GUEST POST and GIVEAWAY
The Strength of Love
by G. L. Ross
The Strength of Love by G. L. Ross is available for only $0.99. It would make a great Valentine's Day gift!
This book tour is brought to you by Bewitching Book Tours. The tour stops here today for a guest post by the author, an excerpt, and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.
Description
Thankfully, some love stories are so strong they never die. The Strength of Love is a tale of love, loss, and second chances. This inspiring love story shares how several men influenced one woman’s life and showered her with love in different ways. Experience love, friendship, faith, suspense, tragedy, humor, and a supernatural element ... always and forever.
Always the bridesmaid, but never the bride, Rachel Thompson is ready to give up on love, before rodeo cowboy Brooks Reynolds rides into the arena and lassos her heart. His smoldering looks and strong yet tender nature sweep her off her feet.
Life is pinch-worthy and picture-book perfect, except on the eve of her wedding Rachel’s love story is ripped from the pages. After two months of grieving, she discovers her nightmare is never-ending. In order to escape her heartbreaking past, the middle-school counselor relocates to a new city for a fresh start and a second chance at happiness and perhaps even love. Through her faith and the support of her family and friends she discovers sought after answers during an unexpected journey.
Excerpt
More teams compete, until finally team ten enters the starting box.
"This is them, Rachel. Oh, my gosh, aren’t they smokin’?"
Rachel’s eyes shoot in the direction of the commanding man sitting tall in the saddle. His jet-black hair curls slightly against the collar of his royal blue western-style shirt. The short sleeves are rolled to fit snugly against his massive, bulging biceps. It’s obvious where he spends his free time, from the fine-tuned muscles and the dark tan encompassing his fit frame. Oh my, she mumbles as he sits his buck-colored hat firmly on his head. He secures his boots in his stirrups. His long fingers toy with the coiled rope. Sam acknowledges him with a nod and the steer is released. They’re off. Like bullets the three of them skillfully dart one after another. The steer runs for its’ life as Sam’s rope lunges into action. He twirls his lasso with the style and grace of a ballerina demonstrating pirouettes. As if he has mind reading skills, Brooks instinctively releases his rope. The twisted twine skims perfectly under the steer’s hooves and is brilliantly tightened to prevent the two hundred plus pound animal from moving forward. The two riders face each other backing their horses until the steer is air born. Everything is magically timed and over-the-top exhilarating. The ladies are on their feet screaming as the announcer exclaims team number ten has the best time of eight and a half seconds, with only one more team left to compete.
Sam waves his hat at Courtney who shouts and blows him a kiss. Brooks’ eyes dart toward the high-pitched squeal. Even from the distance, Rachel notices the brilliant blue eyes aimed her direction. Her chest heaves as though she ran a half-marathon. She catches her breath and continues applauding the skilled ride. How could a sporting event be so exhilarating and sexually satisfying? Brooks tips his hat toward her, with a crooked grin, and follows Sam to the exit.
With bated breath, Rachel and Courtney watch the next ride. The team is quite skilled, but can’t beat team ten’s ride. The guys are victorious. All eleven teams enter the arena. Team ten smiles proudly as they are awarded their trophy and belt buckles. Sam hurdles the wall and makes his way into Courtney’s welcoming arms. Brooks laughs at his exuberant teammate and hollers for him to get his ass back to the stables. Once again the announcer broadcasts congratulations to team ten the new Smith County team-roping champions. Rachel enjoys the view of the faded jean clad butts exiting the arena. She’s savoring one fine set of firm ass cheeks when the beholder glances back over his shoulder catching her in the act. He winks. She blushes, prior to catching her breath and smiling. Brooks relishes catching her in the act. He turns and tosses an arm over his partner’s shoulders. Sam lifts the trophy into the air. They turn the corner and disappear. Courtney proudly exclaims, "Team ten wins!"
Rachel smiles and says, "A ten - yes, he definitely is a ten."
Praise for the Book
"As a blogger I read a lot of books, but I can honestly say that I have never read a more compelling and beautiful story than this one." ~ Tabitha Stokes, Amazeballs Book Addicts
"This is not a fairy tale romance. This to me was a fiction story of things that happen in real life and real relationships. You have to fight for the love of your kids and relationships and that is what this story is about. You will laugh, cry and feel many more emotions while reading. The biggest one you feel is hope. Thank you for letting me read about Rachel and Brooks. True inspirational read." ~ merwojo
"This book is so dang amazing. I don't think 5 stars does it justice as it needs more than that. If you don't mind feeling raw emotions and having tissues, you won't regret reading this story. This is on my favorites list for this year." ~ Mary Forster
"This book has my highest praises, as well as Ms. Ross. If you’re looking for a good cry, this book is for you, and I promise, you will feel every single sentence as though it’s your own story to be unfolded. My life was forever changed by this book." ~ Stephanie
"Haven't read a fiction book in many years. This one took me from a list of 'to do's' on Sunday afternoon to completely ignoring everyone and everything. Finished over coffee Monday morning! Great read - recommended, if you like love, healing and second chances!" ~ Amazon Customer
Guest Post by the Author
Have you ever wished for a second chance at love or ever felt God misunderstood your prayer? Perhaps you’ve said to yourself, "Exactly how strong do you think I am, God?" Do you appreciate and thank your family and friends daily for being a part of your life? These thoughts inspired me to write The Strength of Love - a suspense filled, inspirational love story.
Throughout life we all have conversations with God. Have you ever prayed for something and years later realized your prayer was answered BUT not as you intended? I have, so I incorporated this experience into my heroine’s life. Rachel has many highs and lows, but don’t we all? Many romance books have weak heroines who need a man to validate them, but not Rachel. Rachel is a strong, resilient female. A person stronger than she ever imagined. Rachel discovers her strength through her faith, family, and friends. I’m a firm believer God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. Granted there are times I wonder if he feels I’m made of steel, but he never fails to give me the determination and perseverance required.
As a single parent I have a new appreciation for the role my family and friends play in my life. I used to be an "I am Woman, Hear me Roar" type who felt I didn’t need anyone - boy, was I wrong. Without my family and friends’ support, guidance, and love I would never have succeeded in rearing my son.
But as a single mom I also recognize how difficult it is to date! I continue to dream of a second chance at everlasting, soul mate love. Sitting at home last New Year’s eve, without a date, I decided to write a story about a second chance at love. A love story I would be proud to experience. An always and forever love. Now you’re probably thinking to yourself - how sad … but wait! A person has to learn to laugh at their triumphs and tragedies. While writing this love story I laughed and cried. I have a feeling you will too! Especially when Rachel’s crazy cat Ebony is involved, which is often.
The Strength of Love is an inspiring, suspenseful, second chance at love story. As I was selecting a cover I searched for something that exuded strength, yet with a delicate nature. When I came across the delicate rose petals creating a heart atop the strength of wood I knew I had found my cover. I am absolutely crazy about this cover and the paperback wrap-around version is gorgeous … if I do say so myself! LOL. I also love the title page. The heart on the title page is made up of smaller hearts which exemplifies Rachel’s life and love. Rachel and Brooks’ love story will fill you with hope for 2016.
About the Author
Her motto in life is to "always find the good" in every person and situation. Whether through laughter, prayer, music, or a glass of wine or vodka, G. L. finds the good in life and shares her sense of humor, love, faith, and adventure in her stories.
Experience family, faith, and love in The Strength of Love. Take a steamy flight with Lance and Lisa in Turbulent Passion, and continue their sexy journey in Burning Desire. Crosswind, book three in the Flyboy Trilogy will release in 2016. You must also meet hunky rancher, Graham Gaskin, in A Rose Has Thorns … He’s smokin’ hot!
Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a heart bracelet and a heart candle (US only).
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