Spotlight & Giveaway: Once Upon A Friendship by Cindy Kirk and 9 Friends!

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Cindy Kirk and 9 Friends! to HJ!

Hi Cindy and 9 Friends! and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Once Upon A Friendship!

 
Hello, all! It’s great to be here on HJ with you
 

Please summarize the book for the readers here:

I’ve partnered with 9 other authors in a Reader Appreciation Anthology to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Essentially, we want to give back to you, our readers, and to a charity, we all believe in. Included in this anthology are 10 full-length novels. You’ll be inspired by dynamic characters as they explore the complexities of family, learn what it really means to be a friend, and find their own personal happiness. You’ll find a touch of heartbreak, a symphony of laughter, and more than a little happily ever in ONCE UPON A FRIENDSHIP.
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

I’d love to share the opening 3 lines of my story, One & Only You, that is part of this anthology:

Rachel Grabinski stood outside the Chicago hotel room and wiped sweaty palms against the skirt of her summer dress. She wasn’t an impulsive person, and taking the train into the city to surprise her boyfriend at a conference was out of character for her.
Not to mention, Marc Koenig, her boyfriend of the past year, didn’t like surprises.

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

This is the third book in my Hazel Green series. Although the books are connected, each one can be read alone. Here are some fun facts:

• I plopped the fictional town of Hazel Green, Illinois right on top of the actual town of Libertyville, Illinois
•  I’ve had some bad hair experiences so I could empathize with Rachel when her efforts to shake things up before a major event ended up with her having grey hair.
• I never liked her boyfriend, Marc Koenig, and I was as thrilled as the readers when she kicked him to the curb

Please tell us a little about the characters in your book. As you wrote your protagonist was there anything about them that surprised you?

This book was one of those rare ones that came together perfectly. Dixon and Rachel are exactly what the other needs. I have to admit that I’ve listened to this book on audio several times and it never fails to keep my interest and bring a smile to my face at the end.

My fellow authors in this anthology are especially proud of the books they included. Here’s a little about their stories:

The Whisper in Wind by Rachel Bloome: With the help of a quirky, close-knit community, two polar opposites find love, friendship, and family while healing old wounds.

Wishing Beach by Heather Burch: Shattered by a difficult divorce, one woman reimagines her life after moving to a very special beach.

Longing for Love by Debra Clopton: A struggling author is sent to an inn on Sunset Bay where the beautiful owner helps him find his writing mojo … and a whole lot more.

Home for Wounded Hearts by Ashley Farley: A cast of memorable characters form new bonds of friendship as they face a host of life’s challenges.

Mother of Pearl by Kellie Coates Gilbert: How far will a mother go to save her daughter?

Paws & Pastries by Barbara Hinske: When Clara Conway’s cross-country trip away from her cheating husband is interrupted by car trouble right before Thanksgiving, she soon learns that being stranded in a welcoming small town may be the best holiday gift of all.

A Road Trip to Remember by Judith Keim: A woman and her granddaughter take a road trip and discover new possibilities for everything they’ve ever wanted.

One and Only You by Cindy Kirk: Friendship leads to romance in this heartwarming story of second chances.

In Over Her Head by Terri Osburn: Chasing her dreams, a talented chef lands on tiny Anchor Island and learns the true meaning of love and family.

Promise Me Provence by Elizabeth Thompson: Devastated by loss, a woman redesigns her life and gets a second chance at happiness.

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would you use for the audition of the main characters and why?

The scene (very early in the book) when Dixon and Rachel begin to bond:

Dipping her fork into the house dressing she’d ordered on the side, Rachel considered how much to tell Dixon. Though she didn’t know him well, something about him said he could be trusted.
The chuckle that slipped past her lips held a harsh edge. She’d thought she could trust Marc. Obviously, she was not a good judge of character.
Dixon paused his fork midway to his mouth at the sound. “Problem?”
“I was thinking that I trust you. I don’t even know you, and yet I trust you. But, you see, that’s my problem. I trust too easily, have this fairy-tale outlook on the world.” Rachel set down her fork. “You’d think with everything that’s happened in my life, I’d be a cynic. But no, I just go along believing the best in people. That’s going to change.”
His hand closed over hers, and she sucked in a breath.
“Don’t let whatever happened today change you.” The eyes he fixed on her never wavered. “It’s a gift, being able to see the good in people.”
“I came to Chicago to surprise Marc. I didn’t expect to find him with another woman.” She’d blurted the words before she’d even known they were forming on her tongue.
Still, it felt good to put them out there.
Dixon’s face displayed no shock, or really any emotion, although his eyes turned as cloudy as the sky before a downpour. “I’m sorry.”

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

In terms of this anthology, I would want people to realize that each author has their own style and stories they need to tell. Everyone in this anthology has built a loyal following. It’s a good opportunity to see if you can find your new favorite author for only $0.99

In terms of One & Only You, I’d like readers to come away with a sense of just how much friendship matters and that you shouldn’t settle for less than you deserve.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I’m currently working on a book that will mark my first foray into magical realism. The Pink House is a story I’ve wanted to write for a long time. I’m really happy with how it’s coming together.

My upcoming release is book 4 in my Hazel Green series. No One Like Her will be out in February. Readers will see all their favorite characters from One & Only You, plus a few new ones!
 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: I’ll be giving away FIVE ebook copies of One & Only You, the winners to be drawn at random from everyone who comments. 

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Do you have a bad hair story you’d like to share? Where a cut or color went very wrong? If you don’t have a bad hair story (yay, you) either tell me about a friend, family member, or even a stranger who has clearly had a hair fail.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

Excerpt from Once Upon A Friendship:

Chapter One
Rachel Grabinski stood outside the Chicago hotel room and wiped sweaty palms against the skirt of her summer dress. She wasn’t an impulsive person, and taking the train into the city to surprise her boyfriend at a conference was out of character for her.
Not to mention, Marc Koenig, her boyfriend of the past year, didn’t like surprises. He’d made that clear when she’d popped by his apartment one evening. She felt her heart pound an erratic rhythm just remembering the look on his face.
Yet, he’d also told her many times this past week how disappointed he was that she couldn’t get off work to meet him for an early dinner tonight. It had felt to her like their relationship was stumbling, but she wasn’t sure how to right it.
She wondered if he’d have been more understanding if she had a different job. Marc didn’t approve of her position as the volunteer coordinator at the Hazel Green Food Bank. According to him, working for a nonprofit meant she’d decided to toss aside any hope of a decent career.
Rachel pushed that discussion from her head. Not the time, she reminded herself. A gas leak down the street from the food bank had had everyone leaving early. This was her chance to enjoy a beautiful summer evening with her boyfriend.
This time, she let her knuckles fall against the door. She considered calling out to Marc, but wanted—really wanted—to see the surprised pleasure on his face when he saw her.
On the fourth knock, she heard him yell, “I’m coming. Just wait a damn minute.”
Rachel dropped her hand to her side and touched her tongue to her lips, tasting the cherry flavor of the lip balm that she had applied during the ride up in the elevator. She resisted the urge to reach up to straighten her glasses.
The tortoiseshell frames sat just fine on her nose. Adjusting them was a nervous habit she was determined to break.
She widened her eyes as the door flung open.
Her smile turned tentative when she saw the towel he held around his waist. His hair and skin were dry, so obviously she’d caught him just as he was about to step into the shower.
“Rachel.” Surprise had him nearly releasing the towel. “I thought you were room service. What are you doing here?”
She’d started to step forward, but he blocked her.
“There was a gas leak just down the block from the food bank. They evacuated everyone, so I got off early.” She lifted her hands. “Surprise.”
“It was about time they brought up the champagne and strawberries.” The sultry voice came from inside the room before Marc could respond.
Rachel shoved him aside and stepped into the suite.
The brunette wasn’t a supermodel, but she was pretty, with a mass of tousled dark hair. She’d carelessly tossed on one of the hotel robes, letting the front gap to show an impressive amount of cleavage. Her feet were bare, and her toenails were candy-apple red.
The woman’s dark brows slammed together. “You’re not room service.”
Rachel shifted her gaze from the woman to Marc. “You explain it to her.”
He grabbed her arm in a firm grip as she pushed past him out of the room. “It isn’t like it looks.”
“Tell your lies to someone who’ll believe them.” She jerked her arm free. “Don’t call me ever again. We’re done.”
“Rachel,” he called out, but she strode down the hall without looking back.
Just as she reached the elevator, the ornate silver doors slid open, and a couple holding hands exited. She watched the man lean over and brush his companion’s lips with his.
Rachel pressed her cherry-red lips together and punched the button that would take her to the lobby.
+
Dixon Carlyle considered himself a social creature. One with a talent for reading clients and responding in a way that made them trust him. The talent had come in handy when he was growing up. Only then, he’d needed to read marks. He’d quickly learned that saying one wrong thing could have disastrous consequences.
Those games were in the past. Now, he was a respected financial consultant with a growing list of clients, whom he did right by. The fact that most were pleased with his investment advice and the returns they’d been enjoying guaranteed his business would only continue to grow.
He’d attended the seminar at Palmer House in Chicago this morning on “Understanding the impact of erosion through inflation and taxation.” While he listened to the experts, Dixon had been in text communication with a potential client. The twentysomething entrepreneur had hit it big last year and was searching for someone he trusted.
They’d met several times, and Dixon liked the kid’s sharp eyes and quick wit. Various strategies for investing the young man’s millions had been explored. Now, they were in final negotiations.
Like many Millennials, Raj Agarwal preferred texting over phone calls or face-to-face meetings. Today, while Dixon listened to the presentation at the front of the large ballroom, Raj had confirmed his desire to chart a certain course.
It was the course Dixon had recommended early on…but the boy had wanted to explore all options. Dixon was aware Raj had been consulting with other financial planners, but he hadn’t worried. The kid was smart. He would realize Dixon was the best.
Dixon texted his sister. Finalized deal.
There was no need to say more.
Congratulations! We need to celebrate.
He added a thumbs-up to the comment, knowing any celebration would wait until all the papers were signed. Their mother had impressed upon both her children that you didn’t count on anything, especially not when something seemed like a done deal.
As memories of Gloria threatened to dim his sunny mood, Dixon shoved the thoughts of her aside. The presentations had wrapped for the day, and the gala didn’t start until eight.
More than enough time to stroll down Michigan Avenue and enjoy the beautiful day. Many conference attendees must have had the same idea, as hordes of smartly dressed men and women headed for the exits in the main lobby.
Shoved against someone, Dixon turned with an apology already on his lips. The woman, wearing a flirty summer dress covered in large poppies, stood out like a breath of fresh air.
“I’m sorry—” he began, then he realized he knew her. “Rachel?”
She shifted her gaze for a second, just long enough for him to see her reddened eyes. The determined set to her jaw and shoulders was at odds with the evidence of tears. “I need to get out of here.”
Dixon, never at a loss for words, hesitated. Rachel was a good friend of his sister. They’d been at many parties together since he’d moved to Hazel Green. Every contact he’d had with her had been brief.
Not only was she dating Marc Koenig, but she was just so…good. Not a single ounce of sass or snark in her.
Still, he narrowed his gaze as he followed her out the front doors of the hotel. The woman had backbone, and something had happened to bring it out in full force.
Even as he told himself to keep to his original plan, Dixon fell into step beside her. She continued to be a good friend to Nell, which meant he needed to at least try to see if he could help.
He was still trying to figure out how to broach the subject of the tears when she stopped in the middle of the glittery sidewalk and whirled. “I don’t need you. I don’t need any man.”
Now they were getting somewhere. Rachel and Marc had obviously had a fight. Something he knew Nell would firmly applaud. Dixon shared his sister’s low opinion of Rachel’s boyfriend.
“We are mostly scum,” he agreed. “You look hungry. I was going to grab something to eat. Will you join me?”
Confusion furrowed her brow. “Why would you want to have dinner with me? We barely know each other.”
“You’re one of my sister’s closest friends.” He flashed a smile. “That makes you practically family.”
It was lame. Surely, he could have thought of something better to address her concerns.
“I am hungry.” She expelled a shuddering breath, then appeared to notice his dark suit, crisp white shirt and perfectly knotted red tie. “I’m not really dressed for anyplace fancy.”
Since it was barely five, he hadn’t planned on going anywhere fancy. “What kind of food do you like?”
“Wherever you want to go is fine.”
Dixon didn’t have any trouble taking the lead, and from Rachel’s response, she would go along with whatever he suggested. He swallowed the words on his lips when he recalled Nell telling him of her frustration that Rachel let Marc run the show. Instead of standing up for what she wanted, she let him decide.
Was that what had happened today? Had Marc broken it off?
Dixon stopped himself from making assumptions. Hadn’t he been taught from a young age to gather information before drawing conclusions?
“Tell me what kind of food you like.” He placed his hand on her elbow when the mass of people around them threatened to push them apart.
“I like Italian,” she said after a long moment. “And Thai. But I really like anything, so—”
He cut her off before she could offer once again to go wherever he wanted. “Both sound good to me. Maggiano’s isn’t far.”
When she hesitated, he added, “Italian is a favorite of mine.”
“Okay.”
Once they were seated at a table and their orders taken, Dixon could almost see Rachel relax. It wasn’t hard. The atmosphere at Maggiano’s practically begged patrons to breathe in the scent of fresh bread, garlic and cheese and enjoy.
Dixon had finalized many business deals at the tables covered in red-and-white-checkered oilcloths. The restaurant was a popular place for families, couples and tourists to enjoy a good Italian meal.
When he caught Rachel eyeing the Italian sangria at a neighboring table, he ordered them a pitcher as well as a plate of antipasti.
She picked up a piece of salami and nibbled. Her small, almost delicate hands had nails painted a pale pink.
Dixon ate a roasted pepper, then lifted his glass for a toast.
Tentatively, Rachel lifted her own. “What are we toasting?”
“You.”
She flushed, her cheeks turning a bright pink. “Me?”
“Nell mentioned the idea for the field-to-food-bank initiative was yours.” Dixon clinked his glass against hers. “To Rachel, for improving the nutrition of struggling families through fresh produce.”
“I was just doing my job,” she protested, but he saw that the haunted look had left her eyes.
“Now,” he set his glass on the table and leaned forward, giving her his full attention, “tell me what brought you to Palmer House.”
+
Instead of answering right away, Rachel let the smooth taste of the sangria slide down her throat. Ignoring Dixon’s expectant smile, she dipped a focaccia crisp into the burrata before setting down her glass.
Dixon didn’t press for an answer. He simply studied her with those inscrutable gray eyes. When Rachel had first seen Nell’s brother, he’d taken her breath away. The truth was, she’d never seen a more beautiful man. His hair was dark, his body lean and muscular. When he moved, he reminded her of a panther.
Her contact with him had been limited to short, impersonal conversations at parties. She knew Marc detested the man, which right now was a checkmark in Dixon’s favor. Though Marc had said to anyone who would listen that he didn’t trust the man, Rachel suspected it was because they were both in the same industry and Marc was jealous.
“You-you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” Dixon stumbled over the words, then pressed his lips together when the server, a pretty redhead, appeared with their salads.
“Can I get either of you anything else? Anything at all?” The comment might have been directed at both of them, but the young woman’s gaze remained firmly fixed on Dixon.
“I’m good.” Dixon slanted a questioning look at Rachel.
“I’m good, too.”
The smile Dixon offered the server was polite, but clearly dismissive.
Rachel swore she heard a sigh as the young woman moved to another table.
Dipping her fork into the house dressing she’d ordered on the side, Rachel considered how much to tell Dixon. Though she didn’t know him well, something about him said he could be trusted.
The chuckle that slipped past her lips held a harsh edge. She’d thought she could trust Marc. Obviously, she was not a good judge of character.
Dixon paused his fork midway to his mouth at the sound. “Problem?”
“I was thinking that I trust you. I don’t even know you, and yet I trust you. But, you see, that’s my problem. I trust too easily, have this fairy-tale outlook on the world.” Rachel set down her fork. “You’d think with everything that’s happened in my life, I’d be a cynic. But no, I just go along believing the best in people. That’s going to change.”
His hand closed over hers, and she sucked in a breath.
“Don’t let whatever happened today change you.” The eyes he fixed on her never wavered. “It’s a gift, being able to see the good in people.”
“I came to Chicago to surprise Marc. I didn’t expect to find him with another woman.” She’d blurted the words before she’d even known they were forming on her tongue.
Still, it felt good to put them out there.
Dixon’s face displayed no shock, or really any emotion, although his eyes turned as cloudy as the sky before a downpour. “I’m sorry.”
“Nell told me he’d propositioned her, you know, when he was married. She warned me.”
Dixon laid down his fork and took another sip of sangria, his gaze still riveted to her.
The laughter and chatter that surrounded them faded until it was only her and him.
“Marc had already come to me,” she went on, “because he was concerned that Nell had misunderstood his question. It seemed plausible.” She paused, waiting for Dixon to say she should have known. That Nell wouldn’t have told her if she hadn’t been certain of what had occurred. “I chose to believe him. I guess I wanted to believe him.”
Dixon nodded. “Did you date much before him?”
“He was my first real boyfriend. Who makes it to their late twenties without one?” Rachel gave a little laugh and lifted one hand. “Me. That’s who.”
The sympathy shining in his eyes, now gone dove-soft, had her feeling even more like a fool.
“You were busy raising a family.” His voice, as soft and soothing as melted butter, wrapped gently around her. “Nell told me how you did it all while working on your degree. I’m impressed.”
Rachel wasn’t sure what confused her more, that Dixon appeared to think what she’d done was special, or the way she felt when his eyes met hers.
“You’d have done the same.” She shoved her glasses up, then took a gulp of sangria. “If it had been you and Nell.”
His eyes turned cloudy, and Rachel couldn’t read the look that stole over them.
Dixon cleared his throat. “Nell and I are a united front now.”
Rachel folded her hands in her lap, resisting the urge to adjust her glasses again. Too late, she recalled that until recently Dixon and Nell had been estranged. She didn’t know the details, only that everything was good between them now. “I’m glad.”
He smiled suddenly, and she went warm all over.
She didn’t have a chance to say more, because the server arrived with veal Marsala for him and spaghetti with two meatballs for her.
When the woman started to remove her salad, Rachel touched her arm. “I’m not quite finished.” She offered the woman a smile. “I think I’ll keep it a little while longer.”
Marc would have chided her for the gesture. Dixon only indicated he’d keep his also.
“This looks wonderful.” She stabbed a meatball with her fork.
“I agree.”
She’d expected the conversation to continue nonstop, but Dixon seemed content to eat, at least for the first few minutes. They ate in a surprisingly comfortable silence until their plates were nearly empty.
Rachel let the sights and sounds of the busy restaurant wash over her—the clank of dishes, the smell of spicy meat and roasted garlic, and the sound of laughter. As she did, the tension eased from her shoulders, and she found she could breathe easy once again.
She took a sip of water—Dixon had already refilled her glass of sangria once—and relaxed against the back of her chair. “I can’t believe I’ve lived in the area all these years and had never eaten here before.”
“I’m glad I could be the one to introduce it to you.” He lifted his sangria, still only his first, and smiled.
“You’re easy to be with,” she blurted.
He lowered the glass, lifted a brow.
Rachel felt the heat in her cheeks. “I just mean it’s like being out with a friend, not with a guy.”
“Thank you.” He paused. “I think.”
Suddenly, their gazes locked, and they were both smiling. Despite the lame comment, he hadn’t made her feel uncomfortable. She thought about explaining that’s what she’d meant but feared she’d dig an even bigger hole for herself.
“What was on your list for the evening?” She gazed down at the rest of the meatball on her plate, told herself to leave it alone. But it was too good to resist. She stabbed it.
“The only thing on my agenda for the evening was a walk down Michigan Avenue.” He gestured to the light streaming through the windows. “It’s too beautiful a day to be stuck inside.”
Rachel nodded. “Have you ever noticed how everyone seems happier on bright, sunny days?”
“I feel that way.”
They were discussing the weather, Rachel realized with some degree of astonishment. Even more surprising, it felt natural, comfortable. She’d never have believed someone as smooth and self-assured as Dixon Carlyle could be so down to earth.
“I like seeing you smile.”
His words had Rachel blinking. While he’d been talking, she’d been daydreaming.
“I was just wondering,” she glanced at the menus the waitress had left, “since you don’t have any pressing plans…if you’d be interested in sharing a piece of dessert with me. I’m not ready for the evening to end.”

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

ONCE UPON A FRIENDSHIP
Ten of your favorite bestselling authors have come together to bring you ten novels of family, friendship, and love. These feel-good books will have you cheering, dreaming, and anticipating the next great read as you work your way through the tears and triumphs.

Be inspired by dynamic characters as they explore the complexities of family, learn what it really means to be a friend, and find their own personal happiness. A touch of heartbreak, a smattering of laughter, and more than a little happily ever after—all awaiting you.

From Ashley Farley’s southern charm to Cindy Kirk’s sweet hometown romance to Elizabeth Thompson’s passport to faraway worlds, get ready for your next favorite book. And your next. And your next.

Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Google |
 
 

Meet the Author:

Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a National Readers’ Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women’s Fiction.

An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she’s written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love.

She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books and get to know her.
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