Cozy Christmas Reads: Tanya's story

Excerpt from Chapter One of "To Gain A Bodyguard" by Tanya Eavenson

The vanity lights from the hotel room accented the highlights in Madi Reynolds’ blond curls. Fingering them, she turned her head to the side and practiced an alluring bat of her lashes.

She was an ICE agent for Homeland Security, but first, she was a woman. Today, she would use both to uncover where a local pimp named Prince was hiding the girls he’d bought through a sex-trafficking ring.

Madi had her own girls, also undercover agents, in four major cities. They knew her as Constance. According to intelligence she was a player, but tonight’s meeting would be her first reach into Atlanta.

After taking a tissue from the box, she blotted her tawny lips, admiring the lace trim on her neckline where the digital mic would capture her conversations. She inhaled a long breath and tossed the tissue into the waste basket.

From the moment she’d woken, she couldn’t shake the feeling something was off. She rehearsed how the next few hours would go—where she’d sit, what she’d say. So much hinged on the outcome of this meeting.

A text came through her cell. Hey, Madilyn, I’m coming to town and hope to see you before the wedding.

Why was Asher texting her now?

She muted her phone and ignored the message. Bowing her head, she let a prayer form. 

Lord, give me the words, and the—

Two knocks sounded.

“Amen,” she whispered, then put command in her voice. “Who is it?”

“Covington.”

“Enter.”

The door gave its typical creak as it opened. Brice Johnson stepped into the room, stowing his key card inside his dark jacket.

Madi caught a glimpse of the Glock in his side holster and wished she were wearing hers, but there was little room after she poured herself into this dress.

She met his haunting blue eyes and her heart jarred at the intensity of his gaze. To most, he was a war veteran. Undercover, he was Constance’s bodyguard. But to Madi… She wasn’t sure what they were to each other.

A look in his expression made her pause.

Whatever was behind those eyes, his gaze had yet to waver, but hers fell away. She reached for the two-carat diamond earrings and slipped them on. “Is everything set?” She lifted the box that held the matching diamond necklace and opened it gently, hoping he couldn’t see her nervousness. She was never nervous. What was wrong with her? This meeting was too important. Lives of children were at stake, and she had to play her cards to perfection.

“Everything is set, but there’s been a change.”

“Oh.” She began fastening the necklace, her fingers fumbling with the clasp.

“You’ll be with Agent Scott.”

She flinched as Brice took a step closer and slid her long curls over her shoulder.

“I know you’ve been uncomfortable around him lately, but I need to make sure there aren’t any surprises.” He took over fastening the necklace.

“How would you know I was uncomfortable?”

“You bite the inside of your lip.” He lingered for a moment, then laid her hair along her back. “Madi.”

This was the way they were together, him quiet, protective, keeping her at arm’s length. She, on the other hand, found herself breathless in his presence, keeping the hope of them alive.

“Yes?” she whispered, afraid her voice would reveal how his simple touch affected her.

He met her gaze in the mirror once again. “Please be safe.”

“I’ll try.” She swallowed.

Emotion waged within his features as his eyes slid to her neckline. “The wire in place?”

Her pulse quickened and all she could do was nod.

His gaze returned to her face, lingering for a second longer before he turned and left.

Taking in a needy breath, she stared after him.

At times she sensed his mind and heart were untouchable. But moments like these turned the hope of them into unquenchable flames.

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Author Bio: 

Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. 

She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. 

Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. 

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Book blurb for To Gain A Bodyguard:  Undercover ICE agent Madi Reynolds has spent years infiltrating a human-trafficking ring, but when her life is threatened, she is forced to walk away and advised to leave the country. 

Undeterred, she continues her plan to attend her brother’s Christmas wedding, with her partner assigned as her bodyguard. But after seeing Brice care for her niece, she finds it's more than her life that needs protecting. Is there really any defense for the heart? 

War Veteran and ICE agent Brice Johnson has been defending his country and American lives for as long as he can remember. Now, he faces the biggest assignment of his life--protect the woman he loves. He's never been one to run from a fight, but when an old flame butts in expecting a second chance with Madi, and crippling visions of war call out to him, he begins to wonder if surrender is an option after all. 

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Book Review of To Gain A Bodyguard: "Eavenson brings characters to life and includes excitement, romance and action in her latest novella. While some of the themes or situations are not drawn out as long or as deeply as they could be, readers expect that when reading a book of this length. The relationship between ICE agent Madi Reynolds and her bodyguard Brice Johnson is realistic, at times strained and other times emotional. The novella moves at a quick pace and starts the action early on, drawing readers in and keeping them engaged through the end." ~RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars 

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Buy Tanya's book on Amazon 

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Connect with Tanya:

Website - http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Eavenson/e/B00B2UO5TE
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Tanya-Eavenson-129609683872033/
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6913760.Tanya_Eavenson
Twitter - https://twitter.com/tan_eave

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Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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A Prelude to Christmas: Tanya Eavenson's story about Hope

Welcome Tanya Eavenson to the blog today! She's here to share an excerpt from her new Christmas story, To Gain A Mommy. She's also going to give away a copy of her book to the winner of her book giveaway contest! :)

Read the details about Tanya's books below then remember to enter the book giveaway contest by filling out the Rafflecopter widget toward the end of this blog post.

Enjoy! 

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Blurb for To Gain a Mommy (book): When Hope Michaels decides to face her past, she unknowingly purchases the house across the street from her former fiancé—the man her twin sister married, then widowed. Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him—some things never change.

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Review of Tanya's book:"To Gain a Mommy is a beautiful story that was a joy to read. I could not stop until I read the last word and would love to see a sequel to this amazing novella. The characters are realistic and well developed. The past for Hope Michaels and Carl McGuire had to be resolved before their lives could move forward. Add in Carl’s children, Mary and Brody, and Hope’s dog, Goldie, and you have the perfect combination to aid Carl and Hope. There is plenty of action with true to life issues, along with laughter, sorrow, forgiveness, determination, romance, and trust being restored. Tanya Eavenson created a beautiful story filled with grace, mercy, forgiveness and love as Jesus has shown to each one. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read To Gain a Mommy. I look forward to reading Eavenson’s next book or novella." ~Marilyn Ridgway

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Excerpt from Chapter One of To Gain A Mommy:

Carl McGuire smiled and shook his head as his eight-year-old son, Brody, held the sheer curtain and stared out the window at some poor, unsuspecting woman across the street.

Brody pointed, excitement dancing in his wide eyes. “Did you see the dog? He was standing by the palm tree a minute ago.”

“No,” Mary huffed, moving her younger brother to the side, swiping the tan fabric from him. “What does she look like?” She followed his stare out the window.

“She’s golden brown. And how do you know the dog is a girl? You can’t tell from here.”

“I’m not talking about the dog. The lady. What does she look like?”

“Who cares about her? Look at the dog.”

Carl leaned back in his desk chair, setting his phone down. The woman had no idea what she was about to encounter being their neighbor, but if she did indeed own a dog, she’d find out soon enough. Perhaps he could go over and warn her before it was too late. “Why don’t you give our new neighbor some privacy?”

Mary perked up and turned from the window. “I have a better idea. Why don’t we go over and say hi? It’s the neighborly thing to do. Love your neighbor as yourself, you always say.”

How conveniently she recalled scripture when it suited. Only last week she totally ignored his comment to ‘obey your parents.’ Even if there was only one parent, it still applied.

“Yeah, dad!” Brody pushed past his sister to stand near the door, so if Carl agreed, he’d be the first out. “I’m sure she’ll let us play with her dog while she moves her stuff from the truck.”

Carl had actually thought about going over to introduce himself and his children when the moving truck had first pulled into the driveway earlier that day, but several phone calls later, the fire department’s fundraiser was finally underway. As captain, he had an obligation not only to the townspeople and their safety but also to raise money for needed improvements to the fire fighters’ “home away from home.”

He glanced at the list of numbers he still needed to call. “Maybe tomorrow. We can take some cookies or something.”

“But Dad, it’s a golden retriever.”

As if the breed of the dog would change his mind. “Sorry, buddy. I still have too much to do.”

Mary released the curtain. “She has blond hair, but that’s all I could tell.” She rounded the couch and plopped down in the recliner. “You know, if you’d just get him a dog, it might cure his dog fascination.”

“Thank you, Mary. I’ll keep that in mind.” Even though his daughter stayed silent, he sensed she wanted to say more but held her tongue, something she’d been doing more often lately.

Being a single parent wasn’t easy, but he’d always known where he stood with Mary and what was on her mind. Now he wasn’t so sure and it bothered him. She’d be a teenager in less than six weeks and was growing up much too fast. Every day he’d been noticing little things that reminded him of Faith, memories of what he used to have before she was taken in a hit-and-run. Some days like today were painfully real.

“…are you listening? We’re hungry.”

Carl blinked twice, pushing his thoughts away as he glanced at the time on his phone. “What do you want to eat?” He stood and slid his cell into his pocket.

Mary linked her arm through his. “Can I go to Tiffany’s house Tuesday for a sleepover?”

Brody ran past them into the kitchen and opened the freezer. “I thought we’re going to Grandma’s?”

“You are. I’m on shift.” He patted his daughter’s hand as it slid from his arm. “Maybe next week.”

“Why I can’t go? I’m a teenager now. I can take care of myself. Besides, it would be easier for Grandma if I wasn’t there. One less mouth to feed.”

“You know how I feel about staying together while I’m on shift. I don’t have to worry about your safety. And besides, Grandma fixes us food regardless or sends it home with us. Speaking of”—he opened the refrigerator—“are you in the mood for leftovers?”

Brody yanked out a pizza. “How about pizza?”

“Not pizza again.” Mary sank to a barstool. Her lips protruded slightly into a pout.

“Okay.” Brody stuffed the pizza back in the freezer and held out two more options. “We have pizza rolls or pizza pockets. I like either one.”

Carl chuckled, swiping his wallet and keys from the counter. “Grab your shoes. We’ll get something to eat.” He went into his room and put on his running shoes, but as he was walking out, the picture of Faith on his dresser caught his eye. The ache in his chest dimmed over the years, but never quite vanished. She gazed back at him, her smile brilliant. Breathtaking. And a mirror image of—

He shook his head to focus on the present and his two hungry children. Walking back into the living room, he yelled, “We ready?” The front door was open. They must be waiting for him by the truck.

In an instant, an ear piercing scream cut through the air, straight down the center of his heart.

Mary.

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Author bio: 

Tanya Eavenson is a bestselling author who enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. 

Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. 

Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and writes for Christ to the World Ministries. 

You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/ on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google, or on Amazon.

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Buy Tanya's book which is part of the box set "Kisses, Kids and Bundles of Joy: Seven Christian Winter Romances". Purchase it on Amazon ~ iTunes ~ Barnes and Noble

WIN a copy of Tanya's book: a Rafflecopter giveaway