Wednesday, December 5, 2018

12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Lucy McConnell




Marrying Kiss Kringle: Frost

Frost buried her face in her hands, feeling all the pressure to save Christmas. Neither Stella nor Robyn had the potential for love yet. They were starting from scratch. But she had more than potential; she had an invitation. It was up to her to find Tannon; get him to profess his love to her; and save her family, the North Pole, and Christmas for children all over the world.

Oh, Tannon, I hope you're ready to love me.

Frost Kringle broke one of the North Pole's rules the day she replied to a letter from Tannon Cebu; but, her Kringle-enhanced empathy wouldn't allow her to walk away from the anguish in his words. What began as a disobedient impulse grew into friendship and eventually love. If her secret romance is revealed, she'll be banished from her home and family.

When the Kringles discover Christmas Magic is dangerously off balance, Frost musters up the courage to meet Tannon in person with the hope that they can marry and save Christmas. While she's away from her precious Letters Room, her secret is blown right open and she's exiled. In order to make it home for Christmas, Frost has to bring Christmas cheer to those who need it most.

Tannon, is tired of the corporate grind and wants out. He's decided to sell his paper mill and retire to a quiet corner where he can raise his son in peace. His announcement, right before the holidays, creates an uproar as employees wonder if they'll have a job in the New Year. No one in town feels like celebrating and they have little hope of a happy holiday.

If Frost can get Tannon, and the town of Elderberry, to believe in Christmas once again, she'll make it home and save Santa's workshop from turning into a block of ice and ruining Christmas for children all over the world. Trouble arises when Tannon's interest turn to Frost more than to Christmas. She walks a tinsel-fine line between falling for him and failing in her Christmas quest.

With her whole world out of balance, Frost must look deep inside herself to bring about a Christmas miracle--with a little help from her jolly family.


Frost Kringle rubbed her arms. “It’s not my year. I’m the youngest. You two should find your husbands first,” she told her older, single sisters.

Robyn huffed. “Apparently, Christmas Magic doesn’t give a partridge in a pear tree about birth order. And I don’t, either. Come with us—just to get used to being south-er.”

Frost hesitated, searching for a polite way to tell them to jump out of a flying sleigh.

Stella took her hesitation as a silent agreement and forged on. “Perfect. Where should we go? I was thinking of heading back to Alaska.”

“No thanks.” Robyn popped another chocolate. “We need someplace new.”

Frost puzzled the question of where they should go. She puzzled it high and she puzzled it low. And while she puzzled, a strange thought came to be. A thought she thought just might be the key. She tried to hold it in, did her best to be good. But there was a part of Frost Kringle that never quite could. “Oregon,” Frost whispered, staring off into space. “Elderberry, Oregon. That’s the place.”

Both her sisters stared at her. “Why there?” asked Stella.

Frost cleared her throat, breaking through the fog that had clouded her mind while at the same time giving herself clarity. She mentally stumbled to come up with an excuse that wouldn’t reveal her biggest and best-kept secret. “It’s got a large populate of single men. There’s a, um, paper company and mill and they make beautiful stationary.” Like cream envelopes with gold trim that bring the most wonderful letters.

Stella shrugged. “As long as it’s got men, I’m game.”

Robyn poked Stella in the arm. “That’s your problem—you need to be pickier.”

“Do you have a better idea?”

Frost held her breath. She’d dreamed and dreamed of going to Elderberry, of meeting Tannon, of finally seeing the man whose words had captured her heart. If she was a romantic, it was because each mail delivery included a little bit of romance just for her.

“No,” admitted Robyn.

“Okay, then.” Stella slapped her hand on the table. “Meeting adjourned. We’re going to Elderberry the day after tomorrow. Have your bags packed.”

Frost threaded her fingers together under the table, holding her hands tight, tight, tight in an effort to hold in her excitement as her sisters left the room. She was going to meet Tannon.

“I’m going to meet Tannon,” she said out loud. With a squeal, she threw her hands in the air.

This trip may be the best thing that ever happened to her, or it may be the ending of a long and special friendship. Either way, the time had come to meet her crush face-to-face.




I have loved all of Lucy McConnell's books, and this one definitely lived up to my expectations.

I love the other books in this series and this one did not disappoint. It was an enjoyable story that kept me reading late into the night. I can’t wait for next installment!

I found Marrying Miss Kringle to be a fun and lovely read. It is light in nature with a feeling of watching one of those Lifetime Christmas movies, but only in book form.




Author Lucy McConnell

Award-winning author, Lucy McConnell, loves Christmas, romance, chocolate and Elvis.

After graduating from the University of Utah, she became an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She loved teaching and often misses the academic environment.

Lucy retired from teaching and began to write articles and sweet romance novels. She has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock.

If she's not at the computer, you can find her trying to keep up with her husband and four kids on the ski slopes, on a bike, in the kitchen, or on a horse.







Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash

Ends 1/1/19

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Tuesday, December 4, 2018

12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Brooke St. James




So This is Love by Brooke St. James

Abigail Spencer loved her job. She was a marine biologist who maintained some of Miami's most spectacular ponds and aquariums. She had the opportunity to travel around the city, meeting new people and working in beautiful locations. So, even though it was just another day at the office when she suddenly met the man of her dreams, she wasn't in an office at all.

Every girl imagines meeting her prince charming. It's doubtful, however, that any of these fantasies include it happening when they're soaked with sweat and knee-deep in pond scum.

Fate can be funny that way.


"Oh, thank goodness!" Tori said when I walked into the office that morning.

She was holding the phone to her ear, but she was talking to me as I approached her U-shaped reception desk. She stared at me from over her reading glasses, and she waved me forward like she had been anxiously awaiting my arrival. I was twenty minutes early, so I had no idea why she was so relieved.

"Abigail's here now," she said to the person on the phone. "She just walked in. I'm looking at her right now. Okay, I'll tell her. Bye."

I stood in front of Tori's desk and watched as she hung up the phone before looking at me with a relieved smile.

"I'm so glad you're here."

"I'm always here," I said cautiously.

"I mean, I'm glad you're early. I was gonna call you and tell you to hurry. That was Lance. We have to rearrange your schedule today. He needs you to head out on a pond job… like right now. It's a priority."




This was definitely another winner! Loved Ash and Abigail and how their relationship grew. Brooke's books are always an instant click for me, I don't even have to read the blurb of what its about. I appreciate that she writes clean books and would recommend them highly. I've read everything she's written and can't wait for the next!!

What a great book! The main characters' backgrounds are refreshingly original. So many romances are formulaic or copycats of other books out there. Additionally, the chemistry between Ash and Abigail is so strong it's practically tangible. This book is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Read it!

I loved this book- when are the rest coming out?!?!?! I truly relate to Abigail as I am in a profession where I am usually more dirty than clean. I appreciate the religious aspect of the book without it being pushed hard, it's just part of the characters life. Thank you Brooke for amazing books and keeping them at a price that buying the entire series doesn't break my bank account!






Author Brooke St. James

Brooke St. James is a bestselling author of contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.




Get copies of All In & Something Precious for just 99 cents!




Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash

Ends 1/1/19

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Monday, December 3, 2018

12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Sophia Summers




Taming Scrooge by Sophia Summers

Ezra Stone wishes Christmas would go away.
Star Henley wants to save it.

When a desperate city council, panicked about losing their iconic main street, urges Star Henley to charm her way into developer Ezra Stone’s life, they hope to change his mind, unaware they could break his heart.

If the small town, Sanders Corners, can’t save its tree festival and protect their Main Street festivities, her father’s tree business and her Christmas shop will go out of business along with the rest of the town. She can’t let that happen, even if it means ingratiating herself into the cold, hard life of their town’s one and only billionaire nemesis. When a conniving city council forces them to work together on the festival of trees, the two clash as often as they connect, but everything could change on December 25.


He reached into the decorated boughs and her heart pinged just a tiny amount in sympathy. Balls fell and clattered down around him, his whole arm lost in the decorated greenery. It wasn’t easy, and she did want the tree to stay intact for the short drive. “Look, I’ll call Colton up here to help you.”

“Yes, you’d better.” When he pulled his hand back out, he pinched his fingers together and released them, the adhesive obvious.

She smirked. Sap was a bear to wash off.

“This soon becomes more trouble than it’s worth.”

“Pardon me?”

“This giving of the tree thing. I appreciate the help loading. But no one will be there unloading.” He seemed to stop himself, but his irritation was obvious.

“Well, I suppose our apologies are in order.”

He waved his hand. “It’s ok, I understand tradition and all that. Look, I’ll try to load it and we’ll make sure someone plants it afterward.” He reached his hand back in and started sliding the tree closer to the back of the truck.

Colton arrived, threw burlap over the top, wrapped it securely, and then he and another man hefted the tree up into the truck.

Mr. Stone nodded. “Thanks.” He climbed up into his truck. Then his appraising glance returned. “I’m here for the duration of the build. Wanna go to dinner sometime?”

“What?” The word, her tone, escaped her lips before she could stop it. “Are you asking me out?”

He grinned, a smile that she guessed women melted over. “I am, you free?”

“No, I’m not.” Was he for real?

His face became a mask, then he nodded. “Good enough. Thanks again.” His truck door closed, and he pulled out of the parking lot.

Clinton clucked his tongue, watching him pull away. “Wait, is he driving your truck?”

She groaned. “No. He has the same one.” Too bad such a remarkable looking man with great taste in trucks was so ungrateful, involved in destroying her town and her store and entirely void of holiday spirit.




A fun, clean, quick Christmas story. I liked the loose references to A Christmas Carol. Great escapist.

This book was written so well that I could picture myself in town on main street at the Christmas Shoppe!! Only other thing I will say is, grab a cup of hot chocolate, a blanket and curl up in your favorite comfy reading chair because you won't want to put the story down until it's finished!

I loved this book! It is funny, heartwarming and romantic. What can you do when you are both attracted and infuriated with someone?

A very good book.I very much love Christmas stories. This is one of the best Scrooge stories I have read... a good clean book for everyone.

Truth and trust win out in this sweet romance with Scrooge getting his Star! I could picture this town and their quaint shops. Sophia Summers continues in her engaging writing style.






Author Sophia Summers

Billionaires, Royals, Marriages of convenience, Cowboys, and Spies. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

Sophia Summers is an award-winning author who just wants to relax a little and enjoy a great beach read. She lives in a quiet southern town brimming with an extra dose of hospitality and a whole lot of charm.

She writes historical romance under a different name.







Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash

Ends 1/1/19

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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12 Days of Clean Romance Kick Off



12 Days of Clean Romance

December 2018

During the month of December, we will be featuring 12 Authors who write clean romance!

There will be $400 worth of Giveaways plus great deals on books!

You are invited to come join the fun, learn about these great authors & find your next favorite book!

There will be FREE ebooks, awesome sales & great giveaways!

Check out this great list of featured authors who are sponsoring this event!

Never miss a giveaway, freebie or sale by signing up for Clean Wholesome Romance's Reader Newsletter!

Are you a blogger or reader who would be willing to post about this event on your blog or social media? Sign up here.

Are you an author who writes clean romance? Learn more about CWR upcoming events here, or Sign up for my Author Newsletter.

To start things off we have a $100 Giveaway!



Giveaway Details

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/1/19

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Grand Finale: Miracles are Golden by Catherine Lanigan



On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Miracles are Golden
By Catherine Lanigan

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

Miracles are Golden is a different kind of Christmas story in just about every manner of literary pre-conceptions a reader could have. To follow with that unique place it holds not only in my heart, but on the roster of books I have written, this PRISM BOOK TOUR is different as well...


Jimmy Longwood pressed his face against the pet store window, not minding the cold. On the other side of the glass was an eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppy that Jimmy had named “Bubblehead” because the puppy’s head was unusually large. Bubblehead was just as eager to see Jimmy and jumped over his five brothers and sisters to stand nose to nose with Jimmy.

Jimmy’s heart leapt just seeing the adorable puppy.

“Did you miss me, boy? I missed you. Now that school is out for the holidays, I can visit you every day for as long as I want.”


Jimmy glanced at the clock once more as he followed his father into the kitchen where he sat on a wrought iron Tuscan influenced bar stool. He leaned on the granite counter top watching his father hiding presents in the pantry.

“Did you talk to your mother?” John asked.

“We began a discussion about Bubblehead and again I reminded her that Grandpa and Grandma gave me a hundred dollars for my birthday this year which puts me over the top for enough money to buy Bubblehead. Which we can do, Dad, if you’ll just get your coat and hat…”

“Jimmy,” John sucked in a long breath to cool his frustration.

“No.”

Among the Reads - Excerpt

A good night’s sleep did not help Jimmy’s disposition or settle his fears by morning. His mind was overwhelmed with emergency last minute plans to rescue Bubblehead. Unfortunately, all of his plans were bizarre visualizations worthy only as segments of the Extreme Sports Network.

Because he was a long way from sixteen and did not know how to drive a car, legally or illegally for that matter, even if he did break the pet store window with a rock, steal Bubblehead and make his escape, he could not drive a getaway car.

He conjured up a scenario involving a SWAT team and a helicopter rescue. He thought of calling the Mayor on the phone and involving him in his “Save Bubblehead” campaign.

All my plans are doomed!

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Jimmy picked up the remote and turned on the television. As luck would have it, the first thing he saw after the in-house cable program promoting the hotel’s features and restaurants, was a Christmas ad in which three Golden Retriever puppies knocked over a plant and the owner had to use a special vacuum to clean the mess. Jimmy threw the remote high in the air and caught it on its way back down. “It’s a sign!”

He raced to the adjoining door and closed off his parents’ laughter.

“Yes!” he said to himself, watching the adorable puppies with tags around their necks. “There isa Santa Claus. I just have to believe. Maybe I will get a miracle.”


Though they moved quickly, the wind gusted at ever increasing speeds thrusting the cloud of blinding snow down the slope. It threatened to overtake them.

John knew that if they didn’t beat the squall, they would have to find shelter until the snowstorm passed. There was no telling how long that could be. If they were to remain this high on the mountain overnight, they could freeze. Realizing their predicament was more dire than he’d originally thought. John slowed and motioned for them to take another route to the left. “We need to go around the squall,” he yelled to them.

But the wind suddenly seemed more than wind. It didn’t howl anymore, it thundered.

John slowed down for Jimmy and Melanie to catch up to him.

It was then Jimmy saw the panic on his father’s face. “What is it?”

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Even though he didn’t have a body, Jimmy felt tears. He felt incredibly sad. “I could have done more to be a better kid. I wish I’d been more...loving.”

“Wonderful, Jimmy. You’re understanding a great deal.”

Sadness engulfed Jimmy’s soul. “But I did love them… I just…”

“Took them for granted?” Mr. Angel asked.

“Uh, huh.”

“So you see, Jimmy, we must send you back to earth. You must learn to give love with all your heart. It’s the only reason souls go to earth.”


"This is a sweet story including one of the things I love a lot and that is dogs. . . . I highly recommend this book to other readers."


There was a rustle of footsteps on the second floor. Jimmy heard voices.

“Do you think Santa has been here yet?” A woman’s voice said.

“Oh, yes, Mommy,” a weak, yet happy child’s voice replied.

“Well, come on, then,” a male voice said.

Jimmy looked up at the landing on the staircase and saw a mother, father and a child all dressed in flannel pajamas, robes and slippers descend the stairs. Behind this trio came an elegant woman dressed in an expensive red satin robe and matching satin slippers.

“I know Santa has been here, Robin and he’s brought something very special for you.”

Uplifting Reads - Excerpt

“Oh, thank you, Mommy! Thank you, Daddy!” Robin hugged his parents with weak arms.

“Thank your Aunt Daphne. She brought him all the way from New York City for you,” Hal said.

There was nothing weak about the brightness of the little boy’s smile as he approached the fireplace, his hands outstretched to cuddle Jimmy.

“Robin, do you think Santa remembered it right?” The boy’s mother asked.

Robin, I like your name. It’s like Robin Redbreast. The first sign of spring. The new life.

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

The day after Christmas Jimmy was roused early, taken out the front door to potty in the bushes and then given breakfast, all before daylight.

What’s up with these people? Don’t they sleep in? What’s the rush?

“Here you go, Beau. Yum. Doesn’t this smell good?” Robin asked placing a dish of canned dog food in front of him.

Jimmy sniffed the food and jumped back.

They don’t expect me to eat this stuff do they? How about a rasher of that bacon? Or maybe a smidgeon of that hot cinnamon bun?

"...I loved this book. I think everyone should read it and discuss it with their family, friends, church group, etc. Ms. Lanigan could re-write the phone book and I would read it. Seriously. She is that good."

Colorimetry - Excerpt

The impact of Robin’s emotions on Jimmy was like two spaceships colliding in a Star Trek episode. It rocked Jimmy’s psyche.

He needs me! Not even my parents in my other life ever acted like they needed me!

“I love you, Beau.”

I love you, Robin. Jimmy gulped back a puppy tear.

I’m thinking fast here, kid. I’m not gonna let this thing, whatever it is, beat you...er, us. You’ve got me now. We can do it.

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

Suddenly, Jimmy’s mind went back to his time in heaven. The memories of some of the things he was taught there came back to him.

But he had to think. Think hard. Mr. Angel had told him that he was supposed to help people with the knowledge he’d been given. It had all come so easily to him in heaven. But now, it was as if his little puppy brain was going to burst with the effort. He thought and thought. But still he couldn’t remember what it was he was supposed to do.

He had the answers locked in his head. All he had to do was remember.

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

Miracles are Golden

By Catherine Lanigan

Women's Fiction, Christmas

ebook, 100 Pages

February 2, 2016

This heartwarming story is about eight-year-old Jimmy Longwood, who has fallen in love with a Golden Retriever puppy. When his parents explain that their condo does not allow pets, Jimmy is heartbroken. While skiing in Aspen the entire family is killed in an avalanche. Jimmy goes to heaven and meets an angel who decides to send Jimmy back to earth as the very Golden Retriever he’d wanted for his own and to learn the one lesson all human beings must learn…unconditional love.


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 MY RACING HEART (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


$50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends December 5, 2018

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