About the Book
Book Title: Scandals and Mercies
Author Name: Kathleen Rouser
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: April 23, 2024
He’s a reporter determined to uncover the truth, but the secrets he finds could crush her family—and their second chance at love. Taken from her family’s farm to be raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle, Nora Armstrong has accepted that not only will she never realize her dream of becoming a teacher, she’d also rather be a spinster than submit to her cruel aunt’s society selection of a suitable husband. The one man who caught her eye betrayed her best friend. And she’s got enough on her hands, hiding her sister’s shameful secret from her aunt.
When the local home for unwed mothers burns down, the arson investigation brings big-city reporter James Cooper back to Stone Creek—and back into Nora’s life. James also has a meddling aunt who raises more questions than she answers about his past. Not to mention, he can’t figure out why Nora constantly rebuffs him. When his reporting casts aspersions on the local church and lays the blame for the fire and a series of robberies at the wrong feet, he risks losing his new position at the paper.
As they seek to unravel the town’s mystery, rescue endangered mothers and children, and navigate their own family secrets forced to light, James and Nora increasingly turn to each other for help. But can they overcome James’s lack of faith and the disapproval of Nora’s guardians to find a second chance at love?
Book Excerpt 2
When a squeak sounded under her light tread, she stopped and leaned back against the oak banister. Soft whiffling snores echoed off the high ceilings and came in concert from Aunt Gertrude’s and Uncle Edmond’s separate bedrooms. Ten more steps to the bottom of the grand staircase and she should make it without disturbing them.
“Miss?” Wrapped in a plain shawl, Eliza, the elderly maid, stood poised to defend herself on the edge of the shadows with a vase clasped tightly in her hand. Her white braid shone in the moonlight.
Nora put a finger to her lips. “I’m going for my morning walk early. Lots to do today.” She carried the sack beside her as she reached the Persian rug at the bottom of the stairs.
“With that?” The maid pointed.
“Oh, this? I thought I’d drop off some old gloves at the box outside the church. Please, don’t wake my aunt and uncle. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Her dishonesty sent a twinge of pain through her conscience.
“I suppose, miss.”
“Thank you.” Nora gave the older lady a peck on the cheek and caught Eliza’s smile in the dim light.
Missed Any Excerpts:
Excerpt One: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2024/05/scandals-and-mercies.html
Excerpt Two: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2024/05/23/scandals-and-mercies-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Three: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2024/05/celebrate-lit-presents-scandals-and_20.html
Excerpt Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2024/05/epic-book-launch-scandals-and-mercies.html
Excerpt Five: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/scandals-and-mercies-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/scandals-and-mercies-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Seven: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/scandals-and-mercies-epic-book-launch/
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About the Author
Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.
lakesidelivingsite 
Thank you for sharing this excerpt from my novel, Scandals and Mercies. Much appreciated!
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