blogs, podcasts and online radio interview programs. She writes a monthly blog for Heartwarmingauthors.blogspot.com.

Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Ends May 29, 2019

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Thursday, May 17, 2018

Grand Finale Blitz- Love, Unexpected by Virginia McCullough


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Love, Unexpected
By Virginia McCullough

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

Dear Reader,

Welcome to this book tour for LOVE, UNEXPECTED. I hope you’re happy to be back for the third visit to Two Moon Bay, Wisconsin. Book 3 of my Two Moon Bay series finds us on the waterfront again. Back when I wrote GIRL IN THE SPOTLIGHT, I knew Andi Sterling, Miles Jenkins’ former wife and Brooke’s mom, needed her own story. She told me so many times. You may remember Zeke Donovan and his dad, Art. They own Donovan Marine Supply and they made a couple of appearances in Book 2, SOMETHING TO TREASURE. They’re now front and center is this story, and Zeke gets a chance to expand his world—and his heart...

Heidi Reads... - Drifting Dreams

Like Andi says in LOVE, UNEXPECTED, someone (they don’t yet know who) named the wooden motor yacht Drifting Dreamer for a reason. For me, the name brings to mind the old song “Moon River,” with “two drifters off to see the world.” As Zeke observed, in 1939 no one built a 50-foot yacht if they didn’t have some big dreams.


"There's a lot to like in this sweet romance by Virginia McCullough, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Andi and Zeke in Love, Unexpected...

I loved how everything comes together, making the story’s restoration theme not only about Drifting Dreamer, but Andi’s dreams as well."


He let Teddy take him to the woman, who was tall and slender, and wore jeans and a red T-shirt. When she saw him coming, she lifted her sunglasses and perched them on her head. In her other hand, she held a giant-size Bean Grinder to-go cup.

“Good morning,” she called out, smiling. “I suppose I’m trespassing.”

He was tongue-tied. By a pretty smile and long legs. He raised his hand in protest. “Probably so, but we won’t call the sheriff, at least not yet.”

“I see. I have to prove myself first.” She held up the cup. “I’m armed only with the Bean Grinder’s morning mix.”

“In that case, we’ll…” Zeke watched Teddy sniffing the woman’s sneakers. “I was going to say we’ll call off the dogs, but, too late.”

I Am A Reader - Does Zeke Keep his Promises?

Early readers have remarked that Zeke is a likeable guy. What’s not to like? He’s very attractive, friendly, a successful owner of a marine supply store, smart, and he even has a sense of humor. But he’s in his late thirties, and he’s never been married and doesn’t have kids. And it looks like he lives with dad. Really? Could be Zeke is a guy afraid to make a commitment. Here are the facts. You be the judge...


"Love, Unexpected by Virginia McCullough takes us back to two moon bay. I love this little town. I always enjoy each visit. In this visit we get to restore an old yacht as well as get to know the lovely Andi and Zeke. The are both very humbling and sweet. I enjoyed getting to know both of them."


Andi stretched her arm to get deep inside a hard-to-reach cubbyhole behind the navigation table to check for damaged wood. Her hand hit a divider with a finger grip, but the first tug didn’t budge it. The second and third tries didn’t move it, either. Determined now, she took a breath and gave it one more hard pull. Bam…she captured the graying piece of wood, but jerked backward with the force of the movement.

When she righted herself, she shined her flashlight inside to have a look inside the narrow space. The beam caught the corner of something that looked like paper.

“Well, well, what’s this all about?” she said to herself, curious and excited. Secret papers? That could be an overstatement, but these pages weren’t left out in the open. Someone had stashed them out of sight.

Colorimetry - Andi’s Tips for Single Moms

Andi laughed in my ear when I ask her about tips for single moms, but once I got her started, she didn’t hesitate to give me her list, starting with:

Luck out and have a good ex-husband...


Andi tilted her head and looked where he was pointing. “Stars. Imagine that. It’s been ages since I’ve seen more than a few of the brightest ones.”

Zeke exaggerated a sweeping gesture to take in the boat. “So happens we have a boat. I guess when we get her put back together some, she could take us far enough out to see some stars, huh? This fall, before it gets too cold.”

Andi responded with a quick slap of her palms. “See? You inherited a floating stargazer. She’s only slightly torn apart.”

Zeke laughed. Drifting Dreamer wasn’t exactly ready for even a short cruise. It wouldn’t be long, though. Andi was making progress.


"Love, Unexpected was a fun read. I recognized some of the characters, since I'd read the first book in the series, Girl in the Spotlight, last year. I definitely think this book stands on its own, but it was fun seeing how those characters lives have continued...

I definitely recommend this novel to all fans of contemporary romance. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

“I’m probably speaking out of turn,” Joy said, grimacing, “but I had a peculiar kind of bond with Zeke because of his mother.”

“Oh?” Andi’s heart pounded as she waited for the information. She was impatient for it, whether she’d like what she learned or not.

“My mom was a teacher, too,” Joy said. “One afternoon I was waiting outside for her after school. Zeke was there, too. I remember how he was kicking a stone around the gravel schoolyard while he waited for his mom to pick him up.”

Call it intuition or simply picking up Joy’s somber tone, but Andi began to feel a little queasy. “This story ends badly, doesn’t it, Joy?”

“Yes.” Joy paused, but Andi didn’t fill the silence.


"Heartwarming is definitely the right category for this sweet romance. It's such a subtle one, which is a breath of fresh air in a market saturated by fast love and lust. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a lot of those books as well. But a story like this one feels so much more realistic to me and leaves me feeling a bit more peaceful and nostalgic.

...I have fallen in love with Two Moon Bay and its inhabitants. I hope more stories are yet to come from this beautiful place."


"I thought it was sweet, inspiring and heartwarming. Andi and Zeke had wonderful chemistry and their story were relateable to me. I love the beautiful setting of Two Moon Bay..."

Wishful Endings - What’s So Special about a Wooden Yacht?

Zeke and Andi have become attached to Drifting Dreamer. I understand why. I’ve been lucky enough to own a classic wooden sailboat, and later, a fiberglass boat with gorgeous wood trim. What was the difference between the two boats? Why do Zeke and Andi have such special feelings about the classic wooden motor yacht?...

Bri's Book Nook - Review

"I haven’t read a sweet romance novel in a while, and this was definitely a nice refreshing one. I read this book almost entirely in one sitting even though the book is almost 400 pages long, and was engaged for every single page."

underneath the covers - Restore? Or Accept “as is?”

When Zeke hires Andi to work on Drifting Dreamer, he has no doubt that the boat can be restored, meaning made wonderful and operational again while preserving the original beauty from its era. Zeke’s confident about this because at one time he was well known for restoring many local historical sites...


Zeke opened a cabinet where they stored things they almost never used and spotted a couple of vases on the top shelf. He pulled one down and arranged the flowers inside it before adding water.

Art let out a low whistle. “I haven’t seen you bring flowers to a woman in a long time.”

“It’s been a long time. That’s a fact,” Zeke said.

“Look, Zeke, you can tell me if you’re interested in Andi.”

“I know, Dad.”

He didn’t know how to respond. He was getting serious, but he didn’t know about Andi. With his back to his dad, he said, “I like her for lots of reasons, Dad. I think she likes me, too. That’s all I can say right now.”



"In this entertaining new novel by talented Author, Virginia McCullough, a woman and her 10 year-old-daughter move to a new, smaller town to be nearer the girl's father and his new wife...

This is a relaxing read with a few twists. However, it is mostly predictable but written with a flair and well-utilized literary skills. It keeps the reader's interest."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Love, Unexpected
(Two Moon Bay #3)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
May 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Moving to a new place isn’t easy…

Until a neglected ship and its owner make her feel at home

After spying a boat in need of some TLC, single mom Andi Sterling strikes a deal with its owner, Zeke Donovan, who shares her passion for restoring old things. Uncovering the legendary ship’s secrets draws them closer. Is it too soon for Andi to open her heart to the chance to build new dreams?

Other Books in the Series

Girl in the Spotlight
(Two Moon Bay #1)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The daughter they never knew

When Miles Jenkins sees the graceful young figure skater on TV, he can't believe how much she resembles Lark McGee, the girl he dated briefly in college. Could this aspiring star be the child Lark gave up for adoption eighteen years ago? He has to find out.

Locating Lark ignites conflicting emotions in Miles—including regrets for what might have been and romantic feelings that take the two single parents by surprise. As they prepare to meet their daughter, this deeper connection between the two just might be the chance at love they never got.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequiniBooksKoboGooglePlay

Something to Treasure
(Two Moon Bay #2)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
January 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

If anyone can save him, she’s the one

Jerrod Walters hopes relocating to the coastal town of Two Moon Bay can be the fresh start he and his young daughter need. But the single dad is caught off guard when a beautiful PR professional offers to promote his diving excursions to legendary shipwreck sites. There’s so much he admires about Dawn Larson, starting with the woman’s upbeat, can-do personality. Dawn’s boundless capacity for joy might be the only thing capable of bringing him back to life after his tragic loss…


About the Author

A writer all her adult life, Virginia McCullough has had the opportunity to write the stories of her heart in her novels, including Girl in the Spotlight, the first book in her Two Moon Bay series for Harlequin Heartwarming. (Book 2 is scheduled for release in January 2018). Her award-winning romance and women’s fiction titles include The Jacks of Her Heart, Amber Light, Greta’s Grace, The Chapels on the Hill, and Island Healing.

Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.

Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.

Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and the pictured Handfelted Wool Bowl and Gemstones (US only):

Description: A beautiful handfelted wool bowl filled with colorful gemstones to add a little beauty to your home. The bowl contains a small amethyst cluster from Uruguay which is generally used in rooms where people tend to congregate such as kitchens and family rooms. It is said to bring about peace and open communication. The bowl also includes a pink chunk of rose quartz from Brazil as a reminder of love and healing, a candle quartz crystal crystal from Madagascar said to make anyone who enters your home feel welcome, a pretty piece of blue lace agate from Southwest Africa to help create relaxing and accepting energy near your front door, a deep blue apatite heart from Sri Lanka to encourage the sharing of feelings and tangerine quartz from Brazil for information retention and perfect for your office, study or a student's room.

Ends May 16th

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