Category Archives: BOOK BLITZ

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Her Hopes and Dreams by Terri Osburn

Tour Graphic

NEW RELEASE
HER HOPES AND DREAMS
by
Terri Osburn

Sweet. Heartwarming.
Book 4 of the highly popular Ardent Springs series.

Purchase Links:
Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble

Terri Osburn - Her Hopes and Dreams Cover

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: November 15, 2016
Add to Goodreads

If she’d let him in, 
he’d be the man of her dreams.

As a newly single mother, Carrie Farmer isn’t quite ready to jump back into the dating pool in Ardent Springs—especially since her last marriage was such a disaster. But if anyone could entice her to wade in a bit, it would be her hunky neighbor, Noah Winchester. He’s the perfect man: strong, protective, and smoking hot. But her eyes have deceived her before, and she’s no longer willing to hand over her heart so easily.

After completing several tours in the Middle East, Noah returns to his hometown a very different man. The former soldier’s plan to rest and relax is soon waylaid by the intriguing woman next door and her heart-stealing little girl. Something—or someone—put shadows in Carrie’s lovely eyes, and he’s determined to clear them away. But when hidden demons can no longer be ignored, the couple gets a reminder from an unexpected source that love truly can conquer all.

BUY NOW!

Get your copy of Her Hopes and Dreams today.
Available at:

Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble

Join the Book Tour

Follow the ongoing book tour from Nov 15 – Dec 14, 2016
for sneak peaks, excerpts, fun facts and other never-before-published info
about the book.

Plus:
Get a chance to win $5 Amazon Gift Card
ON EACH TOUR STOP!

Check below for the detailed tour schedule.

Other Books in the Ardent Springs Series

Check out other highly recommended titles by Terri Osburn.
Here are her first 3 books in the Ardent Springs series.

His First and Last Cover

His First and Last
Ardent Springs, Book 1

Sparks fly when high school sweethearts reunite in this first book in Terri Osburn’s Ardent Springs Series. Lorelei and Spencer thought they’d moved on, but find old flames never really die. But can they let the past go to find their happily ever after?

Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print |
Barnes & Noble

Our Now and Forever Cover

Our Now and Forever
Ardent Springs, Book 2

A whirlwind romance landed Caleb and Snow in a Vegas wedding chapel making the biggest commitment of their young lives, but married life isn’t quite what Snow expected. Caleb has spent eighteen months looking for his runaway bride, and now that he’s found her in Ardent Springs, he isn’t about to let her out of his arms again.

Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print |
Barnes & Noble

My One and Only Cover

My One and Only
Ardent Springs, Book 3

A desperate teenage mother becomes a common cause for Cooper and Haleigh, who have been friends forever and nothing more. Seeing this as his chance with the girl he’s always loved, Cooper turns on the charm, but Haleigh’s history, as well as her daunting mother, could be too much for even love to overcome.

Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print |
Barnes & Noble

Giveaway

Everyone is invited to join the giveaway contest
from November 15 – December 14, 2016.

Lots of prizes to be won!

ON EACH TOUR STOP
Win $5 Amazon Gift Card
(Open to all participants)

Be sure to visit each blog scheduled throughout the tour
for a chance to win $5 Amazon Gift Card on each stop.
Check out the tour schedule below.

TOUR WIDE
One Lucky Winner will bring home
A Red Kindle Fire,
4 signed Ardent Series Books in a I-Love-Romance-Novels tote
and more!
(Open to US and Canadian residents only)

Click here to join the Tour Wide Giveaway Contest.

Giveaway Graphic

– – – – –

terri-osburn-teaser

Purchase Her Hopes and Dreams today!
Available at:
Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble

About Terri Osburn

osburn-author-pic

Although born in the Ohio Valley, Terri Osburn found her true home between the covers of her favorite books. Classics like The Wizard of Oz and Little Women filled her childhood landscapes, and the romance genre beckoned during her teen years. In 2007, she put pen to paper to write her own. Just five years later, she became a 2012 finalist for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award, and her debut novel was released a year later. To date, she has released eight novels, two novellas, and one short story. You can learn more about this award winning author by visiting her website at www.terriosburn.com.

Visit the official website of Terri Osburn
https://www.TerriOsburn.com

Connect with Terri Osburn on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


Tour Schedule

Join the book tour! Get more tidbits, excerpts and other info on Her Hopes and Dreams. Visit all the tour stops for a chances to win $5 Amazon Gift Card on each stop.

November 15

Book Unleashed – Promo, Excerpt

Cali Book Reviews – Review

November 16

Happy Ever After Romance Book Reviews – Review, Excerpt

Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’ – Promo

November 17

Books According to Abby – Review, Excerpt

The Pen and Muse Book Reviews – Promo, Excerpt, Fun Facts

November 18

The Romance Reviews – Review, Excerpt

What is That Book About – Excerpt

Books,Dreams,Life – Promo, Review, Excerpt

November 21

Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Excerpt, Interview

November 22

Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books! – Excerpt, Fun Facts

November 23

Dawn’s Reading Nook – Excerpt

November 24

Lisa Loves Literature – Promo

November 25

Liz’s Reading Life – Promo, Excerpt, Fun Facts

November 28

Tory Richards – Promo, Excerpt

November 29

Diana’s Book Reviews – Review, Fun Facts

November 30

KT Book Reviews – Promo

Wander Girl Life – Review

December 1

The Avid Book Collector – Promo, Excerpt

December 2

Romancing the Books and More – Interview

December 5

Spunk & Hunks – Character Interview

December 6

Crazy Beautiful Reads – Promo, Excerpt

December 7

Delish & Yummy Book Boyfriends – Promo, Excerpt

December 8

Maari Loves Her Indies – Promo

December 9

Romantic Reads and Such – Review, Excerpt

December 12

Paulette’s Papers – Promo, Excerpt

December 13

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Promo, Excerpt, Fun Facts

December 14

Random Thoughts From a Book Nerd – Promo, Excerpt


In partnership with

Book Unleashed

2 Comments

Filed under BOOK BLITZ, BOOKS

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: The Ladies by Brenda Jernigan

Tour Graphic

NEW RELEASE
THE LADIES
by
Brenda Jernigan

A compilation of three highly-rated, award-winning novels
in a single package.

Fast paced…
Full of suspense and adventure…
Charming and spiced with passion.

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

The Ladies Cover

Genre: Historical, Regency, Scottish, Pirates
Publication Date: November 14, 2016
Add to Goodreads

From the elegant ballrooms of 1800’s London, to the wilds of America, enjoy the spirited women as they tame their Rakes, and embark on marvelous adventures.

The Duke’s Lady

An American spy with a British birth, Adam Trent, the Duke of St. Ives, is consumed with gathering information to use against England’s navy. Despite the intrigues of war, the mystery of the lovely young woman washed ashore near his Cornwall estate is one he cannot resist. With the ragged remains of a treasure map concealed in her chemise and no memory of who she is and how she got there, the dark beauty is a puzzle.

Love Only Once

Bitter Betrayal – Jonathan Hird, Earl of Longdale, wants sweet revenge on Lady Elizabeth Trent for leaving him at the altar. After a couple of years at sea, Jonathan returns and forms a perfect plan for Sweet Revenge.

The Wicked Lady

When Trevor Claremont, the Duke of Chatsworth, is blind-sided by a pickpocket, he isn’t prepared for the feisty redhead who he finds is one wicked lady. Seeing a solution to his pressing problem of finding a bride to please his dying grandmother, he offered her a deal: marriage to him…or prison, never imaging that this little cut-purse would also steal his heart.

Praise and Accolades

Praise for The Duke’s Lady

“Ms. Jernigan plots an intricate tale of intrigue and patriotism, spiced with passion. Her characters are interesting, her plot moves rapidly, her love scenes are steamy.”
– ROMANTIC TIMES MAGAZINE

Praise for Love Only Once

5 Stars.
“Fast paced and so full of suspense I could not put it down! Don’t begin reading this one until you have plenty of time… Highly recommended reading from an outstanding author!”
– HUNTRESS BOOK REVIEWS

Praise for The Wicked Lady

” Ms. Jernigan takes an old plot and makes it fresh and exciting. THE WICKED LADY is a dream maker and you will remember it long after you put it down.”
– RENDEZVOUS MAGAZINE

BUY NOW!

Get your copy of The Ladies today. Available at:

Amazon.com

Giveaway

Everyone is invited to join The Ladies giveaway contest
from November 14 – 21, 2016

You could be ONE OF TWO LUCKY WINNERS of:
The Ladies by Brenda Jernigan eBook, or
One $10 Amazon Gift Card

Click here to join the Giveaway Contest

Giveaway Graphic.jpg

Join the Book Tour

Follow the book tour of The Ladies for sneak peaks, excerpts, fun facts and other never-before-published info about the book.

Starts tomorrow, Nov. 15, 2016!
Check below for the detailed tour schedule.

About Brenda Jernigan

brenda-jernigan-author-pic

Brenda Jernigan is a bestselling author. Her books have been nominated for many awards – Book Seller’s Best Award, The Maggie Award, The Holt Medallion Award and the RONE Award. Publisher’s Weekly said, “Brenda Jernigan writes Romance, Adventure and Magic.”

She grew up living the life of a tomboy – climbing trees, playing ball, and excluding starry-eyed romance from her daily repertoire. Brenda discovered the love of books while taking her son to Story Hour at the local library — she was hooked. She set an ambitious goal and began work on her first novel. She continued to write six more novels in rapid succession for Kensington Publishing. She figured having the same birthday as Ernest Hemingway couldn’t hurt.

She is a member of RWA, NINC, PAN, PASIC, and Outreach International Romance Writers.

Her books have been printed in several languages and her last book “Southern Seduction” written under the name of Alexandria Scott was printed in Russian.

Get updated on Brenda’s news and upcoming book info.
Sign up and join the newsletter here

Visit the official Brenda Jernigan website and blog:
https://www.brendajbooks.com
https://brendajbooks.com/blog

Connect with Brenda Jernigan on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Tour Schedule

Join us on The Ladies Book Tour and visit all the tour stops! Get more tidbits, excerpts and other info by visiting each scheduled blog below.

November 15

Reading Alley – Guest Post

Life’s Guilty Pleasures – Promo, Excerpt

Books,Dreams,Life – Promo, Excerpt

Infinite House of Books – Excerpt

November 16

Book Unleashed – Promo, Excerpt

Spunk & Hunks – Interview

Diana’s Book Reviews – Excerpt, Fun Facts

November 17

Alexandra Forry Books – Promo, Fun Facts

Romancing the Books and More – Promo, Excerpt

Pick a Genre Already – Promo, Excerpt

November 18

The Romance Reviews – Interview

What is That Book About – Excerpt

November 19

Romancing the Books – Excerpt

Just Love Books – Promo, Excerpt

November 21

Random Thoughts from a Book Nerd – Guest Post

Delish & Yummy Book Boyfriends – Promo, Excerpt


In partnership with

Book Unleashed

Comments Off on RELEASE DAY BLITZ: The Ladies by Brenda Jernigan

Filed under BOOK BLITZ, BOOKS

Tru Blue Release Week Blitz

Today we have a new book from Melissa Foster, Tru Blue! Check out this gorgeous new contemporary romance and grab your copy today!

trublue2-267x400

 

About Tru Blue:

Imagine falling in love with a man, then finding out he was a killer…TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women’s fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.

He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover…

There’s nothing Truman Gritt won’t do to protect his family–Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. When he’s finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother’s overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she’s left behind. Truman’s hard, he’s secretive, and he’s trying to save a brother who’s even more broken than he is. He’s never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he’s less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people’s lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman‘s dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he’ll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

teaser-5

Get Your Copy Today!

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | GooglePlay | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million | Powell’s Books | Amazon

teaser-6

Exclusive Excerpt:

TRUMAN GRITT LOCKED the door to Whiskey Automotive and stepped into the stormy September night. Sheets of rain blurred his vision, instantly drenching his jeans and T-shirt. A slow smile crept across his face as he tipped his chin up, soaking in the shower of freedom. He made his way around the dark building and climbed the wooden stairs to the deck outside his apartment. He could have used the interior door, but after being behind bars for six long years, Truman took advantage of the small pleasures he’d missed out on, like determining his own schedule, deciding when to eat and drink, and standing in the f**king rain if he wanted to. He leaned on the rough wooden railing, ignoring the splinters of wood piercing his tattooed forearms, squinted against the wetness, and scanned the cars in the junkyard they used for parts—and he used to rid himself of frustrations. He rested his leather boot on the metal box where he kept his painting supplies. Truman didn’t have much—his old extended-cab truck, which his friend Bear Whiskey had held on to for him while he was in prison, this apartment, and a solid job, both of which were compliments of the Whiskey family. The only family he had anymore.

Emotions he didn’t want to deal with burned in his gut, causing his chest to constrict. He turned to go inside, hoping to outrun thoughts of his own f**ked-up family, whom he’d tried—and failed—to save. His cell phone rang with his brother’s ringtone, “A Beautiful Lie” by 30 Seconds to Mars.

“F**k,” he muttered, debating letting the call go to voicemail, but six months of silence from his brother was a long time. Rain pelleted his back as he pressed his palm to the door to steady himself. The ringing stopped, and he blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d trapped inside. The phone rang again, and he froze.

He’d just freed himself from the dredges of hell that he’d been thrown into in an effort to save his brother. He didn’t need to get wrapped up in whatever mess the drug-addicted fool had gotten himself into. The call went to voicemail, and Truman eyed the metal box containing his painting supplies. Breathing like he’d been in a fight, he wished he could paint the frustration out of his head. When the phone rang for the third time in as many minutes, the third time since he was released from prison six months ago, he reluctantly answered.

“Quincy.” He hated the way his brother’s name came out sounding like the enemy. Quincy had been just a kid when Truman went to prison. Heavy breathing filled the airwaves. The hairs on Truman’s forearms and neck stood on end. He knew fear when he heard it. He could practically taste it as he ground his teeth together.

“I need you,” his brother’s tortured voice implored.

Need me? Truman had hunted down his brother after he was released from prison, and when he’d finally found him, Quincy was so high on crack he was nearly incoherent—but it didn’t take much for f**k off to come through loud and clear. What Quincy needed was rehab, but Truman knew from his tone that wasn’t the point of the call.

Before he could respond, his brother croaked out, “It’s Mom. She’s really bad.”

teaser-4

About Melissa Foster:

melissa-author-photoo

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

newsletter

Connect with Melissa:

NEWSLETTER:

https://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter

CONNECT WITH MELISSA

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

WEBSITE:

https://www.MelissaFoster.com

STREET TEAM:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/melissafosterfans

teaser-3

Enter Melissa’s Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Comments Off on Tru Blue Release Week Blitz

Filed under BOOK BLITZ, BOOKS

A Killer’s Guide to Good Works BLITZ

A Killer's Guide to Good Works banner

A Killer's Guide to Good Works cover
A Val Cameron Mystery, Book 2
Mystery
Date Published:  September 2016
 photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png
Publisher: Henery Press
Senior Editor Val Cameron is back at her desk in New York. When her curator best friend returns from an abbey in England, she invites Val to see a priceless relic that has mysteriously found its way into her carry-on.
But by the time Val arrives at the museum, her friend has been murdered — and the relic is gone.Val soon learns that a young monk at the abbey has also been murdered. What dark purpose is attached to the relic that has led to two murders? When Val discovers her apartment has been broken into, her native New York feels like a place she no longer knows. Now she has to unmask a killer who will stop at nothing to fulfill an ambitious plan– and Val Cameron is just the latest person to stand in the way.
Praise for A Killer’s Guide to Good Works:

 

“In her second adventure (after Practical Sins for Cold Climates), feisty, intrepid Val balances her publishing and sleuthing lives with verve. Dan Brown fans will enjoy this puzzler.” – Library Journal

“A smart, even sly, tale of relics and rituals, truth and lies, prophecy and forgery that will keep you turning pages late into the night.” — Leslie Budewitz, Agatha Award-Winning Author of the Seattle Spice Shop Mysteries

“It’s a pleasure to see Shelley Costa, master of the taut, evocative short story, expand her range with this complex, multi-layered thriller.” – Linda Landrigan, Editor, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine

“A fascinating, if sobering look into the world of stolen antiquities, a black market that makes billions of dollars every year, and that many have indeed killed for.” – For the Love of Books

“In this edgy first in a new cozy series from Costa, Val Cameron, a senior editor at a New York publishing company, travels to the tiny town of Wendaban, Ontario…A strong plot and engaging characters make for a well-crafted mystery, and Val’s humorous attempts to cope with the wilderness do much to lighten the tension. The core of the story is Val’s discovery of her own self-worth.” – Publishers Weekly (on Practical Sins for Cold Climates)

“If you want to read a beautifully written story with a twisting and turning plot, this book is for you. Five stars out of five.” – Examiner.com (on Practical Sins for Cold Climates) 

Other Books in the Val Cameron Mystery Series:
A Val Cameron Mystery, Book 1
Published: January 2016
When Val Cameron, a Senior Editor with a New York publishing company, is sent to the Canadian Northwoods to sign a reclusive bestselling author or risk losing her job, she is definitely out of her element. Val is certain she can convince Charles Cable, but first she has to find him.
Aided by a float plane pilot whose wife was killed two years ago in a case gone cold, Val’s hunt for the recluse becomes even more muddled. When all signs point to Cable as the killer, she must work to clear his name before the scandal sinks her career.
Trapped in a wilderness lake community where livelihoods collide and a killer lurks, the prospect of running into a bear could be the least of Val’s problems.
 
Praise for Practical Sins for Cold Climates:

 

“A strong plot and engaging characters make for a well-crafted mystery, and Val’s humorous attempts to cope with the wilderness do much to lighten the tension. The core of the story is Val’s discovery of her own self-worth.” – Publishers Weekly

“An engaging, deftly-plotted mystery with a smart, tough-minded heroine. Shelley Costa delivers a terrific series debut.” — Daniel Stashower, Author of The Hour of Peril

“Costa hits all the right notes—vulnerable but likable characters, a compelling plot, a clearly drawn setting, and a tangled web of past and present events.” – Sheila Connolly, New York Times Bestselling Author of A Gala Event

“Taut, well written and suspenseful, Practical Sins for Cold Climates draws readers into a community where the past haunts the present and residents’ motives are buried deep…just like the truth.” – Kylie Logan, Author of And Then There Were Nuns

“What a terrific surprise! Shelley Costa is a contender… a terrific book in which to bury oneself on a long, cold weekend. Not a bad beach read, either for that matter. Just buy it. Just read it.” – Seattle Book Mama

“Very well-written…this book reads as longer than typical cozies because it needs to, for honest character evolution. The mystery has a very satisfying conclusion…This is the first book I have read by Shelley Costa, and I am very impressed.” – Librarian at Jefferson-Madison Regional Library System 

 About the Author
A 2004 Edgar nominee for Best Short Story, Shelley Costa is the author of A Killer’s Guide to Good Works, Practical Sins for Cold Climates, You Cannoli Die Once (Agatha Award nominee for Best First Novel) and Basil Instinct. Shelley’s mystery stories have appeared in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Blood on Their Hands,The World’s Finest Mystery and Crime Stories, and Crimewave (UK).  She teaches fiction writing at the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
 photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png

Comments Off on A Killer’s Guide to Good Works BLITZ

Filed under BOOK BLITZ, BOOKS

DON’T MESS WITH MRS. SEDGEWICK – PROMO BLITZ

don't mess with mrs. sedgewick banner

don't mess with mrs. sedgewick  cover
Cozy Mystery
Date Published:10/11/2016
Publisher: 4-D Publishing
 photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png
Roberta Sedgewick is stuck in a house that is too empty without her beloved Burton—the rat died and left her with his dog and rooms that rattle. She convinces her three golfing buddies, all in their seventies, to sell their homes and buy adjoining condos. The widows intend to spend the rest of their days golfing, gambling at the casino, and having fun. Oh, the heaven of it. But then they all hire the same maid who uncovers long-hidden criminal secrets kept by each woman. Oh, the horror of it. The reputations of their deceased husbands, a banker, a minister, and a respected farmer, will be tarnished forever. Three of the widows could face jail time, and the fourth fears for her life. Whatever will they do with the conniving, blackmailing maid?
EXCERPT
I catch my breath. This could be it. To make sure, I draw the newspaper almost to my nose and read the listing again. Right here in the real estate section of the Vista Harbor Chronicle is the answer. The date in the corner reads July 7, only four days ago. A happy dance springs within me, but I control the urge. No customer sitting at a high table in a bistro needs to witness a lady past her prime make a fool of herself. Instead, I jig my fists below the table in a silent yes, yes, yes. I’ve found the condos. Life at age seventy-two is about to change. I slide from the stool and head for the door, hoping no one notices the newspaper tucked under my left arm.
“Thank you, Mrs. Sedgewick,” the coffee gal calls after me. She saw the paper, and that’s her way of letting me know. Without looking back, I waggle my right hand above my shoulder and push open the door.
Outside, I dig through my Gucci for my phone. I love my hobo bag, but don’t like searching for whatever drops to the bottom. I need to figure that out. I also don’t like the dark face of the phone in the bright sunlight. Phone people need to figure that out.
I move under the umbrella of a red maple. In filtered light, I send a text to my three buddies. Meet me at the clubhouse. I have a surprise. I shuffle a little smart-step, unable to hide my joy. I’m still light on my feet even though my hair has turned soft white. I avoid coloring it but fight other signs of aging with a diet pill once in a while and wrinkle cream rubbed in nightly. Like most Pisces, I’m proud, a bit vain, and not afraid to admit it. I hop into my reliable Subaru.
A hand grabs the top part of the car door.
I gasp and brace against the seat.
A careworn woman stands there like a waif. “I did naught mean to startle you. I noticed you did a jig step before getting into your car and wondered if you are from Scotland. I’m so homesick for the heather.” She’s medium height, medium weight—medium all the way around. Her flyaway hair is sandy, and her sad eyes show more burnished gold than green. She removes her hand from the top of the door. “I’m sorry for intruding.”
“No need to be. I’m not from Scotland, but some distant relatives were. They mixed with my English ancestors, so I’m blessed with a good dose of Highland merriment and English good sense that battle each other. I hope you find your way back to the heather.” I close the car door. It thuds softly, not a hard slam to show dismay. So often anymore I’m prone to sharpness and a quick tongue, followed by guilt. Or else I rattle on about nothing and don’t worry about it.
The Scottish woman walks away, spine stiff, head high. An odd, lonely woman, but likable.
A sense of uncertainty chases around my shoulders. I banish it with a glance at my watch. There’s enough time to run by Jones Realty and arrange for a showing of the condos this afternoon. I tilt the rearview mirror and apply a boost of blush, lip gloss, and a dab of liquid concealer by my left eyelid—the dang droopy thing. There. All is repaired well enough to see Ned Jones, the realtor.
Before I swing into the late morning traffic on Harbor Drive, a white-knuckle thought smacks into my gray matter. The newspaper is only a few days old, but what if someone already bought one of the units? What a terrible thought. I press harder on the accelerator and zip through Vista Harbor, the alpine resort community I call home. It’s a small town compared to Aspen or Big Sky, but it’s more than big enough to accommodate tourists and newcomers. I don’t mind sharing the beauty of my valley, my mountains, and my lakes. Sure, there’s room for all, and yes, I claim ownership. This part of Montana belongs to me.
Ten blocks later, after having to slam on the brakes to avoid the rear end of a showoff car, I park next to a chalet-style house with a readerboard announcing homes or acreage for folks to buy. Big black letters read, New on the Market. Four Single-Story Condominiums in the Harbor Hill Area. Perfect. And no more stairs to climb.
I straighten my skinny jeans, smooth my top, and walk inside the office. A clock chimes the half hour . . . plenty of time before lunch.
Behind a glass counter, inlaid with prize listings and a Sold banner across each, a young man thumbs through a stack of listings and thoroughly ignores me. He must be the new assistant, and the talk of the town, like any new buck. No cure for small towns and gossip.
“Is Ned in?”
“No.” The young squirt doesn’t bother to look up and continues to scan a paper, nimble finger flying down the page.
I lean a little onto my right side and place my jewel-covered fingers on the counter, thrumming them on the most expensive listing. “Just tell your boss our mom called from the nursing home and wants more money.”
The kid makes eye contact. “You’re his sista?”
“No, but you should treat me like I am. Do I hear Boston in your accent?”
“Yah.”
“Moving to a small town is an adjustment. Attitude counts.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
 Satisfied I have his attention, I say, “I would like to see those newly listed condos at 2:00 this afternoon.”
“The ones out on Harbor Hill?”
I nod. “The ones with the same name as the golf course, ski mountain, and every other place that isn’t called Alpine or Vista. What’s the street number?”
“101. Ned is showing a unit now.” The kid tries not to smirk. He doesn’t make it. His brown-flecked eyes shine with mischief. They probably always do. He’s a young devil, I can tell, and figure he’s teasing me.
“Please inform him Roberta Sedgewick will be at the condos at 2:00 this afternoon. If he can’t make it, have him call me. He has the number.” Halfway out the door, I lean back inside. “Oh, by the way, I’m interested in buying all four and may be interested in listing four pieces of prime property. Like the kind you have there under glass on your counter. Tell him not to sell any of the units until we talk. Understood?”
I chuckle to myself as the door closes. I’m bad.
About the Author

Marie F. Martin is the author of an intense vow in MATERAL HARBOR, surprising twists of a family’s past in HARBORED SECRETS, a grizzly attack and lover’s spat in RATHAM CREEK. Together her three thriller, mystery, or suspense novels have over 250,000 Kindle downloads and 613 five star reviews.
She now adds DON’T MESS WITH MRS. SEDGEWICK to her list of books.
Marie lives in a fertile valley at the base of the Rocky Mountains. She enjoys a quiet life where laughter comes easy, love easier. She invites you to join in her rich, rural memories on her website where she has posted a memoir of her early childhood and raising her family of four children.
Contact Links
Purchase Links
Sale Price – $1.99!
 photo readingaddictionbutton_zps58fd99d6.png

Comments Off on DON’T MESS WITH MRS. SEDGEWICK – PROMO BLITZ

Filed under BOOK BLITZ, BOOKS