Shannon here: Katie M. Reid shares insight into her Contemporary Romance, A Very Bavarian Summer, with a romantic excerpt. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Sept 2 – 20th win a print copy, U.S. only, plus 3 other titles in my Sept Book Bundle #1. Deadline: Sept 27th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Katie:
The following is an excerpt from Katie M. Reid’s rom com sequel, A Very Bavarian Summer. Throughout this delightful novel the main character, Holly Noel Brigham, and her long-distance boyfriend, Nik Beckenbauer, ask each other twenty questions in an effort to strengthen their communication.
What is My Best Feature? – Excerpt from a Very Bavarian Summer by Katie Reid:
Holly, the tourist, was led by Nik, the local, down the sidewalks of the quaint Bavarian village, her arm tucked in his. As the sun began to set, they strolled past shops, restaurants, and the local Nutcracker museum.
“The office is closed until Monday, but hopefully you can come meet my co-workers over lunch, early next week. I don’t have to work this weekend, thankfully, so I thought we could
explore a few of the gems this area has to offer. We won’t try a big hike yet. You might need to rest more for that.”
“Are you calling me out of shape?” Holly huffed, lightheartedly.
“Not at all, but the hike I have planned takes stamina.” He pointed toward the mountain range in the distance.
“I’m choosing to believe you’re simply being thoughtful in delaying our hike, due to the fact that I’ve had the longest and strangest travel day and need a good sleep.” Holly gave him a
playful jab with her elbow.
“Exactly,” Nik led her toward a bench near the gazebo in the town plaza.
“That was the shortest walk ever. I think you underestimate me.”
“Don’t worry, our hike won’t be short, but this question is burning a hole in my pocket.”
“You’d prefer to stare into each other’s eyes while we answer the question instead of trying to navigate the crowded sidewalks while simultaneously pouring our hearts out to each
other?”
“Something like that.” Nik retrieved the day’s question, before joining Holly on the bench. “What’s my best feature?” He handed her the slip of paper. Holly slipped it into her pocket.
“That’s an easy one. It’s your steely blue eyes. I’ll never forget the first time I saw them—at church of all places. There you were, being introduced to me by your Aunt Claire and I…”
Holly looked away.
“You what?” Nik prodded.
“I quickly found out you were not single at the time, after my imagination got the better of me.”
“We’ve come a long way.”
Holly yawned.
“Boring you already?”
“Not at all, it must be the jet lag talking.” Holly wasn’t entirely sure if it was jet lag or an involuntary deflection to the vulnerability of the moment. Or a bit of both. She repositioned
herself on the bench.
“My favorite feature is your…” Nik leaned in, cupping Holly’s face and pulling her in close. She opened her mouth slightly, not to yawn, but to receive the long awaited reunion kiss.
The tender one. Not too quick, not too long. Just right.
“…it’s your lips.” Nik finished the sentence he had started before. “The curve of your smile…but not only that…it’s the way they pout when you don’t get your way and the way you bite the corner of your lip when you’re concentrating on a painting, or on personalizing an ornament from Neumann’s. It’s the way they round in shock when you’re caught off guard. It’s…” He leaned in again for a soft, short kiss.
“My lips are your favorite feature?”
“I hope that doesn’t sound shallow, I promise, it’s not. They are the gatekeepers to your thoughts, your joy, your sorrow. I want to be a part of it all, Holly Noel.”
No words formed, but a smile did.
“See, there you go again.”
“Nik, did you read that quote somewhere?”
He sat back, “What the gatekeepers thing? Nah, that was an original.” Nik ran his finger through his dark, wavy hair. Perhaps that was his form of deflecting the palatable vulnerability in their tender
exchange.
If Holly sketched them on the bench—after the hug, the meal, the walk, the kiss—she would subtly add a word, carved into the bark of the tree branch overhead. This word, like a banner above them, encompassed Nik’s expression and Holly’s emotion in this moment—contentment.
Reader Question: In A Very Bavarian Summer, Holly and Nik ask each other twenty questions to
grow their relationship. Which question would you add to their list?
Sept Book Bundle Giveaway #1
A Texas Bond by Shannon Taylor Vannatter, print, Contemporary Romance
Sharktooth Island by Susan Page Davis, Linda Fulkerson, Elena Hill, and Deborah Sprinkle, print
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge: A Biography for Children by Susan Braun, ebook
A Very Bavarian Summer by Katie M. Reid, US. Only, Contemporary Romance, print
Katie M. Reid is the author of Made Like Martha, God, What Do I Do? and A Very Bavarian Christmas. A dynamic speaker, Katie inspires audiences around the country. She enjoys skipping the small talk and asking meaningful questions to help others grow. Katie has a Master’s Degree is Secondary Education and is a fan of iced tea, sunny days, and daily walks with her family. Sign-up for Katie’s “Good News-Letter” on her website, connect, & learn more:
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About the book – A Very Bavarian Summer:
Holly Noel Brigham is thrilled about her boyfriend’s upcoming visit to Bavarian Falls. What could go wrong?
Navigating a long-distance relationship is no picnic. Work demands, a wildfire, and insecurities threaten Holly’s and Nik’s summer plans and future goals.
What was supposed to be a season of carefree dates and tender kisses is complicated by unexpected loss, a surprise visitor, and the pressure of the Christmas in July Festival.
In an effort to strengthen their relationship, Holly and Nik decide to ask each other twenty questions…
What do you dream about?
What makes you cry?
What are you second-guessing?
What makes you angry?
Why do you love me?
The questions eerily parallel reality, causing a roller coaster of emotions and a high-elevation argument.
Is Holly’s and Nik’s relationship strong enough to endure some twists and turns or is this the end of the road?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you might not win? Interested in Katie’s other titles?
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Thanks so much, Shannon!
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Great one, Kelly!
Wonderful cover!
Thank you, Natalya!
I have a winner for my Sept Book Bundle #1. Kelly V. won the drawing! I appreciate Katie for being my guest and everyone else who stopped by.