On Tour with Prism Book Tours
The Christmas Kiss
(Back to Bluestone River #2)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
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!
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Harlequin | iBooks | Kobo
I apologize again for the lateness of the blog post today. As most know, I’m now working at an elementary school and by the time I get home from school, I’m toast. Throw in Christmas time and the kids’ excitement while still trying to teach and I’m a zombie. Do I read to relax when I get home? You bet. Do I remember to write the review? Nope. I have no shame and I’m not afraid to admit it.
So why the admission? Because this is my last posted review of 2019 and I’m super excited that it is. Ms. McCullough knew exactly what I needed to relax, rewind and just forget for a few hours. This isn’t my first book from Ms. McCullough nor will it be my last. Unfortunately, I didn’t read the first book in this series but I understood the secondary characters, Mike and Ruby. However, I have since found out that Emma’s backstory is better explained in that book so, at times, I didn’t quite understand how she came about in the beginning.
Honestly, I didn’t care. I just liked Emma. She didn’t come off as self-pitying; instead, I found her endearing, funny and at times, self-effacing. She mocked herself at times when it came to money and most people wouldn’t do that. I also liked that she didn’t come off as weak when it came to Parker. Their banter at times was funny but also poignant. She was honest with him when she was describing her marriage. There was no real emotion (which I can understand given the circumstances) but she hadn’t given up on love.
Parker was kind of a jerk in the beginning. But he is made to be that way when it comes to Emma. He just views her as someone that throws money at things with no real emotional attachment. Hence, the injured birds. Oh, that owl. That poor baby. Even I prayed for its safe healing. Those scenes gave Parker a much-needed eye-opener when it came to Emma. He knew that she was different and could be trusted.
Trust is a huge issue for Parker given his ex-wife. Not to mention that he is dealing with a college-age daughter that still doesn’t understand why her mother left and is now somewhat begging for them to get back together. The ending of the book is spot on with Parker and his daughter. In fact, if you are looking for that big black moment, you really won’t find it here. Ms. McCullough writes about people that actually communicate with each other and deal with the issues at hand. Oh…and did I mention that Parker and Emma are older characters? Harlie LOVES it when authors write about older characters. Yes, they can still fall in love, deal with older children and exes. And they aren’t afraid to voice their opinions without the reader wanting to beat them over the head for the stubbornness that comes with younger characters.
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 miss the owl already.
Other Books in the Series
A Family for Jason
(Back to Bluestone River #1)
By Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming
She’s not home for keeps
Unless he proves first love is forever
Bluestone River is a minefield of memories for Mike Abbot—all involving Ruby Driscoll. Twenty years after scandal divided them, they’re both back in their hometown. Ruby’s visit is strictly temporary. But as she uses her trauma expertise to help his vulnerable son, Mike faces what his heart has always known. Ruby’s still his one and only. This time, can he convince her to stay?
(Affiliate links included.)
Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo│GooglePlay
About the Author
Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia McCullough has been lucky enough to develop her writing career in many locations, including the coast of Maine, the mountains of North Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and currently, Northeast Wisconsin. She started her career in nonfiction, first writing articles and then books as a ghostwriter and coauthor. She’s written more than 100 books for physicians, business owners, professional speakers and many others with information to share or a story to tell.
Virginia’s books feature characters who could be your neighbors and friends. They come in all ages and struggle with everyday life issues in small-town environments that almost always include water—oceans, lakes, or rivers. The mother of two grown children, you’ll find Virginia with her nose a book, walking on trails or her neighborhood street, or she may be packing her bag to take off for her next adventure. And she’s always working on another story about hope, healing, and second chances.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Bookbub│Amazon│Newsletter
Tour Schedule
Tour Giveaway
– 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a $25 Etsy eGift Card
– Open internationally for those who are eligible
– Ends December 18, 2019
I am so excited to read this book! I love Christmas stories!