Summer Days: Fool's Gold Book #7

Summer Days is Book #7 of the Fool's Gold Series.  I thought I would take this time to introduce the books in the series for those who have not read any of the books. If you have not read this series, you can start here or exactly anywhere in the series.  Susan Mallery wrote this series as Stand Alone books so you do not need to read them in order.  

Synopsis:(From Goodreads)

"New York Times "bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a new Fool's Gold trilogy featuring three rugged cowboys who will find love in the unlikeliest of places.... Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to-the Castle Ranch in Fool's Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could've prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he's finding Heidi-and life as a cowboy-much more compelling than he wants to admit.

For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she's always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won't give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less...wholesome.

As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they'll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

Something for You:

1. Why did Rafe Stryker did not want to return to Fool's Gold?
2.  How did Heidi meet Rafe?
3. Did you feel bad for Heidi or Rafe about the situation they were in?
4.  Do you believe that what Glen did was wrong? Why?
5.  How does Heidi know Rita?
6. Are you on Team Heidi or Team Rafe? Why?
7.  Did you love the ending? 

Keep on Reading Fool's Gold Books!

Melissa

National Day of the Cowboy!!

National Day of the Cowboy is today, July 28th.  This is found out by one of my fellow Cheerleaders, Brenda, who also made the horse in the photo above.  Isn't she talented?  I think so & I know you think so, too!!

I wonder what Shane would think of The National Day of the Cowboy!  I think he would go!  I think he would tell Annabelle "Let's go check it out!"  She would want to go, too.  Wait, I think Shane would want to be involved, too.  Shane is a cowboy!  

Back to the National Day of the Cowboy, I was looking for the history of this day & I did find it.  It is very long.  I am not going to copy it here.  You will need to go to this SITE to read it there.  My favorite quote is:

In the words of the former President Bush, "We celebrate the Cowboy as a symbol of the grand history of the American West. The Cowboy's love of the land and love of the country are examples for all Americans."

There is also a Facebook Page along with photos & more.  Here is a 4 day weekend including a video Click HERE.

Don't forget that All Summer Long comes out in 3 days.  If you haven't brought either Summer Days, Summer Nights, or All Summer Long, I have the links for Amazon & Barnes & Noble below.  

These 3 Fool's Gold Books are coming out:
Summer Days (May 29): Amazon Here/ Barnes & Noble Here.


Summer Nights (June 26): Amazon Here/ Barnes & Noble Here .


All Summer Long (July 31): Amazon Here/ Barnes & Noble Here.

Keep on Reading Fool's Gold books!

Melissa

Elephant

We are now in Fool's Gold.  I just saw an elephant at Castle Ranch.  It took me by surprise.  I took a photo!  So cute!

Keep Reading Fool's Gold Books!


In Summer Days, May brought a elephant.  
Why do you think she did this?

(Remember this is a Fictional town. We recently moved about 30 minutes from where we were living.  Well, it was over my older 2 Christmas break.  Long story why it was then.  It was to be next week!  I am glad it isn't because I could not be doing this.)

Bookmarks for the Fool's Gold Books!

If you want one of these bookmarks, please let me know.  I will mail you one or 2.

Here is what one of the bookmarks look like:  

The back has Summer Days, Summer Nights, & All Summer Long on it.

Keep on Reading Fool's Gold Books!

Melissa

Susan Mallery Q & A on Summer Days

I wanted to share this with you all.  Jenel, Susan Mallery's, Awesome Assistant told us Cheerleader that we could post it on our blogs.  I am a little late though.  I think.  I hope you take the time to read this.  It is a Question & Answer with Susan Mallery about Summer Days, Us Fool's Gold Cheerleaders, & her next book coming out on June 26 called Summer Nights.

Keep on Reading Fool's Gold Books!
Melissa  

Susan Mallery Q&A on SUMMER DAYS (Fool’s Gold Book 7)

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery has entertained millions of readers with her witty and emotional stories about women and the relationships that move them. Publisher’s Weekly calls Susan’s prose “luscious and provocative,” and Booklist says, “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.” Visit Susan online at www.susanmallery.com.

Tell us about SUMMER DAYS.

SUMMER DAYS is the perfect beach read. It’s funny, romantic, sexy, and it’s light both in tone and in actual weight – you can toss the paperback into your beach bag and go. (It’s also available wherever ebooks are sold.)

Heidi Simpson had a vagabond childhood with her grandfather. The one thing she wanted most in the world was a home of her own. Now, in her late 20s, she finally has one, but her ranch is put on the line by a scam her grandfather pulled in order to pay for a friend’s surgery. Rafe Stryker is the son of the woman whose money was stolen, and the first of the Stryker brothers to move to Fool’s Gold. He’s on a tear when he arrives, determined to protect his mother’s interests at all costs.

Since possession is nine-tenths of the law, neither is willing to leave the ranch until a judge can decide the matter. Sparks fly right from page one between Heidi and Rafe! The people of Fool’s Gold take sides in a pretty hysterical way.

You can find SUMMER DAYS wherever books are sold – bookstores, online, even the grocery store check-out line. You can read a free excerpt on my website, www.susanmallery.com or in the free app for iPhone and Android (www.mobileroadie.com/apps/susanmallery).

Who are these Fool’s Gold cheerleaders I keep hearing about?

Oh, the cheerleaders are beyond fabulous! This year’s squad is made up of 60 Fool’s Gold super fans who are earning prizes all summer for telling other readers about Fool’s Gold. They’re driving around with Fool’s Gold car magnets, wearing Fool’s Gold T-shirts, handing out bookmarks like candy to everyone they meet.

For those of my followers who have never read a Fool’s Gold book, tell us about the small town known as the Land of Happy Endings.

SUMMER DAYS is the seventh book in my series set in fictional Fool’s Gold, California. Fool’s Gold is a small town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. It’s a quaint place where people truly support each other – mostly with casseroles. And margaritas. Women rule in Fool’s Gold. For many years, there was a man shortage, which is just now beginning to level out, thanks to the town’s efforts to bring in some pretty spectacular men.

Fool’s Gold is the most popular series I’ve ever written. In fact, last year, one of the Fool’s Gold books hit #3 on the New York Times and #8 on the USA Today bestsellers lists. Those were personal bests for me and very thrilling.

Each book is written as a standalone, which means that you can jump in and start with SUMMER DAYS, and you won’t feel lost or confused. While previous characters make an appearance, you don’t need to know their stories to understand this one.

Why did you decide to write about three cowboy brothers?

With each year’s Fool’s Gold books, I try to create heroes who represent iconic male archetypes. The men of Fool’s Gold have been athletes, businessmen, pilots, surgeons. Each is a leader, powerful in his own way. His strength goes deeper than the physical. He does what’s right even when it’s not easy. When he falls, he falls hard… and he loves forever.

This summer, three cowboy brothers will ride into Fool’s Gold on horseback in SUMMER DAYS, SUMMER NIGHTS, and ALL SUMMER LONG. The Stryker men represent everything I love about a cowboy hero. They are protective, honest, tall and strong. And wow, do they do nice things to a pair of blue jeans!

Since this is Fool’s Gold, these cowboys come with a special twist – humor. Rafe is undone by Heidi the Goat Girl. Shane has to teach the local librarian how to do the ancient Dance of the Happy Virgin – while riding a horse. And Clay, the youngest, made his fortune as a Hollywood butt double.

What’s next for Fool’s Gold?

In SUMMER NIGHTS (July), Shane Stryker will meet Annabelle who, oh my WORD, do I love! Annabelle is my gift to all the librarians who have supported me so wonderfully over the years, putting my books into readers hands with a fervent, “You’re going to love this!” Annabelle is a librarian who defies the stereotypes – she’s fashionable, modern… a dangerous, pint-sized sexpot, as far as Shane is concerned. He’s completely undone by her the first time they meet, so much so that he can’t even remember his own name.

Then comes Charlie, to be paired with Clay in ALL SUMMER LONG (August). Oh, Charlie. She’s so tough and oh, so wounded. She’s got that hard-as-nails firefighter exterior, but when it comes to matters of the heart, she is as vulnerable as they come. Something happened in Charlie’s past that has made her afraid of intimacy with a man. She’s the kind of person who tackles her problems head-on, much to Clay Stryker’s delight

Summer Days is #5 on New York Times!!

How exciting is this!!!

Congratulations to Susan Mallery!!  

Whoo hoo all the Fool's Gold Cheerleaders, too!!!

Summer Days is #5 on the New York Times Bestseller List!!

Keep on Reading Fool's Gold!!

Melissa

Cowboys are coming!

Cowboys are coming! 

When you think of Cowboys, how do you picture them?  

I think I know what you are thinking!  The Cowboys are sitting on a horse with a cowboy hat on! Looking all cute! Right?  Tell me I am right?  Now, tell me what color horse & hat?  Black for both?  White for both?  Or a mix for both?  I am forgetting 1 thing!  The cowboy boots!  Cowboys have to wear Cowboy boots!  Right?  

The Cowboys are Coming to 3 of  Susan Mallery's books.  Summer Days just came out on May 29, Summer Nights comes out June 26, & All Summer Long comes out July 31.  Are you pre-ordering them?  I did!  Summer Days is a great book!  I can not wait to read the other 2!  

Summer Days

Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to – the Castle Ranch in Fool’s Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could’ve prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he’s finding Heidi – and life as a cowboy – much more compelling than he wants to admit. For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she’s always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won’t give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less…wholesome. As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they’ll discover that summer love can last a lifetime. (From Goodreads)

Summer Nights

Horse whisperer Shane Stryker is done with passion. This time around, he's determined to meet someone who will be content with the quiet life of a rancher's wife. And the fiery, pint-size redhead who dazzles him at the local bar definitely does not fit the bill. Small-town librarian Annabelle Weiss has always seen herself as more of a sweetheart than a siren, so she can't understand why Shane keeps pushing her away. Shane has formed the totally wrong impression of her but only he can help her with a special event for the next Fool's Gold festival. And maybe while he's at it, she can convince him to teach her a few things about kissing on hot summer nights, too-some lessons, a girl shouldn't learn from reading a book!  (From Goodreads)

All Summer Long

Can a summer fling turn into love that lasts a lifetime? Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he'll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool's Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his own. But he's frustrated to discover that even in his hometown, people see him only for his world-famous...assets. Firefighter Chantal (Charlie) Dixon grew up an ugly duckling beside her delicately beautiful mother, a feeling reinforced long ago by a man who left soul-deep scars. Now she has good friends, a solid job and the itch to start a family-yet she can't move toward the future while she's haunted by painful memories. Clay finds an unexpected ally, and unexpected temptation, in tomboyish Charlie, the only person who sees beyond his dazzling good looks to the real man beneath. But when Charlie comes to him with an indecent proposal, will they be able to overcome their pasts and find a love that lasts beyond one incredible summer? (From Goodreads)

Keep on Reading Fool's Gold Books!!
Melissa

Book Review of Summer Days: Fool's Gold Book #7

Here is my Review of "Summer Days" by Susan Mallery.  I did not read an e-book for this one, but a regular book because I received a signed copy from Ms. Mallery since I was picked to be one of her 2012 Fool's Gold Varsity Cheerleaders.  I am so excited! She is my favorite author.  It is hard to believe I just started reading her books a year or 2 ago (I would have to look it up on GR).  The first book I read was in the Lone Star Series (Book #1- Under Her Skin), which I loved, but when I got to the Fool's Gold Series, I fall in love with her writing even more.  I hope if you do not read Susan's books, then you go get them especially Fool's Gold.  They are available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble. 

I really loved Summer Days!  Susan Mallery did it again!  Another great read!  This is a great book that can be read along with the Fool's Gold series or alone.  If you are looking for a good/great romance book, then this is it!  A great beach read!  I wish I could read a book on the beach, but I have to settle for a rainy day!!  


When I first met my husband, I was told that if he takes care of his mom, then he is a keeper.  Well, Shawn did take care of his mom & he is a keeper!  Rafe takes care of his mom!  Rafe Stryker had to return to Fool's Gold because of his mother.  He would do anything for her.  He did not want to go back there.  Why?  (Read the book to find out)  Heidi Simpson finally has a home of her own at Castle Ranch.  Her grandfather, Glen,  worked in the Carnival & they moved from town to town.  She wanted Castle Ranch.  She loved her home.


Spoiler Warning: If you have not read this book, stop!  Read the book before reading the rest of my review!!


Love how the book starts with Rafe meeting Athena, who was in the middle of the road, blocking Rafe's Mercedes to pass.  Do you think she knew what he was doing to Heidi?  Heidi's grandfather stole $250,000 from May so he could get the cancer treatment for his best friend.  May was thinking she was buying Castle Ranch, which was where her & her family lived long ago as she worked as a housekeeper & the owner promised the house & everything to her when he died.  May says "This is where we were happy as family." (page 59)  I think May is trying to recreate happy family memories.  She does not speak to her daughter.  I think she desperately wants that time back when all of her children were in her lives & in each other's lives.  It is very important to her.

                                                                 Source: foolsgoldca.susanmallery.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I love Mayor Marsha!!  "Fool's Gold needs men like you. (Rafe)" (page 96)  She is right, but is he going to be taken?  I love how Mayor Marsha knows all!  She reminds me of Gibbs from NCIS, only my favorite show ever!  Gibbs knows all, too.  Do they both bug the town (Mayor Marsha)/office (Gibbs) or do they know how to get information from others without that person knowing what they are doing?  


Ethan says "People say that a lot around here, and yet they never seem to leave.  You might be more 'back' than you think, Rafe." (page 123)  Isn't that what Josh said?  He never left!  I am sure there were others besides him.  Tucker's assistant (I can not remember his name) was in town on Janack's business, but I don't think he ever left.  Did he?  


Best Glenn quote is "I'm not.  I promise you that,  She (May) gets to me and I can't let her go.  I don't want to lose her, Heidi.  And I won't.  Trust me.  Just Trust me, little girl." (page 144)  I can understand why Heidi did not trust her grandfather.  He taught her that love wasn't real, but those who did fall in love were suckers.  Poor Heidi! Thinking & believing that love is one way, but then to be told by the person, who taught you about love, that he is wrong what love is, has to be hard.


Heidi talking to Rafe "You're a prude.  You're embarrassed by what Clay does so you don't talk about it." (page 146)  I like Heidi because she tells it as it is.  She reminds me of my sister!! Rafe thinks if his siblings are not making money, then they are wasting their life.  Clay is upcoming in one of the new books coming out this summer.  It is All Summer Long.  I can not wait!!  


Best Charlie quote is "That's generally how it (kiss) starts.  She's my friend.  Don't make me hurt you." (page 156) Charlie talking to Rafe about Heidi.  Girlfriends will always look out for one other when it comes to guys.  When a guy hurts their friend, that guy better not be around!  Another great Charlie quote is "But, you're stuck with us.  We're like weeds in the lawn.  You might think you've gotten rid of us, but we just bounce right back."  (page 346) I absolutely love this quote.  Girlfriends stick together!!  Always!


Best Nina quote (Nina is Rafe's Matchmaker) is "You're wrong.  Love isn't about being sure. Love is about risking it all.  The only way to be truly in love is to give with your whole heart.  To put it out there and be vulnerable.  To offer all you have without knowing if it will be enough.  Love is standing naked in front of the world and announcing 'this is who I am' then waiting to be accepted or not."  I love this quote.  She tells Rafe as it is, too.  She is right!  


Best Rita's quote (palm reader & friends with Heidi) is "To get your heart's desire, you're going to have to be willing to take a leap of faith.  To be vulnerable."  I truly believe this quote.  Rita read Rafe's palm, but I am not going to tell you what happened.  Instead I will share a story with you all.  In College, I had a palm reader read my palm.  I was told not the next guy, but the following guy is the guy I will marry, we will have 1-2 kids.  The following guy is the one I married.  If I did not get hurt (long story), we would only have 2 kids.  Ethan is our miracle!  Has anyone had their palms read?


I left a lot out on purpose because I want you to read the book!  When I tell you Summer Days is good, I mean VERY GOOD!!  I am looking forward to reading it again!  If you have not read any of the Fool's Gold books, then you can start reading this book now.  It is not like other series where you have to read them all to understand things.  


Keep on Reading Fool's Gold!
Melissa


P.S. Something for you:
1. Why did Rafe Stryker did not want to return to Fool's Gold?
2.  How did Heidi meet Rafe?
3. Did you feel bad for Heidi or Rafe about the situation they were in?
4.  Do you believe that what Glen did was wrong? Why?
5.  How does Heidi know Rita?
6. Are you on Team Heidi or Team Rafe? Why?
7.  Did you love the ending? 

Guest Bloggers

I am looking for Guest Bloggers to review the book, Summer Days by Susan Mallery.  I would also welcome Guest Bloggers to review  the other books in the Fool's Gold series.  Thanks!


I would love to see what you think about these wonderful books in the Fool's Gold Series we all love so much!


Leave a comment here or  Email Me Here 
if you are interested.  Thank you!

Keep on Reading!
Melissa 

Day 3 of Cheering!!

Ethan & I was out yesterday cheering, we have no photos from our day out!  Barnes & Noble did not have Summer Days in stock.  I was so disappointed.  I went into Barnes & Noble thinking this will be a lot of fun!!  This is good though!  They sold out!  Right?  Our Barnes & Noble is a 30-40 minute trip from us.  Depending on traffic.  I wish it was closer.  I could not get there until Friday.

Ethan & I did have a good day!  

We got Noah his bike!

I forgot to tell you about a chat I had with 2 ladies at Sam's Club.  Ethan had a hot dog.  Well, we waited for the ladies to make it.  I asked them if they read Romance books.  A lot of time I have been getting that they don't have time to.  I think we need to make time to read Romance novels especially Susan Mallery.  I told the ladies about Fool's Gold, about the 7 books that are out now, & the 2 that are coming out this summer.  I handed out bookmarks & tattoos!!  The one lady said she is going to read the Fool's Gold series!  She told me about her favorite author, Robin Carr, & told me about her favorite series from her.  When I don't have any books from Susan to read, I am going to check out Robin & this lady is going to do the same with, but with Susan!! Win-win!!  The other lady is going to give the bookmark & tattoos to her granddaughter who loves to read.  I told them I will be in often to see if more books comes in & I will be putting bookmarks so if they want to chat some more, I will back.  

I just pre-ordered Summer Nights & All Summer Long for my ipad using the Kindle app.  I have Summer Days for the Kindle app already.  I have to have all the books as e-books!  The first 6 will get lonely if the set is not complete!!

I am thinking of  having a contest to win a copy of Summer Days (book copy) soon.  I need to figure out how to do this since this is my first time ever doing this.  

Keep on Reading!

Melissa

Cheering!!

Home after cheerleading for my favorite author, Susan Mallery, & I wanted to share with all of you about our day!! I took my 3 year old, Ethan, with me since my husband, Shawn, took our other son, Noah, to his MRI & to his ortho appointment (both went well).   We went to 5 different locations! 3 out of 6 had Summer Days!  Ethan was a great helper!  He was helping put bookmarkers into the books!!


Before we left, we had to get the Great looking Fool's Gold Magnet onto my van!!  =)  I love the saying "Read. Laugh. Love."  It is almost like my other favorite saying Live Laugh Love.  I believe in both of these sayings!! 

Close up of the magnet!  Isn't it cute?  I love the book covers for each of the new books coming out by Susan Mallery.  We have Summer Days that came out today!!  Summer Nights that is coming out on June 26th & All Summer Long that is coming out on July 31st.  I can not wait to read the last 2.  My review of Summer Days should be up within a week.  

My first stop today was Books A Million.  The sales clerk there was very nice.  We chatted about why I was there.  I explained I was a 2012 Fool's Gold Cheerleader, that Susan started this a few years ago (I think 2) to advertise her books.  I told him that this was the first year that our area is being chosen for this opportunity.  I asked if they are expecting anymore of Summer Days in stock & he said he is not sure.  I will be checking back with him to see.  The sales clerk still had to put Summer Days out onto the shelf to sale.  

Ethan & I went to Target.  The sales clerk here was great!!  I can not remember what Target calls their sales person on the floor!  I used to work for them a long time ago when I was in college.  He showed me where Summer Days is located & said that he does not think they are anywhere else (he was right).  Ethan helped me again getting everything we needed to put into the books!  Best stock so far!

Ethan & I went to Walmart next, but I could not find Summer Days on the shelf.  I spoke with the book rep at Walmart about Summer Days being in stock.  She feels that it was due to the holiday.  Another store in my area also did not receive Summer Days.  We also spoken about Summer Days, & the other Fool's Gold books & she is going to read FG!! =) I told her all about the series & Summer Days. I have had other book conversations with this lady before, but first time about FG! I have to go back Thursday to put the bookmark in since they did not get their shipment.  On Thursday, I will talk some more to this lady.  I may even write down this blog address for her so she can get some information about the series!  

Sam's Club did not have Summer Days, which really surprises me.  They normally have all the new releases.  I spoke with someone about getting it in.  I will be checking back in with them later in the week.  I also went into a grocery store to see if they have Summer Days & they did not.  I waited in line to talk with someone, but the lady at customer service was too busy filling up the cigarettes & Ethan was starting to act up so we left.




Ethan & I took a little detour in our cheering!  We went to the grocery store to get a few items.  It was close to where we were.  Ethan was getting tired & whiney!  


Our last stop for the day was Walgreens!  They were great there!  Books are right up front.  I never known that.  I do not go into Walgreens that much.  

I still have Barnes & Noble, which is about 30 minutes from me.  I can not wait to go there.  It is my favorite book store!  I also have this small book store in our downtown area, which I have never been in.  I think I have not been in it.  Plus go back to Walmart.  

Ethan & I had a lot of fun cheering!!

Keep on Reading Fool's Gold Series by Susan Mallery!!

Melissa

Heidi & Her Goats

I went to the library the other day & I was looking for dog training books!  I was in the wrong area.  I even asked for help from the librarian!!  I was too far too the left.  I did find the dog training books finally.


Do you see what I see?  

Do you think Heidi would love these books?  One can never stop learning!  May love these books, too, since she is getting involved in Castle Ranch (Fool's Gold Book #8, Summer Days, Coming out May 28th).  May might get ideas from the chicken & pigs books & her son, Rafe, & Heidi might not like it at all!  At all, Heidi is raising goats & nothing else!

What do you think May might add to the mix?  

Chickens? Pigs? Horses? Cows?

Keep on Reading

Melissa