A warm welcome to author Sandine Tomas joining us today to talk about new release “Santa’s Last Gift”.

Check out the post about holidays film, an exclusive excerpt and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Welcome Sandine 🙂

Hello, I’m Sandine Tomas and I’m excited to have the opportunity to tell you about my new holiday novel, Santa’s Last Gift, by giving you an exclusive excerpt. Plus, there’s an opportunity to win a free e-book copy at the end!

 

If you are like me then you appreciate the holidays and all the warmth, laughter and, yes, craziness they can bring. One of the best parts is cuddling under a blanket to watch a holiday film. I thought I’d share some of my favorites and hope folks will share back theirs in the comment so I can discover new ones to watch.

 

1. It’s a Wonderful Life. There’s not much that hasn’t already been said about this 1946 Frank Capra classic. It airs on TV every year for good reason—its message never fades. Be good to one another. Timeless and touching.
2. Miracle on 34^th Street (1947 version). I remember I held off sharing this gem with my daughters until they were older. I didn’t want to shine a light on the question of Santa’s existence! Look up both Macy’s and Gimbel’s to see some great old photographs and appreciate the storyline.
3. The Nightmare Before Christmas. This is my husband’s favorite. Tim Burton creates a fun, visually inspiring romp using stop-motion to its best effect.
4. Die Hard. I say humbug to anyone doubting this film’s right to be on such a list. Yippee-ki-yay!
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 animated TV short). Best 30 minutes spent in front of a television set over the holiday season.

 

One of these films pops up in Santa’s Last Gift! Enjoy an excerpt:

 

They walked in step toward the main entrance. Matt was hyperaware of how close their hands came to skimming as they exited the school and made their way to the guest parking spots. He imagined himself slipping his hand into Baz’s, an impulse which puzzled him because he’d never been a hand holder, thought that kind of romantic stuff belonged to the hetero world. No, not even that, he realized now. He’d dismissed those little gestures as contrived mannerisms that were used to cover insecurity in a relationship. His parents were as close as a couple could be after being together thirty-four years—yet they never held hands.

Matt’s eyes slipped down again to Baz’s hand swinging beside his. Baz’s fingers were long and blunt edged with a light smattering of dark hair skimming the back where his wrist peeked out from his jacket sleeve. He remembered those hands, soft with the freshness of youth, skimming over his bare flesh like he was a fruit that bruised at the barest touch.

“I’m parked there.” Baz pointed. “Borrowed Mom’s car,” he added needlessly because Matty recognized Cheryl’s Volvo.

Hands now stuffed in pockets, they looked at each other and started to speak at the same time. With a half smile, Matt indicated that Baz should continue.

“I know that you’ve been… keeping your distance to give me time with my family. But we’re going to hang the holidays lights on the house Wednesday evening. Mom said that you always help.” Baz rubbed the scruff on his chin. “If you want to come by… I mean, I can do it if you don’t want to bother this year. But if you want to help—”

“Yes,” Matt enthused. “I’d like to… if it’s okay with you. It’s one of those traditions… but I meant it about giving you time with your family.”

Baz’s eyes brightened. “I’ll still be with them.” He leaned a little closer as if imparting a secret. “I’m not sure they trust me to do it right. Steph said you had ‘magic fingers.’” The seconds the words were out Matt couldn’t help but smirk and Baz blushed. “She didn’t mean… at least I don’t think she meant….”

It was too adorable.

“See ya, Baz.”

“Yeah, see ya.”

 

Santa’s Last Gift Blurb

 

The greatest gift might be what they already have.

After years away building his career, event planner Sebastian Chesnut returns to his small hometown of Fir Falls to reconnect with his mother, sister, and young nieces before his job takes him to London.

He doesn’t expect to find his high school boyfriend, Matty, has become a virtual member of Seb’s family. Back then, Matty only offered a casual relationship, but Seb fell hard, and history is soon repeating itself. Seb’s afraid to hope for a second chance, no matter how much they’ve grown and despite the family they share. Instead, he focuses on creating a last perfect holiday, which won’t be easy with his sister’s ex planning to take the girls over Christmas.

Seb and Matty might not know what to do about their feelings for each other, but one thing’s for sure—it won’t be Christmas without the kids. Can these star-crossed lovers pull off a holiday miracle?

Santa’s Last Gift Buy Links:

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Sandine Tomas 

Sandine Tomas grew up an unapologetic bookworm, making friends with characters from the ancient past to the farthest reaches of the universe. Her career as a marketing writer has given her insight into the divergence between what a person thinks they want and what they truly need. Relationships are at the heart of her writing, and she enjoys creating characters who become so real that their stories beg to be told. Writing allows her to explore people and ideas from all sides, spinning a notion around like a gem until its facets glisten.

Twisting the old adage about writing what you know into writing what you feel, Sandine doesn’t shy away from raw emotions, turbulent circumstances, and above all, deep passions, fueled by humor, honesty, and trust. She enjoys instilling her characters with the flaws, courage, and idiosyncrasies that brings them to life.

Sandine lives in New York with her husband, daughters and a Golden Retriever puppy named Noodle. An unabashed TV and film enthusiast, she happily binge watches her favorites until her eyes glaze over. Her other guilty pleasures include attending fandom conventions, sleeping in on weekends, and recharging solo by holing up with a caramel macchiato and an amazing book.

If you’d like to chat, reach out to her on Twitter @SandineTomas or on her website https://sandinetomas.wordpress.com.

Contact Info

Website: http://sandinetomas.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandineTomas

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sandinetomas

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sandine.tomas

Email: sandinetomas@gmail.com

 

Do you have a favorite holiday film? Tell me in the comments and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a free e-book copy of Santa’s Last Gift! Please provide contact information.