The Oath by A.M. Linden Blog Tour and Giveaway! #TheOath #TheValley #AMLinden #HFVBTBlogTours @shewritespress @hfvbt

 

The Oath by A.M. Linden

Publication Date: June 15, 2021 

She Writes Press Paperback & eBook; 336 pages 

 Series: The Druid Chronicles, #1 Genre: Historical Fiction

      

 In the wake of a betrayal that threatens an end to their way of life, the last members of a secluded pagan cult send the youngest of their remaining priests in search of Annwr, their chief priestess's sister, who was abducted by a Saxon war band fifteen years ago. With only a rudimentary grasp of English and the ambiguous guidance of an oracle's prophecy, Caelym manages to find Annwr living in a hut on the grounds of a Christian convent. Annwr has spent her years of captivity caring for the timid Aleswina, an orphaned Saxon princess who was consigned to the cloistered convent by her cousin, King Gilberth, after he assumed her father's throne. Just as Caelym and Annwr are about leave together, Aleswina learns that Gilberth, a tyrant known for his cruelty and vicious temper, means to take her out of the convent and marry her. Terrified, she flees with the two Druids--beginning a heart-pounding adventure that unfolds in ways none of them could have anticipated.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise

“Linden’s well-researched tale eloquently brings to life a lesser-known period of transition in Britain...The author has created a strong foundation for her series with well-developed characters whom readers can embrace...[a] layered, gripping historical fiction...” --Kirkus Reviews

"A fantastic well-crafted, well-written historical novel, about early medieval Anglo-Saxon Britain and with great characters! 5 stars" --Readers’ Favorite

“Linden uses a fairy tale-like style almost as though this story has been passed down orally over the centuries. Though the kingdoms are fictional, Linden's tale draws on meticulous historical research, especially in her dramatization of the Christian persecution of the druids.” --Booklist

"The story rolls along at a lively pace, rich with details of the times and a wide cast of characters....Those interested in goddess-worshipping religions will be drawn to the novel. Any reader curious about 8th-century Britain will enjoy Linden’s innovative focus on the little-known Druids as well as early medieval Christians. Her plotting, shifting points of view of the three engaging protagonists, and evocative writing style make The Oath a pleasure to read. Highly recommended!" --Historical Novels Review

"The Oath urges readers along on a richly textured quest among the Saxons and Celts of 8th-century Britain. Young and rather humorously naïve Druid priest-healer Caelym swears to 'rescue' a damsel in distress who turns out to be neither a young damsel nor in distress. With a feminist slant, this engaging tale brings the conflict between Druids and early Christians to vivid life through sympathetic and well-rounded characters. I particularly enjoyed the ironic voice of the aging midwife Annwr. Brava!" --Sara Stamey, author of The Ariadne Connection

"Thrilling historical fiction with heart and soul." --Tim Pears, author of The West Country trilogy

"The Oath will appeal to a wide-ranging readership, reflecting Linden's rich imagination and gift for weaving tales within tales evoking the romance of medieval Britain. Vibrant, determined, and relatable characters with disparate ethnic and religious identities discover their own strengths, and each other's, as the intricate and engaging plot unfolds." --Anne Marie Tietjen, PhD, clinical psychologist and instructor at Western Washington University

"Linden's knowledge and passion for history is soaked into every word of The Oath, combined with an obvious skill at storytelling. Linden succeeds at every level, but the world building is truly spectacular. Historical fantasy is hard to do well, but Linden makes it look easy. What could be dry details are presented so effectively that the world is elevated to almost being a character of its own. And in a cast of characters as well drawn as these, that's saying something. I can't wait to see what else this skilled author comes up with!" --Bishop O'Connell, author of the American Faerie Tale series

The Valley by A.M. Linden

Publication Date: June 28, 2022 

She Writes Press Paperback & eBook; 464 pages 

 Series: The Druid Chronicles, #2 Genre: Historical Fiction/Medieval

    

   Llwddawanden is a hidden sanctuary where remnants of a once-powerful pagan cult carry on their ancient ritual practices, supported by a small but faithful following of servants, craftsmen, and laborers. Cut off from the outside world by both geography and conviction, the Druids of Llwddawanden continue to venerate the Great Mother Goddess and to view themselves as the first-born and favorite of Her mortal children. While the belief that the most important of all divine beings gave birth to their ancestors and that Her spirit inhabits the body of their highest priestess is a tenuous conclusion in view of their reduced lot in life, the Druids of Llwddawanden believe it and are, for the most part, committed to carrying on the traditions handed down to them by their forbears. Herrwn, the shrine’s chief priest and master bard, has the responsibility of overseeing the education of Caelym, the orphaned son of the cult’s previous chief priestess, as well as keeping the peace within the upper ranks of their order—two tasks that grow more difficult as the rivalry over which of the three highest priests will claim Caelym as his disciple grows, and as mounting conflicts between the current chief priestess and her only living daughter threaten to rend the fabric of a society that has endured for more than a millennium.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Advance Praise

“A. M. Linden brings her imagined druid community to life with a skillful combination of research and informed guesswork. The Valley provides an intriguing glimpse into an 8th century Britain that might have been.” --Juliet Marillier, author of the Sevenwaters and Warrior Bards series

“With the attention to detail, explanation of ancient rituals, and the mythology within the clan's legends, this novel builds a community, exploring a people about which little is actually known. It's an extraordinary portrayal, breathing life into a long-dead civilization….Highly recommended!" --Chanticleer Book Reviews

Ann Margaret Linden was born in Seattle, Washington, but grew up on the East Coast before returning to the Pacific Northwest as a young adult. She has undergraduate degrees in anthropology and in nursing and a master’s degree as a nurse practitioner. After working in a variety of acute care and community health settings, she took a position in a program for children with special health care needs where her responsibilities included writing clinical reports, parent educational materials, provider newsletters, grant submissions and other program related materials. The Oath is the first installment of The Druid Chronicles, a five-volume series that began as a somewhat whimsical decision to write something for fun and ended up becoming a lengthy journey that involved Linden taking adult education creative writing courses, researching early British history, and traveling to England, Scotland, and Wales. Retired from nursing, she lives with her husband, dogs, and cat in Bellingham, WA.

 Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, June 28
Review at Jessica Belmont
Excerpt at Jathan & Heather

Wednesday, June 29
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Thursday, June 30
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Friday, July 1
Review at The Page Ladies

Monday, July 4
Review at Jorie Loves a Story (The Oath)

Tuesday, July 5
Interview at Books and Benches

Wednesday, July 6
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Friday, July 8
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Monday, July 11
Review at Bookworlder
Review at Novels Alive

Tuesday, July 12
Review at Potpourri of Opinions

Wednesday, July 13
Guest Post at Jorie Loves a Story

Thursday, July 14
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Friday, July 15
Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Monday, July 18
Review at Jorie Loves a Story  (The Valley)

Wednesday, July 20
Review at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, July 22
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

Two readers will win copies of The Oath & The Valley by A.M. Linden! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 22nd. You must be 18 or older to enter. The Oath

Book Tour Grand Finale for Sweet Melody By Heidi McCahan Book Tour and Giveaway! @HeidiMcCahan #SweetMelTour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Sweet Melody

By Heidi McCahan

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

. . . Sweet Melody is more than just a romance about a songwriter and a bakery owner. It’s also a story about failure, how we cope with unspeakable heartache, and what we do when our dreams don’t come true in the way we’d imagined or expected. Whatever you’re going through right now, I hope this novel inspires you, offers a temporary escape from your current reality, and reminds you of the hope that is found in walking with a God who loves you unconditionally.

Happy reading!
Heidi McCahan

Uplifting Reads - Review

"I was drawn to this book description right off the bat because it combines two of my favorite storylines - a bakery and a musician. . . . Watching the two of them grow together just made me feel happy inside. I may or may not have had misty eyes toward the end of the book. I want to be able to peek in on them later on, and have a feeling we'll be able to, as this is just the first book in the series. And I have a good guess as to who will be the focus in the second book. I'll be watching for it!"

Hallie Reads - Review

"Heidi McCahan’s Sweet Melody easily proves to be as sweet as the title and cover suggest. Focusing on dreams and failures and sweet, sweet romance, it’s a perfect read for contemporary romance fans. I recommend it and look forward to seeing more Seabrook stories, hopefully, in the future."

Pause for Tales - Review

"What a sweet love story this was. . . . This had just the right amount of romantic tension and a story line that kept me glued to the pages. I look forward to more stories by author McCahan."

Colorimetry - Guest Post

Lindsay Carmichael and Rhett Foster are the heroine and hero of Sweet Melody. This manuscript evolved through multiple re-writes, mentoring from Susan May Warren and the incredible editing insights shared by Kristin Avila. Here are a few key details that inspired the development of both Lindsay and Rhett. . .

Remembrancy - Review

'The charming Washington coastal town of Seabrook will have you planning your next vacation while the descriptions of the goodies Lindsay offers at her bakery will have you salivating. The attraction between Rhett and Lindsay is instantaneous and builds from their first meeting and left me anxious for more. . . . Hopefully, readers will get more of Seabrook and this group of friends in future books from McCahan (because I really want to learn more about Cat and Micah!).'

Faithfully Bookish - Interview

Share your inspiration behind Sweet Melody.

H: My family and I visited Seabrook over ten years ago and I was instantly smitten. I think it is a wonderful setting for a novel or possibly a whole series. As the book was launching, we were at Seabrook celebrating my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, which was a lovely full-circle moment.

B: How sweet! Congratulations to your parents!

The Power of Words - Review

"On the one hand, the plot is a familiar one – girl meets boy, attraction and friendship soon grow into something more, but certain facts are held back that could crush any chance for a positive outcome – yet the skill and execution of author Heidi McCahan elevates the story to so much more. It’s a fun, heartwarming, emotionally engaging read with compelling spiritual truths gently woven in. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed every minute spent with these characters."

I'm Into Books - Guest Post (with a sweet recipe)

Scones are a popular treat at bakeries and coffee shops. In Sweet Melody, Lindsay serves scones at her bakery, Sugar Buzz, so I thought it would be fun to include a recipe for my favorite scone, the glazed cranberry orange. Sally’s Baking Addiction features a lot of fantastic recipes and I often visit this website when I need a fun dessert or special treat for our family.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Sweet Melody will have you booking a trip to the cozy coastal town of Seabrook, the real-life town coming alive under the author’s talented scene-setting. Layered and engaging characters become instant friends, and I’m looking forward to the stories still to come from this delightful mix of people. Faith, family, friendship, and chasing dreams combine with a sweet and swoony romance to give readers a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish. If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies or Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series, you’ll want to grab a copy of Sweet Melody for yourself!"

Beauty in the Binding - Excerpt

The front door opened, and a twenty-something guy came in, wearing a tight-fitting black T-shirt, ripped jeans and black work boots. Huh. Definitely not a local. With his brown hair swooped upward and classic handsome features, he looked like a front man for a band. Or the cover model for a romance novel. His caramel-colored gaze found hers, so intense. A delicious tingle swept across her neck then danced around to her cheeks. She couldn’t look away even if she wanted to.

"Hi.” She squeaked out a greeting.

Quinn’s eyes widened. “Hey.” He moved closer, his gait easy and confident. “Do you know where I might find the owner or manager?”

Lindsay couldn’t stop a frown. Did she not look qualified to be in charge? Granted, she probably seemed younger than twenty-four, in jeans and frilly apron over her yellow T-shirt. Still, he didn’t have to jump to conclusions.

“I’m she. I mean, this is her.” Oh brother. Maybe she was too young. Or he was too good-looking.

Bookworm Lisa - Review & Guest Post (with a sweet recipe)

My parents bought a lodge in Alaska when I was a baby, so I spent a lot of my childhood watching my parents and grandparents prepare food and serve it to our customers. It wasn’t safe for me to be near the oven and grill, but I was allowed to climb up on a stool and hang around my mom while she baked pies and cookies in the evenings after the lodge was closed. I have fond memories of “sneaking” chocolate chips from the Nestle Toll House bag while she prepared the cookie dough. . .

"This book is a "happily-ever-after" but there is a ton of story from the beginning to the end. At times I wondered how in the heck the two would work things out. What I got was a story that had depth and a great storyline. I am definitely glad that I took the opportunity to read this book."

Kathryn Cooper Writes - Excerpt

Mr. Perfect could be real trouble.

Not that he wasn’t qualified. He was more than qualified. He made the best vanilla latte she’d had in months, possibly ever. And he was telling the truth about his past—a simple Google search confirmed his story.

But serious amounts of time around that smile, those caramel eyes and the way his voice spilled out so effortlessly, doing crazy things to her insides … yeah, good thing it was a part-time temporary gig. She needed her full attention—

Jorie Loves A Story - Review

"McCahan has a gentle style to her INSPY Contemporary Romances - she lets you drink in the world she is creating for you first, gives you time to find feet inside the story and grants you this lovely place where despite the fact there are moments of adversity, there is a willingness to seek out the unexpected and the good in order to overcome what is giving the characters the most stress and anxiety to overcome. . . . McCahan has definitely thought hard about how she wanted the Seabrook Romances to look, feel and taste to the reader and it is a delight to curl inside this entrance of the series to see where the foundation will not just begin but will give wings to where future installments could continue forward from here."

Library Lady's Kid Lit - Interview

In a library or a bookstore – what section do you head to first?

The new releases always grab my attention in a bookstore. Our library always has a clever display featured front and center and I usually stop there first. Basically I can’t walk past an interesting arrangement of books without stopping to explore my options.

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"Such a beautiful romance with a beautiful setting. . . . I recommend it for readers who enjoy a sweet, clean and light romance with inspiration and faith."

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

I decided to write a book featuring Seabrook as the setting because my family and I have enjoyed several wonderful vacations in this gorgeous coastal community. When you read Sweet Melody, I hope you’ll get a small taste of this amazing part of Washington State and maybe you’ll take the time to visit Seabrook too. . .

A Modern Day Fairy Tale - Review

"If you're looking for your next sweet romance... nothing could be sweeter than Sweet Melody, pun fully intended. Oh what a cute romance story this was. . . . Sweet Melody was a quick and fun read... I finished it in less than a day! It had a great flow that kept me intrigued right to the last page."

Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters - Interview

A lot of romances these days include food, as in a character owns a bakery or the like. What is it about this that makes these romances so appealing to readers?

My editor asked me to answer this question because she wanted me to show readers why Lindsay, the heroine in Sweet Melody, cared so much about her bakery and her motivation for launching a food truck. In my opinion, the kind of food one finds at a bakery, especially during a trip or a vacation, provokes happy thoughts and positive emotions. What’s not to love about a cake pop or a cupcake? Readers want to feel good and reading about yummy food recreates positive experiences and memories that also make the reading experience even more enjoyable.

Britt Reads Fiction - Review

"I really did love the way the attraction and romance brewed between these main characters (pun intended, as the hero was the barista). . . . I really enjoyed this book and the community that was introduced in it. I look forward to returning to Seabrook and reading future stories set there."

Among the Reads - Review

"Sweet Melody is delightful and filled with romance. . . . Sweet Melody was very enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys sweet romantic fiction."

Woven From Words - Review

"I found Sweet Melody to be such a heartwarming read. The chemistry between Rhett and Lindsay was so charming and vibrant throughout the entire book. I also enjoyed the overall theme of resilience in the face of deep personal struggle."

Splashes of Joy - Review

"This was my first book by author Heidi McCahan, and I really enjoyed this story. The blend of characters throughout the story developed very well as they told their story. . . . the author pulls everything together so smoothly and gives readers the perfect ending to the story."

janicesbookreviews - Review

"This book is such a cute story. Lindsay was determined to make her business work. The characters were so much fun."

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

“There’s something about this beach—it will cure what ails you.” She moved past him and started down the stairs. “I joke all the time that the marketing people sneak out at night and inject a secret ingredient into the air. No one believes me, of course.”

“A complex hypothesis like that doesn’t get much support, huh? Shocking.”

She paused and fired a playful look over her shoulder. “Don’t mock me.”

He held up both palms and tried not to laugh. “No mockery here. I’m sure your top-secret injection theory is spot on.”

“You wait and see. Fifteen minutes in, and you’ll forget whatever was bothering you.” She pivoted and trotted down the next flight of stairs.

His smile faded. If only that were true.

My Devotional Thoughts - Review

"The characters were cleverly and realistically developed., and while there were no major surprises in the story, it was well-executed on every level. If you love old-time romance with food trucks, bakeries, and country music, this is for you!"

Jypsylynn - Review

"This is a feel good clean contemporary romance with quaint small town vibes and aromatic lattes. It's a very good read overall for fans of the genre. I recommend for something light, happy and a little bit spicy!"

Peaceful Pastime - Review

"It is purely delightful and so very sweet. The author is a new to me author and I loved her writing style and her characters are likeable which made reading this novel a pleasant weekend read. The coastal setting was perfect, the close friendships are such a nice touch because there is no jealousy between them and they want to help each other no matter what. . . . Grab a copy of this book and a cup off coffee and enjoy this heartwarming novel."

Batya's Bits - Review

"I really really enjoyed reading this book. It was such a comfortable and easy read. . . . The author’s writing style was awesome. Even though it was a romance novel, the book wasn’t swimming with heated scenes. It was very clean to read. I enjoyed it immensely. I hope to read more from this author."

Tell Tale Book Reviews - Guest Post (with a sweet recipe)

Here in the South, pound cakes are a staple at family gatherings, church functions and any occasion that calls for a delightful sweet treat. We love our pound cake around here. There are probably hundreds of recipes and iterations available, but this one caught my eye because the author states her mother has been making this pound cake for more than thirty years. It’s apparently a crowd-pleaser and an award-winner. . .

Life Is What It's Called - Excerpt

That text message was burning a hole in his pocket.

Rhett grabbed a white ceramic mug from the stack nestled beside the bakery’s espresso machine and poured in a generous shot of hazelnut syrup. Brandi’s text filtered through his head while he pulled the shot of coffee.

I played our song for Paige Tyson. She loved it! Amazing, right? Her manager wants to know when we can finish it??

Ha! How about never? He added the coffee to the mug, then reached for the frothing pitcher full of milk. Empty.

Red Headed Book Lady - Review

"A sweet book that will make you drool throughout with a coastal backdrop as the setting. . . . I strongly recommend this book. Maybe you've been through mine and Rhetts situation in your life along the way. Have past hurts that need forgiven. Talk to the Lord my reader friends. He will point you the way. Forgive and love while that person is still there. You won't regret it."

Cover Lover Book Review - Review & Guest Post (with a sweet recipe)

"I had so much fun reading this sweet story! Though Sweet Melody is light and fun, it still carries plenty of substance. . . . This is the first book I’ve read by Heidi McCahan, and I plan to seek out more of her work. Her writing style is easy to read, and her characters are well developed."

A shout out to the brilliant soul who created the cake pop! Cake on a stick? Yes, please. In real life, I listen to a podcast that features a woman who used to make cake pops for a living, but didn’t own a bakery. It was more of a side hustle that made her friends and family happy. That’s how cake pops ended up playing a supporting role in Sweet Melody, because I needed a treat that appealed to a wide variety of customers and symbolized the happiness and contentment Lindsay longs to offer her customers at Sugar Buzz. Like Lindsay says in Sweet Melody, “Who doesn’t love a cake pop?” . . .

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

From the first verse, the mood of the gathering shifted as Rhett’s tone dived deep and took on a mournful, seasoned quality—as though he’d lived every minute of the pain he crooned about.

Lindsay gripped the armrests of her chair, hanging on every note, captivated by the emotional journey of the songwriter. Captivated by Rhett. The chorus and subsequent verse told a powerful story of unrequited love, then came to an abrupt end as Rhett stopped playing.

“That’s all I’ve written so far.” He shifted in his chair. “Sorry.”

They were all staring with rapt attention. Clearly, she wasn’t the only one who wanted more.

"I’m just going to say it. I loved this book from the start. From the setting to the characters, to the plot and especially how I felt after reading it. Peeps this is a sweet contemporary romance with inspirational undertones to it. . . . I found that while reading the book, my heart opened and made me take stock in certain parts of my own life. . . . Do yourself a favor a pick up this gem of a book."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Sweet Melody
(Seabrook Romance #1)
By Heidi McCahan
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 242 Pages
August 1st 2019

When a struggling bakery owner is rescued by a wannabe songwriter with hidden culinary talents, they discover they can make sweet harmony … if they can only learn to work together.

Rhett Foster longs to change the world with his music, yet he can’t even finish writing one song. Battered by a string of failures and disillusioned, he returns home to Portland, Oregon. While he desperately wants to create a chart-topping hit, his dad mandates a new mission: move to coastal vacation hotspot Seabrook, Washington and expand the family’s successful restaurant chain.

In danger of destroying her late parents’ legacy if she doesn’t diversify her menu, Lindsay Carmichael will try anything to save her bakery. But with a tiny budget and an injured employee who can’t work, she has no choice but to sink the last of her savings into buying a dilapidated food truck and hiring Rhett as a part-time barista. What she doesn’t know is that the handsome songwriter has a secret … one that could destroy her business and her heart.

(Affiliate links included.)

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About the Author

Heidi secretly dreamed of writing a book for most of her childhood, but a particularly painful rejection letter in middle school convinced her to tuck that dream away. Instead, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. After a brief career as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Heidi married her husband Steve, then she dusted off her big dream of becoming a published author and launched her first contemporary romance into the world in 2014. A huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and happily ever after, Heidi currently lives in North Carolina with Steve, three active boys and one amazing Goldendoodle.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram

Bookstagram Tour

This has its own giveaway, so go check it out! Enter at each stop to double your chances.

September 9th:
@suziewaltner
@bringingupbooks
September 10th:
@_ebl_inc_
@bookishdelightz
September 11th:
@girlandherbooks
@inspirationalfictionreader
September 12th:
@openasabookworm
@heidireadsblog
September 13th:
@stackingmybookshelves
@all.the.lovely.pages

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed paperback with bookmark, $10 Amazon gift card, Sticky Fingers Strawberry Scone mix and a Seabrook Sea, Salt and Surf 100% soy wax candle from Hometown candle company.

US only

Ends September 18, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour Grand Finale for Falling for Her Bodyguard By Amy Vastine!! @PrismBookTours #booktour for #FallingforHerBodyguard @vastine7 #FFHBTour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Falling for Her Bodyguard

By Amy Vastine

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

. . . Falling for Her Bodyguard is a story about opening your heart even when your head has been telling you to keep the walls up. Enjoy the excerpts and reviews - I hope you fall in love with the newest members of the Grace Note family as much as I did!

xoxo,
Amy Vastine

Remembrancy - Review

"But what tipped the scales for me in this book were the characters. . . . Then add in Donovan’s troubled nephew and adorable, energetic niece, and Falling for Her Bodyguard becomes that much sweeter. I didn’t even mind that I had figured out who the stalker was fairly early on. Getting to spend time with Kelly, Donovan, Graham, Avery, and several of the radio crew more than made up for it."

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"I love Falling for Her Bodyguard. I am giving it four and a half stars. I highly recommend this fun, clean, heartwarming and sweet book. I would be interested in reading more books by Amy Vastine in the future."

It's All About the Romance - Excerpt

A woman on her phone pushed open the door. “I understand you’re trying to protect me, but this is a little extreme don’t you think?” she said as she jogged down the steps and onto the sidewalk. Ending her call, she turned around and glanced up at Donovan. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her eyes were covered by aviator sunglasses. “Well, come on. He’s going to send you to the station regardless of what I have to say about it.”

This must be the niece. Dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt knotted at her hip, she didn’t give him many clues as to what she might have to do today. Donovan could see why Dillon told him Captain was protective. She was attractive, albeit a tad rude. She stormed ahead before coming to an abrupt stop.

Red Headed Book Lady - Review

"This is a new to me author and already I'm in love!!

The author has done a wonderful job in mixing this story with the right amount of mystery . . . . I really liked the story.

It kept me occupied until I realized what time it was!! I didn't even noticed the sun had begun to set tonight!!

I will be looking for more from this author!!!"

Pause for Tales - Review

"What a fun read this one was. I really enjoyed the give and take between the two leads, Kelly and Donovan. This being a stalker story the tension was always in the background giving a more forceful push for their relationship. . . . This was one story that was hard to put down for real life."

Thoughts of a Blonde - Review

"I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance with a strong family foundation, lots of emotion and a hint of intrigue. The characters were very well developed, the story line was endearing and the overall outcome very satisfying. Really enjoyed watching this happily ever after evolve!"

Paulette's Papers - Excerpt

He scooted his chair closer to Kelly’s and reached for her hand. “What do you want to do today? I was thinking we could do a little self-defense training.”

“I need to find a new place to live.” She held his hand in both of hers.

“You’re serious about that?”

“I can’t go back there. My lease is almost up. I was thinking about actually buying a place once I signed my new contract at work. When you’re in radio, you run the risk of having to move from town to town. A new contract at K104 means I can put down some roots finally.”

Onemused - Review

"FALLING FOR HER BODYGUARD is a fantastic character-driven romantic suspense that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for something deeper yet still fun. I absolutely loved this read from the beginning that hooks you all the way to the satisfying conclusion."

janicesbookreviews - Review

"I always loved books with kids in it. . . . I loved reading about the different activities they had. Loved the family environment that Donovan’s had with his niece and nephew."

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

Donovan’s head hurt from trying to make sense of clues that added up to practically nothing. He only saw one solution to their problem. “I think we need to set a trap. I’ll have to coordinate with the other detectives, but I think we have you say something on the radio and you invite him somewhere to make amends. If he thinks you want to apologize, he could come into it without any thoughts of doing harm.”

Kelly cringed. “I don’t like that idea. Lying to trap this guy? I feel like that could backfire. What if he finds out I’m lying?”

Two Points of Interest - Review

"The novel was a fun and interesting read. The "stalker portion" of the story wasn't the main pull of the novel but, it was a surprise at the end. Surprisingly, I didn't mind that the romance took center stage because both characters were lovable and realistic. I thought the novel was a cute and romantic read."

EmpowerMoms - Review

"This was a really sweet story! Romance…drama…whats not to like?! . . . I haven’t read any of the other books in the “Grace Note Records” series-they can be read as stand alone novels. This story kept my interest from beginning to end. I highly recommend this easy, heartwarming, fun book!"

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt

“I don’t believe you aren’t good at everything and you don’t believe I’m as bad as I claim. That’s funny.” Kelly’s cheeks were hurting from smiling so much. “Maybe you can show me how to make something I can’t mess up. If I manage to make something edible on my own, it will prove I’m right about you and you’re right about me. We would both have to admit that you are good at everything and I am not as bad as I think I am. If I bomb, then you are right about you and I am right about me.”

The space between his brows wrinkled. “The way your mind works both fascinates and scares me at the same time.”

“I think that’s the perfect way to find out who’s right about who.”

Jorie Loves A Story - Review

"There was something wholesome and sweet about how this story resolves itself; as Vastine lets you take the adventure with Donovan and Kelly. In many instances, they were more caught inside the hours they spent with Avery and Graham; where they were laying down the foundation of a relationship but moreso to that, they were setting down a foundation for a family. Those hours were the most special of the story, as it is where you saw the barriers of grief and anguish starting to tumble down and where true healing could emerge. The kids needed someone as a mediator between themselves and their Uncle Donovan whereas where Kelly excelled at understanding what it was like to have a cop in the family, she also softened Donovan's heart to accept that sometimes life brings unexpected circumstances that are good for the soul."

Hallie Reads - Review

"I so enjoyed my time with these characters. Kelly and Donovan—plus the kids and the Nashville community—made reading Falling for Her Bodyguard such a delight. Any reader in need of a feel-good contemporary romance cannot go wrong with this book."

Teatime and Books - Review

"These are such well-developed characters that I feel many will be able to relate to. Also, the plot just flows beautifully and one can't help but feel a part of the community and world that Vastine creates. Impeccable writing and a very new-to-me author and one I will enjoy reading more from! If you love a sweet romance with a handsome yet deeply romantic and caring Hero, then this is the book for you!"

Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

“I’m going to kiss you to prove there’s nothing going on,” he warned her, waiting for her to protest. She didn’t. Her lips slightly parted and she stared deep into his eyes, making it hard to breathe.

He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Softly, gently. Convincing himself that this made him feel nothing was hard to do when it made him feel so much. His whole body felt like it was on fire and she was both the flame and the balm that would take away all the pain. His hand cupped her cheek and he tilted her face upward so he could deepen the kiss just a bit. Her arms snaked around his neck and held him in place.

The whole world dropped away and there was nothing but Kelly and this feeling—this feeling he couldn’t begin to label. All he knew was he loved it and hated it at the same time. He wanted to push her away and pull her closer. Nothing made sense. Instead of giving him clarity, he felt more confused than ever.

"Buy the book. Read the book. Fall in love with Donovan and Kelly like I did. I dare you and come back to tell how much I was right. I can wait. Ms. Vastine has written another wonderful story about learning to trust, fall in love and believe in yourself."

Andi's Book Reviews - Review

"I loved this story. It was a hard one to put down to get a little bit of sleep. So don't start reading it right before bed. It's a great addition to the Harlequin Heartwarming Series. And like I said, I'm going to have to find more from this author and the Grace Note Records series now."

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"Falling for Her Bodyguard is swoony and sweet with just enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and riveted to the story. Each of the primary characters (Kelly, Donovan, Avery and Graham) are solidly drawn and multi-dimensional, and you’ll fall in love with each one. This story is delightful from beginning to end – a must-read for fans of sweet contemporary romance!"

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

Falling for Her Bodyguard
(Grace Note Records #4)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She needs his protection…

But can he protect his heart?

Radio personality Kelly Bonner isn’t convinced she needs a bodyguard, especially one as intensely good-looking as Detective Donovan Walsh. Yet beneath Donovan’s tough-guy facade is a man struggling to raise his sister’s children. A man Kelly could care about…if he’d let her. Now she’ll have to find a way to convince her big, bad bodyguard that his family—and his heart—are safe in her hands.

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Other Books in the Series



About the Author

Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.

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Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a Reading is my Superpower custom-made sign, an autographed copy of The Girl He Used to Love and a bookmark (if winner is outside US then they would receive an ebook and egift card only)

Ends August 21, 2019

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