Release day! Camy’s Christian Historical Romance Anthology!

Today is release day for my Christian Historical Romance anthology, Once Upon a Courtship! Get it today for only 99 cents! Price goes up next week! https://bit.ly/lissa-spy

Fall Home Decor vs Christmas Home Decor by Janice Lynn

When it comes to decorating your home, do you have a favorite season?I adore fall & having my house decorated for fall. One of the things I enjoy about fall is that I get to decorate in September and they stay up until the day after Thanksgiving. Our house has a lot of wood tones so it really coordinates well with fall colors to where I just love how the house looks with leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, and gorgeous fall flowers. I've done the 'spooky' decor in the past, but am currently more about the fall colors, leaves, & pumpkins.

But then there's Christmas. The day I take down my fall decor, the Christmas decor goes up. I grew up with a mom who majorly decorates for Christmas. I'm talking taking pictures off the walls to hang Christmas pics, changing out bedding to Christmas bedding, trees in every room, etc. I decorate, but not to that extreme. I usually have 2-3 trees, though. One is just family ornaments. Mainly things my children have made or given to me over the years. The other is more color coordinated and just put together by me as something I like. Some years I'm feeling extra festive and put up a third tree that's a slimline in my dining room. It's a fun festive bright green and red decorated tree.

In my upcoming release, Wrapped Up in Christmas Love, the hero and heroine make Christmas decorations and decorate Isabelle's family tree. Pine Hill is one of those small towns that's decorated for every holiday, but Christmas is special and Zach Dawson soon realizes that as he and Isabelle spend time together. There's nothing quite like the magic of a small town Christmas to give me the warm fuzzies. :) 

Fortunately, we don't really have to choose exclusively between the two, but get to enjoy both. Yay!!! I love them both. I do think my house coloring lends itself more to fall decor, but I LOVE Christmas. (No surprise there, eh? ;) ) Do you have a favorite? Fall or Christmas decorations at your home or around town? On your fall decor, do you decorate specifically for fall, then Halloween, then change out for Thanksgiving? 

Y'all take care and have a wonderfully spooky Halloween.

WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS LOVE

 On paper he reads like Mr. Wrong, but under the mistletoe he feels so right…

Determined to ensure her sister’s wedding is storybook perfect, Isabelle Davis secretly hires Army Veteran Zach Dawson to locate her estranged father. But the more time she spends with Zach surrounded by Christmas spirit and twinkling lights, Isabelle fears she’s falling in love. Can she trust her heart to a man whose past seems so similar to her absent father’s?

Zach Dawson proudly served his country for twelve years until an injury ended his military career. He holds his secrets close, but he’ll help Isabelle find her father—even if the man doesn’t want to be found. And if he’s also sewing up a storm at Isabelle’s quilt shop, and appreciating every moment spent with her, it doesn’t have to mean anything, much.

Unless he can somehow persuade Isabelle to take a chance on love? That’s a mission he’s eager to accept.

Also, be sure to check out:

Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope https://amzn.to/3Twuyec
Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy https://amzn.to/47wB8qW
Wrapped Up in Christmas https://amzn.to/4gvI1wP

WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS LOVE is coming November 12, 2024 from Tule Publishing. Pre-order your copy today. Amazon Barnes & Noble Print copies won't be available until release day.

USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & Publishers Weekly Bestselling author JANICE LYNN lives in Tennessee with her Prince Charming and their princes and princesses, her vivid imagination, an adorable Maltese named Halo who's the true royalty of the house, and bunches of unnamed dust bunnies that moved in after Janice started her writing career. In addition to writing romance, Janice is a nurse practitioner, a quilter, a military mama, and a member of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. www.janicelynn.com  

The Power of Presence: Kindness in Unexpected Places by Merri Maywether

Acts of kindness can be as simple as offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or simply your presence. Sometimes, the most meaningful acts of kindness are those that require no grand gestures or expensive gifts.

As a school librarian, I've had countless opportunities to witness the power of kindness firsthand. Last month, a student approached me asking for help with precalculus. I’ll admit I was intimidated by the request. It’s been a while since I’ve had to use a calculator beyond the basic functions. But I was willing to try. I sat down beside him, my gut twisting beneath the humility. 

My mind stretched in preparation of the mental gymnastics, expecting promblems like the one in this month's picture. I had the computer primed for tutorial videos and did a little stretch for those dashes to the math room for a quick refresher lessons. 

Every time, by the time I had the first digits entered, the kid had finished the problem. I never had a chance to use the calculator. It was obvious that he didn’t want my help–he wanted my gift of affirmation. 

First I had to balk that he didn’t need me. Then I high fived and cheered for every problem until he was done. (Whew) 

It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most valuable gift we can give is our time and attention.

In this month's blog, I'm sharing Taryn and Chase’s story. They’re the characters in Paradise Hills Trick or Treat. Taryn, a former model turned physical therapist, moved to Paradise Hills to be closer to her family. 

Having endured a long hospital stay herself, Taryn is comfortable spending her free time playing with or working on crafts with the children who are there for long-term illnesses.

The theme of the story is "trick or treat," as Chase, her love interest, is initially fooled by her appearance. But as he gets to know her, he discovers a compassionate and caring woman who is truly a treat.

This story highlights the importance of taking the time to truly see and appreciate the people around us. And to remember that giving of our time is an act of kindness that is packed with many gifts that are truly appreciated. 

Want to know more--maybe even read Paradise Hills Trick or Treat?

This link will take you to your favorite online retailer. |PH Trick or Treat|

Cruising by Merrillee Whren

When you read this post, I'll just be ending a cruise through New England and the eastern part of Canada. We've been watching an Amazon Prime show called "Still Standing." We started watching it because Jonny Harris, a comedian and actor, who played George on the "Murdoch Mysteries," another Amazon Prime feature, is the host of the show. In "Still Standing" Harris takes the viewer to small towns in Canada that have gone through hard times due to plant closures, industry changes, or severe weather events. It tells how the small towns managed to survive. That led us to a desire to visit Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Canada. We thought of driving, but our daughter mentioned a cruise, and that sounded much easier than hours of driving from the Boston area, where our daughter and her family live. So we booked this cruise along with friends we have known since we got married nearly fifty years ago.

We've gone on a lot of cruises through the years. It is a fun and easy way to see a lot of places. We've done numerous Caribbean cruises, two Mediterranean cruises, one to the east and one to the west, a cruise that took us to the fjords of Norway, a Baltic cruise, a Panama canal cruise, and a Danube River cruise. The photo above is from the Panama Canal cruise while we were going through the locks.

What do cruises have to do with my writing? I'm glad you asked. On several cruises we got to know some of the crew, and I was able to ask numerous questions about what it is like to be a crew member on a cruise ship. I learned that they sign a contract for a certain number of months to do whatever job they have. Some of them were in the shows while others worked with the children's programs or in the ship's library. So when I wrote my book, Hometown Proposal, I made the hero a former cruise director and the heroine a singer in the shows. The relationship they started on the cruise ship didn't last, but now that they are both not working with the cruise industry, the hero is determined to win her back.

Often when we take cruises, we also add some travel before or after the cruise. Our cruise to see the fjords in Norway started in Amsterdam, and we took full advantage of visiting that city several days before the cruise. After the cruise we traveled to other parts of The Netherlands and Belgium. I feature some of these places in my book, A Place to Find Love. The hero and heroine take a business trip together to The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, which we visited before and after our Danube cruise.

 Have you ever been on a cruise? If so, what was your favorite part?

Merrillee Whren is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of American. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty-plus years, and has two grown daughters. Connect with her on her Facebook page and sign up for her newsletter.

 

Enjoying October's Cozy Moments and Whispers of Maple Memories by Josie Riviera

October is finally here, with its crisp air, colorful leaves, and the scent of autumn spices. It's the perfect month to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the simple pleasures that bring us joy—like diving into a new book or enjoying a stack of pancakes drizzled with rich maple syrup.

I'm thrilled to announce the release of my newest sweet romance cozy mystery, 

Whispers of Maple Memories in Sweetwater Springs. 

This is the second book in my Sweetwater Springs series.

In this book, librarian Nora Winters finds  a mysterious map hidden in an old book. The unexpected discovery sends her on a journey with her former flame, Elliot Fitzwater, to uncover long-buried secrets about their hometown. As they dig into Sweetwater Springs' past, they not only unravel a tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption but also confront their own unresolved feelings and dreams for the future.

The Sweetness of October

October is a month of transformation, much like the journey of Nora and Elliot. For many of us, it's a time to reconnect with our roots and cherish the sweetness of life's simple pleasures. There's something truly comforting about enjoying a warm meal with maple syrup.

Embracing Second Chances

One of the key themes in Whispers of Maple Memories in Sweetwater Springs is the power of second chances. Nora and Elliot's story reminds us that it's never too late to rediscover old loves and uncover new paths. Their journey through Sweetwater Springs is filled with small-town charm, making it a story about healing, growth, and the bonds of love and friendship.

Join Me in Sweetwater Springs

Whether you're snuggled up with a cozy blanket, enjoying a cup of tea, or indulging in a plate of pancakes with maple syrup, I hope Nora and Elliot's adventure brings a touch of magic to your autumn days.

In the comments below, please share a story that celebrate the beauty of change, the importance of connections, and the sweetness of second chances.

Whispers of Maple Memories in Sweetwater Springs is now available on pre-order on Amazon and all your favorite ebook retailers. Grab your copy today!

If you prefer episodic reading, Whispers of Maple Memories in Sweetwater Springs is also available on Kindle Vella.

And, the first ten episodes are free.

Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and inspirational romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully support husband. They share their home with an adorable Shih Tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovation.

Sign up for her newsletter and get a FREE ebook on her website: josieriviera.com

 

The Next Stage by Christine Bush

                             

In the course of our lives, we often face many different stages. Childhood, Early adulthood,  parenthood, adulthood, and those challenging times we call “The Golden Years”. Change.

Sometimes, those life changes mean facing different occupations, different interests.  Sometimes those changes are not what we expect.  Sometimes they are not what we want.  There is growth in the adjustment.

Two of the male characters in my novellas enjoy the life of being professional athletes.  This brings money, excitement, and fame.

But then, injury changes the trajectory of their lives.  What do they find to bring joy back into their lives after the loss of their career. 

These, of course, are romances, so you can imagine that love is going to play a part. There are strong and interesting heroines in these stories. But there’s more.

I hope you enjoy their path to joy!

 

Lucy’s Laugh

Amazon.com: Lucy's Laugh eBook : Bush, Christine: Kindle Store

A sweet romance novella about love, hope, and community. Lucy is a dedicated teacher in an alternative school in Philadelphia. She's connected to community and the kids in her life. The new physical education teacher is trying to hide from his famous sports past as he rehabs a crushing injury. She's determined to fight the growing attraction. He can't possibly stay and put down roots in her simple life. Or can he?

 

Hannah’s Heart

Amazon.com: Hannah's Heart eBook : Bush, Christine: Kindle Store

 

A sweet romance novella. Grady O'Neill has led a fast paced life as a pro athlete and professional sports announcer, until a serious car accident followed by surgery leaves him stuck and resentful, needing to recuperate in his family's old vacation farmhouse in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. His physical therapist, Hannah, has no time for his grumbling or his bad attitude. Or his adorable blue eyes, which begin to sparkle again when he sets sights on her. He's her patient, and that's all. Her heart has already learned its hard lessons about love, and she wants no part of it. She saves her warm feelings for the pets works with as a volunteer at the local animal sanctuary. But then, the aggravating man decides to risk his life to save a newborn litter of puppies, and her heart begins to thaw. Sooner or later, he won't be her patient anymore. But then, he'll also be gone from her simple country world, back to glamor and bright lights. And what will happen to her heart?

I’d love to hear what you think!

Love, Christine

Christine Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic mystery, and suspense.  She can be found living in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats, and spending time with her 14 grandchildren.   When she’s not writing, she’s teaching Psychology at a local college, and working with clients in her private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!

 

 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Bush-Author/213919128638762
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Bush/e/B001KHSLRG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1392688497&sr=1-2-ent

Lyn Cote's LAST FREE EBOOK for 2024!

 

FATAL WINTER

Both a wounded hero and heroine face murder in their small town, where murders never happen.

She survived a childhood tragedy. 

Bookstore owner Sylvie and state homicide detective Ridge share a painful history — but when they discover the dead body of Sylvie’s cousin, they have no choice but to work together to unravel the truth…

Marked by the same tragedy, he’s forced to linger here in his hometown, 

aching for his still embittered parents. As he investigates, subsequent break-ins and odd occurrences plague those nearest Sylvie. So he’s constantly in contact with her, the woman intwined in the tragedy and the woman he can’t keep out of his heart.

Ridge touches her heart, 

but she refuses to believe there might be another murder—that she might be the next victim. Can Ridge stand to lose her too?

A Carol Award–winning author delivers a page-turning work!

“I loved this book that is exhilarating with murders, robberies, assaults, and romance for Sylvie and Ridge. It was nonstop action from beginning to end and a great addition to the Northern Shore Intrigue series. Each book is a standalone with no cliffhanger, and I highly recommend this book. Lyn Cote is one of my favorite authors because she keeps you wondering up until the end who the suspect is.”

Click here to dowload for free. Why not tell a friend?--Lyn