Secondhand Hearts by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

I’m so excited about all the shares this month, as some of our Romance Gems authors kick off the first-ever boxed set, Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End!

I grew up near the ocean, and I LOVE a beautiful beach. Trust me, Last Chance Beach is a unique island paradise you'll want to visit. And why not? It was imagined into eBook existence by fourteen best selling and award winning romance authors. Sun, sand, sea and salty kisses. *sigh* What's not to love? So, without further ado, here’s my cover reveal for Secondhand Hearts, my contribution to this debut short story set!

Ready for a teaser?

Life takes you down many winding paths. Will theirs lead to love on Last Chance Beach?

Tasked with convincing her beloved grandmother to move back to the mainland, Kat Worthington returns to Last Chance Beach. This vacation island paradise is filled with cherished memories, and the thought of relocating her loved one weighs heavy on Kat’s heart. Is the alternative to uproot her life, stay on the island, and help run Gran’s charming B&B and antique shop?

Handsome neighbor, Ben Hadley, sure hopes it is. He and his playful pup are doing their best to upend Kat’s plans. Will their efforts convince her to stay?

Or will it require some of Gran’s special island magic?

***

Ahh...magic. There it is! You knew it would be somewhere in my book. Aside from the romantic magic of the setting, Kat's grandmother seems to possess a special gift for "knowing" what's coming their way. But don't take my word for it. You can read all about it in a few short weeks. Last Chance Beach: Summer's End releases for only 99 cents on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited, August 4th, 2020. Pre-order today for delivery to your device on that day. Psst... There's even a special surprise gift.

Until then, do you know the Legend of Last Chance Beach? Author Joan Reeves shares with us, so don't miss out. I don't know about you, but she had me at, "Many years ago, when travel was done by rails and sails..." My affinity for historic and time travel romances, I suppose.

Here's something else fun until release day, a special video created by our own Maddie James. Ear worm alert! The song sticks with you. 😊

I know I'm heading to Last Chance Beach. I can't wait! Why not join me there?

Thanks for reading!

~ Kathryn

Don't forget to enter our JULY CONTEST HERE!

Or go directly to the RAFFLECOPTER

July Prizes 

1st Prize: $20.00 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Prize: $15.00 Amazon Gift Card

3rd Prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

Best of luck to everyone!

Feeling Hot! Hot! Hot! by Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

My name is Dania, that’s Dan-i-a, (not Dana,) Browne, and I’m the star of the hit sitcom, The Golden Rule. Yes, I have pink hair. I’m  hiding on Last Chance Beach because a sex tape went viral, and now I’m in danger of losing my job and my endorsements.

It’s a steamy, hot summer day here, and I’ve been asked by my publicist to interview George Johnston, Urban Designer, extraordinaire. Because I’m in hiding I’m sticking with the pseudonym, Marcia. 

George has been hired by some entity to plan and design what Last Chance Beach should look like in the future, and those of us who have homes here aren’t happy.

No one on Last Chance Beach wants anything to change. Those who own and rent, like things just the way they are. This is a safe haven for us, and it’s our last chance to find love. We don’t want anyone mucking that up. Now, on with the interview.

 Marcia: So, George Johnston of the million degrees, please tell us who hired you and why? Was it the municipality?

George:  I have a BS in Environmental Design and Planning, an MA in Architecture and in Town Design, plus over 20 years in private and public sector planning and land use planning. I was hired by an interested party to help craft a “vision” and land use plan for the next 20 years. We’re doing this in an effort to maintain and enhance the unique qualities and characteristics of  the island.

Marcia:  Wonderful. But how does the Legend of Last Chance Beach fit into your developmental plans?

George:  I don’t have development plans per say.  I was hired by an interested investor to help guide future development via their “vision” planning.  The investor recognizes the need to help preserve the unique characteristics of the island while allowing for manageable growth.  Generally, new development should occur near existing centers such as the downtown and the scattered businesses that dot the island.  In addition, scenic roadways leading from the bridge and ferry terminal to the town should be maintained and enhanced with vistas and some historical markers.  

Much of the island should remain as a preserve with very limited development as it acts as the island watershed providing year around, clean water for residents and businesses.  The main part of the island will ultimately grow but at a reasonable pace with a strong architectural code to maintain its rich architectural heritage.  Beaches should remain public overall with plenty of easy access except in areas designated as ecological preserves.  Last Chance Beach should be enhanced with walking paths and picnic areas for families and young lovers.

Marcia: What about the families who have lived here forever? What about the summer residences? Do you plan on preserving them?

George:  Many of the residential structures are considered historical at the behest of the owners and will maintain their historical significance over time.  The island (by virtue of being an island) does have a certain “carrying capacity” given the ecology, limited rainfall and other biological and geological aspects.  Future growth will sustain itself within that context such that island shouldn’t over develop and force long-time family’s away due to over-valued properties and the resultant property taxes.

Marcia: There are many older establishments like my family’s bungalow. Rods, the old fisherman’s hangout at the end of the pier, The Sands Hotel, The J. Rogers for seafood, and Waves the convenience mart. They’re landmarks, aren’t they?

George:  Yes, many of these establishments are already historical landmarks or are slated to be.  The island has a strong preservation ethic and local historical society.  However, not every building or structure can be designated as “historical”.  Rather than force private property owners to accept a historical designation, incentives such as tax breaks should be pursued instead.

Marcia: And if the town doesn’t agree with this interested investor’s plans, what can we do?

George:  The vision and plan for the island is up to the “stakeholders” – i.e. property owners, business entities, and other interest groups – not me.  My job is to help clarify their vision by providing expertise in urban design and ecological planning.  Ultimately, through such combined efforts, a “plan” will result that all can be proud of and worth caring about.

Marcia: Thank you George. You talk a good talk. Now let’s see what happens.

Come to Last Chance Beach, the island paradise where Dreams go to live again, and Wishes come true. Don't forget to enter this month's drawing to win an Amazon Card.

Be sure to enter our MONTHLY GIVEAWAY for a chance to win some great prizes!

Pull up a beach chair and pour yourself a frothy beverage. Let the 14 authors in this boxset transport you to Last Chance Beach. Come for the Fun and stay for the Romance.

Pre-order Last Chance Beach here:  

https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Reeves-ebook/dp/B08CV3GN3R

ABOUT MARCIA KING-GAMBLE

Marcia King-Gamble is a National Bestselling author of over 45 books and novellas. She originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This travel industry executive and current world traveler has spent most of life in the United States.

Marcia claims exercise, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for her animal family, keep her sane.

My latest release can be found on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Heart-H-Caldwells-Book-ebook

Find Marcia King-Gamble Online

Instagram * Amazon * Website

Facebook * Twitter

Getting Into the Book Birthday Groove by Nancy Fraser

It was less than a year ago when I was seriously considering retiring from writing. I truly believed my muse was gone for good.

So, what changed? Well, social isolation for one. My big plans to travel with my grandchildren got put on a semi-permanent hold. I'm not one to sit home and twiddle my thumbs so I committed to another two short stories in my Lusty Liaisons series from The Wild Rose Press.

Then, the Gems decided it would be fun to release a box set of short stories. I don't know why, but the idea of a joint project lit a creative light in me that I hadn't experienced in quite a while.

Now, instead of the trip I'd planned to Paris with my three granddaughters, or the trip to Disney World with the youngest grandson, here I sit pounding out books as if I was just starting out!

Earlier this month I posted As If July Wasn't Hot Enough and talked about the third book in my erotic romance short story series. Trust Me was released yesterday. Yay! Book Birthday #1!

Today, I want to share a bit about my contribution to the LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer's End box set. Yay! Book Birthday #2!

Thirty-five years earlier, Lily Abbott and Mitch Colby exchanged wedding vows in a quaint ceremony attended by a small crowd consisting of four Micronauts, a one-eyed pet rock, two special-edition Barbies, and an assortment of stuffed animals. Officiated by Stretch Armstrong, it was the social event of their 8th summer. 

Lily never forgot the childhood ceremony. Or the fact her best friend and first love had left her behind and relocated to Boston to pursue an Ivy-League education. Now a divorcee, with college-bound twin daughters, Lily’s moved on and put the foolishness of first crushes and the childish dream of true love behind her.

At eighteen, Mitch had never wanted the expensive education his father mapped out for him. He’d have been perfectly happy to stay in Summerville, marry the love of his life, and settle down. However, when push came to shove, he’d not wanted to upset his ailing mother, and had left everything...and everyone...that he’d wanted behind.

The 25th reunion of the graduating class of Summerville High has brought Lily and Mitch back together at The Sands, a seaside resort on Last Chance Beach. Will one weekend together be enough? Or, is there a possibility for more?

~ ~ ~

Filled with 14 wonderful beach adventures, you can get your copy of the Last Chance Beach: Summer's End directly from Amazon. Pre-order today for delivery on August 4th!

Also, don't forget to enter this month's Rafflecopter drawing. There are three Amazon gift cards just waiting to be won!

You can get all the details on our Monthly Giveaway page. Or, go straight to the ENTRY FORM!

Until next month, stay happy, stay healthy, stay well-read and--for heaven's sake--get yourself over to Last Chance Beach!

Nancy

P.S.: Watch for news early next month about my first venture into self-publishing releasing in late August. Yay! Book Birthday #3!

THE MAN IN GULL COTTAGE

I’m excited to tell you about my story, THE MAN IN GULL COTTAGE, which is included in LAST CHANCE BEACH: SUMMER’S END. If you read our blog each day, you know that fourteen of us at Romance Gems have contributed sweet contemporary short stories for your summer reading pleasure. The set is a great bargain for only 99 cents. LAST CHANCE BEACH: SUMMER’S END includes USA Today, NYTimes, Award-Winning, and Bestselling authors.

THE MAN IN GULL COTTAGE is bestselling suspense author C. H. Logan, using his real name of Carter Harte. He values his privacy and anonymity so much that no one on the island knows what he does for a living. He stays in his beach home year around and only visits his condo in the city when he has business there. People on the island consider him "the eccentric man in Gull Cottage."

Zara Webb has come to vacation on the island with her long time best friend. For two weeks, they’ve rented Sea Oats Cottage just up the beach from Gull Cottage. Zara has a difficult decision to make and has two weeks to reach a conclusion. She’s weighing whether to accept the major promotion she’s been offered that would mean losing any chance of a personal life or remaining in her present job knowing the promotion would never be offered again.

Carter believes he’s impervious to tourists—until he meets Zara.

You can preorder now for the August 4th release. Preorders are lovely because on release day - Poof! - the e-book version appears like magic on your reader.

The buy link is https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Reeves-ebook/dp/B08CV3GN3R

Here’s an excerpt from THE MAN IN GULL COTTAGE: 

He cleared his throat. “This part of the beach is private.”

She paused and stared at him. “What part?”

He jerked a thumb in the direction from which she’d come. “See the three round wooden pillars? That’s where my land starts.”

She turned and shielded her eyes with her hand. “Oh, I thought those were to keep people from driving their cars on the sand.”

“That, too, but one has a large sign that says Gull Cottage and Private Beach. That should have been a clue.”

She held up a kid’s plastic sand pail. “Are you saying I should return these shells I’ve collected for my niece?”

“I’m saying you’re on private property. I don’t care if you collect sea shells, but I’d appreciate you not disturbing anything else.”

“Like what? You think I’m coming up to rob your house? Wait, what if I took a clump of sea oats? Or a handful of your sand? Are you patrolling?”

He extended his hand palm out. “Don’t get mad at me when you’re the one trespassing. I meant collecting drift wood and sea glass or destroying sand dunes. I’m simply out here walking on my beach.”

She straightened her shoulders and looked at the barrier. “Well, see that you don’t walk on that side of those posts.”

“Ah, but I will and I can do so legally.” He gestured broadly. “The beach where you’re staying is public. This part is private. See the difference?”

“No, I don’t see the difference. It’s the same sand.”

You've no doubt figured out that Last Chance Beach is an island not far off the mainland. The island can be wherever you wish. I know where my story is set but I won't tell since it might appear as somewhere else to you.

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July, suspended in time. #LucindaRace

To me July has always been like suspended time. We’re out of Spring and growing closer to fall but there is so much to enjoy just past the mid-year point. If you’ve been following me on social media I’m posting pictures of my garden, both veggies and flowers oh and the occasional puppy picture of course. 

We’ve had many plans change this summer due to the situation which is out of our hands but in some ways, it’s been a mixed blessing. I wasn’t able to see daughter #1 over the July 4^th weekend due to travel restrictions and we were going to be introduced to the man who has captured her heart. So that is on pause. But we’re making plans for the holidays. Our motorhome has remained parked so we’re not rushing around during the week to get projects done so we can hit the road. We have enjoyed special moments right here at home that we otherwise wouldn’t have. After work hubby and I sit outside under the umbrella and talk about our day, yes while sipping something cool and delicious. I’m still in the work from home mode for the day job. One weekends we’re experimenting with new recipes on the grill, can I just say I have fallen in love with beer can chicken? Eye roll, delicious! 

While all this relaxing and savoring the moments is happening I’m hard at work editing the 5 books I’ve just written for me new Crystal Lake Winery Series. Book 1 is off to my beta readers next week. The siblings from the Price family are busy falling in love and patient tell me how it happened so I can write it down for you to read. Here is a peek at the cover for Blush, Book 1.

I hope you are enjoying the steamy days of summer. 

Don’t forget to enter the #Romancegems raffle  July giveaway to win an Amazon gift card. 

Until next time, 

I wish you happiness and love. 

Lucinda

Escaping the Heat in Bar Harbor @karilemor #RomanceGems

In many parts of New England, it can get warm and steamy in July. People go in swarms to buy air conditioners or put their window units in. It usually doesn’t last long, but for the few weeks of sweltering heat, it’s difficult to do much except relax in a pool if you have one, frolic in the ocean on a beach, or sip cool drinks in front of a fan.

One of my favorite places to escape to during this time is Bar Harbor, Maine on Mt. Desert Island. Being on the northern coast of the state, it can be much cooler during these hot days of summer. The ocean breeze is always a relief during the day. And at night, the temps can get cool enough to need a light sweater if you’re walking around.

My husband and I discovered the wonders of Bar Harbor the year before we got married on a spontaneous trip up the coast one long weekend. We enjoyed it so much we decided that’s where we wanted to go for a honeymoon. As we got married the first week in August, it was perfect timing.

Years later, when our three children were at an age to start doing some hiking, we began taking them up every summer. We’d stay in a great motel near town that had a few small apartments so we didn’t have to pay the price for five people each meal. The kids loved the Murphy beds that pulled out of the wall. Such an adventure.

This was taken on top of Cadillac Mountain standing next to Stephen King

                           

Some of our favorite places to go were Acadia National Park and drive the Park Loop Road. Take a drive up to the top of Cadillac Mountain to see the sunset (where we ran into and chatted with Stephen King one year - that was cool and he was super nice). Hike the trail up to Asticou Gardens overlooking Northeast Harbor.  Take the mailboat out to Little Cranberry Island and explore for the day. Climb the rocks and on the path to Otter Cliffs.

But I think my absolute favorite every year was Jordan Pond. This is such a beautiful body of water and the path around it is fairly easy most of the way. Depending on how fast you walk, it takes about an hour or two to go all the way around. The best part was after your long hike, we’d go up the hill to the Jordan Pond House. It’s a restaurant with homemade lemonade and popovers that are freshly baked. My go-to meal there is a bowl of their lobster stew. So rich and delicious I was always tempted to lick the bowl. Pair it with a few popovers slathered in honey butter or jam and you’ve got the perfect summer meal.

A few years ago, as I was enjoying Mt. Desert Island, I got an idea to write a series about the park rangers. I’ve called it Rangers of Acadia. Unfortunately, I’m not ready to hit publish on it yet, though book 1 - Jordan Pond (unofficial title) is written. I hope someday to get the whole series out.

Until then, the first book in my Storms of New England series, ELUSIVE DREAMS, also takes place on the coast of Maine.  And lucky lucky - it’s currently on SALE for only 99c!!  As is Book 2 - TRUE DREAMS.   Take advantage of this sale now!

If you’re looking for a few great summer reads, try the Storms. Book 3, STOLEN DREAMS is already out, and in a few weeks, Book 4 - BROKEN DREAMS will be released. I love the Storm family and hope you’ll come to love them, too!

Amazon                  B&N                   iBooks               Books2Read

Our July Rafflecopter has another month of Amazon Gift Card prizes. Be sure to enter often to improve your chances of winning. Please tell your friends about Romance Gems—our Authors, our books, our blog posts, and our monthly giveaway.

See details here:

Christmas in July! @ConstanceBretes #RomanceGems

So, what's keeping you cool during these hot, sizzling July nights? Besides central air, that is.

How about some hot romance? Although steamy, hot romance won't make it cool, but if you got to sweat, why not sweat with a book boyfriend and a toasty, hot romance?

I have great news! My contemporary romance, Rekindled Christmas Mystery, has finally been released and is on sale right now for a short time for 99 cents.

Wouldn't you love to dream about having this book boyfriend to wake up to every morning and snuggle up with every night?

Want to know a little about the book?

Can the cold case murder investigation be solved, and in the process, bring two ex-lovers back together again?

Liz Grey left Sage Brush, Wyoming, and the only man she ever loved, twelve years ago to be a cop in one of the biggest cities in the US. She returned a disgraced cop, and she was lucky to find a position at the county sheriff department. She's kept her head down, staying focused on her work, because she knows if she makes one mistake she'll quickly find herself unemployed.

Aaron Mansfield is a sergeant at the county sheriff substation. When he receives a phone call informing him that a dead body has been discovered on his father's ranch, he has no idea it will change his life.

Just before Christmas Liz and Aaron's lives collide after more than a decade apart. Can they put aside their past to solve a twelve-year-old murder case, and in the process will they find their way back to each other? The spark is still there between them, but Aaron just can't trust, or forgive, the woman who broke his heart without a second thought.

Buy Link:  https://books2read.com/u/mZjQJy

While you're here, don't forget to enter the Steamy Days and Steamy Nights monthly rafflecopter!


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Check out this month's video!