Welcome to Teaser Tuesday where I share snippets from new and past releases and works-in-progress and occasionally con unsuspecting author friends into doing the same. Like today.

Read on…

It’s been hot!

I’ve actually had to break out shorts from my wardrobe. Nice for me, not so nice for the unsuspecting populace of Newcastle who’ve been blinded by my lily-whites. We Heins don’t really do tans. We’re too fair and freckly and prone to painful sunburn, and I usually don’t venture outside without first slathering on sunscreen and donning a hat. Which gives me the excuse to buy hats. Lots of hats.

But enough about hats. We’re here to talk dresses!

Well, one dress in particular. And it’s a very special dress with a story. A story by none other than Rachael Johns so you know it’s going to be a cracker.

Four women, one dress, and the secret that binds them all…

That’s the tag for Rachael’s brand-new release Lost Without You, and she’s here today to share a little about the book and treat you to a peek inside.

Please give Rachael a warm Teaser Tuesday welcome!

ARGH – it’s always so hard to choose an extract for Cathryn’s fab Teaser Tuesday because all the juicy ones contain spoilers… but I did my best. LOST WITHOUT YOU is at its core a story about family and how keeping secrets from those close to you can have an impact on your relationships and so I’ve decided to give you an insight into Rebecca’s secret.

Rebecca is one of four main characters and in many ways, she is the link between them all…

Happy reading! X Rach

As Molly twirled three times like she always did before a snooze and then settled herself down in her favourite spot in front of the bed , Rebecca glanced at the closed door, praying Hugh would respect her request for privacy. Then, taking a deep breath, her hands shaking ridiculously, she went into their walk-in robe, stretched up high on her tippy-toes and pulled down a box she’d labeled ‘Old Music Notebooks.’ Neither Hugh nor Paige shared her love of music and so they would never think to pry into this box. Besides, it wasn’t a lie – the box did contain her old journals, but, right at the bottom, it also housed a whole load of mix-tapes leftover from her teenage years, letters, and something even more precious to her than them.

She took the box over to the bed and her breath caught in her throat as she lifted the lid. What if the photo was gone? There was no reason why it should be but suddenly the fear felt real. Without care, she lifted the notebooks that were at the top and flung them on the bed beside her, then rifled through the rest of the box, resisting the urge to look at the tapes from her high school boyfriend – she should have thrown them away years ago. Finally, she found what she was looking for, the old journal filled with the angst-ridden songs she’d written as a teenager. They were all dismal – singing was her skill, not song-writing – but she’d put her heart and soul into them anyway. Ignoring the R&R Forever scratched into the front cover in her flowery adolescent handwriting, she flicked straight to the end.

And there it was.

There he was – tiny and perfect, a bald-headed angel looking up at her with big blue innocent eyes. Well, not at her, she’d never got that close to him; he’d been looking up at whoever took the photograph and she didn’t know who that was. Maybe a nurse. She certainly couldn’t imagine her mother would have done so.

Tears prickled Rebecca’s eyes as she touched a finger to the photo. She let out a long slow breath., one she felt like she’d been holding since she’d thought of this photo in the hospital two weeks ago. This little boy had never been far from her mind these last thirty-five years, but she’d kept him in a box and kept that box buried deep in her heart. Yet now, having come face-to-face with her own mortality, everything felt like it had changed. Now it was like her long-lost son was actually in that box and that he was knocking on the lid, trying to push it open and get her attention.

Pain throbbed in her forehead and she forced deep breaths in and out, unsure whether her sudden breathlessness was because she was having a panic attack or if it was a symptom of her blasted kidney disease. Either way, this photo couldn’t stay here, in the house, where it could so easily be found by someone looking for something else.

But what could she do with it? She didn’t trust her parents not to ‘lose’ it and besides, her dad hadn’t been in the best of health lately either; she didn’t want to put anything else on them.

Did banks still rent out safe boxes? Rebecca wasn’t sure if they were actually a thing or if it was just something used in the movies. She could ask Hugh – he always knew stuff like that – but of course then he’d want to know why she needed one. Google! The answer landed in her head and she went to grab her mobile only to realise her handbag was still out in the hallway where she’d dumped it when she’d dropped down to hug Molly.

Bugger. Why did everything have to be so hard?

Lost Without You is gathering brilliant reviews everywhere and making a lot of readers very happy. Which means you deserve a copy of your own, oh yes you do, and thanks to the internet instant gratification can be yours.

Purchase Lost Without You in paperback and ebook from these stores now.

Booktopia | Dymocks

Amazon.com | Amazon.au

iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

By the way, those good folk at Booktopia have signed copies of Lost Without You available for purchase but they won’t last long. If you’d prefer one of those, grab it today!

If you’d like to learn more about Rachael and her books, please visit her website. You can also connect on Facebook, Twitter using @RachaelJohns, Goodreads and Instagram.

Read a longer excerpt of Lost Without You here.

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, where I share snippets from new and past releases and works-in-progress, and occasionally twist the arms of author buddies into doing the same.

Have Christmas decorations popped up where you are? They’re certainly starting to colonise Newcastle. There are lights galore and the shops are a-glitter with tinsel, reindeer, snow and bearded Santas in heavy costumes. Poor things. Even in the air-con they must be sweating.

You know what else Christmas means?

Another gorgeous story from historical romance author Anna Campbell!

I so look forward to Anna’s Christmas tales. They’re heart-warming and lovely and her latest – The Laird’s Christmas Kiss which landed on my Kindle last week thanks to a nifty pre-order – sounds absolutely gorgeous. Just the thing to get into the Christmas spirit.

Here’s Anna to tell you more about The Laird’s Christmas Kiss. Make sure you read to the end because there could be a GIVEAWAY!

Hi Cathryn and all the Teaser Tuesday aficionados!

Thank you for having me back again as a guest. Today I’m going to talk about The Laird’s Christmas Kiss, which is book 2 in my The Lairds Most Likely series.

Did you have a teenage crush? Shy, bookish Elspeth Douglas, my heroine in The Laird’s Christmas Kiss, has been mad about dashing Brody Girvan, Laird of Invermackie, since she was 15. Now she’s 20 and smart enough to know that Brody is never going to notice her, so she makes a solemn vow that she’s not going to love him anymore.

The irony is that her decision makes her much more outspoken and inclined to step out of the shadows, and Brody, who is tired of being the life of the party, realizes that his friend Hamish’s sister is pretty and funny and sweet. Everything gets even more complicated when the rake develops honorable intentions and the innocent miss decides that a brief no-strings flirtation at a house party will be fun. There’s a makeover, plenty of Christmas cheer, interfering relatives, a scandal, and a crate of imported mistletoe to launch the high jinks in fine style. I hope you enjoy this Christmas comedy of crossed wires and sigh with satisfaction when Brody and Elspeth finally discover that they’re talking the same language – and it’s the language of love!

So here’s my teaser. The Douglas and Mackinnon families and their various connections have gathered at Fergus’s castle in the Western Highlands to celebrate Christmas. This scene takes place early in the story when Elspeth and Brody waltz together for the first time.

Achnasheen, Scottish Highlands, December 1818

Elspeth sent him a repressive glance. “Brody, don’t waste your time flirting with me. I’m frightfully dull.”

He laughed, and she saw Diarmid shoot them a disapproving look. Then she caught Marina’s eye. Marina didn’t look disapproving at all.

Brody’s sensual lips lifted in a sardonic curl. “I’m not wasting my time, you strange and enchanting lassie.”

For a moment, the room vanished, and all she saw was that dark, striking face with its brilliant green eyes and commanding blade of a nose. Then she remembered that she’d vowed to be sensible when it came to this man. “You’re trying to turn my head.”

He arched one black eyebrow. “Am I succeeding?”

“No,” she said, although even now, she wasn’t sure about that. “There must be better targets for all this charm.”

He was still smiling down at her as if he really was enchanted. “You think I’m charming?”

This onslaught of masculine interest was all too heady for her. And unfair. Not to mention a little cruel. Because while Elspeth might have banished her ludicrous adolescent tendre for him, she wasn’t immune to his appeal. And every minute proved that she’d aimed way above her touch when she’d set her sights on him.

Resentment sneaked out to color her response. “Does it matter what I think, when you’re so convinced yourself?”

He looked startled and for a moment, she caught a hint of what might be injured feelings. Then his eyes sharpened in a way that sent a chill of disquiet rushing down her spine. “There’s more to you than meets the eye, isn’t there, Elspeth?”

“I hope so,” she retorted.

You can read a longer excerpt and the blurb on my website.

Purchase your copy today of The Laird’s Christmas Kiss from these stores:

Amazon.com | Amazon.au | Amazon.uk

Kobo | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

GIVEAWAY!

So did you have a teenage crush? I had a million – mainly movie and TV stars and singers – although there was also a bit of a crush on my godmother’s grandson Geoff and the boy next door (neither of whom knew I was alive – so I know just how Elspeth feels in my new story!). There was Fonzie and David Bowie and Neil Diamond and Freddie Mercury and Anthony Andrews and Timothy Dalton and… But I won’t go on. I want YOU to go on. Tell me about your teenage crush!

I’ve got a Kindle download of The Laird’s Christmas Kiss: The Likely Lairds Book 2 for someone who comments. No geographical restrictions.

Good luck in the draw!

Thanks, Anna. You are so generous with your giveaways.

As for crushes…

Like us all, I had lots but the one that sticks in my mind is the one I had on Pakistani cricket captain Imran Khan. I thought him ridiculously handsome, and he was captain and don’t get me started on that accent. Swoon. I was sure he would hear my mental plea and gallop into Mount Gambier on a white Arab horse, sweep me out of my primary school and whisk me, his new princess, off to his desert kingdom for a happily-ever-after of dreamy eyes and LOTS of horses. Yes, yes, I know. I may have had my countries a tad confused and erroneously equated cricket captaincy with kingship, but it was the fantasy that counted. And daydreaming that one in class was a bucketload more fun than maths.

What about your first crush? Anna and I would love to hear. Share and you could win!

Please note: Giveaway closes midnight Friday 9^th November 2018, Australian Eastern Daylight Time. Open internationally. Prize is a Kindle copy of The Laird’s Christmas Kiss.

If you’d like to learn more about Anna and her books – and she has plenty available for your reading pleasure – please visit her website. You can also connect via Facebook and Twitter using @AnnaCampbelloz.

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the blog series where I share snippets from new and past releases and works-in-progress, and occasionally invite author buddies to do the same. And today is such a day!

I’m absolutely delighted to introduce you to fellow Hunter Valley writer Ann B Harrison. I’m sure many of you are already family with Ann and her books. She writes fabulous Australian rural romances and Montana, USA-set cowboy romances and loves writing about about the ups and downs of small communities. If strong, sassy heroines, hot sexy heroes and plenty of passion are your thing – and of course they are – then Ann has books for you. Lots of books!

This is Ann’s first visit to Teaser Tuesday and I’m sure it won’t be the last. So buckle up for a delicious taste of Christmas Glitter, currently free on Amazon and other major ebook platforms. Yes FREE! Download today and you’ll not only stoke that Christmas spirit (oh shush, it’s never too early for some Christmas spirit, especially when it has cowboys) but score a great story for nicks, which means lots of lovely spare change to spend on fruit mince tarts.

Please give Ann a big welcome!

After a rough year involving a serious car accident, painful recovery and broken engagement, Dakota Moore moves to Cherry Lake to rebuild her life. To embrace her new community, she volunteers to coordinate the annual Christmas tree gala.

Adam Clements has come home to help his mother run the family business while his father recovers from a heart attack. For the last decade, he’s been a high-flying soccer player, enjoying the life that comes with his popularity. But something is missing and he can’t put his finger on it… until he returns to Cherry Lake and remembers the feeling of home.

Adam tries to keep his distance because he knows he’ll be leaving, but he can’t deny his attraction to Dakota. With the countdown to Christmas on, can Dakota convince Adam that his home is right there in Cherry Lake, with her?

Dakota stood in the middle of the great room and turned full circle. The heels of her boots clicked on the dusty wooden floor boards, echoing in the otherwise silent space. The emotions rolling over her face warmed Adam. Wonder mixed with a growing sense of excitement shimmered from her very expressive blue eyes. Ms. Moore would not be the person to hide something from you. She would never be able to pull the shutters down on her thoughts. He sneezed as years of decay and neglect teased his nose.

“Oh bless you. I can’t believe this place, it’s so beautiful. Or at least it will be once it gets a makeover.” She lifted her head and her gaze locked onto the chandeliers. One hung precariously lop sided, one of the support chains broken. The dusty cobweb covered crystals failed to give off the stunning rainbows even with the sun drifting in through the tall windows. Strands of spider web hung like strings of pearls from crystal to crystal, coating the chandeliers with a fine net of dust.

“That’s the hope, anyway. My father remembers coming to dances here when he was at school. I don’t know why everyone stopped using it and let it fall into disrepair but there’s still plenty of life in the old building. Dances became passé or something, from what my mother said. The drive in movie theatre seemed to be more popular and sadly this is the result. Be a shame to see if go completely to ruin.”

She tossed her wayward curls over her shoulder and grinned at him, the faint waft of strawberry shampoo fighting with the smell of dust. “I can imagine all sorts of activities being held here. It has such a nice welcoming vibe to it.”

Adam roared with laughter. “A welcoming vibe. I guess that kind of sums it up.” She was such a breath of fresh air. Why hadn’t he met anyone like her in the city before? He might have settled down by now if he had.

Dakota grabbed his hand and pulled him into a faint beam of sunlight forcing its way through a dirty windowpane. “Close your eyes and let your imagination take over.”

He did as she asked, happy to be spending time doing something so calming after the stress of the last few weeks. It felt right to be with her, letting his imagination drift away from the stress of the last couple of weeks. Funny how much he’d looked forward to spending time with alone with her.

Her voice filled his head. “Listen to the hushed chatter of the dancers as they wait for the orchestra to take their positions on stage. The red velvet curtains flutter and the patter of footsteps build the anticipation of a fabulous night. Your mother and father stand with their friends, excited to be allowed to attend this year’s Christmas Ball.” Her breath wafted over his neck as she spun the story.

“Even the watchful eye of their parents from the side cannot take away the new found thrill they’ve found being together. The curtain opens, a tap of baton against wood signals the start of the music. Your father grips your mother’s hand, slides another behind her back, gives her a gentle smile and is poised ready to take her away in the opening waltz.”

Dakota moved to the front of him and leant into his body, the touch of her sending his pulse racing. “The music starts, soft melodic strains reach into his soul and they begin to move together, all too soon oblivious of those around them. They become their own island, their own world where no one can interrupt or steal away the joy they feel being here together.”

She’d slipped her hand into his, began to move and together they danced to the music in their heads. His hands felt right as they held her close. It was as though she belonged there. Adam opened his eyes and looked into the smiling face turned up to him. “How do you do it, Dakota? You had me there with them. Kind of creepy to be in my parent’s heads but also very cool. Your imagination is awesome.” He continued to lead her around the dusty floor, loath to let her go. It would seem that coming home had become more important than he’d first thought. Now he had more to think about than playing another season. His parents had started their future in this town. Could he find something to keep him here too besides the house he owned? It was beginning to seem like anything was possible.

“Joys of being a crafty person, I guess. I can imagine almost anything if I put my mind to it. Probably the reason why my jewelry sells so well. My customers can feel what I can when I’m designing it.”

“Your jewelry?”

“That’s right. Glimmerz is my business.” She gave him a saucy wink. “But you knew that, right?”

You want this, oh yes you do! Download your free copy of Christmas Glitter today from these ebook stores. This offer won’t last so don’t file it away for later. Do it now!

Amazon.com | Amazon.au | Amazon.uk

iBooks | Kobo | Google Play | Barnes&Noble

If you’d like to learn more about Ann and her books, please visit her website. You can also connect via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using @AnnBHarrison. And don’t forget to follow her on Bookbub to get notifications of more deals and news.