Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth Sergeant knows her elite clientele first hand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world.
After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda.
Beth can’t resist Nick’s charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she’s nothing like other women Nick's dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick's past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret.
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Here's an excerpt:
Beth made her way over to the tree to get a closer view. Several handmade pieces intermingled with the sparkling crystal ornaments and gold strands of glass beads. She fingered the row of cotton balls that ran along the edge of a red felt Santa hat. On the top, in glitter writing, it said 1982. “Who made these?”
Nick laughed, but when she turned her head, she caught a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I made them with my mother when I was in grade school. Every year, on the first day of holiday break, we would go to the craft store and buy materials to make a dozen ornaments.”
“A dozen?” She wondered how a person ever got over losing a parent, much less losing both. Or if you even could. And his poor grandfather, losing a child ... Her chest tightened at the thought.
“One for our tree at home, one for Grandfather’s, several neighbors, and the mailman. And I’ll never forget Mrs. Sawyer at the bakery. She used to give me a free cinnamon roll when I came in with my grandfather.”
“We weren’t very crafty at my house. But Mom and I would bake like a storm. Candy, cookies, fudge. We always took packages to our neighbors on Christmas Eve, right before we went to church for Midnight Mass.”
“Do you still go?” The reflection of the tree lights sparkled in his eyes as he spoke. At this very moment, he didn’t look, or act, like the city’s most eligible bachelor. She could feel her resolve slipping. She needed Jenny.
“I haven’t been in years. In fact, I don’t think I’ve been since I graduated high school.”
“I haven’t, either. You can imagine my surprise when Grandfather asked me to take him this year.” He glanced back at the tree. “Would you like to come with us?”
Author Bio:
Home is where you hang your hat. A native Missourian, my family relocated twice during my teenage years, taking me from a high school freshman class of over 1,200 students to living in a small town in Kentucky with a total population of less than 1,000.
Home is where your heart is. Despite the culture shock and challenges of those shy, teenage years, I met my true love in that tiny town and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to experience a community where everyone waves, calls you by name, and treats you like family.
My husband and I live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee with our eighteen-year-old son and three dogs. When I’m not working or writing, I can be found with family and friends. I love to bake in the winter, grill in the summer, and on occasion, I sneak away from everyone and curl up with a good book.
I hope you enjoy my stories. Each one touches on modern day issues, fears, and challenges that women face every day. And each one illustrates that love is within reach if you let down those walls and allow your heart to open. Our lives and experiences are so much more meaningful when we have someone to share them with.
My Thoughts:
What a wonderful holiday romance! I am glad that I asked to review this.
The plot had romance galore, a few bumps in the road to the HEA, a girl and guy that you can't help but want to get together, and of course, some Christmas spirit! :D
I would gladly recommend this book to all romance readers, especially those looking for a holiday read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I honestly loved it. I didn't put it down until I was finished.
Cynthia will be awarding the following prizes to three randomly drawn commenters during the tour one $10 Starbucks GC, one $10 Amazon GC, and one $10 Soul Mate Publishing.
Sound good? :D The more you comment, the better your chances! Here is the tour schedule.
I'd love to know what you're thinking. Please leave a comment!
Everything on this post made me want to read this one. I am adding it to my list.,
ReplyDeletedebby236 at gmail dot com
Make sure you put this one at the top of the list! :D
DeleteThank you for hosting today.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure!
DeleteThank you for having me today. And for the wonderful review! I'm glad you enjoyed Winter's Magic and I hope your viewers do too. Have a wonderful Christmas holiday !
ReplyDeleteIt was truly my pleasure! I more than enjoyed your book and I look forward to reading more from you.
DeleteI hope that you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as well! :D
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this so close to Christmas! I would love to receive this as a gift this year...you see, I have been a VERY GOOD GIRL this year!!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a safe & very Merry Christmas & a prosperous 2013!!
burch.sandi@yahoo.com
Merry Christmas to you as well Sandi!
DeleteI hope you get a chance to read it soon!
Loved what I read..my wish list is growing..Merry Christmas to ALL... MAYBE SANTA WILL FILL MY WISH LIST!!! HOHOHOHO!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck. :D If he feels your wishlist please send him to my house next! lol!
DeleteHappy :-) Holidays!
I totally agree with your review. I absolutely loved Winter's Magic. It was filled with sizzling romance and happily ever after making it a book I couldn't put down. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thank you, Janna. Hopefully we'll be talking about Spring's Surprise in April 2013! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
DeleteI can't wait!
DeleteSounds like a good read and the cover is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such a sweet romance. The cover is absolutely stunning! Thanks so much for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays,
Marlena
charmedpoms(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Marlena. Good luck with the contest!
DeleteI have told my friends and family about your book. Thank you for sharing the begining. I can't wait to finish it. I will continue to share your site on facebook. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteDiane Brown
Thank you, Diane - I really appreciate the support! Merry Christmas.
DeleteCool that you live in Nashville because I live in Lebanon which is east of there. I've spent most of my life here however I was born in Kansas and most of my moms family live there.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your book:)
Happy Holiday,
lorih824@yahoo.com
Hi, Lori. It's so neat that you live in Lebanon. I'm actually in Mt. Juliet, so we're practically next door neighbors. Hope you enjoy Winter's Magic!
DeleteOki you got me i do want to read this one even more than the new release... i guess i got a little addicted to holidays/christmas romance, i love hea and the magic of that time of the year if only it wasn't only in kindle....
ReplyDeleteIt really was quite good. :-) Hopefully it will come out in print.
Delete