Starlight
P.S. Malcolm
(Starlight Chronicles)
Published by: Parliament House
Publication date: December 10th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

A treaty upholds the peaceful lands of Ersarence— who have suffered from the spilt blood of their humble goddess, Titania, which stains the hands of the ruthless Urenphians.

Julian Rancewood— a small town delivery boy— wishes he could afford to save his dying mother. He never imagined a larger life for himself until he meets Adrina Hesfetter, the village seamstress’s daughter.

After striking a deal with the elusive King’s advisor and joining the royal army, he finds himself helping to search for a missing, unknown heir. Against all odds, Adrina and Julian soon meet again within the palace walls.

When Julian discovers Adrina’s fire magic— an impossibility among non-royals— they uncover a scandalous secret that will cause whispers of a Urenphian rebellion to travel through the kingdom. A thirst for revenge and a passionate romance causes the two villagers to set the events in motion which will bring down the entire Starlight Kingdom.

A Starlight Chronicles Novella.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

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EXCERPT:

He stepped forward, and my heart skipped a beat. His eyes studied mine for a moment, before he gently lifted a hand to trace my cheek. I could barely breathe. “I will never leave you,” he said simply. The look in his eyes was so certain.

He leaned closer, and I reached up to wrap my hand around his, where he held my cheek. I let my eyes fall closed as his lips brushed mine.

I melted against him.

The first kiss was soft— the next firm, and in two short steps I was backed against the wooden door to his room. I leaned into him as our mouths moved in unison— his hand lifted from my cheek to intertwine with mine, and his other hand moved to cup my waist. Without thinking, I gripped the neck of his tunic and the cord began to unravel.

When we finally stopped, I was breathing heavily, feeling dazed and light. I could see his chest partially, with the cord half undone, and felt myself flushing red.

He traced the outline of my face again with his hand. “I will do whatever it takes to get you what is rightfully yours, Adrina,” he promised. “You will never lose me— not to anyone.”

It took me a moment to break the spell that had come over us.

“About that . . .” I breathed, still staring at him. “I don’t know if this is the right thing to be doing.”

He slowly stepped back from me.

“What do you mean?” he asked, as began to retie the cord of his tunic.

“I mean . . . it is the king and queen who did wrong by me. Not Annaliese. She doesn’t deserve to die because of their actions.”

“Annaliese will become Queen,” Julian replied firmly, “Unless we take her out.”

Author Bio:

P.S.Malcolm (Pagan) grew up in Proserpine, Queensland-- a small, Australian country town on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. She was a storyteller from a young age and spent years perfecting her craft.

For two years, she juggled waitressing in tourist filled coffee shops while undertaking two degrees in Creative Writing online. She has always had an interest in writing, but never saw herself working in the industry until she made the choice to self-publish her debut novel, STUCK ON VACATION WITH RYAN RUPERT. Realizing that she loved the process of publishing her book, she pursued an internship at a publishing house and snagged a spot as Pen Name Publishing's Marketing Assistant.

In between interning and writing, Pagan opened her first business working as a freelance Marketing Strategist for Paperback Kingdom-- which helps indie authors with all aspects of their author careers.

Pagan also enjoys reading-- particularly fantasy and paranormal-- and is a passionate blogger. She reviews books that she has read on her personal website, and indie books on her business blog. Some of her favourite and most influential authors include Amanda Gernentz Hanson, A.G. Howard, Marissa Meyer and Michele Jaffe. She is a cat enthusiast, tea lover, and floral fanatic.

Her newest book, LANTERNS IN THE SKY, is set to be released by The Parliament House Publishing in Spring 2019.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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What was your motivation behind THE PIPER’S PURSUIT? Why did you want to write it?

I wanted to give Steffan his own story, as he was the rebellious, troubled bad boy in my last book, The Warrior Maiden, so he could redeem himself and get his happily ever after. I also wanted to write a retelling of the Pied Piper fairy tale. I’d loved that story even more after I visited Germany and took a day trip to Hamlin to see all the touristy fun they have with that story there—plays, everything you can imagine shaped into rats, a church glockenspiel depicting the story, and statues of the Pied Piper you can pose beside.


"Readers who enjoy Young Adult fairy tale retellings will probably like The Piper’s Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson. In keeping with its YA branding, the romance is very clean and the prose had that YA feel where it’s not deeply beautiful, but it’s entertaining. The Piper’s Pursuit was an easy, fast read for me that has a permanent home on my bookcase."


"It takes a lot for an author to take an old loved story and make it her own, and Melanie Dickerson is an expert at it. She breathes her own new life into these fairytales, and just maybe someone can find the Lord through her books. I highly recommend this book to anyone because I believe everyone can enjoy this one."


"As with all of Ms. Dickerson's fairytale recreations, Piper’s Pursuit is so interesting. It's also unique in that I've never read (or heard of) a retelling of the classic Pied Piper until now. . . . very enjoyable and enchanting."


Did Katerina dare to stay out hunting past dark? The sun was going down, casting long shadows as she skirted the forest on her right and an empty meadow on the left. At least the town gate was visible ahead.

She checked her crossbow, making sure the arrow was strung and ready. Her unruly brown hair was starting to come free from the leather tie taming it at the nape of her neck.

She picked up her pace as she passed a particularly dark section of the forest. She could easily imagine the giant wolf, or whatever the beast was that had killed so many, coming out of those dense trees and leaping at her. Would she have time to aim her crossbow before she fired? She would only get one shot.


"I have always loved the Pied Piper of Hamlin story and she does wonders with this one! I was captivated from the very beginning and read it in one day. Highly recommended."


"This was such an interesting read! I personally never read the original story of the Pied Piper -- I only know a little bit about it and definitely plan to read it after having read this amazingly written re-imagining. Melanie Dickerson is such an awesome writer. The way she weaves in the word of God in her books is simply amazing."


Life Is What It's Called - What do you hope readers will gain from this book?

Melanie Dickerson - I hope they understand that true love is kind, and true love protects. Also, that you can fight unfair situations and, with God’s help, you can win!

"The Piper's Pursuit is probably one of the best books out of the Hagenheim series. There was action, adventure, mystery, romance and more. . . . It's definitely worth a read."


"I really enjoyed seeing Steffan's path to redemption and getting to know Katerina- these characters really came to life . . . . There is plenty of suspense and action, and the romantic tension slowly grows as Steffan proves himself worthy of Katerina's trust. . . . Overall, an exciting and satisfying escape into this creative retelling of The Pied Piper.


"Melanie's books never cease to amaze me. Her ability to bring my favorite fairy tales to life in a beautiful and pure way just makes my heart soar. . . . This story is riddled with danger and adventure. From fighting the beast, fleeing Henneck and his guards, protecting children, and freeing a city...Kat and Steffan will take you on a journey as they pursue truth, freedom, and love."


His thoughts were suddenly redirected by a sight he’d never seen before—a herd of rats moving down the street, streaming into an alleyway up ahead. They roiled as they crawled and tumbled over each other, making faint screeching sounds, mingling with the collective clicking of their tiny claws on the cobblestones.

A man walking into the path of the rats suddenly cried out and started to back away. The rats reached him before he could escape, engulfing his feet as he cried out again, lifting one foot then the other. Steffan held his breath, too far away to help the man as he tried to walk on top of the rats. When he lifted one foot, a rat hung by its teeth from his ankle.


"The Piper's Pursuit was a wonderful story, filled with adventure, intrigue, and romance. Melanie Dickerson's distinct style of storytelling shines bright in this book. The rich historical and regional details leap off the page in vivid color, leaving the reading completely immersed in the 15th century storyworld. You will love characters and hate the villains. And, I'm sure, like me, will be unable to put down The Piper's Pursuit for even fire, famine, or flood."


He burst out the door behind Katerina. He pursued her down the cobblestone street, but not before he noted the hulking man pushing himself off the shop front he was leaning against and coming after them.

She was walking fast. He stayed just behind her. Perhaps he could wait until she was less angry before trying to convince her to trust him.

He knew a lot about anger. He’d spent the last year realizing how foolish his own anger had been. Now, when that anger rose up, instead of drinking too much to make it go away, he asked himself where it was coming from. Oftentimes he realized he was blaming someone else for something that was mostly his own fault. The person he was most angry at was himself.


"The stakes are high with this one. With a beast... or two? . . . The descriptions are chilling and the mystery compelling. I hate the villain with a passion. This is definitely one of my favorite[s], if not my favorite Dickerson book I've read to date."


"THE PIPER'S PURSUIT is a twist on the Pied Piper and the Prodigal Son with a strong heroine in the middle and a town to save. The characters are likable, the story entertaining, and the romance is sweet with an inspirational aspect as these characters seek to forgive others, themselves, and trust in God. Recommended to Christian historical romance fans."

"This Pied-Piper reimagining (blended with the story of the Prodigal Son) allows the truth of Steffan’s character to shine—and brings him just the type of fierce female he needs. Katerina challenges him, even as she has her own lessons to learn, and together, they make a great team. I enjoyed rooting for them throughout the fairytale adventure."


". . . Dickerson weaves a story of redemption, learning to give yourself forgiveness and grace for past mistakes, and good conquering evil that is an entertaining addition to the entire Hagenheim series (and readers of the entire series will enjoy the connections to the other stories throughout The Piper’s Pursuit)."


"I was excited to read this one, and easily found myself captivated by Katerina’s story! . . . full of thrilling adventures full of action and mystery, the promise of danger, suspense, romance, redemption and love."

Q: What are your favorite genres to read and write? What are your favorite books?

A: My favorite genre is historical romance. It’s hard to imagine writing in any other genre. My favorite books are Pride and Prejudice, everything else by Jane Austen, Jane Eyre, A Vision of Light and the rest of that series by Judith Merkle Riley.


What is your next release and/or what are you working on now?

M: The Peasant’s Dream releases in July, and I just turned in the first round of edits on that. It is, alas, the 11th and final book in the Hagenheim series. But I’m also writing Court of Swans, the first book in a new series set in England in the reign of King Richard II in the late 1300’s. This first book is a retelling of the Wild Swans fairy tale. I’m excited about this new series!

"The Piper’s Pursuit’s action-packed plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Dickerson’s story shows that people aren’t always as they appear—for better or worse." - by teen guest reviewer, Faith


Kat got a strange feeling, a prickling at the back of her neck, as if something were breathing just behind her. She turned, but only Steffan was there, slightly behind and to the side of her. Beyond him were dark, shadowy trees. The sky seemed to have become overcast, hiding the sun and making the forest even darker.

She continued forward. How had she never seen this path before? Or gone this way? It must be a very new path. A fallen tree lay up ahead. She vaguely remembered seeing it before, lying against a large boulder, half covered. But today there were other downed trees that looked to have been piled up around it, covering the boulder, if indeed her memory was correct.


"I have really really enjoyed this book. I'm so glad that I got to be on this tour. I don't know when I have enjoyed a book so much! But just wow! It's so exciting with twists and turns that it will leave you biting your finger nails and frantically turning the page to see what happens to Katerina and Steffan!! These two are incorrigible! They certainly make an adventure exciting!! . . . I highly recommend this book. Melanie Dickerson is an excellent author who can bring the old fairy tales back to life in ways one can never imagine."


"As always, Melanie Dickerson’s fairy tale retellings do not disappoint. . . . This story has all the delights of a fairy tale, and yet, there’s so much more to it. . . . If you are a lover of fairy tales, be sure and read this one!"

The Piper's Pursuit
(Hagenheim #10)
By Melanie Dickerson
YA Fairy Tale Retelling, Christian, Historical
Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 320 Pages
December 3rd 2019 by Thomas Nelson

A fairy-tale journey of intrigue and romance that reimagines the classic Pied Piper story.

A plague of rats. A giant beast outside the village walls. A host of missing children. And one young woman determined to save her people.

In 1424 Hamlin, Katerina faces threats from all sides. An outbreak of rats has overtaken the village, a mysterious beast is on a killing rampage of the village’s children, and Katerina’s evil stepfather is a dark presence inside the walls of her own home. Katerina is determined to hunt and kill the Beast of Hamlin herself before more lives are lost.

When Steffan, the handsome but brash duke’s son, comes to town seeking glory and reward, Katerina decides he might be the ally she’s been looking for—even though the only gentle thing about him seems to be the sweet music he plays on his pipe. But there’s more to Steffan than she suspects, and she finds herself drawn to him despite her misgivings.

Together Katerina and Steffan must stop the enemy from stealing the children of Hamlin. But their interference might create an even worse fate for the entire village.

Praise for The Piper’s Pursuit

“The Piper’s Pursuit is a lovely tale of adventure, romance, and redemption. Kat and Steffan’s righteous quest will have you rooting them on until the very satisfying end!” --LORIE LANGDON, author of Olivia Twist and the DOON series
Other Books in the Series

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope readers come away from the story having laughed and smiled over the crazy antics (some that were plucked directly from my mothering life) but also learned more about the ups and downs of the foster system, some perhaps even finding themselves called to get involved in some way. That’s what happened to our family. After writing this book, we were led to start fostering ourselves and our house recently became officially approved.


"I LOVE THIS STORY! . . . The Dating Charade is fresh and fun. I was entertained and amused, and also moved by its incredible and unexpected intensity. Melissa Ferguson is a clever storyteller, infusing her writing with equal servings of wit and depth. . . . this heartwarming book has earned its spot on my Favorites of 2019 list."


He swung the locker closed. He needed to get it together.

In the stillness of his room he lay on his back, picked up his phone. It glowed in the otherwise dark space. Even as he typed the words in the app store and hit the download button, he felt the heat on his neck, the shame in even considering the terribly desperate option. He twisted his neck to double-check the lock on his room door. The mere act of looking into one of these sites depleted the level of his manhood. This was just testing the waters, he reminded himself as he swiftly created a username and logged in, scrolling down the page as dozens of faces popped up. He would just take a look around, see if this was a real possibility for expanding his connections . . .


"...a family drama story with both Cassie and Jett finding their way with the kids they’ve inherited. And, neither one knowing about the other’s situation with miscommunication occurring. . . . this was a delightful read. It was heart-warming and often heart-tugging."


How does this book stand out in this genre?

The Dating Charade is a bit different from the typical rom/com, particularly because while there are several laugh-out-loud moments, there’s also the story revolving around the children and the issues they have to face (abandonment, addictions, foster care). So, I guess I’d say, The Dating Charade is happiness and total happily-ever-after with a bow, but also carries a message about the power of family, however they came to be.


"Such a funny and heartwarming story!

I don’t always enjoy stories that combine humor and serious elements. A balance is needed to make this work. To not make the humor seem out of place in the midst of the tragedy or to make the more serious elements seem like a shock because they are so extreme. Melissa Ferguson crafted a story that had me laughing and pulling out the Kleenex! . . . If you enjoy laughing and romance, I highly recommend The Dating Charade!"


He rested his hand on the top of her car door and paused, the door separating their bodies but their faces suddenly not so far apart. “Till Wednesday, then.”

The exposed skin of his neck was red from the chill, and beneath his form-fitting jacket sat a pair of dark jeans that complemented his green, button-down oxford. Any drift of cologne—if he wore any—was overpowered by the thousands of pines surrounding them, infusing their world with shouts of Christmas.

Nat King Cole’s melody, “Almost Like Being in Love,” came over the outdoor speakers, drawing them toward one another like the red-velvet ribbon draped around the large Christmas trees in shop windows.

“Till Wednesday,” Cassie repeated softly.


"Ferguson has been added to my must-read, auto-buy list of authors. I loved her writing style, the characters, and this story! So much emotion and heartbreak, but so much hope and love as well, making the story not too heavy, which is the perfect combination. Definitely recommended to both Christian and non-Christian contemporary romance readers."


Cassie’s face hurt from smiling. For ten minutes she drove with that smile—a slaphappy grin. When a car cut her off turning into Food City, she had nothing but a Merry-Christmas-to-all grin to give him. As she slowly passed the lights of an ambulance and two feuding citizens beside busted cars, her wide and vibrant smile met them, and with understandable misunderstanding both citizens threw a few choice words toward her before turning back on each other. But there was nothing to be done about it. The smile wasn’t going anywhere.

What if he was the one?


"From laugh out loud moments to more emotional and serious layers, The Dating Charade has appeal far beyond its cute cover and promising synopsis. . . . With just one novel to her name (she has a novella I’m wanting to read!), Melissa Ferguson has found her way onto my must-read author list. I eagerly look forward to whatever she pens next!"


"Okay, so first; WOW!!! I’ve loved books and I’ve laughed reading books but never so much as this one. This book? I have no words! It was messy, sappy, happy, and wonderfully one of the best books I have ever read!"


Jett whispered tersely, pointing to the thrown items. “Drew. Pick. Up. Your. Macaroni.”

Drew looked up at him while shoveling another handful—literally, as in hand without the spoon—of macaroni into his mouth. “Can’t. I’m a dinosaur. Dinosaurs don’t have hands.”

Jett’s uncle stifled a smile.

Jett himself stifled a look that would’ve slid that smile right off his uncle’s face. He set the fork down and stood. “Young man . . .”


"This is a fun read but it does go deeper than you expect. Ms. Ferguson does an excellent job of balancing out the light with the dark. I just wish, in a way, that there was more romance. But hey, I love romance books. Do yourself a favor and pick up this gem of a book. You will thank me later."


" loved this! Getting to see these characters interact, both adults and children, made this a great read. Cassie and Jett are two amazing people who really step up to the plate when it comes to taking care of the three children they have each suddenly found in their care. Taking care of children is never easy, and these two were thrust into that with three kids!"


So, this was how it was going to be. He’d thought that exact thought a thousand times since entering that long stretch of highway between his aunt’s house and his own. Every time, however, the blow lessened. At first it was like he had stood against a wall, and a truck had slammed into his body at seventy-five miles an hour. Then it felt like being strapped to a tree, an archer shooting an arrow into his chest. This morning it was a brass-knuckled punch to the face. Now, however, the hand giving the blow had softened, no more of a sting than if Sarah had slapped him on the cheek. He was getting used to the pain.

Could perhaps even acknowledge a part of him liked watching the two small heads huddled close together beside him, Dakota’s little hand in his. Could acknowledge he was getting used to seeing a stack of diapers next to a stack of movies.

It wasn’t as lonely.


What is your next release and/or what are you working on now?

M: The Dating Charade released December third (woo!!!) and I’m working The Cul-de-sac War coming out fall of 2020. ?

"All the hearts on the cover of The Dating Charade are entirely fitting because this story has heart in a big way (and a healthy dose of hilarity, too… often at the expense of the main characters)! I laughed, I cried, I hugged my kids, I told one of my kids to read this book! . . . Melissa Ferg[u]son’s debut is a “nothing but net” three-point shot for the win! I highly recommend this story!"


"There are many hilarious situations, and I loved how the children keep Cassie and Jett on their toes. A heartwarming debut, with lighthearted humor, with a heartfelt core. Highly enjoyable read."


"The novel was a fun and cute read. I like that even though Cassie was jaded, she still tried to open up her heart to love. . . . a novel about two separate people adopting children and learning to care about others than themselves. Overall, I like the idea of family being people who you choose and not only the ones you are born into."


Jett was a bona fide hero.

And she couldn’t let him go.

Pulling herself back to the present, Cassie shook out the pink tablecloth and threw it across the Ping-Pong table, shaking out her thoughts as she did so.

Meanwhile, Bree, with crossed arms, stared at her as though she’d watched every bit of Cassie’s playback reel. “Listen, if you don’t call him, I’m going to. I’ll marry him myself, Cassandra Everson.”


"I totally fell madly in love with this book and all of its characters. . . . And there are plenty of moments that will tug at your heartstrings. I admit that I cried both sad and happy tears while reading this book, as well as almost laughing to the point of tears. There's just so much love and greatness in this story. I'm so glad that I picked it up."


When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

When not writing, I’m a mother of twin 4-year-olds and a 2-year-old daughter, and they stay all day with me. I also teach Bible and Religion online primarily for my alma mater, King University.


"The Dating Charade is a super cute, fast paced and fun read. I knew that this was a debut novel when I started reading it but it certainly doesn't seem like a debut novel at all, it reads as a novel penned by a more experienced author, so kudos to Ms. Ferguson for that."


"This author did such a great job with the struggles and horrors of foster care, trying to be a single parent, and trying to just get thru the day-loving and hating every minute of it-being exhausted but grateful at the end of the day. As a parent, I could relate to so many of the struggles, laughs and tears. I loved reading this book!"

Star, as she was always so keenly aware, was nowhere to be seen.

For the past seven years she’d watched for the magic minute when the girls left their schools and made their way to the Haven. At the window, at 2:15 p.m. every day, she’d waited for them to come. Like the rumblings of thunder before a heavy storm, she and her staff would feel the anticipation, the shake, before the magic minute struck. The sudden rush at the computer to finish that report, to send that e-mail, to put the finishing touches on that flyer. The dash to the coffee station for a refill, because it very well could be the last calm moment for the rest of the day.

Often Cassie couldn’t stand it any longer and would step out the front door with her fresh mug, beckoned by the distant sound of the final school bell.


"Oh my goodness! Add this book to your TBR pile right now! If you love clean romance written from a Christian perspective, The Dating Charade is a book for you. I had to keep checking to make sure this was “for real” Melissa Ferguson’s first book, because it sure doesn’t read like a debut novel! Sure enough, it is! I’m already looking forward to her next book."

All excerpts from The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson. Used with the permission of the publisher, Thomas Nelson. Copyright © 2019 by Melissa Ferguson.
The Dating Charade
By Melissa Ferguson
Contemporary Romance, Christian
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 336 Pages
December 3rd 2019 by Thomas Nelson

Just when you think you’ve met your match . . . the charade begins.

Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.
About the Author

Welcome back to Bluestone River, a prairie town in Northern Illinois. I had great fun writing Emma O’Connell’s story, especially after Parker Davis comes to town. . .


"The Christmas Kiss By Virginia McCullough is another romantic adventure that takes two people on a wonderful journey. They have to find a way to work together and to learn that maybe they both have someone else out there for them. They just had to look. I am giving this book five stars and recommending it all the romance readers out there."


"Virginia McCullough has a knack for bringing small towns to life on the pages of her novels – with characters you easily care about and plots that reflect both the realities of life and the wonder of romance. The writing style is smooth and engaging, and the romance moves along at a realistic pace . . . I liked the protagonists being a little older than 20s and early 30s – it added an extra dose of wisdom to their personalities which in turn resulted in less of (and shorter-lasting, less earth-shattering) the typical misunderstandings that we so often see in romance novels. Another great read for the season – or anytime of year, for that matter!"


Parker had to laugh at himself. As much as he’d tried, he couldn’t stop looking at Emma, not from the first glimpse of her approaching him. Maybe it was the sassy way she’d twirled her cane that intrigued him. Straight dark hair set off large brown eyes that lit up in fun, but turned serious when something subtle shifted her mood. She was taller than average. Her body was curvy and strong—easy to picture her as that girl jock she brought up.

He bet Emma was a good dancer. He closed his eyes and there he was, holding her close and slow dancing on the pier. Now why had that occurred to him? He didn’t know her. Not even a little bit. He gave the railing a little bump with his palm, as if that could knock her image out of his brain.


"This book has a lot of build-up to the romance/relationship and plenty of talking to really bring you into their relationship. This was a sweet and clean romance that builds really well over time. The Christmas setting also really shines through with the build-up over the season and plenty of Christmasy scenes. I loved this older/mature romance of two people who know what they want out of life and a partner. This was a fun, Christmas-time romance read overall."


"I liked seeing Parkers daughter Nicole blossom during the story, along with Parker and Emmas friendship. I really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read more books about Bluestone River!"


"This was another sweet Christmas read that features a couple who are older and more mature as they are in their late 30's and early 40's. It was refreshing to read about that age and the author does a good job of showing their maturity in their lives. . . . This was a cute holiday read that brought this family together."


". . . I adored visiting this community and its residents again. The added Bluestone Holiday celebrations added to the charm of the book. The romance, while fairly fast, progresses in a believable manner."


"If you enjoy family-oriented stories, it you believe in second chances, if you are thrilled with first kisses and new beginnings, you will want to read The Christmas Kiss. This is my first book by Virginia McCullough and she has convinced me that Bluestone River is a special place -- I hope to have a chance to go back!"


"The Christmas Kiss is sweet and fun and full of holiday cheer, a nice addition to the Back to Bluestone River series. . . . I enjoyed my time with them and am looking forward to more of Bluestone River once again."


"I am giving The Christmas Kiss five plus stars. Readers who enjoy heartwarming and clean romance will not want to miss this one. I look forward to the next addition to the Back to Bluestone River series."


"I love a friends-to-more story, especially when it takes place at Christmastime! In The Christmas Kiss, Emma and Parker initially seem like an unlikely pair, but they both have good hearts and care about others. . . . I enjoyed this rich, full-bodied cup of Christmas love."


"I can't stress how much I loved this book! . . . This is a delightful book that will be sure to put you in the Christmas cheer!

I highly recommend this book."


"I really enjoyed this one. I'm glad to be visiting Bluestone River again. I love the small town feel of the book. I really loved Emma. . . . This book has plenty of heart and feels."


"Ms. McCullough wrote a book that I desperately needed with only two weeks left in school. It showed me some things that I would have never thought about, characters that I grew to love and an ending that was beautiful. Not to mention the birds in it and I learned a lot from Parker when it came to the care that wounded birds need."


"I really like the Bluestone River community and enjoyed being back for a visit. The scenes and details of this little place makes me feel at home. And with the Christmas decorations and festivities, it is just when you want to be for a part of your Christmas Season. I encourage you to check out this book. You are sure to have hours of entertainment, enjoyment and Holiday pleasure as you read The Christmas Kiss."


"One of the best parts of the story is getting to catch-up with Ruby and Mike as [they're] excepting their first child now. McCullough cleverly put their lives in the life of Emma and Parker - showing how tight-knit Bluestone River is. . . . McCullough has already charmed me into loving this series. . ."


"A delightful holiday romance! . . . I recommend this book to anyone enjoying a small town romance with a close knit group of family and friends playing a key part in the story line. Sweet interactions, a whimsical setting and a romance sure to please."


"I like that it is a slow burn kind of a relationship between the two of them, especially considering their frequent opposing viewpoints. Then again, the ones that start out at odds often lead to a more intense attachment, right? And I like having romances with "older people," (though we're not old at this age!) for a bit of a change. Add in all of the holiday feels and you have another winner in this series."


"Get ready for that warm, fuzzy, Christmasy love feeling folks because this book fairly oozes with it! That's right. This second installment in the Bluestone River series brings Parker and Emma together at this perfect time of the year and it is nothing less than yummy. . . . Ms. McCullough truly deserves a huge round of applause for providing us with one of the most wonderful reads of the Season."


"The attraction between the two is immediate and apparent, but doesn’t rush through. It is a slow and natural progression with how they work together to bring the sanctuary to life. . . . If you enjoy a clean romance without Christian references – these books fit that description. This one was a “curl up on the couch, cup of cocoa, warm blanket, cloudy day” read. Cozy and beautiful."

The Christmas Kiss
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
December 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Will working together

…lead to together forever?

Recently divorced, Parker Davis needs to focus on his new job so he can provide a stable home for his daughter in time for the Christmas holidays. The problem is, he’s frequently at odds with his boss. He and Emma O’Connell approach everything differently. Yet he finds her intriguing, and Bluestone River festivities keep pushing them together—often enough that two people at odds could find themselves evenly matched in love!

Other Books in the Series




Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a $25 Etsy eGift Card
- Open internationally for those who are eligible