Happy New Year from Sweet Romance Reads!

As 2018 comes to an end, we would like to thank our readers for their continued support. Without readers, a writer is nothing. 

We are so grateful to all of you!

Our New Year’s Wish for You:

May your troubles be less

and your blessings be more

and nothing but happiness

come through your door!

Last Chance at These #SweetRomance Deals! #99cents

December is nearly over which means these bargain prices will soon disappear (just like 2018!). So don't miss your chance to read these popular sweet romances.

AN ALMOST PERFECT CHRISTMAS 

(regularly $3.99) On sale for 99¢

Book 4 of the Ocean City Boardwalk Series

Available for:

Kindle 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST

(regularly $2.99) On sale for 99¢

Book 5 of the Ocean City Boardwalk Series

Available for:

Kindle

I don't know about you, but I start every New Year trying to shed those few pounds I put on over the holidays. I've written a blog post offering 12 snacks that are 100 calories or less. Small changes can make big differences. I hope the suggestions help you as much as they help me.

Sweet Romance Bargain Book from Lyn Cote

Meant for Me, Free Ebook, For more info, click here.

Born at Carlyle Place, the plantation her family has held for over two hundred years, Chloe Kimball was raised to be the perfect Southern lady. Still, she resists being the prize that her parents—an ambitious society maven and an equally ambitious politician—war to control. Surprising even herself, she breaks free. America has just entered the First World War and Chloe learns how to make her own way in 1917 New York City--a place nothing like home.

Soon Chloe is swept up in the heady tides of change in the young 20th century. The NAACP moves forward in the midst of race riots, women’s fight to gain the vote is at its peak. Chloe becomes the independent woman she never thought possible. But then the unexpected forces her to return home. Yet even in the South, the 1920’s are roaring with flappers, speak-easies and the Charleston, and for a time Chloe loses her way--a reluctant member of the “Lost Generation” in postwar America. 

She loved one man and lost him and now is pursued by another but will she ever be able to connect with the one she hopes could help her make sense of her life? As she recalls the woman she once was, she strives to become the woman she wants to be. Will she succeed?

The Carlyle Women-four generations, 

each facing the challenges of her time 

and each harboring her own painful secret~

How do you get ready for the new year? ~ by Magdalena Scott

As Mary Alford posted a couple of days ago, I've been looking forward to the new year's possibilities.

I love the holiday season: decorations, music, movies, and extra time with friends and family. But as usual, by the end of Christmas Day, my introverted, minimalist soul was ready for...less.

So, when I got out of bed on the twenty-sixth, I "un-decked the halls." The vintage aluminum tree and glass ornaments, then the red bow and jingle bells from the door, were stored away.

Then I moved some furniture around, just for fun, in my studio apartment. (Everything is on sliders, so even though I'm small, this is still a one-person job.)

Here are some other things I've done to prepare for 2019:

* Bought a paper planner. Although I keep a digital calendar, there's just no feeling like making a thick slash mark through a list item when it's accomplished. (Check marks are nice, but not quite as satisfying.)

* Made a list of 2018 lessons learned. (Sheesh - some of them have probably been on that list a few times!)

* Prayed for guidance.

* Wrote down, in the planner, personal and professional goals for 2019.

* Committed to check in regularly with an accountability partner.

That's me so far. How are you preparing for the new year?

Magdalena Scott

USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott writes sweet romance and romantic women’s fiction with small town settings. She is a 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 or spending time with family and friends, she loves to travel–carry-on baggage only–and is always pleasantly surprised at the kindness of strangers.

Magdalena's website
Magdalena's newsletter

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My Newest Book By Margaret Daley

Happy New Year. I hope you have a great 2019. What are you looking forward to in 2019? I'm hoping that both of my knees will be better after having two knee replacements.

My Newest Book by Margaret Daley

Trapped is my most recent book and my third story in my Everyday Heroes Series. It is up for pre-order and will be released January 15^th. This story is placed in Colorado in a fictional town called Butte City surrounded by mountains. My hero, Brock Carrington, is a veteran who lost his leg from his knee down in firefight. His life changed after that. He retreated from the world and most of the people he knew. But he was given a service dog, Bella, to help him deal with PTSD. His life changes again when his ex-fiancée’s twin sister disappears. Sadie turns to Brock, who is her sister’s neighbor living on a mountain near Butte City.

I had fun writing about Bella. My son’s dog is named Bella, and I pictured her while I wrote the story. I stayed on a mountain years ago between Denver and Boulder. I used my memories of that time as I wrote the story—about the bear, a place off the road before you lose cell reception.

Trapped

By Margaret Daley

Second Chances. Cornered. Murder.

Sadie Williams receives a cryptic and terrifying call from her scared sister. But when Sadie arrives at her identical twin’s home, there's no sign of Katie, only evidence of a quick flight. The puzzling situation turns potentially deadly when intruders storm the house. With help from Brock Carrington, her ex-fiancé and an ex-Marine, Sadie narrowly escapes.

Brock is an injured veteran dealing with PTSD. He's finally piecing his life back together when his ex-fiancée needs his help. Can Brock reignite their relationship and find her missing twin before they're both killed?

Buy links: Amazon, Apple, B&N, Koboand Google Play

Happy New Year!

For most of us, the packages have all been unwrapped by now. Christmas with the family is over. Another Christmas is in the books and a new year is on its way.

A brand new year is on its way. What will 2019 bring?

At this time of the year, I look forward to a new year with anticipation because it feels as if anything is possible. We have a whole 365 days to accomplish our dreams and fulfill the ones that didn’t take place in 2018. It’s reenergizing and a bit like starting a new book.

Each time I sit down to write a new book it can be daunting, but also exciting. Writing that first chapter I usually have the story idea in mine, although I’m not much on outlining. But it never fails, as the story develops, it never quite ends the way I had in mind. The characters have a way of swaying the story to fit their wishes.

So as we look toward the New Year that is ahead of us, anything is possible. Where will your wishes take you?

Happy New Year!

Mary Alford

www.maryalford.net

We Wish You a Very Merry Christmas!

The authors of Sweet Romance Reads wish 

all of you the happiest Christmas ever!

The Christ in Christmas by Pat Simmons

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house… Who isn’t familiar with the childhood poem?

As a child, I was taught the meaning of Christmas alongside the fantasy of Santa Claus, which in times past, took the spotlight off of Christ.

Today, tonight, tomorrow and forever, I meditate on the end result of His Birth—His Death—Grand Resurrection. Knowing, the twist of the Christmas Story, I can rejoice because I’m the recipient of an unmatched gift.

I hope tonight, the night before Christmas, you’ll have a chance to reread the original Christmas story passed on from generation to generation: Matthew 1-2 and/or Luke 1-2.

Merry CHRISTmas!

As a Christian romance author, I have penned five Christmas novellas, which shows the endless ways why the humility of Christ is the reason for all seasons. Until 2019, be blessed!

Pat Simmons has penned more thirty plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth who is passionate about casting her ancestors in starring roles. She is a three-time recipient of the RSJ 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. Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, and GPS-guided chauffeur. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net. 

Sweet Romance Reads Book Bargains for the Holiday!

Lyn Cote here--How about a touch of spring in winter? Book 3 of my Northern Intrigue series, Spring's Storm, is on sale for 99 cents from Dec 22-26. Here's the link for more info: https://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/books-by-lyn/springs-storm ‎

Book 1 Winter's Secret is free. Click here for more info. https

://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/books-by-lyn/winters-secret ‎

Merry Christmas!--Lyn and all your other Sweet Romance Reads Authors!

Yipee! Yahoo! The Sweet Romance Reads Christmas Party is today! Y'all come over and join us starting at 2 p.m. EST. Chat with our authors, talk Christmas, learn about our books, and win prizes!

Did I mention lots of prizes?!

We'll meet in the Sweet Romance Reads Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRRCafe1/

Time for gifts!

It's Christmas! Let's double the gifts in three easy steps!

1. Go to our Facebook page: Sweet Romance Café - link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRRCafe1/

2. Gift the book bundle "Sweet Christmas Kisses 5" to one of your romance-loving friends (it's only 0,99 USD) and tag them on our page on Facebook.

3. AND tell us who else should get a free e-book ...

We'll honor that and will send a free e-book from one of our authors to the friends you've tagged.

Ready? Let the Christmas spirit reign!

Happy Holidays!

Today is the last day of school before winter break. I promised my kids that this year I'd take a few weeks off once they were home and we'd enjoy the Christmas season. They have run with this idea and -- oh boy -- do we have some big plans for the next two weeks! There are lots of bowling, arcades, baking, board games, reading, and homemade crafts in my future and I can't wait.

I am ready for a break after the craziness of a new release. Yesterday I released Book Three in my Tamarack Ridge Romances series - Taming the Mountain Man. I love release days, but I do get a little obsessive about checking my numbers and making sure things are going as planned. I was so thrilled yesterday when it got the tag for #1 new release in contemporary Christian romance. It's fun to get reader feedback and of course, those positive reviews make me want to sit down and get the next book done right away!

I wish you all a very happy holidays and hope 2019 brings you only joy!

Much love,
Jeanette

Get Taming the Mountain Man here

The No Brides Club - A New Sweet Romance Series Coming in January

Six no marriage vows. Six Mr. Rights. Will a group of strong, independent women break their pledge to one another and choose love over a career?

The No Brides Club is a 6-book Sweet Contemporary Romance series features a group of best friends from NYC who have sworn off marriage in favor of their careers. When they meet their Mr. Right, they must each decide if they will take a chance on love.

Pre-order the complete set to not only save $10 (that's like getting 2 books for free), but also to receive the full set on January 4 when book 1 launches. 

BUY NOW and SAVE BIG

~*~

USA Today bestselling author Raine English writes sweet small-town contemporary romance, along with paranormal and romantic suspense. She’s a Daphne du Maurier Award winner and a Golden Heart finalist. To receive information on all her new releases, you can sign up for her newsletter, join her street team, visit her website, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Writing From a Male Perspective (+ A Cover Reveal) by Liwen Y. Ho

It's hard to believe the year is coming to a close, isn't it? As I look back on 2018, I'm so thankful I began writing a new series this year of Christian contemporary romance books. My Spark Brothers series follows the lives and loves of five brothers who are all unique in their own ways. So far, I've released books 1 and 2, A Single Spark and A Sudden Spark respectively, and will be releasing book 3, The Sweetest Spark come January 2019.

I can honestly say that writing this series has been more challenging and rewarding than I imagined, especially since I need to really get inside the mind of a man. And not just one man, but five! For someone like me who is a very girly girl and doesn't have any brothers, I've had to rely a lot on my experience with male friends and most of all, my relationship with my husband, to understand how guys think and act. When I need more inspiration, I look to characters from my favorite TV shows. Fortunately, there are many examples for me to consider when I need to write from a male perspective.

Colin Spark, the main character from The Sweetest Spark, is brother number three, the middle child. He's fun-loving and impulsive, but also patient and sweet, especially when it comes to the woman he loves. He's a bit like Joey Tribbiani from Friends, mixed with Jack Pearson from This Is Us. And he's the perfect man for a straight-laced, uptight woman like Candy Connelly who needs a lot of tender loving care. I really enjoyed bringing these two characters together and I can't wait to share this story with you. For now, here's the cover reveal!

I chose this image because I just love the tender way Colin is looking at Candy. What do you think of the cover? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Be sure to join us over at the Sweet Romance Reads Cafe on Facebook for a great community of like-minded readers who enjoy reading sweet/clean romance!

Join today! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRRCafe1/

Holiday for the Birds by Alicia Street

In addition to decorating a Christmas tree in the house, I like to give the birds a holiday tree filled with treats. Making birdseed ornaments is also a fun craft to do with children during this season.

Photo Alice Donovan Rouse

The gooiest ones are made with suet that you mix with birdseed, then press into cookie cutters. When you remove them from the cookie cutters, add a paper clip or string as a hanger, then put them in the freezer to harden.

Here is an easy recipe made with gelatin instead of suet.

½ cup water

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

3 Tablespoons corn syrup

¾ cup flour

4 cups bird seed

Non-stick cooking spray

Twine

Heat the water and stir in the gelatin and corn syrup and remove from stove. Mix the flour and

birdseed together in a large bowl. Add it to the gelatin mixture and let it cool. Place cookie cutters on parchment paper. Use the non-stick cooking spray here. Press the mixture into the cookie cutters. Make a hole with a toothpick or straw for the hanging twine. Carefully separate from the cookie cutters and let them dry for a few hours or overnight. Thread the twine through the hole.

Then go outside and decorate a tree for the birds!

If you want to curl up with some sweet holiday romance, my Holiday Luv Bundle is on sale for 99¢ for the rest of the month. Free in Kindle Unlimited.

Whatever you celebrate, I wish you the best of the season!

Alicia Street is a USA Today bestselling author and a Daphne du Maurier

award-winner. A compulsive reader of every genre, she writes

both sweet and spicy romance. She spent many years as a dancer,

choreographer and teacher.

Alicia loves to connect with readers~

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Goodreads

Come party with the authors of Sweet Romance Reads! JOIN HERE!

National Salespersons Day by Merrillee Whren

I always have fun sharing these interesting and different holidays. National Salespersons Day was started in 2000. In 2010 the holiday was moved to the second Friday in December, according to some places. Others may choose the first Friday. Whichever day we choose, December is a good time to celebrate people in sales because it is a busy, busy time for them. My dad was a salesman for many years. Here's a photo of him receiving an award for his sales. He's the one on the left.

When I was in college, I worked retail sales during the summers and also during the summers when I was a teacher before I got married. I worked for JC Penney and worked mostly in the shoe department, but I sold everything except major appliances. My dad was an excellent salesperson, me, not so much. I'm finding as an author that I have to be a salesperson when it comes to getting people to buy my books. I'm still in the "me-not-so-much" category when it comes to marketing. I'd rather write than promote. But here I am doing a little promotion. I have a new release, HOMETOWN DAD. It is the third book in my Kellersburg series.

You can find the book at these retailers. 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TiHVxQ

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/2PUSCrR

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2zXxPtv

The first book in the Kellersburg series, HOMETOWN PROMISE, is now part of a box set, A MERRY LITTLE WINTER. 

You can purchase the box set for 99 cents at these retailers.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2G0OLWp

B&N: http://bit.ly/2QebK4Q

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2AZdTa8

iBooks: https://apple.co/2rpKj9y

Have you ever worked as a salesperson? What did you sell?

I will give away a copy of my Christmas novella, PUPPY LOVE and MISTLETOE to one person who leaves a comment. I will draw the winning name on December 15 at 9PM MST. 

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.