Kylie's Kiss Blog Blitz

Welcome Delia! I've so been looking forward to this visit. Can you sit awhile so we can talk about the Solomon's Gate series? Destiny's Gate was just wonderful. Matter of fact, I couldn't resist and I told everyone about it last week. And to be honest, Kylie's Kiss looks even better. How long will we have to wait for Gypsy's Game, I wonder?

Oh, and I understand today is a very special day for you...

That's right, thank you! Happy Birthday to me! But I have a gift for YOU!

For me?

LOL Well, for some lucky readers who would care to follow me in this birthday blog blitz! I will be touring from blog to blog - and I'm bringing along Kylie Matthews, the heroine from my new release, Kylie's Kiss! I hope you'll join us.

So I guess we'll have to wait for Kylie to show up at the next stop before we can learn more about them?

Well, here's what it's all about.

On a dare, Kylie Matthews lands smack in the middle of Solomon's Gate-Castle Creek's new Christian dating agency-and she finds herself revealing exactly what she's waiting for in a relationship.

And????

LOL Well, all right. Here's a little snippet.

Excerpt:

“Don’t be embarrassed, sweetie. We all wait for something. What are you looking for? Do you know?”
She heaved a sigh. Might as well lay it all out on the table. “I’ve probably read too many fairy tales and watched too many romantic movies,” she mumbled.
Destiny leaned closer, straining to hear. Kylie forced herself to meet the other woman’s curious gaze and raised her voice, blurting out the embarrassing answer. “I’m waiting for the kiss that makes my legs weak and steals my breath away. The kind of kiss where an over‐dramatic movie producer would add fireworks and gunfire in the background.”
There. She’d said it. Kylie closed her eyes and plowed ahead. “I’m waiting for the man whose lips will touch mine and make my heart come alive,” she finished in a tiny voice.
Oh my gosh, now I can't wait to hear more!

Then be sure to follow along! As you visit each blog, be sure to leave a comment - just in case we don't see you. Every comment counts as an entry into the drawing that will be held at the end of the day. Winners will be announced on my website at http://www.delialatham.net/blogblitzjune27th.htm .

FIRST PRIZE: Isn't it beautiful? The pendant is a bottle, and the other little bottle in the picture holds Queen Esther anointing oil - something to go in your pendant. (I obtained both necklace and oil from The Master's Jewels.) The pretty stones on the pendant are duplicated on the other side, and then, of course, there's that sweet little pearl hanging from the bottom. The pendant is 2 1/2 inches long.

ADDITIONAL PRIZES:

For every half dozen blogs I visit on June 27th, I will give away one pdf copy of either Destiny's Dream (Book one, Solomon's Gate) or Kylie's Kiss (Book two, Solomon's Gate) ; OR a print copy of Morning Rendezvous (winner's choice). So...if I'm hosted at twelve blogs, I'll give away TWO books. If I have eighteen hosts, THREE commenters will win a book. And so on.

Below are all the blogs Kylie and I will be juggling on June 27th. So it all starts here.

As I schedule more, they will be added here, so you'll know where to find us. (Two blog addresses beside any host's name indicates that host will post Kylie's and/or my information at two different web locations).

Host Blog Addy

Pamela S. Thibodeaux http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

Barbara Hartzler http://barbarahartzler.com/

http://www.examiner.com/christian-fiction-in-kansas-city/barbara-hartzler

Linda Wagner http://onedesertrose.wordpress.com/

Anne K. Albert http://piedmont-island-trilogy.blogspot.com

Tracy Krauss www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com

Robin Bayne http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com

Edwina Cowgill http://www.musingsofedwina.blogspot.com/

Susan Hollaway http://susanhollaway.blogspot.com

Patty Wysong (June 27-28) http://www.barndoorbookloft.net

Elizabeth Johnson http://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com

Shellie Neumeier http://shellieneumeier.com/

Liz Tolsma www.liztolsma.blogspot.com

Teresa Slack www.writersrest.blogspot.com

Rose McCauley http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com/

Jeannie Campbell http://charactertherapist.blogspot.com/

Nike Chillemi http://crimefictionandfaith.blogspot.com/

Jo Huddleston http://johuddleston.blogspot.com/

Clare Revell http://telscha.blogspot.com/

Andrea Strong http://andreastake.blogspot.com

Phyllis Wheeler http://www.phylliswheeler.com/blog/

Danielle Thorne http://thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com/

Elaine Cantrell http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com

Cheryl St. John http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/

Destiny's Dream - Review

Today I'd like to welcome Delia Latham as we open with the first story of the Solomon's Gate series. Let's step inside.

Destiny's Dream

Is a little respect too much to ask at a parent's funeral?

Apparently it is for Destiny May. Her mother's "going away party" is crashed by a totally irreverent stranger. Clay Gallagher is built like a small mountain and far more vocal than is fitting. When it turns out he's not even at the right funeral, Destiny demands retribution in the form of an escape from the day's dreary proceedings.

Their relationship has some kinks - starting with Destiny's determination to found a Christian dating service in their conservative town of Castle Creek. Clay has little respect or patience for such a frivolous profession. But when Destiny is threatened by an anonymous caller who deeply resents her and what she does for a living, Clay makes it his business to keep the saucy redhead out of harm's way.

Trouble is, spending time in her company weakens his defenses...and Cupid's arrows are known to fly straight to the heart.

Review

I’m not usually fond of prologues, but Ms. Latham grabbed me right there, in the opening pages and didn’t let go until I reached The End. There is such heartfelt wonder in the tragic opening event (and no, I won’t even spoil that much for you) that I could have been in the room with them. And the message spoken to Destiny in those first pages speaks direct to the reader’s heart.

From that point on I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen.

Ms. Latham’s characters are so dear I would love to have them for my own friends. Someone you could count on to have your back through thick and thin. The love and understanding that travels between them reaches across the pages like being in a room with two people you know are meant to be together, even though it seems doubtful at times that they will ever get to that point.

There are twists and turns to this story that kept me guessing all the way till the end – truly a mark of a great writer.

So if you’re looking for a story that will wrap you in a warm, loving cocoon, but at the same time, leave you wondering if things will ever work out right, then you need to pick this one up.

My hat’s off to you, Delia, well done! I can’t wait to read the next one.

Daffodils winning review!

Daffodils by Donna B. Snow
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, inspirational
Length: Short Story (105 pages)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Periwinkle

Second chances at love can flourish and grow in life just like Daffodils.

Margaret Ellington has faced the tragic loss of her husband and is finally trying to move on. She has picked herself up, gotten a new teaching position, and bought a new home. Lukas North, the man who walked out on her ten years ago, is back and wants to see if there could possibly be another place in her heart for him again. Will a long distance relationship work for them? Can she trust in God's and Lukas's love to make things right? Come follow their new season in life that is filled with the sweetness of blossoms and enriched with God's love.

I truly enjoyed this sweet short story. It moves quickly and I really enjoy second chance stories. Everyone deserves a second chance and since the main characters in this story are teachers, they need it even more so in my eyes. Can you tell I have a soft spot for them? Margaret's interaction with her students was very well written by the author and it added just another bit of sweetness to the story. I would highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a quick and very sweet story with a nice happy ending.

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/index.htm

Here is the YouTube link for the book trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K29SDQPNuHE

New Releases

Oh how I love reunion stories, and this one looks like a good one!

Audrey Rhodes once walked the straight and narrow, but a terrible mistake changed the direction her life. Now former boyfriend and bad boy, Brent Thomason, is back in Blithe Settlement claiming newfound faith in God. Audrey's feelings for Brent haven't changed, but she has. Her life is in shambles. How can she be worthy of this new Brent's love?

Brent Thomason isn't proud of his past. Audrey had been his friend and

his love, and he betrayed her. Now a veterinarian, he's returned home to work with Audrey's dad and make restitution for his misdeeds. Brent finds it's not so easy for people to accept his changed ways; still he must make things right with those he hurt, starting with Audrey.

As God directs their paths, Audrey discovers forgiveness is a two-edged sword...especially when she must first forgive herself. And Brent must

accept God's will...even if it means losing Audrey a second time.

4 1/2 Tea Cups! from Happy Ever After Reviews

Bad boy turned good, Brent, returns to his home town in search of a job and to put right all the wrong he did, starting with the one girl who really mattered to him, Audrey. Audrey, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with ‘what’s-his-name’ – the man she sees as responsible for everything that’s gone wrong in her life—from her loss of faith to the wrong relationship choices she made. The only problem is she still loves him.

This heart-warming tale of betrayal, faith and forgiveness keeps your attention throughout. I read it in two sittings and enjoyed every moment. With lots of action, drama, wonderful characters and a brilliant twist, this is definitely one to read.

Christian stories

Here's another author who's new to me, but has quite a bit going on. I guess I have some catching up to do! (So many good stories, so little time...) Well, onward, let's welcome Anne K. Albert.

Anne’s stories chill the spine, warm the heart, and soothe the soul…all with a delightful touch of humor. She is author of the Piedmont Island Trilogy series and Muriel Reeves Mysteries. When not in her home office, she enjoys traveling, visiting friends and family, and of course, reading.

Hello Anne! It's wonderful to have you here.

Thank you, the pleasure's mine I'm sure!

Well, I'm glad you chose to visit my little neck of the web. I just love Romantic Suspense and I've been hearing lots of good things about Defending Glory. Could you tell us what it's about?

I'd love to! Defending Glory tells the story of a woman who believes unconditionally in the Lord, and a man who is convinced there is no master plan, no purpose to life, and most certainly no merciful God in Heaven. Of course, when Glory’s life is threatened, he vows to keep her safe. But can he protect his heart as well?

Ooh, sounds wonderfu!!! Just a little peek, please?

LOL You don't have to ask this author twice! Here you go:

“Glory?” Mrs. Cole, the B&B owner, exited the back door.

“I’m here. In the gazebo.”

The older woman sauntered across the lawn, juggling two ceramic mugs.

“Chamomile tea,” she said as she offered one to Glory. “Steeped for five minutes. I thought you could use a cup. Something to settle your nerves.”

“Thank you.” Glory inhaled the delicate aroma before taking a sip. “I take it you heard about the murder at Hanover Point?”

Mrs. Cole sat in the chair opposite the chaise. “I did. It’s shocking. I’m glad the pastor was with you. And that you’re safe and sound.”

“Me too.”

“I hope you were spared from seeing the body.”

“I wasn’t. It was awful.” She relayed a few details, sparing the older woman most of the gruesome facts. Still, Mrs. Cole’s eyes bugged out of her head.

“Please tell me this horrid event hasn’t changed your mind about moving here. Or building the retreat.”

The threatening words printed on the back of Manny Singh’s neck zipped across the front of Glory’s brain. Goosebumps formed on her arms and she had the strangest feeling she was being watched. Her fingers tightened around the mug. She concentrated on its warmth and willed away her fears.

“No,” she said at last. “I’m here to stay.”

A snapping sound, like someone stepping on a twig behind the cedar hedge, made her jump. She turned her head, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Another twig snapped just beyond the B&B’s backyard.

“Are you all right, dear?” Mrs. Cole asked.

Glory did her best to shake off the eerie feeling. Surely, if someone was spying on them, Mrs. Cole would sense it too. She smiled at her hostess, and stood up. “I’m fine. But it’s getting chilly. Do you mind if we go inside?”

And here's what one reviewer had to say about Anne's writing:

"If you're looking for a book with an engrossing storyline, characters you can't help but fall in love with, and an author who knows how to create a winning masterpiece in the end, then look no further. Ms. Albert is an author to watch because she's definitely going places. She is one author you shouldn't pass up!" ~ Diana Coyle, Book Reviewer, Night Owl Review

To learn more about Anne and her stories, you can visit her at:

Website: http://www.AnneKAlbert.com

Blog: http://anne-k-albert.blogspot.com