Monday, February 10, 2014

The Calico Heart - Teaser Tuesday

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THE CALICO HEART by co-authors Patricia Kiyono and Stephanie Michels tells the story of a long-term marriage facing major changes.

I enjoyed this book because it explores:
- Differing expectations in an otherwise happy marriage 
- The challenges of retirement
- Quilting

Although the story revolves around an older couple, it will appeal to anyone who has faced the stress that change can bring to a relationship.

This is the first book in a new series - 
"A Stitching Post Romance" - so we'll have more to look forward to from Patricia and Stephanie. Book Two - THE FRIENDSHIP STAR QUILT - is scheduled for release this spring by Astraea Press. 

TEASER: 
She'd always wanted to travel but had never been farther from Grand Rapids than a few camping weekends on the shore of nearby Lake Michigan. Still, she had no regrets. She and Dave would have the time to travel once they both took their early retirements. 
(From 1% on my Kindle - Yes, I stretched my excerpt to three sentences this time, but one of them is really short!)

Genre: Women's Fiction / Sweet Romance
Number of Pages: 178
Amazon Link: THE CALICO HEART
More Books by These Authors: 
Patricia Kiyoto 
Stephanie Michels

SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
On the surface, Sylvia Miller has a perfect life. She’s married to her college sweetheart, has three great kids, a rewarding career, and wonderful friends. But beneath the appearances, Sylvia is restless. She loves her husband, but wants to see more of the world than their peaceful Michigan town. For years, she’s dreamed of the interesting places she wants to visit. Now, their youngest child is grown, and Sylvia is ready for adventure. 

Left a penniless orphan, David Miller promised himself his family would never know the same humiliation. For twenty-six years, he and Sylvia have lived frugally, saving for the future. Now, Dave is on the brink of a promotion that will ensure their financial security, but Sylvia wants him to retire and travel with her. 

When Dave refuses, Sylvia decides to go alone. But it’s a decision that could cost them much more than money.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away -- you don't want to ruin the book for others)
  • Share the title and author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers
  • Leave a comment on MizB's Teaser Tuesday post (HERE) and include your link so everyone can find your post.

55 comments:

  1. As I get older, I am especially drawn to stories about retirees and their issues. This one is going on my list. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. This couple is taking early retirement, so they aren't elderly! They're both active, vibrant characters who have experienced an unexpected difference in their goals -- after many years of marriage.

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  2. This one sounds interesting.
    Here is my teaser!
    http://mytime2read.blogspot.com/2014/02/teaser-tuesdays-is-weekly-bookish-meme.html

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  3. Wow! I know a million couples whoa re in this same sort of position right now...this should be an interesting read! Ok...maybe not a million couples, but quite a few :)

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    1. I thought the same thing.. too many wait too long.
      Like my mom and dad said, 'go while you've got the health!'

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    2. I thought it was interesting that even though this couple has been married for many years and has had a happy marriage, something comes up late in their relationship to challenge that. The authors did a great job of showing what was going on with both the wife and the husband.

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  4. Great teaser! This seems like an interesting read. Thank you for stopping by.

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  5. Great Teaser! I should check out this book, as we get older, our marriage seems to be getting rockier than easier:(

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

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    1. In that case, you'd definitely enjoy this book!

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    2. Hi Heather,

      I can relate to what you are saying too. It seemed as though we were settling down into a comfortable routine which would see us through to old age together, but it is amazing how a chain of events can change everything and turn your world upside down.

      Yvonne

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  6. Sounds good, Sandra -- glad you enjoyed! My teaser: The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts.

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  7. It sounds like a great read that could apply to many generations as we all can face differences in expectations. I do hope you enjoy this read.

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    Replies
    1. You're right. It's a good story with appealing characters and how they handle their changing relationship.

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  8. The differing expectations sounds like it stems from communication problems which happens so often to so many of us. I don't think I'm ready to read this one yet. ;o) But, it sounds like a great book. Enjoy!

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    1. Communication is a big part of their problems. It was interesting to me to see how the characters reacted to unexpected conflict.

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  9. Sounds good. Its not my normal genre but if the book is good Id read it :) Thanks for sharing.

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  10. What a great concept for a book. Those of us who are older can identify.

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  11. This looks good. Keeping upbeat and positive is always a good thing.
    Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week, Sandra.

    Kay @ Love Bites and Silk

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  12. I am a retiree, and when we retired we moved 850 miles away from where we lived all our lives... We have been here 16 years and lovin' it! This sounds like my cup of tea. Thanks for the visit today.

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    1. I think you'd like this book. No sex, violence, or profanity but it's got plenty of real-life drama. I'm glad you're enjoying your retirement!

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  13. Ooh nice tease! This is totally new to me!

    Don't feel bad about breaking the rules either! It's a miracle when I can follow the rules with my teasers! Sometimes I even do multiple teasers! ;)

    Thanks for visiting my blog!

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  14. Great teaser! I think it's important to make your marriage a priority and not push everything you want to do until you're retired. I can't wait that long! :) Thanks for visiting me today!

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  15. I always say I'd like to do a lot of travelling when I retire, we never did as a young couple. I'm also interested in crafts, so this would make a very good read for me (I cross stitch and knit) Thanks for your visit :)

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    1. Sounds like you'd like this book. Unfortunately, we don't know what our health will be like when we reach retirement age, so I saw travel while you can!

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  16. Nice teaser and a good way to start a book :) Thanks for sharing!

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  17. Hi Sandra,

    I am not sure whether this is a book I should be reading, or not!

    Whilst not quite at that age just yet, carcks are beginning to appear in the expectations of how life together should be, but I guess that circumstances rather than any real differences between us, are to blame.

    Given that your teaser is from quite early on in the book, it sets the scene really well.

    Thanks for sharing,

    Yvonne

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. My husband has recently retired, and it has been quite a change; but we're doing okay.

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  18. I also plan on traveling more once my kids are grown and I retire.
    Here is mine: http://wp.me/p3o4kN-N0

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    1. That sounds like fun! My husband just retired and we plan to travel too -- after he takes some time to just catch his breath.

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  19. I'm not sure if I'd like this book or not. I think I'd have to read further.

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  20. The setting is close to me, so that appeals to me.

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    1. I enjoy reading stories that are set near where I live or where I grew up. But then I also like to read about places I'd like to go too!

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  21. I'm curious now. I was born in Flint, Michigan and visited Grand Rapids many times. It'll be fun to read a story that's set in my old stomping grounds.
    Mine is from I kissed a Dog - http://fuonlyknew.com/2014/02/12/teaser-tuesdays-57-i-kissed-a-dog/

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  22. This sounds like fun. I could definitely imagine readers relating to this. Here's Mine

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  23. Interesting teaser. Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my blog.

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  24. I'm glad she has no regrets! They say when you're younger, you regret actions but when you get older, you regret not doing. Hope you're enjoying it.
    Thanks for sharing & stopping by Book Munchies (:

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    1. I read THE SAMURAI'S GARDEN by Patricia Kiyono and enjoyed it, so I was pretty sure I'd like this book too. I was right!

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  25. I like that you list why you enjoyed the book. That's interest me more than the tease!

    Trish - My teaser

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  26. This sounds like a book I'd enjoy.

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  27. Nice teaser. Thanks for sharing!

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  28. Ummm..that sounds interesting! I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for stopping by my TT @ Addicted Readers! Happy Reading! :)

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  29. This is the type of story I enjoy reading from time to time as it reflects the concerns of many women.

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    1. Yes, it does. We can plan for the future, but that doesn't mean it's going to turn out as we expect!

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  30. That teaser actually made me a little bit sad! But that's all because of my personal experiences, though, and one of those always tells me to grab every single opportunity I have to do things with the people I love - not to put it off until later...

    Thanks for sharing, Sandra.

    Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews

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    1. Good advice.
      Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.

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  31. Yep, early retirement is the way to go!
    http://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com/2014/02/11/teaser-tuesday-february-11/

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  32. Nice teaser :) Thank you for sharing!

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  33. Nice Teaser! Thank you for stopping by my post!

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