New Release — Christmas Wishes by Diana Tobin (Men Of Maine Series Book 6)

Quiltmaker Claire Stone and her young daughter, Grace, are newcomers to the small town of Webster, Maine. Erasing the past is something Claire is determined to do, for divorcing her cruel ex-husband was the only solution to save herself and her daughter—and she’s never regretted it. But when she meets handsome Marc Baxter, the attraction is instant, and she begins to realize what she’s missed in life—someone to care for her…someone to care for.

Marc Baxter has come home to his roots, recovering from a nasty divorce and the discovery that his ex-wife had some shocking secrets of her own. Christmas is on the way, and he’s looking forward to opening a clinic with his niece and getting back to practicing medicine again.

When Grace is injured in an accident, Marc’s tender treatment leaves her with a severe case of hero worship—and wishing for a loving father. Claire is grateful to Marc, but her feelings go much deeper than that. Despite her fears of emotional ties, Marc is prepared to do whatever it takes to win Claire over.

But Claire’s controlling ex-husband was a doctor. Can she take a chance on another “professional” man who’s used to making the decisions in life? Marc says he loves her, but can he respect her and treat her as a life partner? Is there any hope for a Yuletide miracle that will see all their CHRISTMAS WISHES come true?

EXCERPT

     Claire sipped her pumpkin spiced coffee and licked a drop of whipped cream from her upper lip. She should be home, starting the mayor’s quilt, but couldn’t face an empty house. Instead, she came to Moose-ley Coffee and treated herself to an afternoon snack. Even though she sat alone at one of the small tables she didn’t feel alone with the few others in the cafe. The atmosphere was welcoming and friendly.

     Grace would enjoy a hot chocolate. Maybe she’d remain in the coffee shop until school let out, order a snack for her daughter, and they could go home together.

     “Mind if I join you for a moment?”

     She looked up to find a stranger beside her table, his hand on the chair opposite hers. His dark brown hair looked wind- tossed with a lock hanging down his brow. His blue eyes pierced her with an intensity filled with sadness. Scruff covered his square jaw and outlined his full lips.

     

New Release -- Forgotten Son (Men of Maine Series Book 5) by Diana Tobin

When Zoe Jarrett moves to Webster, Maine, she is interested in only one thing—re-inventing herself. A career change from the boring CPA she’d been for so many years to the outgoing, flirtatious massage therapist isn’t her only ‘makeover’—she’s also running from her own heart. A fifteen-year-long betrayal has her believing there is no ‘happy-ever-after’ for her in life, but a good time is always available somewhere!

Tom Lansing has returned to Webster determined to learn the truth about his childhood—and his father. Tom’s mother was once married to Wil Owens, but is Wil truly Tom’s father? In the midst of his search for the truth, he’s blindsided by a sassy blonde pixie with an exotic flair that matches her name—Zoe. Her outrageous flirting embarrasses the serious construction company owner, but Tom is attracted to her beautiful looks and kind heart.

As they each struggle to put the past behind them, can Tom convince Zoe they have a future together? With new beginnings ahead, can Tom forgive the man he believes deserted him—and can Wil make things right with his FORGOTTEN SON?

EXCERPT

     Zoe Jarrett squealed in delight. “Oh, Michaela! You wonderful girl. You got me a welcoming gift.” She clapped a hand over her chest and fluttered her dark eyelashes. Her voice lowered and deepened to a purr. “Looks like a big one, too.”

     Michaela Reigh, owner of the beauty salon, The Hair Mousse, gaped, then giggled as she realized to what, or rather whom, her new employee referred. “He doesn’t come cheap, but he’s worth every penny.”

     Tom Lansing, owner of Lansing Construction, looked over his shoulder from where he crouched on the floor. “Hey, Micki.” He stood up to greet the two women. “Had a few minutes so thought I’d check around. I’m not completely sure I know what you want.” His smile was polite even as his gaze traveled over the mostly blonde pixie standing next to his client.

     “Don’t worry, handsome. I can clear up any mysteries.” She slid a glance at Michaela. “Don’tcha love a man in a tool belt?” She licked her lips and grinned as his face flushed red.

     “Don’t scare him away before you see what he can do,” admonished Michaela with a smile.

     

New Release -- PROTECTING HER HEART by Diana Tobin

After years on the run from her past, Rose Kelley is happily settled in Webster, Maine. Content to stay in the background for safety’s sake, she has learned to hide any hint of being a young, vibrant woman.  But when she finds a dead animal on her porch, she fears her abusive stepfather has found her, despite her precautions.   Though Rose has learned not to trust anyone, she must turn to the one man who can help her—the local game warden.

Drew Zimenski has dedicated his life to making a difference wherever he can—and being a game warden enables him to do just that.  Rose Kelley needs his help, but she is a puzzle to him—she goes out of her way to hide her beauty, but his body is on red hot alert every time they come into contact.  A gruesome discovery at her house has Drew charging in like a knight in flannel armor—and he’s determined to save the lady from whatever she’s running from.

Drew’s need to protect Rose becomes all-consuming, but his fear of failure holds him back. Will Rose’s love be enough for Drew to see the man he truly is?   

EXCERPT:

     Game Warden Zimenski followed Ethan to the back of the house where a blue tarp was tented over a sawhorse.  Ethan removed the tarp and stepped back with a motion of his hand to what lay beneath.
     Drew stepped closer.  Not the most gruesome sight he’d seen, but not a pleasant way to start the day, either.  “You got kids, Ethan?”  Too many footprints trampled the snow between the patio and a house closer to the lake.
     “Yes, two daughters.  The youngest was looking for the cat this morning.  Fortunately, one of my guys found it first.”  When Drew gave him a narrowed look, he added, “My hockey players.”  Ethan gestured toward the guest house.  “I coach the Wolves, and we billet a few of the players.  They’ve been sleeping in the guest house, but come up to the main house for meals.  The plumbing isn’t finished in the guest house, so we’ve been leaving the back door unlocked so the boys can get in.  Depending on what you tell me, that’s going to come to a stop until my contractor gets the work done.”
     “That explains all the footprints,” Drew nodded to the snow-covered ground.  “An animal killed your pet.”  He straightened to stare into Ethan’s eyes.  “A two-legged animal.”

     

New Release -- THE BABY BARGAIN by Diana Tobin -- Giveaway!

After years of estrangement from her family, Lynn Baxter comes home to Webster, Maine, for her mother’s wedding—but she brings a load of secrets with her. The life she’s planned hasn’t worked out. She’s lost everything—her fiancé, her job, and the law degree she’d left home so eagerly to pursue. As Lynn makes amends with her sister, brother, and mother, she realizes Webster is where she needs to be to heal her heart and her wounded pride.

JC Benjamin is a farmer—and he loves that life. But seeing Lynn again for the first time since high school kindles emotions inside that he thought had died with the pain of divorce—and the departure of his ex-wife! JC wants Lynn just as much as he did all those years ago—but what would an upper crust woman like her see in a farmer? Much to his surprise and delight, Lynn gives him a chance to be the man he’s always wanted her to see…

When Lynn asks JC to give her a child, he bolts, fearing being trapped as his ex tried to do. But a sinister attack by a man from her past changes everything, and JC must face the truth—he can’t live without Lynn Baxter. It’s time for both of them to take a leap of faith after the hurts of their bitter pasts, but can they trust each other enough to find happiness? JC wants so much more from Lynn than what she’s suggested in THE BABY BARGAIN…but will she agree to be his wife, as well? 

EXCERPT

     He backed up a half-step. “Put them down, please.” She did as he asked, setting the can on the floor and the brush on top of the can. “Now, step over here.” He backed up another two steps. When Lynn was in front of him, JC wrapped his arms around her and hugged her to his hard body. “You are clever. I can’t believe all the thought and hard work you’ve put into this for me.”

     His praise pleased her even as a worrisome thought flitted through her mind. Was she repeating her Donny mistakes with JC? No. “It’s for me, too. You said you’d share your profits with me and I can sell my cookies. Plus, I can do what I want when not waiting on customers.”

     “All true,” he agreed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “You’ve got to remember, my mother and ex-wife never wanted anything to do with the stand, the farm, nor my father and me.”

     “Your mother and ex-wife were idiots,” she spit out, then wondered if she’d overstepped the bounds of friendship.

     JC pulled her tighter against him and chuckled. “Keep talking like that and you’ll give me a swelled head.”

     She rubbed her belly against the front of him. “Think I already have.”

Be sure and leave a comment for a chance to win a free ecopy of THE BABY BARGAIN.

     

New Release -- FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE by Diana Tobin -- Giveaway!

Michaela Sparks left her hometown years ago to prove herself. When a good friend, Nancy, is killed in a terrible car accident that leaves Nancy’s two daughters motherless, Michaela marries their father. Now, circumstances have brought her full-circle, back to the small town of Webster with her two adopted daughters—and the hope for a brand new start for all of them.

Ethan Reigh is the new coach of the Webster Wolves junior hockey team. New in town, he rents a room from Michaela’s mother, Nettie Baxter. Though an injury ended his pro career in the NHL, he never shares the extent of what’s happened—the partial loss of his leg. When he meets Michaela, known as “Mike” to her friends, he’s torn between hope for a wonderful new relationship—and fear of losing her if she knows the truth.

But Mike has had enough of deception to last a lifetime, and she knows there can be no love without truth. Will she measure up and be able to claim the man she so desperately wants a future with? Ethan is prepared to show her how much he cares—he’ll do whatever it takes FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE.

EXCERPT

     The adoptions had been finalized. Their new mother would do what was best, and that was what mattered. He’d kept up the payments on the life insurance policy he’d taken out more than a year ago. It was damn little, but at least it would help keep a roof over their heads, or better yet, give them a new start. The marriage was legal, if not real.

     He gave barely a thought to the woman he’d married thirteen months ago. He didn’t consider her his wife, no matter what the law said. His wife had been his one true love. 

     He’d killed her nearly five years ago.

Be sure and leave a comment for a chance to win a free ebook of FOR THE LOVE OF MIKE.

BUY LINKS  Barnes and Noble   Smashwords     Kobo     iBooks

     

New Release -- LOVE, COME TO ME: Boxed Set For New Adults -- 99 cents

LOVE, COME TO ME is a wonderful collection of love stories from different time periods that is sure to make you long to read each one to the very end without interruption.  Each story is heart wrenching in its own way, guaranteed to have you falling in love with the characters and the stories of their lives. Take a look!

KISSING COUSINS—DIANA TOBIN

Augusta Thompson has lost everything—her parents, her husband, her home…and now, her only child. If she can share her grandmother’s old home with handsome Olympic contender Charles “Web” Webster for one year, she will inherit it.

As time goes by, Web realizes Augusta’s heart and soul have been wounded by her ex-husband. Can Web’s love for Augusta heal her broken heart and allow them a future together? Will the conditions of the inheritance prove to be a help or hindrance for these KISSING COUSINS?

SHATTERED VOWS—LINDA LAROQUE

Annie and Stuart Rayburn’s lives are idyllic until their baby dies of SIDS, and Annie falls into a deep depression. In a moment of weakness, Stuart turns to another woman.

When the “other woman” is killed in a car crash, Stu learns his night of infidelity produced a baby girl—and he now has custody. He begs Annie’s forgiveness but Annie must face her demons and make her decisions. Can she forgive Stu and love the innocent child? Or will she divorce him and move on without the only man she’s likely to love?

WHO IS ELIZABETH?—PATTI BOECKMAN

Pit a feisty, she-cat against a reluctant interloper and watch the sparks fly.

When Elizabeth McDaniel's reclusive, sheltered existence on her grandfather's farm is invaded by Derek Huston, she cannot imagine the result of his intrusion into her life. Derek is soon enchanted with the lovely, spit-fire redhead.

A budding romance, the flowering of Elizabeth's musical talents, and Derek's acceptance into the family follows their first clash of wills. But Derek has a hidden agenda that, when revealed, turns Elizabeth's world upside down.

Is there any hope that Derek can regain her confidence and her love?

FAMILY SECRETS—ZINA ABBOTT

Jennie Howell has a secret, including being thought of as a loyal wife to her husband serving in Afghanistan, a husband who has demanded a divorce.

When Jennie begins to explore her genealogy, family members make it clear they won’t be a part of it—from Grandpa Mike, who wants the biggest mistake he ever made to remain hidden in the past—to  family members Jennie never knew existed.

Is Jennie willing and emotionally strong enough to learn what her family has kept hidden?

THE VIOLIN—SARAH MCNEAL

Genevieve Beaumont is haunted by dreams of a drowning man and her helplessness to save him. When she buys a violin at an estate sale, her life is changed forever. The pictures inside the case are of the man in her dreams, and the news clippings detail his death.

She travels to the small town where he died 90 years earlier, and steps through the threshold of time. It's 1927 all over again, and she has only days to prevent John's death—if she's able. THE VIOLIN has brought Genevieve into the past, and now she must make the decision of a lifetime. Will she return to her life in the future, or stay in the past with John? No matter what she decides, she must find a way to keep the dream of his death from becoming a reality...

FIRE STAR PRESS is proud to offer this wonderful boxed set, chock full of a variety of authors and stories that we know you are going to love. And the price?  Hold onto your hat! You’ll be getting FIVE FULL LENGTH NOVELS for only .99! That’s right—this wonderful boxed set is one we know you’re going to enjoy, and the fantastic price is only one of the reasons why you’ll be glad you snapped up LOVE COME TO ME!

#NewRelease -- SANTA NICK by Diana Tobin -- #Giveaway

Merry Christmas to all!  My name is Diana Tobin and I love this time of year.  For many years I collected so many ornaments and decorations I could’ve put a certain card store out of business; or, perhaps, I kept them in business.  I also spent a lot of time painting a ceramic village, which my granddaughter now sets up each year, complete with Santa in his sleigh flying overhead.  Not any easy task, trust me.  Over the years my family’s traditions have changed and grown along with the change and growth of the family, as well as changes and growth in the valley we call home.  What never changes is the magic of Christmas.  I believe in magic and miracles, especially when powered by love, and while it can happen any time of year, it is strongest now.

Wanting to share some of the fun and excitement of our traditions, a Christmas story seemed the best way.  You can get a peek at some of the happenings around our town, while sharing in the joy of love.  And, who better to bring about the magic of Christmas than Santa, or in this case, Nick St. Clair in SANTA NICK.

Blurb:   With Christmas on the way six year old Faith Reynolds is determined to get the very best present ever for her widowed mother – a new husband – but one that would be a nice daddy, too.  Though Faith’s mother, Jenny, is not a big believer in Santa, a chance meeting with handsome high school teacher Nick St. Clair might just change everything.

Nick portrays Father Christmas at the yearly holiday celebration in nearby Jacksonville. When he hears Faith’s heartfelt Christmas wish, he makes one of his own – and Santa Nick gets what he wants!

But Jenny’s heart has been betrayed by her deceased husband, and she’s not sure she can ever trust again.  Can Nick bring the joy of Christmas and a loving relationship into Jenny’s life?  Making Jenny and little Faith his own family could be the Christmas magic they all need!

Excerpt:

Nick slid his arm along the back of the bench behind Jenny, turning to speak to her and Faith.  “You don’t have your Christmas tree yet?”

Jenny could feel the heat from Nick’s body and had to stop herself from leaning into him.  “We’re going to look for one this afternoon.”

“My uncle has a tree lot.  If you can wait until I finish out here, I’ll take you out to get one,” Nick offered.

“You mean we can chop one down,” Faith asked with excitement.

“Usually we take a saw,” Nick said on a chuckle.

“Won’t it be too dark by then,” Jenny asked.

“I think we can close the North Pole early today.”

“Oh, puleez, Mama.”  Faith bounced up and down on the seat as she clung to Jenny’s arm.  “Can we go cut down our own tree?”

Nick put his lips near Jenny’s ear.  “It’s something she asked for,” he whispered.  He felt her shiver and hoped he was the cause, not the weather.

Jenny moved closer to Faith before turning toward Nick.  She didn’t meet his gaze, looking just beyond his shoulder.  “Are you sure it will be all right if you leave early?”

“I’m sure of it,” he stated.  “Especially if I find a replacement elf for our ailing one.”

Faith stood up to ask more questions of the driver giving Jenny a chance to speak some what privately with Nick.

“Did she really ask to cut down a tree?”  She turned her head and found her face much too close to Nick’s.  If she leaned forward just the tiniest bit her lips would be on his.  She could see, for the first time, what it was like to kiss a bearded man.  Realizing where her thoughts were going, she faced forward, gazing at the brick building across the street as if she found it mesmerizing.

Nick leaned a bit closer, letting his chest touch her shoulder, but keeping his lips to himself.  “It was one of her wishes,” he said quietly.   “I can’t tell you what else she asked for.  At least, not till after Christmas.”

I hope you enjoy SANTA NICK.  I wish you all the joy, love, and magic of the season! 

What is your favorite Christmas decoration?  Comment and you just might win a free ecopy of Santa Nick.

BUY LINKS    Barnes and Noble     Smashwords     Kobo     itunes

  

#NewRelease -- KISSING COUSINS by Diana Tobin -- Giveaway!

Be sure and leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for a free ebook of KISSING COUSINS by Diana Tobin.

BLURB

Augusta Thompson has lost everything—her parents, her husband, her home…and now, her only child. Then, a legal notice arrives asking her to travel across the country to claim an inheritance from an unknown relative—a grandmother she never knew she had. There’s only one catch: she must share her grandmother’s beautiful old home with handsome Olympic contender Charles “Web” Webster—the only other person named in the inheritance—for one year.

Web finds it difficult to believe Augusta never knew about her family in Maine, the family Augusta’s mother turned her back on.  As time goes by, he realizes Augusta was mentally and emotionally abused by her ex-husband, and her heart and soul are wounded.

Can Augusta learn to trust in others once more and make a new life for herself?  Can Web’s love for Augusta heal her broken heart and allow them a future together? Will the conditions of the inheritance prove to be a help or hindrance for these KISSING COUSINS?

EXCERPT

     Augusta Thompson kept her most treasured belongings in the trunk of her car. Her scrapbooks and boxes of photos; a string of pearls once belonging to her mother, and a macaroni necklace made by her daughter; a blanket she’d crocheted when pregnant and had wrapped around baby Hope. A few precious books by her favorite authors; Nora Roberts, when she wanted to read about true love—however fictional, and Janet Evanovich when she needed to be reminded there was humor in the world. A small collection of Junie B. Jones books she and Hope had read, and laughed over, together.

     What took up most of the trunk space in her fifteen-year-old Dodge Neon were skeins of yarn, pattern books, notebooks holding more patterns and ideas, and a variety of knitting needles and crochet hooks.

     Logically, keeping her most prized possessions in a vehicle might not be the best idea, but Augusta, better known as Gus, had lost much to someone she was supposed to be able to trust and in places supposedly safe. Plus, her car had become her home. It was old enough, with various dings and dents, that no one would deem it worthy of stealing.

     Today Gus packed the last few items as she wondered how long it would take her to drive from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine. One saw the end of what she loved best and held most dear, the other, hopefully, would help her find a way to go on living.

     Armed with numerous maps to help her find her way across the country, she placed the last item in the trunk. A small ornately carved box holding the ashes of her beloved eight-year-old daughter, Hope.

BUY LINKS     Barnes and Noble Nook           Smashwords