Fabulous and Brunette

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Lady and the Tribe: How to Create Empowering Friendship Circles by Brenda Billings Ridgley - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Lady and the Tribe:

How to Create Empowering Friendship Circles

by Brenda Billings Ridgley

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GENRE: Non-Fiction, Self-Help

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BLURB:

Wives, mothers, and career women—we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the makeup free, yoga pants, weight gain routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.

In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere? The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.

Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.

We can become whole again through the power of connection.

When three or more gather, we are Tribe.

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EXCERPT THREE:

The Tribe

Traditionally, a Tribe is a social division in society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties. Some Tribes have a common culture and dialect, and typically they have a recognized leader. A customary Tribe is a face-to-face community, relatively bound by kinship relations, reciprocal exchange, and strong ties to place.

The term Tribe should be utilized only with great respect and consideration of its origins. It is with the term’s heritage in mind that I aspire to create that culture with my closest friends. This social division, group, or pack are linked by common social patterns, interests, and sometimes, goals. As the group connects together over time, they establish the Tribe’s personality, lingo, patterns, and rituals.

Your Tribal space feels like home when you arrive. It is safe, encouraging and makes you feel relevant because you are truly seen. Your Tribe cares about your opinions and what you have to say. They are proud of your talents and strengths and are not threatened by your success. Your Tribe will promote rather than ignore or diminish your wins. Although these close friends can be a great influence for you to be better and do better, there is no contest; you do not feel competitive with one another. The experience of finding your Tribe can be life changing. It becomes a mirror reaffirming who you are and where you belong.

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GUEST POST:

Fabulous and Brunette Meets Lady and the Tribe

Good day and thank you so much for inviting me to share with you and the Fabulous and Brunette readers today. I love your question asking about Lady and the Tribe’s book cover and how it came about! I have received so many compliments on it and am so grateful to designer Victoria Wolf for helping create my vision.

The tree of life that is front and center on the cover represents the woman who is living her full, whole, best life. Some people do not see it at first, but the trunk is a woman rooted deep and wide, and her branches are reaching, and growing and supporting the season’s inflorescence. The colors reflect that she is blossoming and at her peak and best self. In Lady and the Tribe, I use the tree of life as a metaphor for our own individual beings.

The Roots that Nourish and Anchor

Our parents provided the seed and soil for our trees of life. Our internal environment—genetics, traits, and characteristics—all stem from the seed. The soil is our external environment. It includes the lessons we were taught, the role models we observed, and the experiences that created our values, ethics, and morals. It also includes where we lived and the individuals and activities to whom we were introduced. Everything about us stems from nature and nurture.

The Trunk – The Connector

The trunk is the part of a tree that connects the leafy crown with its roots and that is what we do individually as we grow through life. We carry everything with us as we expand and create anew and become unique. We are given specific terroir from which we can choose how we would like to evolve and blossom.

The problem is sometimes our own growth is stifled when we give-away our interests, preferences, and friendships when we take on the roles of wife, mother or even professional. Over time we may lose touch with who we really are and wonder “Who am I without this role?”

The answer lies within our connections to other women. Relationships not bound by blood, vow, or contract. Relationships that do not NEED anything from us other than friendship.

The Branches that Lift and Support

Our closest friendships become the branches of our tree of life. These relationships strongly resemble tree branches because they grow stronger with time and attention. They hold you up in high regard and stay strong with the winds of change. As the seasons of your life pass through, the branches of your relationships remain growing, supportive, and ready to lift you higher the next season.

Taking another look at the cover now, I hope you find a new reason to appreciate the design. I love the back cover as well. It features my Tribe and they inspired me to write Lady and the Tribe, How to Create Empowering Friendship Circles. Please consider adding it to your reading list and connect with me! I would love to hear your thoughts.

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AUTHOR BIO:

BRENDA RIDGLEY is an author, speaker, and girlfriend guru who loves helping women connect, find success, and discover joy through friendship. Her mission is to start a movement: women coming together to build thousands of new Lady Tribes around the globe. Through her workshops, vlogs, blogs, and book clubs, Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, love, and trust. She holds an MA in human resources and has spent decades cultivating her own Tribe. A Colorado girl at heart, Brenda lives in the Carbon Valley area with her husband, Parker, two kids, Parker Jr. and Gillian, and pooch, Perry. She enjoys hiking and has conquered Longs Peak and several other 14’ers.

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CONNECT WITH BRENDA:

To connect with Brenda, visit the links listed below:

Website:

http://www.BrendaRidgley.com

To invite Brenda to speak at your next event:

Email:

brenda@brendaridgley.com

Subscribe Links:

YouTube:

@BrendaRidgley

https://youtube.com/BrendaRidgley

Podcast:

@TheConnectionConnoisseur

https://www.podserve.fm/series/website/the-connection-connoisseur,3341

Blog:

https://www.brendaridgley.com/blog

Follow Links:

Facebook:

@BrendaRidgleyConnections

https://www.facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections

Twitter:

@BrendaRidgley

https://www.twitter.com/BrendaRidgley

Instagram:

@BrendaRidgley

https://www.instagram.com/brendaridgley

Twitter:

@BrendaRidgley

https://www.twitter.com/BrendaRidgley

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AMAZON BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/3HHY4pW

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/3r7LSZA

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Lady-Tribe-Empowering-Friendship-Circles-ebook/dp/B09GXJDQBJ

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Lady-Tribe-Empowering-Friendship-Circles/dp/1737289709

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Brenda will be awarding a Cape Diablo Wrap Bracelet and a $25 Amazon Gift Card (US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**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 fabulous community outreach projects and awesome giveaways on here**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions. Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

Can't Think Straight by Isabel Scheck - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Isabel Scheck will be awarding a $10 or $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A collection of 35 poems in which a poet thinks about women a little too much... (Sapphic poetry)

EXCERPT TWO:

Poem no. 2: Love Is…

I am in love with love.
Love is blonde hair and green eyes.
Love is infectious laughter and soft smiles, Love is cuddling while watching a movie.

I am in love with love.
Love is caring and loyal.
Love is pretty and tells me she loves me.
Love is patient and laughs at my stupid jokes.

I am in love with love.
Love is playing with my hair and kissing my forehead. Love is comforting and wipes away my tears.
Love is mine and I am hers.

I am in love with love.

AUTHOR BIO:

Isabel is a self-published author and artist who comes from England, but lives in Switzerland. She works with children, which she adores, but she also loves to write; especially in the genres of fantasy, poetry and romance. She uses experiences and images as inspiration to create words. Isabel also loves to express herself by drawing.

CONNECT WITH ISABEL:

GIVEAWAY - ENTER DAILY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spell Sweeper by Lee Edward Födi - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lee Edward Födi will be awarding a Spell Sweeper prize pack: Hand-made miniature broom, hand-made magical creature egg, spell bottle, and bookmarks to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

There's nothing magical about wizard school
. . . at least, not for Cara Moone.

Most wizard kids spend their days practicing spells and wielding wands, but Cara? She’s on the fast track to becoming a MOP (a.k.a. Magical Occurrence Purger). You see, when a real wizard casts a spell, it leaves behind a residue called spell dust—which, if not disposed of properly, can cause absolute chaos in the nonmagical world. It’s a MOP’s job to clean up the mess.

And no one makes more of a mess than Harlee Wu. Believed to be the Chosen One, destined to save the magical world, Harlee makes magic look easy. Which makes her Cara’s sworn nemesis. Or she would be, if she even knew Cara existed.

Then one of Harlee’s spells leaves something downright dangerous behind it: a rift in the fabric of magic itself. And when more rifts start to appear around the school, all in places Harlee has recently used magic, Cara is pretty sure the so-called “Chosen One” isn’t going to save the world. She’s going to destroy it.

It will take more than magic to clean up a mess this big. Fortunately, messes are kind of Cara’s thing.

EXCERPT TWO:

How magic works
(and why we have to clean it up)

* * *

In books and movies, wizards stroll around, flicking their wands, turning people into toads or zapping recalcitrant dragons into submission. In reality, it’s not that simple.

Magic is messy.

It’s like when you squeeze toothpaste onto your toothbrush—there’s always a bit that ends up on your brush handle, the counter, or dripping down your chin. Magic works the same way.

The first thing you learn in wizard school is that there is a Field of Magical Matter. When wizards want to perform a spell (or, if you want to get all official about it, a Magical Occurrence), they have to access the Field. Basically, they have to squeeze a giant magical toothpaste tube. And, like I said, it’s messy, always leaving something behind. We usually refer to it as spell dust, but it’s essentially leftover enchanted residue. How much depends on the Magical Occurrence. A wizard utters a simple spell? You just circle your broom around her feet and go for lunch. Someone magically relocates, let’s say for the sake of argument, a giant statue of the school’s founder? You better strap on your full spell sweeper kit because it’s going to be a loooong day.

But you do need to strap on the kit, because spell dust is definitely not the sort of thing you want to leave sitting around for very long. It causes ALL sorts of problems.

AUTHOR BIO:

Lee Edward Födi is an author, illustrator, and specialized arts educator—or, as he likes to think of himself, a daydreaming expert. He is the author of several books for children, including The Secret of Zoone and the Kendra Kandlestar series. He is a co-founder of the Creative Writing for Children Society (CWC), a not-for-profit program that helps kids write their own books. He has the joy of leading workshops for kids in Canada, the US, Korea, China, Thailand, and other places here and there. Lee lives in Vancouver, where he shares a creative life with his wife Marcie and son Hiro.

Website: http://www.leefodi.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leefodi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorleeedwardfodi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leefodi

BOOK BUY LINK:

Purchase links: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/spell-sweeper-lee-edward-fodi

GIVEAWAY - ENTER DAILY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 22, 2021

The Light Through the Pouring Rain by James Ruvalcaba - Book Tour - Guest Post - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

The Light Through the Pouring Rain

by James Ruvalcaba

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GENRE: Love & Loss

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BLURB:

An emotional page turner that gives a first hand look into the lives of a young couple madly in love and eager to start their lives together, only to have it all halted by a cancer diagnosis. With no clear road map on how to navigate their new normal, James and Anabel proceed into uncharted territory, hand-in-hand, with the love of their families and their faith in God to guide them.

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EXCERPT ONE:

It was April, and a couple months had passed by. At this point, everybody knew. Our friends and family knew and had been brainstorming on our game plan. Her first chemo session was April 2. Unfortunately, her family was not equipped to handle taking care of her. They had no experience with cancer and the pain that was upcoming. Unfortunately, my family and I had experience. Not that we wished we had, but it was an asset for this upcoming challenge. Cancer runs in our family. We’d lost our fair share of members, and the best place Anabel could recover was at our home. I had to talk to my family about the situation, and they agreed. My mom was the best man for the job. I couldn’t be more thankful for her. Mom was ready for the task at hand in a moment’s notice, without hesitation; she was the only one I could truly turn to in these times.

Anabel had gotten situated in our home. She stayed in my room with my brother and me. Which was a challenge in itself, due to him enjoying his senior year of high school, coming in and out of the house, partying it up, and having his friends over. We managed to make the best of it. At times it could be unbearable and make Anabel and me crazy, but the care and love that my brother had for her made it easier for us. He would be a pain in the ass, but had a soft spot for Anabel and would regulate things when Anabel needed some time. This was a challenge for Anabel and me as well. This cancer had rushed a huge step in our relationship: we had finally moved in together. It wasn’t the circumstances that we had imagined or planned for, but we had to make it work.

We had spoken on what location we would like to live in and how Anabel didn’t care much for where and how much, but only if she could decorate for each holiday. That was her only stipulation. “James, I don’t care what you say, I’m gonna go all out every holiday, and you can’t say a damn thing to me.” It was adorable. It would put a smile to my face, because she made a point to say that as if it would be a deal breaker.

We had established our routine. She would wake up early, around eight a.m., have coffee with my grandma and her dog in the backyard, and reminisce about my grandma’s glory days as a caretaker. Then I would wake up around ten a.m. to “Good morning, Meez!” Anabel called me Meez because my little brother would call me Jamies, and if you say the second syllable of Jamies, it sounds like “Meez.” So she ran with it. We would eat breakfast together and follow that up with some episodes of The Office. Then I would go to the gym for a couple of hours then return to her to relax, watch TV or movies with her on her phone, then eat dinner. My Mom would make, and repeat. A very simple routine, but effective due to the fatigue she would be experiencing from chemotherapy.

It may seem like a very bland routine for a normal person, but it was what she wanted. April 2 was fast approaching. After a couple of weeks, it was finally here.

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GUEST POST:

10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Light Through the Pouring Rain

Hello, I’m James Ruvalcaba the Author of The Light Through the Pouring Rain and I’m here today to tell you 10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Light Through the Pouring Rain. My story is an emotional story that details the trials and tribulations of a couple battling a cancer diagnosis. So, now I want to give you a “behind the scenes” look of the top 10 things you didn’t know about my book.

1.) I wrote this book in one month.

During the covid lockdown I found myself stuffing my face with oreos’ and washing it down with pop-tarts I found noticed i gain some weight and needed a change, so began to establish a routine. Where I would walk and then write. With a clear mind, the ideas flooded the pages as I wrote. Next thing you know the book was complete in a month.

2.) There is a longer version of the book.

I originally wrote a 400-page version of The Light Through the Pouring Rain, but after sampling the book to the younger generation and they informed me that “400-pages is too long.” I decided to trim the book to what it is now 150-pages.

3.) Tik Tok & SportsCenter inspired me for the new length of the book.

After sampling it I thought I shouldn’t worry about others’ thoughts of the book, but then I thought of the length of Tiktok and highlights on SportsCenter is what people are accustomed to. The shorter the better, so I made sure to cover the highlights of our story and made sure it stayed true to the message.

4.) Kobe Bryant inspired the book cover.

When it was time to come up with a direction for my book cover I had communicated that I was looking for something that was artistically similar to the animation that was used for Kobe Bryant’s live poem “Dear Basketball”. After one simple conversation, my illustrator got it right on the first try.

5.) All included in the story declined to be named.

Out of respect to all involved in my story, I asked if they would like to be named, but all unselfishly thought it would be best for my name and my Fiancée Anabel’s name to be the only ones included so readers would walk away only remembering our two names.

6.) The story told is very true but was originally going to be taken in a different direction.

Throughout our process, My fiancée Anabel and I attempted to document as much as possible with hopes to use our story to inspire others to continue to push forward in their battles and appreciate their loved ones. Unfortunately, that story didn’t get told but was planned throughout the cancer process.

7.) The story is out because of a friend.

After completing my story I had no direction where to go or what was next, so on one particular day I was followed on social media by an Author ( that will remain nameless) or I should say my friend and one direct message later on social media the rest was history. It’s due to her that my book is out and available. Without her, my book may still be sitting on my computer waiting to be released. I will be forever grateful to her.

8.) My book was fully completed within a week.

I was very blessed to be connected to a very amazing group of individuals that had a quick turnaround on my book. From the editor to the book cover illustrated they had my book up and ready for release within a week.

9.) I released my book with no marketing.

Due to excitement on just being able to come through on my promise I made to my Fiancée in our last moments, I book the book out as soon as I could. I only made one Instagram post about it and released it immediately afterward.

10.) My book came out on December 21st in honor of my Mom.

My mom was the MVP of the entire story and without her, I wouldn’t be here today. So as an honor to show my Mom my token of appreciation I wanted to tell our story on her birthday. Mom if you reading this thank you for everything!

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AUTHOR BIO:

Hello, I'm James Ruvalcaba. I am the author of “The Light Through the Pouring Rain.”

I am a family man and hold them near and dear to me. I am a down-to-earth person that loves creating conversations. I believe the more we communicate the more we see the beauty of God's previous workings. In pursuit of my God-given mission, I began writing because of a promise I made to my Fiancé on her last day. I wanted to honor my fiancé’s legacy and to be a testimony of God's goodness. I continue to tell stories and hope to achieve telling stories that uplift others, give some perspective on life, and to walk away with a sense of inspiration. If they can take lessons and perspectives given in my words to their own lives then I feel I accomplished what I set out to do.

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CONNECT WITH JAMES:

Website:

https://thelightthroughthepouringrain.com

Social media:

@JamesMRuvalcaba

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20998695.James_Ruvalcaba

Goodreads Book Page:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56380930-the-light-through-the-pouring-rain

Amazon Author Page:

https://amzn.to/32hu7g5

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BOOK BUY LINKS:

Amazon US Kindle eBook:

https://amzn.to/30O8WC5

Amazon US Paperback:

https://amzn.to/30KNU78

Amazon CA Kindle eBook:

https://www.amazon.ca/Light-Through-Pouring-Rain-ebook/dp/B08PF23TF1

Amazon CA Paperback:

https://www.amazon.ca/Light-Through-Pouring-Rain/dp/B08P8HWGVB

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

James will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Polish Dragon P.I.: The Good Book by Steve Zimcosky - Book Blast - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Steve Zimcosky will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A bible mysteriously disappears from a Russian businessman’s home and it is said to have a secret hidden inside that would cause embarrassment to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Polish Dragon P. I. is called in, along with his new partner, to help find the bible. The problem is the bible is not supposed to exist and there is a secret organization, sworn to protect the church, also looking for the bible. They will stop at nothing to locate it and destroy it.

EXCERPT TWO:

"I found out that before Father Zelenko was in charge of the church, there was another priest there who was excommunicated from the church."

"Really? How did you find that out?"

"I managed to talk to some of the older parishioners, who told me they were surprised when he was given the boot, so to speak."

"Did you find out why he was excommunicated?"

"Yes, it appears he began to question some of the things going on with the church and some outside group called…"

"The International Bureau of Archangels." Tom blurted into the phone.

"How did you know that?"

"I have had two calls from some mystery person who wanted me to check out Father Zelenko and who just last night left me a message to check out this group."

"Well, I'm not having much luck finding anything about the Bureau, but most of the local churches and any others I've contacted claim to not know anything about this group. They say they never heard of them."

AUTHOR BIO:

Steve Zimcosky is a multi-award winning and international selling author. He is the creator of the Polish Dragon P. I. series and was born in the Slavic Village area of Cleveland, Ohio where many of his stories take place. He has wanted to be an author since elementary school while reading books like White Fang and Call of the Wild by Jack London. He spends his retirement time writing short stories on a variety of subjects he hopes his readers will enjoy. Some of his favorite authors include Stephen King, James Clavell, Thomas B. Dewey and Vivien Chien.

CONNECT WITH STEVE:

AMAZON BUY LINK:

GIVEAWAY - ENTER DAILY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, November 19, 2021

Christmas Carole: A Dickens Holiday Romance by Nancy Fraser - Blurb Blitz - Book Trailer - Fun Jigsaw Puzzle - Book Review - Giveaway - Enter Daily!

Hey, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Nancy Fraser and her new book, “Christmas Carole,” here on FAB!! For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!! Also, come back daily to interact with Nancy and to increase your chances of winning!!

This eBook is on available for FREE on Amazon Kindle Unlimited during the book tour!! See below for more details.

Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!!

Christmas Carole

by Nancy Fraser

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GENRE: Sweet Holiday Romance

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BLURB:

When divorced mother of two, Carole Kelley, moves herself and her children to Dickens, she figures the most difficult thing she'll have to face is providing a perfect Christmas for her 7-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son.

What she doesn't count on is Jaxon Matthews, Wil-Bar Toy's attorney and quite possibly the most infuriating man she's ever met.

Jax wants nothing more than to finish up his current workload within the next few weeks so he can pack his bags and leave for his usual solitary Christmas on Grand Cayman Island. His plans are quickly derailed when a big contract falls through, forcing him back to the negotiating table less than a month before the holiday.

His plans are further delayed when he meets Carole Kelley. Despite his best intentions to steer clear of any romantic entanglements, he can’t help but be drawn to the beautiful woman and her infectious holiday spirit... something he hasn’t felt in years.

Once he realizes getting to know Carole means competing with her two children for her attention, he’s ready to give up on furthering their relationship. What he doesn’t count on is the power of family, and the magic of the wish stick.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Downtown Dickens

November 24th

“Momma, are we there yet? Will Millie be there? Are we going to have Thanksgiving at their house?” Lila’s questions came in rapid-fire succession. “Will I get to sleep in the tent in her room like last time?”

Carole Kelley shifted in the front seat of her minivan and glanced in her rearview mirror. Her daughter was fighting sleep with the stubbornness of a seven-year-old diva.

Her four-year-old son Jake, on the other hand, was sound asleep in his car seat, not a care in the world.

“Yes, sweetie, we’re finally here. At least in Dickens proper. It’ll take a few more minutes before we reach Barrett House. As for where you’ll sleep, that will be up to Rick and Cassidy.”

“And Uncle William?”

“Yes, dear, him too.”

“Are we going to live at Barrett House? I want to ride the horses like last time.”

Carole released a long, weary sigh, then pulled in a much-needed breath. “No, dear, we won’t be living at Barrett House, as much as I’m sure you’d love to.”

“They have lotsa bedrooms,” Lila pointed out.

“Yes, they do. However, we don’t want to impose any longer than necessary. We have a nice apartment waiting for us in the same building where Cassidy and Millie used to live.”

“Is that where the lady lives who’s going to watch me and Jake when you’re at work?”

Gripping the steering wheel, Carole stretched her back and craned her neck, working out the kinks from the eight-hour drive, before responding. “Yes. Miss Frances comes highly recommended. Millie says she’s the bestest babysitter ever.”

“Are you excited about your new job? Will it be like the job you had back in Chester?”

“It’s not exactly the same as my last job, but I’m sure I’ll love it. Who wouldn’t love working in toy factory, even if it is in the office?”

“Will Jake and me get to see where the toys are made?”

Where was that blasted Sandman when you needed him?

“I suppose, but not right away. They’re way too busy to host tours, even for family.”

“Do you think Uncle William will give me another Princess doll for Christmas?”

“I guess it will depend on how good you’ve been this year.”

“I’ve been really good,” Lila insisted. “Really, really, good.”

“Yes, Lila dear, you have been very good, and very helpful with your little brother.”

Carole negotiated the last of the three turns in the road leading from town to the outskirts, finally pulling into the driveway at Barrett House.

Once she’d parked at the front door to unload her children and their overnight bags, she pushed the button to slide the rear door open only to find her daughter had finally fallen asleep. Just when she didn’t want her to be.

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BOOK TRAILER:

Check out Nancy’s exciting new book trailer below!!!

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FUN JIGSAW PUZZLE:

Nancy has created a fun jigsaw puzzle for her readers to play!!!

Check it out here:

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=0a035ea593fa

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MY BOOK REVIEW:

Another fantastic read from Nancy Fraser and a perfect follow up to the Dickens holiday romance book series!!

Ready or not, this book is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!!

I absolutely LOVE the sweet, charming (but sadly fictitious) town of Dickens and the wonderful characters that really tie this whole storybook community together!!

Last holiday season, I had the pleasure of reading, book one, "Millie's Awesome Holiday Miracle," as well as the prequel, "Making Christmas," over this past summer. I completely fell in love with everything Dickens. So, when I heard Nancy was writing a sequel I jumped at the chance to read, host, and review her latest book in this series, "Christmas Carole."

I really enjoyed traveling back to Dickens and catching back up with everyone. I loved that this book brought back the original cast from book one and the prequel, including the Barrett family: Cass, Rick, and of course the super adorable Millie.

This particular book, focuses mostly on Carole, a divorced mom of two, her seven-year-old daughter, Lila, and her four-year-old son, Jake. Carole and her kids have just relocated to Dickens right before the holidays and are staying at the Barrett house. The last thing on Carole's mind is finding a guy or getting into a relationship. She just wants to focus on her kids, her new job at Wil-Bar Toy's, and starting her new life in Dickens. Jaxon aka Jax, an attorney at Wil-Bar Toy's, is counting down the minutes until he can leave town and head off to the Grand Cayman Island for his usual private holiday excursion. However, when a very important work deal falls through, he must put his vacation plans on hold. Jax is also not looking for a relationship or any complications, but love, faith, a wish stick, and a little holiday magic clearly have other plans for these two.

This book was such a fun, quick, enjoyable holiday read!! Like the other two books in this book series, I could not put this book down, nor did I want to!! The pages just flew right by as I was completely wrapped up in the story, fully entertained through the last page!!

I loved the different dynamics between the two lead characters, Carole and Jax. They both were so stubborn and set in their own ways, yet also so alike, which led to many silly, and very entertaining witty banter scenes.

Nancy does such a superior job at creating such realistic, genuine, likable characters that are easy to connect with and relate to.

While this book is on the shorter side, it is cleverly crafted with proper story line flow and precision plot point execution.

This book is clearly a holiday gem, a must-read, and another absolute favorite from the greatly admired and cherished author, Nancy Fraser.

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend it - and this book series!! 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!!

Also, if you find yourself falling in love with the darling Dickens community, be sure to check out the other stories featured in this quaint New England town in "Christmas Comes to Dickens: A Christmas Romance Anthology." This box set includes ten holiday novellas from ten best selling and award winning authors including the featured author, Nancy Fraser; Peggy Jaeger; Kathryn Hills, Caroline Clemmons, Lucinda Race, and many other fabulous authors.

**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations**

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AUTHOR BIO:

NANCY FRASER is an Amazon Top 100 and Award-Winning author who can’t seem to decide which sweet romance genre suits her best. So, she writes them all.

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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