Aloha to Laura Trentham and THEN HE KISSED ME (Cottonbloom Novel Book 2)

Reminder: I have a special giveaway to celebrate June at this link.

Can two hearts come together in one divided town?

As a boy, Nash Hawthorne spent countless afternoons on the Louisiana side of Cottonbloom with Tally Fournette, wading in the river, peeling oranges and catching frogs. When illness stole his mother, Nash yearned to take Tally and run away—for good. Instead, he crossed the state line to live with his aunt. It was a short distance as the crow flies, but it swept him into a whole new world…

After Nash left, Tally managed to struggle through her own losses without him. But now that she’s crossed paths with him again—at Cottonbloom College, where the grown-up, gorgeous Nash teaches history—she is reminded of their cherished youthful connection…and an attraction that has only gotten stronger with age. Between Tally’s possessive ex and Nash’s snobbish aunt, no one thinks they belong together. In a town torn apart by old resentments and rivalries, can they find their way back to the life they once shared—and turn their long-lost dreams into a real and lasting love?

I was born and raised in a small town in Northwest Tennessee. Although, I loved English and reading in high school, I was convinced an English degree equated to starvation! So, I chose the next most logical major - Chemical Engineering- and worked in a hard hat and steel toed boots for several years. Now I live in South Carolina with my husband and two children. In between school and homework and soccer practices, I love to get lost in another world, whether its Regency England or small town Alabama.

KISS ME THAT WAY, Book 1 of the first trilogy, released May 31st and has been getting incredible reviews. It's my first paperback that's been widely available at bookstores and Walmarts around the country. It is very cool to see my book between two writing idols, Lisa Kleypas and Debbie Macomber! Book 2, THEN HE KISSED ME releases June 28th, and Book 3, TILL I KISSED YOU, is out Aug 2nd! This is your perfect binge-beach read!

Learn more about Laura and her books, including excepts, at lauratrentham.com.

Natchez–Vidalia Bridge over the Mississippi River

Released to Public Domain (link)

I read an ARC for TILL I KISSED YOU - loved it!  And you will love the Cottonbloom series!  I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about what you know about Mississippi, the Magnolia State, and/or Louisiana, the Pelican State.

2. Comments are open from Saturday, July 2, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, July 3.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Melissa Cutler and ONE HOT SUMMER (One and Only Texas) - Book Review

Welcome to Dulcet, Texas, home of the legendary Briscoe Ranch Resort, where one woman will discover that even love is bigger in the Lone Star State.

Celebrity wedding planner Remedy Lane is Hollywood royalty—until a scandal sends her packing to the wilds of Texas. She has a knack for leaving disaster in her wake, but she’s determined to reboot her career at Briscoe Ranch, a luxury resort known for extravagant weddings. Little does she know that weddings don’t happen at the resort without the approval of the town’s cowboy-swaggering, too-hot-for-his-own-good fire chief, Micah Garrity.

Micah knows trouble when he sees it, and all it takes is one glimpse of Remedy’s princess airs for him to know he’s met his match. Too bad he can’t stop thinking about her—even when she brings about one disaster after another at the resort. He and Remedy clash at every turn, but they can’t stop the sparks flying between them. They come from such different worlds—does love stand a chance or will this fire burn too hot for either of them to handle?

Don't miss the first book in Melissa Cutler's One and Only Texas series!

AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO
ITUNES

Savage Volunteer Firehouse

Summer turns me upside down. - The Cars, "Magic"

Remedy Lane arrives at the legendary Briscoe Ranch resort to resurrect her career as a wedding planner.  Micah Garrity stands in her way as the fire chief/fire marshal who takes exception to the resort's lax compliance with fire codes.  Micah knows first hand how fire can scar families. He has no intention of being distracted by a sweet talking Californian transplant.

Cutler also balances the serious undertones of fire safety with physical comedy - Remedy is a walking disaster waiting to happen. Despite her clumsy persona, Remedy radiates raw sexuality that draws Micah into her world.  Cutler delivers snappy dialogue as the city girl squares off with the country boy for one hot summer.   

Recommended read for fans of heroes with swagger and heroines with grit.

I received a print copy from the author for an honest review.

New York Fire Department

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

1. Leave a comment about fire houses - have you toured?  Rode a fire truck?  Chatted with firemen? We've visited plenty of fire houses with the Boy Scouts!

2. Comments are open through Saturday, April 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Melissa and her books at melissacutler.net.

Coming in October ...

Fàilte St. Andrew's Day, Patience Griffin, and THE ACCIDENTAL SCOT - Book Review

Christmas in the small village of Gandiegow brings holiday cheer—and a chance for love between two strangers…

When her father is injured in an accident, Edinburgh engineer Pippa McDonnell comes home to Gandiegow to take over the family business, the North Sea Valve Company. Now she’s working overtime trying to fix NSV’s finances and find the cash to get her father proper medical care.

One possibility is to accept a partnership with MTech, an American firm desperate to get their hands on her da’s innovative valve design. He was against bringing in outsiders, but Pippa is desperate enough to at least listen to MTech’s charming representative Max McKinley.

As Christmas approaches and with the help of Gandiegow's meddling quilters, Pippa and Max slowly find themselves attracted to each other. Max seems honorable, but is he there to steal the valve design…or Pippa’s heart?

Dunnottar Castle overlooks the North Sea

Tuig thus’ an t-eathar, 's tuigidh an t-eathar thu.
Understand the boat and the boat will understand you.

The Accidental Scot is Book 4 in Patience Griffin's contemporary series, Kilts and Quilts, set in Northeast Alba, overlooking the mighty North Sea.  I loved the first book, To Scotland With Love - a double nominee for the 2015 Rita Award.   I received Books 2 and 3 just before I moved across town; I hope they are tucked away in an unopened box.   Griffin asked me to review Book 4 ... and I jumped at the opportunity.  

In the first three books, American women escaped to Gandiegow following failures in their lives. They soon discovered warmth and romance among the quilts and kilts.  In The Accidental Scot, it is a handsome American engineer who arrives in Gandiegow to offer a partnership with "the McDonnell" who owns North Sea Valve Company.  Max's boss believes his honest face and technical skills will win over "the McDonnell".  Instead, Max meets Pippa McDonnell who is holding together the company after her father's accident. Pippa is skeptical of Max's intentions and sets out to show him the "human" side of the company. She integrates him into the village's Yuletide celebrations not realizing Max's only flaw is his humbug attitude of Christmas.  But this is Scotland!   Pippa, along with the colorful denizens of Gandiegow, warm Max's heart to the festive season and an unexpected romance.

Pippa and Max seems like polar opposites - Scot versus Yank, village girl versus city boy, small business versus big corporation.  Yet they are both engineers and realize they can retool their circumstances to find happiness.  It was pure joy to read how Pippa and Max fell in love with a little help from old Scots magic.   I also appreciated Griffin's vivid descriptions:

The small village of Gandiegow hugged the coastline in an arc with a smattering of houses and buildings.  The town looked as if an artist had painted it there to add visual interest to the snow dusted bluffs rising out of the North Sea. 

For a moment, he stood peering down the narrow walkway that expanded to the other end of town.  this strip of concrete was the only thing that separated the ocean from the village.  He really should go inside the pub - he was freezing his ass off - but he couldn't get over it.  One strong wave and the town could be washed away, the sixty-three houses and various establishments pulled out to sea. Who in their right mind would live near such danger looming outside their door?

The Yank learned the Scots lived by their love for the land, sea, and each other.  I have visited Alba twice and wandered the coastline in search of crumbling castles. Go raibh maith agat (thank you), Patience, for taking me back to Alba.

Now I need to find Books 2 and 3!  Recommended read for fans of small town romance, an honorable hero, a capable heroine, and all things Scottish. 

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Please share a holiday tradition in your family or business. My office decided to forgo a gift exchange in favor of adopting a local family in need.  Needless to say, I donate books to our effort!

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, December 5, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 6.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Patience and her books at patiencegriffin.com.

Coming in April 2016

Aloha to Alexandra Brown and THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF - Book Review

Heartbroken after being jilted at the altar, Sybil has been saved from despair by her knitting obsession and now her home is filled to bursting with tea cosies, bobble hats, and jumpers. But, after discovering that she may have perpetrated the cock-up of the century at work, Sybil decides to make a hasty exit and, just weeks before Christmas, runs away to the picturesque village of Tindledale.

There, Sybil discovers Hettie’s House of Haberdashery, an emporium dedicated to the world of knitting and needle craft. But Hettie, the outspoken octogenarian owner, is struggling and now the shop is due for closure. And when Hettie decides that Sybil’s wonderfully wacky Christmas jumpers are just the thing to add a bit of excitement to her window display, something miraculous starts to happen…

Keep calm and knit on. - Sybs (Sybil)

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF opens with Hettie (in Tindledale) skimping on her lunch and worrying about the growing pile of bills.  She does not want to relocate to an old folks home so her nefarious nephew could sell her House of Haberdashery in a real estate deal.  Meanwhile, Sybs (in London) is a shell of her former self after her fiance ran away with her twin sister.  She also suspects she is the reason for a 40,000 pounds clerical error at work.  With Christmas just around the corner, Sybs escapes to Tindledale for the weekend to visit her school friend.  Upon arrival in the postcard perfect village, she finds everything that is not London - friendly townsfolk who are willing to help her.  In turn, Sybs wanders into Hettie's House of Haberdashery, a wonderland for any knitting enthusiast.  It awakens Sybs' passion for yarn which she employs to save Hettie's business.  Sybs restores Hettie's self esteem along with her own.

Brown creates magic in THE GREAT CHRISTMAS KNIT-OFF.  Although it could be the Hallmark holiday movie of the week, it delivers humor, warmth, and cheer in the English countryside.  The plot may be predictable, but the characters are colorful.  Sybs, in particular, shines bright like a Christmas ornament.  Even though she has been through hell, Sybs remains optimistic when helping others.  Her focus outward helps her heal inward.

I am not a knitting enthusiast but I could still enjoy the fun during the "knitting days"; everyone in town helped out. Brown reminds us of the Christmas message - hope, community, and forgiveness.  Sprinkle in pop culture, rustic charm, and a budding romance with the country doctor for heartwarming story for the coming holidays.

Recommended read for fans of British Chick Lit, small town romance, and cheering for underdogs.

I received a print copy from the publisher.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Christmas sweaters - do you have a hand knitted one?  Or a goofy one?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, November 14, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, November 15.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Alexandra and her books at alexbrownauthor.com.

No sweater needed in Hawaii ...

Aloha to Stacy Finz and GOING HOME - Guest post and giveaway

Stacy Finz joins us today to celebrate the release of GOING HOME ...

For more than twenty years I was a newspaper reporter. When I told people what I did for a living the inevitable question was “What do you cover?” For a long time I covered crime, especially high-profile murders that made headline news, including O.J. Simpson, the Yosemite murders and the Scott Peterson case. As you can imagine the questions ran the gamut: “You think he really did it?” “Were you ever alone with him in a room?” “Have you ever met Barbara Walters?”

Just in case you’re interested, the answers are yes, yes and no.

But now that I write romance novels, specifically small-town contemporaries, the questions and comments are completely different, but there are several that crop up constantly. Here they are in no particular order.

1) This one kind of makes me prickly: “I have a really good idea for a book. Maybe we could collaborate.”

With my teeth clenched, but in a polite way, my response is almost always the same. “I have plenty of my own ideas, just the lack of time to write them all. But if you have a good idea, you should write it yourself. Really.”

2) This one makes me laugh (in a good way): “Is there a lot of sex in your books? And if so how do you come up with your scenes?”

There is some sex in my books, but strictly R rated (at least in my opinion). And the whole time I’m writing those scenes there is a niggling in the back of my head that my mom and friends are going to read this. Ick. But for heaven’s sake it is a romance novel.

3) “How do you come up with your characters?” is a question I get a lot.

Sometimes they’re amalgams of people I know. Sometimes they’re completely made up, based on characteristics I think will be appealing or particularly loathsome to readers. I don’t like characters that are too much of anything -- so sweet he or she gives you a toothache or so mean that you want to finish him or her off with a pickax before you get midway through the book.

4) “Who are your favorite authors?” pops up almost every time I tell someone I’m a writer.

It’s a good question, but inevitably I get brain freeze and forget my favorite authors’ names. I have so many that it would take all day anyway.

5) “Can you make a living writing romance novels?”

A lot of my friends are journalists and have no qualms asking pointed questions. My standard answer is: “’Making a living’ means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, so I really wouldn’t know how to answer that.” Then I quickly change the subject.

6) This one is a classic: “Any chance they’ll turn your book into a movie or a television series?”

That actually happened to a friend of mine. Her very first book was picked up by a major network and turned into a television series. She got to go to the studio, hang out with the actors and collaborate with the writers. I’m guessing, however, that it’s pretty rare. But a girl can certainly dream. 

A mountain flower (from Hawaii)

The small mountain town of Nugget, California, has a strange way of giving people unexpected reasons to start over—and find the most irresistible chances to fall in love…

Maddy Breyer needs to prove she can make her own life after betrayal blew up her previous happily-ever-after. Staying totally focused on renovating a decrepit mansion into a bed-and-breakfast might help her—and this recession-hit town—finally turn things around. But the mysterious new sheriff is the kind of lawbreaking temptation that’s an even bigger challenge to resist…

Detective Rhys Shepard is only back in Nugget long enough to care for his ailing father. He’s got a big-city promotion far away from this place that never accepted him. He does not need a sudden crime wave to solve. Or one leggy case of heartbreak stirring up all kinds of trouble and challenging his rules. Which might explain why he’s suddenly finding it hard to leave…

Stacy Finz is an award-winning former San Francisco Chronicle reporter. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. In 2012 she won the Daphne du Maurier Award for unpublished single-title mystery/suspense. She lives in Berkeley, California with her husband.

Website link: stacyfinz.com

Purchase links: Kensington/Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Kobo/iTunes

Stacy is giving away a digital copy of GOING HOME.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about California - what do you know about it?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 19, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 20.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Hawaii's gold ... pineapple!

Aloha to Jodi Thomas and A PLACE CALLED HARMONY

The best selling, award winning, and truly charming Jodi Thomas joins me today to celebrate the release of  A PLACE CALLED HARMONY ...

Once in a while in my career of forty books, there comes a story I know I have to write. It waits like an impatient child in the back of my mind for its time to shine. A PLACE CALLED HARMONY was one of those stories. As I moved through the Harmony series, getting to know the people of Harmony, Texas, better with each book I knew that someday I’d tell the beginning of their town. From the day I started writing the characters came through clear. I had to find men strong enough to influence the generations of Mathesons, Trumans and McAllens.

When Truman, Matheson and McAllen’s stories began to dance in my mind, I found myself staying up later every night to write more. I love the way the three men interacted and the way all three loves storied grew. I have a feeling that readers will be staying up a little later to read one more chapter.

I felt close to all of them, because my great-grandparents settled this same country over a hundred years ago. My grandmother was even born in a covered wagon.

So follow me through A PLACE CALLED HARMONY you’ll love the story.

I was sitting at Jodi's table at the RWA Awards Ceremony in 2011
when she won the RITA for WELCOME TO HARMONY.

Mahalo, Jodi, for giving readers A PLACE CALLED HARMONY:

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas has captivated America with her novels set in the small town of Harmony, Texas. Now she tells the story of the three hard-luck men who first settled the town, a place where last chances and long-awaited dreams collide…

Desperate to escape his overbearing father, Patrick McAllen disappears with his bride, heading north to build a new town—discovering strength, honor and true love along the way.
After drinking away the grief from his family’s death, Clint Truman avoids jail by taking a job in North Texas and settling down with a woman he vows to protect but never love—until her quiet compassion slowly breaks his hardened heart wide open…

All Gillian Matheson has ever known is Army life, leaving his true love to be a part-time spouse. But when a wounded Gillian returns home to find her desperately fighting to save their marriage, he’s determined to become the husband she deserves.

Amidst storms, outlaws, and unwelcome relatives, the three couples band together to build a town—and form a bond that breathes life into the place that will forever be called Harmony.
I am giving away a print copy of A PLACE CALLED HARMONY.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about harmony - what brings peace for you?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, October 11, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunda, October 12.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Jodi and her books at jodithomas.com.

The beach brings me harmony ...

Aloha to Patience Griffin and TO SCOTLAND WITH LOVE - Book Review

Welcome to the charming Scottish seaside town of Gandiegow—where two people have returned home for different reasons, but to find the same thing.…

Caitriona Macleod gave up her career as an investigative reporter for the role of perfect wife. But after her husband is found dead in his mistress’s bed, a devastated Cait leaves Chicago for the birthplace she hasn’t seen since she was a child. She’s hoping to heal and to reconnect with her gran. The last thing she expects to find in Gandiegow is the Sexiest Man Alive! She just may have stumbled on the ticket to reigniting her career—if her heart doesn’t get in the way.

Graham Buchanan is a movie star with many secrets. A Gandiegow native, he frequently hides out in his hometown between films. He also has a son he’ll do anything to protect. But Cait Macleod is too damn appealing—even if she is a journalist.

Quilting with her gran and the other women of the village brings Cait a peace she hasn’t known in years. But if she turns in the story about Graham, Gandiegow will never forgive her for betraying one of its own. Should she suffer the consequences to resurrect her career? Or listen to her battered and bruised heart and give love another chance?

This is my country,
The land that begat me,
These windy spaces
Are surely my own.
and those who toil here
In the sweat of their faces
Are flesh of my flesh
And bone of my bone.
- Sir Alexander Gray

Caitie MacLeod returns home to Gandiegow, a small village along Alba's coast, after a failed marriage.   The one consolation is her philandering husband died before the costly divorce.   Caitie intended to escape to a cottage of her own, only to realize upon her arrival that it had burned.  Seeking aid from a neighbor, she stumbles across movie star Graham Buchanan.   He often escapes to Gandiegow to visit his family - but Gandiegow is his secret.   Caitie's initial response to her surprise meeting is to write an article about the private life of the reclusive star to jump start her journalism career that withered away during her doomed marriage.  

As Caitie settles into the village, she joins the quilting circle, rebuilts her relationship with her cranky Grandmother, and becomes a part of Graham's life as he struggles with privacy.   TO SCOTLAND WITH LOVE follows a predictable plot as Caitie's unwritten article will come back to haunt her.   Yet this contemporary romance novel is full of heartwarming moments, humorous banter, and Scotland in all its glory.   Caitie ultimately recognizes that she is one of the squares in the quilt that binds Gandiegow together.

Griffin explores the complex relationships within families and even communities; it is not all black and white, nor bad or good. Likewise, Griffin incorporates the "circle of life" throughout the story - I'll leave it at that.   Griffin delivered a smooth narrative which kept my interest.  I read the book in one sitting.  I enjoyed the occasional references to the quilting culture even though I am not a quilter.  Recommended read for those who appreciate Scotland's way of life.

I purchased TO SCOTLAND WITH LOVE from the author during the RWA Literacy Signing in San Antonio.  

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about quilts.   My husband's 4th grade teacher (and family friend) made one for our wedding and one each for our sons' birth.   They are her legacy and our family's treasures.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 20, 10 pm in Baltimore. 

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Patricia and her books patiencegriffin.com.

Coming in 2015

Aloha to Jodi Thomas and BETTING THE RAINBOW - Guest Post

RITA winning author Jodi Thomas joins us today for a cozy chat about her new release, BETTING THE RAINBOW, Book 7 in her Harmony, Texas series ...

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas returns to the town of Harmony, Texas, where life has a way of making better plans than anyone ever imagined… ...

Sisters Abby and Dusti Delaney have spent their entire lives on Rainbow Lane, but they dream of something bigger. So when a poker tournament comes to town, Dusti is determined to win enough money to leave. Enlisting expert Kieron O’Brian to teach her the game, sparks begin to fly as they play their hands. But Kieron refuses to stand in the way of her dream, even if it means losing her forever...

After a year of traveling, Ronny Logan is settling into a home on Rainbow Lane, but that’s all the settling she’ll be doing. Ronny refuses to fall for anyone, regardless of the chemistry she has with her neighbor Austin Hawk. Yet something undeniable begins to grow between the two loners—if only they can let their barriers fall and open their hearts...

BETTING THE RAINBOW
Release date: April 1, 2014
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 978-0-425-26840-7
Retail price: USA $7.99

One of my favorite things to do in the world is to sit down with a character who walks into my office (figuratively speaking), sits down and tells me her story. That’s how the book BETTING THE RAINBOW began.

I knew I wanted to write about Ronny Logan since she’d been with me in Harmony for several books. I felt like I’d grown up with her from the shy postal worker who wouldn’t talk to anyone in town to a world traveler trying to run away from her grief.

Only I didn’t know Dusti Delaney when I started. She and her sister had put their lives on hold to come home and take care of a dying mother. By the time she finally passed they’d lost everything except the small farm on Rainbow Lane. They were barely holding on with no hope of reclaiming their former lives. Then, Dusti heard about a charity poker game. If she won she might be able to afford to make their dreams come true. Only problem was, the one man who could teach her to play had flown in to win the game.

Reagan Truman runs the huge event while in the middle of her own crisis. The one man she’s ever loved has come home, but she’s not sure she can accept him and all the baggage he brings. Noah has to do something far braver than riding bulls if he wants to win her back.

I'm betting that this touching story of deep love between family, friends and lovers will leave you feeling good all over.

Jodi Thomas
jodithomas.com
Twitter.com/jodithomas
facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor

Mahalo, Jodi, for writing the Harmony series.   I am giving away a print copy of BETTING THE RAINBOW to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. Can you share a time and/or place where you were amazed by a rainbow? I have seen many in Hawaii ... perhaps my favorite is the one captured by my inlaws over the pineapple fields on Maui.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, April 5, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 6.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Jodi Thomas and BETTING THE RAINBOW - Book Review

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas returns to the town of Harmony, Texas, where life has a way of making better plans than anyone ever imagined… in BETTING THE RAINBOW:

Sisters Abby and Dusti Delaney have spent their entire lives on Rainbow Lane, but they dream of something bigger. So when a poker tournament comes to town, Dusti is determined to win enough money to leave. Enlisting expert Kieron O’Brian to teach her the game, sparks begin to fly as they play their hands. But Kieron refuses to stand in the way of her dream, even if it means losing her forever...

After a year of traveling, Ronny Logan is settling into a home on Rainbow Lane, but that’s all the settling she’ll be doing. Ronny refuses to fall for anyone, regardless of the chemistry she has with her neighbor Austin Hawk. Yet something undeniable begins to grow between the two loners—if only they can let their barriers fall and open their hearts...

Be thou the rainbow in the storms of life. - Lord Byron

BETTING THE RAINBOW is Book 7 in Thomas' contemporary series set in Harmony, Texas.   I joined the series with Book 5, CHANCE OF A LIFETIME, and continued with Book 6, CAN'T STOP BELIEVING.    Thomas makes it easy to settle into Harmony with BETTING THE RAINBOW as she seeminglessly introduces the characters from previous books while offering new protagonists to cheer.   

In fact, Thomas creates an entire community to envelope the reader with Harmony's warmth.   It is that commpassion that helps several characters heal from their broken bodies, spirits, and hearts.   Thomas' strength lies in the layers she builds to give each character depth beyond the obvious pain they have felt. 
  

Thomas delivers the rainbow and all its glorious colors to Harmony's denizens through this poignant, humorous, and romantic novel about second chances.   Recommended read for those who enjoy heartwarming romances set in small towns.

I received a print copy of BETTING THE RAINBOW from the publisher for an honest review.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Jodi and her books, check out her website at jodithomas.com.

Jodi won the RITA for WELCOME TO HARMONY.