Sunday, April 29, 2018

Facebook Party in Honor of Mother's Day

Save the Date!
May 10, 2018
Sweet Romance Reads Mother's Day celebration
to be held on Facebook
LINK to event will be provided here, as soon as it's available.
In the meantime, please make sure you're a member of
If you're not yet a member on our FB page, now is the perfect time to join, so you'll be able to attend the party!

LAUGHS | FUN  | GAMES | PRIZES | INTERACTION | GIFTS


Saturday, April 28, 2018

Second Chances, 99 cents - by Magdalena Scott



Spring is a great time for second chances, and renewal of all sorts. I wanted to share with you a 99 cent sale (through April 30th) on one of the books in The McClains of Legend, Tennessee Series.

Anne and Pete's story is what we call a "seasoned romance." In fact, both the hero and heroine are 50+.

~Trying to escape their painful past, 
Anne and Pete move to the middle of nowhere...and find each other.~

Anne McClain Bradley has returned to Legend, Tennessee after a personal tragedy sent her successful, well-ordered life reeling. Midnight Shelby McClain has offered Anne the apartment over The Emporium, and Anne is cautiously hopeful that her heart, and her family connections in Legend, can heal.

Pete Garrity is new in Legend, having been hired as the general manager of The Legend Post-Dispatch by the newspaper's elderly owner. Pete has a past he won't discuss, and hasn't gotten close to anybody in town. As a hideaway, Legend seemed perfect. Now Pete finds himself stuck in Legend with no way out, and worries that his career is finished. What a surprise when Anne Bradley turns up in Legend--she might be just the answer to his dilemma. But every time Anne looks at Pete, she's reminded of the pain she came here to escape.

Legend has a way of healing broken hearts, no matter how longstanding the brokenness. But first one must believe in possibilities...for second chances, and for moving forward with hope.

iBooks ~ Kindle ~ Kobo ~ Nook 

Here's to second chances for all of us!

Happy reading,
Magdalena


USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott writes sweet romance and romantic women's fiction. A lifelong resident of Small Town America, she invites readers into her world to find out what’s hidden just below the surface of those tiny dots barely visible on the map. Romance, mystery, and the journey to be one's best self are all part of a day in her neighborhood. Readers have commented that they'd like to move to the imaginary towns Magdalena writes about, which she takes as high praise indeed.


Magdalena is a practicing minimalist, having downsized from a 3,000 square foot house to a studio apartment, where her Giant Closet continues to resist taming. When not writing at home, she loves to travel--carryon baggage only--and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.


Be sure to join the authors of Sweet Romance reads for our annual Mothers Day Party on Facebook.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Rock Star? Not Me by Pat Simmons

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter said it best when it comes to describing my newest release MY ROCK, Book I in the Caregivers series. There are four kinds of people in the world:
  1.   Those who have been caregivers.
  2.  Those who are currently caregivers.
  3.  Those who will be caregivers.
  4.  And those who will need caregivers.
Recently, I had a book discussion about my new book and I asked those in the audience how many had been or were currently caregivers. To my surprise, many waved their hands in the air. Some shared their highs and lows about caring for a loved one and thanked me for writing about their experiences. As I listened, I thought, so this is why God told me to write this story.  The Lord is truly the Rock Star, because He knows exactly what readers need at this moment. Whether you’re on the outside looking in, or in the position of caring for a loved one, I think everyone would agree: Caregivers need someone to be their caregiver who will have their back. So next year, on the third Friday in February, do something nice because it's National Caregivers Day.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
VINE VOICEon April 21, 2018

There isn’t a Pat Simmons book I’ve read that didn’t leave me breathless, or feeling really good. My Rock left me feeling sad - sad that there is no more of it to consume. Sad because I wouldn’t get to enjoy any more moments with Marcus and Tabitha. My Rock: Tabitha tells the story of a caregivers pact that three sisters form in order to care for their beloved Aunt Tweet. But this book goes beyond a story about care. As Aunt Tweet’s wandering leads her to the home of a handsome neighbor, the reader is left to decide if God is directing Tabitha’ path by way of Aunt Tweet. As you move further into the story that question is answered for the reader. A budding love story, the many lessons learned about a vicious disease and the faithfulness of God all make this read one of my favorites for 2018. But I must let you all know, I’m not really sad because I have on good authority that this is the first book in the series. The middle sister Tabitha cared for Aunt Tweet the first six months.

As this story closed the youngest sister Rachel will be caring for her aunt next. So stay connected to Simmons. A complimentary copy of this book was given in exchange for my thoughtful and honest review. **This is only one of many great reviews. I hope you will purchase MY ROCK for yourself and a friend. ** 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pat Simmons has penned more than thirty-five titles.
She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about researching 
her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a 
three-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award 
for Best Inspirational Romance. Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the 
Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has been a featured speaker and 
workshop presenter at various venues across the country. Pat holds a B.S. in 
mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Visit me at www.patsimmons.net.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Spring Is the Time for New Beginnings

 
 


Here in Texas, spring is in full bloom. The wildflowers are popping up in the pastures and along the roadways. The trees are green again. New life is springing up everywhere.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. The famous Texas humidity hasn’t made an appearance yet. The days are warm and the evenings cool. Perfect.

It’s the time for new beginnings and I have a brand new release out this month entitled Past Sins. This is the third book that takes place near the fictional town of Soaring Eagle, Wyoming.
 
 
 
 
 
In Past Sins, FBI Agent Samantha Morning Star barely survived a serial killer’s knife when the Night Slasher captured her, intent on making her his next victim. Samantha’s narrow escape still haunts her, sending her fleeing to the one place where she has always felt safe. The Durante Mountain Cheyenne Indian Reservation in Northern Wyoming. But Samantha’s past sins are all there waiting for her. The young boy she once loved and left behind is now all grown up and the chief of police for the reservation.
Chief Zack Standing Elk can’t believe it. The woman who tore his hearts to shreds is back. But Samantha isn’t the same person she once was when she left the reservation behind after her grandmother’s death, insisting that he not wait for her. Samantha is one troubled soul. It isn’t long before he realizes the reason behind the fear in her eyes, when the killer who took her hostage follows her to the Cheyenne reservation determined to claim her as his once more.
With the clock ticking on the Night Slasher’s latest victim, Zack’s past sins come back and haunt him as well. Can he find out the Slasher’s true identity before he takes another innocent life? And will he be able to stop the killer who is coming after Samantha full force?  
 
 
Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her brothers and sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seem to come natural to her. As a pre-teen, Mary discovered Christian romance novels and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination. She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first Christian romance and was hooked. Today, Mary still lives in Texas, and still writes about romance. In fact, she can’t think of anything else she’d rather do. Learn more about Mary Alford at: www.maryalford.net, where you can sign up for her newsletter. Also feel free to send her an email to maryjalfordauthor@gmail.com.
Newsletter
 
 
Have you signed up for our newsletter yet? You can keep up with all the latest news and events happening at Sweet Romance Reads by signing up.
And don't forget to join in the conversation at the Sweet Romance Reads Café on Facebook as well.
Wishing you all a Happy Spring! 
Mary Alford
 

 

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Pre-order Molly from the Perfect Match Series by Julie Jarnagin



Molly, my book from the Perfect Match Series, is available for pre-order! I want to thank YOU, my wonderful readers, for all your support and excitement surrounding this series. 

Molly McShea, a relationship columnist for a national women’s magazine, is assigned to write an article about Perfect Match, a new matchmaking travel agency. When her date doesn’t show, she’s determined not to lose the promotion she’s been working toward or the chance to redeem her reputation after an ugly, public break-up.

Sean Logan started a new life as a surf instructor so that he could escape his painful past. He’d let himself get pressured into signing up for a dating site, but he finds out his date is planning to post his photo all over social media and write about their week together in a popular magazine. He knows he can’t let Molly get in the way of his privacy or his brother’s quiet life on the island. But he must ultimately decide if falling in love with his perfect match could be worth all the risks.


Julie Jarnagin is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet and inspirational romance. She grew up in a small Oklahoma town where her family farmed and ranched. These days she lives in Louisiana with her amazing husband and two young sons who tolerate all her nerdy quirks. Julie earned a B.A. in Journalism / Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma. 
www.JulieJarnagin.com

Have you signed up for Sweet Romance Reads newsletter? It's full of great info and fun stuff from our authors. 

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Another chance to win!

It's the 20th of the month again, and I hope you've already marked it on your calendars! Why? Because this is the day when you get a chance to win free e-books at the Sweet Romance Reads Café!

Today, the nine authors of our next anthology, Sweet Christmas Kisses 5, have answered an interesting question: Where did you grow up -- and is your book set in the same area or have you chosen a different place? You will see that we are an international bunch of authors with plenty of interesting backgrounds. Milou is winning the prize, though - she managed to live in nine countries before she was 18 (if I counted right!).

Liwen Y. Ho - grew up in Taiwan & California, and her story will take you to the SF Bay Area, California.

Milou Koenigs  grew up in - gasp! - Belgium; Burundi; Canada; Connecticut; Illinois; India; Israel; Kenya; Massachussetts; Pennsylvania; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; Switzerland; Uganda - and her story is set in the fictional small town of Green Pines, Illinois.

Christine Bush was born in New York, grew up and lived in Pennsylvania, USA ... and her story is set in a small town in Maine,USA.

Beate Boeker - grew up in Germany and Iran, and her story takes the reader to Florence, Italy.

Jean C. Gordon was born in Niagara Falls and grew up in a small town in Western New York. She tried city living in Los Angeles, CA, for college before returning to Upstate New York. Her story is set in a small town in Central New York.

Josie Riviera is from upstate New York and has placed her story in Cherish, South Carolina.

Mary Alford is a native Texan who's still living in Central Texas. She stuck to her roots and set her story in a small Texas town, but then, as sometimes happens, the plot took her to Bitter Creek, Colorado.

Kristin Wallace grew up mostly in sunny Miami, Florida where she doesn’t get to the beach nearly enough. Her SCK5 book is set in Florida, but a small town called Palm Cove. Not like Miami at all, but it sure is a fun change of pace. 

Roxanne Rustand lives in the country with her husband, two rescue dogs, some rescue cats and three horses--and all of them keep her busy when she isn't writing.  In May, she and her daughter are going to Paris for two weeks and her sweet romance novella will be set there. She says it will be such fun doing the research for this story!  :)


So, readers, now it's up to you: From all of the locations above, which one sounds the most interesting to you? What place would you most love to read about and why?
Three lucky winners will get a free e-book from one of our authors!
We're looking forward to chatting with you at our café, so come on over: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRRCafe1/



 

 

April is the Month of... by Milou Koenings


What's April?

calendar
unsplash-logoSTIL
I mean, March is the coming of spring, May is the month of spring and weddings, and June is coming of summer and weddings, too. But somewhere in there, April seems to get lost.


So here's a look at some of the national observances that are officially slotted in the month of April.


If there's one thing that characterizes April, it seems to be the sheer diversity of things celebrated then. 



It's the month of:

Amateur Radio Month - my parents were big fans of that! 

Celebrate Diversity Month

Community Service Month - definitely a biggie in the town of Green Pines where my romance novels are set. I guess the next full-length novel in the series is being rescheduled to take place in April, then. (For those of you who read Reclaiming Home, it's Gerry's turn to find love.)

Distracted Driving Awareness Month - yeah, none of us want that...

Financial Literacy Month - yes!

tomatoes in sieve
unsplash-logoJACKELIN SLACK

Fresh Florida Tomato Month - sounds delicious to me. Any of you 
Floridians celebrating this one?

flag on house by lake
unsplash-logoKeith Luke


Keep America Beautiful Month - Spent an hour yesterday picking up litter on my street as I was walking the dog. I guess I was unknowingly feeling the spirit of the times. (Let's not get into how so much garbage could end up in one little cul de sac!)

Mathematics Awareness Month

Month of the Military Child 

National Canine Fitness Month - working on that, but I'm not sure who's walking whom!


National Couple Appreciation Month - Isn't that we do in writing romance novels — celebrating couples every day of the year?

couple holding hands
unsplash-logoPablo Heimplatz

National Fresh Celery Month 

National Jazz Appreciation Month - Spyrogyra, anyone?

National Pecan Month

poetry graffiti
unsplash-logoTrust "Tru" Katsande

National Poetry Month - how does an evening of poetry reading with pecan pie sound?

National Straw Hat Month - finally, a chance to wear them!

straw hats stacked
unsplash-logoStephen Hocking

Pets are Wonderful Month - what else is there to say?


dog
unsplash-logoGeorge Lucian Rusu

And my personal favorite: It's the National Month of Hope - may it last all year long for everyone!

child lying in field blowing dandelions
unsplash-logoJohannes Plenio



Milou Koenings is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes romance because, like chocolate, stories with a happy ending bring more joy into the world and so make it a better place.







Her Green Pines sweet romances, I Love You Three, The Kampala Peppermint Twist, Reclaiming Home, and Sweet Blizzard are available on AmazonAmazon.uk, iBooks, Nook, Kobo and all your favorite e-book retailers.

Sign up for her newsletter, so you'll be first to know about new releases!


Don’t forget to sign up for the Sweet Romance Reads newsletter. Scroll down the right side of our blog and enter your email address under Newsletter Signup. And come join us in the Facebook Sweet Romance Reads Café , where we get to know each other and every so often we have the greatest parties!