Hello, I’m Sandine Tomas and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to tell you about my new holiday novel, Santa’s Last Gift, by giving you an exclusive excerpt. Plus, there’s an opportunity to win a free e-book copy at the end!
The holidays mean different things to different people. To my character, Sebastian and Matthew they represent a time to reconnect and appreciate the family they have both come to love.
Enjoy an excerpt:
Cheryl took up the conversation. “There is a holiday event in town for New Year’s Eve. It’s not sponsored by Waterford….” She tossed a narrowed gaze at her daughter. “It’s a dance and silent auction for charity.” She looked at Matt. “Matt’s sculpture and figurines bring in the most money, of course.” She smiled at Chance. “Our resident princess calls it our ‘New Year’s Eve Ball’.”
Pushing her empty plate away with a low groan, Stephanie patted her inflated stomach. “Ugh. That was too good.” She returned to the topic. “It started three years ago. I told you we created that committee, remember?”
Baz tipped his head to the side, considering, “The Chamber of Commerce charity group?”
“Yep,” Stephanie said, popping the P.
“Steph thought up the dance idea,” Cheryl offered.
“Where do you hold it?”
“The Elk Lodge donates their space.”
Baz arched a brow, lips in a moue.
Matt nodded. “I know, you’re remembering that old wood building not looking like much. But we light the place up, and Ma can do wonders with inexpensive tulle fabric we get in bulk.” Matt grinned. “I bet you got your party skills from her.”
Blushing, Cheryl dipped her head. “I don’t know about that.”
“Don’t get bashful. You make it magical.”
He turned to Baz, forcing his tapping foot still with an internal scold. “We usually all go together. You’ll come, right?”
Bug-eyed, Baz dropped the bread he’d been holding. “What?”
“Of course he’ll be there,” Steph assured, before turning to Baz. “I mean it’s New Year’s Eve. You’ll love it.”
“I don’t dance.”
Steph was having none of that and rolled her eyes. “As long as you don’t judge us too harshly, Mr. Event Planer. Because, let me tell you, we’ve more than held our own. We’ve come up with a new theme each year and try to one-up ourselves.” Steph’s voice got animated. “We hired a new caterer this year and booked a live band instead of a DJ. I’ve been using social media. If we turn it into a must-go-to-event, if we raise the bar, then we’ll attract more donors and not only townsfolk.”
“All the money we raise goes to Holiday Helpers. They provide food for the needy all year round. Matt’s been helping them out for years.”
Face warming, Matt felt all eyes on him. He fought the stammer in his voice. “Nobody should be hungry ever. But around the holidays… well, it’s worse somehow.”
The intensity of Baz’s gaze caught Matt’s breath. “Guess I’m going to a ball.”
Giveaway Offer
What do the holidays mean to you? Tell me in the comments and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a free e-book copy of Santa’s Last Gift! Please provide contact information.
Santa’s Last Gift Blurb
The greatest gift might be what they already have.
After years away building his career, event planner Sebastian Chesnut returns to his small hometown of Fir Falls to reconnect with his mother, sister, and young nieces before his job takes him to London.
He doesn’t expect to find his high school boyfriend, Matty, has become a virtual member of Seb’s family. Back then, Matty only offered a casual relationship, but Seb fell hard, and history is soon repeating itself. Seb’s afraid to hope for a second chance, no matter how much they’ve grown and despite the family they share. Instead, he focuses on creating a last perfect holiday, which won’t be easy with his sister’s ex planning to take the girls over Christmas.
Seb and Matty might not know what to do about their feelings for each other, but one thing’s for sure—it won’t be Christmas without the kids. Can these star-crossed lovers pull off a holiday miracle?
Sandine Tomas Bio
Sandine Tomas grew up an unapologetic bookworm, making friends with characters from the ancient past to the farthest reaches of the universe. Her career as a marketing writer has given her insight into the divergence between what a person thinks they want and what they truly need. Relationships are at the heart of her writing, and she enjoys creating characters who become so real that their stories beg to be told. Writing allows her to explore people and ideas from all sides, spinning a notion around like a gem until its facets glisten.
Twisting the old adage about writing what you know into writing what you feel, Sandine doesn’t shy away from raw emotions, turbulent circumstances, and above all, deep passions, fueled by humor, honesty, and trust. She enjoys instilling her characters with the flaws, courage, and idiosyncrasies that brings them to life.
Sandine lives in New York with her husband, daughters and a Golden Retriever puppy named Noodle. An unabashed TV and film enthusiast, she happily binge watches her favorites until her eyes glaze over. Her other guilty pleasures include attending fandom conventions, sleeping in on weekends, and recharging solo by holing up with a caramel macchiato and an amazing book.
If you’d like to chat, reach out to her on Twitter @SandineTomas or on her website https://sandinetomas.wordpress.com.
Contact Info
Website: http://sandinetomas.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandineTomas
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sandinetomas
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sandine.tomas
Email: sandinetomas@gmail.com
Santa’s Last Gift Buy Links:
Dreamspinner: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/santas-last-gift-by-sandine-tomas-11320-b
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YVNFZT3
Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/2K8kMeD
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