On Tour with Prism Book Tours.
Girl in the Spotlight
by Virginia McCullough
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
June 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming
The daughter they never knew
When Miles Jenkins sees the graceful young figure skater on TV, he can’t believe how much she resembles Lark McGee, the girl he dated briefly in college. Could this aspiring star be the child Lark gave up for adoption eighteen years ago? He has to find out.
Locating Lark ignites conflicting emotions in Miles—including regrets for what might have been and romantic feelings that take the two single parents by surprise. As they prepare to meet their daughter, this deeper connection between the two just might be the chance at love they never got.
Advanced Praise
Mesmerized by the real world of characters–brought to life beautifully, I found myself entranced by this thoughtful, delightful, sad, and joyous, novel about second chances and all forms of love. The situation, characters, and consequences left me shedding happy tears at the ending. — Casey Clifford, award-winning author
A compelling love story crafted with characters you’ll fall in love with. Miles and Lark’s journey to be reunited with their child captured my heart, as did their blossoming romance. The best book I have read this year! —Lily Silver, author of Dark Hero
McCullough is always adept at creating suspense on multiple levels. In Girl in the Spotlight, the intrigue builds from page one and doesn’t let up until the end. But she understands that readers need relief from tension, and through her masterful storytelling and perfect pacing, McCullough delivers satisfying outcomes along that way. The relationships she’s developed are complex and realistic, and their evolution is deeply satisfying. — Lynda McDaniel, author of A Life for a Life
Girl in the Spotlight swept me away to Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan shore and reminded me of loves left behind. McCullough invokes deep emotions through her writing, which will pull at your heart. More than a romantic love story, it is a love story of parents for their children. A must read.” — Anne Parent, author/reviewer
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Excerpt 3 (from chapter 12)
As promised, early the next morning, Lark called Dawn, leading off the conversation with the thrill of seeing Perrie Lynn perform.
“I bet you were proud,” Dawn said, “and I’m so glad you called.”
Pride? Such a limited word, Lark thought, standing by the window and looking at the cityscape surrounding her, a mix of modern high-rises and the friendly older buildings with their carved stone facades still intact.
“I don’t know how to describe what’s going on inside of me. My body has been on full alert since we arrived,” she explained, “and now her long program is tonight. On prime-time TV!”
Lark gave her friend a rundown of Perrie Lynn’s performance. “She was magnificent, finishing third, which exceeded expectations. She’s still so young.”
“Were you nervous? Excited?” Dawn chuckled. “Dazed?”
“All of those things and more.” She paused. “I need a minute here to pull myself together for this next part.” Finally, she let out a big breath. “The thing is, and I mean this in a positive way, I saw for myself the life the Olsons have given her. That’s why I’ve been on the verge of tears so often these last two days. I realized in such a profound way what Maxine is to Perrie Lynn. That’s the way it will always be.”
“Oh, Lark,” Dawn whispered into the phone, “yes, you sound emotional, but I don’t know, maybe not so terribly sad.”
“That’s it. I’m accepting the reality of Perrie Lynn and her family in my heart. It’s not just an intellectual concept.” She brushed away tears before they had a chance to trail down her cheeks. “But none of this is even about me. It’s about Perrie Lynn and her parents. And I was struck by knowing that I have this blind love for someone I’ve only spoken to once in my life—way back when she was way too tiny to understand.”
Lark could probably calculate the exact number of days and hours that had passed since she’d murmured reassuring words to the tiny bundle in her arms. I’m so sorry, but it’s for the best, little one. She’d stared at the perfect little face one last time and drew her closer to her heart. I promise you’ll have a good life with people who will love you so, so much. They can give you what I could never hope to. A family.
About the Author
A writer all her adult life, Virginia McCullough has had the opportunity to write the stories of her heart in her novels, including Girl in the Spotlight, the first book in her Two Moon Bay series for Harlequin Heartwarming. (Book 2 is scheduled for release in January 2018). Her award-winning romance and women’s fiction titles include The Jacks of Her Heart, Amber Light, Greta’s Grace, The Chapels on the Hill, and Island Healing.
Born and raised in Chicago, Virginia 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
Tour Schedule
June 5th: Launch
June 6th:
Hardcover Feedback
Katie’s Clean Book Collection
RANDIE2436
Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
June 7th:
Book Lover in Florida
Reading Is My SuperPower
Nicole’s Book Musings
Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader
Becky on Books
June 8th:
Rockin’ Book Review
Mel’s Shelves
A Baker’s Perspective
Harlie’s Books
June 9th:
It’s All About the Romance
Hearts & Scribbles
The Bookworm Chronicles
June 11th:
I Am A Reader
Valerie J. Clarizio, Romance Author
Thoughts of a Blonde
Sylv.net
June 12th: Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
1st Prize (US only): Tea & Contemplation, a collection of favorite things, starts with an uplifting message from “Seize the Day” Pop Open Cards. Fill a ceramic thermal mug to sip Lavender Chamomile Tea while you contemplate your ideas and dreams. Write your thoughts in a journal, whose guiding words are: When Your Heart Speaks… take good notes! A Wish pen is included. Finally, pick a place to display a large piece of gemmy rose quartz, a stone long linked to matters of the heart. It’s said when rose quartz is nearby, love (of all kinds) comes along to keep it company. These items will be arranged in a “keeper box” and delivered to your door.
2nd Prize (open internationally): You will receive a $35.00 Amazon eGift Card, and a digital copy of GIRL IN THE SPOTLIGHT, plus one digital copy of another of Virginia’s five award-winning novels—it’s your choice.
Ends June 16th
Excellent excerpt! This book sounds like a very interesting and intriguing read! Also, I really like the book cover! Looking forward to checking out this book!
Sounds like a great book!
Love ice skating and I’m a sucker for second chances ?