I’m excited to be on tour again with Prism Book Tours with A Priceless Find, a sequel to my award-winning Heartwarming novel, A Child’s Christmas. A Priceless Find is my third and final release for 2017…

CHELSEA’S HEART TRIPPED at the sight of the bright yellow Do Not Cross police barricade tape and blue-and-white flashing lights. Peering through her windshield, she couldn’t tell for certain this far down Willowbrook Avenue, but it looked as if all the activity was in front of the Sinclair Art Gallery.

It was too early for any of her colleagues to be at work. Whatever was going on, at least none of them would be hurt…or worse.

“Love the suspense, love the romance, love the storyline. . . . I only put it down when I really had to. I could visualize the characters and the scenes. . . . Definitely five stars plus.”

Elegant wasn’t a word she usually associated with herself nor, frankly, was it something she normally strived for. But tonight? She thought she’d hit the mark.

It was important to her to set the right tone. Not just because she’d put so much personal effort into the event, but because of her goal to be the next curator. She wanted to ensure that Mrs. Sinclair found absolutely no fault with the evening…or her.

“Kate James is excellent at writing gentle, sweet romances. Her books are so easy to settle into. This particular story brought in an element of mystery with an unsolved crime and some strange things happening. I enjoyed that aspect of it even though the story kept a pretty sedate pace. . . . you cannot go wrong picking up any book by Kate James. Especially if you love a good, sweet, clean romance.”

“I hope I’m not underdressed,” he said.

Chelsea felt the heat rise to her cheeks. She obviously hadn’t been as subtle in her perusal of him as she’d hoped. “Oh, no, you look perfectly fine.” Now she could feel her cheeks burn even more. “What I meant is your attire is fine. Black tie is optional. Are you here for professional or personal reasons?” she rushed on, wanting to change the subject.

“A bit of both.”

“I liked how they worked together and tried to catch the bad guys. I was sure that I knew who was guilty, but the author kept me reading. The ending was good, and I would like to read more about these characters.”

“Help me understand what, exactly, this painting is supposed to represent.” The deep voice, with a touch of humor, had Chelsea glancing over her shoulder.

Her courteous reply caught in her throat as she found herself staring into familiar bold blue eyes. “Detective Eldridge, I didn’t know you had an interest in art.”

“The word I’m going to use to describe this story overall is: gentle. The mystery is gentle, without any heart-pounding drama; the romance is gentle–sweet, but not overly dynamic chemistry and drama; the characters are gentle–the kind you want for neighbors. This is a perfect read to escape and enjoy your time spent in small town Camden Falls and it’s exactly the kind of book that I was in the mood for.”

THE FIRST THING Sam noticed when Chelsea walked out of the back was that she looked…taller. He slid his gaze down and saw the shoes. Unless he was mistaken, they were the same shoes she’d worn the night of the exhibit, but they worked even better with the skirt she wore today.

Caught in the act, he realized when he looked up and saw Chelsea’s amused smile. “Ready to go?” he asked, proud of how smoothly he managed to recover from his lapse of professionalism.

“The conflicting turn of events in this story, keeps the reader captivated. There is action, a touch of romance, humor, mystery, suspense and intrigue within the pages of this book.

As always, Kate James does a magnificent job in creating characters the reader feels he/she knows and scenes portrayed so well, the reader will feel he/she is actually there. With the various elements of subject matter in A Priceless Find, this is one of her best creations in the literary world. The reader is kept hoping for a “happily ever after” but unsure of the outcome until the end of the tale.

This definitely earns a Five Stars rating.”

Very gentlemanly, Chelsea mused, how Sam had walked her to her car at the gallery and waited until she’d pulled out of the parking lot. It was a thoughtful gesture.

Although Detective Sam Eldridge was about as far from what she considered her “type” as she could imagine, he intrigued her. He was undeniably attractive, but it was more than that. She found his personality appealing, so steady and solid—and her complete opposite.

“Anyone who loves art will be intrigued by Kate James’ romance novel, A Priceless Find, as she takes us to the small town of Camden Falls via Chelsea Owens. . . . The case is complicated, causing suspicions to flit from one person to another, creating a rollercoaster ride for Chelsea’s relationship with Sam. . . . If you’re ready to delve into the art world with an excellent writer as your guide, pick up a copy of A Priceless Find.”

As he pulled up in front of Sorley’s fifteen minutes later, he saw Chelsea’s car. One more thing to like about her. She was punctual. If things went well, maybe he’d be able to talk her into having dinner with him.

One step at a time, he cautioned himself, as he walked into Sorley’s.

She was sitting in a booth, facing the door, and noticed him right away. Smiling, she waved to him, and he felt that strange sensation in his gut again.

“Once again, Kate James has written a novel that warms your heart and makes you smile. It’s sweet, suspenseful and romantic, and the characters are delightfully genuine. Camden Falls feels like a place any of us could call home, except perhaps for the recent crime spree. *wink* A Priceless Find is a great read from start to finish!”

Her first inclination was to follow the footprints to see where they led. Feeling a tingle on the back of her neck, she thought better of it. Slipping out the door, she locked it and hurried to her car.

The footprints—and the possibility of someone having seen her inside the warehouse and maybe recognizing her car—made her rethink once more what she’d found and what it might mean.

“I absolutely love Kate James writing style. She has a way that just makes me love her characters. Chelsea and Sam are just absolutely great. This sweet romance takes my breath away. “

“Chelsea. Hi. What brought you here?”

She could see amusement—and was it pleasure?—on Sam’s face. She could also see over his shoulder that Marla was watching them intently. “There’s something I’d appreciate your opinion on,” she said in a subdued voice.

“Okay,” he said with a quizzical look, and led her through the door to the back and into his office.

Can opposites really attract?

Complications arise when Chelsea uncovers a connection to an unsolved art heist. Teaming up with Sam to find the stolen paintings ignites feelings that could lead to lasting love. But Sam isn’t ready to move beyond the tragedy in his past, no matter how promising his future with Chelsea could be…

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch – Note from the Author

This promises to be a fun-packed tour with lots of stops along the way. Heartfelt thanks to all the bloggers who signed up for this tour. I put together a special prize-pack to recognize the terrific response. I’m looking forward to all the stops, and I hope to see you along the way!

— Kate

Heidi Reads… – Excerpt

Sawyer rolled onto his side and tucked an arm under his head. He considered drifting back to sleep for a few more minutes as he listened to the sounds of nature and the gentle flapping of canvas…

Flapping of canvas?

That wasn’t right.

He bolted up and stared at the tent flap, unzipped and fluttering in the light breeze. He immediately shifted his gaze to Dylan’s cot. From this angle and with Dylan’s form as slight as it was, he couldn’t tell if his son was in his sleeping bag. Sawyer wasn’t taking any chances. He scrambled out of his own bedroll and hurried over to Dylan’s.

The adrenaline rush had him gasping for air.

The sleeping bag was empty.

Becky on Books – Excerpt

“What are you doing here?” Sawyer demanded.

“Shannon called me.”

“What? Why?”

“She thought you shouldn’t be alone right now. But she didn’t say why. Let me bring Dylan in. We’ll get him settled in his room and then you can explain.”

Thoughts of a Blonde – Excerpt

“Dylaaan!”

His voice was hoarse from shouting his son’s name. Occasionally, he heard Meg or his father calling out, too, but without response.

Never a response.

They had to find Dylan.

Tripping over an exposed tree root, Sawyer landed hard on his hands and knees. He pushed back up to his feet, absently brushed at the grime and the blood, and moved on.

With Love for Books – Review

“Kate James has an impressive descriptive writing style. She makes her stories come to life in a beautiful emotional way. I love her empathy and her great skill to explore what her characters are feeling through and through. It gives all of her stories a strong foundation. True love can surprise people at the most unexpected moments, which is a subject I’m a big fan of. Home to Stay is a terrific story about this topic and the story kept surprising me. It has plenty of unexpected twists and turns and it’s captivating and really well written. I highly recommend this special book.”

Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review

“Just like in the earlier books of the series, the action and suspense happens right from the beginning and it doesn’t ease up until it’s all over. It was almost over-the-top, crazy drama–the kind that you wonder if it ever happens in real life. There’s a mystery angle that really kept me reading because I couldn’t figure out the who-done-it and what the motive was. I devoured the story and came away feeling a little emotionally exhausted and heart wrenched, yet satisfied with how the events finalized.”

Hearts & Scribbles – The Inspiration for the Story and Some Fun Research

I’m frequently asked about how I come up with my story ideas and how much of what I write is based on my own knowledge and experiences rather than research. Writing about what I know or have experienced leads to a more genuine, believable story, in my opinion. But to write convincing, diverse stories, there is always an element of research that is necessary. I’m fortunate to have a network of fascinating subject-matter experts I can draw on directly for research purposes, or to assist me in making connections to those who can.

Slice of Life – Review

“Kate James is a master of intrigue, and Home to Stay will keep you on the edge of your seat as she brings to light the agony of kidnappings and steps that can be taken to solve these crimes. Revealing much knowledge concerning the police department and canine search-and-rescue, she skillfully weaves it into her complex plot. For a romantic mystery that’s difficult to put down, pick up a copy of Kate James’s Home to Stay.”

It’s All About the Romance – Excerpt

She bent down beside them. “Ready to go home?”

“To Daddy?” he asked in a subdued voice.

“Yes.”

His lower lip quivered and Shannon sensed he was about to start crying. “You’ll get to ride in a police car, and Darwin and I will be right there with you. Is that okay?”

Mel’s Shelves – Review

“Kate James is one of my favorite authors! This book is a great addition to her San Diego K-9 series. It wasn’t easy to figure out who took Dylan and what their motive was. I enjoyed the mystery aspect, as well as the sweet romance. I also loved catching up with characters we’ve met in other books and getting a glimpse of what they’re currently doing. Each of the books stand well on their own, but it’s definitely more fun to read them all! This is a great series for anyone that enjoys clean, contemporary romance!”

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“ALL of Kate James books are very well written but I feel this one is among the best story lines. The reader is never quite sure “who did it” until the very end. The actio0on steadily “flow” as does the reader’s emotions! The characters are al very real and the scenes easily visualized. The tale of loss, grief, “moving forward”, faith, hope and forgiveness is complete.”

underneath the covers – Character Descriptions

The heroine of Home to Stay is Shannon Clemens. Shannon is a rookie officer in the San Diego Police Department K-9 Unit. Shannon had wanted to be in law enforcement since she tragically lost her little brother when she was only fourteen. The K-9 Unit is one of the hardest to get into in the police department, and Shannon is thrilled that she finally made it.

Getting Your Read On – Review

“Kate James is one of my favorite Harlequin Heartwarming authors and I love her K-9 Unit series. The dogs in these books are such a fantastic addition to the stories. This is the fourth book in the series but it can stand alone. . . . The mystery kept me interested and wondering all the way through the book. There were twists I didn’t see coming and that always makes a book more fun.”

Nicole’s Book Musings – Excerpt

Sawyer was rubbing his wet hair with a towel when he walked out of his bedroom, wearing dress pants, a white shirt and a sports jacket. He strode down the hall toward the living room—and stopped dead in his tracks.

Dylan was kneeling by the coffee table, a coloring book open in front of him. He had a crayon in his hand. The tip of his tongue was caught between his teeth, a sure sign that he was concentrating.

Shannon sat cross-legged at the end of the table, her back to him. Her shorts were hiked up and her slim legs glowed with her light tan. She was leaning toward Dylan and his drawing. Rufus lay stretched out on the carpet next to them, snoring softly.

Cafinated Reads – Review

“This book is filled with a little mystery, a lot of fun, and just the right amount of love. This story of letting go of the past and moving on to a new future really will pull you in. It’s a rollercoaster ride that you don’t want to miss! “

Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford – Review

“Kate James has weaved a wonderful story, filled with heartache and fear…and love. When these two wounded people come together to bring Dylan home, they will have you cheering for them to have a happy ending of their own throughout the entire book. I would highly recommend HOME TO STAY and the rest of the K-9 series.”

Wishful Endings – Review

“HOME TO STAY is a good mix of light suspense and romance. The characters are endearing and the story emotional, with a very sweet ending. An enjoyable read from the first to the last page.”

A Baker’s Perspective – Review

“This book had a lot going on emotionally, so brace yourself for a roller coaster ride of emotions! Love, respect, fear, suspense, worry, excitement, happiness, sorrow, and surprise. And don’t forget there are dogs involved!! . . . Overall I felt it was a good book. It has a little bit of something for everyone. Just make sure you have your tissues nearby.”

Paulette’s Papers – Sawyer’s Single-Father Tips

Authors often incorporate topics in their books that they don’t know much about. To make their stories credible, they do research. When I was asked to write this post about Sawyer’s single-father tips, not being a single father, I naturally thought to research the topic and ask some men who are.

First, let’s acknowledge that being a single dad—or mom—is hard. So here are the top ten tips (try saying that fast ten times!! ) I came up with.

Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review

“This romantic suspense book moves very quickly, and you’ll want to keep reading to find out what happens! There are some great twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I loved the ending, and you will too! Add Home to Stay to your must-read pile of books!”

The Bookworm Chronicles – Excerpt

SHANNON TRIED ONE more time with Darwin, but he kept wanting to run down the road. Dylan couldn’t have walked down that road barefoot. That thought had her considering that she and Darwin had run a good two miles. How likely was it that a four-year-old could’ve walked that far, and without shoes?

Remembrancy – Review

“A sweet and enjoyable read with a strong story line filled with moments of tension and others of heart. While this is part of a series, it is easy to follow on its own. But if you’re anything like me and get invested in characters, you’ll probably want to go back and read the other books in the K-9 series. I know they’re now on my TBR list!”

Janice’s Book Reviews – Review

” I just love how Kate James knows how to tell a great story, brings the characters to life and really love books with dogs and children in them. This is great series that each book is a stand alone, I have read one other one that is in the series and loved it too.”

Singing Librarian Books – Review

“This story will not only tug at your heartstrings, but is full of twists and turns that will keep readers coming back for more. Along with the mystery there is also a bit of romance that readers will enjoy. This is an excellent addition to the K-9 series and is one readers will not want to miss!”

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“Suspense, action, romance, DOGS – Home to Stay has something for everyone. The theme of rescue – adopting rescue dogs, the search-and-rescue-team, the way Sawyer and Dylan really rescued Shannon from life- was subtly woven throughout the fabric of the story. This well-crafted novel brims with personality and warmth, and readers will fall in love with the masterfully-trained canines!”

Book Lover in Florida – Excerpt

“But you think someone put him in a vehicle and…took him?” Sawyer couldn’t believe what he was hearing. If someone had found Dylan, lost and alone, surely that person would have taken him to the rangers’ office or the police by now. And if not? As he realized what she was saying, the horror of it threatened to overwhelm him. “You think he’s been…kidnapped?” he asked, his voice raw.

Inside the Mind of an Avid Reader – Review

“This book had a lot of twist and turns that I did not expect. I was shocked yet relieved at the ending of this book. I had suspected another suspect. The caring nature of the San Diego Unit is beyond reproach and they hunt for suspects and leads till they close the case. They also care about the people in which they are trying to help. I really enjoyed this read.”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

She’s bringing his son home

A missing little boy triggers San Diego K-9 officer Shannon Clemens and her canine search-and-rescue partner into instant action. For the rookie cop haunted by a childhood tragedy, bringing Sawyer Evans’s son safely home is more than a job. It’s a mission she can’t fail… But forging a friendship with the father is a tactical error that could compromise her first solo assignment. Yet the deepening bond between them is almost impossible to resist…

Can his safe haven be enough for her?

Emma Meadows never imagined that sticking to her principles against an act of corruption by a New York senator would cost her her job as VP of communications. Heartbroken, she retreats to her cottage in the Adirondacks to lick her wounds and, in the process, rescues an injured dog that only Josh Whitmore can save.

The veterinarian works diligently to bring dog and woman back to full fighting form, until allegations against the senator become more serious. Seeing Emma’s reaction to the increasing pressure, Josh realizes that inevitably she’ll find a way back to the top…and he’ll likely lose her for good.

Kate spent much of her childhood abroad before attending university in Canada. She built a successful business career, but her passion has always been literature. As a result, Kate turned her energy to her love of the written word. Kate’s goal is to entertain her readers with engaging stories featuring strong, likable characters. Kate has been honored with numerous awards for her writing. She and her husband, Ken, enjoy traveling and the outdoors, with their beloved Labrador Retrievers, Harley and Logan.

On tour with Prism Book Tours.

Kate James spent eight years of her childhood living in foreign countries as her professional parents travelled on business. She lived in four countries and spoke five languages before settling down in Canada again to attend university. After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, she held a variety of positions in the field of real estate development and operations, and ran three substantial organizations. While her writing during this period was mostly business related, including presentations and speeches she delivered both nationally and internationally, her passion is and always has been fiction.

Kate’s business and personal experiences enable her to write fiction with a deep, often first-hand knowledge of what she is writing about. This approach makes Kate’s stories richer and more vivid.

Kateís goal is to entertain you with well-written, engaging stories, set in intriguing places and with strong, likeable characters. ìI hope my stories bring you pleasure and entertain you. Nothing pleases me more than receiving feedback from people who have chosen to spend their valuable leisure time with one of my books,î notes Kate.

Kate married her husband, Ken, in an elegant, ocean-front wedding on a tropical island. When they are not traveling, they split their time between their properties in southern and central Ontario in Canada.

Tour Schedule

9/28: Launch

9/29: undercover book reviews & The Written Adventure

9/30: Anndawson’s Blog & Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima

10/1: Writing Pearls & Amanda Writes

10/2: Slice of Life & Mythical Books

10/4: Christy’s Cozy Corners, Beck Valley Books, & underneath the covers

10/5: teatime and Books & Thoughts of a Blonde

10/6: Dixie n Dottie & Wishful Endings

10/7: I Am A Reader, Zerina Blossom’s Books, & Getting Your Read On

10/8: Mel’s Shelves & Singing Librarian Books

10/9: Kindle and Me

10/11: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

Grand Prize: Spa Gift Basket and a print copy of When the Right One Comes Along (US/CAN only)

2^nd Prize: $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of When the Right One Comes Along (print if US/CAN, ebook if international)

3 ñ 3^rd Prizes: copy of When the Right One Comes Along(print if US/CAN, ebook if international)

Ends October 16th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Truth About Hope

Who is Hope Wilson?

Is she the girl her former hometown thinks she is? Or the girl Luke Carter once loved – and maybe still does?

When Hope returns to Canyon Creek, Texas, to honor her
father’s last wishes, there’s only one person on her mind: her high school sweetheart, Luke. The boy she lied to when she had to leave Canyon Creek as a teen, finding it easier to hide what she really felt than deal with the grief of loss. Her father’s fortune could make a big difference to Canyon Creek – but Hope finds that the townspeople have a long memory about his misdeeds. With a plan to make amends on his behalf, Hope learns the truth about herself. And the truth about love.

Tour Giveaway