Hallie Reads: once upon a horse | excerpt + giveaway

about the book

In the charming Heavenbrooke county, where country life meets big-city dreams, 28-year-old accountant Stella Barkley is about to discover that sometimes love arrives when you least expect it.

After a flat tire leaves her stranded on the side of the road, a handsome stranger comes to her rescue—Dr. Jason Alba, a dedicated veterinarian with a heart as big as his ambitions. Their initial encounter sparks an undeniable connection, aided by Stella's spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Milkbone, who takes an immediate liking to Jason thanks to his pocket full of treats.

As their paths intertwine, Stella finds herself drawn to Jason, despite their differing views on farm life and future aspirations. Their budding romance takes unexpected turns, especially when a mysterious missing horse from a local breeder, Enrique Rodriguez, complicates matters.

When Thanksgiving arrives, Jason becomes Stella's unexpected hero, saving her from a culinary disaster and charming her city friends with his warm spirit. But just as their relationship begins to flourish, a crisis emerges in the barn: the missing mare, Starling, is discovered in distress, leading Jason to perform a life-saving surgery that brings them even closer.

However, secrets and misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart. Stella’s desperate attempt to protect a champion mare sends her on a collision course with both Jason and Enrique, forcing her to confront her choices and the future she thought she wanted.

When Stella realizes that her life in Heavenbrooke may be over, she pens a heartfelt goodbye letter to Jason, leaving it at the church where their story began. Alone on Christmas morning, she grapples with loneliness and regret, only to be surprised by the appearance of the man who stole her heart.

Can a simple letter and the magic of Christmas lead them to a second chance? Will they find a way to bridge the divide between city and country, love and loyalty?

Join Stella and Jason on a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and the enduring power of second chances in Once Upon a Horse. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, this tale of unexpected connections and the bonds we forge will leave you believing in the wonder of love.

publisher: everwind press

release date: november 15, 2024

goodreads | amazon

excerpt

Between introducing Milo and Lili to their new home and taking care of Starling, the rest of the day flew by. Stella was ready for bed less than an hour after sunset. The tiny meows from the box in the kitchen prompted her to find one more ounce of energy. “All right then, let’s give this a try.” Stella set the cats in the litter box. “You better do your business first. One accident in my bed, and you’re going back to Jason.” To her surprise, both cats pawed the sand and used the box.

“Good job.” Stella caressed the little orange boy while the other feline trotted across the kitchen floor, leaving bits of sand in her wake. “I should have called you Gretel.” She carried her new soft friends into the bedroom.

Milkbone sat still on the quilt, then tilted his head.

“No nonsense,” Stella added in a stern tone. “That applies to all three of you,” she said, looking at Milkbone before laying the cats beside her pillow. She watched them stretch and carefully sniff him.

Stella slipped under the quilt and patted the blanket. He stared at the cats.

“Come on.” Stella tapped the blanket again. The kittens were curling up against the spare pillow. “See? I didn’t give away your favorite spot.”

He circled around several times and plopped next to Stella’s left knee.

“Thatta boy.” She gave him a little head rub before switching off the lamp. Stella closed her eyes and was off to dreamland.

Something wet touched her nose, startling her from a dream involving a handsome veterinarian. Her fingers found Lili. But where was the second one? Stella picked up her cell phone and let the soft glow illuminate the bed. Milo was snuggled against Milkbone, sleeping. Stella set Lili down next to them.

“Go to sleep.” She turned off the light on her phone. As she dozed off, she felt the soft movements as the kitten gingerly walked across the quilt and snuggled against her chest. A tiny noise escaped the little cuddly creature, and Stella realized with a swell of her heart that the little girl was trying to purr.

Stella stifled a yawn. As soon as she moved, three pairs of eyes were on her. Milo got up first. He purred and pressed his furry little body against her cheek.

“Good morning to you, too.” Stella lifted him with one hand and gave him a chin rub. Lili stretched her front paws and yawned. Then Milkbone licked her face.

So much love. Love.

Her heart skipped a beat.

about the author

Helena Smrcek is an award-winning author, screenwriter, public speaker and writing coach. From her romantic suspense series to women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and humor, and her latest favorite, dual timeline historicals—like a box of chocolate truffles—she loves them all. With a passion for storytelling sparked by her grandparents, Helena Smrcek weaves heartfelt tales that explore themes of faith, love, and redemption.

Connect with Helena by visiting helenasmrcek.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of all 3 books in the Alicia Yu FBI series plus Once Upon a Horse!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Winner location limited to where Amazon will ship. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

tour schedule

justread publicity tours