Together With You by Victoria Bylin

Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs...

When a Lost Child warning blasts over the mall's PA system, toy store manager Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about five-year-old Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that Penny suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's own past suddenly confronts her. Never again will Carly become involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart. Before she has time to think it through, she agrees to a much-needed job as a nanny. 

Dr. Ryan Tremaine knows he messed up his life. But this summer he will redeem himself. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan is dedicated to his sink-or-swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruiting Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny. 

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

Publisher: Bethany House, 2015

Cover Design: Paul Higdon

Author is represented by the Steele-Perkins Literary Agency

My Review

A tender journey of faith, forgiveness, and redemption. Bylin's characters are captivating, and her writing engaging. Romance readers will enjoy this unique story line. 

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is scrambling to pick up the pieces of his life. His broken marriage has not only jeopardized his relationship with his sons but has also affected his daughter's health. One night of bad judgement caused Penny to be born with FASD--a disorder that makes everyday tasks difficult for Penny. 

A chance encounter brings Carly Mason into the Tremaine household. Ryan is grateful for a nanny, but as the summer passes, he discovers there's more to Carly than meets the eye. 

I recommend this book to anyone who believes in second chances and fresh beginnings. I gave this book 4 stars!

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Victoria Bylin is a romance writer known for her realistic and relatable characters. Her books have finaled in multiple contests, including the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and RT Magazine's Reviewers' Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky, where their family and their crazy Jack Russell terrier keep them on the go. Learn more at her website: www.victoriabylin.com.

Every Bride Needs a Groom by Janice Thompson

Somewhere in a sea of tulle and taffeta, satin and crepe, 

Katie Fisher needs to find a key ingredient of the perfect wedding--the groom. 

Small-town girl Katie Fisher is planning her wedding. Sure, her boyfriend hasn't managed to pop the question just yet, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't enter a contest in "Texas Bride" magazine to win the dress of her dreams, right? But when her boyfriend breaks up with her and takes a job in another town--the very same day Katie wins her dream dress--her world is turned upside down. Should she claim her prize? And will the hunky former pro-basketball player who runs the swanky Dallas bridal shop--yeah, you read that right--catch on to her humiliation if she does?

Publisher: Revell, 2015

Cover Design: Studio Gearbox

Cover Photography and Photo: Julie Line/Big Event Studios

Author represented by MacGregor Literary Agency

My Review

Fun, light-hearted, witty. Thompson will take you on an unusual journey through Texas where family is #1, lost loves are found, and the Baptists and Presbyterians finally agree on something. 

Katie Fisher has been mentally planning her wedding for years. Though her boyfriend hasn't proposed yet, she's sure he will any day and enters the Texas Bride essay contest, winning a custom-made gown of her dreams. What she doesn't expect is her boyfriend to dump her for the big city. 

She arrives at the bridal shop for her consultation with the designer, prepared to forgo the gown when she meets the handsome Brady James--pro-basketball star on hiatus and the bridal shop's new manager.  As if his masculinity in a sea of white frills isn't awkward enough, Brady turns out to be the designer's son. How will Katie ever reveal her secret now?

I recommend this book to anyone who adores weddings and bridal shows, a light humorous read, or enjoys expecting the unexpected. 

I gave this book 4 stars! 

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Janice Thompson lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischevious dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about Janice at www.janiceathompson.com or www.freelancewritingcourses.com. 

Author Chat with Jill Kemerer

Let me introduce you to author Jill Kemerer. Her debut novel Small-Town Bachelor is available now at online retailers. Jill writes inspirational romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full time writer and homemaker, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with her kids’ busy schedules.

Besides spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&MS, fluffy animals and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.  Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website www.jillkemerer.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter.

Small-Town Bachelor

A Place to Call Home

  

When Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in.

Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She's this city slicker's opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can't ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can't imagine ever leaving her behind…

Thanks for joining me today, Jill!

Thank you for having me. 

What inspired you to write Small-Town Bachelor?

Years ago a teacher’s wife at my children’s school worked for the zoo. Their backyard was next to the school parking lot, and I started chatting with her. She told me she was caring for one of the zoo’s otters for a week or so because the little guy wasn’t adjusting well to his environment. This concept—taking an otter home—fascinated me, and, I have to admit, I think river otters are the cutest things ever. I knew my heroine, Claire, would be caring for otters in my book.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when writing this story?

My biggest challenge is always writing lovable characters with realistic reasons why they can’t fall in love with each other. I get emotional as they struggle to accept they’re meant to be together.

What surprised you when writing this story?

I was surprised at how much I related to Claire’s spiritual journey. She has a hard time trusting God has something wonderful planned for her. I have a hard time trusting that too sometimes, but God is always surprising me in the best way.

Who’s your favorite character, and why?

Oh, Candice, how can you ask me that? I love them all! I love Claire because she’s genuine and giving. But the hero, Reed, is probably my favorite. He has deep wounds from his childhood, and I’m really proud of the decisions he makes in this book.

Where can we purchase Small-Town Bachelor?

 Small-Town Bachelor is available in both paperback and digital formats. It will be on store shelves late March through April, and it’s available for order from all major retailers. For a full list of links, click on my book page for SMALL-TOWN BACHELOR.

Thanks for stopping by, Jill!

Nice chatting with you!


~Feel free to leave any comments or questions for Jill, as she'll be stopping by throughout the day.