Thursday, April 2, 2015

"This Heart of Mine" by Brenda Novak

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY
This Heart of Mine
(Whiskey Creek Book 8)
by Brenda Novak


This Heart of Mine, the eighth book in Brenda Novak's Whiskey Creek series, has just been released. This book blast and giveaway is brought to you by Book Chatter Promotions.


Description
First love. Second chance?
As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him - especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next.
Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming.
Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both!
[Download your FREE Whiskey Creek Cast of Characters here.]


Series Video


Excerpt
His voice had a rough edge that made her fear he wasn’t taking what she’d said as the apology she’d intended. “Right,” she said. “Sex and love are two different things, and boys can make that distinction more easily than girls. That’s all I’m saying. I get that now.”
“I see. What a great thing to learn.”
Was he being sarcastic? She was so confused. “It was a lesson I needed. And learning it the way I did means I’ll never forget.”
A muscle moved in his cheek.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “Did I say something wrong? I was trying to apologize for … for falling in love with you. Or for holding on to you when I should’ve let go.” None of this was coming out right. She could tell that much, so she stopped trying to explain and opted for the direct approach. “Regardless of anything else, know this - I promise I’ll never single you out like that again or do anything else to make you uncomfortable.”
There. That had to be clear. She smiled up at him, hoping what she’d said would finally meet with his approval. But there was that damn frown again. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing. Don’t worry. You nailed it. And so innocently, too.”
She pressed her fingers to her temples. The pain meds had really kicked in. “I admit my thoughts are … somewhat disjointed. What, exactly, did I nail?”
“That you can’t trust a guy,” he replied. “That a guy doesn’t know what love is.”
That sounded a bit harsh. Had she actually said those things? “Maybe not all guys,” she clarified.
“Okay. Only me,” he said and walked out.
“I was trying to apologize!” she called after him.
He shook his head as he turned back. “For ever loving me?”
[You can also read the entire first chapter here.]

Praise for the Book
"Novak’s Whiskey Creek novels are a favorite among romance readers because of their small-town charm and sweet storylines. This delightful novel in particular tugs on the heartstrings hard with its focus on family and second chances. Many will find a true connection with the characters from the get-go and invite these newfound friends into their homes, hoping they’ll never depart. Novak never disappoints." ~ 4.5 stars, RT Book Review Magazine
"With great sensitivity and an exquisite flair for characterization, Novak explores the ideas of redemption, forgiveness, and the healing power of love. This Heart of Mine is a potently emotional, powerfully life-affirming contemporary romance that can be read and enjoyed on its own, but it also serves as an excellent addition to Novak’s popular Whiskey Creek series." ~ Booklist, Starred Review
"Once again Brenda Novak treats her readers to an astonishingly honest reflection on learning to trust your heart … If I had to summarize my feelings about This Heart of Mine in one word - that word would be fabulous." ~ Fresh Fiction
"You know that feeling of anticipation you get when you're about to enjoy a delicious and uncommon treat? That's the feeling I get whenever I start a Brenda Novak book." ~ USA Today
"A rare treat. Brenda Novak draws you in from the first page." ~ Barbara Freethy, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
"Novak delivers with This Heart of Mine. She's created multi-dimensional characters you can't help but admire and love. This heartwarming, page-turning romance will keep you up late at night to see what happens next. Brenda takes impossible situations and makes the reader weep, laugh and fall in love before they finish the story. Grab this book ... a blanket ... and curl up next to the fireplace. Be sure and give yourself a full day to read this one all the way through. You won't be sorry." ~ Catherine Bybee, New York Times Bestselling Author
"Every book is a winner! Brenda Novak doesn't just write fabulous stories, she writes keepers." ~ New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery

About the Author
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Brenda Novak is the author of fifty books. A four-time Rita nominee, she has won many awards, including the National Reader’s Choice, the Bookseller’s Best, the Book Buyer’s Best, the Daphne, and the Holt Medallion. She also runs Brenda Novak for the Cure, a charity to raise money for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). To date, she’s raised $2.4 million.

Giveaway
Enter the blast-wide giveaway for a chance to win autographed copy of This Heart of Mine, a tote, and a "Just Like Mom's" apron (US only) OR an ebook copy of any Whiskey Creek novel of your choice, excluding This Heart of Mine (international).

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