Sunday, July 28, 2019

Small Space Decor: A Vintage Desk - by Magdalena Scott

I thought it might be fun to bring you along with me on a shopping trip.

I live in a studio apartment and am in the mood to change things up a bit. I am selling the cool 36 x 36-inch rolling table which has served as my writing table/desk. I wanted something different, that would look both cute and a bit funky.

I also wanted something small, that wouldn't allow distraction. 36 x 36 is a big canvas on which to create a chaos of papers, books, geegaws, and doodads. I've proved myself capable of doing exactly that.


I love repurposing things, and I trust vintage and antique items. They feel reliable, and add coziness to my living space. (My rolling table, while not vintage, has a Mid Century Modern look.)

So shopping for a "new" writing table occurred not in the local big box store or traditional furniture store, but antique and vintage shops. (Oh, the treasures!)

Pictured above are four of the contenders for the role of Magdalena's New Writing Table. Can you see them despite their camouflage? Which do you think I chose? Do you enjoy poking around in vintage shops?


USA Today Bestselling Author Magdalena Scott 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 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.
Website: https://magdalenascott.com/




Saturday, July 27, 2019

A Motive for Murder: Revenge By Margaret Daley

A Motive for Murder: Revenge
By Margaret Daley

I was in the middle of writing Scorned Justice when the show Revenge came on years ago on ABC--a show about a burning need to seek revenge on someone who had hurt the lead character. At least that was the impression I got from the ads about the new show. I have to confess I actually never saw the show. But it summed up my story--to what lengths would someone go to get back at another. A person takes the first step in a path of revenge, and before he/she knows it, there is no turning back. The need consumes him/her.

When revenge starts consuming the character, the “fun” really begins. The stakes are heightened. The villain starts to lose it and make mistakes. A show I did watch while it was on was Once Upon a TimeIt had revenge driving the plot. The Evil Queen wanted to make Snow White pay for what she did as a child.

Revenge is one of the basic motives for a person murdering another. There are others like greed, hate/love, the need for power. When I wrote this book, I wanted to show how far someone could go, how it changed his/her life. And since this is an inspirational romantic suspense, I needed, a happily ever after ending so there is a consequence for the revenge beyond going to prison.

What movie, book or show you've read or seen that has revenge at its core? 


Blurb for Scorned Justice by Margaret Daley:

Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case. 

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody's faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling, but also love? Texas Ranger Brody Calhoun is with his parents in west Texas when an unexpected attack injures the brother of Rebecca Morgan, Brody's high school sweetheart. The local sheriff, a good friend, asks for Brody’s help. At first, it seems like an open-and-shut case. 

As Brody digs deeper, he realizes the attack may be related to an organized crime trial Rebecca will be overseeing. With Rebecca's help, he compiles evidence involving cattle rustling, bribery, and dirty payoffs that shatter the entire community and put Rebecca directly in the line of fire.

Brody expects to protect her. What he never expects is to fall for Rebecca all over again, or for a murder to throw the case wide open. Is Brody's faith strong enough to withstand not only deep-rooted corruption and cattle rustling, but also love?
Buy links: AmazonBarnes and NobleKoboGoogle PlayiBooks

Bargain Book:


Deadly Night, Silent Night—99¢ through 7-28
By Margaret Daley
Revenge. Sabotage. Second Chances. 
Widow Rebecca Howard runs a successful store chain that is being targeted during the holiday season. Detective Alex Kincaid, best friends with Rebecca’s twin brother, is investigating the hacking of the store’s computer system. When the attacks become personal, Alex must find the assailant before Rebecca, the woman he’s falling in love with, is murdered.
Buy links: AmazonBarnes and NobleAppleKobo and Google Play

Friday, July 26, 2019

A Place to Unwind by Susan Aylworth

I grew up in the deserts of Arizona. My dad, a teacher, worked summers with the Forest Service and we spent those summers in the mountains. When I think of a place to escape the heat, or the crush of the city, or just the everyday pressures of life, I think of douglas fir and ponderosa pine, clear blue lakes, and hikes in the woods.

My husband is a native of San Francisco, born and raised in The City. From the top of the hill where his family lived, he could look out over the Pacific. For him, a get-away means cool evening breezes that smell of salt and walks along the beach, with a whale spotting here and there for kicks. Relaxation means limitless horizons. During the Fourth of July week, we went to the ocean.

Temperatures were perfect and the sea was showing off for us, as peaceful as its name. On the morning of July 2, we sat with other visitors on the beach at a California state park watching a juvenile gray whale hunt for his dinner in the cove nearby. Admittedly, it wasn't much to see: here and there a small spout, an occasional sighting of his back, and once a look at his long gray snout. I felt privileged that he shared that much with us, even for a short time.

We had other moments communing with the natural world. Three different times, deer darted out in front of us as we drove through the redwood forests along the coast. I'm grateful they always gave us plenty of space. Just slowing down meant we got to watch their graceful but powerful leaps and all parties still went on safely.
Ravens and gulls hunted along the shore as did ground squirrels and other small mammals. On rare occasions, we also caught a glimpse of the larger sea mammals that share those coastlines. Then too, there was always the sea. On July 3, we sat with a different group of ocean watchers as the sun sank behind the waves.



Our week along the seashore was altogether pleasant and a great way for both of us to unwind. Although I told my husband the trip was a gift for his birthday, coming later in July, I probably enjoyed the time as much as he did.

Besides, we already have a trip to the mountains planned for next month.  ;-)


Susan Aylworth is the author of 18 published novels. Her latest is SUNNY'S SUMMER, a sweet romance set in the Sierra foothills near her northern California home in the aftermath of the devastating #CampFire. She lives with her husband of 49 years, Roger, and one old, arthritic cat. She loves to hear from readers. Find her at www.susanaylworth.com, @SusanAylworth, susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com, or facebook.com/Susan.Aylworth.Author. Also on Pinterest and Instagram.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Book Bargains by Lyn Cote


HAD TO BE YOU--99 cents for the first time!

A young small town girl finds herself in the shadowy world of WWII espionage~

Coming of age in the deep Depression, Bette faces a troubled world. Her mother and father have taken in Gretel, a Jewish girl her same age sent by her family from Nazi Germany. In the KKK South this is met with animosity. As she finishes high school, Bette falls in love with a young man who applauds her family’s decision. The two become informally engaged and Bette dreams of a future as a wife and mother with him, clipping recipes and living the quiet life. 

But Hitler and others who seek world domination interfere with her plans. As her fiance attends college in Georgetown, she works as a secretary in the War Department. And that job leads her into the murky world of espionage. The US, Canada and England have banded together to foil German spies working to gain American military secrets. Bette never considered being a spy even in her wildest dreams. But she will do anything to stop these enemies, those who are persecuting Gretel’s family. But after swearing an oath, she can tell no on--not even the man she loves.

The Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. War crashes over them all and again Bette and her fiance are separated. And another man enters her life, one who works with her to foil Hitler. A man she resists but who won’t take no for an answer. When the war ends, which will she choose--the young man she fell in love with as a girl or the man who taught her how to be a spy?

The Carlyle Women-four generations, 
each facing the challenges of her time 
and each harboring her own painful secret~

To learn more ot to buy, click here.



ALSO ON SALE FOR 99 CENTS. CLI CK HERE  And enjoy!--Ly Cogte


Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Christmas In July by Vickie McDonough and Lyn Cote



A sweet historical Christmas romance from best-selling authors Vickie McDonough & Susan Page Davis. 

Visit an Old West Texas town where a mysterious benefactor leaves gifts each Christmas, but also where four pairs of neighbors battle hearsay, secrets, and mysteries.

THE MARSHAL NEXT DOOR by Vickie McDonough (1885)~~~~~~~~

The marshal’s deputy claims he’s seen the marshal’s young sisters snooping around businesses where there have been recent thefts. Marshal Yates can’t believe his sisters might be the thieves and seeks out a woman to mentor the impetuous teenagers. But when evidence is found in his house, will he have to arrest them at Christmastime?

THE OUTLAW NEXT DOOR by Vickie McDonough (1887)


Dane McDermott, a reformed outlaw born into a gang of thieves, has buried his past deep. As respectable business owner Dane has finally met the woman of his dreams. But when his father shows up, will it ruin his chances for love with the preacher’s daughter?


Also included:

THE SPINSTERS NEXT DOOR by Susan Page Davis (1886)


THE GUNSLINGER NEXT DOOR by Susan Page Davis (1888)
Christmas Next Door releases September 1st. Pre-order now to be one of the first to get your copy. 


~~~~~~

My latest historical, JOURNEY TO RESPECT, is on sale for 99 cents. Here is what one reader had to say about it:
Susan
5.0 out of 5 stars--Two worlds meet
October 23, 2018
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I so very seldom write a review but I couldn't turn the last page without leaving one this time. Characters and emotions in this book seem so stunningly real I felt I was in the midst of them. This is a very beautiful story and I highly recommend it to each and all readers.
Here's the link for more info or to buy.





Monday, July 22, 2019

Christmas in July Bargain Books by Margaret Daley, Magdalena Scott, Jean C. Gordon and Alicia Street



Deadly Night, Silent Night—99¢
By Margaret Daley

Revenge. Sabotage. Second Chances.
Widow Rebecca Howard runs a successful store chain that is being targeted during the holiday season. Detective Alex Kincaid, best friends with Rebecca’s twin brother, is investigating the hacking of the store’s computer system. When the attacks become personal, Alex must find the assailant before Rebecca, the woman he’s falling in love with, is murdered. 


Buy links:Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Kobo and Google Play




Midnight in Legend, TN - 99 cents
by Magdalena Scott

Christmas Ball? Check.
Quaint small town with an uncertain future? Check.
Handsome, exasperating, human roadblock to every new idea? CHECK!

NYC transplant Midnight Shelby has her work cut out for her, if she's going to create a life in Legend, Tennessee. Single dad Martin McClain wants to keep Legend as idyllic as when he was a kid.

Legend's future - and theirs - may depend on a compromise.

This small town romantic comedy is just 99 cents, or free with Kindle Unlimited: http://amzn.to/1rXlekd


A Team Macachek Christmas Anthology—Free through July 31
by Jean C. Gordon

Three sweet holiday novellas in one. Celebrate Christmas with the strong women and fearless men of the motocross circuit in these three heartwarming holiday stories: Holiday Escape, A Team Macachek Christmas (the prequal to my Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series book Sweet Entanglement), and Christmas Pizza to the Rescue.

Get Your Free Copy HERE.



The Christmas Sparkle Test – 99¢
by Alicia Street

Connor used to call Heidi "Princess Sparkle" because she was the one who made him forget all the bad things in his life, and losing her was the worst. When Heidi returns to their hometown to spend Christmas with her sisters before their dad sells the house, she discovers secrets from their past and learns that certain kinds of love will shine forever.

Available for 99¢ on Amazon
Or free with Kindle Unlimited.


Saturday, July 20, 2019

Who Needs An Armchair Vacation?

Well, I Have The Perfect Place For You!


I just released the third installment in the Grimwood Legacy series!

If you enjoy reading about tropical islands, sweet romances along with a little bit of enchanting fairytales mixed in, you'll love My Wayfaring Billionaire.

A brooding billionaire rescued by a feisty mermaid.
Twin daughters looking for a mom who’ll make their dad smile again.
A whale of a tale in the making...

Colton Grimwood, the oldest brother of the billionaire family, rubbed the sea salt from his eyes, sure he was seeing things. A mermaid? Swimming in the lagoon of his inherited island?

Impossible.

Colton had recently returned to his family's vacation spot, expected to turn it into a financially sound investment. What he planned to do was sell the cursed island. The sooner the better.

But then, after a nearly-drowning from an encounter with a shark named Murphy, then being rescued by the mermaid, who turns out to be the island's swim instructor, Colton finds himself caught in a net of longing for something he'd promised himself he'd never feel again: love.

My Wayfaring Billionaire is the third book in the Grimwood Legacy Series.
Books in order-
My Beastly Billionaire
My Charming Billionaire
My Wayfaring Billionaire
Two more enchanting tales to come...



Back in January, I released my first inspirational billionaire story My Beastly Billionaire followed by My Charming Billionaire.

The Grimwood Legacy series is about a family of three brothers and a sister who’ve come into their inheritance. Except there’s a catch, they must meet the terms of their father’s trust before they can come into their full inheritance. Each one is given a task they much complete or they’ll lose their share of the Grimwood estate.

Each story gives a nod at a familiar fairy tale, such as Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and more. They’ve been so fun to write and reviewers seem to be loving the fairytale twist.

Learn more about this enchanting sweet romance series here: https://www.jackiecastle.com/grimwood-billionaires.html

Share in the comments below about some of the best Armchair Vacations that you've had. What kind of settings do you enjoy most in the books you read? The beach? A small town? A cowboy ranch, or big city? Let me know! 

__________________________________________________


Jackie Castle looks for the extraordinary in every ordinary day. She is the author of The White Road Chronicles a fantasy series, The Sentinel Archives for school-age readers, and newly released Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast romance series. She has also published numerous articles in magazines. Her adventures include working as a hairstylist, to her bravest quest: teaching children in daycare and elementary schools. Eventually, she settled down to a somewhat safer pursuit of being a Story-weaver.

Find out more about her shenanigans over at Jackie Castle's Story World: https://www.jackiecastle.com. There you can also sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

July New Releases by Margaret Daley, Jackie Castle and Alicia Street



Into the Fire

Margaret Daley

Betrayal. Murder. Redemption.
After years searching for her birth mother, an anonymous tip leads Maggie Ridgeway to her long-lost family. Needing answers to lifelong questions, without revealing her true identity, Maggie moves into the apartment across from her mom.

Kane McDowell, a disabled veteran, who owns the apartment building and lives there, has struggled to deal with his injury. He is protective of the people he cares about and that includes Maggie’s birth mother, her husband, and two children.

As Maggie and Kane’s relationship grows, she is the victim of several burglaries, possibly tied to a man who was murdered in her apartment before she lived there. Kane comes to her rescue and vows to protect her. But will stunning revelations tear Maggie and Kane apart? 





A Gift of Love
Margaret Daley

Book 5 New Beginnings

During the tax season, CPA and single father, Ian Ferguson needs a temporary tutor for his young daughter, Jana, who is struggling in school since her mother 
surprisingly left them and ran off to marry another man. Alexa Michaels comes highly recommended, but Ian has his doubts about the younger woman. She is the opposite of Ian. He likes structure, and no surprises while Alexa goes with the flow and embraces unexpected changes. But when Jana thrives under Alexa’s tutelage, Ian decides to keep Alexa as his daughter’s tutor at least to the end of the tax season. But can Ian and Alexa put their past baggage behind them to give Jana the family and stability she needs?

Available on Amazon




My Wayfaring Billionaire 
Jackie Castle

An inspirational contemporary romance


A brooding billionaire rescued by a feisty mermaid.
Twin daughters looking for a mom who’ll make their dad smile again.
A whale of a tale in the making...

Available on Amazon



Miracle on Christmas Tree Street 
Alicia Street

After losing her job and moving to the rural North Fork to take the reins of a cozy B&B, single mom Hannah gets more than she bargained for when her business partner turns out to be a Santa-like older man whose way of doing things drives her up a wall. Her daughter, Abbie, befriends the annoying man as well as their neighbor Brady, the way-too-handsome gym teacher who is determined to break through Hannah’s ice queen shell.

Available on Amazon



Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Books Books and More Books Via Kimberly Rose Johnson


I LOVE books. They are literally my greatest weakness--then again how can buying a book be a weakness when it's hours of enjoyment for little to no money? I've visited all sorts of places via books. Do you have a favorite place you've visited via the pages of a book?
I once read a book that took place in Ireland. The story was so vivid in my imagination I felt as though I was right there with the characters. Some day I need to take a trip there!

Right now you can pick up The Reluctant Groom for only 99¢ until July 19th. You can literally read the entire three book series for less than $5.00 since the prequel Until I Met You is free. 
Now for more exciting news. The Edge Of Truth is on Amazon and available for pre-order at a discounted price. Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. I'm so thrilled that my first romantic suspense is being received so well. 
Finally, the entire Wildflower B&B Romance along with a bonus book is currently available in one collection for only 99¢. It's also in Kindle Unlimited if you prefer. Buy Wildflower Collection here

Sunday, July 14, 2019

Bastille Day and Christmas in July by Merrillee Whren

Today France celebrates Bastille Day, which is considered the beginning of the French Revolution. Have you ever been to France and seen the Eiffel Tower? Here is a photo that was taken many, many years ago when my hubby and I visited France. I'm the one in the white sweater with my back to the tower.

If you haven't been to the Eiffel Tower, what famous landmark have you seen?

We are also celebrating Christmas in July here on the Sweet Romance Reads blog. So in celebration, I'm giving away my Christmas novella, SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS. You can download the book by clicking on the title of the book today and tomorrow.
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.