The Kiss Thief by Rachelle J. Christensen

As the head librarian of the Echo Ridge Library, Britta Klein thrives on order and categorization. Unfortunately, the old church-turned-library is in desperate need of a renovation. The Harvest Hurrah fundraiser seems to be the answer, but plans keep going awry. With help from Milo Geissler, accomplished musician, piano tuner, and kiss thief, each catastrophe is narrowly avoided. When Milo goes to great lengths to help Britta find a key classic book, she begins to wonder if there is more to life than books and order. Can she allow this man who speaks the language of music to tune her heart to a new song?

Welcome to Echo Ridge, New York where romance finds its way into the hearts and lives of the people who walk the streets of the close-knit community.

 

 

“Kisses Between the Lines is the perfect book to get lost in on a cool autumn night. It’s full of toe curling kisses and sigh worthy moments. If you enjoy sweet romance then do yourself a favor and pick up this latest edition in the Echo Ridge Anthologies.”

Jennifer Peel – Award Winning and Bestselling Author of the Women of Merryton Series.

“I love Rachelle Christensen’s writings. She has such a way with crafting a story as well as creating these characters that you can’t help but love and connect to. I loved reading and “watching” all the layers unfold around Britta and seeing her true self revealed.”

–Julie C., Reviewer

 

 

“Good morning, Britta.”

She recognized the voice and took one last sip in an attempt to compose herself. Britta raised her head and licked her lips. Milo Geissler stood next to the community bulletin board, clasping a sheaf of papers and business cards. He smiled and the dimple in his left cheek deepened. Britta caught herself staring at the dimple and focused on his eyes, commanding herself not to get lost in the crystal-blue color.

“Milo, how are you today?” Britta stepped away from the water fountain and eyed the bulletin board, where a new page was tacked. “That’s a new flyer. I like the colors.”

“My sister designed it for me,” he replied. “You don’t think it’s too bright?”

“No, the orange and red catch the eye and remind me of autumn,” Britta said. “It’s my favorite season.” Why did I just say that?

Milo took a step forward and handed her a business card, also sporting the new design for “Perfect Pitch Piano Tuning by Milo.”

The very first time Britta’s mother had traveled from Buffalo, New York, to the tiny town of Echo Ridge, she’d canvassed the town for a suitable German husband. As luck would have it, Mother saw one of Milo’s flyers and called him up to tell him all about her beautiful German daughter. Remembering the conversation still brought a flush to her cheeks. Britta ducked her head and pretended to cough.

“I hear you’ve been busy prepping for the big fundraiser,” Milo said. “Everything looks so well organized this year. I think the turnout will be great.”

Britta met those sapphire eyes again. He was several inches taller than her five-foot-four- inch frame, but not too tall—maybe close to six feet. His blond hair brushed the top of his collar and edged over his ears. Every time Britta saw him she had the strange desire to tuck his hair behind his ears; the man needed a good haircut. But he was still far too good-looking.

“We have a lot of new events planned. I just hope it will be enough to cover all the costs of updating the library,” Britta said.

“You do wonderful things for this library,” Milo said. He had the faintest German accent rounding out his words. If Britta hadn’t grown up listening to the beautiful language, she probably wouldn’t have noticed it. “It reminds me of my grandmother. Oma loved books, and I loved visiting her bookshelves. It always feels nice in here.”

“Danke,” she answered.

Milo’s smile deepened. “Gern geschehen.”

It took a moment for Britta to realize that she’d slipped into German to thank him and he had responded. She hadn’t done that for years, ever since her early teen years, when she’d stopped speaking German at home. She had explained to her parents that she wanted to work on her English, and since her mother needed practice, they consented. But just then, listening for the accent on the ends of Milo’s words and the way he spoke of his Oma, Britta became lost in memories of the Klein home. She could almost feel the bear hugs from her own Oma, and that had her slipping into old ways. “Well, I’d better go.”

“Wait, are you busy next Friday night?”

Britta’s heart did a little flip. Milo’s dimple trembled as if he was biting the inside of his cheek. He’d asked her out once before, right after her mother’s meddling, and she’d turned him down flat, embarrassed because of her mom’s matchmaking attempt. But today he tempted her with his low voice and kind eyes.

 

Author Rachelle J. Christensen

Rachelle is a mother of five who writes mystery/suspense, nonfiction, and women’s fiction. She solves the case of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She enjoys raising chickens and laughing with her husband. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music.

Rachelle is the award-winning author of twenty books, including The Soldier’s Bride (a Kindle Scout Selection & Whitney Award Finalist), Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, Veils and Vengeance, Proposals and Poison, Hawaiian Masquerade, and Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Her novella, “Silver Cascade Secrets,” was included in the Rone Award–winning Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection.

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 3/1/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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I’m With You by Taylor Dean

Can three little words irrevocably change your life?

When the doctors inform Chloe Brennan that her pregnancy is “incompatible with life,” her subsequent choices will change her path forever.

She becomes one of the quiet, unsung heroes of this world, incredibly strong, yet somehow wrongly looked upon as damaged.

Three people will pierce Chloe’s existence: her husband, a stranger, and a precious baby.

One will say goodbye, one will say hello, and one will say both at the same time.

I’m With You is a novel about selfless love and the sacredness of life.

 

Please note: While this book is a romance novel, it also deals with the sensitive issue of baby loss grief.

The emotions are real, and sometimes dark. If you are sensitive to this issue, this may not be the book for you.

 

 

 

 

 

“I’m With You” is a beautiful story that centers on one woman’s tragic, heart-wrenching loss and the healing brought by unselfish love, giving love, in-sickness-and-in-health-love. It is sweeter, nobler, stronger — and even more passionate than the beginnings of love we so often see. Forever love.

-Julie in Portland, Oregon, Amazon Reviewer

This book knocked my socks off. It was amazing and I will definitely read it again and again. It is “that” good.

-Amazon Reviewer

This book. Oh my gosh. I could NOT put it down. I sobbed like a baby through most of it and felt my heart breaking for my own loved ones who have suffered such a loss. It was written beautifully with great sensitivity and I LOVED it.

-Amazon Reviewer

 

 

“I’m sorry for what I said to you,” he reiterated.

“No big deal.”

“I think it was.”

She shrugged, trying not to show that she hurt so much she could barely breathe. No one noticed inner pain. A broken leg, a broken arm, yes. Outward signs of pain were obvious. Inner turmoil, not so much. And she was broken, just like a leg or an arm, only worse. She was bleeding, gushing from a huge, nasty, open gaping wound.

But no one knew it.

With his unwavering gaze, however, the husband seemed to sense it, maybe even see it. And it made her uncomfortable.

“I-I thought maybe we could have breakfast together or something and, I don’t know, commiserate. Misery loves company and all that. What do ya say? Can I take you out to breakfast? Let me make up for my rash words.”

Goodness sake, the only one unable to forgive him for his impetuous words was himself. The last thing Chloe wanted to do was spend time alone with Mr. Volcano. He’d obviously lost his temper on that fateful day their spouses had run off with each other, and had come looking for a fight. That meant he was probably easily agitated, maybe even volatile. Unstable. When the signs are there, you can’t ignore them. Right?

Yet, somehow, she didn’t feel as though he was a threat. As a matter of fact, he seemed quite courteous.

She simply had no way of knowing if he was sincere or a loon. Her uncertainty concerning him made her respond accordingly as she stammered, “Oh. Thank you, but no. I have so much to do today. So, so much. I’m not even sure I can get it all done in one day. Errands and more errands.” She paused. “Lots of errands.” She sounded like a bumbling idiot and a liar—the lady doth protest too much. She waved in the general direction of her car as she slowly backed away from him. “So much to do. I’m swamped. I have to go.”

“Your country’s 500th anniversary to plan, your wedding to arrange, your wife to murder and Guilder to frame for it. You are swamped,” he mumbled.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing. Sorry.”

“Did you just quote The Princess Bride?”

“Oh, you know it?” he said with surprise. “Yep. Sorry. It’s a nasty habit of mine.”

“Quoting The Princess Bride?”

“No, movie quotes in general.”

“Oh.”

For a moment, she studied him curiously, her interest piqued. Any man who quoted The Princess Bride couldn’t be that bad. Chloe felt herself warm up to him, but he was a total stranger to her and she wasn’t about to jump in his jeep and go for a ride with him just because he knew about true love.

“Thanks for apologizing. I appreciate it,” she said. He’d gone to great lengths to make up for his unkind words and she was impressed with his tenacity. He felt badly, that much was obvious. It was, perhaps, indicative of his true nature. However, she didn’t need to dig any deeper and learn more about this man’s apparent compassionate side. It was enough already. “I have to go,” she blurted.

“All right,” he answered amiably, a hint of both disappointment and acceptance in his tone.

She turned to unlock her door, dropped her keys with shaking hands, and bent to pick them up. Chloe took a deep cleansing breath, trying to calm herself down. By the way she was acting you’d think a handsome stranger had never once tried to speak to her in her entire life, for heaven’s sake. It wasn’t as if he was trying to pick up on her, he was simply extending a hand of friendship. That’s all.

She needed a friend. Desperately. This man was offering. It would be nice to talk with someone. He’d understand. He was experiencing similar emotions. What the heck? She had nothing to lose. Absolutely nothing.

But he was a stranger, she argued with herself. It’s not safe. Maybe he was some kind of psycho or pervert.

I have nothing to lose.

Chloe turned just in time to see the husband taking his seat in his jeep. Not exactly the behavior of someone out to commit nefarious activities.

“Wait!” she yelled.

Surprised at her outburst, he slowly stood, one hand resting on the door of the jeep. He looked like he could be in a commercial promoting outdoor life. Yet, his expression was slightly intense as he looked upon her.

“I don’t really have anything to do. As a matter of fact, I have nothing to do and nowhere to go.”

He nodded, politely not commenting on her lack of a life. “How about breakfast?”

“I’d like that.”

A smile spread across his face, revealing perfect, white teeth. Even if he was a psycho, at least he’d be easy on the eyes.

So was Ted Bundy.

Chloe ignored her inner voice.

“I’ll drive. Hop in,” he invited.

Chloe took a few steps toward him.

“So what were you going to do today? If you don’t mind my asking,” he queried.

It was time for payback. “Go buy a wrench.”

“Why? Is something broken?” he asked, seemingly concerned. Would he consider it his responsibility to help her?

“No. Just because we don’t have one.”

The husband threw his head back and laughed out loud, surprising her. “I know that one. Beaches.”

Surprising. “How do you know that? I mean, these aren’t exactly guy movies.”

“I have four sisters. I’m the baby. No X-Men for me.”

“Say no more. That explains everything.”

He extended his hand. “I’m Jack. Jack Alexander, by the way. Guess it’s time we introduce ourselves.”

Chloe grasped his hand, his grip firm and strong. “I’m Chloe Brennan.”

“Chloe,” he repeated. “I like it. It’s an unusual name.”

“Alexander seems like an unusual last name.”

He shrugged. “Had it all my life.”

“Good answer.”

Jack smiled broadly and her worries washed away.

“Shall we go?” he said, his hand motioning toward his jeep as if it were a grand carriage.

It rather felt like a portal into a new world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

 

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 2/28/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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– Romance is in the Air –

A Month-Long Celebration of Clean Romance

– February 2018 –

  Starting February 1st and running through the entire month of February I will be working to showcase 14 fabulous fellow authors. There will be 15 different giveaways, free ebooks and lots of great deals on books. We’re starting off with a $100 Kick-Off Giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Code or $100 in Paypal Cash. Check out this great list of authors we will be spotlighting!  

Taylor Dean

Rachelle Christensen

Jennifer Moore

Cindy Roland Anderson

Jennifer Griffith

Julie Coulter Bellon

Liz Isaacson

Taylor Hart

Stacy Claflin

Nichole Van

Jen Johnson

Becky Monson

Donna Weaver

Kimberley Montpetit

Be sure to stop by each week during February to learn about these amazing authors. You definitely don’t want to miss out on all the giveaways! As a special bonus, I’m offering book #1 in my latest Silver Creek series for FREE. Battling a lurking danger in high country and an undeniable attraction between them, Lisa Richardson and McIntyre Walsh must work together if they intend to get off the mountain alive…

Use coupon code JK26B and download your copy HERE. And don’t forget — book #1 in my ever-popular Ladd Springs series is perma free for all your ereaders, including Kindle, Nook, iBooks, and Kobo.

      Giveaway Details $100 in Paypal Cash or a $100 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 2/28/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via PayPal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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