ribbons of scarlet | excerpt + giveaway

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about the book

A marriage in crisis. A betrayer in the wings. A life at stake.

Harriet Duval has it all—a handsome French husband, a delightful young daughter, a successful career as a professional ballerina behind her, and a beautiful future in a charming village in the English countryside. Even her beloved sisters can’t see the painful truth she hides beneath her perfect mask…

Successful businessman Leo Duval is at a breaking point physically, emotionally, and spiritually as he is forced to harbor secrets in Paris while his marriage in England dissolves before his very eyes.

The magnetic pull of Harriet’s old dancing life and the shocking murder of a Swan Lake ballerina causes her to question everything: faith, future, family. When the killer begins targeting the Duval family, Leo and Harriet’s vulnerable marriage is tested by an unimaginable traumatic event. Will the guilt they carry divide them when they need each other most?

publisher: mountain brook ink

release date: july 5, 2026

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other books in the series

captured in frame

the final word

excerpt

“You okay?” Leo whispered from behind her, close enough she could smell the intoxicating woodsy-citrus blend of his cologne, even in the smoky air. “That didn’t look like it was a good phone call.”

“It was awful, actually.” Harriet didn’t move from her spot on the lawn. Didn’t face him. She hugged herself and let out a shuddering breath.

“I know you are upset with me, Harriet, and I don’t blame you.” He touched her shoulder. “I only want to help. Can you tell me what the call was about?”

She closed her eyes. “It’s Stephanie. Officer Parker says she was poisoned.”

Leo groaned and wrapped his strong arms around her. No words were necessary.

Harriet turned and slid into his embrace the way she had done a thousand times before. Theirs was a perfect fit. She rested her face against the smooth wool of his coat and soaked in his strength, this man who knew her better than anyone. He would keep her and Lucy safe physically—even in his weakened state, she had no doubt. But emotionally? The jury was still out on that one after his bombshell news earlier, and there was not enough space in her heart or her mind to figure everything out tonight.

A sudden explosion caused them both to jump.

about the author

A multi-award-winning Christian author, Laura Thomas writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, Christmas novellas, teen fiction and children’s books, as well as her non-fiction writing.

Laura is a certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog!

Connect with Laura by visiting laurathomasauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and an ebook copy of Captured in Frame!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 13, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 20, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

tour schedule

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