Book Blitz: All We Want for Christmas is You by Anita Maxwell

All We Want For Christmas Is You  by Anita Maxwell

Publication date: December 20, 2017

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Hayden Halloway wants to see her name in print when she gets out of college, preferably in one of the big five newspapers in New York. She has everything lined up to make that happen, except for that one perfect story to finalize her portfolio.
Christian, Vinnie, and Justin, first string forwards on the college hockey team, all have their sights set on Hayden. But a situation involving her best friend and the Puck Games – the hockey team’s sex rating competition – ends up setting them on a collision course that could leave more than their reputations damaged.
Eggnog, coffee dates, and the Winter Wonderland all have Hayden losing bits and pieces of herself to the guys. Will Hayden sacrifice her integrity for her heart, or will she ruin the guys chances at going pro and any chance they have of being together?

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:
Anita Maxwell is from Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. She has one husband, one son, two dogs, one mean cat, and no kangaroo. She loves to be the center of attention, even when noone else wants her to be. She used to be a ballerina, but now does pole dancing. She is a massive I.T. nerd. She loves planning events. One of her favourite things to do is tell K.B. "No, the main character can't do that because...". Her favourite genres to read are Science Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Historical, Based on True Stories, and Reverse Harem of course. She has a book she carries with her called "My little book of big ideas", which is currently a quarter full.

Facebook / Goodreads

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Mini Review: Shine by Jodi Picoult

Shine by Jodi Picoult

Published: September 13, 2016

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Format: via Overdrive [audio]

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Jodi Picoult tackles issues of race and privilege in this ebook original short story, a prequel to her upcoming novel Small Great Things. In “Shine,” the master storyteller and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Leaving Time and My Sister’s Keeper introduces readers to the unforgettable Ruth Brooks.

Today is Ruth’s first day of third grade at Dalton. The prestigious institution on New York’s Upper East Side couldn’t be more different from her old school in Harlem. Despite being the smartest girl in her grade, Ruth suspects that her classmates and teachers only see her dark skin. She also notices that Christina, the daughter of her mother’s employer, treats Ruth very differently when they’re hanging out with the popular girls rather than playing together. Ruth must navigate between two worlds, never losing sight of the dreams she has for herself—in hopes that someday, someone will see her for who she really is.

My Thoughts

I actually read Small Great Things first then read this one. I thought it was a wonderful short prequel that shows us Ruth’s background and how she grew up. We get to know the things that happened in her past that shaped her into how she saw things as an adult. I also loved that we got an in-depth look at Ruth’s mom and how her experience in life made her want more for her children. This was a great prequel and a good set up to the novel.

Release Day Blitz: Renegade Cowboy by Sara Richardson

 Today we are celebrating the release of RENEGADE COWBOY by Sara Richardson. This is the third book in her Rocky Mountain Riders series. Don't miss her 'Cowboys for Christmas' giveaway event taking place all this week. Fantastic prizes are up for grabs!

 

RENEGADE COWBOY by Sara Richardson

The third book in Sara Richardson's Rocky Mountain Riders series featuring sexy bull-riding brothers.

 PURCHASE RENEGADE COWBOY NOW

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 BLURB:
Cassidy Greer knows that cowboys are nothing but trouble. But when her childhood crush comes riding into town, she starts to have second thoughts. Levi's a world-class bull rider now, and more handsome than ever. It's a good thing she's headed out of town soon or she just might be tempted....

As a famous rodeo star, Levi Cortez could have his pick of any woman on the circuit. But when he reconnects with Cassidy, sweet memories come rushing back. Levi knows Cass doesn't want to get roped into a relationship. Not with a cowboy. The only question is, can he convince her he's more than just a renegade cowboy before the summer's over?

 

To celebrate the Renegade Cowboy release, Sara teamed up with some of her favorite cowboy romance authors to fill your stocking with some new book boyfriends and other fun prizes for Christmas. Each day, she'll be featuring a new cowboy hero and a chance to win, so make sure to check in every day during release week! Click HERE to join!

An excerpt from Renegade Cowboy:

The house lights dimmed, hushing the crowd. On the other side of the arena, the bulls were led into the chutes.

Even under the layers of her polyester-blend uniform, a chill prickled across Cassidy’s skin.

The loudspeaker crackled. “Welcome to the first rodeo in the brand- new Cash Greer Memorial Arena.” Hank Green stood in the judge’s booth and waved at the crowd.

Cheers and hoots rang out. Molly even clapped and hollered beside her. But Cassidy couldn’t move. Instead of clapping, her hands squeezed into fists.

Hank waited until the noise died down. “For our first event, one of our own homegrown cowboys—Levi Cortez—will be riding Ball Buster.” The crowd went crazy again, people jumping to their feet, chanting “Le-vi, Le-vi!”

Cassidy crept closer to the action, stopping just outside the corral’s steel fence.

It’s time to party. That had been her brother’s phrase before every ride. She could still hear his voice, the anticipation, the fire. Levi had it too—the same drive, the untamable spirit. He always had.

Over in the bucking chute, Levi slid onto Ball Buster’s back.

Her heart competed with the crowd’s noise, drumming its own erratic beat. She gripped one of the fence rails tightly as a restless energy rushed through her legs. She wanted to run over there and tell him not to do it. It wasn’t worth a life. But the chute opened and Ball Buster charged into the ring, snorting and kicking and bucking. Dirt flew in clumps. The crowd’s applause muted into an awed hush.

Fear barricaded itself into Cassidy’s lungs as she watched Levi ride.

He looked so broad up there, so fully in control. Even underneath his helmet, she could see that wide, cocky grin, his eyes glistening with passion. He’d rolled up his shirtsleeves enough to show off his bulky forearms, which strained as he held on with one hand and whipped the other freely over his head.

Something caught in her chest. The same girlish flutter she used to get when she’d watch him out on the ranch training with her brother. He looked boyish and free. Unburdened. And something in her wanted that so badly…

The crowd praised his showy ride—his arm lifted over his head, waving as he passed the south side of the stands. The bull stampeded past, and Levi turned his head. He looked at her and flashed an even brighter smile.

She hated the way it warmed her through, the way it sent the sting of anticipation straight to her heart. I don’t want you! she screamed in her head. She couldn’t want him. She wouldn’t. It didn’t matter how much he flirted with her, how much time he forced her to spend with him, he was reckless, just like her brother.

 PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

HOMETOWN COWBOY (Rocky Mountain Riders, #1)

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COMEBACK COWBOY (Rocky Mountain Riders, #2)

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What reviewers are saying about Sara Richardson's novels...

"Filled with humor, heart, and love, this page-turner is one wild ride." --- Jennifer Ryan, New York Times bestselling author on Hometown Cowboy

"Charming, witty, and fun. There's no better read. I enjoyed every word!"―Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author on No Better Man

"Richardson's debut packs a powerful emotional punch. [Her] deft characterization creates a hero and heroine who will elicit laughs in some places and tears in others."―Publishers Weekly on No Better Man

"4 stars! Hot! Richardson brings us a modern read set in beautiful Aspen. Her brisk storytelling and the charming, endearing characters set within a solid, engaging plot make this sweet romance shine. A strong and vulnerable Bryce, coupled with a determined, lighthearted Avery, will appeal to readers, especially with their sizzling chemistry. This is a truly delightful read."―RT Book Reviews on No Better Man

"Fresh, fun, well-written, a dazzling debut."―Lori Wilde, New York Times bestselling author on No Better Man

"The perfect balance of humor, heart and heat. I couldn't put it down! Sara Richardson will sweep you away."―Christie Craig, New York Times bestselling author on No Better Man

"An enjoyable read. Richardson's spunky, baseball-lovin' heroine is delightful!"―Katie Lane, USA Today bestselling author on No Better Man

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 AUTHOR INFORMATION:

   

Sara Richardson grew up chasing adventure in Colorado’s rugged mountains. She’s climbed to the top of a 14,000-foot peak at midnight, swam through Class IV rapids, completed her wilderness first-aid certification, and spent seven days at a time tromping through the wilderness with a thirty-pound backpack strapped to her shoulders. Eventually, Sara did the responsible thing and got an education in writing and journalism. After five years in the corporate writing world, she stopped ignoring the voices in her head and started writing fiction. Now, she uses her experience as a mountain adventure guide to write stories that incorporate adventure with romance. Still indulging her adventurous spirit, Sara lives and plays in Colorado with her saint of a husband and two young sons. Her first contemporary romance, No Better Man, was released by Grand Central forever 2015.    

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

Book Blitz: It Must've Been the Mistletoe by L.P. Dover

It Must’ve Been the Mistletoe by L.P. Dover

Publication date: December 18, 2017

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Finding your soul mate is a dream Adeline Hamilton thought was just that … a dream. After several failed relationships, she realizes she’s not capable of falling in love. The only passion she’s ever had is teaching U.S. History at the local high school.
A week before Christmas, Adeline is all set for her best friend’s wedding, even though she dreads having to go to it alone. But when she’s given a Christmas wish that could change her future forever, she’s whisked away to the past, to a completely different place and time. It’s also when she meets him, William Blair, the man who steals her heart.
As their relationship grows, Adeline realizes that true love does exist. What she doesn’t know is that her wish can’t last forever, that soon she’ll have to leave the past behind. Will Adeline and William find their way back to each other? Or will their love have to stay where it all began . . . in 1865? With mistletoe and Christmas magic, anything’s possible.

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

—

Author Bio:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Day 12 of 12 Days of Christmas: Christmas in Holly Springs by R. Castro

Christmas in Holly Springs by R. Castro

Published: September 29, 2017

Format: Kindle buy

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Regina Blackwell didn’t know her father. At the age of sixteen, she lost her mother. There’d always been a sense of emptiness and a yearning for belonging, that she could not placate. Of course, her mother’s estranged family didn’t help. But, Stephanie, Regina’s best friend, did her best to fill the void.

College took Regina to Seattle, and her career kept her there. However, a change was in the air when her employer was forced to make drastic cuts, which resulted in her taking unexpected time off. Coincidentally, this led to a chain of events that had her packing and on her way to unravel the mystery that was her father. Soon, Regina was on her way to Holly Springs, Arkansas, a small country village in the middle of nowhere USA, at least that was how she’d perceived it.

Holly Springs held more than just the answers she’d been looking for; it held a chance encounter with one, handsome, Charles Vandermark.

My Thoughts

Christmas in Holly Springs is the enduring tale of Regina who goes on the search for the father she never knew. She doesn’t have much to go on since her mother didn’t speak of him much and her family disowned her mother when she was pregnant. Until one day when she meets up with her mother's old friend and finds some clues that might help her find what she is looking for.

Her search leads her to a small town and hopefully her father. What started out as a curious search leads to way more than Regina could ever imagine. Not only does she find her father but finally she feels that she belongs somewhere not to mention maybe even find the man of her dreams. Christmas in Holly Springs is a wonderfully written tale of family and love and of course the magic that can only happen at Christmas.

Day 11 of 12 Days of Christmas: I'm Scheming of a White Christmas by Kate O'Keeffe

I’m Scheming of a White Christmas by Kate O’Keeffe

Published: January 30, 2017

Publisher: Wild Lime Books

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Tilly Grayson is finally back in the city she loves, New York. She's exactly where she wants to be and is loving every moment as a personal shopper at the prestigious Marlowe Department Store. That is until Brady McKinnon walks in one cold December day. Brady may have been Tilly's high school crush, but he publicly humiliated her back in the day. Something she's never been able to forget. So, when the perfect opportunity presents itself - a Christmas party at a chic New York apartment - it could be time to get her revenge... But has Brady changed? And will Tilly realize it before it’s too late?

My Thoughts

In I’m Scheming of a White Christmas we meet Tilly who one day at work meets up with her old high school crush who of course has no idea who she is. They talk and he invites her to a Christmas party. With the help of her friend, she decides its time to pay him back for being very mean to her in high school. What happens at the party is funny but as we learn who we were in high school isn’t really who we are now.

This book is about sweet revenge but its also about learning how we grow as a person as we get older. We can't just assume that the person who was mean in high school is the same person today and hopefully they realize how wrong they were back then. This is a cute and funny read one that is definitely worth the read.

Day 10 of 12 Days of Christmas: My New Crush Gave to Me by Shani Petroff

My New Crush Gave to Me by Shani Petroff

Published: October 31, 2017

Publisher: Swoon Reads

Format: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Charlotte Charlie Donovan knows exactly what she wants for Christmas: Teo Ortiz. He s the school s star athlete, in the National Honor Society, invited to every party, contributes to the school paper (where Charlie is co-editor), and is about to be featured as One to Watch in a teen magazine basically, he's exactly the type of guy Charlie s meant to be with. The only problem he barely knows she exists.

But Charlie is determined to be Teo's date to the Christmas ball. And she has a plan: To rig the paper s Secret Santa so that she can win his heart with five perfect gifts. But to do that she needs help. Enter J.D. Ortiz Teo s cousin, and possibly the most annoying person on the planet. He s easy going, laid back, unorganized, spontaneous, and makes a joke out of everything the exact opposite of Charlie (and Teo). But he s willing to provide insight into what Teo wants, so she's stuck with him.

Yet, the more time Charlie spends with J.D., the more she starts to wonder: Does she really know what, or rather who, she wants for Christmas?

My Thoughts

Is it possible to love a book, its storyline and supporting characters yet dislike the main character? Well, this was my dilemma with My New Crush Gave to Me. You see I fully enjoyed this book with its predictable storyline but that’s ok what wasn’t was my dislike of Charlie. Why is that? Well, I just felt she was a tad annoying and so blind cause she couldn’t see that J.D. not Teo was the guy for her! I wish I could’ve leaped in the book and shake her silly. I know its just a book but geez can anyone be so blind to what was clearly right in front of them?

So why despite all my yammering did I give it 4 stars? Well like I said I did really love this read. I thought it was cute and funny and yes despite Charlie not being able to realize who was the right guy for her right away I did love the interaction between her and J.D. their chemistry was off the charts and the slow built up of that was well worth it. So if you want something fun and flirty to read this Christmas pick it up it's definitely worth the time.

Day 9 of 12 Days of Christmas: The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily [Dash & Lily #2] BY Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Published: October 18, 2016

Publisher: Knopf BYR

Format: audiobook via Overdrive

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Dash and Lily have had a tough year since readers watched the couple fall in love in Dash & Lily's Book of Dares. Lily's beloved grandfather suffered a heart attack, and his difficult road to recovery has taken a major toll on her typically sunny disposition. Lily's spark has dimmed so much that Langston, her brother, has put aside his grudge against Dash to team up and remind Lily what there is to love about life.

With only twelve days left until Christmas--Lily's favorite time of the year--Dash, Langston, and their friends take Manhattan by storm to help Lily recapture the holiday spirit of New York City in December, a time and place unlike anywhere else in the world. Told in alternating chapters, The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily is bound to be a Christmas favorite for seasons to come.

My Thoughts

Oh, Dash & Lily how I have missed you! I instantly fell in love with these two a few years back in the first book in the series and was finally excited that I finally got to read the follow-up. We catch up with Dash & Lily a year later but this time it’s Dash who has set out to bring Christmas cheer to Lily’s life. She has had a hard year with dealing with her grandfather’s heart attack, her brother who has moved out and now her parents who want to move out of state for their jobs, how could a girl not feel a bit blue?

Both are wondering if they can get over this hump or are they just not connecting anymore as a couple like they use to? Dash tries his hardest to get Lily back in the Christmas spirit and to show her how much he loves her. All the while Lily wonders if Dash even still wants to be together, talk about miscommunication! I’ve always loved the alternating chapters because I feel we see both sides of the story as each one sees it. Of course, I will always root for these two they had me from the very start with their red moleskine notebook! So it shouldn’t be a surprise that I, of course, enjoyed this read just as a much. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dash & Lily what are you waiting for? Go get both reads and snuggle in for some delightful Christmas reading time.

Day 8 of 12 Days of Christmas: What Light by Jay Asher

What Light by Jay Asher

Published: October 18, 2016

Publisher: Little Brown and Co.

Format: audiobook via Overdrive

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon—it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two lives: her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other.

Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other.

By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been paying for it ever since. But Sierra sees beyond Caleb's past and becomes determined to help him find forgiveness and, maybe, redemption. As disapproval, misconceptions, and suspicions swirl around them, Caleb and Sierra discover the one thing that transcends all else: true love.

My Thoughts

In What Light we met Sierra and her family who own a Christmas tree farm and every Christmas they go down to California to sell their trees. Sierra has had a double life of sorts since she splits some time between her Oregon life and her California life. She has two sets of friends but all of that is in danger when this might be the last Christmas her family goes down to California due to problems with the business.

When she is in California she focuses solely on helping her family and spending time with her friend, she rarely thinks of dating especially since she is never there long enough to think about getting involved with anyone. However all of that changes when she meets Caleb someone she never saw coming and of course, he captures her heart quicker than she could ever imagine. There is a chemistry between them that either can deny but there is a rumor out there that she soon finds out about that could end things before they even begin.

I listened to this on audiobook and found it to be a quick and easy going read. I really liked this story and found Sierra to be the nice girl who always played by the rules but when others don’t agree with her choice of guys she stands up for herself and her gut feelings about Caleb. She believed in him from the start despite what others think and was determined to get to know the real person behind the image and not just rely on rumors.

This was the typical tale of young love with that dash of Christmas magic that I love so much. The real stars were the romance between the two but also the tale of growing up and finding ourselves, finding who they are and what they ultimately what to become. There is nothing better than a coming of age tale but add Christmas time as the backdrop and well you have a winner of a read.

Day 7 of 12 Days of Christmas: Children's Christmas reads

During my holiday reads I like to look for children’s books that I think will be entertaining for the little ones and I found three I thought you might what to check out for the kiddos.

The Warm-Hearted Snowman by Sigal Adler

This is a tale about a friendship between a snowman and rabbit and how the magical sense of Christmas means everything. I really enjoyed this cute read and the illustrations are so beautiful! My little cousin really loved this book. A cute read with a great message.

Snowflake and Christmas by Ezra Monson

I must admit this cover got me, I’m a sucker for a cute cover and I was so happy that the book was just as amazing! This is the story of Snowflake and her wanting to know everything about Christmas. She soon finds out that its true meaning is being together and the love we have for one another.

Santa Ate my Gingerbread House by Mark I. Sutherland

This is the tale of Tommy who loves Christmas more than everything but when Santa mistakenly eats his gingerbread house Tommy is determined to be the naughtiest boy ever. This was an okay read for me mainly because I found Tommy to be a snotty kid. My little cousin also said she didn’t like Tommy either because he was just plain mean.

I hope you check out any of these reads, these were all free kindle reads when I got them so hopefully, they still are so you can check them out as well.

Day 6 of 12 Days of Christmas: The Reading Group by Della Parker

The Reading Group: December by Della Parker

Published: December 1, 2016

Publisher: Quercus

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Meet the Reading Group: six women in the seaside village of Little Sanderton come together every month to share their love of reading. No topic is off-limits: books, family, love, and loss . . . and don't forget the glass of red! Grace knows that the holiday season is going to be different this year. No turkey, no tinsel, no gorgeously wrapped gifts under the tree . . . how on earth is she going to break it to her little boys that Christmas is effectively canceled? And can she bear to tell anyone her embarrassing secret? Enter the Reading Group: Grace's life might have turned upside down but there's no problem they can't solve.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this short story about a group of friends who initially came together for their love but books but soon realize that this group was much more than that. This story is about friendship and their support of one another and that it can pull them through anything that life throws at them.

Day 5 of 12 Days of Christmas: Under the Mistletoe by J. Parker

Under The Mistletoe by J. Parker

Published: December 23, 2016

Published: HHH Books

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 2/5

Synopsis

It's Christmas Eve, and Grace still hasn't seen a present under the Christmas tree from her husband. When Todd announces there is no present coming, she feels snubbed, not realizing that he's got a different surprise planned. But is his gift what she really wants? Or even what she needs?

My Thoughts

This is a very short read around 20 pages or so but what I didn’t like about this story was Grace the main character. I felt like she wasn’t very nice to her husband and I just didn’t like her overall attitude. My dislike for her ruined the story for me.

Berkley Bookmas

A Southern Girls Bookshelf is so excited to participate in Berkley Bookmas and I'm hosting Julie James's favorite holiday cookie recipes today! Berkley Bookmas is chock full of exclusive content from authors like exclusive excerpts, deleted scenes, author recipes and more!

Check out the calendar of events below

Need Cookies for the holidays? I’ve got your back.

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things about the holidays was my grandmother’s cookies. She used to spend days baking, and when we visited her house every Christmas Eve, there would be platters and tins of cookies seemingly everywhere.

Over the years, my cookie recipe book has expanded, but below are two classics that have been part of my family’s holiday traditions for years. Both are kid-friendly, adult-friendly, easy to make, and loaded with chocolate (generally a requirement for all my cookies, snickerdoodles excepted.) Enjoy!

Snowball Cookies

1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup chopped walnuts

2 cups flour

1 package Hershey’s kisses

Confectioner’s sugar

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add flour and nuts. Shape dough around kisses and roll into balls. (Hint for first-timers: you don’t want too much dough; use just enough to cover the Hershey kiss.) Bake on cookies sheets lined with parchment paper at 375 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bottom of the cookies are a light golden brown. Let cookies cool, then roll them in confectioner’s sugar.

Variation: Mr. James is a little fussier than I am about cookies, and doesn’t like milk chocolate. (Miraculously, we’ve managed to stay married for 15 years despite this character flaw.) So for some of the cookies, I roll the dough around a bunch of semi-sweet chocolate chips (instead of a Hershey’s Kiss), and everyone’s happy. ☺

M&M Cookies

1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 eggs

2 ¼ cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 pound bag of M&Ms

Julie’s add-on: I also throw in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips because more chocolate = yummy goodness

Beat butter and sugars, then beat in vanilla and eggs. Add remaining dry ingredients, mix well, then stir in M&Ms (and chocolate chips). Bake at 375 degrees on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper for 9-11 minutes, or until light golden brown.

Please check out Julie James latest read

Also, check out this amazing giveaway! 

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For tomorrow’s fun, head to one of the following blogs:

·         Stuck in Books

·         Thoughts in Progress

·         The Romance Dish

Day 4 of 12 Days of Christmas: Married by Midnight by Talli Roland

Married by Midnight by Talli Roland

Published: November 14, 2014

Publisher: Notting Hill Press

Format: free Kindle read

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Christmas is coming . . . and so is the biggest day of Kate’s life.

While choosing a vintage dress for her Christmas Eve wedding, Kate finds a cryptic note pinned to the inside of a 1930s gown. As doubts about her own ceremony loom, Kate is determined to track down the dress’ owner and determine what became of her – and the marriage.

Will Kate find the answers she’s seeking to propel her down the aisle, or will her discovery prompt her to call off the wedding for good?

My Thoughts

This was such an amazing read! In Married by Midnight we met Kate who is getting married on Christmas but no one besides her mother believes this is the man for her. On the hunt for her wedding dress, she fits a vintage dress and a note stuck inside it. This becomes her mission days before her wedding to find the owner in hopes she can convince everyone, maybe even herself, that this was an omen that she is meant to marry her guy.

We go along for the ride in Kate's search for the owner but when she finally does get a lead she may have gotten more than what she bargained for. In her quest, she finds out more about herself than she ever expected and maybe just maybe she finally stands up for what she wants for once and not just settle for what others think is best for her.

I loved this tale of finding yourself and most importantly in romance. While I enjoyed Kate’s tale what I really got invested in was the storyline of the owner of the dress. Her tale of love and reuniting with her past was downright teary-eyed! Talk about the feels! It gives you hope that love never ends and there is such a thing as second chances.

Release Launch: Kelly Elliot's Wanted World

    Mason is a place where love can be found in every pasture and small-town hopes meet big city dreams. A world filled with love, angst, and plenty of chances to find your soulmate. So whether you're a cowboy dedicated to your family’s ranch or a young woman from the city looking to start a new life, happiness can be found in Kelly Elliott’s Wanted Kindle World. Come take a stroll and get lost in this charming Texas hill country town.

JOIN THE WANTED WORLD READER GROUP

   

ADORED by Georgia Cates 

My name is Judd Mathews and I have it all: money, good looks, success. Fans buy my music and scream my name. My life is a charmed one… until my world is turned onto its head by a girl. Scarlett Mathews. A baby girl. My newborn daughter. Her mother is gone, and she has no one in this world but me. This delicate little girl couldn’t have been born to a more unsuitable father… until Leighton Mitchell opens my eyes and makes me see things differently. Leighton is not my typical kind of woman. She does not get drunk on whiskey or chase country music stars for a chance at a one-night stand on a tour bus. She’s nurturing, wholesome, respectable… and easily the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. She loves my daughter. Adores her. And that makes it very easy to see that she belongs in Scarlett’s life. And mine.  

 

BLURRED LINES by Nazarea Andrews 

When Ethan is called home for an unexpected wedding, all he can think about is the well-meaning women in his life trying to set him up with someone that will entice him to move back Texas. Settle down and get married and live a nice quiet life. Which is why he ends up asking Spencer, his best friend, and roommate, to go as his date. Never mind that they aren’t dating, that Spence is definitely not interested in dating—his sisters have heard enough about him over the years that they might buy it. A week at home, pretending to date a guy he’s been in love with for three years? What could possibly go wrong?  
   

 

MERCY by Andrea Johnson 

At eighteen years old, Mercy Warner packed up her little hatchback and set out for bigger and better things. Determined to put small town life behind her, Mercy had dreams - big cities and bright lights were her destiny. Four years later, Mercy finds herself drawn to the small town of Mason, Texas. With strangers who embrace her like family and a local cowboy with dimples offering her happiness, it’s hard to resist what the town has to offer. Will her dreams of living life under the bright lights of a big city overshadow the small-town life under the stars she’s drawn to? Only Mercy has the answer.

  

    

FOUND by Kristin Mayer 

I thought I knew him. I didn’t. One night he was in my bed; the next, gone like a ghost. But the memories of us together were branded on my soul. Now he stands before me, a stranger with a different name. The worse part is I still want him. One thing is for certain: He isn’t stopping until he gets what he wants—me.  

 

City Girl's Cowboy by Kahlen Aymes 

He might desire her, but he'll be damned if he'll ever let her hurt him again. Thea Andreas left behind her cowboy boots, the dusty trails of Texas, and first love, River King for the bright lights and big city dreams of the Big Apple and a big-time modeling career. When Thea inherits part of her great Uncle Leonard’s sprawling ranch, she goes back to settle the estate, but gets more than she bargained for when the majority owner refuses to buy her out, and no one else will either. See, the locals know the story, and their loyalty is clear. River is cockier and sexier than ever and it’s not easy to resist when he makes it clear he’d be more than happy to oblige her with a roll in the hay, for old time’s sake. He’s the catch of the county and every single woman within a hundred miles wants him, rousing old feelings of jealousy and pain. What’s worse, River seems to revel in making her suffer. The beauty of the ranch where she grew up and and hauntingly intense memories of their first love might convince her to stay, but even if she wanted to give up her career and move back to Texas, it won’t matter if River can’t forgive her for chasing her dream.  

 

Beyond the Lights By Casey Peeler 

She’d do anything for her best friend. Hollywood makeup artist, Addie Mae Turner will never forget where she came from. And when her childhood friend is having her first baby, Addie runs back town to throw the most memorable baby shower to date. Getting her friend’s older brother to help is just icing on the cake. He’s not impressed with her glitz and glory. Sawyer Jackson is small town—and that’s exactly how he likes it. As the high school football coach, he has one thing on his mind: winning. But when Addie Mae waltzes back in town, he refuses to get lost in her money and beauty. Together, there’s more than meets the eye. Teaming up to plan the event, Sawyer and Addie discover more than diapers and bottles. Addie might just be using her career to hide who she really is. Can the high school coach show her that behind the facade is where the really beauty lies?  

 

Church Bells by Jennifer Rebecca 

Tanner Savage is a Texas Ranger with a strong sense of right and wrong and a love of country and duty with no room for shades of gray. The battle hardened former Marine lives to protect his hometown, Mason, Texas and the people who live and love there. Abigail Williams did a bad, bad thing. Trapped in a dangerous situation with no end in sight, Abigail made a difficult choice and now she is living with the consequences, and those consequences are a life on the run—a new name in a new town.   
    

 

Another Round of Whiskey by S. Moose 

At first sight. At first taste. I never thought Whiskey would become my addiction. We melted together as one. He was my world. I was his everything. Our love was consuming. Every time we touched, we ignited. One dream. One choice. Seven years later, I’m back home and the beautiful man standing before me still has the power to set my body on fire. The desire is overpowering. But the pain of the past keeps him away. When he leaves me standing in the middle of the bar, I sit on his stool and come up with some sort of plan. Anything that’ll bring back the piece of my heart I left behind. So, when the bartender asks what I’m having, I let him know.. Another round of Whiskey. What happens when the law man finds himself attracted to the woman on the run? Have you visited Mason yet?  
  

 

MY UNEXPECTED COWBOY by Kenzie Rose

He's a playboy, working his way to the top at a local recording studio. When a free recording session is the prize for one lucky lady, he knows her voice is the one to seal his fate at the studio. She's a country girl, having fun with her sister in Nashville, but has no plans to stay. She misses the Hill Country of Texas, and her horses. After recording her CD, she heads home and never looks back, even though the man behind the glass caused her heart to flutter as she sang. Determined to find the girl with the perfect voice, Jeremy heads to Texas to try to convince her that she's the next big thing. But when he sees her in her own world, as more than just a pretty face and a beautiful voice, he realizes that maybe his life in the big city isn't what he really wants. Maybe the Hills of Texas and in the arms of sweet Kennedy is where he truly belongs.   
  

 

EVERYTHING I NEED by Ellie Wade

Leni Turner I learned very young that love has the power to destroy us, and so I’ve stayed clear, vowing to never lose myself to love another. I escaped Texas and broke free from the life that tried to destroy me. Yet here I am, five years later, my dreams shattered, on a bus back to the place I never wanted to be. Liam Moore I spend my days on the ranch, doing what I love, in my favorite place on Earth. After years without contact, I’m startled to find her green eyes staring back at me, making me realize how much I’ve missed her. She doesn’t want me in her life, and yet now that she’s back, I don’t know how I’ll make it without her in mine. Sometimes, everything you need is right where you left it. It’s finding the strength to embrace it that’s the hard part.  

   

18-year-old Ellie Johnson always believed she would never be loved or wanted by anyone. She focused all of her attention on her grades and getting into the University of Texas to start a new life away from her mother. The last thing Ellie expected was to fall in love with Gunner Mathews, a starting linebacker for the University of Texas football team and not to mention, her brother's best friend. Gunner only has two passions in life, football and his grandfather’s ranch, until he falls for his best friends little sister. He will stop at nothing to show Ellie how much he wants her, even if it means he has to move faster than she would like. Gunner knows they are meant to be together forever, but Ellie keeps denying her feelings out of fear of being hurt again. Every time he gets close to winning her love, something pushes her away again. Will Ellie ever be able to let go of the past and let him into her heart, and will Gunner be patient enough to wait for her? This is a new release of an edition originally published by K. Elliott Enterprises, INC. AMAZON     

 

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few. Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012. Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings. To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website. www.kellyelliottauthor.com

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