Book Blitz and Giveaway - Christmas Spirits: An Ash and Cole Adventure by Dakota Star

Title: Christmas Spirits: An Ash and Cole Adventure
Author: Dakota Star

Publisher: By Quill and Lantern Publishing
Publication Date: November 15th 2022

Print Length: 196 pages
Genre: Holiday Romantic Thriller

~

Ash has always felt at home in the small town of Humble, Connecticut, especially for the holidays. After her husband’s death, she never thought she’d love again, but then Cole Whelan arrived. His good looks and haunted hazel eyes were impossible to ignore, and their passion put an end to her simple, ordered life. This year, she can’t wait to celebrate with hot chocolate, a tree to decorate, and presents, lots of presents.

But when Ash stumbles into a cave and a corpse during a run, Christmas turns into crisis. There’s a killer on the hunt, and she’s his next target. With the snow falling, Ash hosting for the holidays, and another mysterious murder, will all hope of holiday cheer be trashed like old wrapping paper?

**The eBook is only 99¢ for a limited time!**

Goodreads * Purchase Links
—
EXCERPT:

“Can I help?” The stranger’s voice hit her like a heavy stone and her heart fluttered in fear.

Ash met the man’s gaze. He had on a dark baseball cap, sunglasses that shielded his eyes from the winter sun, a puffy olive green winter coat, and a black scarf pulled over his chin. It was hard to make out more than large hands and thin lips set in a smile.

“I think I’m okay,” she stammered.

“I don’t mean to be disparaging, but you appeared to be a little stuck.” She peered around the parking lot for Cole. “Let me just get the cart started. Then you can take over. I promise not to steal your groceries.” He put a hand on her cart handle.

She shifted to the side, not sure what else to do. There was nothing to fear with so many people milling around the public parking lot. This man wanted to help. Ash was sure it was fine, but one minor part of her wasn’t convinced, causing her heart to hammer in her chest.

The stranger backed the cart full of groceries an inch before pushing it forward. He was strong enough to keep it on track and it rolled into the parking lot.

“Where am I going?” he asked.

Ash pointed toward Cole’s truck and the two walked silently through the parking lot and away from most of the chaos and people.

Paranoia set in. Would he force her into a car?

Maybe she needed to see someone professional like a therapist. The man was obviously only trying to help. That’s how people were in small towns, yet Ash’s head hurt and nausea rose.

They reached the truck, and the stranger asked. “Do you want me to help you unload the packages?”

“Sorry.” Cole’s voice cut through the parked cars to reach her. “Contract negotiations.” His gaze traveled the length of the stranger.

“She was having problems with the cart,” the man answered his unasked question.

“Thank you so much.” Ash said, equilibrium restored with Cole’s arrival. “I really appreciate it. We can take it from here.”

“No worries, happy holidays.” He left with a quick wave.

“You, okay?” Cole asked.

“I think the whole killer in town thing is getting to me. Everyone seems dangerous.”

“It’s good to be cautious.”

“But not paranoid.” Ash grabbed a grocery bag.

---
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dakota Star lives in Connecticut with her husband and two daughters. Both her daughters have finished college and moved away so her dogs, cats, and retired horse now keep her busy. When not outside hiking or horseback riding, she loves to read and travel.

She has worked as an editor, a freelance writer for local newspapers, and an educator at local environmental non-profits like aquariums and The National Audubon Society.

Website * Goodreads *Facebook * Instagram
---
GIVEAWAY:
Win a $20 Amazon gift card!

(All the Ups and Downs is not responsible for this giveaway, its entries, or the prize. Xpresso Book Tours and the author assume all responsibility over this giveaway.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Hosted by