Kerry Lonsdale's road trip playlist...plus a book giveaway

We're always glad to have Kerry Lonsdale at CLC. Melissa is a fan of her writing and has read all of her books. She loved Kerry's latest novel, Side Trip, as shown by her review. In honor of Kerry's publication week, she's here to talk about music and is sharing a list to go along with this novel. Thanks to Kathleen Carter Communications, we have one copy to give away!

Side note: We just realized Kerry was here on July 9th "last summer," as well. What are the odds?!?

Kerry Lonsdale is the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Amazon Charts & #1 Kindle bestselling author of standalone and series-based emotionally charged domestic drama. A mash-up of domestic suspense, family drama, and contemporary romance, her novels straddle genres, and with over twenty-seven foreign language translations, they appeal to a wide, global audience. She lives in Northern California with her husband, teenage son and daughter, two cats, and an aging Golden Retriever convinced she’s still a puppy. When Kerry’s not writing, she can be found binge-watching anything with big CGI effects or high drama. She’s a sucker for stories about second chance romance, strong women overcoming odds, and families with dark secrets.

Visit Kerry online:
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Synopsis:
With her deceased sister’s Route 66 bucket list in hand, California girl Joy Evers sets out on a cross-country road trip to meet up with her fiancé, checking off the bullets along the way.

Singer-songwriter Dylan Westfield has a serious case of wanderlust and a broken-down car. Stuck at a diner between LA and Flagstaff, he meets Joy, his complete opposite. She’s energetic. He’s moody. She’s by the book. He’s spontaneous. She believes in love at first sight. He thinks love is a complicated mess. But Joy has a brand-new convertible.

They strike a deal. She’ll drive him to New York. He’ll pay for gas. Only three rules apply: no exchanging of last names; what happens on the road, stays on the road; and if one of them wants to take a side trip, they both must agree.

A heart-stirring love story that spans a decade, Side Trip explores what-if. What if Joy and Dylan had exchanged last names? What if he’d told her she made him believe love was worth the risk? And what if they hadn’t made that second deal when they couldn’t say goodbye? (Courtesy of Amazon.)

Music is a Side Trip

Music has always had a role in my life, from the cassette tapes of long ago summers played repeatedly until the ribbon wore thin to the steel string guitar I plucked away at. Guitar lessons eventually stopped but my love of music played on, which is probably why, in some fashion or another, it is featured in each of my novels, whether namedropping a musician or having my characters listen to a song.

In my latest novel Side Trip, music takes a more central role. Dylan Westfield, one of the main characters, is a singer-songwriter. He and my other character, Joy Evers, take a road trip cross-country on Route 66, listening to and playing tunes as they go. Because what’s a road trip without music?

I’ve put together playlists for previous books, but this is the first playlist where the music was either featured in the book or the selection strongly influenced by the story. It’s also the first book that features lyrics for a new song written by my daughter Brenna. I’m thrilled to share a verse with you.

Sixty-six is where you’ll find
The girl with her hand wrapped in mine.
Naked lips with eager sighs
For a simpler life she has tried.

I’m also thrilled to share Side Trip’s playlist with you first. When you read the book (which I hope you do), listen while you read to enhance your reading experience:

1. "New Light" by John Mayer
2. "Route 66" by Chuck Berry
3. Sincerely by The McGuire Sisters
4. "California Girls" by The Beach Boys
5. "Heaven is a Halfpipe" by OPM
6. "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies
7. "The Suburbs" by Arcade Fire
8. "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
9. "Disconnected" by Face to Face
10. "(He’s My) Dreamboat" by Connie Francis
11. "Hit the Ground Runnin'" by Keith Urban
12. "A Movie Script Ending" by Death Cab for Cutie
13. "Knockin' On Heaven’s Door" by Bob Dylan
14. "Dancing in the Moonlight" (featuring NEIMY) by Jubel
15. "Roller Coaster" by blink-182
16. "One Day" by Major Murphy
17. "California - Tchad Blake Mix" by Phantom Planet

Side Trip’s playlist is available on Spotify.

Happy Listening!

Thanks to Kerry for visiting with us and to Kathleen Carter Communications for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends July 14th at midnight EST.

Leah Mercer has some words to share...plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to have Leah Mercer back at CLC today to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, Ten Little Words. Melissa is a fan of her writing and is excited to read this novel soon! Leah has TWO print copies for some lucky readers!

Leah Mercer was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the east coast of Canada. Her first ambition was to be a journalist, but after completing a master’s in journalism, she soon realized she preferred anything other than reporting the news. After trying her hand at public relations, teaching and recruitment in various countries around the world, she finally settled in London and returned to writing… fiction, this time. Her first two novels, Who We Were Before and The Man I Thought You Were, were shortlisted at the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association Awards. Leah loves books, running and visiting historic houses with her husband and their son.

Visit Leah online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
I am always with you. I will always be here.

This was the promise Ella’s mother betrayed thirty years ago when she walked into the sea, leaving her five-year-old daughter alone in the world. Ella’s been angry ever since, building up a wall to protect herself. But that all changes the day she opens a newspaper and finds those ten little words printed in a classified ad.

Ella refuses to believe her mother could still be alive—that would mean she did want to live, just not with her daughter. So she throws herself into finding out exactly what happened all those years ago, determined to extinguish even the tiniest flame of hope—for Ella, hope is torture.

But rather than settling things once and for all, what Ella discovers shatters her world. As she pieces together the truth behind her mother’s disappearance, she learns that the words are not what she thought.

Now she knows the truth. Is it possible that Ella can allow herself to love—and be loved—once again? (Courtesy of Amazon.)


Dear Future Me,
I hope 2030 is treating you well! Here in 2020, life has been a little . . . strange. Could you ever have imagined living through a global pandemic? Being locked down in London, trying to home-school your seven-year-old son whilst also writing a novel? Allowed out just once a day for an hour of exercise, for months at a time? I almost can’t believe it now, and I’m still in the thick of it.

I’m sure you remember how the bells from the centuries-old church on the corner – the bells that were the soundtrack to your London life, ever since arriving – stopped ringing. How the shops shut down, one after one, and how the ever-busy buses emptied. How the bustling high street right outside your window drained of life, looking like a sad shell of its former self. How you’d even start longing for the accordion-playing busker you once cursed to reappear and fill the silent air.

But despite the unexpected and all the horrors that came with it, I hope you recall the moments of happiness and togetherness that accompanied this trying time. How every Thursday night, your very cosmopolitan neighbours in central London flung open their windows, banged pot and pans, and clapped for all those in our healthcare system who were there when we needed them most. The determination and goodwill of your son’s school, keeping everything ticking over during patience-trying Zoom calls with a class of lively boys. How the nearby parks became giant playgrounds when the actual play areas closed, covered with chalk drawings and rammed with bicycles and scooters. The rainbows of hope and encouragement that appeared in windows around city, and the unexpected hidden passages and unfamiliar corners uncovered during your neighbourhood explorations.

It wasn’t easy, but you managed to finish a novel by getting up at five a.m. every day to work for a few hours before morphing into teacher. Explaining fractions and deciphering what on earth a tetrahedron is might not have been on your agenda, but you learned a lot, too! It’s impossible to picture my young son as a future seventeen-year-old. Does he still need me, I wonder? Despite craving every little bit of space at the moment, I hope I manage to steal a hug and a cuddle.

I know I’m still writing; there’s no need to even ask. It’s my outlet, and even though it can sometimes be torturous, I need it to keep me sane. How many novels have I written now, and how has the publishing world changed? I can’t wait to see how new innovations and technology play a part in making books accessible to everyone.

So much can happen in ten years, yet so much can also stay the same. The world around you can shift in the blink of an eye – I’ve learned that this year – but I’ve also realised that no matter the changes, the important things remain: love, friendship, togetherness. Wherever I am in ten years’ time, that much I know is true.

Thanks to Leah for visiting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends July 13th at midnight EST.

At the movies with Kerry Winfrey...plus a book giveaway

We're so glad to have Kerry Winfrey here to celebrate the publication of her latest novel, Not Like the Movies! It's a follow-up to Waiting for Tom Hanks, which was one of Melissa's 2019 favorites. Not Like the Movies was equally spectacular and Melissa gave it a five-star review. Thanks to Berkley, we have one e-book (via NetGalley) for a lucky reader! (While this can be read as a stand-alone, there are spoilers for Waiting.)

Kerry Winfrey is also the author of the young adult novels LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES and THINGS JOLIE NEEDS TO DO BEFORE SHE BITES IT, both from Feiwel and Friends. When she’s not writing, she’s most likely baking a pie or watching far, far too many romantic comedies. She lives with her husband, son, and dog in the middle of Ohio. (Bio adapted from Kerry's website.)

Visit Kerry online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
Chloe Sanderson is an optimist, and not because her life is easy. As the sole caregiver for her father, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s, she’s pretty much responsible for everything. She has no time—or interest—in getting swept up in some dazzling romance. Not like her best friend, Annie, who literally wrote a rom-com that’s about to premiere in theaters across America . . . and happens to be inspired by Chloe and her cute but no-nonsense boss, Nick Velez.

As the buzz for the movie grows, Chloe reads one too many listicles about why Nick is the perfect man, and now she can’t see him as anything but Reason #4: The scruffy-bearded hunk who’s always there when you need him. But unlike the romance Annie has written for them, Chloe isn’t so sure her own story will end in a happily-ever-after. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
Any time someone says a book of mine made them actually laugh out loud. Or when someone says a book of mine made them cry. Maybe it’s weird to be happy about making people cry, but any time I can elicit a strong emotion, that’s a great compliment!

Which character is more similar to you, Annie or Chloe? Why?
Even though Annie and I are both huge rom-com fans, we’re not much alike at all. I’ve never made any real life decisions because of romantic comedies, and I’m actually not very romantic. But I do have a lot in common with Chloe! I’ve been known to schedule my emotional breakdowns, kind of like Chloe’s Five Minute Cries, and I love bright colors. Oh, and her love of yacht rock is absolutely from me. Every song she loves in the book is a personal favorite of mine.

If you could cast Not Like the Movies for the big screen, who would play the leading roles?
This is such a fun question, but hard because I rarely have actors in mind when I’m writing. I see the characters as the made up people in my head, and I can’t really picture them as actors. But I LOVE when readers “cast” the book for me!

What is your favorite rom com movie of all time?
My favorite classic is You’ve Got Mail. I love that the stakes are high and the emotions are big, and I always cry at the end. My favorite underrated romantic comedies are What If (Zoe Kazan and Daniel Radcliffe!) and Just Wright (Queen Latifah and Common!).

What is something that would surprise people to learn about you?
I would love to write a super creepy mystery novel. Unfortunately I’m very easily scared so I’m not sure I can ever make it happen.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you (or that you have witnessed) recently?
Most of the funny things that happen to me involve my three year-old. The other day he asked me, “Do you remember that time you got a haircut? Do you think…someone could give you another one?” I mean, I already knew I needed a haircut, but three year-olds love to roast you. They don’t hesitate to let you know if they don’t like your clothes, your hair, or the food you made them.

Thanks to Kerry for chatting with us and to Berkley for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends July 12th at midnight EST.

Book Review: A Sunset in Sydney

By Sara Steven

How far would you go in the name of love?

Sarah Parsons has a choice ahead of her. After the trip of a lifetime she’s somehow returned home with TWO handsome men wanting to whisk her away into the sunset.

Pulled in two directions across the globe, it’s making life trickier than it sounds. Her gorgeous American Josh, wants to meet Sarah in Hawaii for a holiday to remember. Meanwhile silver fox James plans to wine and dine her in London.

It’s a lot to handle for this Aussie girl, who had totally sworn off men!

Join Sarah after her adventure in One Summer in Santorini, for the heart-warming and uplifting third book in The Holiday Romance trilogy. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

I’ve read two of the three books in the Holiday Romance series, and even though I haven’t read One Summer in Santorini, the beginning to Sarah’s story, I never felt lost or like I didn’t understand the premise behind A Sunset in Sydney. This could totally be a standalone reading experience, and it was a great one.

I appreciated how Sarah finds herself in the midst of two potential budding romances. The men represent two opposing personalities that appeal to her sensibilities, bringing out various characteristics that make up who Sarah is, as a whole. That’s what makes it so hard. At times, I felt as though I’d delved head-first into scenes reminiscent of Sex and the City, an exciting and whirwind adventure and even Sarah has no idea on where she’ll end up, or with whom. On the one hand, I could see the need to remain neutral, in order to not push any buttons or demand more than what she feels they’re willing to give her. Yet, on the other hand, she deserves more than just a “vacationship”, a word I’d never heard of until hearing it from Sarah!

The adventures are shrouded in fun and excitement, yet all good things come to an end, and what comes after that? That’s the question. I could see from Sarah’s experiences that she’s not entirely sure on what she wants, or what she needs, not to mention her worries and self doubts that creep in. She isn’t sure she’s enough for James, or maybe Josh won’t be enough for her. She has a hard time believing that either man would be interested in her, and this comes off as a really strong presence when she’s trying to appreciate and be in the moment with both of them. While we eventually learn what the right choice is for Sarah, we’re also watching her grow and change and evolve, as well. It’s so much more than Sarah’s romantic escapades.

Another strong character within A Sunset in Sydney are the gorgeous scenic moments the reader is introduced to, from the tropical backdrops of Hawaii, to the bright sunny skies of Sydney, with cool languished breezes in London, and beyond. It made me want to be there, or reminded me of my own adventures depending on where I’ve been in my life, in this case, Hawaii. The scenery was always another love for Sarah, the safety net who would never let her down. It was also nice to meet up with Cat again, Sarah’s sister and the main protagonist in the second book in the Holiday Romance series. I love it when we get to see former characters from other books, making it feel as though I get to reacquaint myself with an old friend. Ultimately, this was a fun read, and a welcome respite this summer!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK * Amazon US * Google Play * Waterstones * Kobo

Sandy Barker is an Australian writer, traveler and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list and a cheeky sense of humor. She’s also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.

Many of Sandy’s travel adventures have found homes in her writing, including her debut novel, a contemporary romance set in Greece, which was inspired by her true-life love story.

Visit Sandy online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Visit all the stops on the blog tour:

Spotlight and Giveaway: Lucky's Beach

Today we are featuring Lucky's Beach by Shelley Noble. The cover looks so inviting and the story sounds fun and interesting. Thanks to William Morrow, we have THREE copies to give away!

Lucky’s Beach follows Julia Barlow, who wants more from her life than her staid teaching job. After being denied a much-coveted educational leave of absence, she feels she's stuck in her same, boring rut. When a trip to the beach with her oldest friends is immediately derailed by a phone call from her mother, Julia ends up at a surf shack on the Delaware coast, looking for her absent Uncle Lucky.

What was meant as a pit stop soon turns into a destination as a series of mishaps befalls the friends and Uncle Lucky still hasn't shown up. While trying to make the best of it, certain that he'll appear any day, Julia attempts to enjoy what's left of her summer vacation, especially if that includes a handsome, bespeckled bartender.

Shelley writes a heartfelt novel that takes her characters — and readers — through an emotional journey of love, sacrifice and the power of forgiveness.

Shelley Noble is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Whisper Beach and Beach Colors. Other titles include Stargazey Point, Breakwater Bay, Forever Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and four spin off novellas. A former professional dancer and choreographer, she lives at the Jersey shore and loves to discover new beaches and indulge in her passion for lighthouses and vintage carousels. Shelley is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Women’s Fiction Writers Association.

Visit Shelley online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 


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Giveaway ends July 7th at midnight EST.

Reviews at Amazon--May/June 2020

We're posting some reviews at our Amazon accounts, as either they've been sitting in queue for a while and deserve their time in the sun, fall under our featuring policy, or they're new reads that we couldn't wait to post at the blog. You can check them out at the links below. Hope we can help you find your next favorite book!

Melissa:

Review

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Review (Goodreads)

Spotlight: The Name of Red...plus a special giveaway

This is our stop during the book blitz for The Name of Red by Beena Khan. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from July 1-7. See the tour schedule here.


The Name of Red
By Beena Khan
Genre: Literary Fiction/ Contemporary Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 15 May, 2020

Synopsis:
Two strangers on the same path.

Survivors. Companions.

They will be each other’s salvation.

On a rainy, winter night, a mysterious woman in a red dress seeking shelter comes inside the restaurant Kabir was busy working in —primarily the bar— and night after night, drink after drink, she comes back to the same spot. That is where he sees her for the first time. 

Hundreds of patrons around her try to speak with her daily, but she dismisses them. It appears she wants to remain in a blissful peace alone with her booze and books. After seeing the mysterious woman reading a book, and because of his shy nature, Kabir gains entrance into her life by anonymously leaving books with notes for her.

The Name of Red is the story of two strangers, two different personalities who meet on a winter, rainy night who challenge each other. They have a connection which blossoms into a friendship due to their fondness of books. But they both have secrets that can bind them together or threaten their newfound relationship forever.

You can find The Name of Red on Goodreads

You can buy The Name of Red here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK * Amazon CA
Amazon AUS * Barnes & Noble

You can watch the trailer for The Name of Red on Youtube

About the Author:
Beena Khan lives in a suburb in Queens, New York in her apartment. She is 27 years old from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. She is an immigrant who moved to New York when she was five years old. She currently holds a Masters Degree in Developmental Psychology from Cuny School of Professional Sciences. She enjoys reading, writing, and netflixing. This is her debut novel.

Her website is www.beenakhan.com. Sign up for her newsletter where you can subscribe for book news, writing tips, upcoming releases, and exclusive content!

You can find and contact Beena Khan here:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
Amazon * Instagram * Newsletter

Giveaway:
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of The Name of Red. One winner will win a $5 Amazon gift card.

For a chance to win, enter the Rafflecopter below:

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Giveaway ends July 13th.