Elizabeth Ryan is a beautiful, shy, naïve high school senior. Having never dated she meets the boy of her dreams, Aidan Mitchell. Despite his history of womanizing Liz is drawn to him. Soon Liz becomes the envy of all the girls on campus, when they become a couple and her dream boyfriend sweeps her off her feet and into the dating world that is all too new and strange for her. When other guys start to take notice of Liz, Aidan is troubled with fits of jealousy. Elizabeth then meets the ruggedly handsome, Spencer Hayes and they quickly bond over their passion for music. Liz begins to struggle with the feelings that spark between them. In the end Elizabeth finds herself torn between helping Aidan overcome his jealousy and anger and giving into what her heart truly wants.

Excerpt:

Chapter One

The faint sounds of a guitar drifted through the walls of my bathroom as I savored the last of the hot water before it became lukewarm. Stepping away from the spray, I turned the shower knob and watched the droplets trickle down the drain. Inhaling a deep breath my mind focused on one thing. Aidan Mitchell. 
      

Hearing Mason’s band practicing meant he would be here. I was ninety-nine percent sure Aidan wouldn’t blow off their practice. He knew how serious my brother was about the band, but he also had been avoiding me for days. 
      

The past week had been awful. I was determined to talk to him. All I wanted was a few answers. My emotions had run the gamut from confusion, frustration, regret, and sadness… sadness consumed me most of all, at night usually, and I was exhausted from it. But at this moment all I felt was anger. Anger was good. It was certainly better than pain. 
      

As I rushed down the hallway, the floorboards creaked beneath my feet and the walls began to vibrate with the beat of Derek pounding on the drums. When I entered my room the music was deafening, but today I didn’t mind. I untwisted the blue-and-white-polka-dot towel from my head and tossed it to the floor. 
      

The deep conditioner I used helped my fingers glide through my long damp curls. If I was going to confront Aidan, I wanted to look my best. No Frizzy Lizzie for me. That nickname, coupled with my big butt, had tormented me, growing up in a beach town surrounded by beautiful people. I had longed to look like a typical California girl: tall, blond, perfect. But, with dark hair and bordering on five feet three inches, that was never going to be me. 
      

After I blow-dried and flat-ironed my hair, I took off my purple robe and draped it over my desk chair. I slipped on a pair of jeans… yes, slipped them on. I didn’t have to tug, pull, or jiggle my butt to get in my pants anymore. When I easily pushed the button through the top of my jeans, it still made me smile. I couldn’t even count how many times I had to lie on my bed and suck in my stomach so I could zip up a pair of pants. Every time I slipped them on, I never took it for granted. I had worked my butt off… literally. I put on my bra and a green sweater before I pulled on my boots. 
      

I rushed downstairs to the door that led to the garage. Thinking about confronting Aidan and having to stare into those piercing blue eyes started to intimidate me. But this was my chance. I knew he was a few feet behind the door, and I needed to deal with him. Before I completely lost my nerve, I inhaled a deep breath and exhaled then pushed open the door. 
     

The stream of sunlight coming in through the open garage door blinded me for a moment. With squinted eyes, I made a beeline to the old brown sofa in the corner. My heart was beating so fast it almost seemed in tempo with Derek pounding the drums. I scooted over our yellow Labrador, Maggie, and wedged myself between her and the arm of the couch. Finally, I looked up to focus my attention on Aidan. 
      

He didn’t show. 
      

I sunk my head back into the cushions, exhaling a deep, long sigh, trying to rid the tension from my body. The guys were practicing their newest song. Indie-Alternative was their style, and they called themselves Random Plan. I glanced at Mason and could tell he was angry. 

I mouthed the word “Aidan?” 


Mason just shook his head. 
     

“Derek!” The tone in my brother’s voice made me sit up straight. “Derek!” Mason snapped again. 
      

Finally Derek stopped and silenced his cymbals. 
     

“What?” He lifted the front of his black t-shirt to wipe the sweat from his forehead, exposing his six-pack. His brown eyes bored into Mason’s. “Hey! Just ‘cuz you’re ticked off at the pretty boy, don’t take it out on me.” 
      

Derek reached back and grabbed a water from an old bookcase that held a few water bottles, electrical cords, an old CD player, and a collection of CDs. “Hey, Kyle, ya want one?” 
      

Kyle nodded and Derek tossed one across the garage to where he stood behind the keyboard. 
      

“Mason?” 
    

 “Yeah, I’ll take one… Sorry, Derek.” 
      

Derek gave Mason a head nod and tossed him a bottle. He took a sip while Derek chugged his down. 
      

“Okay, start again.” Mason commanded. 
      

Derek picked up his sticks and began tapping. 
     

 I leaned my head back, closed my eyes and listened to the music. Funny, I’d come into the garage so fearless it almost made me laugh. Who would have thought the once-overweight Elizabeth Ryan would stand up to the likes of Aidan Mitchell? 

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About the Author

When I am writing, a typical day for me begins with a cup of coffee. I then leash up my yellow Labrador, Maggie, pop in my earbuds, blast my music and head out the front door. Clearing my head and listening to music inspires me. I could never sit cooped up at a computer and creatively write. I've tried that, and nothing ever comes to me. The minute I am out walking, listening to music, inspiration hits as the characters come alive in my head. Then I am able to sit at my keyboard and type away.

Connect with Mary: Website

Anne Brown is a battered woman, all alone in the world, but somehow she stumbles into The Stitching Post Quilt Shop, where she finds the help she needs. Encouraged by her new friendships, she starts to create a quilt using a pattern called The Friendship Star. It’s symbolic of her new hopes and dreams. But her dark past is always lurking, ready to shatter her newfound peace.

The Stitching Post Quilt Shop is the setting for the weekly gathering of a group of women who come to sew, but leave with lasting friendships. The first book in the series, The Calico Heart, was nominated for a RONE award for Best Contemporary Book of 2013. Patricia Kiyono and Stephanie Michels are pleased to announce the release of the second book in the series, The Friendship Star Quilt.

BLURB:

Anne Brown loves her job at The Stitching Post Quilt Shop in Grandville, Michigan, but she keeps a suitcase packed so she can leave at a moment's notice. Living under the radar, she longs for a normal life, but settles for listening to family stories told by the friendly ladies of the quilting club who meet at the shop on Tuesday evenings. When she meets Brad, the handsome band director of an area high school and his adorable daughter, Anne begins to hope for a happily ever after of her own. But someone has far different plans.

Brad Carmichael is juggling the demands of his job as band director at Rivertown High School with trying to be a better father to his daughter. When Brad is late picking Jennie up from a birthday party, the pretty young clerk from the local quilt shop comes to his rescue. Kind-hearted and talented, Anne becomes a vital part of Brad and Jennie’s lives. But her past threatens to destroy their relationship.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Patricia Kiyono retired from public school teaching, and is now an adjunct faculty member at Grand Valley State University, where she instructs future teachers. Born in Japan, she lives in southwest Michigan with her husband, not far from their five children and nine grandchildren. In addition to writing, she enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, playing in local bands and orchestras, and taking care of grandchildren.

The Friendship Star Quilt is available at:

Barnes & Noble  Smashwords  Amazon

GIVEAWAY!

Stephanie Michels is giving away a $5 Amazon gift card at each stop of our blog tour to a random commenter. To win, please leave a comment about how important friendships are to you! And to increase your chances, visit author Linda Caroll-Bradd's blog tomorrow!

If you read Marry Me you will recognize the hero. Ethan Thomas is one of Seth's best friends. Like Seth, Ethan lost his wife. He's also trying to raise twin 8-year-old boys and juggling his job as the high school principal. Speaking of his job...It's time for the spring musical and the show is a BIG DEAL in Covington Falls. Ethan is short one director and if he doesn't find someone to take over he's about to have a mutiny on his hands. 

Enter Addison Covington, television's reigning Ice Queen. (Think Alexis Carrington from Dynasty.) Addison's career implodes after her husband (who happens to be the producer of her show) has an affair with her on-screen daughter. Fired and disgraced, Addison escapes to Covington Falls where she once lived as a teenager. Before Addison can say "Casting Call" she's been asked to direct the musical. And wondering how to resist the boy-next-door turned sexiest high school principal she's ever met.

This is such a fun book! I know you will love sassy, snarky Addison and sexy Ethan who will make you wish you'd been sent to the principal's office more often.