On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you’ll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch – Author Interview

What is your motivation behind A SILVER WILLOW BY THE SHORE? Why did you want to write it?

I have had a decades-long fascination with the former Soviet Union and their rich, layered history. As a Russian minor in college, I spent a semester in Ukraine studying and traveling, and I realized that there are a world of stories to be told from that region. Fast forward twenty years, and after the release of my award-winning debut novel, Like a River From Its Course, set in World War II Soviet Ukraine, I began combing through books for the next story that I felt needed to be told. . .

Remembrancy – Review

“Stuart’s prose pulled me right in, and I quickly became invested in the three women in this family who are hurting and longing for acceptance in their own ways. The Russian history and way of life were captivating, and the secondary characters (James and Viktor) enrich this story further.”

My Life, Loves and Passion – Excerpt

I know when someone’s holding a secret. There’s a certain nuance that cannot be fully disguised when one is harboring hidden news.

Christian Chick’s Thoughts – Review

“Oh, my, this book! This story of three generations of women gripped me right from the beginning. Elizaveta, Nina, and Annie are mother, daughter, and granddaughter all living under the same roof, but as the story begins, they couldn’t be farther apart. Each woman carries a secret, and it’s in the revealing of these secrets that they find healing. . . . Elizaveta, Nina, and Annie worked their way into my heart, and this is a story that will stick with me.”

Jennifer Silverwood’s Blog – Review

“Thought-provoking and heart-rending, A Silver Willow by the Shore is a book that will pull you in and leave you feeling better for it. I don’t give out five-star reviews lightly. . . . Kelli Stuart has impressed me with her masterful storytelling and gift of character. You will feel both happiness and heartache with these characters as they live and relive their journeys. Here is a book that dares to question what’s truly important, to push beyond our fears and hatred and not only forgive others but ourselves.”

Paulette’s Papers – Excerpt

“It’s okay, Ninochka,” her mother would answer. “You simply have to think of warm things, and you will be warm. Quick, let’s think of warm things together.” And they’d take turns listing all the warm things they could think of: Fire, borsch, a summer night, a cup of hot chai. They’d make their list as the line crawled along, and somehow it had worked—Nina had felt warm.

For Him and My Family – Review

“If you like a good historical fiction type read then this is the book for you! . . . A great read that I highly recommend.”

By The Book – Review

“Wow! What an incredible story from a gifted author. An emotional read, the story takes you into the lives of three women who should have a strong connection through family ties, but find themselves isolated from each other, struggling to find an identity amidst the secrets kept by each generation. A thoughtful and poignant book, I had to force myself to slow down in its reading. It is a book to be savored, but I just could not put it down!”

Heidi Reads… – Excerpt

Toska. It was an untranslatable word—a word that could hardly be conveyed in the English language. Toska communicated anguish. It was a soul-crushing heartache that couldn’t be quelled. . .

Pause for Tales – Review

“You will be immersed in this story as you walk along with these women on their journey to freedom from shame and guilt. This is a heart tugging bittersweet novel.”

Locks, Hooks and Books – Review

“Wow! A Silver Willow by the Shore blew me away. . . . I would give A Silver Willow by the Shore one hundred stars if I could. It is being placed among my favorite reads of the year.”

Andi’s Book Reviews – Review

“To me, this is a very powerful book. . . . These histories and these stories intertwine to weave a tragically beautiful story that does involve love and loss, but also some redemption and second chances in life. I relished every single page.”

The Power of Words – Review

“A Silver Willow by the Shore begs to be read slowly and savored, although I found it hard to put down as I watched everything unfold. This poignant, bittersweet story will be enjoyed by all who enjoy relational, character-driven stories. A “best of the best” read for me with the highest of recommendations.”

Wishful Endings – Excerpt

Walking to the large window that overlooks the city, Nina takes in the lights. She focuses in on her reflection in the window. She’s older now than she was then. Her face is more drawn, eyelids a little heavier. Gone is the innocence of that young girl who came to America . . .

Edits and Reviews by Leslie – Review

“As the year draws to a close, I can honestly say Silver Willow by the Shore is one of my favorite reads from 2019. . . . This book was quite unique, as it’s an engaging multi-generational tale told via three POVs: Annie, her mother Nina, and her grandmother Elizaveta. They’re equally well-developed, and easy to root for and invest in.”

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

I wake with a start and immediately pull the covers up to my chin. I heard a cry. Who was it? There is a knocking sound above me. My eyes shift up and down, left and right, trying to discern what is causing the sound. I hear muffled voices, and I shut my eyes tight, then open them back up. The small night- light in my room casts shadows across the walls, and suddenly I am a child again hovering under the sheets of our small home in Ukraine. The fire in the hearth dances across the dark walls, as I lay warmed from underneath by the oven that mama keeps lit. Dima and Tanya lay beside me on our little bed, and I hear Dima’s breathing grow unsteady.

thechroincfangirl – Excerpt

Another bump outside our door and my eyes shift across the wooden room, a knot growing in my stomach. I take in all the sights, stitched together in my memory like one of Mama’s blankets, and I begin picking at them, unraveling to this particular moment. I’m frightened, and I whimper softly.

“Shh, dochinka,” Mama whispers in my ear. Her voice sends a shiver down my spine. “Don’t move. Don’t make a sound.” She glances behind her, then pulls up the small icon of Saint Maria holding the Christ child and slips it under my pillow. “You will keep this safe for us,” she says. “Keep your head down no matter what happens.”

Red Headed Book Lady – Review

“I was blown away by this book! How amazing is it that three generations of women who have kept secrets forever changing future generations of women to come. . . . This book is so powerful and I think I will add it to my 2019 list of reads on my blog that is coming up.

I enjoyed this book so much! I strongly recommend it!”

Paper, Ink, & Lizard – Review

“My first thought when reading the last few lines of A Silver Willow By The Shore was. “Wow. This is one touching story.” And I can’t think of any other way to say it. This book really left me thinking about my own family, about my wonderful mother and my many sisters, and how they are all just so special to me, and how important family is.”

Beauty in the Binding – Excerpt

“Don’t be silly, Nina,” her mother would chide. “What would we do with a dog? I am working all day, and you are in school. And besides, then we would have to stand in another line just to get food for the dog. I will not stand in more lines.”

Cover Lover Book Review – Review

“What a wonderful cast of characters with a unique set of storylines! . . . Kelli Stuart is a brilliant storyteller. It is evident that she has researched Russian history and customs, breathing life and authenticity into her characters with confidence and elegance.

I love, LOVE, LOVE this story!”

Faithfully Bookish – Excerpt

Nina opens her eyes and stares a moment longer at the picture, crossing her arms tight over her chest. Her childhood memories are comprised of standing next to her mother in lines. She turns to look at Elizaveta who sleeps soundly in her chair in the corner, a book in her lap. Her chin rests on her chest and she breathes slowly.

Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review

“A Silver Willow by the Shore was so well-written, and it is obvious that the author researched Russian history in depth. Elizaveta, Nina, and Annie have so much depth to their characters that I could swear if I drove down to Tennessee, I could visit them.

A Silver Willow by the Shore is a book that will stick with you long after you’ve read the end. I loved it and think you will too.”

Liberty’s Literary Loves – Excerpt

I can’t speak of the memories, of course. Not to anyone. The key to keeping a secret is to replace the hidden news with something different, and then to make yourself believe the new story. Roll the facts through your head until they’ve muddled the reality of events. This is what I’ve done. What I’ve tried to do. This is what she’ll try to do.

Keep it hidden. Share as little as possible. She and I are not so different after all. We’re both rewriting our own history.

Hallie Reads – Review

“A beautiful story, perfect for fans of mother-daughter relationships and well-told history, A Silver Willow By the Shore is one book I am sure will stick with me for years to come. I highly recommend reading it.”

Reading On The Edge – Excerpt

Nina wraps her arms around her trembling daughter and pulls her in tight. Annie presses her face into Nina’s neck, and Nina closes her eyes remembering the way Annie would crawl into her lap as a child and fall asleep in this same position.

Putting her arm around Annie’s shoulders, Nina walks her to the couch and sits down with her. Annie lays her head in her mother’s lap and Nina strokes her hair. “Ssshhh,” she croons. Annie’s shoulders heave as she releases months of pent up emotion and heartache. Nina closes her eyes and rocks gently back and forth as another memory slides over her.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post…

A Silver Willow by the Shore
By Kelli Stuart
Adult Historical, Contemporary, Time-Slip
Paperback & ebook, 380 Pages
October 15th 2019 by Fine Print Writing Press

How do you face the future if you don’t know your own past?

When an unexpected pregnancy changes her dreams, seventeen-year-old Annie tries to keep it from her mother and her grandmother. But secrets have a way of coming out. In a household of strong women, the arrival of a new life sets off a spiral of truth that reveals a past full of whispers and lies—a past that existed in another world under the heavy hand of Soviet oppression. This history has dictated the circumstances of the present, but hope, redemption, and forgiveness will grow in the rocky places of these generational differences.

A Silver Willow by the Shore is the story of the unshakeable love between mothers and daughters and of the impact that past decisions can have on present day circumstances. This novel weaves together the stories of generations of women, from the gulags of 1930’s Siberia, to the quiet oppression of 1980’s Soviet Moscow, to present day Tennessee. It is an unforgettable narrative of the treachery of secrets, and of the light that unites the heart of a family.

(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

About the Author

Kelli is a wife, mother, novelist, and the driver of a smoking’ hot minivan. When she isn’t wrangling her five children, she can be found tapping away at the keyboard. Kelli is the award winning author of Like a River From Its Course, her debut novel which won the ACFW Carol Award for Best Historical and was nominated for two Christy Awards. Kelli is also the co-author of Life Creative: Inspiration for Today’s Renaissance Mom with Wendy Speake. You can find more information on her life and writings at www.kellistuart.com.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Bookstagram Tour

This had its own giveaway. You can check out the tour here.

November 4th:
@SimplyKelina
@brenyandbooks
November 5th:
@hellobookstash
@beautyinthebinding
November 6th:
@girlandherbooks
@ya.its.lit
November 7th:
@TheReadingCornerforAll
@bookishdelightz
November 8th:
@_coffeecatsandbooks_
@suziewaltner

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a Kindle Fire Tablet with Alexa Hands Free + $50 Amazon Gift Card
US only
Ends November 13, 2019

ENTER HERE

Awakening: Rise as the Fall Unfolds
Carissa Andrews
Publication date: November 12th 2019
Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Urban Fantasy

The final five angels have been located and averting the apocalypse means somehow recreating the birth of Christ.

Morgan never expected total annihilation would come down to the actions of five misfit angels. But as each one’s hidden angelic power unfolds, so does the sinister truth… the entire Jesus storyline has been wiped from the collective consciousness, leaving a tear in the fabric of reality.

The final five need to figure out how their gifts are meant to fit together in order to set things right. However, coming to terms with the responsibility resting on their shoulders doesn’t come easy. To make matters worse, the demons have found them and unless they get on the same page quickly, the darkness will consume them all. But how can they make things right when the thing that’s missing happened more than 2000 years ago?

One thing’s for sure. If they fail, existence ceases.

If you love books like Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s American Gods or Good Omens, Joe Hill’s Nos4A2, or Stephen King’s (Richard Bachman) Blaze, then you’ll love Awakening!

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Playlist (7-15 songs that would make up the book’s soundtrack)

I can do you one better. I can give you the actual playlist I used when writing Awakening! J

There are 80 songs in there, so enjoy!

https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/accd0f0dc92242d0b318597d3d56d6ebsune?ref=dm_sh_af60-d01a-dmcp-47da-1936a&musicTerritory=US&marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER

For those of you who can’t listen to an Amazon Music playlist, though, here are my top 10 favorites from the list:

1. Ashes of Eden – Breaking Benjamin
2. Saviors of the World – Skillet
3. Change – Deftones
4. Meant to Live – Switchfoot
5. Pardon Me – Incubus
6. Calling All Angels – Train
7. Fallen Angel – Three Days Grace
8. The A Team – Ed Sheeran
9. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
10. Superheroes – The Script

Author Bio:

Carissa Andrews is a freelance writer, award-winning graphic designer, indie author coach, and internationally bestselling author from Crosslake Minnesota. She is the President of the Lakes Area Writers Alliance, a 501c3 nonprofit for writers in central Minnesota, as well as the owner of Author Revolution, LLC – an organization geared toward helping new authors navigate the waters of indie publishing. For 2020, Carissa has her sights set on becoming a NYT or USA Today Bestselling Author with her upcoming series, The Windhaven Witches. You can learn more about Carissa, her services, and her upcoming novels by visiting her websites: www.carissaandrews.com, www.authorrevolution.org, or authorrevolution.teachable.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shadows at Dawn

Don’t miss this scorching novella, part of what Publishers Weekly is calling Kat Martin’s “tantalizing” new Maximum Security series!

Private detective Jaxon Ryker swore to himself he would keep his hands off Mindy Stewart. No matter how much Jax might secretly wish otherwise, his colleague at The Max is strictly off-limits. But when Mindy is the victim of an attempted kidnapping, everything changes. With both of them thrust into danger, Jax swears to protect her. As they work together in search of answers, it becomes clear Mindy’s life is on the line, so a trap is set—with Mindy as bait. Jax and Mindy have to put aside their overwhelming attraction, but if they live through this, all bets are off…

“Martin keeps the twists and turns coming in the sensuous and spirited Maximum Security romantic thrillers.” —Publishers Weekly

Guest Post:

Myths

One of the great myths about writing is that it gets easier over time.  As the author of more than seventy novels, I can tell you it just gets harder.  Perhaps because with each new book you demand more of yourself.

Sentence variety and paragraph construction become easier, grammar and spelling, the basics of writing all become second nature.  But penning the actual novel?  Not so much.  You have to come up with a different plot, make each of your characters stand out in some special way, try to give the readers something you haven’t given them before.

In the novella, SHADOWS AT DAWN, Jaxon Ryker, a former Navy SEAL, now a detective at Maximum Security, was definitely hero material, but at the same time, he was different, kind of soft-spoken, not arrogant, just a really nice guy.  Unless you pissed him off.

Turns out Jax had a protective streak a mile wide and the sweet little receptionist at The Max was his weakness.  When Jax happens upon three men attacking Mindy in the parking lot, his hero instincts kick in–big time.

Jax is convinced the attack isn’t random and that Mindy still isn’t safe.  And no way is Jax letting anything happen to her.

I hope you’ll watch for SHADOWS AT DAWN and that you enjoy it.  If you like Jax and Mindy, you can find them again in my latest novel, THE DECEPTION, and also THE CONSPIRACY.  Till next time, all best and happy reading.  Kat

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON

Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-at-Dawn-Maximum-Security-ebook/dp/B07Q43F8KZ

Barnes & Noble

Nook https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-at-dawn-kat-martin/1131045486?ean=9781488058714

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/shadows-at-dawn-2

GOOGLE

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Kat_Martin_Shadows_at_Dawn?id=Y1mPDwAAQBAJ

ITUNES

https://books.apple.com/us/book/shadows-at-dawn/id1457964026

Reviews

“It’s a quick, easy to read, entertaining, action packed read and is just as amazing as the other books in the series!”

“Mystery, suspense, thrills and chills with a whole lot of action!”

“This story is a cute, sweet and steamy romance full of suspense, excitement and unexpected twists that keep readers hanging on to the edge of their seat.”

KAT’S WEBSITE

https://www.katmartin.com/

CONTEST LINKS

Monthly Contest: https://www.katmartin.com/monthly-contest/

SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter: https://twitter.com/katmartinauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatMartinAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43705315-the-deception?

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatMartinAuthor

SHADOWS AT DAWN

EXCERPT

Finally satisfied with her progress for the day, Mindy shoved her round tortoiseshell glasses up on her nose, slung the strap of her purse over her shoulder, and headed for the door to the parking lot behind the office.  She managed not to glance at Jax, but it wasn’t easy.

The early April weather was humid, warm but not hot, the last of a pinky gold sky fading to darkness.  She spotted her little red Volkswagen Beetle, one of the few vehicles left in the lot, and started in that direction.

If she hadn’t been working for a security firm, listening to crime stories on a daily basis, she might not have noticed the white Chevy van whose motor sparked to life and began idling in the shadows not far from her car.

When her steps unconsciously slowed, she told herself she was being ridiculous, a paranoid response to the guys’ sometimes gruesome, often frightening tales.

Pausing to dig her car keys out of her purse, she took a deep breath and tried to calm her racing heart.  When the effort failed, she forced her feet to move, closing the distance between her and her vehicle.  She had almost reached her destination when the van doors slid open and three men dressed head-to-foot in black wearing black ski masks jumped out and started running toward her.

Terror struck.   Mindy let out a high-pitched scream, dropped her purse, whirled, and started running.

Jax’s long day wasn’t over yet.  Before he picked up a pizza and headed home for a couple of beers, he had a meeting with a client on the other side of Dallas, a cold case he had been working where the mother of a murder victim had discovered new evidence she believed would help find her daughter’s killer.  The police weren’t convinced, but Mrs. Donahue had hired Jax to prove it.  Or at least find out the truth.

He checked his heavy black wristwatch.  If he wanted to make his appointment on time, he needed to get on the road.  Grabbing his laptop off the desk, he headed for his dark blue Dodge Ram pickup, parked in the lot behind the office, his mind on the case he figured would earn him a nice fat fee–and maybe help bring a killer to justice.

He had just stepped out the backdoor when a blood-curling scream cut through the sticky night air.  A petite young woman with long dark hair and glasses struggled with three masked men.

Adrenaline shot into his blood.  Mindy!  Even as he bolted into a run, Jax registered their appearance: one tall and lean, one average height and weight, one big and beefy, thick-shouldered and muscular.  He was flat out running by the time Mindy spotted him and started screaming his name.

“Jax, help me!  Jax!”  Kicking and biting, she fought like a wild thing, but she was no match for the men.  As they hauled her toward the open van doors, Jax grabbed the tall man and pulled him off her, pounded a fist into his face and slammed another into his stomach, doubling him over.  A hard right sent the guy careening backward, hitting the ground on his back and sliding across the asphalt.

The second man, Mr. Average, stepped in and swung a punch Jax ducked.  He shot out a kick, knocking the assailant into the side of the van, then heard the sound of a switchblade snapping open behind him.

“Jax, watch out!”

Whirling toward the threat, he dodged the flashing blade and shoved Mindy toward safety, then went back in for the kill.  Rage burned through his usual calm.  She worked with him, as far as he was concerned, was under his protection.  More than that, she was kind and sweet and he cared about her far more than he should.  Jax wanted to end the bastards who were trying to hurt her.

“Run!” he shouted.  “Go back to the office and lock the door!  Call 9-1-1!”  The knife flashed.  Jax dodged the sweep of gleaming silver wielded by a big, thick-fingered, extremely capable hand, jumped back from out of the way of another slashing attack as he and the big man crouched and circled each other.  From the corner of his eye, he saw the tall, thin man back on his feet and rushing toward him.

Jax looked up to see Mindy swinging her purse like a ball and chain, smashing the bag into the side of the tall man’s head, sending him staggering, grunting as he landed on his hands and knees.

“Bitch! he screamed, shaking his head to clear it, providing the distraction Jax needed.  He kicked the knife out of the beefy man’s hand and threw a punch that sent him reeling.  Mr. Average had already climbed into the van and shoved the vehicle into gear.

“Come on!” the man shouted through the open passenger window.  “Let’s go!”

The tall man turned and ran, leaping through the open van doors, and the big, muscular man shot in behind him.  Tires burned and smoke rolled up from the wheels as the vehicle screeched away.

Kat Martin Bio

Bestselling author Kat Martin, a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, currently resides in Missoula, Montana with Western-author husband, L. J. Martin.  More than seventeen million copies of Kat’s books are in print, and she has been published in twenty foreign countries.  Fifteen of her recent novels have taken top-ten spots on the New York Times Bestseller List, and her novel, BEYOND REASON, was recently optioned for a feature film.  Kat’s next hardcover, THE DECEPTION, a Romantic Thriller, will be released on September 10th.

Audition
Skye Warren
(True North #1)
Publication date: October 29th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Blood and sweat. Bethany Lewis danced her way out of poverty. She’s a world class athlete… with a debt to pay.

Joshua North always gets what he wants. And the mercenary wants Bethany in his bed. He wants her beautiful little body bent to his will.

She doesn’t surrender to his kiss.

He doesn’t back down from a challenge.

It’s going to be a sensual fight… to the death.

AUDITION is the enthralling spin off from the bestselling North Security series, though it can be read separately.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Author Bio:

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance. Her new book ESCORT is out now!

“ESCORT is perfection only Skye Warren can deliver—a poetically erotic tale of exquisitely damaged characters, devastating secrets, revenge and redemption.” – Samanthe Beck, USA Today bestselling author

“Hypnotically romantic…this book reads like a sensual dream and I didn’t want to wake up.” – Tessa Bailey, New York Times bestselling author

Don’t miss a release! Sign up for the newsletter to get new book alerts: www.skyewarren.com/newsletter

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GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Montana Mistletoe
Kim Law
Publication date: July 6th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She has the chance to create the future she wants . . . but first she’ll have to face her past.

Young, vibrant, and willing to confront any obstacle in her path, Bree Yarbrough has spent the last few years traveling the world and learning from the great artists. Only, her work has yet to strike a lasting chord. When her hometown mentor reaches out with an opportunity that will set her on the path to success, she knows she can’t say no. But once back in Silver Creek, she discovers she isn’t the only one who’s returned home. Justin Cory has as well—and he’s living next door. She may have made a fool of herself over him before, but Bree isn’t the kind of girl to let past mortification stand in the way of something she wants.

The last ten years of Justin Cory’s life has been driven by one focus: go to school, get his physical therapy degree, and return home so he can be there for his mom. But now that he’s back, he can’t stop thinking about the night that changed his life forever—and the guilt he can’t escape. Fun, irresistible, and once-best-friend Bree seems like the perfect distraction. She isn’t sticking around past the holidays, so he doesn’t have to worry she’ll expect more than he can give. But as they spend the season together, stolen mistletoe kisses start to feel all too right. However, with the future uncertain and the past hanging over them, it may take more than mistletoe to get from Christmas to forever.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Sign up to Kim’s newsletter and get it FREE!

—

EXCERPT:

“Bree.”

Speak of the devil.

She steeled her resolve before turning to face him. “Justin.” She didn’t know what else to say.

He didn’t seem to have any ideas for conversation either, as after he locked his gaze on hers, he then turned and stared at the blank wall on the other side of the room. She didn’t follow suit. Instead, she watched him. And she told herself not to think about how good he looked. Or how much she’d missed him in the last three and a half years.

He sported a trim beard now that was just a touch shorter than his dark hair. His lips were still both a firm slash under a straight nose and as sinfully gentle-looking and kissable as they’d always been. And his lashes remained long, thick, and insanely sexy around his soulful hazel eyes.

Geez, she could so fall under the spell of this man again.

Geez . . . she so had to get a grip, or the next six weeks were going to be both mentally painful as well as sexually frustrating.

She rolled her eyes. She wouldn’t let the latter happen no matter what. Because she was over him. It only took one time of offering herself to a man and having him turn her down—while he also pointed out that if sex did happen, it would be nothing more than sex—for her to get a clue. Justin Cory wasn’t for her, and she wasn’t for him. End of story.

“Mom tells me you haven’t given her a decision yet.” Justin finally spoke, and as he did, those soulful, see-too-much eyes turned back to her.

“You’ve talked to her?” She’d only been gone from Mrs. Cory’s office for three minutes.

“She texted as soon as you left. Says I have to make sure you stay in town.”

At this, Bree lifted her brows. “You have to make sure?” Why on earth would that be the case?

He lifted a shoulder. “She seems to think it’s my fault that you never come home for more than a couple of days.”

It was.

“And my fault that you left in the first place.”

Bree stared at him, unwilling to agree to either statement. “And here I always thought of your mother as a smart woman.”

At her reply, Justin merely blinked.

“You know that I’d always intended to leave,” she pointed out. She also fervently hoped he’d forgotten that she’d also once offered to leave with him.

“That’s what I told Mom.”

“Then I don’t understand why you’re even standing here.”

His jaw tensed, and his eyes went flat like they had Friday night. “I’m standing here because my mother asked me to. Can I tell her your answer is yes?”

He could tell his mother anything he wanted to. But she wasn’t telling him a thing.

Author Bio:

As a child, award-winning author Kim Law cultivated a love for chocolate, anything purple, and creative writing. She penned her debut work, “The Gigantic Talking Raisin,” in the sixth grade and got hooked on the delights of creating stories. Before settling into the writing life, however, she earned a college degree in mathematics and worked as a computer programmer. Now she’s pursuing her lifelong dream of writing romance novels. She has won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and has been a finalist for the prestigious RWA RITA Award. A native of Kentucky, Kim lives with her husband and an assortment of animals in Middle Tennessee.

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GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway