Book Giveaway: THE KING WHO DISAPPEARED by Hank Quense
Do yousometimes wonder what it would be like to live in a castle during the era of
knights and dragons? Well, join me today as author Hank Quense visits to tell
us about his latest fantasy release, THE KING WHO DISAPPEARED.
Be sure
to check out the giveaway at the bottom of the post. The author is giving away two
print copies (US only) of his book and three eBook copies.
to check out the giveaway at the bottom of the post. The author is giving away two
print copies (US only) of his book and three eBook copies.
Here’s a
synopsis of the book:
synopsis of the book:
Bohan, a king, is at war with
Jerado, an evil wizard who controls four neighboring kingdoms. Bohan, his wizard, Ansgar, and his guards are
trapped in a cave by Jerado who magically seals the cave. Ansgar casts a sleep spell on all of them. It
will last until the cave is unsealed.
Jerado, an evil wizard who controls four neighboring kingdoms. Bohan, his wizard, Ansgar, and his guards are
trapped in a cave by Jerado who magically seals the cave. Ansgar casts a sleep spell on all of them. It
will last until the cave is unsealed.
More
than 200 years later, an earthquake unseals the cave and frees Bohan. While catching up on history, he learns
Jerado is still alive and rules the country as dictator. Bohan learns this from a sympathetic
constable named Leticia. After talking
to Bohan and his guards, she recognizes him from school lessons as the King Who
Disappeared. Bohan determines to go to the capital, Dun Hythe, and gain
revenge. Leticia promises to go with him
to find out what happened to her father who was arrested and disappeared.
than 200 years later, an earthquake unseals the cave and frees Bohan. While catching up on history, he learns
Jerado is still alive and rules the country as dictator. Bohan learns this from a sympathetic
constable named Leticia. After talking
to Bohan and his guards, she recognizes him from school lessons as the King Who
Disappeared. Bohan determines to go to the capital, Dun Hythe, and gain
revenge. Leticia promises to go with him
to find out what happened to her father who was arrested and disappeared.
Jerado
learns that Bohan is still alive and headed to confront him. He tells Lithgow,
his son, and Flavia, his daughter about Bohan.
Lithgow is the War Minister and Flavia the Minister of the Interior.
They hate each other and each plans to succeed their father when he retires.
learns that Bohan is still alive and headed to confront him. He tells Lithgow,
his son, and Flavia, his daughter about Bohan.
Lithgow is the War Minister and Flavia the Minister of the Interior.
They hate each other and each plans to succeed their father when he retires.
Jerado
orders Lithgow to use his soldiers to block and kill Bohan. Flavia, who also has troops, decides to kill
Bohan before Lithgow can. Bohan and his
guards, all heroes, brush past Flavia’s soldiers and route Lithgow’s. Jerado now orders Lithgow’s troops to seal
all the city’s gates and search everyone entering the city.
orders Lithgow to use his soldiers to block and kill Bohan. Flavia, who also has troops, decides to kill
Bohan before Lithgow can. Bohan and his
guards, all heroes, brush past Flavia’s soldiers and route Lithgow’s. Jerado now orders Lithgow’s troops to seal
all the city’s gates and search everyone entering the city.
Meanwhile
the citizens in Dun Hythe are suffering from Jerado’s rule and from Flavia’s
imposition of lower wages to raise profits for the many businesses she
controls. The wage restrictions impact
on the Godmother’s bottom line. She is
the head of a crime family who controls all vice in the city. She is also the head of the two largest and
most powerful labor guilds, the teamsters and the dock workers. With Flavia’s
wage restrictions in place the citizenry does have any money to have fun in the
Godmother’s saloons or gambling halls.
Also the workers don’t make enough money to feed their families.
the citizens in Dun Hythe are suffering from Jerado’s rule and from Flavia’s
imposition of lower wages to raise profits for the many businesses she
controls. The wage restrictions impact
on the Godmother’s bottom line. She is
the head of a crime family who controls all vice in the city. She is also the head of the two largest and
most powerful labor guilds, the teamsters and the dock workers. With Flavia’s
wage restrictions in place the citizenry does have any money to have fun in the
Godmother’s saloons or gambling halls.
Also the workers don’t make enough money to feed their families.
Jerado’s
Treasurer, Maurice, learns a few of Jerado’s family secrets. He knows how Flavia embezzles vast amounts of
money from the contracts she gives out.
Maurice learns about Bohan and the attempts to kill him. These and a few
other secrets ensure his early death if Jerado ever finds out what he knows. Maurice meets with the Godmother and they
agree to help each other for their mutual protection.
Treasurer, Maurice, learns a few of Jerado’s family secrets. He knows how Flavia embezzles vast amounts of
money from the contracts she gives out.
Maurice learns about Bohan and the attempts to kill him. These and a few
other secrets ensure his early death if Jerado ever finds out what he knows. Maurice meets with the Godmother and they
agree to help each other for their mutual protection.
Now
close to Dun Hythe, Leticia agrees to enter the city and scout it out. Hopefully she can find a way for Bohan to
enter the city. She also wants to meet
with the Godmother because her father was once a high-ranking official in the
dock workers guild. Leticia hopes the
Godmother can find out where her father is.
close to Dun Hythe, Leticia agrees to enter the city and scout it out. Hopefully she can find a way for Bohan to
enter the city. She also wants to meet
with the Godmother because her father was once a high-ranking official in the
dock workers guild. Leticia hopes the
Godmother can find out where her father is.
Within
the city, rumors swirl about the reappearance of the King Who Disappeared. The Godmother ignores the rumors and is
stunned to learn from Leticia that Bohan is really alive and outside the
city. After a lively discussion, The
Godmother agrees to smuggle Bohan into the city in return for a guarantee from
Bohan for protection for her business.
the city, rumors swirl about the reappearance of the King Who Disappeared. The Godmother ignores the rumors and is
stunned to learn from Leticia that Bohan is really alive and outside the
city. After a lively discussion, The
Godmother agrees to smuggle Bohan into the city in return for a guarantee from
Bohan for protection for her business.
Bohan
and his mates enter the city by boat in the middle of the night and meet with
the Godmother and Maurice who tells Bohan the layout of the palace and how to
sneak into it. To make a distraction,
the Godmother will call a city-wide general strike to coincide with Bohan’s
attack on Jerado.
and his mates enter the city by boat in the middle of the night and meet with
the Godmother and Maurice who tells Bohan the layout of the palace and how to
sneak into it. To make a distraction,
the Godmother will call a city-wide general strike to coincide with Bohan’s
attack on Jerado.
Bohan
and Ansgar sneak into the palace at night with Maurice in the lead. Leaving Maurice behind, they advance into the
living quarters and confront Jerado. A
confusing battle ensues as the two wizards throw spells at each other. Using Ansgar’s spell as a distraction, Bohan
gets close enough to Jerado to use his sword on the wizard thus gaining
revenge.
and Ansgar sneak into the palace at night with Maurice in the lead. Leaving Maurice behind, they advance into the
living quarters and confront Jerado. A
confusing battle ensues as the two wizards throw spells at each other. Using Ansgar’s spell as a distraction, Bohan
gets close enough to Jerado to use his sword on the wizard thus gaining
revenge.
With
Jerado out of the way, Bohan arrests Lithgow and Flavia, proclaims himself king
and agrees to work with the Godmother, orders a wage increase for all the
workers.
Jerado out of the way, Bohan arrests Lithgow and Flavia, proclaims himself king
and agrees to work with the Godmother, orders a wage increase for all the
workers.
Everyone
is happy except Jerado’s children who must perform menial work for the rest of
their lives.
is happy except Jerado’s children who must perform menial work for the rest of
their lives.
Now for
those of you unfamiliar with the author, here’s a bit of background on him.
Hank Quense writes humorous and satiric sci-fi and fantasy stories.He also
writes and lectures about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published
19 books and 50 short stories along with dozens of
writes and lectures about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published
19 books and 50 short stories along with dozens of
articles.
He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides
covering the basics on each subject.
He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides
covering the basics on each subject.
He and his wife, Pat, usually vacation in another galaxy or parallel universe.
They also time travel occasionally when Hank is searching for new story ideas.
Hank’s
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BM76IE
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B002BM76IE
Thanks
for stopping by today during Hank’s visit. Have you ever made up stories about
wizards and kingdoms?
for stopping by today during Hank’s visit. Have you ever made up stories about
wizards and kingdoms?
Giveaway
Author
Hank Quense is giving away two print copies (US only) of THE KING WHO DISAPPEARED
and three eBook copies. Click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the
instruction to enter to win. If the widget doesn’t show up, just check HERE.
Hank Quense is giving away two print copies (US only) of THE KING WHO DISAPPEARED
and three eBook copies. Click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the
instruction to enter to win. If the widget doesn’t show up, just check HERE.
$20 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: Once Upon a Murder D.E. Dennis
Once Upon a Murder
A Fairy Tale Mystery Book 1
by D.E. Dennis
Genre: Cozy Mystery
In the town of Castle Rock, many residents live a fairy life but not all
get a fairy tale ending.
get a fairy tale ending.
The home of Michael Grimm is a unique place where the line between the
haves and the have-nots might as well have been a canyon. The gated
community of Fairy Tails houses the wealthy, royal, and connected
while the simple townsfolk they ignore putter about their lives on
the other side.
haves and the have-nots might as well have been a canyon. The gated
community of Fairy Tails houses the wealthy, royal, and connected
while the simple townsfolk they ignore putter about their lives on
the other side.
Despite the embittered classes, not much happens in their divided town and
Michael, along with his sister Monica, struggle to keep the doors of
Grimm Investigations open.
Michael, along with his sister Monica, struggle to keep the doors of
Grimm Investigations open.
That is until Preston Charming, the wealthy son of one of the most
powerful families in Fairy Tails, is found murdered in Siren Woods.
The Grimm siblings eagerly take the case, but soon Michael finds
himself on a collision course with the scars of the past and people
who inflicted them.
powerful families in Fairy Tails, is found murdered in Siren Woods.
The Grimm siblings eagerly take the case, but soon Michael finds
himself on a collision course with the scars of the past and people
who inflicted them.
Amid old enemies, abandoned shoes, hardened servant girls, and infamous
parties; will Michael solve this homicidal puzzle before the killer
sees to it he doesn’t get his happy ever after?
parties; will Michael solve this homicidal puzzle before the killer
sees to it he doesn’t get his happy ever after?
**only .99 cents!!**
D.E. Dennis grew up in the United States but has spent most of her life
within the pages of a book. A great novel has the ability to
transport you to another time or place and she loves all the worlds
she has had the opportunity to visit.
within the pages of a book. A great novel has the ability to
transport you to another time or place and she loves all the worlds
she has had the opportunity to visit.
Now, she spends her time
traveling the world and visiting new (and real) places and cultures
as her love of being transported to another place only grew as she
got older.
traveling the world and visiting new (and real) places and cultures
as her love of being transported to another place only grew as she
got older.
When D.E. Dennis is not writing, she is reading,
eating cheesecake, and changing countries.
eating cheesecake, and changing countries.
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: The Bulwark Anthology
The Knowing
The Bulwark Anthology Book 1
by Brit Lunden
Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Bulwark- a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth from
the outside world. Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden. Who knows what
strange things can happen when the rest of the world can’t see you?
the outside world. Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden. Who knows what
strange things can happen when the rest of the world can’t see you?
JB Stratton is alone in the world, and all he has left are the
memories of his beloved Ellie. Dirt poor JB and wealthy Ellie feel an
instant connection that is as intense and primal as the blood red
earth of their home. Unseen roots connect them, pulling them into an
impossible relationship. Will the memories of past lives help or
hinder the path of their love? Based on the original novella Bulwark,
by Brit Lunden, The Knowing continues the story of a town isolated
from the rest of the world where the impossible becomes plausible,
and logic is determined by reality.
**ONLY .99 CENTS!!**
The Illusion
The Bulwark Anthology Book 2
by DJ Cooper
Things are not what they seem in the small American town of Bulwark.
Hospital lights flicker for no reason.
Townsfolk are overcome with a salacious
appetite for the demise of others.
appetite for the demise of others.
Accompanied by would-be boyfriend Deputy Terence Blake,
Dr Peter Kent is caught in the middle of mind-bending events.
A café opens in town. The food is great. It’s the unexpected
distortions in time and the surrounding world that make Peter
question his mind and his grip on reality.
distortions in time and the surrounding world that make Peter
question his mind and his grip on reality.
The Craving
The Bulwark Anthology Book 3
by R.L. Jackson
Bulwark– a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth
from the outside world.
Savannah Daniels is looking forward to spending some alone time with her
longtime boyfriend, Marshall. Everything during this fun-filled
spring break was moving along fine, until his awkward cousin Stefano,
and his equally weird girlfriend, Sheena decide to crash the party.
It didn’t take a college graduate to realize something was
definitely up with these two blood-sucking intruders, and it isn’t
long before the true intentions about what they are and what they
want become clear.
longtime boyfriend, Marshall. Everything during this fun-filled
spring break was moving along fine, until his awkward cousin Stefano,
and his equally weird girlfriend, Sheena decide to crash the party.
It didn’t take a college graduate to realize something was
definitely up with these two blood-sucking intruders, and it isn’t
long before the true intentions about what they are and what they
want become clear.
Savannah is powerless to stop their attack on Marshall but with capabilities
passed down from her grandmother, she finds the tools she needs to
stop them and hopefully prevent Marshall’s transitioning. When all
three disappear before she can act, Savannah jumps into high-gear
tracking their every move. Finally, her journey takes her to Bulwark,
Georgia where she learns things are equally as complicated there, and
more than just vampires go bump in the night.
passed down from her grandmother, she finds the tools she needs to
stop them and hopefully prevent Marshall’s transitioning. When all
three disappear before she can act, Savannah jumps into high-gear
tracking their every move. Finally, her journey takes her to Bulwark,
Georgia where she learns things are equally as complicated there, and
more than just vampires go bump in the night.
The Window
The Bulwark Anthology Book 4
by E.H. Graham
Brianna Scott has nothing but her window and pet cat to entertain her. Stuck
inside for more years than she can remember with a degenerative
disease, she has become invisible and has retreated from her small
community. Only Jim, the town grocer and old high school friend,
seems to care about her lonely existence.
inside for more years than she can remember with a degenerative
disease, she has become invisible and has retreated from her small
community. Only Jim, the town grocer and old high school friend,
seems to care about her lonely existence.
However, when the window in her living room provides her a front row seat to
the latest mysteries haunting her small town, Brianna discovers that
some things cannot be unseen.
the latest mysteries haunting her small town, Brianna discovers that
some things cannot be unseen.
Based on Bulwark, a paranormal thriller by Brit Lunden, The Window is the
fourth volume in the multi-author Bulwark Anthology.
fourth volume in the multi-author Bulwark Anthology.
**ONLY .99 CENTS!!**
The Missing Branch
The Bulwark Anthology Book 5
by Kay McLeod
Trapped in a tedious job without fulfillment, ambitions, or a boyfriend, Izzie
Murray’s only passion is researching her ancestry. But the
beautiful mural of her family tree switches from a distraction to an
obsession once she hits a mysterious gap in the timeline. Why would
an entire family just disappear?
Murray’s only passion is researching her ancestry. But the
beautiful mural of her family tree switches from a distraction to an
obsession once she hits a mysterious gap in the timeline. Why would
an entire family just disappear?
With an intense craving to find the last pieces of the puzzle, Izzie
ditches her life in England to investigate the last known whereabouts
of the family – the little town of Bulwark, Georgia. Between the
unnatural behavior of the local wildlife, tales of witches, and the
overpowering draw of a puddle of weird goo, she’s only finding more
questions to answer. The instant attraction to the one resident in
town that seems to be on her side isn’t helping either.
ditches her life in England to investigate the last known whereabouts
of the family – the little town of Bulwark, Georgia. Between the
unnatural behavior of the local wildlife, tales of witches, and the
overpowering draw of a puddle of weird goo, she’s only finding more
questions to answer. The instant attraction to the one resident in
town that seems to be on her side isn’t helping either.
Bulwark does not give up its secrets easily.
And sometimes things were hidden for a reason.
**ONLY .99 CENTS!!**
The Body
The Bulwark Anthology Book 6
by Kate Kelly
Small town values. Big time secrets
Troubled is an understatement when it comes to Rudd.
He’s a cage fighter with a sordid past, and has no family or any friends
to his name. He does, however, have one enemy—Vic, his ultimate
rival in the cage. But even a match with Vic isn’t enough to stir
any emotions in the 28 year old man. He may as well be a shell. Body
only, no spirit.
to his name. He does, however, have one enemy—Vic, his ultimate
rival in the cage. But even a match with Vic isn’t enough to stir
any emotions in the 28 year old man. He may as well be a shell. Body
only, no spirit.
It’s the anniversary of his sister’s death when he takes a walk through
Bulwark’s strange woods and wanders a little too far. It’s there
in the dense, secluded gloom that he meets a glowing, transparent
woman named Lili. She isn’t real— she can’t be real, except
that she’s the only one that makes him feel anything at all. The
two form an unlikely friendship that quickly morphs into an
attraction neither can act on.
Bulwark’s strange woods and wanders a little too far. It’s there
in the dense, secluded gloom that he meets a glowing, transparent
woman named Lili. She isn’t real— she can’t be real, except
that she’s the only one that makes him feel anything at all. The
two form an unlikely friendship that quickly morphs into an
attraction neither can act on.
As his final fight draws near, Rudd must face the demons of his past,
solve the mystery of Lili’s murder and deal with the inexplicable
love that is growing in his heart for someone who can never be his.
solve the mystery of Lili’s murder and deal with the inexplicable
love that is growing in his heart for someone who can never be his.
**ONLY .99 CENTS!!**
The Battle of Bulwark
The Bulwark Anthology Book 7
by Del Henderson III
Outside of being the sheriff’s daughter, Claire Finnes’ life was the same as
any other 15-year-old. However, recurring nightmares and an encounter
with dead civil war soldier send Claire and her friends on a journey
that makes her question if those nightmares really were just dreams.
As she uncovers the dark history surrounding her small town Claire
begins to wonder, can a doomed future be changed?
any other 15-year-old. However, recurring nightmares and an encounter
with dead civil war soldier send Claire and her friends on a journey
that makes her question if those nightmares really were just dreams.
As she uncovers the dark history surrounding her small town Claire
begins to wonder, can a doomed future be changed?
Based on Bulwark, a paranormal thriller by Brit Lunden, The Battle of
Bulwark is the seventh volume in the multi-author Bulwark Anthology.
Bulwark is the seventh volume in the multi-author Bulwark Anthology.
**ONLY .99 CENTS!!**
The Darkness
The Bulwark Anthology Book 8
by Brittney Leigh
Bulwark- a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth from
the outside world.Bulwark, a quiet town… or is it?
the outside world.Bulwark, a quiet town… or is it?
Four best friends, Sophia, Scott, Chloe and Chris, are just trying to manage
their senior year at Bulwark high school when Sophia realizes that
her feelings for Chris are really meant for Scott. Before she can
deal with that though, the four friends then stumble upon Bulwarks
darkest secrets when a spell is cast on Bulwark High. Students have
been disappearing and no one has any clues as to their whereabouts.
With a town curfew set and parents on edge, the four friends decide
to take things into their own hands. Will they break the spell, or
will Bulwark High and the town be changed forever?Based on Bulwark, a
paranormal thriller by Brit Lunden, The Darkness is the eighth volume
in the multi-author Bulwark Anthology
their senior year at Bulwark high school when Sophia realizes that
her feelings for Chris are really meant for Scott. Before she can
deal with that though, the four friends then stumble upon Bulwarks
darkest secrets when a spell is cast on Bulwark High. Students have
been disappearing and no one has any clues as to their whereabouts.
With a town curfew set and parents on edge, the four friends decide
to take things into their own hands. Will they break the spell, or
will Bulwark High and the town be changed forever?Based on Bulwark, a
paranormal thriller by Brit Lunden, The Darkness is the eighth volume
in the multi-author Bulwark Anthology
**ONLY .99 CENTS!!**
Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology. Using her characters, they are creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts.
Having grown up with a love of everything futuristic, space and macabre, DJ Cooper
developed a vivid imagination and is known for a warped sense of humour.
Desperately clinging to the real world, DJ has been known to cry: Why can’t cars fly yet? Weren’t we supposed to teleport by now?
In-between large mugs of annoyingly lukewarm coffee, DJ enjoys walks with earbuds full of loud music and ponders what it is Cossie the
fire-breathing, flying pet bearded dragon thinks about all day.
R.L Jackson is an independent filmmaker, magazine editor and screenwriter who writes romance and romantic suspense with an aim for readers to, “Get
Lost In Intense Passion and Diverse Worlds.” She lives in south Florida enjoys binge-watching Netflix, uses her treadmill as an over-sized coat hanger, but loves to dance to the Fitness Marshall
videos on Youtube.
Stepping into the world of adult fiction and penned under the name E.H. Graham, The Window is the debut novel of this award-winning children’s author. Whether reading or writing, Graham enjoys the escape into worlds of mystery, fantasy and suspense.
Kay McLeod
Confession time, I’m a fantasy addict! For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved the concept of magical worlds.
I was the kid with dragons doodled around the edge of her school work, the one with her head constantly buried in a book. As a teen, I shunned partying to play Magic the Gathering and DM Dungeons and Dragons games.
Through the years, I’ve always made up stories and took characters on amazing adventures, in the privacy of my own mind. Now I want to share them with other people.
I live with my husband and cat in Nottinghamshire in England. When I’m not writing (or planning something I’m writing) I’m usually working, reading, playing bass for my church’s worship team,
playing computer games (World of Warcraft, Dragon Age, Pokemon, Minecraft) or drinking tea.
Mmm, time to put the kettle on…
I was the kid with dragons doodled around the edge of her school work, the one with her head constantly buried in a book. As a teen, I shunned partying to play Magic the Gathering and DM Dungeons and Dragons games.
Through the years, I’ve always made up stories and took characters on amazing adventures, in the privacy of my own mind. Now I want to share them with other people.
I live with my husband and cat in Nottinghamshire in England. When I’m not writing (or planning something I’m writing) I’m usually working, reading, playing bass for my church’s worship team,
playing computer games (World of Warcraft, Dragon Age, Pokemon, Minecraft) or drinking tea.
Mmm, time to put the kettle on…
Kate Kelley is a writer of epic fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. She spends her days banging on a keyboard and chugging coffee while
two small, feral children run around her feet.
Del Henderson III, born and raised in Illinois, enjoys writing, fueling his passion and love for the noble art of putting pen to paper, or more appropriate, keyboard to computer. Diving into pure imagination he has produced
works that grip his reader’s minds with mystery and suspense as they are brought into the fascinating world of fiction.
works that grip his reader’s minds with mystery and suspense as they are brought into the fascinating world of fiction.
Brittney Leigh is gracing the Bulwark anthology as a debut author. She is a proud graduate of SUNY Old Westbury College, with a bachelors degree in
Media & Communications. Gifted in singing, acting, and dancing, she finds her voice reaches its highest ground in writing. She resides in Long Island where the darkness of New York City comes to sleep.
Media & Communications. Gifted in singing, acting, and dancing, she finds her voice reaches its highest ground in writing. She resides in Long Island where the darkness of New York City comes to sleep.
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
for exclusive content and a giveaway!
$25 Amazon Gift Card and eBook Giveaway: The Perfect Dress by Carolyn Brown
About the Book
Title: The Perfect Dress
Author: Carolyn Brown
Release Date: April 16, 2019
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Summary
In the small town of Celeste, Texas, Mitzi Taylor has never quite fit inside the lines. Nearly six feet tall, flame-haired, and with a plus-size spirit to match every curve, she’s found her niche: a custom wedding-dress boutique catering to big brides-to-be with big dreams. Taking the plunge alongside her two best friends, she’s proud they’ve turned The Perfect Dress into a perfect success.
Just when Mitzi has it all pulled together, Graham Harrison walks back into her life, looking for bridesmaid dresses for his twin daughters. A still-strapping jock whose every gorgeous, towering inch smells like aftershave, the star of all Mitzi’s high school dreams is causing quite a flush.
For Mitzi, all it takes is a touch to feel sparks flitting around her like fireflies. She can just imagine what a kiss could do. Graham’s feeling it, too. And he’s about to make that imagination of Mitzi’s run wild. Is it just a hot summer fling, or are Mitzi’s next designs for herself and seeing her own dreams come true?
Carolyn Brown’s Real Life Inspiration for Writing THE PERFECT DRESS
Hello, everyone and thank you for inviting me to your site today!
My granddaughter is getting married this fall, and she’s not one of those size six girls who can walk into wedding dress store, try on a dozen dresses and find the perfect dress—especially when she has her heart set on a black lace dress for her wedding. When we began to shop for her dress, I wished for a custom wedding shop that catered only to women who wore a size fourteen or larger. So I created one called The Perfect Dress and set it in the little town of Celeste, Texas. This summer I plan to bring my old Singer sewing machine out of retirement, and make my granddaughter’s black lace wedding dress—just the way she and I will design it!
The Perfect Dress is not a real place so don’t go to the local doughnut shop in Celeste and ask about it, but the town, the characters and the shop were all very real to me while I was writing about it.
Speaking of characters let me introduce you to Mitzi. She’s and her two plus sized friends, Paula and Jody, have dreamed of putting in their own plus-sized wedding dress shop for years. Now it’s a reality. They’ve bought an old two story house at the edge of Celeste and hung out their shingle.
Jody is a thin vegetarian now, but when the girls were in high school, she was a big girl just like her friends. She’s living proof that a woman will do anything for love, but when love goes awry, she’s sure glad that she’s got Mitzi and Paula to support her.
Paula is carrying a big secret. The three women have shared everything since they were little children, but she can’t talk about her secret, not when both her friends are in the middle of drama themselves. She has to be the strong one to share Jody’s sorrow and Mitzi’s happiness.
Fanny Lou, Mitzi’s grandmother, is an eccentric old gal with lots of advice that she’s not one bit shy about spreading around. She’s the mother role for all of them, constantly popping into the shop with a box of doughnuts, or the local gossip.
Lately Mitzi has been feeling like maybe her ‘perfect family’ is missing someone… perhaps the perfect man. She hasn’t seen him since high school, but that doesn’t mean that Mitizi’s heart doesn’t go pitter-patter for this awesome single dad. Graham towers above Mitzi, who is almost six feet tall. He has twin girls, who are also plus sized. He feels the sparks, too, but questions whether Mitzi could ever love some big guy who already has teenage daughters.
There is definitely a gap between the teenager girls, who help out in the shop, and Fanny Lou, the granny, and the three best friends. But true friendship knows nothing about age—it’s love, support, and unflinching loyalty towards each other, no matter what the age.
Excerpt: The Perfect Dress by Carolyn Brown
Mitzi rushed back to the sewing room, where the hum of two sewing machines filled the air. “Graham Harrison just came in the shop to set up an appointment for his two daughters. He said they only live a few houses up the street from us. He looked like a bull in a china shop sitting on that pink sofa. And of course he didn’t even recognize me, but I sure knew him the minute I laid eyes on him.”
At the mention of that name from the past, work jolted to a halt.
“All the girls in high school swooned over him, including Mitzi, but she hasn’t told us if he’s still as sexy as he was back then.” Jody took a bowl of salad from the fridge along with a plate of vegetables that she stuck into the microwave to heat.
“He’s aged very, very well, and I’m having cookies,” Mitzi said.
“Smart girl,” Fanny Lou said. “Life is short. Eat dessert first. So you had a little crush on Graham?”
“Everyone did,” Mitzi answered.
“Not me. I was always in love with Lyle,” Jody said.
“Well, according to what I heard at the church bake sale today, Graham moved his daughters here to Celeste because they were being fat shamed down in Greenville. One of them knocked a girl on her butt, blacked both eyes, and bloodied her nose with one punch. It was the last day of school and they said they were going to suspend her for the first two weeks of next year for fighting,” Jody said.
“She should get a medal, not suspended,” Mitzi fumed.
Fanny Lou took a gallon jug of sweet tea from the fridge. “Who all wants a glass?”
Three hands went up.
She filled four glasses with ice and then tea and carried them to the table. “I remember when he went to work for his dad at the Cadillac dealership—right after he and Rita got married. His dad gave him a job on the lowest level, and he had to work his way up. Rita was furious because she thought they’d get a big house and a new Caddy every year. Stupid woman figured since his folks had money that he had an open bank account.”
Paula took the ham and cheese containers from the fridge while Mitzi pulled a loaf of bread from the cabinet. “You eating with us, Granny?”
“I’ll eat with you and Paula, but I don’t want any of that stuff Jody is having. I don’t eat fake meat. I’ll eat what I want and die when I’m supposed to. Slice some of them tomatoes I brought in here earlier. And I’d rather have bologna instead of ham and mustard instead of mayo,” Fanny Lou answered.
“Me, too,” Paula said. “I want one like hers.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Mitzi set about making three sandwiches.
So Graham was divorced and raising girls on his own. Bless his heart for getting them away from a school that bullied them because of their size. Mitzi could relate to the girls. But then, so could Jody and Paula. She’d always figured that Jody adopted her own modern-day hippie style to combat those feelings of insecurity. Paula had retreated into superstition. Mitzi had just plowed her way through emotions and other kids, spending a lot of time in the principal’s office for fighting.
She pushed all that to the back of her mind, put the sandwiches on plates, and carried them to the table. “Y’all know that this job for Ellie Mae could turn into a big thing. I bet her older sister will be the maid of honor and her mother will want a fancy dress.”
“That’s what you’re in business for, isn’t it?” Fanny Lou said. “Man, this brings back memories. Friday night was bologna sandwich night when I was a kid.”
“Why?” Jody asked.
“Because Mama always cleaned house on Friday, and she didn’t have time to make a big meal,” Fanny Lou answered.
“Funny how an hour of beading takes forever and our noon hour goes so fast.” Jody pointed to the clock.
“Good Lord!” Fanny Lou finished off her sandwich and grabbed a cookie. “I’ve got an appointment with my CPA at one and it’s a fifteen-minute drive to Greenville. See you girls later. You have my permission to flirt with Graham, Mitzi.”
Mitzi’s cheeks began to burn. “I had a teenage crush on him. I’ve grown up since then.”
Fanny Lou winked as she headed for the door. “Paula, since you live with Mitzi, I’m putting you in charge of being sure she takes her birth control pills every morning.”
Mitzi felt even more heat in her cheeks. “Granny!”
“When you get old you get to say whatever the hell you want to.” Fanny Lou closed the door behind her.
***
Author Biography
Carolyn Brown is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and a RITA finalist with more than ninety published books. Her genres include romance, history, cowboys and country music, and contemporary mass-market paperbacks. She and her husband live in the small town of Davis, Oklahoma, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and when . . . and reads the local newspaper every Wednesday to see who got caught. They have three grown children and enough grandchildren to keep them young. Visit Carolyn at www.carolynbrownbooks.com.
Social Media Links
Website: https://www.carolynbrownbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolynbrownbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13554.Carolyn_Brown
Giveaway:
$20 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: To Love an Earl by J R Salisbury
To Love an Earl
Mayfair Book 3
by J R Salisbury
Genre: Historical Romance
One of the worst snow storms in over a decade hits England. What’s the
worst that could happen?
worst that could happen?
Lady Jane Blackmont finds herself stranded at the Earl of Norwood’s
estate. Not looking for love of any fashion, she finds herself
falling for a neighbor and one of her brother’s friends.
estate. Not looking for love of any fashion, she finds herself
falling for a neighbor and one of her brother’s friends.
The Earl of Norwood rescues the young woman after her carriage careens
off the road. Right in front of his estate. Norwood’s been unlucky in
love, but finds himself intrigued with the smart and talented Lady
Jane. Does he dare open himself up to love?
off the road. Right in front of his estate. Norwood’s been unlucky in
love, but finds himself intrigued with the smart and talented Lady
Jane. Does he dare open himself up to love?
Life is about to hand the pair more than most young couples have to deal
with in a life time. Lady Jane shows Norwood she’s up to the challenge.
with in a life time. Lady Jane shows Norwood she’s up to the challenge.
I’ve always been a creative individual. Writing is just a facet of that creativity…
My careers in public relations in and around the
entertainment industry, photography, editing, artist
management, modeling and special event planning all elevated my
passion for writing, not to mention gave me a treasure trove for
story lines.
entertainment industry, photography, editing, artist
management, modeling and special event planning all elevated my
passion for writing, not to mention gave me a treasure trove for
story lines.
I write women’s fiction; contemporary romance (as
Jamie Salisbury) and historical romance (as JR Salisbury) which is
ever evolving. I am fortunate enough that writing (and marketing of
said product(s)) is my full-time job, although I always have one or
two other projects going at the same time.
Jamie Salisbury) and historical romance (as JR Salisbury) which is
ever evolving. I am fortunate enough that writing (and marketing of
said product(s)) is my full-time job, although I always have one or
two other projects going at the same time.
I now live in a suburb of Atlanta. Some of my other interests include photography,
equestrianism, reading, and of course, travel.
equestrianism, reading, and of course, travel.
I sincerely hope my writing will entertain, enlighten, and inspire others to pick
up the pen and pursue their own dreams. I love to be contacted by
readers, writers, and history buffs.
up the pen and pursue their own dreams. I love to be contacted by
readers, writers, and history buffs.
Excerpt:
“Why did my brother pick now for one of his reckless parties?” Lady Jane Blackmont asked.
“You know he needs no reason for what he does,” Sara said.
“What?”
“He’s a duke, my lady. He needs no reason. The rest of the world is supposed to kowtow to his whims.”
“Apparently I’m supposed to play hostess for him. Why he had to pick now is beyond me. Surely he knows there’s a storm brewing.” Jane’s stomach churned as the carriage kept on. “What are we to do if we don’t find a coaching inn? Or worse yet, get stuck on the side of the road?”
“I’m sure none of that will happen. We’ll reach Blackmont Crest before you know it,” her maid said.
“Thanks for your reassurance.”
What should have been a four hour carriage ride had turned into seven. Dusk was fast approaching, and they needed to get off the roads.
She pulled back the curtains that had been closed to keep the cold out. “We’re almost there,” she said.
“How long will we be here?” Sara inquired.
“A fortnight, Henry said.”
Jane had never been away in this sort of weather. Her father would have never allowed it. He was gone, the dukedom left to her older brother, who thought everyone’s life revolved around him.
“Do you know who’s going to be at this house party?” Sara asked.
“His usual friends I’m sure. His letter stated he’d run into an old friend from Eton recently. I don’t remember his name, nor do I care. All of Henry’s friend’s are rogues in some fashion.”
“You never have been one to say no to His Grace, my lady.”
Henry was one of her weak spots. He knew it and took full advantage of it now that there was only the two of them. Their parents had been killed in a freak carriage accident five years earlier, leaving Henry with the dukedom and Jane his faithful sister. Until he found a woman to marry, he needed someone to keep some edge of sanity to his ways. At least until he found his duchess to marry. If that’d ever happen.
“I know, but until he finds a wife, someone needs to see he doesn’t go to hell.”
“There must be some ladies of fine breeding attending if he’s asking you to attend,” Jane said.
“Who will be attending with their parents, I would hope.”
“His Grace would never invite you to one of his stag parties,” Sara mused.
Jane released a nervous laugh. “He’ll not hear the end of it if he ever invites me to one of those.”
“Umhmmm.”
Jane was about to close the curtain when one of the horses spooked. The carriage careened over the road. Ice had set in. Could the driver regain control of the team before something awful happened? She tried to breathe and forget how her parents had died. It couldn’t happen to her. Jane looked across at Sara, whose face had gone stark white. She was scared beyond words as the carriage swayed, tumbling and landing on its side. She was the last person Jane saw before everything went black.
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for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!
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Bible Journaling on Instagram
I have been lax at showing you what I have been Bible Journaling during the week. so I thought I would try something new and show you what I posted on Instagram during the week. This week I had two posts about what I am working on in Ezekiel.
I am still playing around with this idea so let me know what you think and any suggestions that you might have. If you would like to know more about what supplies I used please ask!
