On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Book Tour Grand Finale for
The Marine’s Return
By Rula Sinara
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

Thank you for stopping by my book release tour for THE MARINE’S RETURN, the sixth and final book in my ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series for Harlequin Heartwarming. I’ve loved everything about writing this series, from the romance and characters, including the endearing orphaned baby elephants, to ‘traveling’ to the breathtaking setting of Kenya’s Serengeti ecosystem and Masai Mara regions every time I sat down to type. You can read my Dear Reader letter from the Prism Release Blitz that took place the first week of January and find out more about the series as a whole HERE

Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review

“The Marine’s Return is so well written. I love the characters, and reading about the familiar characters from the other two books I read was so enjoyable. Chad and Lexi’s interactions are so much fun to read. In fact, you’re going to love how two other characters come together too! . . . I highly recommend The Marine’s Return because of the amazing characters, descriptive setting, exciting story line, and sweet romance.”

underneath the covers – Excerpt

A single, lonely acacia tree graced the top of it like one of those paper umbrellas used for decorating fancy drinks. Only there was nothing fancy about this place. He hadn’t seen the hill from the camp. The view would have been blocked by the trees flanking the exam tent, but he did recall seeing a hill and some outcroppings from the chopper. The rest of the area spread into farmland and savannah prairies, with the occasional tree dappling the landscape. He had to admit, Lexi was smart. She knew exactly where he’d want to go.

“A vantage point,” he called out over the engine noise in acknowledgment of her plan.

“A sensible starting point. Some people get so obsessed with the details that they lose sight of the big picture.” She pressed her lips together and gave him a quick side glance.

No comment.

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“This novel addresses some of the many sacrifices made by those in armed forces and their families. Additionally it address, illegal poaching, and the inner strength individuals fin within themselves. . . The characters feel very real and the background scenes are vividly portrayed in script. The reader will, truly, feel herself/himself connected to the characters and the African terrain.”

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

A thorny acacia-branch fence formed a protective thicket around each of the homestead villages. The Masai women, men and children, dressed in their famously vibrant colors, dotted the earthy hues of the drought-stricken landscape like precious gems. The stark opposite, it occurred to him, of the camouflage he’d been accustomed to in the war-ravaged regions of Afghanistan.

His sister, Maddie, who used her position as a lawyer to fight for the human rights of Kenya’s indigenous tribes, had used that word. Precious. She’d said that the Masai and other tribes were precious, and the beauty of their culture and the people were in danger of being lost to the greedy. His mother had devoted her life to helping the Masai, too. As was Lexi. And here he was, ready to get in the way. Who was the enemy here? He’d grown up in this place and everything—from the people to the surroundings—was a part of him. But whose side was he on now? Protecting Lexi would mean taking critical care away from others. She was right.

Splashes of Joy – Review

“I really did enjoy this story. This is the first book in the series that I have read and I hope to read more from this author. I enjoyed the creative characters and the way they seem so realistic. I have not read very many books set in Kenya, so this part of the book was very interesting to me. I enjoyed the scenes at the clinic as well as the surrounding areas. The talk about the wildlife, and especially how they could he at the sounds of the wild.”

Among the Reads – Review

“Kenya is a country on my list of places I would love to visit. And I enjoyed being able to do that vicariously through The Marine’s Return.”

The Power of Words – Review

“Compelling and emotionally gripping, The Marine’s Return concludes the epic six-book series that will live on in my memory and that I highly recommend. . . . Romance fans will be delighted with Chad and Lexi’s story, but The Marine’s Return is so much more than a typical romance. Sinara’s writing flows easily across the page, conveys rich and vivid characters and scenes, and captured me emotionally from the first page.”

Deal Sharing Aunt – Review

“This is a book that everyone should read. . . . This was a fun book to read, and I liked there was a lot of family in it. Even though it is part of a series, I did not feel as though I was missing any information, and was a great stand alone for me. . . . The ending was a great fit, and I enjoyed it”

Baroness Book Trove – Review

“The Marine’s Return by Rula Sinara is fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters, the setting, and family. Lexi and Chad are such beautiful characters, their story adds splendidly to the others in the From Kenya, With Love Series. I haven’t read the first five books but if I find the time I will be reading them. We are given a glimpse of the others throughout the story, and I fell in love with all of them.”

E-Romance News – Excerpt

Lexi’s footsteps stopped suddenly. He turned and caught her wincing and touching her side. For a moment he was in Kabul, on one of his early missions, not far from the embassy. A car bomb had detonated and shots were being fired. Screams pierced the air. A woman was running down the street, trying to find shelter. He saw the bullet hit her. She grabbed her side and crumpled to the ground.

In less than five seconds he was at Lexi’s side with his arm around her back, helping her to ease down onto a small boulder.

“What’s wrong? Are you in labor?” He quickly dried his forehead against his shoulder.

“What? No! I’m okay. I just need to sit a minute.”

EmpowerMoms – Review

“I enjoyed reading about the culture and way of life and the different struggles and dangers they face there. . . . Good story line and characters! Clean romance. I enjoyed reading it!”

Becky on Books – Review

“Another winner! . . . I love each story in the From Kenya…with Love series–not only do the characters feel like old friends (a feat that they manage even if you haven’t read all–or any–of the other series books) but the setting is absolutely amazing. Even though I’ve never been to Kenya, I almost feel as if I have once I finish one of these books. The Marine’s Return is no exception to this rule! . . . I really enjoyed Chad and Lexi’s story. It’s a solid blend of relationship drama (past and present romantic relationships, as well as family ones) and situational.”

Harlie’s Books – Review

“The first book that I have read by this author; last book in the series; the setting is in Africa, and I really didn’t know what to expect. Well, let me tell you this book surprised me in ways that I never saw coming. Seriously. I read a lot of Heartwarming books but this one just grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. . . . I tell you this every time I read a Harlequin Heartwarming story, please read this line. Its character heavy, sweet/slow building romance that anyone can read and in the end finish with a smile on their face. I do every time and this time, I’m still thinking about it.”

Book Reviews & More by Kathy – Excerpt

She was too aggravating and stone-headed.

And she thinks you’re good-looking.

Why did that matter? It didn’t. It shouldn’t. It was just that she’d never mentioned the scars on his face, his limp or his missing arm. She seemed to look right past all of it, and that got to him. Did he want her to notice? Did he need her to acknowledge what he’d been through and how he was suffering? He abhorred pity yet, at the same time, did he want it? Expect it?

He closed his eyes and exhaled. She wasn’t like everyone else. Something about her unsettled him. Perplexed him.

Remembrancy – Review

“With a touch of mystery, a second romance thread, and appearances from characters from the other books, Rula Sinara brings her series full circle while displaying the beauty and dangers of life in Africa.”

Locks, Hooks and Books – Review

“Chad and Lexi were great characters that I enjoyed getting to know. The story is one that was sweet, clean and heartwarming. It did tug at my heart at times, too. . . . Great read!”

Thoughts of a Blonde – Review

“A great ending to the From Kenya, With Love series! . . . The story line was quickly entrenched in emotions and intrigue, and watching Chad and Lexi connect was rewarding. Getting to catch up with so many of the past members of the series was a wonderfully fitting ending. Absolutely loved it and sorry to see the series end!”

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“If you haven’t read this series yet, you simply must. Start at the beginning for full effect, though each book can be read as a standalone. The Marine’s Return engages readers from start to finish, and Chad and Lexi’s multi-dimensional stories tug at the heart.”

Hallie Reads – Review

“Take a trip to Kenya with Rula Sinara’s final From Kenya, With Love book, The Marine’s Return. It’s an adventure, full of romance and danger, that contemporary-romance readers shouldn’t want to miss.”

Wishful Endings – Review

“THE MARINE’S RETURN takes readers to remote Africa as a woman tries to bring medical help to indigenous tribes and as a man tries to come to terms with his new reality after losing a limb serving in the military. The story is full of heart, conviction, friendship, family, and sweet romance. Recommended to fans of the series and of sweet romance. . . . This was a sweet story that tugged on my heart. An excellent ending to the series. I’m looking forward to more from this author!”

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

The Marine’s Return
(From Kenya, with Love #6)
By Rula Sinara
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
January 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He can’t be her hero…

But he made a promise to keep her safe

Wounded marine Chad Corallis just wants to be left alone. Until he discovers his best friend’s very pregnant widow is in danger. A dedicated nurse, she refuses to leave her Serengeti medical clinic when it’s threatened by poachers. Chad is honor-bound to protect her, but who will save him from falling for his best friend’s wife?

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Other Books in the Series

About the Author


National and USA Today Bestselling author Rula Sinara lives in rural Virginia with her family and crazy but endearing pets. She loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard, planting trees, raising backyard chickens and drinking more coffee than she’ll ever admit to. Rula’s writing has earned her a National Readers Choice Award and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, among other honors. You can discover more about Rula at her blog A Writer’s Rush, on Twitter, on Facebook as RulaSinaraAuthor or on her website www.RulaSinara.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.

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Tour Giveaway

1 WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

– Autographed print copies of the first three books of the ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series – The Promise of Rain, After the Silence and Through the Storm.
– A set of three, 15x15in canvas tote bags featuring the first 3 covers of the ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series.
– A 12×18 Harlequin Heartwarming tote bag
– A ‘Teenie Beanie Baby’ (TY trademark) elephant named ‘Peanut’
– Bookmarks
Open internationally
Ends February 6, 2019
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On tour with Prism Book Tours.

TODAY’S FREE SHORT STORY:

Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker

After ten years of war, black-ops soldier Caleb Henderson must decide whether to stay in the military – it’s all he knows – or to come home. Daisy McCall just might be his answer, but she doesn’t want to love another man in uniform.

Read it HERE!

Award-winning author Leigh Riker began her career with short stories then novels, and she still loves to write romance. When not writing, or thinking about writing, she likes to read, watch movies (funny or sad), dig in the garden, travel, and play the piano – with gusto if not finesse. At home in the Southeast she is (of course) working on a new novel.

Guest post about my story:
In my first Harlequin Heartwarming title, If I Loved You (July 2014), Molly Darling is already a two-time loser in romance when her ex-fiancé shows up at her door. Molly might not be tempted to try again with Brig Collier, a tough black-ops soldier, but he’s not alone. Brig has brought a baby, orphaned by war, with him, and adorable little Laila needs a home. Who knew a matchmaker could come in such a tiny package?
That book, in which one of Brig’s buddies appeared briefly via his emails from the battlefield about Laila, turned out to be the prequel to this new short story. Now, Caleb Henderson must decide whether to stay at war or come home at last. His decision wouldn’t be as hard if not for Daisy McCall, the director of a rehab center, who over Thanksgiving works her way into his heart. But Daisy, who has lost before, doesn’t want to love another man in uniform. Does she?
From the start, Caleb seemed to need his own story—and now he has it. I hope you enjoy reading “Her Thanksgiving Soldier.” I loved writing it.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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Other Heartwarming Titles by this Author

If I Loved YouIf I Loved You

She deserves a man she can count on

Eight years ago Brigham Collier broke their engagement, and Molly Darling’s heart, when he put the military first. Now Molly is a childless widow, and the returning soldier’s back in town – with the most adorable baby she’s ever seen. He needs help looking after Laila, left in his care by a fallen teammate. But time is running out. Who will keep Laila when duty calls again?

Molly can’t turn her back on an orphan, but Laila reawakens her longing for a family of her own. And her feelings for Brig. If he shared her dream – instead of living for the next dangerous mission – she might dare say yes to him again. But he’ll never leave his post, and she won’t trust him with her heart a second time.

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TOUR SCHEDULE

We’ll be highlighting 13 FREE short stories by beloved Harlequin Heartwarming authors that will be available from Harlequin during November via their site. Not only that, but all Heartwarming print titles are 30% OFF during November from Harlequin as well! Use code HEART1115.

Don’t miss any of these FREE novellas! Stop by each of the tour stops each day:

11/2: Snow Day Baby by Amy Vastine
Singing Librarian Books, The Power of Words, & Katie’s Clean Book Collection


11/4: Wedding at Turkey Run by Liz Flaherty
My Love for Reading Keeps Growing, Babs Book Bistro, & Heidi Reads…

11/6: Her Thanksgiving Soldier by Leigh Riker
Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima, Mel’s Shelves, & Brooke Blogs

11/9: Mr. Right All Along by Jen Snow
Katie’s Clean Book CollectionMin Reads and Reviews, & Love thy Shelf

11/11: Falling for the Cowboy by Sophia Sasson
Kindle and Me, The Power of Words, & Colorimetry

11/13: The Marriage Gift by Tara Taylor Quinn
deal sharing aunt, Babs Book Bistro, & Brooke Blogs

11/16: Heart of a Hero by Pamela Tracy
Writing Pearls, Wishful Endings, & Waiting For Wentworth

11/18: Thankful for You by Karen Rock
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, Getting Your Read On, & Love, Laughter, Friendship

11/20: Autumn at Jasper Lake by Carol Ross
Reading Is My SuperPower, I Am A Reader, & Colorimetry

11/23: The Firefighterís Promise by Kate James
Canadian Book Addict, Mel’s Shelves, & Beck Valley Books

11/24: Wedding of His Dreams by Cari Lynn Webb
Bookworm Lisa, Kindle and Me, & Zerina Blossom’s Books

11/25: The Sweetheart Tree by Rula Sinara
The Written Adventure, Reading Is My SuperPower, & Writing Pearl

11/26: Married by Thanksgiving by Melinda Curtis
Heidi Reads…,  Love, Laughter, Friendship, & Singing Librarian Books 

11/29: Grand Finale

11/30: Facebook Party

Join us for

A Heartwarming Thanksgiving

We’ll be highlighting 13 FREE short stories by beloved Harlequin Heartwarming authors that will be available from Harlequin during November via their site. Join the fun by stopping by any or all of the tour stops, stopping by the Facebook Party (with additional giveaways), and entering the fabulous giveaways! We hope you find something to warm your heart and help you get into the holiday spirit!

GIVEAWAYS

Goodreads Giveaway

13 Harlequin Heartwarming Books
Enter on Goodreads HERE.

Pinterest Giveaway

 

Pin one or both of the above images to spread the word and enter to win this adorably festive Thanksgiving Table Set:

Pinterest Prize includes: four reversible, quilted placemats, four matching napkins, hand-painted matching napkin rings, matching table runner, matching quilted hot pad/trivet, floral centerpiece in pot, and hand-crafted pilgrim pair.

– Enter via the Rafflecopter below

– Open to US only

– Ends December 4th

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Tour Giveaway

Grand Prize: Harlequin Heartwarming Year Subscription (Provided by Harlequin and to US/CAN only)
$40 VISA card (US only)
13-Book Heartwarming Prize Pack: The Best Laid Plans, Back to McGuffy’s, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, Small Town Secrets, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, When The Right One Comes Along, Wedding of His Dreams, After The Silence, and A Memory Away (print copies if US, ebooks if international)
8-Book Prize Pack: The Best Laid Plans, If I Loved You, Love, Lies & Mistletoe, First Comes Marriage, Once Upon A Marriage, Winter Wedding Bells, If Not For A Bee, and After The Silence (print copies if US, ebooks if international)

Ends December 4th

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A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.
After the Silence
(From Kenya, With Love #2)
Rula Sinara
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback, 368 pages
March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Does following her passion mean losing her way?
Marine Ben Corallis is an expert at facing death, but nothing comes close to the terror that grounds him when his wife is killed in a car accident the day he returns from duty. He’s left to raise an infant, a toddler and a ten-year-old girl who hasn’t uttered a word since her mother’s death.
It’s hard not to care for the widowed marine with three young children. Yet he’s still grieving, too burdened with guilt to fall in love again. And Hope Alwanga’s future as a doctor awaits her on the other side of the world, in Nairobi. If two such opposites can’t agree on a common country, how can they ever create a safe place to call home?
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Suffering in Silence: Selective Mutism in Children
By Rula Sinara
We all know how critical communication is for progress and survival—whether of a species, culture or even a relationship (I still think things get ‘lost in translation’ between the male and female sexes;). And there are so many ways of communicating…different languages, including sign language, technology and, sometimes, a lot can be communicated with a look or a smile. But it’s a whole different world when the inability to communicate doesn’t stem from language differences, but from deeply rooted fear or anxiety. In particular, trying to help or raise a child who suffers from selective mutism is heartbreaking and often frustrating because you don’t want to watch them suffer.
Although, due to counseling, they’re better now, two out of my three kids struggled with some developmental issues, anxiety and associated communication difficulties when they were younger. Both had a tendency to shut down, sometimes for hours. One often acted out in frustration while the other would retreat into himself. He was emotionally hypersensitive and, if something happened at school, he’d sit and stare at his desk (sometimes for almost an hour). The problem was we’d be at a loss as to what tipped him off because he wouldn’t tell us. He’d clam up.
Ten year old Maddie, in After the Silence, has suffered from selective mutism since her mother’s death (some might say that she suffers from traumatic mutism but her symptoms run a gray line and often ‘labeling’ and definition changes occur in psychology, as they recently did with Asperger’s). I drew a lot from my experiences at home and at school with my boys when I wrote this story. That led to some emotional times when I had to take a break from writing because the memories would flood back. For those of you who know a child suffering from mutism and wish to find out more, I’ve listed a few resources. This is by no means a complete list and it’s not intended to replace a professional diagnosis and help.
A website called The Selectively Silent Childpoints out that “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth Edition (DSM-IV) defines selective mutism as:
·       Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations (in which there is an expectation for speaking, e.g., at school) despite speaking in other situations.
·       The disturbance interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication.
·       The duration of the disturbance is at least 1 month (not limited to the first month of school).
·       The failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social situation.
·       The disturbance is not better accounted for by a Communication Disorder (e.g., Stuttering) and does not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder.

A few great places to research information on child mutism are:

Selective Mutism: A Review of Etiology, Comorbidities, and Treatment by Priscilla Wong, MD: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2861522/ 

http://www.selectivemutismcenter.org/aboutus/whatisselectivemutism

In my experience, research is a powerful ally in helping a parent become a formidable advocate for their child. Plus, quite often, a child’s situation or presentation isn’t necessarily ‘textbook’. Individual cases abound in psychology and medicine. Different doctors can have different opinions on the same patient. But it all boils down to helping a child feel safe, loved and strong enough to embrace the world around them.

And to those of you who have struggled to help a child suffering from any form of mutism and its associated conditions/co-morbid disorders, hugs to you. Know that you’re strength and patience is admired, appreciated and a gift to that child…just as children are a gift to us all. There are no boundaries for love.

About Book One in the Series
(Each can be read as a standalone.)
The Promise of Rain (Book 1)The Promise of Rain
(From Kenya, With Love #1)
Rula Sinara
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback, 384 pages

January 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He wants to take her child out of Africa…

The Busara elephant research and rescue camp on Kenya’s Serengeti is Anna Bekker’s life’s work. And it’s the last place she thought she’d run into Dr. Jackson Harper. As soon as he sets eyes on her four-year-old, Pippa, Anna knows he’ll never leave…without his daughter.
Furious doesn’t begin to describe how Jack feels. How could Anna keep this from him? He has to get his child back to the States. Yet as angry as he is with Anna, they still have a bond. But can it endure, despite the ocean–and the little girl–between them?
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Rula Sinara

Rula Sinara lives in Virginia’s countryside with her husband, three boys and zany but endearing pets. When she’s not writing or doing mom stuff, she loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard (cool bugs included) or watching romantic movies. She also enjoys interviewing fellow authors and is a Special Contributor for USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog. Her door is always open at her website and blog.
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Tour-Wide Giveaway

Gift Card Prize Pack: $100 Amazon Gift Card and ebooks of The Promise of Rain and After the Silence (open internationally)
US Prize Pack: Paperbacks of The Promise of Rain and After the Silence
3 ebook of After the Silence (open internationally)

Ends February 28th

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Follow the February Tour:
9 – Launch
10 – The Written Adventure
11 – I Am A Reader
12 – Letters from Annie (Douglass) LimaRockin’ Book ReviewsJoJo’s Corner
13 – Mythical Books
15 – Christy’s Cozy Corners & Brooke Blogs
16 – i blog 4 books
17 – WV Stitcher & Wishful Endings
18 – Katie’s Clean Book Collection
19 – Savings in Seconds 
20 – Rockin’ Book Reviews
22 – Grand Finale

Prism Book Tours