Are you in the holiday spirit? I’ll be the first to admit I turn into a sentimental sap for the entire month of December. I’m kind of a sentimental sap the whole year, but I’m extra sappy during the Christmas holidays. Among other things, I love reading Christmas stories (and watching holiday movies). Which is why I’m excited to be part of Harmony Kent’s blog tour for her new release, Oh, Baubles. I’ll let her tell you about the book, but be sure to check out my review at the end of this post!
Hi everyone, Harmony here. I’m so thrilled to be visiting with Mae today to tell you about my latest book, a Christmas Romance Novella. It’s a fun, quick read at around 80 pages, and I had fun crafting this one. Below is a ‘sneek peek’ from Chapter 3 of ‘Oh Baubles.’
The line rang once, twice, three times, and more. On and on. Eventually, after sixteen full rings, it went to voicemail. Flustered, John hung up and cursed himself. How stupid could he be? If she reported him, he wouldn’t just lose his job but his whole career. Was some woman worth that? No. But then Charlie wasn’t just some woman, was she? No, she was a whole lot more than that. And John felt as though he would never feel happy again unless he at least took this chance and told her how he felt. So, with another heave in of air, he redialled—ready for the voicemail this time.
‘You’ve reached … Charlene Matthers … She cannot take your call right now. Please, leave a message after the tone.’
John waited for the tone, and sweat pooled in his arm pits and palms, and a cold droplet oozed down his spine. Then he caught an unpleasant whiff of man-pits. He’d have to do something about that as soon as he’d hung up. At last, the beep sounded.
‘Hey, Miss Matt—Charlene … Charlie, erm, this is John. John Andrews? Erm, oh god, I … er …’ He cleared his throat, determined to see this through before the damn machine cut him off. ‘Charlie, this is John. I’m sorry I haven’t called. Idiot that I am, I completely forgot to give you my number. The thing is … I want to see you again. Um, not in clinic. Oh, hell. I like you.’ He took a breath and wiped sweat from his brow. His words were all wrong.
‘Charlie, I don’t know what else to do, so I’m just gonna blurt it out … I love you. There, I’ve said it now. If you never want to hear from me again, or see me, I get it. Just don’t, please, report me. Lol. Ahem … I’m sorry I left things so long. I was a stupid damn coward. But I love you and want to get to know you better. The real you, not the hospital you.’ Flustered beyond belief now, and out of breath, John hung up, disappointed with himself. He’d messed that up badly. And only after he’d disconnected did he remember that he could have pressed the hash key and done a re-record. Too late now.
Book Description:
After a tragic accident one Christmas, Charlene loses her husband and her leg.
Scarred and damaged, the losses leave her lost and reeling, and a long recovery lies ahead of her.
When John, a hot young physiotherapist, comes into her life with his ripped abs and good-god good-looks, she can’t imagine he’d give somebody like her a second glance.
Then she falls for him.
Can Charlene overcome all obstacles to gain back her life and find true love once more?
Find out in this fun-filled, clean Christmas romance novella from award-winning author Harmony Kent.
Oh Baubles is available on Amazon for just 99c/99p And the link is: http://mybook.to/OhBaubles
MY REVIEW:
This is a short, enchanting story sure to warm the heart. Charlene, a young widow, requires physical therapy due to a tragic accident in her past. She feels an immediate connection with John, her PT, but can’t believe he’d spare a second glance for her.
Although this is a romantic story, I really enjoyed seeing the progression in Charlene’s character from beginning to end. The author delivered that change—and the build up of romance—in a believable manner. Watching Charlene transform as the book progresses is like watching a beautiful butterfly emerge from a cocoon. With its holiday setting, Oh, Baubles makes a charming novella for the holidays, but it will leave you with a warm feeling any time of year. 5 Lovely stars!
About the Author:
After spending around thirteen years as an ordained Buddhist monk, living in a Zen Buddhist temple, and six years after a life-changing injury following a surgical error, Harmony Kent returned to the world at the tender age of forty.
Now, she is famous for her laughter, and has made quite the name for herself … she’s also, um, a writer … and fairly well known for that too. She’s even won a few awards. Harmony lives in rural Cornwall with her ever-present sense of humour, adorable husband, and quirky neighbours. Harmony is passionate about supporting her fellow authors.
To Learn More About Harmony Check Out:
Website | Story Empire (co-authored) | Amazon Author Page | Twitter | LinkedIn | Goodreads | BookBub |
Mae, I’m even more in a Christmas mood after reading your lovely post and all about Harmony and her novella ‘Oh Baubles’. Harmony, congratulations on your latest book and the cover is heavenly! I love it! What a great extract and blurb … I’m sold! Off to buy a copy and look forward to a cosy read later today! Happy Writing to you both! 😀
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Your words have warmed my heart on ths stormy winter’s morning. Thanks so much, Annika. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Oh Baubles 🙂
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Harmony, I managed to find the time this afternoon to read it and loved the book! 😀Despite the storm (which must have come from your way), I feel all cosy and warm after reading all about Charlene and John!
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That’s brilliant, Annika! 😁❤️
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Fabulous, Annika. It’s a lovely holiday read!
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Mae, thank you so much for hosting me today. It’s always a pleasure to visit with you. And another huge thanks for your awesome review. That just made my day! 🙂
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It’s always a pleasure to have you visit, Harmony. And I loved the warmth in your lovely holiday story. Even the title makes me smile 🙂
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Reblogged this on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/presenting-oh-baubles-by-harmony_kent-newrelease-christmasnovella-christmasromance-cleanromance/ … Oh, and I love that fireplace picture! 🙂
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Thanks for the reblog.
And I wanted to add a festive touch to the review, LOL!
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I’m a sap at Christmas too. And yes, I watch Hallmark movies! This one is up next on my TBR list. Can’t wait!
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I reckon this will be up there on your ‘sapometer ‘! Thanks, Joan 😊
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Glad to hear I’m not the only one who gets extra sappy at this time of year, LOL.
And I know you’ll love the book, Joan. It’s a charmer.
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I think Harmony’s new novella looks great! Perfect for the holidays ❤️❤️❤️
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Thanks, Tessa! 😊
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Yep, it fits the holiday ticket just fabulous, Tessa!
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Loved the excerpt, Harmony – guys can get so tongue-tied when it comes to women, lol. Awesome review, Mae!
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I had a giggle writing his voice message, lol. Thanks, Teri 😊
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Thanks, Teri.
And Harmony did a great job with John—and Charlene, and the other characters too. Lots of fun!
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Enjoyed this excerpt! I fumble with words whenever I’m trying to discuss anything I’m serious about:)
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I can get that way, too.
And then other times words just roll from my tongue with remarkable ease. I guess it depends on my mood, LOL.
Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Judi!
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I’m definitely better at writing than speaking, lol. Thanks, Judi 😊
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Thanks for sharing the excerpt Mae, I liked it. Another one on my wish list! 🙂 Congratulations Harmony, you are a prolific writer!
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She is certainly that, Balroop! 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt. It’s always nice to build the wish list, too 🙂
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So glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks, Balroop 😊
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This sounds great, Harmony. I just bought it! I need some Christmas festivity.
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That’s fabulous, Jacqui. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it and I know Harmony will be pleased!
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Woohoo! Thanks so much, Jacqui 🙂
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Great review! That excerpt brings a smile to my face as it did when I read it:) Wonderful holiday story
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It is indeed a great holiday read, Denise. I really enjoyed your review on Oh, Baubles, too!
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Thanks so much, Denise. So thrilled you enjoyed Oh Baubles so much and at your wonderful review 🙂
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I love this cover, Harmony! Poor guy, he has it bad 🙂
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He does indeed, Jacquie. And I agree with you about that fun, breezy cover!
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Thanks, Jacquie. So pleased you like the cover. Yup, John really has it bad, lol 🙂
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I have my copy. Thanks for hosting Harmony, Mae.
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Yay! Way to go, John. I know Harmony will enjoy hearing that!
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😊
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Woohoo! That’s great. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Thanks, John 🙂
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😀
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Congratulations, Harmony, on the fantastic review! Thank you, Mae, for sharing this story and supporting Harmony. I’m not generally into romance, but I this one sounds like a TBR!
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That’s awesome, Mark! It’s a fun little story. Thanks for visiting and I hope you enjoy!
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Thanks so much, Mark! 😊
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This is a must-read for me sometime during this holiday season! Thanks for sharing, Mae!
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That’s fantastic to see. Thanks, Jan 😊
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This sounds like such a lovely read, Mae. I have a few Christmas stories lined up for the next week or so.
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That’s great, Robbie. Christmas reads are a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday!
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Thanks, Robbie. Enjoy your Christmas stories 🙂
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Harmony – Your bio is a novel all of itself. You only gave us a few lines but I want to read the whole book. 🙂
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How awesome! I know Harmony is going to have a big smile, hearing that! 🙂
Thanks for visiting, Bryan!
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Thanks for making me smile this morning, Bryan. That’s lovely to read. Who knows … maybe one day, there will be a book … 🙂
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Sounds like a book to warm the heart and toes over the holidays. Thanks for the recommendation, Mae. Congrats to Harmony. 🙂
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I like your description, Diana! 🙂
Many thanks for checking out Harmony’s latest!
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Thanks, Diana! I love that description 🙂
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I’m absolutely in love with Christmas… the atmosphere, the decorations, the lights, buying presents for those I love, wrapping them up, watching them open them on Christmas day… and obviously I love Christmas stories!
I’ll read “Oh, Baubles” for sure. The excerpt really caught my attention 🙂
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So glad you dropped by to check out Harmony’s newest release, Irene. It’s a sparkly, fun, Christmas story you’re sure to enjoy!
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That’s fantastic to see, Irene. Thank you. I too love everything about Christmas 🙂
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This one sounds great! And short enough for a quick-ish read (me and my one book maybe a month reading rate these days 🙂 )
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I know the feeling, Julie. Glad you like the sound of the book. It’s size is perfect for a quick read 🙂
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It’s definitely a quick read, Julie. I finished it in one sitting.
Last night I just started a non-fiction 415 pager. YIKES!
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