Monday, October 2, 2017

#GiveAway ~ A Priceless Find by Kate James ~ @KateJamesBooks

A Priceless Find
(Camden Falls #2)
by Kate James

About the Book:

Can opposites really attract?

A robbery followed by the discovery of a forgery at a respected art gallery thrusts Chelsea Owens into the center of an investigation headed by Detective Sam Eldridge. The instant chemistry between the high-spirited aspiring curator and the tall, dark, brooding cop is a classic case of opposites 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…

Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 365 pages
October 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Chelsea turned back to the painting. It wasn’t her preferred style, but she recognized the artistic talent. More important, she knew that the Babineux was to Mr. Anderson’s taste. She then studied the abstract next to it.
“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.”
His laugh was warm and masculine at the same time. “I don’t normally, no. And when I do, I tend to like…ah, the more mundane.”
He was standing so close, she could see the faint stubble of a day’s growth of beard, and the fine lines at the outer corners of his eyes and mouth when he smiled. There were a few strands of gray in his black hair. His scent, clean and woodsy, teased her nostrils. She let her gaze slide over him. She was sure there was a fit and impressive body under his conservative suit.
“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.”
His answer perplexed her, but she remained quiet.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d enlighten me about this particular painting,” he said after a moment.
“Of course, Detective. This painting is by Jackson Pollock, who’s among the leaders of abstract expressionism.” Noting his blank look, she went on to explain. “In abstract expressionism, the artist is mostly interested in color, movement and rhythm, rather than trying to depict specific objects. The artists also worked with new ways of applying paint. Pollock, for example, used sticks to fling and drip paint on his canvases. This piece was painted in 1934 and was in a private collection until the gallery acquired it recently through auction.”
“That gives me its history, but tell me about the painting itself. And Sam is fine.”
His blue eyes and the sparkle of humor in them captivated her, and she missed his concluding comment. “I’m sorry? What did you say?”
The smile became a wide grin. “I’d prefer it if you called me Sam instead of Detective.”
“Oh, okay…Sam.”
“Now, tell me about the painting. What is it supposed to be? Aside from blobs of color, I mean.”
Chelsea should’ve been offended by his barely restrained mirth but was instead tempted to laugh along with him. Instead, she ran through the sales pitch she’d developed for the painting. “Well, as you can see, this is a painting of an enchanted forest shrouded in mist,” she concluded and glanced up at Sam.
He was staring at the canvas intently, his brows drawn together, his eyes narrowed. She tried not to feel disconcerted by his proximity.
Finally, he shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t see it at all. This,” he said, pointing, “looks like a sand crab to me, but mostly all I see is spattered paint.”
She was about to point out the key elements of the painting to him, but the absurdity of even trying struck her. “It’s a stylized depiction of the forest,” she conceded.
“Can we at least agree that it’s highly stylized?” he asked.
Now Chelsea did laugh, but quickly clamped one hand over her mouth, her eyes darting around. Satisfied that no one had noticed her outburst, she looked back at Sam.
“Well, am I right? Can you see the crab?” he asked. “I should help you sell paintings here.”
“Don’t quit your day job,” she countered under her breath when two patrons strolled over to admire the Pollock.
“I wasn’t planning on it,” Sam said, as they moved away to give the couple space. “We each have our strengths. Do you have the time—and the patience—to show me around?”
Chelsea heard the humor in his voice again and found herself drawn to him. All their guests seemed to be engaged and enjoying themselves. Mrs. Sinclair and Mr. Hadley were making the rounds, champagne glasses in their hands. Joel, Deborah and Tina were available to address any questions, and it was less than an hour before the auction started.
Happily, she noted that Sold signs had been placed under a few more of the pieces. “Sure. I have some time. What interests you the most?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea!” he said, with a chuckle. “Surprise me.”

* * *
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Other Books in the Series:

A Child's Christmas
(Camden Falls #1)
by Kate James

There's a stranger at the door on Christmas Day… 

Single mother Paige Summerville wants to give her seven-year-old son the Christmas of his dreams. Jason needs surgery to beat the illness that's plagued his young life, leaving Paige desperate to make ends meet. So she turns to a charity that grants the wishes of sick children… 

Then a stranger arrives bearing gifts for Jason—and for her. He's Daniel Kinsley, a lawyer who's grown cynical about family. But his kindness in making Jason's wishes come true offers him more than he ever imagined. Is there room in Paige's heart for a man who could fulfill all their dreams? And not just at Christmas!

Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 376 pages
November 1st 2014 by Harlequin Heartwarming


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About the Author:

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.

Kate would love to hear from you! You can connect with her by email, through her website, her Facebook pageTwitter, or mail at PO Box 446, Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0, Canada.
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Tour Giveaway:

Prize Pack:

- The prize pack includes:
   · Aqua over-the shoulder tasseled bag

   · San Diego K-9 Unit mouse pad

   · Signed copy of Sanctuary Cove

   · Signed copy of The Truth About Hope

   · Singed copy of When the Right One Comes Along, first book in the San Diego K-9 Unit series

   · A pack of three metallic page markers with an inspirational quote on each

   · Pair of heart-shaped earrings embellished with ruby-colored stones

   · Assortment of signed bookplates

   · $20 Amazon gift card

- Prize pack available for Canadian and US residents. Should the winner be international, e-books will be substituted.
- Ends October 11th

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for welcoming me to your blog, Crystal. I hope you and your readers will enjoy A PRICELESS FIND!

    Happy reading!

    Kate

    ReplyDelete