Strange Daze Indeed

Isn't life strange? And wonderful!

Win a Bundle of Gift Cards for Mother’s Day! #Amazon #Target #Outback – #Giveaway #SpoilMom

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Welcome to the Let’s Spoil Mom Mother’s Day Giveaway!

Mothers are incredible and to celebrate this Mother’s Day we’ve teamed up with Everything Mommyhood and a handful of fellow bloggers to bring you this wonderful giveaway!

Did you know that Mother’s Day is only a few weeks away (May 13th!)?  We’re offering a great package in this giveaway, so why not enter to win a bundle of gift cards. I know that’s a present I always love as you can choose whatever you want!

Whether you’re entering for your mom, aunt, grandma, wife, teacher, friend, or for yourself (what, hey, yeah, of course you deserve it!), I wish you the best of luck!

 

Now for the Giveaway!

One lucky reader will win the following prizes ARV $100:

$50 Outback Gift Card
$25 Target E-Gift Card
$25 Amazon E-Gift Card

Open to US residents, 18 and up Only
Void where prohibited
One entrant per IP/email address
Winner will be emailed within 48 hours, winner will have 24 hours to respond or they will forfeit their prize and a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway begins 4/23/2018 at 12am Eastern and ends 5/7/2018 at 11:59pm Eastern

 

 

Disclosure: Everything Mommyhood is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipment. Outback gift card will be delivered via mail, and Target/Amazon will be delivered via email or mail, winner’s choice. This post is not sponsored in any way. This giveaway is in no way associated or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other social media outlets. If you have any questions, please contact EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com.

 

Enter to #Win $50 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash – Comes The Winter #Giveaway

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Comes the Winter by Samantha St. Claire

For those who dared to stay in Idaho’s Sawtooth Range during the harsh months of winter, there were avalanches, snow blindness and sheer isolation. These warnings seemed exaggerated to Lena Sommer coming from the city, but she would soon find out the truth.

In the fall of 1886, Lena leaves behind a life fraught with disappointments and loss only to arrive in Sawtooth City and find the man she’d pledged to marry has been killed. To return east is unthinkable; to stay is ill-advised, but she resolves to remain and manage the man’s lodging house despite the warnings. More than her stubborn nature influences her decision. From her first glimpse of this mountain valley, she falls captive to its wild beauty. Feeling she has at last found a hearth to call her own, she eagerly puts down roots. Sharing her love of literature with her lodgers before a warming fire, she builds a family of lonesome souls, where dreams awaken.
However, one man stands apart, disturbing her peace with ominous warnings to leave before winter comes. Evan Hartmann knows from personal loss that winter snows bring to these mountains both unimaginable beauty and death. He is also a man conflicted, because as much as he’d like for Lena to leave the mountains, his heart longs for her to stay.

 

Excerpt

Letting out a long-held breath, she settled back into the chair, the quilt tucked beneath her chin. High on the tallest peaks, a faint pink glow heralded a new day. As she held her breath, waiting, the sun spread its light down the face of the mountains, flowing like golden water into the high valleys. Lena listened to the songs of birds unfamiliar to her city trained ears, their songs announcing the morning as surely as the milkman on his daily rounds. But this was so different, quiet, and yet not. The longer she sat there absorbing the growing presence of day, the more she heard.

How unlike the gray skies of Chicago! How lovely! In the east, rays of gold fanned out along the horizon, chasing back the last shadows of night to foreign lands, far beyond the mountains in the west. Her breath caught as the sun emerged from behind the hills, drawing with it a canopy of pale blue. If anyone had witnessed this greeting between them, they would have seen Lena’s face aglow in sunlight. And had Evan seen her, his thoughts of her as an angelic being would have seemed confirmed.

 

Author Samantha St. Claire

Samantha St. Claire was born in 2016, the alter-ego and pen name of an author of historical fiction born a few decades earlier. She may have found her niche in western historical fiction, served up sweet. Never faint of heart, her signature female protagonists face the hazards of the frontier with courage, wit, and a healthy pinch of humor.

The road from college graduation led due west where teaching in a small Arizona town fulfilled childhood fantasies on multiple levels. Hiking and backpacking the canyons and desert fed her imagination with the landscapes she would use later in life as an author. A few years passed before a change in jobs took her to California where her love of western history was further fed and her first novel of Russia’s Fort Ross Colony came to life. But Idaho sparked her interest in the history of the magnificent central mountain ranges and Samantha St.Claire began her first series, The Sawtooth Range.

Follow www.samanthastclaire.net to read more about the research that has helped develop the characters, towns and stories of the Sawtooth Range Series and now Whitcomb Creek, Montana.

Website * Facebook

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 4/18/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

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The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts – 99 Cent Ebook + Swimsuit Giveaway!

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We’re pleased to offer you another amazing Ebook which is on sale for just 99 cents today and tomorrow (3/14-3/15). This one takes place in one of my favorite places, the lush island of Kauai. Speaking of lush and dreaming of summer, enter below to win a gorgeous Nani Swimsuit of your choice (an $80 value)!

The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts

A daughter escaping, a Navy SEAL sent to protect her, and the beautiful island that might prove more dangerous than her father.

Ally, daughter of the Duke of Gunthry, has spent her life terrified of her father and dreams of the day when she can escape his tyrannical rule.

When her mum helps her escape to the beautiful island of Kauai, Ally thinks she’s found paradise and maybe more with the handsome River who keeps crossing her path.

But there are unexpected enemies lurking in the shadows. And no matter how tough River seems, no one can withstand the army her father will send when he discovers her location.

River Duncan is part of an elite security task force of ex-Navy SEALS. Little does he know his first assignment might prove irresistible to resist and protect. When he finds himself falling for the fun-loving Ally he plans to resign his position so they can join forces in their common goal of fighting human trafficking. River has never underestimated the enemy before, but is he fully prepared to protect and love Alexandria Gunthry?

Will River’s protection and Ally’s love be enough to conquer a lifetime of fear and responsibilities? Or will they be forced to give up on their dreams in the face of her sadistic and powerful father?

Praise for The Protective Warrior

I’ve read pretty much every Cami Checketts book, and I think this is my favorite of all time ever!

I absolutely love the way Cami Checketts is able to sweep me away to an exotic location, completely immersing me in the story. She always adds an element of suspense that keeps me on my toes and I was almost looking over my shoulder while hiking the lush trails of Kauai this afternoon.

It doesn’t get any better than this! An excellent read from start to finish! I love this book! Outstanding! One of my all-time favorites!

The Protective Warrior is the perfect balance of sweet romance and on-your-toes suspense. I loved it!

Excerpt

They reached the pebbled area next to the waterfall, she gave him a mischievous glance and then dropped her backpack, turned, and ran straight into the pool. Diving into the water, she swam toward the waterfall. The force of the water drove her back away from it, splashing water into her face.
River stared. This girl was nuts. He would think she was fun if he wasn’t responsible for her safety.
“Come on, chum,” Ally hollered to him.
River blew out a breath, dropped his backpack, and peeled off his shirt. No reason to be completely wet when he got out.
Ally’s eyes swept over his chest as he walked toward her and she gave him a coy grin. This girl was trouble. No wonder her parents had been so willing to pay top dollar for River to protect her. Hopefully it was simply protecting her from herself. If there was a stalker or someone bent on hurting her, this innocent creature would be done for.
He stepped into the water and shivered. You’d think all water in Hawaii was warm, but it was February and the source was coming out of a mountain. Bracing himself, he dove in and swam quickly to Ally. The spray from the falls was strong. It stung his face, but he’d been born to be in the water and it didn’t bother him.
“Isn’t this the bee’s knees?” she asked, all childlike exuberance.
“Yeah.”
They treaded water next to the downpour from the waterfall for maybe half a minute; then she grinned and splashed some water at him before swimming away. She stopped and stood in water about waist deep. Water streamed down her smooth, tanned skin and her wet hair looked like gold. Her tank top clung to her chest and abdomen. She was far too beautiful and apparently clueless of that fact.
In a dozen strokes River was next to her and stood on the uneven boulders that made up the bottom of the pool.
She glanced up at the greenery surrounding them and the water cascading down. “It’s so … invigorating.”
She stuttered a step and River moved forward to steady her. The rocks were slippery and unstable. “You okay?”
“Yes. Thanks for sharing this with me! Cheers!” She threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips. Her lithe body was warm against his chest and her lips were soft and seemed to mold perfectly to his. She pulled back, laughed, and dove under the water like some sea nymph.
River sat there, stunned. That kiss had been sweet and innocent yet warmed him all the way to his bones. She couldn’t really act like this with every guy she’d met; she wouldn’t have any of the innocence left that leapt from her bright blue eyes. Didn’t she realize how dangerous this was? Being alone with some guy she didn’t know was one thing, but flinging herself at him and kissing him?
Now where was she? He glanced around the small pool. Had the waterfall gotten a hold of her and pummeled her against the rocks?
He was coiling to dive in after her when she surfaced and wiped the water off of her face. “Isn’t this fun?”
River couldn’t take it any longer. He pushed through the water, grabbed her arm, and hauled her back onto dry ground.
“Are you daft?” she asked, her eyes finally wide with fear. Maybe there was an ounce of sense in that pretty head. “Let me go!”
River released her arm, but he stayed right in her face. “Are you completely insane?”

 

 

Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

Website * Instagram * Facebook

 

Nani Swimsuit Giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Protective One we are giving away an adorable Nani Swimsuit of your choice ($80 value). Enter to win below.

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#Win $100 Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Code – The Marriage Pact Book Blast #giveaway

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We’re thrilled to bring you another great giveaway and book blast for The Marriage Pact by Wendi Sotis. This giveaway is for $100 Paypal cash or an Amazon gift code. Use it to buy books or anything your heart desires :). Best of luck!

The Marriage Pact by Wendi Sotis

A Regency Romance

The heir to an earldom has little control over his own fate, but Mr. James Aldridge promised himself one freedom. To marry for affection instead of wealth or connections. Anger flares when he learns his father has struck a deal: in one year, he will be leg-shackled to Miss Celia Colton, the dazzling beauty who had previously caught his eye. Now certain she was simply performing her role in a scheme to catch him as her husband, resentment prompts James to refuse to squander his last months of independence in the company of such a mistress of manipulation. But why can he not wrench his gaze from her at every encounter?

Completely unaware of the pact that has matched her with James, Miss Celia Colton is at a loss to explain why the man she secretly loves has suddenly become cold and critical. Abandoned by James, who had promised to guide her through her debut Season, she fears she will have to navigate the ton with only her grasping mother and distracted cousin as companions. Surrounded by gentlemen merely interested in her dowry, young ladies who view her as unwelcome competition, and, worse yet, James’s icy stares and disdainful manners, her primary concern is to discover the reason for his altered behaviour. How can she make things right between them? Will a love-match be forever out of her reach?

 

Praise for The Marriage Pact

This novel had quite a few twists & turns to it that I didn’t quite expect. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say I truly enjoyed this book – I felt thoroughly engaged throughout the whole of it & being a regency style novel as well as being a clean read, I can highly recommend it.

 

Excerpt:

For the moment, the pair of matrons were silently observing Celia interact with a newly introduced gentleman, a Mr. Montgomery. As she rose from yet another curtsy, her gaze deviated from its mark and locked onto a sight that caused her heart to cease beating.
James stood directly across the ballroom, speaking to a lady. Even from this distance, his handsome visage nearly took her breath away. She strained to discern a trace of the deep timbre of his voice from the din of the crowd, but she could not make it out. It had been too long since her heart had soared with the rumbling of his laughter — far, far too long since his smile had warmed her soul.
She willed James to approach. Alas, he did not. The urge to call out to him almost overcame her sense of propriety before the recollection of the change in their situation crashed down on her all at once. Her elation burst, leaving an ache in its place.
She sighed and glanced at Mr. Montgomery, who looked away from her neckline only long enough to sign her dance card.
If she could put up with this man’s ogling her through a set, then surely, she could endure pairing up with James and withstand his angry glares.
Mr. Montgomery returned the card to her hand, and she saw there were still two sets open. As was expected of her, she thanked the gentleman and curtsied once again. Mr. Montgomery bowed and retreated.
Her mother immediately took hold of one of her hands. “Celia! Lord Eagleton has come, after all, and he moves in this direction. Remember everything I have told you, dear — simply everything. You must attract his attention immediately, before Miss Buchannan does so.” She craned her neck to peer around a group of ladies who had moved between them and James. “Oh, that disagreeable Mr. Kenilworth has delayed Lord Eagleton’s approach. I had the disadvantage of making his acquaintance last summer, while I stayed at Penelope’s estate. Mr. Kenilworth is a distant relation to the baron, and although he may be the younger son of an earl, I do not like that man. Especially not now.” She held out her hand to Celia. “Give me your dance card, dear.”
Celia held onto her card tightly, already suspecting what her mother had in mind. She widened her eyes. “Why?”
“If Mr. Kenilworth delays Lord Eagleton much longer, he will not be able to reserve a set with you. I shall do so for him.”
“But mother …” Celia sputtered out, “Perhaps Lord Eagleton does not wish to request a dance.”
“Nonsense.” Mrs. Colton laughed as she waved the idea away. “Of course he does. He would wish to reserve a set of honour.” She plucked the card and pencil out of Celia’s hand. “You are unengaged for the last set. I shall fill in his name.”
“Mother, please do not —” It was too late. As her mother returned her card, Celia stared at the name now written next to the final set. Viscount Eagleton. Good Lord, what was she to do?

Author Wendi Sotis
Wendi Sotis lives on Long Island, NY, with her husband and triplets. While searching for Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point of view, she became thoroughly enamored with Jane Austen Fan Fiction or JAFF. In early 2010, she dreamed an idea for a story and hasn’t stopped writing since: Promises, Dreams and Expectations; All Hallows Eve;The Keys for Love; Safekeeping (with just a dash of Austen); The Gypsy Blessing; Foundation of Love (The Gypsy Blessing 2); and A Lesson Hard Learned. A Very Austen Christmas, released in 2017, is an anthology of short stories and novellas including Wendi’s story No Better Gift.

The Marriage Pact, and some of her works-in-progress, have branched away to Regency Romance (the Loving an Aldridge series) and Contemporary Romantic Mysteries (the Implicated series).

Wendi will also continue bringing Darcy and Lizzy together again and again in an unusual manner.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

 

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 3/25/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

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#Win $50 Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Code – Bonnie R. Paulson Book Blast!

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We’re excited to bring you another Book Blast Giveaway and a really fun read! Check out  With This Click, I Thee Wed  by Bonnie R. Paulson and enter to win $50 via Paypal cash or Amazon gift code, your choice!

 

With this Click, I Thee Wed by Bonnie R. Paulson

“Uh, oh, what did I do?”

A lonely divorcee…

A rancher who can lose everything…

One website that matches them for marriage…

They have to learn about the importance of decisions and family or lose their one shot at love.

Stuck in a town where everyone knows her and her ex-husband, Rachel is distinctly aware of who chose his side – everyone – and who chose her side – no one. Even her hairstylist won’t schedule her.

But when she finds herself alone with a bottle of chianti and the internet, Rachel stumbles upon Clickandwed.com. The survey is easy and clicking “I Do” seems to be the magic button she’s been searching for.

Before she can snap out of her decision, she finds herself packed and flying across the country to meet her new husband.

Would her new life be better or worse than the horrors she left behind?

 

 

Praise for this book:

I will start by saying that I have not read a book by Bonnie R. Paulson that I did NOT like. I love the way she writes and I love the things she writes about. I find that when I read her books that I get pulled into them and can’t stop until I reach the ending.

Being afraid that happiness is something not for either of them, yet finding it in the most delightful way makes this a fun read.

 

Excerpt 

I closed my eyes at the fourth or fifth round of premature fireworks booming outside. My neighbors had an overzealous streak that showed its ugliness during celebratory times. The fireworks would be gone and they’d start on homemade balloon bombs to blow in the street next. There weren’t strong enough earplugs for that.

“Well, it looks like it’s just you and me.” I tilted my wine glass back and drained the rest of my red Chianti. The movies that I had picked out lost their luster when it was just me, all alone.

Time was now counted in glasses, or maybe bottles? I’d lost count. I’d been sipping on it pretty steadily for the remainder of the night. The new year was almost there. I had only a few more minutes left to go.

Nothing had changed.

What was I doing? Why was I just sitting there eating or drinking my life away? I hadn’t meant to be where I was. I didn’t want to live in my parents’ house. I didn’t want to live in the same small town where people liked my ex-husband more than they liked me.

A voice over a black screen with pink text reading ClickandWed.com said, “Why are you sitting there watching TV and drinking wine?”

What? I glanced at my nearly empty glass and blinked blearily at the TV.

The voice continued. “Put down your loneliness and rediscover your purpose. Stop messing around; take the next step. Be with someone who isn’t afraid of commitment.” A picture of happily smiling couples began to zoom across the screen, like a badly designed collage. “Get matched with your ideal spouse.” Another shot of the logo with a nice white text beneath it said, all candidates are verified. ClickandWed.com. Find your forever.

 

 

Author Bonnie R. Paulson

Real people, real loss, real love.

USA Today Bestselling author, Bonnie focuses on the emotional thrill of the romance, the discovery of self and the dynamic forces at play to both pull and push love growth.

With 6 children and her own eternal romance at home, Bonnie lives her own dream every day. She’s spoiled with blessings and wants to share the joy of ever-after possibilities with others.
Whether it’s a happy-ever-after or a happy-for-now, the emotions will leave you story drunk for days, if not years.

Feel good romances with sweet twists. Or is it Sweet romances with bold twists? You decide.

You’ll be able to say where you were when you closed the book.
Surviving all things real and coming out better on the other side.

Some of her favorite authors are Robyn Carr, Pamela Kelley, and Christine Kingsley!

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 3/18/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

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Breast Cancer Awareness Survey – Please Help!

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woman


 This is a partnered post with The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.


You likely know someone who has been affected by breast cancer: about 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s why we’re reaching out with a request to help us gather insights on how helpful/valuable information on the topic of breast cancer is when shared in blogs.


The Motherhood is working with researchers at George Mason University and the University of Florida on gathering feedback for a brief survey. If you’re interested in helping support this important project, here is what we’re asking:


Spend 5 minutes taking this brief survey and please enter ‘Strange Daze Indeed’ in the first box along with any other blogs you read. That’s it. You are now entered to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards! The odds are pretty good in my opinion and you are also helping and we appreciate you.

Here’s a link to the survey which is open to anyone in the U.S. ages 18+ who is a blog reader.


Here’s to your health and wellness!

#Win $50 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash – Hothouse Flower Book Blast #Giveaway

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As the new year begins and we wish you all a happy 2018, we’re back with a great giveaway and a free book for you!

Also, good news:

Book Three in the Sound of Silence Series is now available!

Did you miss Book One, STONE SILENCE?

No worries. It’s FREE for five days, Jan. 1-5!!!

Grab it on AMAZON

 

HOTHOUSE FLOWER

by

TAYLOR DEAN

 

Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean

I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart.

I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.

Until it wasn’t.

He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.

But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.

Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.

I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.

To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.

However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.

The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.

Absolutely nothing.

Dear Reader: This book deals with a sensitive issue.

 

The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.

Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story

Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers. They are not standalones and should be read in order.

Read an excerpt from HOTHOUSE FLOWER:

“I’ll be right down to help with dinner, Mom,” I holler. It will just be a few minutes because I’m busy staring out the window at the man I’ve loved nearly all my life.

He’s home. He’s actually home—just across the street from me, only yards away. I swear I can physically feel his presence and it’s killing me.

Jace Faraday. The love of my youth.

He just arrived at his mother’s house across the street. It’s early evening and I’m watching from my upstairs bedroom window just like I used to do as a teenager. All those old feelings I had for him are rushing over me just as strong as ever. Except now I’m a twenty-six year old woman and, sadly, I feel as though I’m too old to feel giddy over a man.

He is the one man in my life that I have ever truly loved. I loved everything about him from his huge smile to his soft voice to his fabulous laugh. I loved his brawny physique, yet the fact that he had such a gentle touch.

I loved his sense of humor the most of all. When we first started to say I love you to each other, they were serious moments and I knew he meant it as much as I did. As time went by, I would whisper I love you to him and he’d respond in a silly voice, “And I’ve grown fond of you.” It reduced me to a writhing mass of giggles every time.

I was young when I first met him. His family moved in across the street when I was in kindergarten. By the time I was in fifth grade, I was sure he was the man I would marry. I was just a little girl with stars in her eyes, someone who was in love with love. By then Jace was in the eighth grade and seemed larger than life to me.

That feeling of hero worship I felt as a little girl has never left me.

 

 

 

 

Stone Silence by Taylor Dean

Great big beautiful love.

Does it really exist?

Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”

I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.

I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.

Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.

That’s when I meet Stony by chance.

He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.

That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.

But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.

I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.

My only hope is . . . he does.

 

Catch Book Two, JAILBIRD.

 

Jailbird by Taylor Dean

My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird.

Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.

And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.

I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.

But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past.

When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again.

But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it.

Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.

After all, who could ever love a jailbird?

 

Praise for JAILBIRD:

Mia’s story about forgiveness and redemption is packed with emotion and will leave you wanting more! -Jana, Amazon Review

An adventure from start to finish, a wonderful sequel to Stone Silence. -atvtnv, Amazon Review

Once I started reading, I just couldn’t stop! It has been a LONG time since a book has kept me up WAY past my bedtime! -KJ’s Book Nook

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter

Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/21/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

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#Win $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash – Jailbird Book Blast – #Giveaway

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BOOK TWO IN THE SOUND OF SILENCE SERIES IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!

 

JAILBIRD

by

TAYLOR DEAN

 

 

I’m really enjoying Jailbird which is Book 2 in the Sound of Silence Series and you can read it free with Kindle Unlimited. How cool is that?

Check it out:

My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird.

Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake.

And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything.

I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia.

But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past.

When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again.

But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it.

Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye.

After all, who could ever love a jailbird?

 

 

The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.

Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story

Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story

Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story

 

Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers.

They are not standalones and should be read in order.

 

Did you miss Book One, STONE SILENCE?

Grab it on AMAZON

Great big beautiful love.

Does it really exist?

Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”

I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.

I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.

Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.

That’s when I meet Stony by chance.

He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.

That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.

But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.

I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.

My only hope is . . . he does.

 

Praise for STONE SILENCE:

Oh. My. Gosh! I absolutely LOVE Stone Silence! Talk about swoony! This book is AMAZING! I was sucked in from the very beginning and found myself lost in the journey of Spencer and Stony. I laughed out loud, got teary eyed, let out little dreamy sighs and refused to put this book down until I finished it! I devoured it! -KJ’s Book Nook

Oh man. I will always read everything Taylor Dean writes with no hesitation. I LOVE Taylor Dean books. If you have never read anything by her, you really must. -Aimee, Getting Your Read On

 

Hothouse Flower, Book Three will be released on January 1st, 2018

 

 

 

Read an excerpt from Jailbird:

Excerpt #1:

Stony and Spencer’s Place.

Ugh. It’s magical inside the fenced-in property, as if I just walked into a secret garden. Stony always said he was going to build himself an oasis in the middle of the prairie land, and he did it. I didn’t expect it to be quite this beautiful. Green grass covers small rolling hills. Sidewalks meander the property. Flower beds bloom madly with all the colors of the rainbow. It’s almost like being inside of a Thomas Kinkade painting.

I want to run. I want to turn around and erase this serene picture from my mind. I’m not sure I want to witness Stony’s happily-ever-after. The consolation is that now I know I didn’t ruin his life. I should feel grateful for that knowledge. I kind of do and I kind of don’t. My emotions are a tangled mess when it comes to Stony. I’ve had two years in jail and a little over a year in Galveston to think about this moment, to anticipate exactly what I want to say to him. Now that it’s upon me, I can feel my mind going blank.

But I’m doing it anyway.

I march forward with determination in every step and I push on the doorbell before I can change my mind. I hear a Windsor chime echo through the house in a majestic sort of way. A little more cringing goes on inside of me at the perfection of it all.

The seconds before the door is answered seem interminable. I’m a hot mess.

Lock me in a tank with hungry—no—starving sharks. Put me in a lion’s den and let them have me for dinner. Make me appear on that dumb TV show, Naked and Afraid.

Anything but this. I don’t want to face Stony. I don’t, I don’t.


 

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter

 

Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/22/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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#Win a Bialetti Pasta Pot and Coffee Grinder – Holiday #Giveaway

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Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

 

Bialetti Holiday 2017 Giveaway

Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, Homeschool Insights & Deliciously Savvy

Sponsor: Bialetti

Prize: Bialetti Pasta Pot & Coffee Grinder RV $80

This week’s giveaway is for a wonderful Bialetti pasta pot and coffee grinder. Two of my favorite things are pasta and coffee and Bialetti makes fantastic products! I have the pasta pot and love it. Wishing you best of luck and happy holidays!

Bialetti Pasta Pot

2-in-1 cook & drain convenience
  • Innovative oval design accommodates whole spaghetti and lasagna noodles without breakage
  • Twist and lock lid securely to pan for easy straining
  • Aluminum construction for quick and even heating
  • Nonstick Interior for easy clean-up
  • 5 qt capacity

Bialetti Coffee Grinder

Bialetti’s manual coffee grinder is considered to be the best performing manual grinder in the market. It’s easy to adjust wheel allows you to adjust for your preferred coarseness, whether course for coffee press, fine for the moka express or extra fine for Turkish brew. It is designed to utilize less effort, while creating twice the output.

Dates: 12/2-12/9

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

#Win Your Choice of a Delicious Bundle from The Women’s Bean Project #Giveaway

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Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Womens Bean Project Holiday 2017

Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, Michigan Saving and More & Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains

Sponsor: Women’s Bean Project

Prize: 3 Winner’s, choice of Bundle from WomensBeanProject.com

This is such a cool giveaway. Hope you will enter!

The mission of Women’s Bean Project is to change women’s lives by providing stepping stones to self-sufficiency through social enterprise.

Women’s Bean Project believes all women have the power to transform their lives through employment. So they hire women who are chronically unemployed and we teach them to work by making nourishing products that we sell across the US through some of the country’s largest retailers. Through their work at Women’s Bean Project, the women learn to stand tall, find their purpose and break the cycle of poverty. Because when you change a woman’s life, you change her family’s life.

Dates: 11/25-12/9

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

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