JULY IS SPARKLING WITH HEARTWARMING by CATHERINE LANIGAN

                                       

I know, it’s still June, but I’m betting a great many of you are thinking about a jaunt to the beach or lake. Sand, surf, maybe a cabin at the lake or just that long weekend off for the 4^th of July when you can rest and read a new Heartwarming story. Once my summer hits July, I can’t stop thinking about water. That’s why my new banner for my refreshed web site,  www.catherinelanigan.com has sparkling water.  And I thought that because my SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE series conjures thoughts of lake, water and the beach, I thought I’d get you all in the mood for summer right off the bat. Since I don’t live right on the lake, but on a golf course, I did this beach themed table arrangement. That’s my book. Isn’t that cover outstanding? I love it.

 My July release, FAMILY OF HIS OWN is already receiving some great reviews, so don’t take just my word for it. STILL MOMENTS MAGAZINE gave it 5 Stars.  Here’s a peak:

 A-don’t-want-to-put-it-down-story!  Scott is the man single women dream about. He’s perfect in every way. His first meeting with Bella and Michael, and learning their history, pumps the emotion to the max. Another highlight of the story is getting to visit the Shores of Indian Lake and revisiting some of my favourite characters from past books. The author pulls you in with heartwarming emotion, a captivating plot and an irresistible town! A must read! 5 Stars.

Isn’t that spectacular? I don’t know about other authors, but I did the “dance around the room” thing. Whooped. Hollered. Made a lot of noise. Turned the music up really loud and danced some more. I am so, so happy when people enjoy my books as much as I love writing them. Just about the only thing that makes me happier is to share a peak at the story. So, here’s an snapshot of Scott and Isabelle.

     “Isabelle.” Scott wrapped his arm around her waist. He’d walked up from behind, surprising her.

     “You look amazing,” he said as she turned toward him, his hands still on her waist.

      She shrugged, sending ripples through her iridescent silver crepe de chine gown. “I thought I’d blend in. Match the décor.”

     Scott’s lips quirked into a rascally grin. “You couldn’t blend in any more than fireworks in a midnight sky.” He pulled her closer. They were nose to nose. “You’re a knockout.”

     “I could say the same about you,” she said, glancing down at his blindingly white tuxedo shirt, black silk bow tie. He wore his immaculately cut tuxedo every New Year’s Eve.

     Scott in a tuxedo was nothing short of a woman’s dream. His wide shoulders were enhanced by the jacket, though she noticed that this year, his biceps seemed to be straining against the sleeves. But all that was eclipsed by his ease and manner when he wore his tux.

     That first New Year’s Eve when Scott had moved back to Indian Lake, she’d commented on the fact that he owned a tux. He told her then he’d bought it his first year at the Tribune and had intended to wear it when he won prizes for his journalism.

     She lingered on the gold flecks that sparkled in his eyes. Did he think about those days anymore?

     “I aim to please,” he said, holding her gaze.

      Isabelle didn’t know what was happening, but she could swear Scott wanted to kiss her. Not one of his friendly pecks on the cheek, but a real kiss. Suddenly she felt uneasy. Why was she noticing how handsome Scott was? He was just Scott. He would dance with her at midnight and she’d finish her chores like they always did on New Year’s Eve. Wouldn’t they? She looked around nervously and gave him a wide, friendly smile.

    “Scott, I have to get back to work. I was just checking the champagne glasses.”

     His eyes never left her lips. He lifted his hand to her neck and touched her tenderly. “Right. The glasses.”

     His thumb traced the line of her jaw. She was melting and she never melted. Everything about this night was orchestrated for romance, including a torchy love ballad being played by the Milo Orchestra in the background.

     “Glasses,” she repeated, trying to recover her composure and remember her job. What had she been doing before she’d slipped into this dreamy state?

     “Isabelle.”

     She’d never paid much attention to his voice before, but now, when he said her name, her stomach fluttered. Why was she reacting to him as if she had a crush on him? She didn’t need a mirror to know her cheeks were flushed.

     All she could feel was his hand on her waist. The sound of Scott saying her name echoed in her head.

     She swallowed hard. She had to snap out of this. It was this kind of romance that lured women into domesticity.

     She had to force herself to focus. “Yes, the glasses. Uh, for the midnight toast.”

     He brushed his lips against her cheek. “And I’ll find you for my kiss to ring in the New Year.”

    Isabelle hadn’t realized she’d shut her eyes, immersing herself in the moment with Scott.

     She felt a whoosh of air, the temperature dropped and she blinked, returning to the present. Scott had left her.

Then the only other thing left is a giveaway. Right? 

HOW’S THIS?  My new tote with a zipper, no less. I love the pretty pink color. Then copies of my previous SHORES OF INDIAN LAKE books: FEAR OF FALLING and SOPHIE’S PATH

If that isn’t enough to get you off to the beach,  my Prism Book Tour is going on right now. www.prismbooktours.blogspot.com .

Summertime always finds me lugging a lot of stuff to and fro. I collect totes like crazy and I always need just one more. Don’t you?   If you won my tote and books, what all would you like to take with you to the beach or lake?  Make a comment here and I’ll pick a winner of my tote and two books by July 1.  Then hop over to my Prism Book Tour and sign up for more goodies and gift card! Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @cathlanigan and Facebook. Happy July!