Steamy #Romance + a #Haunting #Mystery for the #4thofJuly = Fireworks! #FourthofJuly #Books #FridayReads Cape Cod #ghosts + #Recipe

A dangerous ghost & an ex-boyfriend
await psychic Claire Linden in
Cape Cod's GULL HARBOR...

Who's ready for the Fourth of July celebrations?  Here on Cape Cod, the summer season officially kicks off this weekend, and things get a bit hectic!  As usual, we have a house full of guests, and plans for the beach, cookouts, and fireworks.  And while on the beach, I'll be doing my favorite thing - reading!  If you need a great page-turning beach read for the holiday, try GULL HARBOR - a spooky ghost mystery mixed with steamy second-chance romance, set here on Cape Cod's National Seashore.  A #1 Amazon and #1 B&N Bestseller with plenty of heat-filled scenes to balance out the ones that will send a chill up your spine!

To get into the "spirit" of the weekend (haha, see what I did there?), I'm posting both one of my favorite recipes for contributions to cook-outs, and a short excerpt from Gull Harbor - part of a scene where Max and Claire stop fighting their attraction and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Max still can't share his reasons for abandoning her so long ago, but psychic medium Claire is dealing with a very disturbing haunting, and she finds herself leaning on her former boyfriend for support.  And Max still feels the need to take care of her, even after all these years - so he's brought lunch for her from the local tavern he owns.  This scene sets up their date for the 4th of July - and there are plenty of fireworks on that night - overhead and between the two former lovers!  

A little teaser from later that night...🎇💖

           “A picnic on the beach is perfect.  It’s better than dinner and a movie.”

            He held out his glass, touching it to hers.  “To our first date.”  His eyebrows pulled together behind his sunglasses.  “That sounds strange, given our history.”

            She smiled as she sipped.  “We were never what you’d call traditional, anyway.”

            “How’s this for traditional—let me take you to see the fireworks on Wednesday night.  I know you’ll be at Dan’s cook-out for dinner, but I think I’ll be okay to leave the tavern by 7:30 or so.  Can I come and steal you away?”  He leaned back on one elbow and flashed her a lazy grin.  “There’s a great spot to watch them from over by the lake.  It’s very secluded; none of the tourists even know how to find the trail to get there.”

            A flood of heat that had little to do with the warm July sun surged through her.  How was it that this man aroused her so?  She could feel the sexual tension between them, thick and heady.  “I’d love that,” she said softly, dipping her head down to hide her flushed cheeks.  

Want to keep reading?  Or, you can listen now as well--Gull Harbor is an audio book too!  Links below:
Amazon -- Kindle, Print, Audible

iTunes -- e-book

iTunes -- audiobook
B&N -- Nook

And, as promised:

Recipe ~ Linguine with Tomatoes and Basil

1 lb Brie cheese, rind removed, torn into small pieces
4 vine-ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup fresh basil, torn into strips
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ pounds linguine
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine cheese, tomatoes, basil, EVOO, and garlic in a large bowl.  Cook pasta according to directions, drain and immediately add to bowl, tossing to allow cheese to begin melting.  Add salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Happy Reading and Happy 4th!

Romance + Ghosts Beach Read + a #4thofJuly #Recipe! #1 Bestseller Cape Cod #amreading #Books #FourthofJuly #RomanticSuspense

A dangerous ghost and an ex-boyfriend await psychic Claire Linden
in Cape Cod's GULL HARBOR...#1 Kindle + Nook Bestseller

Who's ready for the Fourth of July celebrations?  Here on Cape Cod, the summer season officially kicks off this weekend, and things get a bit hectic!  As usual, we have a house full of guests, and plans for the beach, cookouts, and fireworks.  And while on the beach, I'll be doing my favorite thing - reading!  If you need a great page-turning beach read for the holiday, try GULL HARBOR - a spooky ghost mystery mixed with steamy second-chance romance, set here on Cape Cod's National Seashore.  A #1 Amazon and B&N Bestseller with plenty of heat-filled scenes to balance out the ones that will send a chill up your spine!


To get into the "spirit" of the weekend (haha, see what I did there?), I'm posting both one of my favorite recipes for contributions to cook-outs, and a short excerpt from Gull Harbor - part of a scene where Max and Claire stop fighting their attraction and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Max still can't share his reasons for abandoning her so long ago, but psychic medium Claire is dealing with a very disturbing haunting, and she finds herself leaning on her former boyfriend for support.  And Max still feels the need to take care of her, even after all these years - so he's brought lunch for her from the local tavern he owns.  This scene sets up their date for the 4th of July - and there are plenty of fireworks on that night - overhead and between the two former lovers!  

           “A picnic on the beach is perfect.  It’s better than dinner and a movie.”

            He held out his glass, touching it to hers.  “To our first date.”  His eyebrows pulled together behind his sunglasses.  “That sounds strange, given our history.”

            She smiled as she sipped.  “We were never what you’d call traditional, anyway.”

            “How’s this for traditional—let me take you to see the fireworks on Wednesday night.  I know you’ll be at Dan’s cook-out for dinner, but I think I’ll be okay to leave the tavern by 7:30 or so.  Can I come and steal you away?”  He leaned back on one elbow and flashed her a lazy grin.  “There’s a great spot to watch them from over by the lake.  It’s very secluded; none of the tourists even know how to find the trail to get there.”

            A flood of heat that had little to do with the warm July sun surged through her.  How was it that this man aroused her so?  She could feel the sexual tension between them, thick and heady.  “I’d love that,” she said softly, dipping her head down to hide her flushed cheeks.  

A little teaser from later that night...

Want to keep reading?  Or, you can listen now as well--Gull Harbor is an audio book too!  Links below:
Amazon -- Kindle, Print, Audible

iTunes -- e-book

iTunes -- audiobook
B&N -- Nook

And, as promised:

Recipe ~ Linguine with Tomatoes and Basil

1 lb Brie cheese, rind removed, torn into small pieces
4 vine-ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup fresh basil, torn into strips
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ pounds linguine
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine cheese, tomatoes, basil, EVOO, and garlic in a large bowl.  Cook pasta according to directions, drain and immediately add to bowl, tossing to allow cheese to begin melting.  Add salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Happy Reading and Happy 4th!

Steamy + Haunting Read + a #Recipe for #4thofJuly! #FourthofJuly Cape Cod #IndependenceDay

Cape Cod National Seashore

Who's ready for the Fourth of July celebrations?  Here on Cape Cod, the summer season officially kicks off this weekend, and things get a bit hectic!  As usual, we have a house full of guests, and plans for the beach, cookouts, and fireworks.  And while on the beach, I'll be doing my favorite thing - reading!  If you need a great page-turning beach read for the holiday, try GULL HARBOR - a spooky ghost mystery mixed with steamy second-chance romance, set here on Cape Cod's National Seashore.  A #1 Amazon and B&N Bestseller with plenty of heat-filled scenes to balance out the ones that will send a chill up your spine!

A dangerous ghost and an ex-boyfriend await Claire in Cape Cod's Gull Harbor...

To get into the "spirit" of the weekend (haha, see what I did there?), I'm posting both one of my favorite recipes for contributions to cook-outs, and a short excerpt from Gull Harbor - part of a scene where Max and Claire stop fighting their attraction and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Max still can't share his reasons for abandoning her so long ago, but psychic medium Claire is dealing with a very disturbing haunting, and she finds herself leaning on her former boyfriend for support.  And Max still feels the need to take care of her, even after all these years - so he's brought lunch for her from the local tavern he owns.  This scene sets up their date for the 4th of July - and there are plenty of fireworks on that night - overhead and between the two former lovers!  

           “A picnic on the beach is perfect.  It’s better than dinner and a movie.”

            He held out his glass, touching it to hers.  “To our first date.”  His eyebrows pulled together behind his sunglasses.  “That sounds strange, given our history.”

            She smiled as she sipped.  “We were never what you’d call traditional, anyway.”

            “How’s this for traditional—let me take you to see the fireworks on Wednesday night.  I know you’ll be at Dan’s cook-out for dinner, but I think I’ll be okay to leave the tavern by 7:30 or so.  Can I come and steal you away?”  He leaned back on one elbow and flashed her a lazy grin.  “There’s a great spot to watch them from over by the lake.  It’s very secluded; none of the tourists even know how to find the trail to get there.”

            A flood of heat that had little to do with the warm July sun surged through her.  How was it that this man aroused her so?  She could feel the sexual tension between them, thick and heady.  “I’d love that,” she said softly, dipping her head down to hide her flushed cheeks.  

A little teaser from later that night...

Want to keep reading?  Or, you can listen now as well--Gull Harbor is an audio book too!  Links below:
Amazon -- Kindle, Print, Audible

iTunes -- e-book

iTunes -- audiobook
B&N -- Nook

And, as promised:

Recipe ~ Linguine with Tomatoes and Basil

1 lb Brie cheese, rind removed, torn into small pieces
4 vine-ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 cup fresh basil, torn into strips
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ pounds linguine
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine cheese, tomatoes, basil, EVOO, and garlic in a large bowl.  Cook pasta according to directions, drain and immediately add to bowl, tossing to allow cheese to begin melting.  Add salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Happy Reading and Happy 4th!

#Romance + #Ghosts for #July4th! #4thofJulyWeekend #mustread! #CapeCod

Happy 4th of July weekend!  Here on Cape Cod, the summer season officially kicks off this weekend, and things get a bit hectic!  This year, we actually don't have a house full of guests, but we've still made plans for the beach, cookouts, and fireworks.  And while on the beach, I'll be doing my favorite thing - reading!  If you need a great page-turning beach read for the holiday, try GULL HARBOR - a spooky ghost mystery mixed with steamy second-chance romance, set here on Cape Cod's National Seashore.

A dangerous ghost & an ex-boyfriend await Claire in
Cape Cod's GULL HARBOR...
A #1 Kindle Bestseller!

To get into the "spirit" of the weekend (haha, see what I did there?), I'm posting a never-before-posted excerpt from the book - part of a scene where Max and Claire stop fighting their attraction and enjoy a picnic on the beach.  Max still can't share his reasons for abandoning her so long ago, but psychic medium Claire is dealing with a very disturbing haunting, and she finds herself leaning on her former boyfriend for support.  And Max still feels the need to take care of her, even after all these years - so he's brought lunch for her from the local tavern he owns.  This scene sets up their date for the 4th of July - and there are plenty of fireworks on that night - overhead and between the two former lovers!  Enjoy and Happy 4th :)

           “A picnic on the beach is perfect.  It’s better than dinner and a movie.”

            He held out his glass, touching it to hers.  “To our first date.”  His eyebrows pulled together behind his sunglasses.  “That sounds strange, given our history.”

            She smiled as she sipped.  “We were never what you’d call traditional, anyway.”

            “How’s this for traditional—let me take you to see the fireworks on Wednesday night.  I know you’ll be at Dan’s cook-out for dinner, but I think I’ll be okay to leave the tavern by 7:30 or so.  Can I come and steal you away?”  He leaned back on one elbow and flashed her a lazy grin.  “There’s a great spot to watch them from over by the lake.  It’s very secluded; none of the tourists even know how to find the trail to get there.”

            A flood of heat that had little to do with the warm July sun surged through her.  How was it that this man aroused her so?  She could feel the sexual tension between them, thick and heady.  “I’d love that,” she said softly, dipping her head down to hide her flushed cheeks.  

And then, later, after the fireworks display, more heat:

Steamy Romance + Spooky Suspense makes a perfect weekend read!

Want to keep reading?  Links are below!

KINDLE

NOOK

IPAD

Favorite Spots on Cape Cod #CapeCod #MarthasVineyard #vacation

I’ve done a few posts on my favorite spots on Cape Cod, and I like to think I have a little expertise in this area, having lived here year-round for the last 18 years.  I covered some of these places in this post in 2014, and I dedicated an entire post to visiting Cuttyhunk in this post in 2015.

Whenever we get together with our best friends, we schedule crazy weeks of fun things to see and do, and usually get into some kind of trouble along the way (see Adventures in Ziplining and Three States inTen Days).  They just left after visiting for a week, and once again, we kept up an exhausting pace, rewarding ourselves with wine each evening.  While a few of the days were repeats of our favorite activities covered in the 2014 post, we hit a few new spots as well, so this post will cover the best of the new.

The Gingerbread Houses of Oak Bluffs -
it really does feel like being in a fairy tale

Instead of taking a day-trip to Nantucket this year, we journeyed to Martha’s Vineyard.  The ferry ride from Falmouth took only about 30 minutes, and we arrived in Oak Bluffs before 10:00 a.m. and strolled through town, making our way over to the “Gingerbread Houses”.  This grouping of brightly colored, elaborate cottages is really something to see.  Apparently the history behind these houses dates back to the late 1800s when Methodists meeting on the Vineyard each summer began building tiny houses instead of using tents. Then it grew into a friendly contest to outdo each other in terms of how ornate they could make each cottage.  They are adorable, and many of them have themes and names.  I love cats, so one of my personal favorites was the cat-themed cottage:

I have 2 black cats, so I loved this one.

A neighboring house has a cute
little clue to the famous lot.

We then picked up two rental jeeps to maximize our site-seeing and pretty much drove the perimeter of the island.  Near the East Chop Light House, we found the lot where the Brody house was located during the filming of Jaws.  The house itself has been completely reconstructed, and looks nothing like it did in the movie.  But a neighboring house provides a clue via a sign reading “Little Jaws”.

Menemsha is a scenic little fishing village that also provided local flavor for Jaws.  From there, we continued on to the clay cliffs of Aquinnah and Gay Head Light House.  We stopped to see South Beach and admire the huge waves before heading to Edgartown for shopping and dinner by the water.

Menemsha - Quint's boat left from here in Jaws.

The clay cliffs of Aquinnah & Gay Head Light.

Over a thousand acres of dunes takes the breath away.

Another day trip we’ve done before is Provincetown, but this time we did something new – a tour of the dunes with Art’s DunesTours.  It was truly unbelievable to see the acres of pristine sand dunes stretching out to the sea.  This area is part of the federally protected Cape Cod National Seashore, and only a few vehicles are allowed to drive back there; in stark contrast to the boisterous crowds of Commercial Street, we saw almost no people.  There are a few small shacks back there, most of which are federally owned and offered through a lottery to artists and writers…should I apply?  While the solitude amidst stunning wilderness might make it the perfect spot to write a new ghost story mixed with steamy romance, I’m afraid being that isolated might send me over the edge!  One other caveat: no plumbing or electricity.

The Popponesset Spit - it's never usually this crowded,
but 4th of July is a bit crazy - and fun!

We spent the actual 4^th on the Popponesset Spit, a long peninsula of beach accessible primarily by boat (a long walk can get you there too if you know where to park, but it’s very hard to find a spot).  This “spit” of land separates the bay from Nantucket Sound, and all types of boats tie up along the bay side and set up camp on the beach.  A large network of waterways offers kayakers plenty of areas to explore.  This is one of our favorite places on the Cape, and the Spit actually makes an appearance in HAUNTED SOULS.

If there’s a visit to Cape Cod in your future, check out some of these places!  And if there isn’t, you can still experience the area in both GULL HARBOR and HAUNTED SOULS – two steamy reunion romances mixed with spine-tingling ghost mysteries.  Happy summer and happy reading!

Visit Cape Cod for Steamy #Romance + Spooky Suspense #July4th Weekend! #FourthofJuly

A dangerous ghost and an ex-boyfriend await psychic Claire
Linden in Cape Cod's GULL HARBOR...

Of my four novels, two are set in the summer (Gull Harbor and Silver Lake), one is set in the fall (Divine Fall), and my most recent is set in the spring (Haunted Souls).  That wasn’t by design, really, although warmer months do lend themselves to some sultry scenes.  And with the upcoming holiday approaching, I realized that both Gull Harbor and Silver Lake have some pretty pivotal—and yes, sultry—scenes that occur on the Fourth of July.  Gull Harbor in particular…see the picture above for clues.  Those fireworks happen after the actual fireworks, and of course it all happens after weeks of mysterious haunting activity by the poltergeist Claire Linden has come to drive away.  Gull Harbor is a fictional town on Cape Cod, but I envisioned Wellfleet and the National Seashore as I wrote it, so readers get to visit the Cape while they experience the steamy romance as well as the spooky suspense! 

A haunting, an old flame, and
secrets from the past...SILVER LAKE

Fourth of July in Silver Lake finds four friends reunited at a lake house, working on reestablishing a friendship that unraveled when their friend Brandy disappeared their senior year of high school.  Rain Anderson is determined to find out what really happened before Brandy’s mother loses her battle with cancer…and she’s also hoping to gain Jason’s forgiveness after the heartbreak she caused five years ago.  When Rain and Jason find themselves alone of the beach after the fireworks, they both start to let down their guards.  But will Rain and Jason get a second chance at first love before a desperate spirit tears them apart again…forever?

Both have been #1 Kindle Bestsellers, so pick one (or both) up for your holiday weekend, and you’ll have some page-turning beach reads ready to go.  Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

GULL HARBOR

SILVER LAKE