"This is a great story that really takes the reader on more than a journey in self-discovery. Told in third (3rd) person; the POV switches from Lincoln, Eliza, Bree, to Andy.

I honestly couldn’t put it down; I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen to them.""I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, for the vivid Australia life descriptions, the great array of characters, and for teaching some honest life lessons that we all need to hear. . . . I think that David Rawlins’s style of writing leans toward realism, and in real life, we do not know always get to know the outcome of something. We are just along for the journey.""This is a very interesting book, with interesting characters. . . . This is my third book by David Rawlings, and each one gets better. He has a unique way of telling a story, and you just want to come back for more with each book. This is such an enjoyable read that anyone will have fun reading it. I highly recommend Where the Road Bends!!"The four mortarboard tassels flicked away the past and ushered in the future as they arced in the afternoon sun. The circle of friendship that withstood four hard years started its inevitable loosening; the glue that bonded their foursome eased away as the cheers across the quad died away. The clock started a lifetime of mesmeric ticking, a time for potential to become performance.

The first hand thrust the caught cap onto a head of bouncing red curls. Bree Carter choked back tears as she flicked the tassel from her eyes. “I can’t believe it’s all over.”

Andy Summers grabbed his mortarboard and spun it between his fingers, his lithe forearm muscles rippling as the billowing gown’s sleeves fell away. “This moment has been so far away for years and now that it’s here, it doesn’t seem real.”"Where the Road Bends is an intriguing tale of four close college friends who, upon graduation, promised to reunite in Australia in 15 years, whether or not they keep in close contact. . . . The characters were portrayed well and the situations fairly well described. The concept was a very sound one."With the gloss of their fifteen-year reunion fading, the buzz of excitement settled into the sharp ache of anxiety. One set of American thumbs twiddled on the cold gray table in the interview room of a police station parked in the red dust of the tiny town nestled in the heart of Australia. Fingernails of a second tourist beat an impatient tattoo, while another set of American nails was already halfway chewed away.

The ordeal started long before the police car ride back into civilization, the unexpected bookend to a reunion that had started days earlier. Their story—which they each thought to be unbelievable—turned out to be a variation of someone else’s. Except one, which went unspoken. That someone else should have been sitting in the empty chair, but the police had found no trace at all, save for a neat stack of rocks at their campsite."I loved the descriptions and lessons about Australia and the culture, sort of crushing some of the stereotypes that we have here in America. I learned some new things! . . . it got me thinking and reflecting on my own life since college, the path that I am on currently, and how that matches up with what my expectations had been back then. I guess it was kind of happening anyway, as it periodically does. But this book brought it back to the forefront again. . . . This was an interesting way to get you to reflect on your life and how something bigger is guiding you along the way.""I thought it was an intriguing storyline . . . It makes a reader reflect on their own circumstances, and how they could grow as an individual. . . . Overall it was a fun story to read. The characters all had things they needed to learn from and grow from. . . I think Rawlings fans will enjoy the story.""I enjoyed the journey that this book has taken me on. I think it's because of the life's lessons that this book has to offer and it certainly does make us think about some of the passages that were in this book. . . . The setting of Australia was so well described that I was able to picture myself in the story. . . . I certainly recommend this book. I did finish the book in one day. I didn't want to put it down.""I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this story. They way David Rawlings writes his contemporary fiction and how it's easy to relate to the characters . . . I enjoyed the journey in their personal lives and the spiritual journey as well. Definitely a good read and would recommend it!""Rawlings paints a vivid picture of the Australian outback that transports you to the ruggedness the land both beautiful and deadly.

Launch - Note from the Author 

Thank you for joining me for the second book in The Bartolini Legacy trilogy. One diary… One secret. . . Leads to one unforgettable summer. . .

. . . Now that their lives have collided, neither will ever be the same. But first they must take a journey into the past before they can forge a new future.

Happy reading,
— Jennifer

Welcome to the Alaskan Dreams book tour. The working title for this book was “Love, Gold, and Goats” and that’s what it’s all about. Lauren has come to Alaska chasing her dream to be a goat farmer and cheesemaker, but she runs into financial difficulties. Her landlady suggests a possible solution: find a historical gold nugget rumored to be hidden somewhere on the farm. Patrick, the landlady’s grandson, eventually agrees to help, and the treasure hunt begins. . .


“Sure. Maybe he can’t herd goats, but he’s good for mental health, and that has to be a plus for the farm, right?”

Bonnie laughed. “Or as Rosemary would say, he puts out good vibes.”

“Exactly.”

Bonnie snapped her fingers. “Wilson.”

“What?’

“We should call him Wilson. After the Wilson brothers in the Beach Boys. They sang ‘Good Vibrations.’”

“Perfect.” Lauren passed a hand over the dog’s head. “Absolutely perfect.”


The first time she’d looked out the window of her camper to see the goats swiping the grapes she’d left on the picnic table, she thought she must have neglected to latch the gate. The second time, when Spritz showed up in the middle of a walk with Biscotti and Muffin, Lauren knew she’d latched it, but she hadn’t bothered to fasten the safety hasp, and hadn’t realized Spritz knew how to pull out a pin. Today, before she’d gone to the bathhouse, Lauren had latched the gate, sealed it with a cotter pin, and fastened the hasp that should have been impossible for anyone without opposable thumbs to operate. And yet here they were.


"I know I’ve said this many times, but I love reading books that are set in Alaska. There’s something about that remoteness that appeals to me. . . . Alaskan Dreams is about following your heart, finding family, falling in love, and learning how to face tough times without running away. I absolutely loved it, and I highly recommend it to clean romance lovers."


“If I want to play bridge at the senior apartments, I’m always welcome. I don’t see any reason to leave my home here.”

“Oh, you don’t?”

“No.”

“Really? Because I think if you look down at the brace on your foot, you’ll find at least one good reason.”

“Patrick Sean O’Shea, are you sassing me?”

“No, ma’am.”


"If you are in the mood for a clean Romance with a little twist of humor and fun, you will enjoy this one. And even though this is a series, I had no problem reading it as a stand alone. Oh and the cover with the adorable white goad is precious!"


"A truly marvelous romance isn’t easy, but Ms. Carpenter does weave a fabulous one. Her characters are down to earth, with believable issues and remarkably easy resolution once communication is open. I truly enjoyed the story, with a mix of romance, history, genealogy, community, and love. Therefore, I am giving Alaskan Dreams by Beth Carpenter, five stars. If you are looking for a sweet romance with lots of heart, I recommend Alaskan Dreams."


"Alaskan Dreams was such an enjoyable book. I loved the goats. . . . I really got into the characters in the book and could visualize them. They were so real to me. The book had me hooked from the very beginning."


"I love the Northern Lights series, and this one didn't disappoint!

The outstanding writings of Author Beth Carpenter, brings the mesmerizing Alaskan terrain and communities "to life"! The reader feel like he/she is there experiencing it all! The characters she has developed feel so real. It is easy to share in their emotions, dilemmas and of life dramas."


"This was another fun “Northern Lights” Alaska novel. Great characters, fun story line . . . I have really enjoyed reading these stories set in Alaska. . . . Highly recommend this series of books! They can be read in order or as stand alone stories."


"I have read and enjoyed books by Beth Carpenter in the past. Alaskan Dreams was no different. . . . I was entertained throughout and is one of those reads that just warms my heart. . . . I recommend it for readers who love to read sweet and clean reads."


"Check out Alaskan Dreams for a full developed cast of characters you’re sure to bump into at the farmers’ market next trip to Anchorage. You’ll finish the book wondering where you can buy soap and take yoga too."


“Not exactly. We moved around a lot.”

“Oh yeah? Me too. My parents were in the diplomatic corps.”

Lauren gave a short laugh that even to her own ears sounded forced. “My mother was...not.” Not unless she was some sort of ambassador of short-lived romance. Her mom must have fallen in love with a dozen different men by the time Lauren graduated from high school, and every time it meant a different school in a different place.


"This book has a lot of heart. From the friendships Lauren forms to her tenacity to succeed to the softly blooming romance, Alaskan Dreams is one for the keeper shelf. I didn’t want this book to end."


"I so enjoyed Alaskan Dreams. Carpenter delivers this romantic adventure with a cast of especially entertaining characters, a natural romance, and heartwarming themes of perseverance, family, and love. One day, I will get to Alaska, but for now, I am content to experience it via good books—and Alaskan Dreams is one such book. Don’t skip it!"

Lauren laughed. “I guess so.” Covered with dirt and grime, Lauren brushed a strand of hair back from her cheek, leaving behind a smear of something Patrick chose not to identify, but a proud smile lit up her face, and her green eyes sparkled. “They look good, don’t they?”

“Beautiful,” Patrick agreed. “Absolutely beautiful.”


"Alaskan Dreams by Beth Carpenter is an absolutely delightful read from start to finish. Charming & amusing characters (including the mischievous goats!) – plus a treasure hunt! – keep you fully engaged in the story, and the sweet romance will have you swooning more than once. Prepare to read this book with a permanent grin on your face, and a few chuckles too. Fabulous addition to this series!"


Maybe she was right. If Lauren concentrated on making milk soap from the goats she had now, she could probably meet the goats’ feed and vet bills while they hunted. Bonnie watched her, her eyes wide and encouraging. Lauren smiled. “Okay. Yes. Let’s do it!”

“All right!” Bonnie held up her hand. Lauren laughed and slapped her a high five. The ladies cheered.

Linda wrote Find Nugget on her notepad and underlined it. “Excellent. And if you’re going treasure hunting, I know someone you should talk to. I’ll set up a meeting ASAP.”


"An adorable contemporary romance that will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye, Beth Carpenter’s Alaskan Dreams is a tale of hope, courage and new beginnings I couldn’t bear to put down. . . . A terrific book to lose yourself in, Beth Carpenter’s Alaskan Dreams is a charming, emotional and compelling contemporary romance you will not want to miss."


Alaskan Dreams
(Northern Lights #6)
By Beth Carpenter
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
May 1st 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

The dream she wants

The love she found

Lauren Shepherd has traded her hectic office job for a quiet life working on an elderly friend’s farm. Risking everything to move to Alaska might just be the perfect opportunity for her—if Lauren can convince handsome and fiercely protective Patrick O’Shea that she’s not swindling his grandmother. But when financial troubles threaten her dream, Lauren and Patrick unite in a hunt for a legendary treasure…only to discover something between them more precious than gold.


Other Books in the Series
About the Author


Once upon a time ...

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She's still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a signed print copy of An Alaskan Proposal and a $25 Amazon Gift Card
US only
Ends May 20, 2020

Don't forget to also enter the author's scavenger hunt giveaway by grabbing clues from each stop on the tour and entering them HERE.

ENTER HERE

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

I’ll answer with a quote from the book. “Your heart isn’t a crystal ball, Jaclyn. It can’t see into the past or predict the future. It can’t tell you everything about someone. Only time and experience can do that. Falling in love is a leap of faith. Sometimes you stick the landing, sometimes you stumble, and sometimes you fall flat on your face.”


"This is such a heart-warming love story. . . . The characters are all well-developed. It is easy to feel their emotions. . . . I highly recommend this book to all those who enjoy a great clean romance."


He was passing the Philly Cheesesteak food truck when he heard a high pitched voice say, “My feet hurt, Jaclyn.”

For Brooks, there was only one Jaclyn. He stopped abruptly, his head swiveling in that direction. His narrowed gaze locked with the curious glance of the girl he’d never been able to forget. His brain belatedly replaced the word girl with woman. A woman who was even more beautiful than he remembered. His last coherent thought was a question: did the blonde hair spilling over her shoulders still smell like strawberries?


The door to Brooks’ room stood open. He was sitting in the chair by the bed, obviously waiting on her. He was dressed except for his tie, which he couldn’t put on without help. Clothes might make the man, but in his case, the man made the clothes.

“Hello, handsome,” she said, walking over to stand in front of him.

He smiled a little at her comment, but his attention was focused almost entirely on her appearance. The black sheath dress and ankle strap sandals were a world away from what he’d seen her in lately.


Jaclyn scanned the list of entrees. The pork chop with apple-ginger chutney sounded good. So did the tuna-stuffed tomatoes. Too bad she’d already eaten lunch. She looked up and found Brooks watching her with a hard-to-define expression on his face.

“Am I taking too long?” she asked.

“Not at all. I was thinking how strange life is.”

She put down the menu. “How so?”

“The way it brings people together after long periods of time.”


"I love a story that can take two characters and mesh them into a perfect harmonious duet. Their personalities and strengths complement each other in ways that merge them into an ultimate and lovable couple. Life isn't easy and the struggles these two wade through are both realistic and heart-engaging. My sympathy chord was struck, and I found this story uplifting and sweet, to go along with that tinge of heartache."


“I see some bowls on the floor over here,” she said. “Do you have a dog?”

He motioned her to join him. “Come look out the window. Loki can hear us. He’s trying to figure out who’s in here with me.”

She joined him at the sink. When she stood on tiptoe to peer over the window sill, she pressed her hand lightly on his shoulder for support. A delightful warmth fanned out inside Brooks, heating his blood and sending his pulse rate soaring.

“What a beautiful dog! Or should I say handsome, since he’s a boy? I guess it doesn’t matter. What breed is he? A German Shepard?”


"The writing in A Love So True is easy to follow with a smooth flow and steady pace, and the characters are layered and engaging. From the prologue ‘meet cute’ to their reuniting unexpectedly 14 years later & everything that unfolds from there, the story holds your attention and keeps you invested in the outcome. While this is the 3rd in a series, it’s ok to stand alone – though you’ll meet some characters in this book whose stories you’ll want to discover in the previous books. A light read that will make your heart smile!"


"This was such a sweet, heart warming story that made me feel all joys of love. I loved both the protagonist especially Brooks, he made me swoon over his caring and charming personality. Jacyln’s character was well done as well, her generosity and lovable traits complemented Brooks’s character beautifully. . . . A love so true was a delightful read and I’d definitely recommend it. . ."


Brooks was holding out her windbreaker. “Let’s get a move on. We’re losing daylight.”

“I’m not worried,” she told him as she slid her arms into the sleeves. “I’ve got Hulk and Loki with me.”

He lifted her hair out of the way and gently swung her around to face him. “Hulk, huh?” he asked, his fingers deftly zipping up the jacket. “So I’m all brawn and no brains. Is that what you’re saying?”


"This was a new to me author whose story I really enjoyed.
It is also the first in a new series too!
The author has done an excellent job in making her characters realistic and believable.
A wonderful can't put down book until you finish it."


"I enjoyed this clean, girl next door, high school sweethearts type story. It is my first time reading a book by Delaney Cameron, and I liked her writing style 😊. It is the third book in her Billionaires of Sawgrass series, but I had no trouble understanding the storyline; so, it can be read as a standalone."


“You’ve been seeing a lot of him, haven’t you?”

It was true. In the aftermath of Eli, Brooks had been a shoulder to cry on, a tower of emotional strength, and the voice on the other end of the phone whenever she needed to talk. He was never without an encouraging word or a timely kick in the pants if he felt it was necessary. He’d made it his personal mission to keep her from dwelling on the past. There was no doubt about the eventual outcome. Brooks didn’t fail at anything he set his mind to do.


"Well, I fell in love with this story wholeheartedly! This was the first novel that I have read by this author, but now I plan to definitely read more. Even though this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble jumping right in and understanding the story. . . . It was incredibly romantic!"


"I was intrigued by the extensive and well-written dialogue, and the thought occurred to me that this book would make a better screenplay, and I feel that if it was properly cast, this would make a fun rom-com. . . . This author truly does understand how to move the story along through the use of dialogue!"


His brows came together. “I can manage by myself for a few hours. I’m not a child.”
“I guess I’ll have to spell it out. I want to spend Thanksgiving here. With you.” The last five or six words came out louder than she intended.
“Can you repeat that?” he asked with a reluctant grin. “I didn’t hear you the first time.”
“Keep that up, and you’ll be wearing peanut butter.”

A Love So True
(The Billionaires of Sawgrass #3)
By Delaney Cameron
Contemporary Romance
ebook, 200 Pages
March 16th 2020 by Wisteria Press

She thinks of him as a friend. He’s loved her since high school.

She’s holding on to the past. He’s worked hard to overcome his.

Brooks knew better than to fall in love with Jaclyn. She’s a trust fund kid, and he’s from the wrong side of the tracks. Guys like him never end up with girls like her. His head understood the rules. His heart was another story.


Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Open internationally
Ends May 20, 2020

ENTER HERE

It’s here, book four in my Sweetheart Ranch series, HER COWBOY SWEETHEART! It seems like only yesterday I came up with the series idea while researching venues for my own upcoming wedding (was that really over three years ago?). Just goes to show you how long it can take from conception to completion. I have to say, while I’ve loved all four books, HER COWBOY SWEETHEART is perhaps my favorite. . .


"This is very different from the other Heartwarming novels I’ve read – in a very good way. It is not a light-hearted read; instead it is a powerful, heart-tugging, emotionally engaging, honest, and beautiful tale of real life issues and real love. A love that puts what is best and needed overall, rather than wants and desires. . . . This is one read that will stick with readers for a while and perhaps make them examine their own relationships. This is perhaps one of the most emotional Heartwarming books I’ve read."


"I enjoyed how the romance developed in Her Cowboy Sweetheart. The author brought conflict into the book for the characters as individuals and together. I love how they draw strength from each other.

This a very sweet and inspiring book, and I think you’ll enjoy it."


“How’s it going, Rico?” He used his pet name for Rickie.

Instantly, her son stopped fussing and lit up like a starburst. Arms and legs flailing, he babbled a string of nonsense syllables. Carly mentally translated. Hi, JD! I’m happy to see you. Please play with me.

JD removed his scuffed cowboy hat and plunked it down on Rickie’s head. “Can you hold onto this for me while I help your mama? I’d appreciate it.”

Rickie giggled and pulled on the sides of the hat, distorting its shape. JD didn’t appear to mind and, after cuffing the boy gently on the chin, he unlatched the gate.


"Cathy McDavid delivers another sweet & swoony romance set at the Sweetheart Ranch. Engaging characters and compelling subplots immediately draw readers’ interest and keep it for the duration of the novel. Hombre the dog and toddler Rickie add notes of comedy and warmth to break up the more serious undertones that threaten JD and Carly’s budding romance, and you’ll quickly fall in love with both of them. Another great visit to the Sweetheart Ranch – ready for the next!"


"Her Cowboy Sweetheart by Cathy McDavid is an excellent book that I was instantly transported into and not wanting to leave. I loved every minute of it. Ms. McDavid did a fantastic job on this book, and this series is becoming a favorite of mine. I love the little tidbits of some Spanish being spoken, and to the way, Carly was envisioned as a single mom. I am giving this book five stars and recommending it to anyone that reads romances."


"This story reminds us how best friends can make the best partners in life. Family and close friends are extremely important. And listen to those gut instincts. (I always talked about the importance of the Mama Gut when I was teaching.) It also reminds us that you can be strong and learn to trust again.

I do so love this series and am looking forward to more!"


"I do love a good Harlequin Heartwarming story, and Cathy McDavid delivers a beautiful read that is wholesome, clean, entertaining and insightful. . . . I very much enjoyed reading Her Cowboy Sweetheart, and I'm ready to read another story with all the feels, just like this one. Romance readers will delight in this touching story of life's triumphs, tragedies and the power of love."


"I so love this series so much. These books are make you feel good romances. This book was no different. I could hardly put it down. . . . Trust me after you finish this book your heart is going to be happy sighing. Then throw in JD's dog Hombre you have recipe for a great book. It's a must read!"


"I love books that deal with real-life illnesses. In Her Cowboy Sweetheart, JD has a balance disorder that affects his everyday life.

I have read a lot about the illness he has, and I am glad to see a character in a book that has it. There needs to be more awareness of it."

"Her Cowboy Sweetheart is a great addition to the Sweetheart Ranch series, yet it is able to be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel, too. I really liked the two main characters, JD and Carly. They both showed, time and again, throughout the novel that they would put the safety of others above what their heart desired."


"Her Cowboy Sweetheart is such a heartwarming and sweet novel that it was hard to stop reading it once I started. I quickly got caught up in the story of single mom, Carly Leightman who is raising her precious little boy, Rickie. . . . I thought the author penned an emotional story with likeable characters and I will definitely be reading more of her work. What I enjoyed most of all is that this is a clean romance that is suitable for readers of all ages."


“Yeah, but he could get hurt. Or one of the horses. I can’t let that happen.”

They turned simultaneously to leave, Carly pushing the stroller. Three steps later, JD unexpectedly swayed and knocked into her. The next instant, he moaned and pitched forward.

She caught his arm and instead of him face-planting on the ground, he dropped slowly to his hands and knees. Alarm shot through her.

“JD! JD! Are you okay?”


"I was absorbed into this story fairly quickly. The characters are engaging and interesting, and their dilemmas aren’t typical in romance. . . the story is realistic, potent, and deeply moving."


"I laughed and got teary… lots of great emotions and events happening in this story! I can’t wait to read more in this series! Highly recommend for a fun, easy read."

"As if Carly and JD aren’t cute enough together, Cathy McDavid goes and adds an adorable one year old and a dog who is learning to obey (not so well) to the mix in Her Cowboy Sweetheart. . . . McDavid throws some difficult challenges (health and family) at her characters that they must overcome before they can reach their happily ever after. . . . This is another fantastic addition to the Sweetheart Ranch series."


A wave of nausea hit. No, he silently hollered. Not again!

“JD? Are you all right?” Carly’s voice sounded twenty feet away.

Concentrating on Hombre’s barking, he blindly reached for the nearest solid object to anchor himself. Finding one, he closed his eyes and counted his breaths. All kidding aside, meditation techniques did sometimes stave off an attack. And, they did today.

Inch by inch, the thick fog vanished. Little by little, the ground beneath his feet stabilized. Bit by bit, his stomach settled.

“Better?”

He opened his eyes and was surprised to find Carly’s face inches from his and his arm wrapped around her. Concern filled her expression as she studied him intently.


"Visiting Sweetheart Ranch once again in Her Cowboy Sweetheart is a pleasure. The story between Carly and JD tends to be more serious and emotional than most I have read from Harlequin Heartwarming, yet Cathy McDavid makes sure it has some lightheartedness, too. Overall, the story’s elements work well to deliver a heartwarming read, and as I read, I found it to be an easy one to enjoy."

Her Cowboy Sweetheart

He’s been a good friend

But can he be her sweetheart?

At Sweetheart Ranch, single mom Carly Leighton finds a fresh start, and a friendly neighbor in former bull rider JD Moreno. Neither are looking for love—Carly must think first of her son, Rickie, while JD is recovering from a career-ending balance disorder. But when her former in-laws demand access to Rickie, Carly turns to JD for support and finds he is becoming more than a friend in need…