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A New Home for the Irish Daughter by Kate Hewitt-Blog Tour

ABOUT THE BOOK

Maggie gazes out at the new and bustling city, promising herself she will do whatever it takes to make it her home, the place where she can finally follow her dreams…

Chicago, 1892: Maggie O’Halloran knows she is lucky to have escaped New York City with her life, after a notorious gang threatened her and her brother. Now, twisting the wedding ring on her finger, she knows her friend Brendan O’Donoghue’s plan to pretend to be married is sensible. But can she really pretend to be his wife when she doesn’t love him with her whole heart?

Walking Chicago’s cobbled streets, Maggie is more resolved than ever to rebuild her life and when she secures a job at the famous department store, Marshall Field & Company, she is delighted. But when ghosts of her past appear in the millinery department, she knows her true identity could be revealed at any moment, and her dreams once more reduced to ash.

When a chance encounter leads to Maggie making hats for Chicago’s World’s Fair, her desire to become fully independent feels closer than ever. But as gossip swirls about her relationship with her benefactor, can Maggie keep her head held high in this city she now calls home?

When Brendan finds himself in a perilous situation, Maggie’s courage is tested more than ever before. With danger looming, can she and Brendan survive it together? Or will they once more need to flee their home to find safety, and a chance to begin again?

The second book in the sweeping Maggie O’Halloran series, this is a heartbreaking and epic story about the importance of finding home and following your heart. Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Kristin Harmel and Jean Grainger.

Buy Link Here

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Maggie O’Halloran series. In the last book Maggie and her brother and Brendan end up fleeing New York because her brother was involved in a gang and they would have done him in if he stayed.
This continuation is so realistic, so heartbreaking. You can feel every emotion the characters do, every sigh of relief every heartbreaking moment of crushing disappointment.
Maggie and Brendan pretend to be married for proprieties sake but that seems to bring it’s own laundry list of problems.
As much as Maggie struggles, she is also blessed with some freedom but that comes with problems as well. I did enjoy our main characters a lot. They really struggled, got down but they didn’t stay down they were strong, they had to be. There really was a lot going on in Chicago where they moved to, these Irish immigrants. I enjoyed reading about the Chicago Exhibition and how long it took to prepare for it.
There were unexpected twists and turns I couldn’t have seen coming and I enjoyed this book so much.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Kate Hewitt is the author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. Her novels have been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers.

An American ex-pat for many years, she now lives in New Jersey with her husband, two of her five children (the others are scattered across the globe!), their two Golden Retrievers and their independent cat. Join her newsletter to receive updates and giveaways, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate’s Reads, to discuss all manner of books. Links can be found on her website, katehewittbooks (.com).

Her latest releases are Where The Dawn Finds Us, a dystopian novel about a woman protecting her family after a nuclear holocaust, Summer Skies over Starr’s Fall, the fourth standalone in her new heartwarming series inspired by the Gilmore Girls, and The Long Winter, the fifth in her Wildflower Valley’s series about modern homesteading and inspired by Little House on the Prairie. There’s something for everyone so do check them all out, and be in touch as Kate loves to hear from readers. You can discuss Kate’s books as well as others on her private Facebook group, Kate’s Reads or read her thoughts on Substack.

Thank you for stopping in.

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A Holiday Homicide (A Secret Bookcase Mystery Book 4)

258 pages Publisher ‏ : ‎ Storm Publishing Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie Murray’s festive plans at the Secret Bookcase are thrown into disarray when a celebrity baker drops dead during a gingerbread-baking competition…

As whispers of foul play swirl like snowflakes, Annie soon finds herself tangled in a web of secrets, small-town rivalry, and long-buried mysteries.

With pub-owner and new love Liam by her side and the help of her loyal bookstore colleagues, Annie sets out to solve Redwood Grove’s latest murder mystery. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more she discovers that the baking community isn’t as sweet as it seems…

Can Annie unwrap the truth before the killer strikes again? Or will this be one Christmas she won’t live to remember?

Grab yourself a Christmas cookie and lose yourself in this delightfully twisty murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. A perfectly festive read fans of Joanne Fluke, Tonya Kappes, and Ellery Adams will adore.

MY THOUGHTS

A Holiday Homicide is the fourth book in the A Secret Bookcase Mystery series.
There are now six books published in the series and with this book I’ve read three of them.
I enjoy cozy mysteries, but when they are Christmas/holiday themed it’s a little extra.
I have loved every series I’ve read by the author, and this series is another winner.
Fast paced activity, you’ll catch yourself staying up late just to finish and believe me when I say there’s a lot of action at the end.
Who knew gingerbread baking could be so dangerous. Quirky characters, a welcome holiday feel and clues that’ll keep you reading were just what I was looking for in this holiday book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

ELLIE ALEXANDER is a voracious storyteller, a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over thirty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Find out more about Ellie, her books, and writing courses by visiting her online:

Website: https://www.elliealexander.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexander

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexanderauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexanderauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexanderauthor

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ellielovesbooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexanderauthor

Thank you for stopping in.

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When They Met Again: An Amish Friends to Lovers Contemporary Romance Set in Lancaster County (Letters from Lancaster County) 

368 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date

March 17, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

A gently humorous just friends romance from Leslie Gould, threaded with heart-deep characters and the timeless traditions of simple Amish life.

It’s love at first sight for Adam Slaybaugh, yet while Joanna Grebel finds him attractive and is intrigued when he declares his interest, she’s less certain of the potential for a romantic future together. Instead, she proposes they be “just friends,” but Adam’s not willing to settle for anything less than a romantic relationship. In response, he leaves Lancaster County for Florida, and soon after, Joanna begins courting Jacob Byer–someone she deems a much more suitable match.

When Adam returns to Lancaster County years later to pursue a career in his grandparents’ successful home renovation business, he finds Joanna suffering from a broken heart. Misunderstandings and matchmaking schemes begin a tender journey of healing and romance–but is Adam’s love enough to finally win Joanna over?

MY THOUGHTS

When They Met Again is the second book in the Letters from Lancaster series.
I am so glad I got a chance to read it. Amish books are one of my favorites and this is an author I can always get excited about reading her books. I have been reading her books for years.
Joanna isn’t interested in anyone courting her as she thinks she’s too young to get serious and she wants to be friends first and take it from there.
Adam is interested in her, but she wants to keep it as friends. I should also point out Adam loves ice-cream and wants her to accompany him to the ice cream shop.
When Jacob comes around and she finds herself falling for him things start changing and there are some surprises along the way.
I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know the characters and look forward to the next book in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Leslie Gould is the best-selling and award-winning author of over forty novels. She loves research, traveling, and church history. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon and have four grown children and one grandchild. http://www.lesliegould.com/

Thank you for stopping in.

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A Moment to Love: Christian Historical Romance Set in a Small Town on the Western Frontier of Wyoming (The Hope of Cheyenne)

304 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date October 21, 2025

ABOUT THE BOOK

A shared heart for justice pulls them together, but is their love strong enough to survive their trials?

Dr. Carrie Vogel’s heart is shattered when her groundbreaking medical research is stolen and falsely credited to her ex-fiancé. With years of diligent work lost, she grapples with the disastrous turn of her career and leans on her faith for strength. When she learns that her Pinkerton friend Spencer Duval is on a justice-driven mission to her hometown of Cheyenne, she agrees to an arranged marriage to provide him with a cover story. But merely pretending to be in love with Spencer becomes increasingly difficult the more time she spends with him.

Spencer is determined to apprehend the ruthless murderer who killed his father years ago, but his quest ignites unexpected emotions–both for Carrie and about the desire for revenge that has dominated his life. As the web of suspects tightens, their futures hang in the balance, and they must learn to trust God’s plan as unexpected love takes flight.

MY THOUGHTS

The Third and final book in the Hope of Cheyenne series.
The series is set in a Small Town on the Western Frontier of Wyoming.
Starting out in 1865 in Philadelphia, PA we meet our heroine, Spencer Duval as a ten-year-old boy. His father is a Pinkerton agent doing his job chasing the bad guys. The Astor brothers were on the run and had for years been making money illegally. There was only one left the others the law had taken care of. As the country was celebrating a victory his father was still determined to catch his man. Seeing him he set off and his ten-year-old son knew not to follow him into danger, but boys will be boys and he didn’t listen.
He got there just in time to see his father downed by this wicked man and carries his need for revenge into his adulthood. He becomes a Pinkerton agent himself and vows to get his revenge.
As time slips into the future it is now twenty-five years later and Spencer is still on the hunt for his man.
Brilliant female doctor is appalled her research material has been stolen by her former fiancé and he has been credited for it.
She agrees to an arranged marriage to her friend Pinkerton agent Spencer Duval to provide him a cover story and when it involves moving to her hometown of Cheyenne, she is ready.
Though once together they both have trouble remembering this is a fake marriage and want to make it work out.
As time progresses, we find ourselves asking is the ruthless drive for revenge and justice morally right with the circumstances as they have presented themselves now?
Quite a story. I really had to keep reading to see how this would be resolved.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

Thank you for stopping in.

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A SPRINKLE OF SWEET SERENDIPITY by Rachel Linden-Blog Tour

A tantalizing novel about a struggling chocolatier who is granted a magical vision of the future of her dreams, only to realize that her heart may desire something else entirely, from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.

Paris trained chocolatier and single mother Emmie Wynne gave up her own dreams six years ago when she returned to her Pacific Northwest coastal tourist town to run her family’s struggling candy store. Now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Emmie has only one wish, to be granted the vision that every Wynne woman is given once in her lifetime—a shimmering glimpse of her true destiny. This year, when she blows out her candles, it finally comes true.

Her vision is more delectable than she could’ve imagined—her very own artisanal chocolate shop filled with decadent truffles and caramels, and her celebrity crush, Henry Summers, down on one knee. And when Henry suddenly arrives in town for the summer, offering Emmie the opportunity of a lifetime, the future in her vision suddenly seems possible.

But a rekindled connection with Jakob, her former high school best friend turned hunky, brooding tattooed baker, forces Emmie to grapple with the bittersweet realization that her destiny may not be what her heart truly longs for. As the culmination of her vision draws nearer, can Emmie find the courage to create a happiness of her own making?

MY THOUGHTS

Quite a magical book.
As women we try to do it all for everyone.
Our main character moves back home after time away to care for aging parents, is a single Mom and is shielding her ageing mother from the losses at her shop.
This book is so empowering to women because it helps us to realize it’s okay to have our own dreams in life and that it’s not selfish to do so.
Add in chocolates, magical sprinkles, a most adorable tubby dog, small town charm, lovely and quirky characters, a special vision and a magical romance.
Beautifully written and definitely worth a reread in the future.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in more than fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake, Recipe for a Charmed Life, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, and several other novels. Currently, Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, food, travel, and second chances at love – all with a touch of whimsy and a happy, hopeful ending.

To learn more about Rachel Linden, visit her website or find her on Facebook or Instagram.

US Amazon purchase link

Have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour For: Rumours, Romance & Rhubarb Crumble

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Gertie buys a run-down house ‘by accident’, she considers it the latest fail in a series of disasters! Her job at the Little Duck Pond Café and the friends she’s made there are a big comfort – especially as temporary boss Alice seems to be going out of her way to make her life difficult. But then Gertie meets the handsome Rafe – and her life takes a turn she definitely wasn’t expecting . . .

Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rumours-Romance-Rhubarb-Crumble-Little-ebook/dp/B0FRLWLK9L
https://www.amazon.com/Rumours-Romance-Rhubarb-Crumble-Little-ebook/dp/B0FRLWLK9L

MY THOUGHTS

Rumours, Romance and Rhubarb Crumble is the most recent delicious addition to the Little Duck Pond Cafe series. At this point I may as well be honest. I’ve read so many of the books in this series that it’s become an addiction I’d say. I greatly look forward to each new addition as it’s published and love “meeting up with’ and having a catch up with many of the same characters each time but I’m still loving meeting the new characters in each book as well.
I open the book and start reading and start smiling because, why not? I love all of the books in the series, and they are a ray of sunshine.
I enjoyed the bit of mystery added in and it is a great addition definitely making it hard to put down as I just had to find out what happened.
I loved Gertie’s character; she’s had a list of mistakes and not just laugh it off small mistakes. These mistakes have cost her money, like accidently bidding on a house. Now she’s stuck with it and the repairs it needs are plenty.
Thank goodness for her job at the Little Duck Pond Cafe and her new boyfriend, the handsome Rafe. He’s come along at just the right time, when her previous relationship ends and he’s oh so supportive of her needs. Attentiveness and looks, what could go possibly wrong?
If only her temporary boss at the Little Duck Pond Cafe was friendlier and didn’t act so strange at times. Things are running pretty well and when some unexpected things start happening, we have a bit of a mystery thrown in and I was all for it.
Loved it and already looking forward to the happenings in the next book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Bio – Rosie Green is the author of the popular Little Duck Pond Café series, set in the fictional village of Sunnybrook. Watch out for lots more café drama and romance in 2026, including ‘A Cornish Escape’ (out in May) and ‘The Secrets of Midsummer Cottage’, which will be published in July 2026.
Follow Rosie on Twitter – https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88
https://www.instagram.com/rosiegreen_author/

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Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love: A 90-Year-Old’s First Kiss Quest – A Funny, Heartwarming Literary Romance

304 pages Publisher Harper Perennial Pub Date Dec 31 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Eddie Winston is 90 years old. He has lived and he has loved, but he has never been kissed.

A true gentleman and incurable romantic, Eddie spends his days volunteering at a charity shop, where he sorts through the donations of the living and the dead, preserving letters and tokens of love along the way. And it is here that he meets Bella, a troubled young woman who, at 24 years old, has just lost the love of her life.

When Bella learns that Eddie is yet to have his first kiss, she resolves to help Eddie Winston finally find love, sparking an adventure that will take them to unexpected places and, they hope, bring Eddie Winston to the moment he has waited for all his life.

A tale of friendship and kindness that reminds us that those we love are never forgotten and it is never too late to try again.

MY THOUGHTS

Love, laughter, found family, friendship.
A charming book about a ninety-year-old man who works at a thrift store dealing with other people’s memories and a young woman, twenty-four years old. They have a special friendship. she’s dealing with fresh grief after the death of her boyfriend and he’s never been kissed. She helps him to find love. Inspirational, inspirational a book you’ll want to read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressions are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Marianne Cronin is the author of ‘The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot’, which was voted ‘Most Uplifting Book of 2021’ by The Independent, won the American Libraries Association Alex Award, and was shortlisted for a Goodreads Choice award for fiction. It has been translated into over 25 languages.

Marianne’s second novel, ‘Eddie Winston is Looking for Love’ will be released in 2024.

Marianne was born in 1990 and after gaining a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham, worked in academia until becoming a writer. She lives in the Midlands of England with her family and her cat.

You can find Marianne on Instagram at: @itsmariannecronin

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Faithful of Heart: A Second Chance Christian Historical Romance set in 1800s Minnesota (A Minnesota Legacy)

304 pages Publisher Bethany House Publishers Publication date March 3, 2026

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can forgiveness and love overcome a tattered legacy?

When dedicated philanthropist Judith Stanford receives a summons from her estranged grandfather ordering her to come to Minneapolis to prove herself worthy of his inheritance, she is hesitant but can’t ignore the potential of her grandfather’s fortune to benefit her causes. And the only man to interest her since her husband’s death lives in Minneapolis, leaving her hoping their paths will cross.

Roman Turner, a local physician with a heart for the poor, harbors a grudge against Judith’s grandfather. Years ago, his unethical actions ruined Roman’s family forever. When Roman meets Judith again, he is shocked to learn the woman he’s thought about all these years is related to the one man he can’t forgive.

As Judith tries to overcome the complicated history between the two families and disentangle her grandfather’s tainted legacy, she begins to form a plan for reparation. But when it becomes clear someone else has nefarious intentions for the money, Judith’s dreams of a new legacy are at risk.

MY THOUGHTS

Faithful of Heart is the first exciting book in the Minnesota Legacy series.
I am a longtime reader of the author’s books, and her books are auto readers for me, all of them. I can’t say I’ve found one I haven’t enjoyed.
It’s wonderful to know I can count on her books being quality written with high values for the characters and they are faith filled but it’s not overwhelming either.
Our main character shows strong values when her grandfather sends for her to come visit to get to know her when he is dying. With no heir to get his inheritance he wants to see if she is worthy of it.
She is a strong and courageous woman and volunteers to help those less fortunate including widows and children with her time and momentary donations.
A doctor who meets her. his family has tried to matchmake for him, but he’s simply not interested until he meets her. They both have the same values.
After meeting her grandfather, he tries to impress her with his wealth and social standing, but she’s not interested and stands firm in her convictions.
There’s a lot going on in this book and once again I am impressed with the authors writing and the strong morals and strength she writes into her characters.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

About the author

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Visit Tracie’s web site at: http://www.traciepeterson.com

Thank you for stopping in.

Not my birthday just using the tag 🙂

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The Hidden Palace (The Daughters of War) (Book 2)

528 pages Publisher HarperCollins Publication date

November 22, 2022

ABOUT THE BOOK

An island of secrets. A runaway. And a promise…

A rebellious daughter
1925. Among the ancient honey-coloured walls of the tiny island of Malta, strangers slip into the shadows and anyone can buy a new name. Rosalie Delacroix flees Paris for a dancer’s job in the bohemian clubs deep in its winding streets.

A sister with a secret
1944. Running from the brutality of war in France, Florence Baudin faces a new life. But her estranged mother makes a desperate request: to find her vanished sister, who went missing years before.

A rift over generations
Betrayals and secrets, lies and silence hang between the sisters. A faded last letter from Rosalie is Florence’s only clue, the war an immovable barrier – and time is running out…

MY THOUGHTS

I don’t know the author but if I did, I would shake her hand, tell her how the book made me feel. This book is truly what historical fiction is, it’s makes you come alive, feel things.
This book takes place in 1925 and 1944. While the first book concentrates 0n the three sisters this one focuses on Florence the most though all three are included in it.
The book is about how the war affects them and the choices they make about the war affects them.
I don’t personally have anyone in my family that was in WW11 and I thank all who did serve for their sacrifices but that doesn’t mean I and others weren’t affected by this tragedy we call war.
This book is realism; this could easily have been a written portrayal of three sister’s lives that experienced this.
The mother is a focal point as well; she is desperate to find her sister who disappeared almost twenty years ago and only has an old, faded letter to go by to help locate her.
Life can never be compartmentalized, stuffed into a box and tried to be made neat.
This book is life, it’s also death, blood, violence, caring, making love, compassion, betrayal, fear, wanting to start over, unbelievable grief, associating with people quite a lot different than yourself ,caring for your neighbors as you would yourself, hiding, delicious meals with family and not knowing where your next meal is coming from, it’s ugly, it’s beautiful.
This book should win an award, it’s beyond amazing!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF – The Tea Planter’s Wife, The Sapphire Widow, Daughters of War, Night Train to Marrakech, The Greek House and six others.

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Holiday Hideaway: A Short Story 

72 pages Publisher Amazon Original Stories Publication date

October 29, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tilly Farriday isn’t feeling very jolly this season. Recently divorced and broke, she’s squatting in one of her rental agency’s properties until her new home is ready. The sprinkles on top of the burnt Christmas cookie that is her life? The new owner shows up early, forcing Tilly to hide in the attic to save her job…and what remains of her dignity.

George Holloway is here to sell his granduncle’s house—and to reconsider whether he and his fiancée are right for each other. Amid home repairs, George notices strange noises and missing food, but as much as he gets his rental agent on the phone, Tilly dodges every invitation to meet. He’s sure that someone’s here with him, and it’s certainly not the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Future.

As Tilly and George circle each other, they both wonder where their lives are headed and if, maybe, meeting each other is just the Christmas miracle they need.

MY THOUGHTS

Such a cute short story that made me smile.
A light comfort read with characters a bit quirky and a very loveable dog.
Small town charm, a bit of an unexpected setting and the book just didn’t go where I expected it to at all, but it was even better.
Short, sweet, festive and not time consuming making it a great holiday read for when you’re crunched on time.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Steaming cup of hot cocoa on books beside lit candles and pine branches
A warm cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows surrounded by candles and winter-themed books

About the Author

Mary Kay Andrews is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-two novels, including Summers at the Saint; Bright Lights, Big Christmas; The Homewreckers; and The Santa Suit. Her work has been included on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, translated into several languages, and optioned for film.

When Mary Kay isn’t busy plotting her next novel, she spends her time cooking, spoiling her grandkids, and restoring old houses. Keep up with the author’s latest releases and other news on her website at http://marykayandrews.com.

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