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Gardenia Duty - Book Tour and Giveaway

7/13/2019

125 Comments

 
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Gardenia Duty
by Kathleen Varn
Genre: Women's Historical Fiction 

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In 1957 jobs are scarce in rural Ashland, Alabama. Bobby Higgins is facing life decisions; his family’s farm struggles and threat of the draft hangs over 18-year-old males as the Cold War rumbles in the distance. Bobby heads off to boot camp, vowing to provide for his family from his pay. Between shore and sea duty, Bobby leaves broken hearts in every port. When his own heart is stolen by Rose, he’s shocked to learn that she comes with four daughters, a package deal he’s unsure he wants. But when Rose disappears, Bobby finds her and persuades her to marry him. Somehow they navigate their way through the trials of marriage and parenting as he fulfills his patriotic career and his promise to raise four willful daughters. In the spring of 2004, his daughters are brought together by grief. They forge new bonds, sharing their joys, losses, regrets, and ultimately family secrets that will seal all their fates…if they can summon the courage to report for duty.


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​October, 1980


She stared at the venetian blinds, blurred by tears, gripping the hospital bed rails. They should have been tears of joy. Her family should have been standing in the sparsely furnished room. Should have, would have, could have.
Suck it up, cupcake, she thought. She knew this day would come. She had to think about what was best for… for him. And once she had finally decided, even the excitement of her budding career had been overshadowed. She scanned the room through the blur, now void of the nurse
who had taken pity on her solitude. The never-ending loop of self-recrimination flooded her brain yet again.
Funny, she thought she’d be over it by now, that somehow the loop would be flushed—like afterbirth.
How could she have been so careless? Why hadn’t she focused on school instead of letting herself be attracted to Larry’s blue eyes? With that twinkle and his boyish grin, he had relentlessly worked his way into her heart on a girls’ night out. Eventually, walks on the beach, romantic dinners and line dancing at The Lazy B. If she had known his orders were only five months away, would she have continued the romance? She didn’t let just anyone in. She
was the Master of Unavailable and The Life of the Party.
But Larry had pulled her off center and made her laugh. She thought he’d bore her. She thought she’d grow tired of him. But no. Damn you, Larry. The aching memories made this day that much more difficult.
There was a knock on the thick blonde door. “Dinner time,” the nurse said. She stared at the tray as the nurse gently placed it on the table. She peeked under the lid and was hit with the aroma of chicken and broccoli. Typical hospital menu; something from all the food groups.
“Does the chef suggest a wine pairing?” she smiled weakly. Her nurse smiled back and checked the IV bag.
There was iced tea and a little carton of milk on the fiberglass tray, the same type served up in school when her biggest decisions were made on a playground, or when sneaking a cigarette on the senior lawn behind the huge live oak.
“When can I shower?” she asked, poking at the mashed potatoes.
“After this bag runs out I’ll take out the IV.”
Her nurse’s deep blue scrubs were adorned by a shiny chrome stethoscope. “Can I do anything else?” Her eyes betrayed the facade of pity for her situation. This may have been her first rodeo, but the nurse had seen too many of her situations. “No, I’m good. Well, not good. I mean, you’ve been wonderful,” she fumbled.
The nurse walked back to the door, patting her feet with a soft hand on the way. She felt the tears welling again. How she needed her sisters. But, no one could know. She needed to get back on track at work and put this behind her. How the hell do you put something like this
behind you, she thought to herself. She suspected it would always haunt her. “Please, God, give me the peace I need. I hope you know I’m not heartless. This is for his future. I’m still a kid.”
There was another knock on the door. As the couple entered the room, he was carrying a fast-food bag, Taco Bell. She carried flowers. It had to be as awkward for them as it was for her. “You’re a lifesaver! I hope there are tacos in that bag,” she said, with as much bravado as she could muster. But she knew there was a deeper meaning to the first part of her comment.
“Did y’all finally decide on his name?” she asked.


​

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Kat Varn’s love affair with words manifested when she turned four and taught herself to read. As she grew older, books and reading were an escape from responsibility.  As the oldest daughter in a transient Navy family, words fed her imagination to embrace adventure and magical worlds. Kat was drawn to the strength of little girls in The Little Princess and The Secret Garden.
Eventually, Kat dove into journaling between the pages of beautiful leather notebooks, recording her children’s infant landmarks. Journaling also helped her find solace in the grief of a toxic relationship. Throughout her journey to extract her family from oppression, she explored the idea of freedom through allegorical short stories. In the midst of angst and soul searching, she retained a sense of humor that gave her the resilience to pursue the search for her true self.
Kat hopes her readers enjoy Ameera’s journey to pursue the forbidden zone of dance while becoming part of a larger experience—embraced and bonded to eight glittery belly dancers. Each of them aware they may have never met without the common denominator of a six-week belly dance class under the tutelage of their troupe director.
Kat is now very happily married to her soulmate. She resides in Charleston, South Carolina, where she worked for an adoption attorney for twenty-three years. With her two children settled in adulthood, she is exploring a beautiful world, from scuba diving in Fiji or photographing from Alaska’s frozen tundra.


Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads ​

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Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!

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IS HISTORY THE AGREED UPON LIE? Historical Fact & Historical Fiction.

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125 Comments
Bea LaRocca
7/13/2019 03:50:48 am

An intriguing and well-written synopsis and excerpt. This sounds like a good, emotional read. Thank you for sharing the book info and for the generous giveaway

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Kat Varn link
7/13/2019 09:33:18 am

Lots of heart poured into the characters and love using the less technology based timeline. I love watching birth order influences and nature/nurture.

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James Robert
7/13/2019 05:18:05 am

I encourage reading so having a family who loves to read I sure support.Thanks for sharing your terrific read with us.

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Kat Varn link
7/13/2019 09:34:43 am

Loved reading since the age of 4!

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Shirley Ann Speakman
7/13/2019 08:12:57 am

I enjoyed the excerpt the story sounds very intriguing and the book cover looks good too. Best wishes with your tour Kathleen.

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Kat Varn link
7/13/2019 10:44:35 am

Always hope the cover is true to the interior... I’m pretty confident that it is!! Thanks!

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Jasamyn Patterson
7/22/2019 09:37:48 pm

Very nice book cover

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Marcy Meyer
7/13/2019 11:04:53 am

The cover is really great. The story sounds really good.

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Kat Varn link
7/13/2019 03:41:42 pm

Thanks! Amazing how something as simple as birth order can contribute to our perceptions.

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Rita Wray
7/13/2019 11:28:57 am

I liked the excerpt. Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading.

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Kat Varn link
7/13/2019 03:42:31 pm

Hope you do and will!

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Kristen
7/13/2019 11:58:24 am

From the cover I'd think this one pulls at the heartstrings.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:01:46 am

Sisterhood at its best!

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wendy hutton
7/13/2019 12:32:42 pm

this sounds like an amazing book, thanks

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:02:41 am

Set in Charleston, SC and visits Jax Beach, FL and Havre de Grace, MD... if you like nostalgia!

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Kelly D
7/13/2019 01:27:57 pm

I like the cover. It makes me want to know more about the people in the photo.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:03:39 am

You can judge the story by the cover... the interior is all about the 6 people on the cover (hint: one is on the destroyer)

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Betsy Barnes
7/13/2019 02:04:27 pm

I find the book cover very mysterious and interesting. I also enjoyed the excerpt and getting to know the book.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:04:47 am

Really worked hard to reveal this cover to readers. A testament to the characters between the pages.Thanks!

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heather
7/13/2019 02:48:07 pm

This so sounds like one I would really enjoy reading and I love the cover too.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:06:43 am

The excerpt is 'the family secret'... the tribute to birth order and nature/nurture is the thread of the patchwork of the memories

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Dale Wilken
7/13/2019 03:18:49 pm

The book the cover are really great Thanks for sharing.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:18:13 am

I tried to pay tribute to my parents/step parent for the amazing journey towards adulthood as a military dependent during the Cold War and forward.

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Debbie P
7/13/2019 03:30:25 pm

This book sounds like a fascinating read.

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Kat Varn link
7/16/2019 09:52:35 am

Family secret to a test of resilience!

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Melissa
7/13/2019 03:33:13 pm

i love photography, so this cover is amazing. seems like a really good read.

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Kat Varn link
7/16/2019 09:53:56 am

I love photography too! When I saw the illustration, I insisted on them adapting it to my cover. Good job, Gatekeeper Press!

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Calvin
7/13/2019 04:09:43 pm

Interesting setting, I'm surely water works will come for many. Sounds like a touching read. Hopefully some human spirit in this one.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:08:33 am

I am quite confident there is a lot of human spirit within the cover. Starts in Ashland, AL and moves to Charleston, SC with some road trips to Jax Beach and Havre de Grace.

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SHERRY
7/13/2019 05:13:50 pm

I enjoyed the excerpt and look forward to reading the book.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:09:47 am

Love some feedback. It explores how birth order and the definition of 'family' is not a clear line.

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Carolsue
7/13/2019 05:52:18 pm

The cover indicates the book will be heartbreaking, inspiring or possibly both. Sounds like a great book.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:11:33 am

In a short synopsis... I married the story of the Silent Generation with the Babyboomers through birth order, nature/nurture and social issues of the times

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Sara Zielinski
7/13/2019 06:59:32 pm

I think this book has an amazing cover.

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:13:13 am

I can assure you that you can judge this book by its cover. The cover means even more after the book is read. Recommend starting at the Acknowledgements in the back.

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Mary Cloud
7/13/2019 07:08:10 pm

No questions - the cover is nice

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:14:02 am

Thanks, Mary! Almost had to sell a kidney to manifest that cover

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Victoria Scott
7/13/2019 07:14:03 pm

Sounds like an awesome read!

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:15:31 am

A little Southern setting reminiscing from the eyes of adult women looking back at their pathways .... influenced by something as simple as birth order. Thanks!

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Victoria
7/13/2019 08:44:53 pm

This sounds fantastic and I love the cover, thanks for sharing!

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Kat Varn link
7/14/2019 11:16:43 am

I'm very strict about a cover giving you a nudge towards the story. Hope it lives up to my standard. Thanks.

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Janet W.
7/15/2019 07:55:58 am

I love the cover! Sounds like a fantastic read!

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Kat Varn link
7/15/2019 09:21:53 am

Sisterhood bonded by military careers of fathers.....

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Elaine G
7/15/2019 06:48:54 pm

Enjoyed the excerpt. Sounds like a good book

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Kat Varn link
7/16/2019 09:56:17 am

The family secret that pops up as US Navy dependents navigate through nostalgia to find hope in the future.

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Karla R.
7/15/2019 09:56:19 pm

Love the cover, absolutely intriguing.

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Kat Varn link
7/16/2019 09:57:06 am

Exactly!

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Mood Reader
7/15/2019 10:06:23 pm

Looks good!

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Kat Varn link
7/16/2019 09:58:14 am

A time capsule for a Baby Boomer!

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Emmaline
7/16/2019 09:48:08 am

I really enjoyed reading your bio blurb. And because of that, I am more intrigued by your words, aka your book!

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Kat Varn link
7/16/2019 09:59:46 am

Just a shot down memory lane!

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Terri Quick
7/16/2019 09:30:26 pm

Thank you for this awesome giveaway

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Kat Varn link
7/17/2019 08:13:41 am

Thanks for the visit!

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Beyond Comps
7/17/2019 04:30:28 am

Amazing cover!

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Kat Varn link
7/24/2019 01:33:55 pm

Thanks for sharing. I hope readers will resonate with the four military dependent sisters’ journey down memory lane asking the question — how did we get here? Find your tribe, love them fiercely!

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Kelly Nicholson
7/17/2019 02:53:41 pm

What do you think of the book or the cover?

feels like an old time romance of country book

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Kat Varn link
7/17/2019 05:17:08 pm

As the author, I would be interested in interpretation. I will say it is nostalgia among military sisters now adult. Essentially, snapshots of their parents’ courtship and experiences as a blended family.

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Mya Murphy
7/17/2019 05:27:22 pm

The excerpt sounds wonderful!! I can't wait to read this..

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Kat Varn link
7/18/2019 07:33:55 am

The story is grounded in the upbringing of the sisters in a family sojourning through the thread of their fathers (including step) Navy careers. Time marches on and adult decisions/secrets are hashed out in a family crisis.

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Jennifer Stapp
7/17/2019 05:28:07 pm

I adore old photographs, so this cover really draws me in immediately!

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Kat Varn link
7/18/2019 07:42:37 am

There are more within the pages! This is a tale of the sisters who bonded under the post War culture under the military careers of the father(s). Less technology but silently deceptive turbulent times!

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Paula Ball
7/18/2019 08:59:04 am

Judging from the excerpt I think this is a story I would like to know.

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Kat Varn link
7/19/2019 10:12:18 am

The core is how a family is formed through birth order and/or nature vs. nurture. The basic time line is the 60’s forward. Hope you enjoy the read.

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Courtnie
7/18/2019 01:42:00 pm

To be honest I like a more colorful cover, but this one still does intrigue me.

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Kat Varn link
7/19/2019 10:17:43 am

The premise of the book is nostalgic from the eyes of adult baby boomers. So, a color photo would not be authentic to the interior ... and it was meant to intrigue mysteriously! ;)

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Susan Smith
7/18/2019 07:36:59 pm

Sounds like an interesting book.

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Kat Varn link
7/19/2019 10:19:20 am

I hope you enjoy it! I told it from the eyes of the Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers. Hence, the sepia cover!

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athena graeme
7/19/2019 11:04:26 am

I love the sepia photography, it always looks so mysterious and antique.

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Kat Varn link
7/19/2019 12:26:59 pm

Thanks Athena! There is a lot of nostalgia from the sisters starting childhood during the 60’s Cold War forward. Birth order, nature vs. nurture.

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Denise Higgins
7/19/2019 06:54:11 pm

Love the cover

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Kat Varn link
7/20/2019 04:32:18 pm

Thanks! I think it conveys the heart of the girls’ story!

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Nickie
7/20/2019 01:49:41 am

The cover looks interesting, I'd like to read it

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Kat Varn link
7/20/2019 04:33:51 pm

The excerpt is the family secret... four sisters’ look back at their childhood as military dependents.

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Stephanie Ann
7/21/2019 01:20:53 pm

I think the book cover looks great! I can't wait to read Gardenia Duty!

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Kat Varn link
7/21/2019 07:11:48 pm

Firm believer in making a cover represent the interior! It is their memories from the eyes of childhood and adult choices. Find your tribe, love them fiercely.

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lynn clayton
7/22/2019 12:22:08 pm

love this cover this looks like a great read

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Kat Varn link
7/22/2019 11:48:40 pm

Thanks Lynn. If you read some of the earlier comments, I’ve kind of filled in the blanks between front and back cover.

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Allison Swain
7/23/2019 03:12:42 pm

I love the cover a lot! It looks so neat. Thank you for the chance to win :)

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Kat Varn link
7/24/2019 01:35:26 pm

You’re welcome. I hope readers will resonate with the four military dependent sisters’ journey down memory lane asking the question — how did we get here? Find your tribe, love them fiercely!

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Lisa Ellison
7/26/2019 05:23:21 pm

I like the cover and the book sounds interesting!

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Kat Varn link
7/29/2019 09:55:29 pm

Thanks Lisa.... travel with the sisters as they look back and ask, how did we get here? Using birth order and nature vs. nurture revisiting their childhood under the shadow of the Cold War forward.

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Barbara Montag
7/29/2019 08:11:59 pm

Women's Historical Fictions - sounds interesting to me and I like the cover.

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Kat Varn link
7/29/2019 09:56:45 pm

Thanks Barbara! I’m very fussy about covers representing the interior. I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

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susan atkins link
7/30/2019 04:11:05 pm

I like the bookcover,it definately got my attention ,I read the book cover and it is interesting.

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Kat Varn link
7/31/2019 04:49:23 pm

A trip back in time! https://katvarn.com/blog/

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Starla
7/30/2019 09:28:33 pm

I definitely find this cover really nice and so very intriguing! Seems like a super inspiring read,Kat!

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Kat Varn link
7/31/2019 07:31:20 pm

Thanks, Starla! Love your name! It is a story inspired and infused growing up as a Baby Boomer.

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Patricia wright
7/30/2019 11:16:26 pm

Like the cover a lot. Looks like an interesting book. I am 61 so I can relate to the time.

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Kat Varn link
7/31/2019 07:34:43 pm

I’m 61 as well in a few weeks! You will resonate with so much in it. I’m creating a playlist for it as well. This was just given to me by a reader and even my husband cried when I played it for him. https://katvarn.com/blog/

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Mina Ramey
8/1/2019 06:43:51 pm

Will be adding this one to my reading list! The excerpt is so intriguing!

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Kat Varn link
8/3/2019 05:00:33 pm

So excited to hear that! The excerpt is the ‘family secret’ of one of the girls. (That is not a spoiler) ;)

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Mendy Dinsmore
8/2/2019 05:14:08 pm

I like the cover. It is like looking in a old photo album and seeing that picture.

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Kat Varn link
8/3/2019 05:02:42 pm

Right! I put five more on the interior! Take a peek! https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Maria
8/5/2019 04:58:38 pm

WOW this looks amazing, love the cover and the title.

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Kat Varn link
8/5/2019 10:59:18 pm

Thanks Maria. The fun of untangling the story of how families are formed ... there is no formula. As a Baby Boomer, I remember childhood under the cloud of the Cold War. Check out my inspiration: https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Linda Gawthrop
8/5/2019 06:32:19 pm

The cover looks very mysterious and has an air of witfulness or sadness. I will have to read it to find out the story behind the cover.

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Kat Varn link
8/5/2019 11:03:09 pm

Everything within the story evokes all of what you said. I hope you do enjoy the journey and love of the Higgins family. Here is a peek into the inspiration of my own journey which helped me create the good, the bad and the ugly of our memories because of birth order or nature vs. nurture! Always feel free to contact me with questions as a reader! https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Dave Gibb
8/5/2019 08:37:55 pm

wow that is awesome

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Kat Varn link
8/5/2019 11:05:39 pm

I’ve had great feedback and so many readers that want to chat about my view in many scenes and their comments about my characters’ choices. Always willing to answer. I was a military dependent during the Cold War forward. Lived the dream, baby! (As an old Navy sailor would sarcastically say as he chipped and painted... ha) https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Corey Hutton
8/5/2019 09:12:39 pm

Good luck with the book and Thanks for the giveaway.

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Kat Varn link
8/5/2019 11:07:20 pm

It is my effort to record something very precious that I as a child of the Silent Generation experienced as a Baby Boomer. Glad to share. Hope you venture into a read of the girls of Gardenia Duty with their wonderful parents! https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Rebecca Weiss
8/5/2019 09:46:13 pm

I like the cover and that the look is unique. It sounds like an interesting book to read on a vacation.

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Kat Varn link
8/5/2019 11:10:44 pm

Yes, Rebecca. (And I have a character named Rebecca) I’ve had lovers of historical fiction tell me that they couldn’t put it down. Not everyone will say that but so many who relate to the theme of memories from birth order or nature vs. nature— we can resonate with someone in the cast. It is a definitely a cast of characters with the challenge of dealing with the messiness of life! https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Leah
8/6/2019 10:47:27 pm

I like the cover. And the story sounds really good. :)

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Kat Varn link
8/6/2019 10:51:23 pm

Thanks Leah... that was my grandmother’s name! If you would be curious on the inspiration of the formation of the Higgins family... here is a new link and insight we just posted.... https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Heather D
8/8/2019 04:31:30 pm

I liked the excerpt. Wish it was longer.

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Kat Varn link
8/8/2019 04:39:58 pm

The longer explanation for the story is on my website in my Acknowledgements. https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Helen Wawrejko
8/8/2019 06:33:30 pm

Very emotional synopsis

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Kat Varn link
8/8/2019 08:47:40 pm

It is the short prologue... the family secret... my Acknowledgement gives the bigger story. https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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NANCY
8/8/2019 07:07:59 pm

Great cover

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Kat Varn link
8/8/2019 08:50:11 pm

The excerpt is only the ‘family secret’... here is the bigger picture: https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Daniel M
8/8/2019 07:09:00 pm

like the cover

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Kat Varn link
8/8/2019 08:53:21 pm

Thanks Daniel... I hope the reader gets the full picture of the formation of family... however we get there! https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf

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Cindy Merrill
8/9/2019 03:28:53 pm

Very confusing forward- Not sure how it relates to the plot.

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Kat Varn link
8/9/2019 05:04:33 pm

4 sisters and a family secret.

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Sarah Phillips
8/9/2019 10:05:27 pm

This sounds like a fantastic read to me. I love historical pieces and this one sounds right up my alley! I'm incredibly curious to know the family secret mentioned in the forward. I'm the youngest of 3 daughters, so I like the idea of sisters bonding together as a family unit too!

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Kat Varn link
8/9/2019 11:21:04 pm

Right, Sarah? Family comes through many, many channels, choices and sometimes because of the choices of others. In the end, don’t we all become a memory? My website has the other excerpt (my Acknowledgement) which ties the inspiration for my characters. Feel free to contact me when you read!

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Sarah L
8/10/2019 11:09:01 pm

Looks like an interesting book.
Thanks for the contest. 

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Kat Varn link
8/11/2019 11:40:54 pm

There are so many deep family elements... our excerpt scratches the surface. Find your tribe, love them fiercely!

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Nikki
8/11/2019 01:57:26 pm

I like it. It promises much to be revealed!

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Kat Varn link
8/11/2019 11:43:45 pm

Exactly Nikki.... this family secret is a very quiet issue... it is a deeper level for the girls. Read the Acknowledgement before you embark on the Higgins’ journey... tell me if you hear a song for scene... next goal!

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Dianna link
8/11/2019 03:51:54 pm

The cover is pretty. I like the contrast of the black and white photo against the solid background.

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Kat Varn link
8/12/2019 10:26:53 am

If you read the Acknowledgement ( https://katvarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gardenia-Duty-Excerpt-Acknowledgments.pdf ) it defines the goal of the nostalgic nature of the story. The small contribution of the adoption/family secret is just a piece of the girls raised in a military dependent lifestyle... that’s what I loved about the look of the old photo...Thanks, Dianna!

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Jerry Marquardt
8/13/2019 11:27:02 pm

I would like to give thanks for all your really great writings, including Gardenia Duty, and wishing the best in keeping up the good work in the future.

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Cassandra D
8/13/2019 11:28:04 pm

I like the cover.

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