Making Christmas
by Nancy Fraser
&
Santa Baby
by Peggy Jaeger
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GENRE: Holiday Romance (Vintage)
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PREQUEL BOX SET BOOK BLURB:
Welcome to our 1980’s Dickens Christmas stories!
Two sweet vintage romances set in the New England town of Dickens where small town charm is on full, holiday display.
Both stories are prequels to stories found in last year’s holiday anthology, Christmas Comes to Dickens. Beginning October 18th, the Ladies of Dickens will release six brand-new, full-length Dickens holiday romances (one per week) to celebrate the season.
In the meantime, we hope you’ll enjoy Making Christmas by Author Nancy Fraser and Santa Baby by Author Peggy Jaeger. Both are guaranteed to whet your holiday appetites for what’s to come!
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BOOK BLURB – MAKING CHRISTMAS BY NANCY FRASER:
A 1980s Vintage Romance...
It’s been five years since William Barrett returned to Dickens to take over as CEO of Wil-Bar Toys. He’s spent these past years helping build Wil-Bar into a leader in creative, handmade toys. His work ethic and drive has left him little time for a personal life. Or, perhaps he’s still pining for the one who got away.
Catherine Gates moved away from Dickens six years earlier. Now a staff reporter for a woman’s magazine, she’s returning to Dickens to do a story on Wil-Bar Toys new production methods and get the scoop on their upcoming holiday line.
When Will and Cat meet up again for the first time in years, it’s as if they’ve never been apart. Rekindling their friendship, and attraction, becomes more important than Cat’s article, or even the secrecy of the new toy lines.
Can these two childhood friends make up for lost time and pursue the romance they missed out on years earlier? Or, will Cat’s story expose too much and put them at odds with one another?
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BOOK TRAILER – MAKING CHRISTMAS BY NANCY FRASER:
Check out Nancy’s exciting new book trailer below!!!
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EXCERPT ONE:
From Making Christmas by Nancy Fraser:
September 1985
Wil-Bar Toy Factory
“Isn’t it a bit early for Christmas carols?” William asked, motioning skyward where the factory speakers were blaring a string of both classical and modern holiday songs. “If we don’t vary it every once-in-awhile, I’m going to end up ripping the wires out of the ceiling.”
His father shot him a pained look. “Is it ever too early for Christmas music in a toy factory where we spend every working hour up until the beginning of December getting ready for the rush?” Waving his hand dismissively overhead, Wilfred Barrett added, “Besides, it keeps the production line moving like clockwork.”
“How’s the new head of design working out? What’s his name? Gibson?” Will asked.
“Ted Gibson. He’s got some great ideas for sure. Including inviting that magazine editor to send someone to write an article on our new state-of-the-art assembly line.”
“Somehow I don’t picture an article in a woman’s magazine doing justice to the mechanics involved in creating toys like our latest designs.”
Giving a shrug, Wilfred admitted, “It can’t hurt. Besides, it’s women who do most of the buying, especially for the children. If the article can convince these mothers that our toys are safe and won’t come apart with one day of rough play, then it’s as much as we can hope for, I suppose.” Pushing aside the ledger in front of him, he added, “I’d like you to be the one to give them the tour.”
“Why me? Let Gibson do it. After all, it was his idea. Or, you do it—it’s your company, after all. I’d much rather keep my focus on these sales and shipping projections.”
“You’re the new face of Wil-Bar Toys, son. The younger—what’s the term—hip version of a toymaker. Not that I don’t still love it, but these young mothers would much rather see your picture accompanying the article than mine.”
“Ted’s young too. And, if the women crowding around the watercooler are to be believed, quite a catch.”
His father leaned back in his chair, a sure sign the discussion was coming to an end, his decision made. “The magazine is sending one of their staff writers to do the interview. She’ll be here day-after-tomorrow.”
Will turned toward the door to his father’s office. “I feel the flu coming on,” he groused. “I may have to call in sick.”
“You might be a grown man, but I’m sure your mother would love to have you home all day long,” his dad quickly pointed out, a grin lighting his face. “She can stuff you with chicken noodle soup and fuss over you to her heart’s content.”
“You can be downright mean when you want to be, Pops” Will said, chuckling. “No doubt, you’d suggest she read to me too.”
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AUTHOR BIO – NANCY FRASER:
NANCY FRASER—Jumping Across Romance Genres with Gleeful Abandon—is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.
Like most authors, Nancy began writing at an early age, usually on the walls and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing often made her the English teacher’s pet which, of course, resulted in a whole lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.
Nancy has published over forty books in full-length, novella, and short format. When not writing (which is almost never), Nancy dotes on her five wonderful grandchildren and looks forward to traveling and reading when time permits. Nancy lives in Atlantic Canada where she enjoys the relaxed pace and colorful people.
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CONNECT WITH NANCY FRASER:
Website:
Newsletter:
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gC68iMStwKCr4v_S6fMIA
BookBub Author Page:
http://bookbub.com/profile/nancy-fraser
BookBub Book Page:
https://www.bookbub.com/books/making-christmas-a-dickens-holiday-romance-prequel-by-nancy-fraser
Goodreads Author Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7206382.Nancy_Fraser
Goodreads Book Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57984424-making-christmas
Amazon Author Page:
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FUN JIGSAW PUZZLE – MAKING CHRISTMAS BY NANCY FRASER:
Nancy Fraser has created a fun jigsaw puzzle for her readers to play!!!
Check it out here:
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MY BOOK REVIEW – MAKING CHRISTMAS BY NANCY FRASER:
Last year I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Nancy’s “Millie’s Awesome Holiday Miracle,” part of the exciting book box set, “Christmas Comes to Dickens.” I absolutely LOVED it so when I heard that Nancy was releasing a prequel to her original story, I knew I had to read it!!
I have to be honest though, I am not always a huge fan of prequels, as sometimes I feel things don’t always line up with book one. This is soooo not the case here. Nancy always writes with such exciting and intriguing storytelling skills that is it no surprise she also made sure to carefully watch the details and account for all the little things.
Although a short story, it is cleverly crafted with proper story line flow and precision plot point execution.
As always, I loved the characters!!! Nancy creates such strong, powerful, inspiring, compassionate, and realistic characters!!! And even though as I mentioned this is a short story, there was plenty of time to get to know these characters, develop a connection with them, and enjoy watching their story unfold.
As I also mentioned I had read the first book, so it was wonderful to see some returning characters (Mr. Bob lol!!) and to get to know others better. As book one focuses on Rick, Cass, and Millie, this prequel focuses on Rick’s father, William. This book is the sweet, romantic, love story between Will and Cat and the background of the family toy business, Wil-Bar Toys.
Since this book takes place during the 1980s it was definitely a transport in time – 40 years ago!!! I wasn’t even born until 1988 and have no memories of the 80’s except what I’ve seen on TV/Movies and the stories I’ve heard from my mom lol!!! But Nancy does her due diligence in her research and fills the book with intriguing but realistic facts, pop culture references, and other particulars that really bring the 1980s culture front and center. Having this is definitely key to writing a successful book from the past, as it can be easy to forget that there was a time when everyone wasn’t walking around with an iPhone lol!!!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this prequel and would absolutely recommend it!! I think all contemporary romance and holiday book fans will like this book too!! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**
Did you find this review helpful?
If so, please, please, please mark it as helpful on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R2GTX3T438ALTM
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BOOK BLURB – SANTA BABY BY PEGGY JAEGER:
It’s Christmas Eve morning in the tiny New England town of Dickens.
Santa’s arrival is imminent, and a hint of snow is in the air.
Amy Dorrit is just about to open her popular diner for the breakfast rush when she discovers an abandoned baby on her back doorstep.
Amy knows she should call the authorities and turn the infant over to them, but she just can’t. Thoughts of her own abandonment as a baby flood through her and she wants to keep the little one out of the hands of the authorities until the mother – hopefully –returns.
But will the mom come back? And if she doesn’t, what is Amy prepared to do about the baby who has, already, claimed her heart?
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BOOK TRAILER – SANTA BABY BY PEGGY JAEGER:
Check out Peggy’s exciting new book trailer below!!!
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AUTHOR BIO – PEGGY JAEGER:
Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance writer who writes Romantic Comedies about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them. If she can make you cry on one page and bring you out of tears rolling with laughter the next, she’s done her job as a writer!
Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, she brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she’s created the families she wanted as that lonely child.
When she’s not writing Peggy is usually painting, crafting, scrapbooking or decoupaging old steamer trunks she finds at rummage stores and garage sales.
As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go "What??!"
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CONNECT WITH PEGGY JAEGER:
Website & Blog:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/peggyjaeger
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/peggyjaeger_author
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDR8RRIlssIyS0FYZWeGqsg
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-jaeger-296ab878
Triberr:
https://triberr.com/tribe/strong-women--loving-men
Authors Database:
https://authorsdb.com/community/15814-peggy-jaeger
BookBub Author Page:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-jaeger
BookBub Book Page:
https://www.bookbub.com/books/santa-baby-a-dickens-holiday-prequel-dorrit-s-diner-by-peggy-jaeger
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger
Goodreads Book Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57957986-santa-baby
Amazon Author Page:
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FUN JIGSAW PUZZLE – SANTA BABY BY PEGGY JAEGER:
Peggy Jaeger has created a fun jigsaw puzzle for her readers to play!!!
Check it out here:
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MY BOOK REVIEW – SANTA BABY BY PEGGY JAEGER:
Last year, I had the pleasure of checking out the book box set “Christmas Comes to Dickens,” so I was very excited to see that Peggy also released a prequel. I absolutely LOVE this adorable fictitious town and can’t read enough of it!!!
This story follows an abandoned baby that is found outside of the local diner in town. Amy Dorrit, who owns the diner, is getting ready for the morning rush when she finds the sweet but discarded baby on the back doorstep. Amy knows that she should call the police and hand the baby over to the authorities, but when she first set sights on the adorable baby, there was no letting go. Besides, it’s Christmas Eve morning and no baby should be spending this special holiday all alone at the hospital or police station.
I have to admit, I was completely grabbed from the start of this book and could not put it down – nor did I want to!! I couldn’t wait to find out what Amy was going to do and find out who left the baby and why!!! Dickens is such a sweet, charming town, I couldn’t imagine anyone doing so without a really good reason and even then – it was winter – who could do such a thing?! Plus, with so many safe haven laws created for this exact moment, I was very curious to solve this mystery!!
This book is ever so much the adorable, sweet, romantic read that I really enjoyed reading, but there is a bit of mystery and suspense tossed in which just puts it over the top for me!!
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this prequel and would absolutely recommend it!! I think all contemporary romance and holiday book fans will like this book too!! So, add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**
Did you find this review helpful?
If so, please, please, please mark it as helpful on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R2YQC5MRYV7AJV
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BOOK BUY LINKS & BOOK SALE INFO – MAKING CHRISTMAS BY NANCY FRASER:
**The Making Christmas eBook is on SALE during the book tour for ONLY $0.99!!!**
Amazon US Kindle eBook:
Amazon CA Kindle eBook:
https://www.amazon.ca/Making-Christmas-Dickens-Holiday-Romance-ebook/dp/B094GF6R5L
Apple Books eBook:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1566764279
Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-christmas-nancy-fraser/1139435151
Kobo eBook:
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/making-christmas-3
Universal Link:
https://books2read.com/MakeXMas
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BOOK BUY LINKS & BOOK SALE INFO – SANTA BABY BY PEGGY JAEGER:
**The Santa Baby eBook is on SALE during the book tour for ONLY $0.99!!!**
Amazon US Kindle eBook:
Amazon CA Kindle eBook:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09476SFW3
Apple Books eBook:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/santa-baby/id1566130199
Barnes and Noble NOOK eBook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/santa-baby-peggy-jaeger/1139406491
Kobo eBook:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/santa-baby-42
Universal Link:
https://books2read.com/u/3R8lVG
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GIVEAWAY INFO:
Nancy and Peggy will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.
**This post contains
affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small
commission to help support this blog.
This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those awesome
giveaways on here**
Thank you, Ally, for sharing both our books today with your readers. And, of course, for your wonderful review. I'm glad you're enjoying Dickens because this year, we're releasing individual books, one per week starting October 18th. Six of the authors from the original anthology will return to expand on the Dickens legend!
ReplyDeleteAlly, thank you so much for introducing our books to your readers and followers and for your wonderful reviews!!! Dickens is such a special place, I'm happy you enjoy visiting there with us!!
ReplyDeleteAwww...that baby! I love Christmas stories. Thanks!
ReplyDelete