Heather Thurmeier

Today for my #FridayReads, I thought I’d showcase a book that sounds just too fun to pass up! 

You can grab your copy at AMAZON!

No Sweat Pants Allowed – Wine Club is the tale of Elaina, Tawny, Steph and Grace – four women who suddenly find themselves single. While life has given them lemons, the lemonade they make is darn tasty. Their journeys to get life right-side-up are hilarious and heartrending, sarcastic and sassy. They deliver mayhem and mischief, and a few powerful messages, too.

Their story begins at a cash-for-gold event. Each one feels the only way to get a new lease on life is to rid themselves of their wedding rings. When it actually comes time to part with the symbols of what once was, they lose their nerve and shuffle to the bar across the street. Stories are told. A few bottles of wine are shared. And the wine club is formed – so is a lasting friendship.

‘The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.’

~ Hubert H. Humphrey

Here is a short scene (Of the four women, Steph has a knack for the culinary arts):

“What’s she doing in the kitchen that requires locking us out?” Tawny had been home for half an hour, was still high strung but showing signs of exhaustion from a hectic day at the hospital, and in desperate need of something to eat. She flitted from the chaise lounge and moved the chair to a shady spot closer to the house. “Hurry up, Steph,” she whined. “It’s almost eight o’clock.”

Stony was allowed inside; only because it was ninety degrees and he was wearing a fur coat.

“If she doesn’t call us in soon I’m going to McDonald’s.” Grace angled her chair away from the glare of the sun.

“I could scale the trellis to get to my bedroom and scare the crap out of her by coming down the stairs.” Elaina adjusted her sunglasses and used the latest issue of Woman’s World magazine to fan her face.

Steph finally flung open the patio doors and motioned for them to come in.

“Halleluiah.” Elaina was in the kitchen before the other two even thought about moving. The aromas of garlic, green pepper, cilantro and lime met her nose. She closed her eyes and inhaled. “Ahhh.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Steph waved steam from the blackened tilapia in Elaina’s direction.

Not only did the pleasing smells grab Elaina, so did the mess. The neat freak inside of her bristled from the apparent food bomb that had gone off. Onion skins, the ends of asparagus, the inside membranes and seeds of green peppers, and packaging from the fish cluttered the sink and counter. Every pot, pan, dish, and utensil had been used. Bottles of spice were missing their caps.

Grace and Tawny stepped exaggeratedly into the kitchen.

The moment Tawny spied food, she put a hand on her chest. “Be still my heart and rumbling stomach.” Sniffing, she smiled. “Couscous! I love couscous!”

Grace made a face at the couscous.

Steph held a serving dish under Grace’s nose. “Sweet potato hash. Better?”

“Definitely better.”

“Ladies, have a seat.” Steph draped a white kitchen towel over her arm, acting all high-class restaurant-ish. “For your dining pleasure this evening, I’m happy to serve an array of fine dishes. The menu consists of:  grilled tilapia, cilantro-lime couscous, sweet potato hash, asparagus spears, and sugar snap pea salad.” Her cheeks pumped high with a smile. “Each dish is tasty but low-calorie.”

“You’re a rock star, Steph.” Tawny plopped down in a chair and bumped the table with her knees, rattling the plates and silverware. “Oops.”

The table was decorated with green cloth napkins and a centerpiece of short-stem daisies, while small plates at each setting held a scoop of lime sorbet and an interesting looking creation involving watermelon.

Elaina smiled with approval. “Chef Mathews is in the house.”

Steph beamed with pride.

Grace inspected the appetizers. “I was bashing you for taking so long. I take it all back.”

“Those are watermelon, mint, feta, and prosciutto. I was going to use goat cheese but I couldn’t find any at the grocery.” Steph crinkled her forehead. “You were bashing me?”

“Good-natured bashing.”

“I said I could cook. I didn’t say anything about being fast.”

Tawny stole an asparagus spear from the bone china serving platter. She took a nibble. “You shouldn’t be working as an executive’s assistant. You should be writing cookbooks and have your own cooking show.”

Elaina popped an appetizer in her mouth and moaned with delight. She slanted a smile at Grace and moaned louder.

Grace giggled. “You watched Harry Met Sally, didn’t you?”

“Ohhhh yeahhhh.”

Tawny playfully poked Elaina with her fork. “No moaning at the table.”

While I’m busy writing my next novel, 16 Things, I’ve had the honor of joining 14 other authors in a magical endeavor – MAGICAL WEDDINGS:  15 ENCHANTING STORIES. It’s a box set with an amazing blend of talent and imagination. With the 15 stories there is something there for every reader’s palate. This venture was magical for me and I hope it will be for you too. It will be published June 16, 2015 but it is available for pre-order right now.

15 Romances by USA Today and National Bestselling Authors

• All stand-alone stories (no cliffhangers)
• Includes 14 New Releases written expressly for this set!
• Limited time (get your copy now)
• Over 97% off retail for the individual books once they become available separately!

Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable. And irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.

From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love’s hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1GEDBPe

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ewV9SE

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1dyBCRp

B&N: http://bit.ly/1dAAdtJ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1SrS6us

iTunes: http://apple.co/1RcL2Ai

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1emycBp