Excited about Reading: SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE by Jill Weatherholt

Today, I’m introducing a sweet online friend.

Jill Weatherholt is the most encouraging, friendliest, kindest, sweetest person I have EVER known. One day I hope to meet her in person. I just know that we’d chat and laugh and that it would feel like we’ve known each other forever.

Jill’s a huge fan of NaNoWriMo. She’s participated the last few years and her debut book, Second Chance Romance, recently released with Harlequin’s Love Inspired line. So, for all my writer friends who are on the fence about writing during what has to be the crazy-busiest month of the year or who have debated entering pitch contests like Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest, go for it! Here’s a little about Second Chance Romance and then let’s chat.

The Cover Story

Jackson Daughtry’s jobs as a paramedic and part-owner of a local café keep him busy—but the single dad’s number one priority is raising his little girl with love and small-town values. And when his business partner’s hotshot lawyer niece comes to town planning to disrupt their lives by moving her aunt away, Jackson has to set Melanie Harper straight. When circumstances force them to work side by side in the coffee shop, Jackson slowly discovers what put the sadness in Melanie’s pretty brown eyes. Now it’ll take all his faith—and a hopeful five-year-old—to show the city gal that she’s already home.

Second Chance Romance Jill Weatherholt Excited about Reading Dora Hiers

Buy on Amazon

 

Let’s Chat

Life has been yanked out from under Melanie Harper, and for the last year she’s slogged through a dark season, burying herself in her job. Jackson Daughtry struggles with trust issues, particularly with the female species. But you can’t help but admire and appreciate the single dad who dotes on his daughter, Rebecca, and is grateful for the support of the generous, compassionate people of Sweet Gum, where friends and neighbors come together to help when times are tough.

I enjoyed witnessing Melanie’s transformation from tightly wound attorney, focused solely on her job and her goal to move her Aunt Phoebe back to DC, to a woman who appreciates the warm and caring residents of the “valley,” including the handsome paramedic who rescued her. And Jackson? He was solid and sturdy in his faith and in his role in life and in his community, and reminded me so much of my own real life hero. 🙂

Country versus city made for some fun sparring, and big city lawyer pitted against small town dad in their battle over what was best for their beloved Phoebe. With a subtle faith element, Second Chance Romance embraces a big life question:

Why do bad things happen to good people?

“Sometimes bad things happen we don’t understand, but God knows…He’ll make it all good in the end.”

A sweet girl, a kind hero, a matchmaking aunt, all collide with a determined lawyer in Second Chance Romance, taking you on a journey that’ll leave a smile on your face when you reach the end.

Something to Ponder: Sometimes, like Melanie, we allow our identity to get so wrapped up in our job/career, that we lose our real selves in the process. How do we retain a sense of self outside our job?

Disclaimer: A free copy of Second Chance Romance was provided to me by the author with no expectation of a review, favorable or otherwise. This review is my fair and unbiased opinion, and other than the free book, I was in no way compensated.

Excited about Eating by Ernie & Dora Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to a place that appeared on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, to Pinky’s Westside Grill in Charlotte.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

Not much parking in front, but ample spaces in a private lot a few steps away.

Dora here. Don’t be alarmed not to find a spot directly in front of the diner. Just at the end of the strip, you’ll find ample parking, a plus for any business near downtown.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

Ample parking a very short walk away

The inside was jammed for a Sunday lunch.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

Jammed for a Sunday lunch

For my lunch, I ordered the White Trash Burger, which includes provolone, fried pickles, and onion rings with a spicy ranch sauce and a side of onion rings (straws). For some reason, the burger that arrived had raw pickles and onions with mayonnaise. The burger was OK, a little over cooked for my taste, but served on a soft bun. Maybe if it would have been served as advertised on the menu, I would have been more impressed. The onion rings were good, but a little greasy.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

White Trash Burger didn’t come out like the menu described.

Dora here. Check out the popcorn chicken, little nuggets of breaded and fried white meat, served atop waffle fries with a side of slaw. I’m a huge fan of chicken, fried or grilled, so when I saw this on the menu, I couldn’t convince myself to go with something more adventuresome. Like Pimp’n Fries (waffle fries topped with chili and melted pimento) or the Asian-inspired Ding Dong Chicken Sandwich, marinated chicken slathered with peanut butter, hot sauce and slaw. I probably should’ve worked up the courage because the chicken could’ve used less time in the fryer; the outside was a bit dry and brittle. Awesome waffle fries, though, light on the seasoning and not too-potatoey as some tend to be.

Pinky's Westside Grill Fiction Faith & Foodies Ernie & Dora Hiers

Popcorn Chicken a bit dry and brittle, but the waffle fries were lightly seasoned and not too potatoey.

Dora here. Pinky’s tag-team friendly servers ensure that your cup never runs dry. And if the crowd hanging around outside on a Sunday afternoon and the awesome reviews are any indication, we might’ve caught them on an off day. 

We rate this restaurant 3 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving good food.

Pinky's Westside Grill Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

What true, faithful friends do…and download a FREE ebook!

“You have it all, Karley. You just don’t know how to use it.”

“All. By that you mean height. Weight. Awkwardness.”

“No. Beauty. Grace. And a sweet personality.”

Karley swallowed. Hiked her chin. “You’re just saying that because you’re my friend. You’re biased.”

“No. I’m saying that because I know you.” Cammie plopped on the edge of the mattress, seriousness darkening her face. “You’re beautiful inside and out, Karley. Why can’t you see that?”

Have you ever felt that way? That’s what friends are for, right? To point out things that we can’t see. To tell us the truth, even though sometimes it’s painful or not what we’d like to hear. To be there when we need someone to listen.

Kissing Santa Nic is FREE for kindle today and tomorrow (2/22 & 2/23/17). As you can see, this little gem isn’t just for Christmas! 🙂 You can download by clicking this link ☞ here. Oh, and please spread the word to all your booklover friends! Thank you. ❤