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 4th 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 dΓ©cor.”
     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!

Comments

  1. I love your cover, Catherine! We live on a golf course as well. I'm curious how many windows you've had broken? My tote would be packed with books, books and more books! Congratulations on FAMILY OF HIS OWN! I look forward to reading it.

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    1. Hi, Jill! You know, it's crazy but I have not had a window broken. Car tail lights ---another story.
      Thanks for the vote for the colors!!!

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  2. Hi, Catherine! I love beachy. I'd have lemon-water and--believe it or not--at thermos of coffee in the tote. Also a couple of really thick towels, because as much as I love the sand, it drives me crazy. No books, because I can't read in the sun, but I do love to lie there with my eyes closed and think...hmmm...what if...

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    1. Hi, Liz!
      I like your trip to the beach ideas a lot. I can't be in the sun anymore so I have to have Hats, umbrellas, scarves... sunblock and 3 tires to carry all my junk!

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  3. Hi Catherine, I live close to the beach. Great location but I'm not a fan of hot, steamy weather. So I go to the beach in the evening, sit in my chair and meditate. In my tote I bring the "transistor radio" really a facsimile of the real thing, my son gave me for Christmas last year. Cool tunes, sound of the water...ahh... Can't wait to read your book
    Cynthia

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    1. Wow! Where do I get that radio thing??? I want one!

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  4. Wow you've been busy. Nice web site, nice display. I would take iced tea, book, and sunglasses.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! I need sunglasses all the time!

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  5. Usually I'm not a fan of pink but your tote is sooo puuurty, Catherine! Snacks, sunscreen, a bottle of flavored water, a change of clothes for when I switched out of my bathing suit, a towel, cell phone, change for the ice cream vendor...how big is this tote?

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    1. I'm going with you to find this ice cream vendor!!!

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  7. Catherine, Your lovely table display makes me feel beachy! Wish I was there right now with a tote containing water, sunscreen, snacks, book, towel, Chapstick, and a water dish for my Lucky dog.

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    1. Oh, rats! I forgot the chapstick. I found some sunblock that is 100Spf.
      If I go with the gran nieces then I need grapes, Goldfish and kettle corn.

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  8. Another sweet visit to Indian Lake ... love it there! <3

    I'd fill it with a towel, sunscreen, books, iPod, something salty and something sweet, and take off for the beach!

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    1. Lynn, thank you so much for that lovely comment!!!

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  9. Lovely post--and excerpt. Congratulations on the review. I loved your cover from the first glance. There's something about these shore settings and beach grasses and the promise of summer that brings out the romantic in us all. Thanks!

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    1. You know, Virginia, I think you're right. Summer beach grass and sand dunes do conjure the loveliest thoughts.

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  10. Congratulations on the 5 star review, Catherine! That's something worth dancing around about! The cover is adorable. I love Scott's firework compliment to Isabelle. If I had the pretty pink tote, I would fill it with my Kindle paperwhite, a couple of paperbacks in case my charge runs out, a good SPF and a pb&j sandwich. Then I would leave some room in case I wanted to stop by the farmer's market. :)

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    1. Krissie... you are so smart. Of course, we would stop by the Farmers Market. Now I need the Fourth tote!

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  11. 5 Stars! So awesome! I love the table arrangement. I'm not much of a beach goer, but I'm anxiously awaiting our annual summer trip up to the White Mountains. Cooler weather, fishing at the lake, and late night campfires! Something about the small of pine trees just curls my toes! Can't wait to read your book!

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  12. I'm almost finished reading this Heartwarming story. So good.

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  13. Catherine, I am sooo looking forward to reading this story, and what a wonderful giveaway!! It needs to go to a deserving reader! :)

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    1. This has been fun! Between the Tias Troopers Facebook party, and the blog, I'm dizzy!

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  14. What a romantic excerpt. I can't wait to read the story. Along with those wonderful books, I'd bring sunscreen, shades, and a beachmat, a plastic cup because I can never resist trying to build a sandcastle, and a camera to record the day.

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    1. Ah! A beachmat! Now that is a very Savvy idea!
      Thanks!

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  15. I would bring a towel, sunscreen, kindle and a paperback, my phone and a card game.

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    1. A card game! Brilliant. Then I'd bring my granddaughter so she could beat me.

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  16. I would bring a towel, water, phone and all the books that would fit in the tote.
    jhdwayne(at)peoplepc(dot)com

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  17. well I would take your books that came with the tote and my kindle and ipod some sunglasses and also snacks

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    1. Hi, Belinda! Yep, that's a full tote! And thank JD for the support today for Cystic fibrosis!

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  18. Thank you so much for the chance! I would love to win this! πŸ’—πŸ’—πŸ’— I would bring a couple books (print, I prefer over Kindle...I know, I'm old school), SUNSCREEN (because I'm super-prone to burning), a notebook and colorful markers (because who doesn't like to doodle in color!), portable phone chargers (because I have an addiction to staying connected), and a bunch of ziplock baggies (because I always find cool shells and such to take home). πŸ˜ŽπŸ“šπŸŒžπŸŒΈπŸŒŠπŸ’—

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    1. Tara! You are one fun girl at the beach! I also tKe two phone chargers, but never thought of the pencils and markers.
      What about a kite?

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    2. A kite! Oh yes! I'm not always the best at flying them, but they are fun!!

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  19. Thank you for the chance! I like printed books.water a book and sunscreen.

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    1. Hi, Donamae! Thank you for participating in the Tias Troopers Facebook party as well!

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  20. Well, the tote and the books, of course, plus sunscreen, a water bottle, some snacks, lipbalm, and a good bookmark! How fun, Catherine!

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    1. Hi, Fedora! I bet you'd choose some fun snacks! Thanks for stopping by.

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  21. I can't wait to read this book, and the tote we love going to our library.. with the iPad the books the color sheets they give at the library it will be put to good use, thanks for the chance 🀞🏻🀞🏻

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  22. Catherine, I'm fanning my face after that excerpt! I can't wait to read this story!! I'm totally hooked on your Shores of Indian Lake series :).

    And I love that beachy table setting! Puts me in the mood for summer, a beach and a book (like yours ;).

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