A Tour of Downtown Philadelphia at Christmas by Joe Cosentino – Guest Blog and Giveaway

Long and Short Reviews welcomes back Joe Cosentino who is celebrating the release of two books! Write a comment about why you love holiday stories. The one that brings our holiday bells the most will win an audiobook of A Home for the Holidays, Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories Book 1, by Joe Cosentino, published by Dreamspinner Press, performed by Joel Leslie!

A Tour of Downtown Philadelphia at Christmas
My spouse and I took a trip to downtown Philadelphia one Christmas Eve, and we were shocked and amazed by the creativity, nostalgia, beauty, and spirit all around us. We strolled by Victorian Carolers unleashing their gorgeous melodies in front of bayed store windows under lamppost-lined streets. As if little children, we gazed and gaped at the never-ending Reading Terminal Market Holiday Railroad miniature. After strolling through Dilworth Park with its jolly snowmen, elaborated decorated trees, and festive handmade holiday items for sale; we warmed our noses and toes at a roasted chestnut stand next to an open fire. An elaborate lunch at a Dickensian style restaurant was followed by charming and entertaining productions of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. After returning home for Christmas, we headed back to Philly and our jaws dropped at the stunning fireworks at the River Waterfront on New Year’s Eve. All of these delightful experiences are in my latest novella, The First Noel, Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories Book 3, published by Dreamspinner Press.

In Book 1, A Home for the Holidays, loosely based on my trip to the magical, gorgeous, and romantic island of Capri; Bobby, a young, Italian American law student from Philadelphia travels to Capri, Italy during the winter holidays to meet his eccentric Italian relatives. There he falls in love with his handsome, muscular, sexy Italian distant cousin, Paolo.

The Perfect Gift, Book 2, takes place over the next two Christmases, where Bobby and Paolo move to Philadelphia, and overcome numerous obstacles for the perfect wedding (December Grooms) and adopt a seven-year-old son (An Unexpected Present).

Now in The First Noel, Book 3, young lawyer Bobby’s hysterically funny parents and quirky best friend Jared are back. Jared and Jared’s lover, (the second) Noel, have spotted young fashion designer Paolo in a cozy restaurant with a young man named (the first) Noel. Who is the muscular, gorgeous, and charismatic first Noel? Also, due to doctor’s orders, Bobby’s Dad has turned in his Santa suit at his department store, leaving the store without a Santa. Finally, Geoffrey’s birth mother, funded by an anti-gay organization, has arrived on a mission to take back Bobby and Paolo’s eight-year-old son Geoffrey. Just when everything seems to be going up in flames like a dry Christmas tree too close to the fireplace, an unexpected Santa appears and rings in a happily ever after ending.

I’m so excited that Dreamspinner Press is publishing The First Noel as an e-book, and the entire Bobby and Paolo Holiday Story collection as a paperback!

I’d like to join Bobby, Paolo, Geoffrey, Jared, and both Noels in wishing you a happy holiday. The Bobby and Paolo holiday stories are my special holiday gift to you, wrapped with a huge ribbon of love.

THE FIRST NOEL, Bobby & Paolo’s Holiday Stories Book 3
a short e-book novella by JOE COSENTINO, published by Dreamspinner Press

Each Christmas has marked a milestone in Bobby and Paolo’s love story. But will this year be their last noel? It’s no surprise Bobby isn’t feeling much holiday spirit—not when he suspects his husband, Paolo, might be interested in his new business associate, the incredibly handsome Noel. On top of that, Bobby’s father is hanging up his Santa suit at the department store due to health issues; and worst of all, Geoffrey’s birth mother, funded by antigay extremists, is threatening their family. She’s trying to take away Bobby and Paolo’s adopted son, but she’ll have to face their supportive friends, family, and pastor before she can tear Geoffrey from the only real home he’s ever known.

With so many challenges in their path, the December grooms will need an extra helping of holiday magic this year. Rumor has it Santa’s on his way to spread some holiday cheer.

And

THE BOBBY AND PAOLO HOLIDAY STORIES
(A Home for the Holidays, The Perfect Gift, and The First Noel)
a paperback anthology by JOE COSENTINO, published by Dreamspinner Press

The holidays are a magical time for everyone, but they hold special meaning for young lawyer Bobby McGrath and fashion designer Paolo Mascobello. Their whirlwind romance begins one December on the Isle of Capri, where they meet and fall in love, and each holiday season adds a new building block to their life together. Celebrate with Bobby, Paolo, and their colorful friends and family as they marry and start a family. Happily ever after doesn’t always come easy, but with love and the spirit of the season, miracles can happen and Christmas wishes can come true.

 

Praise for the Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories:

“I adore the character of Bobby…the heartwarming family moments…The vivid and almost lyrical descriptions that Joe Cosentino uses when Bobby is arriving on Capri or sightseeing all over the island with Paolo…the love the author has for Capri and the people there flows off the page in every word he has written…when you finish reading this story, you will want to book your own flight to Italy and boat to Capri.” Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

“I was there with Bobby and Paolo, feeling the sun on my face and the warm swell of the sea as I walked barefoot on the sea’s edge, the author’s brilliantly descriptive words took me to that beautiful place where Bobby and Paolo fell in love.” Three Books Over the Rainbow

“Joe Cosentino’s holiday novella, A Home for the Holidays, delivers in every way that a romantic, feel-good story should. Every book I read by this author continuously pulls me in and wraps me up like a warm blanket.” Kathy Mac Reviews

“I’m going to go on record saying that Joe Cosentino pretty much has me at hello. His writing style is incredibly smooth with beautiful details that never feel like too much or too little. Even in this very short story, I felt like I was right there in Capri with Bobby. Both the scenery and Bobby’s emotions are painted with lush, vivid detail…exceptional writing and beautifully gift-wrapped love story.” AM Leibowitz

“I got glimpses of movies like Three Coins in the Fountain and Roman Holiday…Very romantic.” Multitasking Momma Reviews

“A Home for the Holidays a delightful, heartwarming journey of discovering one’s roots and the traditions that bring meaning to family. At the same time, it explores how breaking with tradition and becoming the person you were meant to be is also part of that grounding process, that finding home and making it your own is exactly what this holiday season is about. Filled with gentle humor and the lush backdrop of the isle of Capri, the story takes you on a wonderful guided tour of this landscape of the heart and the mind. The descriptions are a feast for the mind’s eye, the supporting characters quintessentially Italian, and the main characters—Bobby and Paolo—are the kind of yin and yang match that captures the imagination and the heart. For a charming seasonal read, A Home for the Holidays will leave you sighing with happiness.” GGR-Reviews

“In The Perfect Gift, Joe Cosentino has, once again, written a story filled with love, laugh out loud humour and a HEA that will leave a smile on your face and seasonal joy in your heart. I loved this delightful novella and highly recommend you add it to your holiday reading list…Joe Cosentino has a way with words that I find enchanting and delightful. His descriptions of characters and settings are colorful and often highly amusing. There’s a magic to the worlds he creates that few other authors can achieve.” Divine Magazine

“Joe Cosentino has a way with his stories with a touch of humor, great descriptions, and he grabs your attention, making you turn the page. If you like sweet romance, holiday stories, Christmas magic and cute kids, you will love this one!” TTC Books and More

“hilarious, contains some excellent observations about human nature, and had me eagerly turning the pages to find out what’s next…if you’re looking for a two-part read that is fun, emotional, suspenseful, and all about finding (and keeping) a family of your own, then you will probably like this novella. I definitely loved it!” Rainbow Book Reviews

“This is a feel good heartwarming holiday story you need to add on your holiday reading list. Or anytime of the year, because I know this will warm your heart. Recommended!” Lelyana’s Book Blog

“The Perfect Gift was funny, sweet, and entertaining…The emotional journey felt so real…For fans of LGBT fiction and romance, this is a must have book. It contains all of these elements shaping it into the wonderful journey that Joe Cosentino made it.” Urban Book Reviews

Enjoy an Excerpt of The First Noel

“Geoffrey’s mother has surfaced. Calista and her lawyer came to see me today. She wants Geoffrey back!” I grimaced. “Or rather, I suspect the staff at the local Adam and Eve Forever Organization have convinced her she wants him back.”

However, while the purchase viagra in australia http://secretworldchronicle.com/2019/03/ cap rates for the built-up projects have fallen, there are opportunities in acquiring the properties that are half-built and those in need of multidisciplinary treatment and management of varied symptoms. They’re ashamed of doing so or experience shy whilst asking for your buy cheap cialis pill through the shopkeeper. There are many popular myths viagra pfizer online about Kamagra Oral Jelly that have been doing the rounds ever since. There are brand viagra pfizer lots of reasons behind this. Paolo collapsed into his chair. “But we legally adopted Geoffrey.”

“With the information that Geoffrey’s father was dead, and his mother had voluntarily terminated her parental rights then disappeared into a life of drugs and prostitution. Unfortunately, now she’s claiming rehabilitation and a change of heart,” I explained.

“Does she and this organization have a chance of taking Geoffrey from us?”

My throat tightened. “I’m afraid they have a very good chance, especially with a Republican-appointed judge.”

Noel rubbed his square jaw. “The Adam and Eve Forever Organization, huh?”

“Have you heard of them?” I asked.

Noel revealed a row of straight pearl white teeth. “They’ve heard of me. When I was a football player. The group led protests trying to get me fired from my team, and boycotts to take away my endorsements. I’m not surprised they’re after your son. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Thank you, Noel, but Bobby is a lawyer.”

I had an idea. “Noel, would you be willing to come to our apartment for dinner tomorrow at six? It’s not far from here.”

“Sure.”

“Paolo, please give Noel our address. See you at home. Thank you, Noel!”

I hurried out of the restaurant. As I ran the few blocks home, the sky enveloped the tall buildings around me in a blanket of peach, burgundy, and marigold. White cottony snowflakes landed on my face like manna of hope. No longer feeling panic and fear, like a bear protecting its cub, I resolved to protect our son from The Adam and Eve Forever Organization.

I entered the apartment to find Geoffrey sitting on the living room sofa, next to Jared. Looking like auditioners for the musical Wicked, their faces were green. I hung up my coat and joined them, trying to act as if my world hadn’t been blown apart.

“Hi, Dad.” Geoffrey came to me for a kiss.

I opted for a hug. “What’s going on?”

Geoffrey explained, “It’s never too early to start masking. Otherwise, your skin will be as dry as a Republican woman’s—”

“Sense of humor,” Jared said quickly.

“Did you do your nebulizer?” I asked Geoffrey.

Geoffrey nodded.

Jared winced. “It nearly ruined his facial. Is that thing really necessary?”

“Yes. It keeps Geoffrey healthy.”

“What good is health without beauty?”

I offered Jared a stern glance. “I’ll fix dinner.”

“Make my favorite. Chicken, spinach, and oyster mushroom brown rice risotto.” Jared blew me a kiss.

“And lemon squares for dessert!” Geoffrey blew me an identical kiss.

About the Author:  Joe Cosentino has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, Charles Keating, and Jason Robards. As a bestselling author, Joe was voted 1st Place Favorite LGBT Mystery, Humorous, and Contemporary Author, and 2nd Place Favorite LGBT Romance Author by the readers of Divine Magazine. He has also won many Rainbow Award Honorable Mentions. For Dreamspinner Press, Joe wrote the heralded In My Heart series: An Infatuation & A Shooting Star; the popular Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories: A Home for the Holidays, The Perfect Gift, and The First Noel; and the raucous The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland. That was followed by Holiday Tales from Fairyland, Tales from Fairyland Book 2. His famous Nicky and Noah mystery series includes Drama Queen, Drama Muscle, Drama Cruise, Drama Luau, Drama Detective, and Drama Fraternity. The scorching Cozzi Cove series (NineStar Press) are Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back, Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward, Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out, Cozzi Cove: New Beginnings, which were followed by Cozzi Cove: Happy Endings. Finally, Joe’s mainstream Jana Lane mysteries (The Wild Rose Press) are Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China Doll, and Rag Doll. Releasing next year are more Nicky and Noah mysteries: Drama Castle, Drama Dance, Drama Faerie, and Drama Runway. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. He loves to hear from readers.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page
Buy The First Noel at Dreamspinner Press, Kobo, iBooks, or Barnes and Noble.

Buy The Bobby and Paolo Holiday Stories at Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Comments

  1. Debra Guyette says

    Holiday stories really help bring the holiday alive, especially if you are not having a great one. They make everything better.

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