Giveaway – Love Is For The Dogs by Annee Jones @GoddessFish

Posted on August 2, 2022 by fundinmental

Love is for the Dogs by Annee Jones

GENRE: Clean contemporary romance

BLURB

A coveted award…a missing Maltese…and a cheating ex… Can Trisha Campbell survive this year’s dog show competition in Last Chance Beach, much less walk away without a broken heart?

If there’s one thing vet tech Trisha Campbell knows, it’s dogs. Men, however, not so much. Especially ever since catching her ex-boyfriend, Miami P.D. Landon Prescott, kissing her arch-nemesis, Blythe Baker, at last year’s dog show after Blythe’s pup Princess took home the grand prize. Needless to say, Trisha’s not looking forward to seeing either of them again at this year’s competition in Last Chance Beach, even if her beloved Maltese, Chloe, is a front-runner for the coveted trophy.

Soon after arriving on the island for the week-long event, Princess goes missing and everyone fingers Trisha as the dog-napper since her pooch is Princess’ main opponent. With not only the prize money but also her reputation at stake, Trisha’s willing to join forces with none other than her cheating ex. Can she and Landon figure out a way to work together to catch the culprit and find the missing Maltese before the whole competition goes straight to the dogs? And what happens when they find themselves alone together at last?

EXCERPT

“I can’t believe this!” Trisha said as Landon steered her back toward the boardwalk. “Am I really a suspect?”

“No,” he said firmly. “I know you, Trisha. You love animals and you believe in fairness. I know you’d never steal, much less harm, Blythe’s dog. I’m sure your name will be cleared officially once Graham has a chance to touch base with Mrs. Butterworth.”

“Thank you,” she said, relieved. “At least you believe me.”

“Of course,” he said. “Always.”

They walked a little while in silence, processing the turn of events.

“So, I guess you’ve probably figured out that Blythe and I are not together?” Landon asked, breaking the silence.

Trisha nodded. “Yes, I got that,” she said. “But I still don’t want to talk about what happened last year.”

He blew out a breath of frustration. “I really wish you’d let me explain.”

“Look, I’m suddenly being investigated as a dog-napper!” she cried, eyes filling with tears. “I’m a veterinary technician! This is my reputation! And you know the rumor mill – people are going to suspect that I had something to do with this no matter what until Princess gets found. This could jeopardize my career!”

“Okay, okay, you win,” Landon said. “I’m sorry. You’re right, finding Blythe’s dog and clearing your name is the main priority right now. Please say you’ll least let me help?” His dark eyes were pleading. How could she resist?

“I think I need all the help I can get right now,” she said. “Even from you.”

He smiled in response. “You won’t regret this,” he said.

But the pull in her heart told her she already did.

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Author Annee Jones loves to write all things romance, fantasy, cozy mystery, & more. She is passionate about writing stories where dreams come true, and love wins in the end!

Professionally, Annee works as a disability counselor where she helps her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit.

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, author parties, and exclusive giveaways: https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter

Find Annee’s books here:

Annee’s website: https://www.anneejones.com/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NJC3J0
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/authoranneejones
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/annee-jones

Want to join Annee’s private Facebook reader group, Annee’s Angels? Request your spot now: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anneesangelgroup

You can also connect with Annee on her FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnneeJones

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Christmas Actually Grand Finale

Posted on November 25, 2014 by fundinmental

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

It’s the MISTLETOE KISSES TOUR Grand Finale for

Christmas, Actually

By Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis

Three Harlequin Heartwarming novellas, where a sweet kiss takes place under the mistletoe.

Did you miss any of the excerpts, guest post, or reviews on the tour?

Feel free to go back and check out all the stops now!

Launch – Intro to the Collection

Christmas, Actually – three holiday stories about three siblings living in Christmas Town, Maine, where tradition has it that a kiss on Christmas Eve in the town square gazebo will lead to wedding bells in the new year!

Christy’s Cozy Corners – An Interview with Anna Adams

How was it decided that the story would take place in Christmas Town, Maine?

We were looking for a setting that spoke of the holidays, and I’d lived in Maine in a town that decorated the green for Christmas. I described it, and someone suggested Christmas Town as a name for our fictional village.

Coffee Books & Art – Excerpt

Snowflakes hit the windshield and splayed into star shapes while Bing Crosby crooned his dreams of a white Christmas. Sophie Palmer tried to sing along, but her mind was already racing up the icy interstate to Christmas Town, Maine, where the father of her unborn child now lived.

The Book Lovers’ Lounge – Christmas Town by Anna Adams

And I imagined my own broken hero, Jack Banning, watching from the sidewalk, there in the town, but watching from the boundaries because he doesn’t belong any more.

Getting Your Read On – Review

“Yeah, I really loved my time in Christmas Town with the Banning family. Each story was unique and romantic. I loved all the characters. They were real and identifiable. It is the perfect book to curl up with as the days get colder and we get closer to Christmas.”

Colorimetry – The Power of a First Kiss by Anna Adams

He’s at her house, killing time because he can’t go home and face his brother’s happiness when another friend calls to offer him an investment opportunity. Mary is leaning against George, also listening on the phone, when finally, he admits to his feelings. He takes her in his arms for a kiss he clearly doesn’t want even as he desires nothing in the whole wide world more than the hometown love of his life.

Southern Chelle – Review

“I don’t think I’ve read anything by any of these authors before, but these novellas have me falling hard for their work! I used to receive the Harlequin Heartwarming books monthly, but I didn’t have room for anymore paperback books in my house and had to give it up. I’m so glad they’ve continued these offerings!”

Kelly P’s Blog – An Interview with Anna J. Stewart

5. What do you hope readers will take with them after reading your story?

There’s nothing better than a happily ever after–that’s why I write (and read) romance, but that’s kind of the easy answer. I think at its core, the story is about learning how to be open with others, to tell them how you’re really feeling about situations that are emotionally damaging them. Dean, Callie and Eliza all have to do this at some point during the story and once they do, the happily ever after is possible.

My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Excerpt

“Is this a bad time?” The combination of sympathy and amusement shining in green eyes, along with the tamed Irish lilt, called to mind fields of clover dotting rolling hills. She’d spent many a night and more than a few days dreaming of traveling to the Emerald Isle. Now it seemed as if Ireland had come to her.

Shoulder-length, golden-streaked hair brushed the worn leather of the bomber jacket he wore over snug jeans, the hint of a plain white T-shirt peeking from under the collar.

The Wonderings Of One Person – Dream Cast for The Christmas Wish

There are some actors who just “hit” from the second I lay eyes on them. When looking for images of my Dean, I did not have to look much further than Chris Hemsworth.

Casting my heroines has always been problematic for me. Typically, I use another medium for inspiration (I’m a doll collector), but when I saw this picture of Nina Dobrev (Vampire Diaries), I knew that was Callie.

Christian Chick’s Thoughts – Review

“The Christmas Date: The instant I started reading this story, I knew I was going to love it. There’s just something about those You’ve Got Mail-esque stories that I love. Nick and Gina are both so likeable, and their chemistry lept off the page. This was easily my favorite of the three stories!”

Bookworm Lisa – Review

“Each of the author’s did a great job in telling their story. I liked the descriptions and the characters.

This book is a fun way to get into the holiday season and find a little clean Christmas romance.”

fundinmental – My Top Ten Christmas Traditions by Anna J. Stewart

I LOVE Christmas time. Truly, from about Halloween on, I’m all about the tinsel, the trees and the music (why do they have to stop the Xmas carols on the 26th?!). For years now it’s just been my mom and me during the holiday season, but we’ve got our traditions…and they start early…even before we carve the Thanksgiving turkey.

Beck Valley Books – An Interview with Malinda Curtis

What’s your favorite aspect of the story?

One of my favorite aspects is Gina’s parents. They’ve tried for years to do what they thought was right and it strained their character and their relationship. This year, they rejoin the pageant and the town’s festivities in a very public way. It’s a small part of the story, but a set of vignettes that I love.

Mel’s Shelves – Review

“I loved seeing the siblings in each other’s stories and enjoyed getting to know them. These stories are quick, easy reads which are perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas. I love that they’re all clean so I can recommend it to everyone! Christmas Town was a fun place to visit!”

Painted Words – Review

“But what I truly loved about this book was that it didn’t feel at all repetitive which can be a big hindrance to books like this especially if written by multiple authors. It was an absolutely beautiful story, one that I look forward to reading again next year at this time and it was the perfect way to start off the season.”

I Am A Reader – Melinda Curtis’s Favorite Treat at Christmas Time (with recipe)

My mom is a fan of Jell-o salad. At Christmas, she’d serve us a slice of Jello salad on a leaf of lettuce with a dollop of mayonnaise on top. The first time Mr. Curtis had this dish, he happily took a big bite, expecting it to be whipped cream on top. Kudos to him for keeping his disappointment to himself.

Deal Sharing Aunt – Excerpt

In the wee hours of Christmas Eve morning, Gina stood at the edge of the town square and traced the deep, jagged scar that ran from her left temple to her jawline with the tip of a gloved finger, as if her touch could erase the past. The small ball of worry, the one that hadn’t let her sleep last night, expanded like bread dough in her chest, pressing against her lungs.

I should have told him.

Wishful Endings – Excerpt (4-star review here)

“Are you kidding? You’re beautiful. Why would he do that?

“You have to say that. You’re standing in my kitchen.” With me practically in your arms. Nevertheless, she hugged his words to her heart. No one had ever called her beautiful before.

JoJo’s Corner – 10 Gifts Ideas for Your Teen/Young Adult & Review

I’m a little bit anal about the holidays. I have a
basic list I work from that my kids will enjoy or find useful. They’re
all in college now, but that doesn’t mean they want a package of socks for Christmas.
Here’s a list of 10 suggested gift giving categories for your teen/young adult…

Review: “Christmas, Actually is the perfect collection of stories to cuddle up and enjoy on a cold wintry night!”

Undercover Book Reviews – Review

“Three stories in one book, a great way to start the Christmas season off! Anna Adams takes you on three separate journeys in the life of Jack, Callie, and Gina as each tells their own story. The plot is good in each one.”

Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review

What a fun story! The reader is taken on a journey through Christmas Town, Maine and we get to see snippets of what makes this town special through the eyes of three different characters.

Christmas, Actually

by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis

Clean Contemporary Romance

Paperback & Ebook, 202 pages

November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!

Three lonely strangers come to Christmas Town, Maine, and find love with three Banning siblings in the town that celebrates the holidays by decorating its square with lights and ribbons and a holiday pageant on Christmas Eve. Tradition has it that a kiss beneath the mistletoe that night means marriage for the couple in the new year.

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:

Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child… But she doesn’t need money, she only needs him.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:

Callie Banning’s student has declared war on Christmas, so it’s up to her to help the little girl—and her widowed father—believe again.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:

Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date…and she’s in for the surprise of a lifetime!

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – iTunes

About the Authors

Anna Adams wrote her first romance in wet sand. The Atlantic Ocean washed it away, but Anna kept going. Her stories are of love, like the proverbial stone in a lake, making ripples that spread and contract and involve. From Iceland to Hawaii, and points in between, Anna and her own hero share with children and family and friends who’ve become family. All this living and loving gives Anna plenty of fodder for stories of love set in real life. Come along and live them with her!

Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest.

Anna J. Stewart can’t remember a time she didn’t have a book in her hand or a story in her head and credits her mother never saying no to a book for turning her into a writer. Anna lives in Northern California with an overly attentive cat named Snickers and is happiest when setting her heroes and heroines on their road to happily ever after amidst family, fun and laughter.

Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest

Melinda Curtis grew up on an isolated sheep ranch, where mountain lions had been seen and yet she roamed unaccompanied. Being a rather optimistic, clueless of danger, sort she took to playing “what if” games that led her to become an author. She spends days trying to figure out new ways to say “He made her heart pound.” That might sound boring, but the challenge keeps her mentally ahead of her 3 kids and college sweetheart husband.

Website – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Tumblr – Pinterest

Tour-Wide Giveaway

– Gift Card Prize Pack: $20 Amazon gift card and ebook of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)

– US Prize Pack: Paperback of Christmas, Actually and three Christmas ornaments (US only)

– 3 ebooks of Christmas, Actually (open internationally)

Ends November 30th

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Giveaway for Christmas Actually

Posted on November 17, 2014 by fundinmental

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to the Launch for the MISTLETOE KISSES TOUR for

Christmas, Actually

Three Harlequin Heartwarming novellas

By Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis

Introducing the Three Stories in Christmas, Actually

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams

This anthology was born one night in January when Melinda Curtis and Anna J. Stewart and I (Anna Adams) were chatting on Skype, and Melinda suggested a holiday anthology. From there we went to setting, and then to the kind of stories we wanted to write. Christmas Town, Maine came to life and the Banning siblings began living. I hope readers will be moved as I am by Jack and Sophie’s story.

Sophie Palmer was confused when the pregnancy test came back positive, but one thing she knew—she already loved her unborn child. She didn’t expect former Army surgeon, Jack Banning to break all contact with them. He’s promised financial support, but he wants no other contact with her or their coming child.

He must have a reason. She’d known him and loved him for two years. At Christmas, she follows him to Maine to tell him she’s putting his name on the birth certificate.

She no longer loves him. He’s destroyed those feelings, and she will never give their daughter a reason to believe she can expect more than her father’s name, but Sophie can’t forget the soldier who lived by the code of “Leave no man behind,” the doctor who’s cared more for his patients than himself, the man who didn’t know how to be dishonorable.

Fatherless herself, Sophie doesn’t care about the financials. She’ll take care of her own, but she needs to understand why Jack’s become an impossible-to-love stranger.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart

For as long as I’ve been writing, I never thought I’d ever write a novella. I’m a novel length kinda girl–I just write long books; sometimes very, very long. But when my friend (and writing Yoda) Melinda Curtis proposed the idea of interconnected novellas featuring a set of siblings, I couldn’t say no. Especially not when she, Anna Adams and I decided to make it a holiday themed anthology. There’s something magical about the holiday season, and writing Callie and Dean’s story was a true pleasure. In all honesty, it was also the easiest thing I’ve ever written; probably because this story comes straight from my heart.

When Callie Banning’s student declares war on Christmas, it’s up to her to teach the little girl–and her widowed father–to believe again.

Normally when I start a story, the heroine is first to pop into my head. This time around, Dean Galloway entered the scene first. I could see him so clearly, shoulder length blonde hair, the brown leather jacket, the haunted twinkle in his eye as he struggled to raise his little girl on his own. And he came with a camera. No idea why, he just arrived that way. Like a gift. There’s something incredibly appealing to me (and hopefully to readers) about a father who is so in love with his child he’ll do anything–even move them all across the country–to keep them happy. Adding a tinge of grief to their story and Callie Banning was just the healing effect they’d been looking for. There are people who just fit from the moment they meet; not necessarily that clichéd “you complete me” fit, but that something special that makes life and love all that more exciting. The Christmas Wish is more than about celebrating the holiday season and rediscovering the magic those months bring–it’s about finding where one truly belongs, both in home and heart. So come on, welcome to Christmas Town, Maine and meet the Banning siblings, who have a very special New Year coming their way.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis

The Christmas Date is the third novella in Christmas, Actually – three holiday stories about three siblings living in Christmas Town, Maine, where tradition has it that a kiss on Christmas Eve in the town square gazebo will lead to wedding bells in the new year!

At a critique session, the Annas and I were talking about how we loved holiday stories. It was a natural progression to creating our own special town with heartwarming traditions.

In The Christmas Date, Gina Vernay was in an accident as a child and has a scar down her right cheek. Since then, Gina has always sat on the sidelines, lacking the self-confidence to shine. Wanting what many of her friends have – love, a family – Gina signs up for an online dating account. But her picture doesn’t show her scar. And she’s always too busy running The Tea Cup in Christmas Town to meet anyone, much less a man to share a kiss under the mistletoe in the town’s gazebo. But when one persistent on-line suitor arranges to meet her on Christmas Eve, Gina’s life turns upside down.

Christmas, Actually

by Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, & Melinda Curtis

Clean Contemporary Romance

Paperback & Ebook, 202 pages

November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!

The Christmas Gift by Anna Adams:

Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child… But she doesn’t need money, she only needs him.

The Christmas Wish by Anna J. Stewart:

Callie Banning’s student has declared war on Christmas, so it’s up to her to help the little girl—and her widowed father—believe again.

The Christmas Date by Melinda Curtis:

Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date…and she’s in for the surprise of a lifetime!

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Harlequin – iTunes

GUEST POST

My Top 10 Christmas Traditions

Christmas_Tradition_1

We decorate on Thanksgiving day. It used to be the day after Thanksgiving, but I spent years working in retail and we all know what that means. No one gets black Friday off, so our decorating begins as the aroma of roasting turkey and baking pies hits the atmosphere.

We put up 3 Christmas trees. That’s right. 3. Of varying sizes of course. We have our 7″ (fake) tree that takes hours to put up, light, and decorate. Then we have our smaller, 3″ tree that’s reserved only for Harry Potter ornaments and my Grandfather’s tree-top angel. Then there’s my favorite tree–the small, 2″ tree my Grandmother had in her bedroom every holiday season, covered in hand-made needlepoint and tatted ornaments, topped with an antique glass topper that once upon a time cost .10 cents at the Five and Dime. Once that tree is up, Christmas has arrived.

Make the egg-nog! Okay, this is a polarizing issue. Some people hate it, others love it. Me, I was in the middle (calories, ugh!) until I discovered a “fake” eggnog recipe that’s made from soy or almond milk and vanilla pudding mix. I LOVE it–and you can find it at HungryGirl.com. I’ve served it to so many people and no one has ever guessed it’s fake.

Garth Brooks. I’m not a big music fan. And I’m really not a country fan. Okay, I confess. I’m a leftover metal head from the 80’s, but for me, the perfect Christmas album is by Garth Brooks. I love hearing him sing the traditional carols with a twangy twist. And more than a little heart.

Christmas_Tradition_Pic_2

A Christmas Carol. Everyone has their favorite holiday movie and I’m no exception. At least once during the season I need to watch A Christmas Carol…but not any version (and not, oddly enough, the Patrick Stewart version, despite being a die-hard Trekkie). The George C. Scott version hits all the right notes in both homage to Dickens and to the season’s spirit (ahem, literally and figuratively).

Party! Everyone’s always so busy, it’s hard to get people together, even around the holidays. But every year I have one dinner that includes my 2 best friends and my Godmother. I cook (like a maniac) and we open gifts and share all sorts of memories and goodies. It’s a tradition we had to miss last year for various reasons, but for me, that day, is even better than Christmas.

Legos! So, like I said, it’s usually just me and mom on Christmas and if there’s one thing we have in common it’s our love of (and fascination with) Legos. Mom and I head to either Target or the Lego store well in advance of Christmas and choose a set to assemble on Christmas day while music plays on the stereo and dinner cooks in the oven. Last year it was The Hobbit; the 2 years before that, it was Harry Potter (Hogwarts and The Hogwarts Express respectively). Not sure what this year might bring…maybe some superheroes? Someday it’ll be the Death Star. Fingers crossed!

A drive. We’re so fortunate to live where we do in Northern California. Sacramento has some beautiful old areas that go all out for the holiday season. Typically a few days before Christmas, we’ll head out just after sunset to explore the lighted homes and marvel at people’s creativity. The beauty stays with me for months…which probably explains why I was able to write a Christmas story in March.

Christmas_tradition_Pic_3

Shopping. I’m an early shopper for presents. I’m usually done sometime around Thanksgiving (you may commence hating me now). But I love venturing out closer to the holiday, to those little holes in the walls, the non-chain places that house treasures of the season you might not find other places. Seeing new and different, feeling that cold chill on my cheeks as I go in and out of the stores…is there anything better?

Celebrating dreams coming true. The holiday season in the perfect time to reflect on the past year and to see how far I’ve come to fulfilling my dreams. Nearly 1 year ago to the day of this post, I got “the call” from my friend Melinda, letting me know my first story was going to be published. This story, THE CHRISTMAS WISH. I could not have had a more perfect gift, or have found a better time for my dream of finally being a published author to come true. Because they do. This story is proof.

So how about you? Share your favorite holiday traditions in the comments below. Maybe I’ll be adding yours to mine this year and celebrate in even grander fashion..

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

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