A note from the past | Guest Post by Stephenia H. McGee

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

Guest Post by Stephenia H. McGee

A note from the past

Hello,

I need your help.

I’m Maddie Palmer, and I’ve somehow found myself stuck sixty-five years in the past. If you’ve found this, then I’m guessing you’re probably staying at The Depot. Proceed with caution. Trust me. Touching objects that look like they are doing weird things sends you on quite an adventure.

It’s not all bad, mind you. 

I’ve just met the man of my dreams. We have the same taste in music and he’s what my Nanna would call a dreamboat. Never mind that he would be old enough to be my grandfather if I ever get back home to the present. The real problem is that he wants to fly into hurricanes for a living.

Can you imagine?

This man wants to climb into a big metal death box and fly right into the center of a massive storm that all the sane people are trying to escape. Okay, sure, I know the information they send back helps save a lot of lives. And yes, there’s something about a man in uniform going off to do heroic things that makes a gal’s stomach fluttery. 

But…a hurricane?

I’m feeling like my heart is in one now. Anyway, I better get going if I’m going to straighten things out here. Say a quick prayer for me, would you? And if you see Mrs. Easley, would you see if you can convince her to help me get home. I have a party I wasn’t supposed to miss.

Thanks!

Your friend stuck in 1956

Maddie

About the book:

What would you do if you finally found Mr. Right…in the wrong time?

Maddie Palmer is done with dating. Internet matchmaking landed her one dud after another. Tired, frustrated, and finished with love, Maddie stays the night at a quirky Victorian bed and breakfast on the eve of her grandparents’ sixty-fifth wedding anniversary. When she suddenly wakes up in 1956, she gets the unexpected chance to witness her grandparents’ fairy tale love unfold and finally learn the secret to finding “the one.” But what is she going to do when she meets her own Mr. Right—only to discover he’s Mr. Wrong Time?

Nathanial Hall is set on one mission. Pass his training exam and join the Hurricane Hunters at Keesler Air Force Base. When he mysteriously finds himself on base sixty-five years too early, there can only be one explanation. He has to save the crew destined to die in Hurricane Flossy. But when a beautiful singer snags his heart and derails his carefully planned life, he has to decide if staying in the past is worth risking his entire future.

Series link: https://amzn.to/3tpY1a9

Pre-order now, read May 11. Available in kindle, paperback, and audio. Book one, A Wagon Train Weekend is available now!

About the author: 

Award winning author of Christian historical novels, Stephenia H. McGee writes stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She’s a homeschool mom of two boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Stephenia lives in Mississippi with her sons, handsome hubby, and their fur babies.

Visit her website at www.StepheniaMcGee.com and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get sneak peeks, behind the scenes fun, the occasional recipe, and special giveaways.

Facebook: Stephenia H. McGee, Christian Fiction Author

Twitter: @StepheniaHMcGee

Instagram: stepheniahmcgee

Pinterest: Stephenia H. McGee

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Guest Post: Depression Era Lesson for Today By Stephanie Landsem

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

About the book:

A story about the price of fame, the truth sacrificed on its altar, and the love that brings a prodigal daughter home.

As the Great Depression hits the Midwest, Minerva Sinclaire runs away to Hollywood, determined to make it big and save the family farm. But beauty and moxie don’t pay the bills in Tinseltown, and she’s caught in a downward spiral of poverty, desperation, and compromise. Finally, she’s about to sign with a major studio and make up for it all. Instead, she wakes up next to a dead film star and is on the run for a murder she didn’t commit.

Only two unwilling men—Oscar, a Mexican gardener in danger of deportation, and Max, a too-handsome agent battling his own demons—can help Mina escape corrupt police on the take and the studio big shots trying to frame her. But even her quick thinking and grit can't protect her from herself. Alone, penniless, and carrying a shameful secret, Mina faces the consequences of the heartbreaking choices that brought her to ruin . . . and just might bring her back to where she belongs.

Depression Era Lesson for Today

By Stephanie Landsem 

My dad, who was a child during the Great Depression, had a saying that still holds true today:

Use it up.

Wear it out.

Make it do

or do without.

Good advice, and after the upheaval of 2020, we can see the wisdom of that little ditty and take heed of it in our modern lives. Here are some ways our parents and grandparents put this advice to use in the hard times of the 1930s. We can do the same today.

Make it yourself. From clothes to knitting to bread to soap and cheese, if they couldn’t make it themselves, they often did without. There’s great satisfaction in taking a loaf of bread from the oven or making the last stitch on a knitting project—and an appreciation for the finished product that lasts longer than the thrill of purchasing something ready-made.

Grow it yourself. Anyone who had a few square feet of dirt planted seeds and grew their own garden. It’s what saved many families from both hunger and malnutrition. From microgreens to herbs to an all-out vegetable garden, even those of us in urban areas can grow something, whether on the kitchen counter or in the backyard.

Fix it yourself. In the thirties, clothes were patched or remade for younger siblings. Cars were held together with bailing wire and a prayer. Appliances in those days were made to be repaired and to last for decades. Shoes were resoled when they became worn, and many Depression-era folks cut new soles from rubber or cardboard, then stitched and glued their shoes together again. These days, it’s often cheaper to replace something than to fix it. But the cost to the environment, we know now, can be devastating. Buy the best quality you can afford, my dad always said, then keep it in good repair and fix it when it breaks. 

Use it up. In the dire days of the 1930s, household objects were repurposed out of pure necessity. Flour sacks were made into dresses and shirts. Worn-out clothing was made into rugs. Rubber tires were used for flower pots. Tin cans and jars were reused for food and storage. Before you throw something away, look at it again and see if it can be used for something new—saving the environment and your pocketbook.

 

Entertain yourself. Hollywood was big in the thirties, and going to the movies was a popular event, but plenty of people couldn’t afford the twenty-five cents to see a show. Board games became a thing, with classics like Sorry! and Monopoly coming out at the time. Playing cards was a common family activity. Picnics were a popular community activity, as were games like Red Rover and Blind Man’s Bluff, which needed nothing more than enthusiasm and an open field. Try turning off the TV and unplugging the WiFi for a night of old-fashioned fun.

Help your neighbors. As bad as people had it in the thirties, they knew a lot of folks had it worse. Whether it meant bringing extra food to the family next door or helping out on the neighboring farm during harvest, charity in hard times was the norm. It was the right thing to do, and everyone knew they could be the next family in need. In these times of isolation, reaching out to our neighbors can bring hope and healing for both the helper and the helped.

 

Stephanie Landsem writes historical fiction because she loves adventure in far-off times and places. In real life, she's explored ruins, castles, and cathedrals on four continents and has met fascinating characters who sometimes find their way into her fiction. Stephanie is just as happy at home in Minnesota with her husband, four adult children, two cats, and a dog. When she's not reading, researching, or writing, she's avoiding housework and dreaming about her next adventure—whether it be in person or on the page.

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Guest Post: Tips for Surviving your Time Travel Adventure | Review: A Wagon Train Weekend by Stephenia H. McGee

Guest Post by Stephenia H. McGee

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Tips for Surviving your Time Travel Adventure

Have you suddenly found yourself stranded in an era not your own? Did you book a room at a mysterious bed and breakfast, expecting an old-fashioned room and a hot meal, only to find yourself transported to a different time?

This handy little guide will help you anticipate some of the more jarring aspects of your trip.

1. There are no cell phones. Depending on your particular time location, you will need to conduct all communications by letter, calling card, carrier pigeon, or face-to-face interactions. Some trips are equipped with telephone services, but can only be accessed through available land lines. Consider this a great time to disconnect and work on anemic people skills!

2. Bathroom facilities can vary wildly. To best prepare, don’t expect hot water unless it comes from a pot heated over a fire. Showers, in almost all cases, are nonexistent. But don’t worry. Hats are provided to cover dirty hair and scented handkerchiefs help you avoid the smells of others.

3. The people around you may exhibit wildly different mannerisms than you are used to. Try to keep an open mind about attire, idioms, and customs. When in doubt, try to blend in as much as possible. 

4. Modes of transportation. For most adventures, you will not be equipped with motorized vehicles. Be prepared to travel by animal or by foot. In most cases, horses will be the most common means of travel. If you are afraid of horses, we suggest locating a comfortable pair of shoes as soon as possible.

5. To avoid such mishaps as public panic and possible time in an asylum, it is best to refrain from informing those around you that you have traveled from the future.

Finally, keep in mind that should you wish to return to your time of origin, you will need to figure out why you got sent back in time in the first place. Lessons will vary from traveler to traveler, but in order to get your ticket home, you’ll need to make certain discoveries in relation to your own personal hang-ups, expectations, or character flaws. Should you fail, we hope you enjoy your new home.

Good luck and happy travels!

About the book:

It was just one night at a Victorian B&B. Until they woke up in 1857.

Collette Donaldson never should have taken her boyfriend to her cousin’s wedding. Or introduced him to her parents. After a disastrous weekend, all she wants is to get back home and sort out the mess that had once been their relationship. A heartbreaking fight, a flat tire, and an inconvenient storm force her and Seth to stay the night at a quaint bed and breakfast. But when Collette finds an antique photograph of herself, circumstances quickly shift from weird to unimaginable.

Seth Stone was ready to propose. Now he isn’t sure if he and Collette even have a relationship. People he'd never want to be his in-laws, an irritable girlfriend, and now he has to spend the night in a creepy old Victorian inn. He should have never wondered how things could possibly get worse. When they wake up stranded on a wagon train in 1857, Seth is determined to get home. But the only way to get out of the past is to face the problems stealing their future.

Available now in kindle and kindle unlimited, paperback, and audio.

About the author: 

Award winning author of Christian historical novels, Stephenia H. McGee writes stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She’s a homeschool mom of two boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Stephenia lives in Mississippi with her sons, handsome hubby, and their fur babies.

Visit her website at www.StepheniaMcGee.com and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get sneak peeks, behind the scenes fun, the occasional recipe, and special giveaways.

Facebook: Stephenia H. McGee, Christian Fiction Author

Twitter: @StepheniaHMcGee

Instagram: stepheniahmcgee

Pinterest: Stephenia H. McGee

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

My rating:

5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

A Wagon Train Weekend is the first book I've read by this author, but I'm excited to read more. This story, while short, was SO good. I wasn't too sure how I would like the whole time travel aspect, but I think it was very well done. 

I really liked the characters. It was great to see how their relationship was tested throughout this story and the ending was perfect. I also enjoyed the wagon train aspect - that was interesting. ;)

All in all, A Wagon Train Weekend was a great read and I recommend it. I can't wait to read the next one!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), B&N, Goodreads

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Guest Post & Giveaway: Eternity Between Us by Stephenia H. McGee (Blog Tour)

About the Book:

An unnatural thunder rumbled through the air, carrying with it not thoughts of rain but of smoke and trepidation...

After being forced to use a pistol against invaders, Evelyn Mapleton is no longer the timid girl her extended family expects. The more her aunt and cousin resent her new independence, the more Evelyn is determined she'll make her missing father proud by taking up his cause and aiding Confederate soldiers--even if she has to outmaneuver the Yankees guarding her home to do it.

Samuel Flynn's life is consumed with two priorities: learning to become a proper guardian for the young orphans he's adopted and obtaining his physicians license. When his final testing sends him to a Federal Army field hospital, the last thing he expects is to be entranced by a mysterious woman. But when Evelyn's misguided exploits put her life in danger, will he risk everything he's worked for to save a woman he thinks is his enemy?

Based on first-hand accounts from the Civil War and with a strong romantic thread, this is a tale of faith, espionage, hope, and courage historical fiction fans won't want to miss.

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Guest Post | The Firefighter's Twins Blog Tour

Welcome to The Firefighter's Twins Blog Tour and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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GUEST POST

Guest Post for JustRead Blog Tour

The Firefighter’s Twins

Heidi McCahan

Favorite Bookish Memory: I grew up in rural Alaska with somewhat limited entertainment options. Reading was a significant pastime. In the summer, the bookmobile traveled more than 30 miles to visit my sister and me. What a thrill—books on wheels, right to my doorstep. It was amazing!


Favorite Way to Celebrate: celebrations with my parents, my sister and her family involve a simple meal (often pizza), cake and ice cream. With my husband and our boys, we usually go to a favorite restaurant. I don’t like to cook, so any time someone else is in charge of the food, I am a happy girl. I always prefer a small gathering as opposed to a large crowd.

Dream Travel Destination: Ireland with my family

What inspires you?

A newspaper article or a snippet of overheard conversation often inspires a story idea. Everybody has a story, which is why I enjoy listening to a handful of podcasts every week, mostly female podcasters interviewing other women with incredible stories offering hope and inspiration. The real-life challenges and obstacles that people overcome astounds me. It’s a great reminder that every story needs a strong conflict for the hero and heroine to overcome. I’m a big fan of the Bobbycast, which is a podcast hosted by radio personality Bobby Bones out of Nashville. He interviews songwriters and music industry professionals, and I am fascinated listening to their journeys—how they wrote a song in a couple of hours that they thought wouldn’t amount to much, and ended up being a huge hit. I really like to hear about how songwriters approach the creative process.

Name a Book Character You Can’t Forget:

James MacDonald from Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano. He is a super swoon-worthy hero!

Favorite Place to Read: In bed at the end of the day. I read before I go to sleep (and sometimes late into the night).

Books On Your To-Be-Read Pile?

It is indeed a pile. I’m a voracious reader, with so many wonderful books to look forward to. On my Kindle, I plan to read Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis.

On my nightstand:

Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh

Joey: How a Blind Rescue Horse Helped Others to See by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile

The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

Tell us about your new release:

In 2014, I took two of our boys to visit a pumpkin patch about an hour from home. It was a former tobacco farm turned into a destination experience. Driving through the small town, I passed a livery converted into an event venue, and goosebumps shot down my arms. I just knew a story was brewing. In early 2015, Harlequin Love Inspired launched a contest called Blurb 2 Book. To enter, I submitted the first paragraph and a back-cover blurb. As the year progressed, I advanced to the semi-finals of the contest, which included writing the whole manuscript and submitting. While I didn’t win, I was invited to revise the manuscript and re-submit. Eventually I was offered a publishing contract for this pumpkin patch inspired romance, and that’s how The Firefighter’s Twins came to be. It was an awesome and intense experience, and truly a dream come true to become a traditionally published author.

Which character was your favorite to create?

It is hard to choose! I’m fairly confident I sold the manuscript because of the identical twin toddler boys. My editor felt they were adorable, and they were inspired by three sets of twin boys that I know in real life, so it was fun to weave them into the plot. For me, the hero Shay Campbell, was the most enjoyable to craft. He’s a single dad and a handsome firefighter, which are delightful characteristics for the hero of a romance novel, in my opinion. He’s emotionally wounded and yet determined to keep moving forward for the sake of his kids. He’s also a bit overprotective (for good reason), which plays a significant role in the story. It was fun to develop his character arc.

What message do you hope readers will take away from The Firefighter’s Twins?

Since this is an inspirational romance, I hope readers will bask in the glow of a beautiful love story. The lesson that materialized for me in writing The Firefighter’s Twins is that life doesn’t often go like we expect. But God is for us, and He is good, and His plans are better than anything we can orchestrate on our own.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Firefighter's Twins
Author: Heidi McCahan
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: June 1, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

One single dad plus twin toddlers
A formula for her new family?

Since his wife left, fireman Shay Campbell has focused on work and his twin tod dlers. But the lovely Natalie McDowell is making him rethink that decision.

She ’ s great with his boys, and they adore her. But he can ’ t go through losing someone again.

Will a dream job offer win Natalie ’ s heart, or does it belong to Shay and the twins?  

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository | Harlequin

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi McCahan is the author of Covering Home, Unraveled, and Love Flies In. She is also an active RWA member and currently serves as secretary of the North Carolina chapter of A CFW. Heidi won the 2014 Idahope contest, and was a 2015 finalist in Harlequin ’ s Blurb 2 Book contest. A Pacific Northwest girl at heart, she was transplanted in the South several years ago, and cu rrently lives in North Carolina with her husband and three boys. Heidi is a huge fan of coffee, dark chocolate, and happily ever after, and can often be found enjoying a good cup of coffee and a great boo k. The Firefighter ’ s Twins, her first novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, is available now.  

CONNECT: website | Fac ebook | Twitter | Instagram | Google+ | Newsletter

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(photo by Heidi McCahan)

Heidi McCahan has put together a FABULOUS giveaway for readers! One winner (US only) will receive:

Magnolia Market tote bag
Hearth & Hand Magnolia Notepad + tell your story pencil
4 magnetic bookmarks
$25 Amazon Gift Card
Gratitude journal + lists notebook
weekly planning pad
Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt
Falling for You by Becky Wade
The Firefighter's Twins by Heidi McCahan

Giveaway will run from midnight June 1, 2018 through 11:59pm June 11, 2018. It is subject to the policies found here.  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below.
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow along with the tour for more chances to win! Grab the schedule at JustRead!

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Expedition: Still Life Tour ~ Guest Post by Dani Pettrey + Giveaway!

Port of Baltimore

Thanks so much for joining me on Melanie’s wonderful blog for the fifth stop on my Expedition: Still Life Tour. If you aren't familiar with this exciting blog tour, or the fabulous grand prize you can win by taking part in it, please visit Expedition: Still Life's main contest page for all the details.

Today’s stop is the Port of Baltimore. Baltimore has an amazingly rich maritime history and the Port of Baltimore plays a key role in Still Life.

Fun facts:

1. The port’s official name is The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. It was renamed for Helen Delich Bentley during the 2006 celebration of the port’s 300th birthday. Helen was an amazing lady, and I’m honored to say she was a fan of the Alaskan Courage and the beginning of the Chesapeake Valor series prior to passing late last year. If you’re ever interested in learning about this incomparable lady and the Port of Baltimore, be sure to check out Helen’s book Great Port of Baltimore Its First 300 Years 1706-2006.

2. The Port of Baltimore started in the 17th century as an access point for Maryland’s tobacco trade with England.

3. The Port of Baltimore became famous for its shipbuilders. They gained renown for their Baltimore clippers as well as the Continental Navy.

4. Baltimore is home to the USS Constellation. This ship is the last Civil War vessel afloat. It was built in 1854 and is the last all-sail warship built by the US Navy.

5. Baltimore’s Fort McHenry defended the Baltimore harbor during the War of 1812 and is the birthplace of the American National anthem, written by Francis Scott Key.

6. Baltimore’s waterfront neighborhood of Fell’s Point was the second largest point of immigration after Ellis Island.

I love driving home past the port, seeing the ships and knowing the rich history of my home state.

Thanks again to Melanie for hosting me today, and for all of you joining me on stop #5 of my Expedition: Still Life Tour. Be sure to collect your passport stamp to be entered to win the Grand Prize

Collect The Baltimore Stamp!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

Last Name

To also be entered to win a Amazon gift card, just answer the question below. After answering the question, visit http://danipettrey.com/stilllife-contest/ to see all the other stops and giveaways on this tour.

Merchant ships aren’t the only ships to travel in and out of Baltimore’s port these days. Over the last few years, Baltimore has become a key cruise port, leading cruises through New England, Canada, and down to the warm Caribbean. Have you ever been on a cruise? If so, where? If not, what would be your top cruise destination?

Author Bio:

Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a sigh-worthy romance novel. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent” of romance (USA Today).

Dani’s adventure-focused Alaskan Courage series climbed the CBA bestseller lists, with Submerged staying in the top twenty for five consecutive months. The five-book series also won multiple awards, including the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others. She turns her attention to crime and law enforcement in her home state of Maryland in her new Chesapeake Courage series, starting with Cold Shot, which Library Journal called, “a harrowing and thrilling ride.” For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com.

Amazon, B&N, CBD, Goodreads

--Melanie here. Dani is giving away an Amazon gift card here! To enter that giveaway, use the Rafflecopter form below so we have a way to contact you should you win. :) Mandatory entry is to comment on this post with your answer to Dani's question (above). Happy entering and thanks for stopping by! Be sure to visit http://danipettrey.com/stilllife-contest/ to check out the rest of the tour.

How to enter: Sign into the Rafflecopter form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Open only to those who can legally enter. 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 up to one week 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. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Guest Post & Giveaway: Carol J. Post ~ Author of Mistletoe Justice!

I am often asked when I knew I wanted to be a writer. I never considered writing for publication until the 1990s, but I have always loved to write. (I even enjoyed doing research papers. As a teenager, I wrote a lot of poetry, some of which my mom still has framed and hanging on her wall. Eventually I moved on to articles for religious and children’s publications. My real passion, though, is writing Christian fiction, and I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love.

There are lots of things I enjoy about writing. One of them is starting a new series. It’s always exciting to create brand new characters and put them in a setting I haven’t written about yet. I set my first series of books in Polk County, Florida, which is where I live. Research was easy since everything was basically at my back door. My current series is set in Cedar Key, Florida. The third book in the series, Mistletoe Justice, released December 1, and I am now working book four.

Cedar Keyhole Artists Co-op - a quaint, attractive venue where local artists display their wares

I first discovered Cedar Key quite a few years ago when my husband and I were sailing in the area. We needed to get gas, so we checked the chart, and the closest marina was Cedar Key. We ended up sailing into the Cedar Cove Beach and Yacht Club. Hurricanes have since destroyed the docks there, but at that time, several boats were moored. There was, however nowhere to buy gas. One of the Cedar Key residents told my husband to grab our portable gas tank and hop on his golf cart, and he would take him across town. 

Cedar Key beach and city park, with Cedar Cove Beach and Yacht Club in the background

Soon we were on our way, but we were so impressed with the quaintness of the town and the friendliness of the people. When I decided to write a series of books set in an island town, I knew Cedar Key had to be it. I’ve returned several times, and each time I go, I fall in love with the place a little more.

Cedar Key Seafood Festival - vendors visit with attendees while The Lucky Dogs entertain in the gazebo

Cedar Key is the second oldest city in Florida (behind St. Augustine) and has the air of a small fishing village. It’s quaint and artsy, with no chain restaurants or hotels. Research has been a pleasure. Whether relaxing with my husband in our favorite Cedar Key condo, or sitting with my critique partners in a cottage overlooking the Gulf while we plot our next books, the hustle and bustle of everyday life seems a million miles away.

What about you? Do you have a special place you like to go to get away from it all? Comment below for a chance to win an autographed copy of Mistletoe Justice. 

About Mistletoe Justice:

Someone has framed Darci Tucker for embezzlement—and she's pretty sure it's her boss. The real criminal will do anything to make sure she doesn't talk, from breaking into her home to hacking her computer. Her only hope for regaining control, and protecting her young son from danger, is Conner Stevenson. Desperate for answers about his sister's sudden disappearance, Conner is determined to uncover why the bookkeeper was named a target. Now Darci and her son have become pawns in a deadly game, and as Conner races to protect them, he finds he wants more than justice. He may want a family for Christmas after all…if they live that long.

Author Bio:

Carol J. Post writes fun and fast-paced inspirational romantic suspense. Her book Out for Justice was nominated for an RT Reviewer’s Choice Best Book award, and her December book, Mistletoe Justice is an RT Top Pick. When Carol isn’t writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of a fat and sassy black cat and a highly spoiled dachshund.

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Mistletoe Justice by Carol J. Post!! If you live in the US or Canada, you will win an autographed print copy. If international, then you can choose either a Kindle or Nook copy. Ends 12/17/15

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!

Entry-Form

Open only to those who can legally enter. 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 Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Amazon, Goodreads

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