Hey, everyone! Today I have the privilege of welcoming back Staci Troilo to my blog. She is a good friend, fellow author, and contributor at Story Empire.
I’m always excited when she has a new release. I’m confident you’ll enjoy No Such Luck. If you’d like to check out my five-star review, just click here.
But for now, please give a warm welcome to Staci.
I’m grateful for the invitation here today, Joan. Hi, everyone. Thanks for taking a few minutes to chat with me about my new release, No Such Luck. It’s a short, seasonal clean romance just right for this time of year.
Piper Seidel is home for the holidays. A stroke of bad luck has her there a bit earlier than expected, and nothing has gone right since she arrived, but she’s there. And she’s looking forward to the holiday traditions of her youth. But even Christmas tree shopping doesn’t go smoothly. It’s a good thing her stepmother is overbearing—and sends her best friend to the rescue. The following excerpt gives a glimpse into how things don’t go according to plan.
Excerpt:
“Who cuts the tree, Piper? You or Frank?”
“Dad. Why?”
Jack stepped closer. When he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper, so low that she had to lean in to hear him. “Do you really think that’s a good idea?”
“That’s tradition.”
“That isn’t what I asked.” He looked toward where her father stood, still on the phone.
Piper thought back to Dad’s flushed complexion and wheezing breath on his way up the mountain. Maybe him down in the snow, struggling with a handsaw wasn’t the best idea. Dragging a tree down the hill probably wasn’t, either.
To Jack’s credit, he didn’t say anything else. He scooped the saw from the ground where Dad left it, knelt in the snow under her “perfect” tree, then began sawing. When the tree started falling, she stood and watched it.
“For God’s sake, Pea, move!” Jack lunged at her.
He tackled her into a snow drift just in time. They only got scraped by the top needles of the tree.
“What on earth are you thinking?” Jack asked.
“I don’t know.” Breathless, she gazed into his eyes. Got lost in them. Finally, she blinked. Cleared her throat. When she continued, her voice was husky and low. She barely recognized it. “The tree is so pretty, I can’t stop looking at it. And you cut through the trunk so much faster than Dad does, I just wasn’t prepared for it to fall so soon.”
Jack stared at her for a long moment, then shook his head.
Despite the bad luck Piper’s suffering since losing her good luck charm, she’s lucky to have a friend like Jack.
I hope you enjoyed that quick sneak peek. No Such Luck, the first installment of the Keystone Couples series, is available now on Amazon.
Blurb
Seeds of luck usually wither. The rare one grows and blooms.
Piper Seidel has one thing going for her—a red carnation given to her by Tommy Burnett in the tenth grade. It might have dried over the years, but it’s still her good luck charm. Losing it sets her life in a downward spiral, forcing her to return to her hometown where she comes face to face with her high school crush.
The years have been kind to Tommy, who looks better than ever. Unfortunately, Piper is at her worst, continually embarrassing herself whenever he’s around. The only plus? Her long-time friend, Jack Rhodes, still lives in town. Since she last saw him, his legs have grown longer, his biceps thicker, and his shoulders broader. He was always the brother she never had, but now she can’t help noticing him in an unsisterly way. Jack is every bit as caring as he’s ever been—until her bad luck drives him away, maybe forever.
Piper needs a new good luck charm, and fast, before she loses her final chance at happiness.
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68 Responses
I’m enjoying following the tour and loved the story. I related to this excerpt. I would be the one looking at the pretty tree too and not reacting as I should be. Thanks for hosting, Joan 🙂
That would be me as well. Awkward. Thanks for stopping by, Denise.
I’ve actually done that, Denise. Not to the point that I needed to be tackled out of the way, but to the point I needed to be yelled at. Trees are just lovely, especially when kissed with snow. Thanks so much for the kind words.
Reblogged this on anitadawesauthor.com.
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A total pleasure to reblog this wonderful new release from Staci!
Thanks for the share, ladies!
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I really appreciate that. Thank you!
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Aw, Piper kept the flower all these years. Good blurb!
My mother kept flowers. She would press them in wax paper.
Staci has a winner on her hands here. Thanks for stopping by, Priscilla.
I have a few special flowers that I’ve pressed and kept for decades. Somethings are just hard to part with.
Thanks, Priscilla.
I enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for hosting, Joan. Congratulations to Staci!
This is a very enjoyable read, Jill. Thanks for visiting today.
Many thanks, Jill.
Wonderful showcase, Joan. My heartfelt congratulations to Staci for this latest story, which I’ve just finished and thoroughly enjoyed. 💗
Aww. Thank you so much, Gwen. I’m glad you liked it!
It’s a great story, Gwen.
Good excerpt. Enjoying the tour.
Much appreciated, Craig.
Thanks for stopping by, Craig.
Congrats to Staci on a great review. I enjoyed this read. Lovely post. Thanks for sharing, Joan 🙂
Thanks so much, Harmony.
I enjoyed it as well, Harmony.
Joan, thank you so much for hosting me today. I always get such a warm welcome here, and I truly appreciate the kindness you and your readers show me. ❤️
It’s always a pleasure to have you. And please know you’re welcome anytime.
Jack sounds like a good “friend” to have around. Looking forward to reading this one, Staci!
I could definitely use a friend like him. 😉
Thanks so much, Teri.
I agree. Jack is the kind of friend anyone would be glad to have
This book is sitting on my Kindle, but it’s not behaving well at all! It’s CALLING to me to put down the book I’ve been trying to finish for days, and start on this one immediately! 😉 I’m beginning to think I’m going to have to do that VERY soon! And I’m sure I’m going to enjoy it, based on the excerpts I’ve seen so far. 😊
Thanks for having Staci here today, Joan, and wishing you huge success with this one, Staci! 🤗💖
I’m sorry my story is misbehaving. That wasn’t my intent. Thanks for your interest, though! 💕
Apology accepted. I have finally convinced it that I will read it very, very soon, so it’s quiet for now. 😁
I’m glad it calmed down. I’d hate to think it’s been unruly.
It had good reason. I forgive it. 😄
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Thanks for stopping by, Marcia, and for your support. I think you should listen to the book’s call.
I enjoyed reading your five-star review at Amazon – sounds like a wonderful story…
Thanks so much, Quincy. I was over the moon with her review.
it must be a great feeling to read such a review – congratulations!
It warmed my heart. Thank you.
Thank you, Jim. The review was well deserved.
I read No Such Luck last night. It’s such a delightful romance, and perfect for this time of year with its holiday setting. The Christmas tree scenes were some of my favorites in the book.
Congratulations, Staci.
Thanks for hosting, Joan!
That was my favorite scene to write. Well, one of two favorites. I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks so much, Mae.
I loved those scenes as well, Mae.
I have this on my Kindle. Looking forward to reading it. Best wishes, Staci. Thanks for hosting, Joan.
I appreciate that so much, Beem. Thank you.
It’s a fun read, Beem!
How wonderful to see Staci here today with her new book! I loved this excerpt! I will be reading this one SOON!! Congrats, Staci! Thank you, Joan, for hosting!
I’m so glad it piqued your interest, Jan. Thank you!
You’re in for a treat, Jan.
Really enjoyed this novella. Jack’s a keeper!
Thanks, Judi. I’m rather fond of him, too. 💕
He is that, Judi!
A super excerpt. Best wishes, Staci. Thanks for hosting, Joan
Many thanks, John.
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Thank you for visiting, John.
Staci, this sounds like a fun read. Great excerpt.
Joan, thanks for featuring.
Thanks for visiting, Sandra.
I hope readers find it fun. Thanks so much, Sandra!
Great to see Staci’s book here, Joan. I have it in my kindle and look forward to the read. Congrats, Staci. 🙂
It’s one I think you’ll enjoy, Diana. Thanks for stopping by.
I have to finish her sci-fi, and your book is waiting for me too. I need a 10-day week. 🙂
I know the feeling!
That’s so kind, Diana. I wish there were more hours in a day, too. I fear I’ll never catch up! Many thanks.
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