Archive for the ‘Excerpt’ Category

 

 

 

Book Details:

Titus and the Christian Coin: An Adventure of Faith and Freedom

by Dennis Conrad

Category:  Teen and Young Adult Fiction (Ages 12-18),  132 pages
Genre:  Christian Teen and Young Adult Ancient Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Write4Christ Publishing
Release date:   November 3, 2025
Format available for review:  print-softback (USA only), ebook (EPUB), audiobook (audible-download)
Tour dates: Jan 6 to Feb 2, 2025
Content Rating:  G. This Christian book is for teens and young adult.


Real. Raw. Riveting. A true story of redemption.

​Dennis does an excellent job stirring up the heart and imagination of his reader. A must read for all Christians, both young and old. 
— Derek Singer, Pastor, Canyon Lake Community Church, Canyon Lake, California
Dennis Conrad crafts an entertaining and enduring tale in Titus and the Christian Coin. He does not sidestep the difficult, real-life questions that Christians still ask today, but rather masterfully interweaves the context of an ancient setting with relatable and timeless struggles. A great read for anyone, especially in the young adult genre. — David Finnern, award-winning novelist/journalist and author of the Lost Tales and Sunken Mysteries series.
Titus and the Christian Coin, by Dennis Conrad is a wonderful story of faith and God’s sovereignty. The story is gripping and inspiring while telling the story of Christian history during the time of Constantine. It also shows the importance of hope, hard work, and forgiveness. This book should be on every middle young adult’s reading list. — Terrie Hellard-Brown, award-winning author and podcaster

Book Description:

When Titus refuses to deny his Christian faith, Roman persecution destroys his family and condemns him to a brutal life in the copper mines of northern Italy.

Underground, surrounded by despair and danger, he must choose between hatred and hope, revenge and redemption.

From a mine collapse to an emperor’s audience hall, Titus’s journey spans the Roman Empire during Constantine’s transformative reign. Alongside Tribune Felix, he discovers that true freedom comes through forgiveness, not force. Authentic historical details bring ancient Rome to life while timeless themes of faith, friendship, and courage inspire modern readers.

This gripping adventure combines accurate historical research with compelling storytelling. Readers will witness early Christian persecution, experience Roman culture, and walk through Constantine’s palace while following Titus’s transformation from broken slave to Roman citizen.

An unforgettable tale where archaeological accuracy meets heart-pounding adventure, proving that faith can triumph over the darkest circumstances and that God’s love never abandons His people.

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Guest Post
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Left on the Cutting Room Floor

Titus’s story was edited and reedited several times. The final edit makes the story come alive and allows readers to become emersed in the world of 312 A.D. Rome.

“Outtakes” are scenes of movies that are cut and do not show up in the final version of the film. The same happens while editing a book. Some deleted facts and scenes were cut or rewritten prior to the final published version.

Titus, the main character, and Felix, a high-ranking Roman official, ride horses on their adventure from northern Italy to Rome.

Before the final rewrite Titus’s feet were in stirrups and he was holding on to the saddle’s pommel for grip and stability. The question: Was this accurate for Italy in 312 A.D.?

After further study, I learned that although stirrups were used in China as early as 300 B.C., they were not used in Europe until the 600s. Pommels did not exist in Italy in 312 A.D. Rather, saddles had horns at the corners of the saddle for holding on and to attach supplies.

Additionally, before editing, several pages detailed the construction of the Arch of Constantine. My coauthor artfully used less than a page of dialogue to explain how artists repurposed sections of other existing arches to complete Constantine’s arch on schedule.

Blessings to you and yours,

Dennis Conrad

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Meet Author Dennis Conrad:

Dennis Conrad began writing stories for children in 2007. Over the years, he and his wife, Diane, have enterained their 11 nieces and nephews. He has taught high school through univeristy and around the world. He’s helped many to see God in their lives.
As a former coin collector of fifty years, Dennis combines his love of Jesus, the Bible, children’s literature, and writing stories about coins.
He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.
connect with the authors: website facebook ~ goodreads


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TITUS AND THE EMPERORS COIN Series Book Tour Giveaway

 

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My mission: Save my woman, guard the secret of the Spirit
Bear, and take down the poachers.

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Spirit Bear Conspiracy

Brotherhood of the Wild #1

by Anne Kane

Genre: MC Romantic Suspense

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My mission: Save my woman, guard the secret of the rare
spirit bear, and take down the poachers
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Ryland — I was tailing a gang of poachers, certain they’d
lead me straight to their kingpin, when a stray arrow from a crossbow slammed
into me. Pain lanced through me and everything faded to black. In that blur of
unconsciousness, I could have sworn a pure white bear stood over me, calm as
can be. When I opened my eyes again, a woman — curvy and impossibly beautiful
— was watching me with the cutest look of mixed concern and distrust on her
face.

Kimberly — I thought I was alone on a tiny island off the
coast of British Columbia until an arrow from a crossbow barely missed
skewering me. With my dog Diego at my heels, I ran to hide in a maze of caves,
my heart pounding. Crouched down in the dark, I listened in terror as voices
and footsteps floated to me from outside. I prayed the shooters wouldn’t find
the spirit bear that inhabited this place. When I finally crept back out into
the daylight, I found I wasn’t the only target — but the unconscious man lying
in a pool of his own blood wasn’t talking. Victim or one of them?

WARNING: This Riptide action-adventure romance includes
violence, abuse, coarse language, vigilante justice, and adult situations. No
cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Enjoy!

What readers
are saying:

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆5 out of 5 stars.

Diego Rules Poachers Drool !

Loved the start of The Brotherhood series !! It has loose
ties to the Author’s other series called Riptide MC ! The characters Kimberly
and Ryland are well written and a lot of fun to read. The storyline has real
world implications in the animal poaching and for animals living in shelters,
so please be careful if such stories cause you any emotional distress. The book
has a lot of action both in and out of the “bedroom”. I can’t wait to read book
2. 5
✨’s for an action packed read !. · Dianna Rule TX

 

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Spirit Bears

Spirit bears (aka Kermode bears — Ursus americanus
kermodei) are a subspecies of the North American black bear with a rare
recessive gene that makes their fur white or cream. Spirit bears are found only
in the Great Bear Rainforest, the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest.
Estimated spirit bear population numbers no more than 400 individuals. The
First Nations communities who have lived in the region for thousands of years
call the spirit bear moskgm’ol, or “white bear,” and view the animal as
sacred.

Many thanks to BBC Wildlife for their Spirit Bear Guide.

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 Kimberly

I heard sounds to my left, louder this time. Definitely
voices.

Well, that sucked. After a stressful week at work, the last
thing I wanted to do was talk to strangers. Still, protocol demanded that I
make my presence known for safety’s sake. No point in having some trigger-happy
guide catch a glimpse of movement and decide I was something worth shooting at.

I stopped walking and cupped my hands to my mouth. “Hello?”

Total silence answered me. Even the birds stopped chirping.
Not a single blade of grass rustled.

Maybe the dumb tourists had gone off in another direction
and didn’t hear me. Sound could become muffled in the heavily treed rainforest
environment. My heart lifted as I considered the possibility.

Maybe my day wasn’t ruined after all.

Diego came dashing back to my side, head held high and ears
tilted forward in that oddly off-balance way he had when he concentrated. I
frowned. The dog obviously heard or saw something that he felt needed watching.
I opened my mouth to holler again, when something swished past my head so fast
all I saw was a blur. A loud thunk told me the object had hit one of the
trees behind me.

I turned and blinked, unable at first to grasp the
significance of what I was looking at.

An arrow, the kind used for hunting bigger game such as deer
or moose, was imbedded in one of the ancient trees. The plastic vanes on the
end of the shaft quivered with the force of the impact.

Someone had taken a shot at me. Seriously? There was no way
they could have mistaken my shouted greeting for an animal.

Diego whined softly, nudging my hand with his muzzle. I
patted his head absently, still mesmerized by the sight of the arrow rooted in
the tree.

Diego stiffened, whirling to face the direction the arrow
had come from. A low growl came from his throat.

A shiver slid down my spine. Diego didn’t growl. Not at
anybody. He was the mellowest dog on the face of the planet. If he thought
whoever shot that arrow warranted a growl, then they must be bad. Real bad.

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Award winning author Anne Kane lives in the beautiful
Okanagan Valley with a bouncy little rescue mutt(Merlin the Wonder Dog), a
slightly larger rescue dog (Lexi the Aussie Shepherd) a cantankerous Himalayan
cat, and too many fish to count. She has two handsome sons and seven adorable
grandchildren. She’s always been fascinated by science fiction and fantasy so
of course when she writes, she lets her imagination take over. The one thing
the reader can always count on is that the main characters will live happily
ever after, even if they have to defeat a few nasty aliens first.

When she’s not busy writing the next great novel, she likes
to kayak, hike, ride motorcycles, swim, skate, practice karate, play her
guitar, sing and of course, read.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Bluesky * Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!

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Enter the Spirit Bear Conspiracy Giveaway Here

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Resort, Two, Murder organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Joanna Campbell Slan will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Genre: Cozy Mystery

Synopsis

Kiki Lowenstein heads to Florida for sand, sunshine, and family time—until a shocking death pulls her into a mystery simmering beneath the resort’s perfect surface. With craftiness and heart, she dives into a dangerous tangle of lies that only she can unravel.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The scream ripped through the dawn and straight into my spine. I didn’t breathe until I reached the balcony.

Seven floors below, a housekeeper stood frozen at the pool’s edge, hands over her mouth. The turquoise water rippled around hair the color of fire.

Copper hair.

Floating.

Still.

My blood turned to ice.

“Mom?” Sixteen-year-old Anya whispered behind me. Pale. Too pale. “What happened?”

“I don’t know yet. Stay back. Keep your brothers inside.” My voice didn’t tremble, but everything inside me did.

I yanked the curtains closed, but not before my mind captured every detail: the purple satin gown billowing under the water, the bare feet, the drifting red hair like a drowning sunrise.

Then Brawny — my fierce, loyal Scot nanny — sprinted into the courtyard and dove in, shoes and all. She flipped the girl over, started mouth-to-mouth, refusing to accept what the water already knew.

Could this be real?

Sirens wailed in the distance. And I stood frozen on the balcony, one hand pressed to my heart, silently begging for a miracle.

It didn’t come.

The red-haired model from last night’s fashion show was gone.

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About Author Joanna Campbell Slan:

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Joanna Campbell Slan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author known for her engaging women’s fiction and mystery novels. With nearly 80 books to her credit, including contributions to the original Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Joanna specializes in stories featuring strong female protagonists and the power of women’s friendships. Her tagline, “Creating a better world one story at a time” perfectly captures the spirit of her work, as she has a keen interest in presenting all sides of social issues. Joanna is best known for her Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, which spans 19 books and 42 short works, chronicling the growth of a widowed mother who finds new purpose through crafting and sleuthing.

Living on a nearly deserted island off the coast of Florida, Joanna draws inspiration from her surroundings and her love for various crafts, including Zentangle®, crochet, and upcycling. Her accomplishments include winning the Daphne du Maurier Award for Literary Excellence for her continuation of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. Contact her at JCSlan@JoannaSlan.com

Newsletter / Website / Facebook / Facebook Group / Twitter/X

Amazon / Instagram / Goodreads / BookBub / LinkedIn / Pinterest

 

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A Chronicle of a Remarkable Retriever

 

Memoir/Love, Black Lab, Dog

 

Date Published: 02-14-2023

 

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The decision to get a dog becomes a journey from high expectations
through the reality of care giving and the fun of companionship to enduring
love and finally loss. Dog lovers will see themselves and remember their
beloved canine friends. They will wish they had known Tasha as they read about
this quirky dog and her love of family and fun. Readers can applaud the
transforming power of love.
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Enjoy this peek inside:
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Typically, I put mulch down in the spring, but I also use mulch to prepare for winter. However, not all mulch is equal when it comes to dogs.
I am the queen of mulch. I used it abundantly to discourage weeds and hold moisture in the soil, and to protect roots during winter. I had a preference for cocoa bean mulch, which had a delectable aroma. A neighbor at our previous home came out one day while I was spreading it and said, “Oh, I thought you were baking brownies.” That’s how good it smells!
I had been thoughtless. The cocoa bean is just as toxic for dogs as chocolate. Mulch covered the flower beds in the backyard where Tasha played. “Tasha,” I lectured, “you are not to touch this mulch under any circumstance. Never, never, never touch the mulch.”
 You’re overreacting, Mom.
 I’m not sure how she interpreted “mulch,” but not only did she never touch the mulch, she never put a paw in any flower bed or touch even a petunia or marigold. She kept me company when I worked in the yard, and much later, I found it difficult to garden without my furry assistant.

 

About Author Jo McCouley Prouty:
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Jo McCauley Prouty spent her formative years in West Virginia and
Virginia, where she attended the College of William and Mary. She is a former
educator and now applies her nurturing skills to flower gardening and
entertaining her grandchildren. She resides in Minnesota with her orange
tabby, Cooper. Her work has appeared in “The Journal of The Braxton Historical
Society” and the “Journal of Opinions, Ideas and Essays.”

 

Contact Links

 

Website

Facebook

Goodreads

 

Purchase Links

 


https://mybook.to/TheLoveofaDog

Amazon

Author Site

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RABT Book Tours & PR

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A Friends to Lovers BDSM Ménage

 

Christmas / Romance / Comedy

 

Date Published: December 23, 2025

Publisher: Changeling Press

 

 

 

Sarah has a secret — she wants her best friend Cole. Cole wants Jeff.
And Jeff? Surprise! He wants them both.

Cole is wild, funny, impulsive, and Sarah’s best friend. She doesn’t
understand what he gets out of submission, but she’s not going to let Cole get
hurt the way he has in the past. So when she discovers his new dom is Jeff,
the jerk who helped kick her out of her undergraduate program, she knows she
has to intervene.

But when she sees Jeff again, she’s confused. He says he wants Sarah to be
Cole’s Christmas present, and she’s stunned. She and Cole are just friends,
aren’t they? Amazingly, Cole seems to want her as much as she secretly has
wanted him. The even bigger surprise? She realizes she wants Jeff too.

Even if she could have them both, this is supposed to be temporary. It’s too
bad she’s only allowed to have Cole for Christmas.

 

 

Excerpt

Copyright ©2025 Treva Harte

 

“What’s wrong with you, Cole?” Sarah stared at her friend over the flimsy
coffee container. “You have to go pee pee? You’ve been twitchy ever since we
got here.”

Cole laughed and gave her the finger. He opened his mouth as if to give a
smart-ass answer but then bent over his latte instead. Not looking at her, he
carefully blew on it and took a sip.

Sarah settled back. Cole was obviously dying to tell her something, and she
knew from experience all she needed to do was sit. If he waited more than ten
minutes before spilling everything, he’d probably keel over from the strain.

The clatter of students milling around the student union coffee shop made the
silence less noticeable. They continued drinking.

Two minutes of just downing caffeine. Impressive. Cole was hanging tough.

He shifted again in his seat and shut his eyes, grimacing. Sarah frowned,
suddenly a little concerned. Cole was a genius — a real, measured-by-testing
genius — but that didn’t mean his emotional IQ always matched his
intelligence. She was sure it was a challenge to be five to ten years younger
than his academic peers, and Cole didn’t always meet that challenge. In fact,
Cole could be kind of a pain in the ass. Right now he was acting like he had a
literal pain there.


Oh. Ohhhh, boy
. He might actually have one. Please God, no. She might have to
venture into TMI territory to find out.

Cole had been more than forthcoming about his sex life in the two years they’d
been in grad school together. That was a problem for him. Younger and smarter
in some things had made him vulnerable in others, especially since he was open
about his sexual preferences and desires. Gay at the university was one thing;
gay and dedicated to BDSM was another.

“Has someone hurt you?” She hoped that question would get the job done. Sarah
could be more direct, if need be, but she also probably didn’t want to know
all the particulars.

“No.” His prompt answer was a relief. Of course, he had to add, “Not any more
than I want to be.”

“Ooookay.” Sarah set down her cup. Sometimes a friend had a duty to ask more
even if she’d so much rather not. “Have you met some new dom?”

“You know I have. I told you about him.” Cole didn’t look up from his latte,
but he didn’t sound reluctant to answer.

“You mentioned you’d met someone new at a club a few weeks ago, but you didn’t
say anything more.” That wasn’t like her Cole at all now that she thought
about it. “Is that the guy?”

“Fuck yeah. I was incredibly lucky that night. He hardly ever goes to clubs.
Says they’re too fake for his tastes.” Cole squirmed again. “He isn’t into
scenes. Not public ones.”

“So you’ve been — um — doing things outside of clubs?” Sarah wasn’t sure
which sounded more dangerous. Cole wouldn’t know danger if it bit him on the
butt. Especially if it bit him on the butt.

“At his place. Sarah, it’s… intense. And really sexy.” Cole grinned at her.
“That’s all I’ll say unless you want me to go on. I know how you get.”

“And I know how you get, so thanks for shutting up.” She grinned back at him,
and Cole shifted his weight again. Sarah sighed. “All right, Cole. Why are you
acting this way? Something is going on.”

Cole leaned over, then glanced around to make sure no one was listening. Oh
God
. He felt the need to keep something private. This was going to be a doozy.

“Because I have a butt plug in me. A big one. It’s driving me crazy.
Especially because it’s pressing on my fucking prostate.”

Sarah made a faint protesting noise and covered her eyes. “I don’t want to
know.”

“When I see Jeff after work, he’s going to take it out and replace it with –”

“Don’t want to know, don’t want to know. Don’t. Wanna. Know.” Sarah covered
her ears instead.

Cole pushed down one of her hands and whispered, “Unless you want to pull it
out for me. Jeff might get mad, but it would be worth it if your dainty,
lily-white fingers would take care of things for me right now. It might even
be fun.”

Sarah clenched her dainty, lily-white fingers and smacked him on the shoulder
with her plastic spoon.

Cole leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. Stunned, Sarah dropped the
spoon on the table. For such a demonstrative guy, Cole pretty much kept his
hands and lips to himself. Well, at least around women. She’d seen guys pass
him around like an appetizer at parties. Obviously that kind of touching was
different for him.

Oh, shit. After remembering some of those party images, she felt a sudden pang
of lust. She took a deep breath. Now she could see herself testing that butt
plug, imagine what Cole’s tight ass looked like holding it. His gasp when it
moved. Damn it, she didn’t need to have that thought in her head. Talk about
waste of time! Cole was completely off-limits. He’d never be her appetizer.
Friends. They were friends. She’d gotten over her stupid crush long ago. That
didn’t mean she couldn’t admit to herself he was sexy. In an off-limits way.
She didn’t need to start thinking he was available after working so hard to
forget he was hot.

“I knew I’d make you do that, but you did ask.” Cole sounded a little too
smug.

Sarah looked up. Oh Lord, how could he know about her completely inappropriate
thoughts?

Cole rubbed his shoulder, grimacing as if she’d really hurt him. Then he
stopped and winked.


Oh. Right. Very funny
. She’d hit him. They had a standing joke about his smart
mouth and his need for punishment.

“Actually, what I really wanted to ask was what you had planned for
Christmas.” She didn’t care if it was an obvious change of subject. Cole could
go on pushing her buttons for hours. Besides, she did want to ask.

Last year Cole went with her to see her parents. Cole had way too many
experiences with judgmental families like his own, and he’d been apprehensive
about the whole thing, especially meeting her officer father. But Dad had been
Dad, and Cole had been Cole, and everyone had a great time, just the way
Sarah’d expected. This year Mom and Dad had shipped out to Japan, so neither
she nor Cole would be seeing their families. She’d hoped they could hang out
together for the two weeks while the grad dorms closed during winter break.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you! I’m planning on a trip to a ski lodge in
Wyoming all during break.”

“You don’t ski.” Sarah skied but couldn’t afford a weekend, much less weeks at
a resort. Life was so unfair.

“I like skiers. And cowboys. Jeff owns a place there.” Cole crumpled his cup
and tossed it into the garbage.

“Oh. Jackson Hole?” Sarah snickered. “I could see you headed there just for
the name.”

So now she knew this Jeff had money, was a skier, and maybe was a little
pretentious. Two out of three wasn’t bad. Especially if he had a ski lodge.

“Grand Targhee. Jeff says it’s even better than Jackson Hole, although not as
many people have heard of it.”

So unfair. Sarah had heard of it, and everything she’d heard agreed with what
Cole — who was obviously clueless — had said. The place wasn’t even that
pretentious. If Cole’s new man turned out to be perfect, she’d have to be
happy Cole was going away with him on the kind of holiday break she’d want.

And that was so unfair double time. It also meant she had no one to share
Christmas with. She didn’t need another reminder that she’d worked too hard,
frozen too many people out, had no life. Cole, who bubbled over with curiosity
and energy, always made even the bleakest times fun. She’d been counting on
him to carry her through this first really big holiday without her parents.

Well, she’d have to get over it. A military brat got used to being around
strangers. Maybe she could scrounge up enough money to take a little road trip
by herself or get a fancier hotel than she’d planned. It didn’t sound like fun
now, but she would work on it.

“You wanna come along?”

 

About Author Treva Harte

Treva Harte has always been an overachiever. She also collects things. First
it was degrees. First a B.A. in English, then she decided to go back for a
Master’s degree. Not content with that, she added a J.D. Since then she’s
added a husband, also an attorney, and two children to her collection. She’s
continuing her ways as an overachiever, writing her wonderfully offbeat tales
of passion and possibilities — in her spare time.

Visit her website at www.trevaharte.com.

 

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

Save 15% off any order at ChangelingPress.com with code RABT15

 

 

 

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An Austen-inspired Short Story Duet

Enjoy two tea
parties, two romances and two characters from one of the world’s most beloved
authors.

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Tea for Two:

An Austen-Inspired
Short Story Duet

by Bianca White

Genre: Historical Romance

Jane Austen and tea.
What more could one ask for?

Enjoy two tea parties, two romances and
two characters from one of the world’s most beloved authors.

In this historical romance short story duet gossip-loving Mrs Jennings meddles
in affairs of the heart, and scandalous Henry Crawford turns heads once again!

Be swept away by the amusements of the Regency tea party in
these Austen-inspired short stories. Delight in the sweet romance, dancing,
gossip and, of course, tea.

“But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea.”
― Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

 

Tea
for Two
 comprises two short stories:

 

Jilted

Lord Asher Mandeville is heartbroken when his childhood
love, Miss Tabitha Rowe, jilts him only weeks before their wedding.

Asher refuses to accept Tabitha’s rejection and chases after
his betrothed to demand an explanation.

Tabitha is determined to escape him, but Asher’s shattered
heart will accept nothing other than her return.

 

Wooing
Miss Woodforde

Jasper Trevethan loves Miss Sophie Woodforde, but he is a
penniless rake. Sophie would never marry him, even if he were rich.

As an impoverished companion, Sophie serves the whims of
others while pining for her employer’s scandalous nephew.

When an unexpected inheritance transforms Sophie’s life, she
becomes the target of fortune hunters.

Before another scoundrel steals his love, Jasper must prove
his devotion and woo Miss Woodforde. But Sophie would rather become an old maid
than marry a man who only wants her for her money, especially Mr Trevethan.

 

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Excerpt from Wooing Miss Woodforde

 

He headed to the drawing room.

While Sophie continued to hold his heart,
he could not bring himself to marry another. Yes, he had wasted his days living
off his brother while indulging in a life of idleness and pleasure-seeking. Now
he had no option but to pray his aunt left him her fortune. Perhaps then he
could offer for Sophie. She will never
marry a rake, you fool.
As usual, he tamped down the bitter truth, but the
tiny flicker of hope that one day she may be his was the only thing that
prevented him from sinking further.

His aunt dropped onto the sofa before the
crackling hearth. “It does not help your cause that you continue to associate
with that scoundrel, Mr Crawford.”

Sophie carried out her duties in efficient
silence, pretending not to hear the details of his scandalous associations. How
he longed to take her away from this life of servitude. Someone so good, kind
and selfless deserved better.

After pouring the tea, she handed her
employer a cup.

Without a word of thanks to her companion,
his aunt continued, “There is still talk about his scandalous affair with Mrs
Rushworth. You should end the connection, for it will only sully your name
further. Your reputation as a rake does not help matters, but being associated
with an adulterer will not earn you a respectable bride. What must my dear
sister think of her favourite now?”

He accepted his cup from Sophie with his
head down and muttered his thanks. Shame gnawed at his insides. If his mother
had not died of typhus before he reached his tenth year, she would have been
sorely disappointed in him.

Why could he not be a better man? He should
have sought a profession after university. If he had done something useful,
perhaps, he may have earned Sophie’s good opinion and won her heart. Instead,
he had wasted his life. He was a hopeless rake beyond salvage, in love with a
woman far above him in noble character. Even if he were rich, she would always
be too good for him.

Sophie sat on the sofa next to his aunt and
twiddled with a delicate curl at her nape.

He had to ask again. “Are you certain you
are well, Miss Woodforde?”

“Stop trying to misdirect the attention
from yourself, Trevethan.” Aunt Hammond sipped at her tea.

Wispy tendrils of steam rose from the beige
liquid in his cup, and he tamped down the urge to ask for something stronger.
Liquor would have to wait. Even though nothing eased the painful longing within
him lately.

He could not resist being drawn to the
source of his yearning while she stared at the flickering flames in the hearth.
What had happened to the woman who enjoyed lecturing him about the latest
philanthropic project she wished to support or teased him following the gossip
surrounding his misadventures? Not that he had many these days unless one
counted spending the evenings drinking brandy with Crawford while they both
pined for the women they loved but could not possess.

“Trevethan!” he jerked his head towards his
aunt. Her narrowed gaze bore into him. Had he given himself away?

She glowered, then said, “Miss Woodforde
has received some surprising news today that has unsettled her.”

Sophie’s head shot up; her wide gaze
directed towards her employer.

“I hope it is nothing serious?” My God, she
was ill. “Is there anything I can
do?”

Aunt Hammond scoffed. “It is not unwelcome
news—well, not for Miss Woodforde.”

“Mrs Hammond.” Sophie pleaded, but as
usual, his aunt could not be silenced.

“Miss Woodforde is now an heiress with
twenty thousand.”

His breath stuttered.

On the opposite sofa, Sophie’s head lolled
forward, and she ran a palm across her forehead.

Sophie was a wealthy woman—a single,
wealthy woman. That meant she no longer needed to work for his aunt. He would
not see her when he visited.

Aunt Hammond asked, “Will you not offer
your congratulations?”

He glanced at his aunt before returning his
attention to Sophie, whose shoulders slumped.

A burning sensation spread down his gullet,
and he swallowed. “Congratulations, Miss Woodforde.”

His aunt sniffed. “She is almost maudlin;
anyone would think a beloved family member had died.”

Sophie continued to stare into the teacup
in her lap. She would leave, and he would never see her again.

Aunt Hammond prattled on. “Heaven knows
why, but she wishes to keep it a secret. She should marry, yet she insists she
will remain in my employment.”

Of course, her sense of duty would not
allow her to abandon his aunt. Selfish thoughts about her leaving had
distracted him from the more pressing issue. Another man would steal her from
him. His heart skipped a beat. He could not allow it.

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Bianca White writes passionate and spicy historical romance.

Bianca loves history and has a degree in history and history of art. The word
“research” is often used as an excuse to drag members of her family
around every stately home and castle wherever they go. Nothing, not even
the grumbling of said family, will keep her away from a historical fashion
exhibition.

When she’s not writing, Bianca feeds her addiction to romance novels. She also loves
baking and watching movies. Thanks to her love of baking (and eating), she
feels the need to balance it with a little activity and enjoys tai chi,
aerobics and swimming.

Bianca lives in West Yorkshire, England, with her husband and two children.

To receive all the latest news from Bianca White, and a bit of history in your inbox, sign
up for her mailing list at
Bianca White Writes.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $10 giveaway!

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Enter the Tea For Two Giveaway Here

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

 

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Christmas Cardinal organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Aïda Juodis will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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The Christmas Cardinal

By Aida Juodis

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Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Synopsis

The Christmas Cardinal, written by Aïda Juodis, is a soft and whimsical tale that was gently crafted to help provide children who have lost a loved one with comfort and warmth during the holiday season.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Remember, the cardinal is always there. It’s your loved one who will always care.

From the North Pole and from close by they’ll watch over you with gentle eyes.

So, when you hear the cardinal sing…

remember you’re protected under your loved one’s wing.

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About Author Aida Darija Juodis:

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Aïda Darija Juodis is a storyteller who blends comfort, wonder, and gentle magic in her writing. The Christmas Cardinal reflects her belief that love endures, guiding us from near and far.

Amazon / Goodreads

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The Skeleton Faerie

By A.P. Mobley

 

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(Children of the Death Gods, #1)
Publication date: November 8th 2025
Genres: Adult, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Mythology

Faerie folklore meets a nuclear postapocalypse in this dark mythological fantasy woven with secrets, treachery, and star-crossed love.

Ninety-nine years after the Nuclear War of 1989, twenty-one-year-old Gus Brandon should only be interested in the survival of humanity and the expansion of his compound. But he’s obsessed with legends from the distant past, superstitions of an expired people.

While searching forbidden ruins for the scraps of stories lost to time, he stumbles upon a mysterious young woman covered in scars. Her name is Saoirse, and their meeting sets off a bloody chain of events—one in which Gus discovers that the folklore he loves just might be real, and that it’s tied to mankind in ways he could have never imagined.

Soon the lines between myth and reality blur, as do the lines between realms.

Gus will have to rely on his knowledge—and Saoirse—to survive the horrors awaiting him… in this world and the next.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

When Gus and his teammates were a mere mile from the compound, the sun had almost finished setting, and the temperature had dropped significantly. A breeze grazed the back of his bare neck and arms, sending chills through his body. In every direction, all that was visible were trees, the only noises those of his and his companions’ boots and their animals’ hooves crunching against shriveled grass and fallen leaves. Occasionally, crows—some of them genetically altered, their feathers stained a pinkish color—flapped from branch to branch, their harsh caws piercing the quiet.

Maybe it was because of the extensive amount of folklore he’d been reading, but these days, the dark played tricks on Gus’s eyes, making him see monsters when nothing was there.

Nothing could be there, after all, as the stories he so loved weren’t real.

And even if there was a chance that they were real (and he knew there wasn’t), his compound was on the western side of a mountain range called the Black Hills, located within the fallen United States of America—far, far away from the places those magical tales took place.

Yet he still found himself imagining all manner of malevolent faeries prowling the woods at night. He saw them skulking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

In masses of collapsed cottonwoods, he imagined there were redcaps hiding, plotting to slaughter any stray travelers passing by.

In murders of crows, he imagined there were sluagh flying, scouring the forest floor for the next unlucky fellow whose soul they might devour.

In fast-moving streams, he imagined there were kelpies biding their time, anticipating the moment a person came close enough to drown and eat.

Thankfully, the logical side of his brain knew he had nothing to worry about—even as far as nonfictional threats went. The worst anyone on scavenge-duty had encountered in the last year was a couple of mountain lions and some rattlesnakes, and although he and his teammates had never run into anything like that, they knew how to take care of it as easily as the other people of the compound had: with bullets.

No one left the compound without a loaded gun and extra ammo.

Gus and his team were safe.

The sun dipped below the horizon, and if it weren’t for the smog blanketing the sky (a lingering effect of the Nuclear War, which the elders said should clear up any decade now), the moon and stars might have lit up the night. The temperature fell even further, clouds of breath filling the air in front of Gus’s face and fogging up his glasses.

“Guess we should have packed our coats,” Nancy remarked as she walked in front of Gus, guiding her pig along. She began to shiver. “I hate when the weather gets like this. Hot during the day, cold at night.”

Twigs cracked to the left. Hand flying to his holster, Gus looked that way, his goat bleating, Nancy’s pig squealing.

A flash of movement in the trees, there and gone in an instant.

“What the . . . ?” Oliver tossed his bundle of birds over his shoulder and retrieved his flashlight, his teeth chattering. He and Adam stood several feet to Gus’s right. “Did you guys see that?”

Adam drew his handgun. “Probably a mountain lion. We’re almost home, so just keep your eyes peeled and your weapons ready.”

“Maybe speed it up a little too,” Gus added, and he and Nancy pulled out their handguns. The team continued toward the compound.

Not five minutes had passed before more branches snapped behind them. Again, the goat bleated, and the pig squealed.

Everyone swung around, preparing to shoot. Oliver shined his flashlight into the trees.

The glow revealed a creature that made Gus’s skin prickle with goose bumps.

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About Author A.P. Mobley:

A. P. Mobley is the Halloween-loving, rock-music-obsessed author of dark fantasy inspired by mythology. She doesn’t only write about her favorite myths, folktales, and fairy tales in books, though; she discusses them on her podcast, Myths (& Folktales & Fairy tales), as well as on her blog and newsletter. She grew up in Wyoming and Nebraska and currently lives in South Dakota, and when she’s not up to her elbows in research for her next project, she can be found consuming dangerous amounts of coffee, reading speculative fiction, or rewatching The Good Place.

Never miss an update from A. P. by signing up for her newsletter. Full list of books and Content Warnings on her website.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Newsletter

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The Skeleton Faerie Blitz

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Voices Beyond The Creek organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Curt Richards will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Voices Beyond The Creek

By Curt Richards

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Genre: Vintage Young Adult

Synopsis

Set in the foothills of the Appalachians, fourteen-year-old Caleb Austin and his friend Marlee (Mary Lee) Patterson face poverty and prejudice in their small rural town. Confronted with the “creek people” who live in the hollow and the wild child Annabelle Pruitt, their lives take an exciting turn.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Marlee hurried to the edge of the creek and stopped before her shoes touched the water. Any other time, Caleb knew that she wouldn’t have hesitated to splash through the creek, but if she came home with wet shoes and a muddy dress today, her mother would have a few good words for her, to say the least.

“Hello!” Marlee called into the doghobble thicket on the opposite bank. Caleb stood, sheltered by a poplar tree, and watched, expecting Smoky Pruitt and his hounds to come crashing through the brush any minute.

“Annabelle. Are you there?” Marlee bent and studied the undergrowth. Suddenly, Annabelle appeared next to a large hickory tree. The girl stood motionless, like a rabbit spotted in a briar thicket. Her hair was shoulder-length and unkempt, and she wore a dirty dress that draped to mid-calf, ending a few inches above her leather shoes.

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About Author Curt Richards:

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Curt Richards is a retired public school teacher from Upstate South Carolina. He has taught various science courses for forty years, from middle school to college. He believes there is no higher calling than guiding young people and adults through their education. In his free time, Richards enjoys studying nature, gardening, hiking, reading, socializing with family and friends, and writing in multiple genres.

Books by Curt Richards:

Voices Beyond the Creek (2025, Young Adult Fiction)
Circle the Stones (scheduled for release in 2026, YA fiction)
Misguided Passions and the Lord’s Prayer (2024 Non-fiction)
30 Insights for New Teachers to Thrive (2023 Non-fiction)

Website / Instagram / LinkedIn

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

Fabulously Flawed

By Lynne Hancock Pearson

 

Publication date: November 15th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Small town. Big dreams. One renovation that changes everything.

After three years of climbing the corporate ladder, Carl can practically taste the corner office with his name on the door. However, caring for his injured grandmother takes precedence, forcing his return to Keeney. But not to stay. Career-wise, the small town is a dead end, and others have their eye on that corner office.

Trading boardroom strategy for work boots and hard hats, Carl rejoins Keeney Building Supply to work as a general contractor—temporarily. He’s made that clear to everyone, including Sylvie.

Years ago, they parted ways before their mutual attraction could ignite, and Sylvie moved on, partnering with a charming developer who shared her excitement for flipping houses. However, charm can be deceiving—the developer wanted only her money, not her heart, leaving her plans in ruins.

Carl steps in, offering friendship, ice cream, and a new opportunity for her own home renovation business. Sylvie’s spark returns, and their attraction kindles, but Carl keeps his distance.

With his grandmother well on her way to recovery, there’s nothing to keep him in the small town. His future is waiting, and it’s not in Keeney.

Or is it?

A workplace romance, Fabulously Flawed is a story of the messy beauty of falling for someone who challenges everything you thought you wanted: a would-be house flipper who clashes and connects with the driven project manager determined to escape the confines of small-town life.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Hoping Carl would indeed wind up at her place, Sylvie had spent the morning in a cleaning frenzy, and her kitchen shone. There were fresh, fluffy towels in the sparkling bathroom, vacuum tracks on the carpet, and most importantly, clean sheets on the bed. Afterward, she’d collapsed on the couch.

But then she didn’t like the placement of the living room furniture, so she’d arranged and rearranged it to look cozier, and placed candles artfully around the room. To say she was nervous was an understatement. Images of Carl naked and hovering over her had haunted her dreams. She had no doubt the reality would be even better.

Part of her dream came true about twenty minutes later.

Having told Carl to get comfortable, she’d gone into the kitchen to assemble a late-night snack. From the fridge, she pulled the cheeseboard she’d assembled that morning and the wine. And not her usual box of Okanagan Porchbanger. For this momentous night—at least she hoped it would be—she’d splurged on a higher-end bottle. On a waiting tray, she arranged the cheeseboard, plates, napkins, and two glasses of wine.

Carl sat on the couch, one arm draped along the back of the cushions. She’d been right about the candles because the soft light made his dark eyes shine. Transfixed by the invitation in his smile, she walked into the living room and promptly tripped.

Moving quickly, Carl leaped from the couch to catch the falling glasses, but not before the contents splashed across his face, to drip down his chest. Cheese, crackers, cornichons, and cured meats were scattered across the coffee table that Sylvie had relocated earlier that day. Holding the two glasses, Carl blinked drops of wine from his lashes.

Sylvie’s mouth hung open as she stared at him in dismay. “Oh my God! I am so, so sorry!”

“It’s okay,” he said, smacking his lips. “I like a good rosé.” He set the glasses on the tray and took it from Sylvie’s hands. “Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?”

Pain radiated from where her knee had connected with the stupid coffee table. It wasn’t bleeding, but she’d have a lovely bruise tomorrow. “No,” she replied, bending her knee experimentally. “I’m fine, but your shirt isn’t.” Soaked through in spots, the fabric was rapidly turning pink.

He took the tray into the kitchen and returned, unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it from the waistband of his trousers. “It’ll wash. But do you have a towel? I’d like to clean up a bit.”

After guiding him to the bathroom and handing him a towel, Sylvie went to clean up the mess. The good news was that nothing had broken, and only Carl had gotten wet. The bad news was…she sucked at seduction. He probably had an Uber on the way, ready to make his escape. She scooped the remains of her carefully planned evening off the coffee table and got down on her knees to retrieve tiny pickles from under the couch.

She turned to look when Carl returned, and her mouth hung open again. Hands shoved into his trouser pockets, and shirtless, he was a sight to behold. A smattering of hair covered his pectoral muscles and arrowed down his taut belly. The slopes and dips that defined the muscles of his arms and chest called to her, and she rose from the floor, knowing she was staring and not caring a bit.

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About Author Lynne Hancock Pearson:

Lynne Hancock Pearson writes fun, flirty, feel-good fiction that simmers at low heat. Set in the Pacific Northwest, they are stories of people finding their way, even if it takes a while to get there.

She lives near Seattle with two and a half finicky felines and one long-suffering husband. She is a left-handed middle child who grew up in the Great White North and is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Canada.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

 

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Fabulously Flawed Blitz

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.