Aloha to Cathy Maxwell and THE GROOM SAYS YES - Review and Giveaway

New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell continues her dazzling series, The Brides of Wishmore...

He had a noose around his neck and a price on his head...

Sabrina Davidson, dutiful daughter, avowed spinster, thought she'd secured a place for herself in Aberfeldy society—until her hard-earned acceptance of her fate is challenged by the arrival of Cormac Enright, Earl of Ballin, trained physician, soldier of fortune, and convicted felon.

A prim and proper miss was the last thing he needed...

Mac is determined to clear his name, but first he has to find the man whose testimony sentenced him to a hangman's noose. Of course, Robert Davidson is missing and protecting Mac is Davidson's daughter, the most entrancing, frustrating, beguiling, stubborn woman Mac has ever met.

And it doesn't help that he has already tasted her kisses. Or that he has found in her a passion for life and adventure to rival his own.

Mac has turned Sabrina's world inside out—but what will happen when he leaves?

Or will the Groom Say Yes?

Wade's Bridge over the Tay
Released to Public Domain (link)

One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.  - Sophocles

THE GROOM SAYS YES is Book Three in Maxwell's Wishmore Brides Series.  Its heroine, Sabrina Davidson, welcomed home her cousin, Aileen Davidson, after a scandalous divorce in Book 1, THE BRIDE SAYS NO.   Sabrina then advised Aileen's sister, Tara Davidson, on proper behavior in Book 2, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE.   Now Sabrina faces the same challenges as her cousins as she struggles with a brewing scandal.  First her sensible father shocks Sabrina with his engagement to the Widow Bosley ... and then he disappears.   His departure coincides with her discovery of a sick man in a shepherd's hut.   As she nurses the handsome but rugged man back to health, she learns he is wanted for murder ... and he wants her father to clear his name.   

THE GROOM SAYS YES is a fast paced, non stop action adventure in Regency Scotland.  Sabrina barely has time to register her shock of her father's engagement when Mac drops into her life.  Her structured life is shattered ... and Mac responds with passionate kisses.  Maxwell delivers all that readers love about the Regency Era with the majesty of the Scottish Highlands as the backdrop.   She enables hero and heroine to find redemption as they face an uncertain future.   Maxwell adds an unexpected "Lucy and Ethel" moment between unlikely freinds that ultimately brings the fated lovers together.   THE GROOM SAYS YES is memorable end to the series, even if I didn't want the series to end.

Recommended read for fans of heartwarming romances with laugh out loud moments.   

I received a print copy from Mary Gramlich, the Reading Reviewer.  

Check out Mary's review of THE GROOM SAYS YES at this link.

My picture of Culzean Castle in Scotland

I am giving away Regency swag to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Scotland, Regency, or Romance!

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 25, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 26.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Cathy and her books at cathymaxwell.com.

Check out my review of THE BRIDE SAYS NO at this link and THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE at this link.

Cover Reveal - Cathy Maxwell's THE GROOM SAYS YES

It's my party and I'll reveal if I want to!  We're celebrating the fourth anniversary of SOS Aloha (link).   I am honored to host the cover reveal of Cathy Maxwell's THE GROOM SAYS YES, Book Three in The Brides of Wishmore series:

New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell delivers a dazzling new series—The Brides of Wishmore

He had a noose around his neck and a price on his head --

Sabrina Davidson, dutiful daughter, avowed spinster, thought she’d secured a place for herself in Aberfeldy society—and then her hard-earned acceptance of her fate is challenged by the arrival of Cormac Enright, trained physician, soldier of fortune, earl of Ballin and convicted felon.

A prim and proper miss was the last thing he needed--

Mac is determined to clear his name, but first he has to find the man whose testimony sentenced him to a hangman’s noose. Of course, Robert Davidson is missing and protecting him is his daughter, the most entrancing, frustrating, beguiling, stubborn woman Mac has ever met.

And it doesn’t helped that he has already tasted her kisses. Or that he has found in her a passion for life and adventure to rival his own.

Mac has turned Sabrina’s world inside out—but what will happen when he leaves?

Or will the Groom Say Yes?

Sigh.  The talented artists at Avon Romance deliver another cover that is simply breathtaking!  Are you ready for the groom to say yes?  You'll have to wait 'til the fall .... but I know fans won't be disappointed ... check out my reviews of THE BRIDE SAYS NO (link) and THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE (link).

Thanks to Mary at BURIED UNDER ROMANCE (link) for sharing this cover reveal with me!

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Cathy and her books, check out her website at cathymaxwell.com, her Facebook at this link, and Twitter @maxwellcathy. 

Aloha to Cathy Maxwell and THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE

On this day in in 1303, the Scots engaged the English Army at the Battle of Roslin during the First War of Scottish Independence.   Five hundred years later, another battle of independence takes place in Cathy Maxwell's THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE, Book 2 in the Brides of Wishmore series:

What happens when a bride says maybe?

She’d once been the toast of London, but now scandal has brought her down. Still, pretty, petted Lady Tara Davidson can’t believe her new fate. She had wanted to marry for love . . . but her profligate father has promised her hand to none other than Breccan Campbell, the “Beast of Aberfeldy” and laird of the valley’s most despised clan! Well, Tara may have to marry him, but Breccan can’t make her love him—can he?

What happens when the groom insists?

Breccan Campbell is nobody’s fool. He knows that Tara is trouble. Yet he’s determined to reform the Campbell name even if it means forging an alliance with the arrogant beauty. There’s no doubt that Tara is a challenge, and Breccan loves nothing more. For he’s vowed to thoroughly seduce Tara—and make her his in more than name alone.

Schiehallion Summit with Loch Tummel
Schiehallion overlooks Laird Brecan's crumbling
castle in THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE.
Released to Public Domain link 

I threw a wish in the well, Don’t ask me, I'll never tell.

I looked to you as it fell, And now you're in my way.
- Call Me Maybe, Carly Rae Jepsen

Cathy Maxwell writes on the dedication page, “I am wealthy in my friends”. The perception of wealth is the basis of this book. The heroine, Lady Tara Davidson, is short on friends. A renowned beauty, Tara doesn’t have friends to guide her through beauty’s pitfalls. She grew up with her older sister substituting for her dead mother. Her sister married but returned home divorced from an abusive marriage, adding to the scandal that her father is a relentless gambling. Although Tara met “friends” in London during her debut, they simply envied her beauty and gossiped about her family. Tara, as a secondary character in THE BRIDE SAYS NO, walked away from an arranged marriage after she realized she stood in the way of two people finding love. She grew a heart ala the Grinch.

Maxwell recaps the events of THE BRIDE SAYS NO in the opening chapters of Book Two, THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE. Now it’s time to test Tara’s mantle.

Castle Campbell
Image by Alister Young
Creative Commons Attribution (link)

Unlike Tara, Laird Breccan Campbell is no beauty. He grew up being taunted for his over sized hands and awkward bearing. But he was comforted by a loving mother (who has since passed away) and supported by quirky uncles (one served in the Navy - a nod to the Navy blood that runs in Maxwell's family). Breccan is mesmerized by Tara’s beauty. He buys up her father’s debts to trade for her hand, thinking Tara’s elegance will bring respect to his family. Sadly, his family is the poor relations within the notorious Campbell Clan.

Once again, Tara is forced into a marriage that she doesn’t want to a bear of a man. Still, she bargains with Breccan – she’ll give him two bairns in exchange for a life in London after she delivers. But she has to deliver living inside a medieval castle that has not been modernized to Regency standards. Likewise, she is greeted by a pack of indoor dogs who do not take kindly to her elevated status in their master’s heart. The “wedding night” is pure fun with the dogs!

Tara soon realizes that Breccan’s clan may not be wealthy with money, but they are wealthy with love. Over time, Tara and Breccan fall in love, recognizing that their shared passion is wealth enough. Of course, there are a few hurdles to jump … and a villain from a previous series makes an appearance to stir the pot.

Maxwell delivers all that I love about Scotland – the rugged majesty, the close connection with the land, the endearing characters within a family, and the realization that wealth is more than coin. I thank Maxwell for giving Tara the opportunity mature into a true Scottish lady … and rewarding Breccan with a partner who makes him feel beautiful inside and out.

Recommended read for those who enjoy Regency romance, Scottish landscape, and a “Beauty and the Beast” theme.

I posted my review on Goodreads (link) - I appreciate your "like" vote!   I am giving away THE BRIDE SAYS MAYBE - winner's choice of format - to one randomly selected commenter.  Let's have some fun ... over the weekend, Cathy spoke on a panel with Dr. Ruth at the Mohegan Sun Resort Big Book Getaway.  Kimberly from Book Obsessed Chicks posted pictures on Facebook at this link.   

1.  If you met Dr. Ruth, what would say?  Offer her sex tips? Trade cookie recipes?  Or something else?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 1, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 2.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Cathy Maxwell and THE BRIDE SAYS NO - Burns Night Celebration

On this day in 1759, Robert Burns was born in Alloway, Scotland.  He became a pioneer of the Romance Movement and Scotland's National Poet.  His birthday is celebrated across the world with Burns Night - a special supper to honor all things Scottish.   

Back in 2004, when my husband worked for NATO in the Netherlands, we were invited by the UK delegation to Burns Night.  At that time, I was a new reader of the romance genre - I was converted by Cathy Maxwell's THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT, set in Regency Scotland   Still, I knew little about Burns.  

The evening opened my eyes to how Burns' poetry rallied the Scottish people at a time when their national culture was suppressed following the Jacobite Rebellion.   Above, the Master of Ceremonies quotes Burns in praising the Haggis served for supper (I opted for the vegetarian entree). 

Scotland. Alba.  She is enchanting.  She enchanted Blake Stephens, an arrogant Englishman who chased after his Scottish bride in Cathy Maxwell's THE BRIDE SAYS NO:

New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell returns with a delicious new series, The Brides of Wishmore

What happens when a bride says no?

He is the bastard son of a duke, arrogant, handsome, a little bit dangerous, and, of course, one of the most sought-after bachelors in London. He is also about to be publicly jilted by some chit of a girl! Blake Stephens' pride isn't about to let him be humiliated, so he charges after his bride to the wilds of Scotland, determined to bring her to the altar.

What happens when the heart says yes?

He is promised to one woman, but discovers his soul stirred by . . . the chit's sister! Lady Aileen Davidson's reputation was ruined ages ago, which is why she's buried herself in the country, but her fiery spirit and bold beauty threaten to bring Blake to his knees, making him wonder if he has proposed to the wrong lass.

And now he must make a choice: marry for honor . . . or marry for love?

Loch Tay near Kenmore, Scotland
Released to Public Domain (link)

Lady Aileen opens Blake's eyes to love - love that he sees in many forms among the Scottish villagers. I referenced how Scotland transforms Blake in my review posted on Goodreads (link). THE BRIDE SAYS NO is available Tuesday, January 28, from Avon Romance.

I believe Blake would quote Burns' MY HIGHLAND LASSIE, O:

Nae gentle dames, tho' e'er sae fair,
Shall ever be my muse's care;
Their titles a' are empty show;
Gie me my Highland Lassie, O.
Within the glen sae bushy, O,
Aboon the plain sae rushy, O,
I sit me down wi' right good will,
To sing my Highland Lassie, O.

To celebrate Burns Night, Cathy Maxwell, and Highland lassies, I am giving away a special throw blanket with the Scottish Rampart design.   To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Burns Night - do you have a favorite poem?  Have you attended Burns Supper?  Have you (or would you) eat Haggis?

2.  This giveaway is open to readers with a US mailing address.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, February 1.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, February 2.   

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Cathy and her books from her website at cathymaxwell.com.   

Enter the chance to win a copy of THE BRIDE SAYS NO at this link.

Book 2 will be available February 25.

Aloha to Fleet Week with Cathy Maxwell

On Friday, I am driving to the New Jersey Romance Writers (NHRW) Put Your Heart in a Book conference (link) with Cathy Maxwell.   It is a fan girl's dream come true.  From her bio (link),

You would never believe: That I’ve spent six years in the Navy. I worked in the Pentagon and did a tour with Naval Intelligence. I’ve also managed a watch factory, been a news broadcaster, and done costumes for local theater. Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy.

It's a situation similar to the chicken and the egg - do I admire Cathy for her heartfelt romances?  Or do I admire her service as a Navy veteran, Navy spouse, Navy mom, and now a Coast Guard mom?  It's both ... her experience with military families clearly influence her voice, her humor, and her characters.   Again from her bio,

My favorite quote: From Debbie Macomber, “Attitude is the key . . . each one of us is as successful as we make up our minds to be.”

I am giving away a print copy of FOR LOVE AND HONOR:

Three military heroes . . . fighting to protect their countries, their homes, and the women they love.

In New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell's The Bookish Miss Nelson, it's the duty of daring Army Captain William Duroy to escort Miss Pippa Nelson through enemy territory, bringing her safely home to England. But can he resist falling in love?

In Lynne Hinton's Letters From Pie Town, a New Mexico town couldn't be prouder of its very own Raymond Twinhorse, injured while fighting in Afghanistan. So Trina Lockhart gathers letters from Raymond's friends and family, hoping their wishes will help to heal the man she loves—and bring him back home.

In Candis Terry's Home Sweet Home, Lt. Aiden Marshall returns to Sweet, Texas, after facing the devastation of war. With the help of the entire town—and a tail-wagging companion—the woman he's always loved makes her hero's homecoming all the more sweet.

To enter the giveaway,

1.  I'll have Cathy all to myself for three plus hours on the road ... what would you like to me to ask her?

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.   I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Cathy, her books, and her adventures, check out her website at cathymaxwell.com.

Coming January 2014