Thursday, April 30, 2020

Something New! Don't Miss Our New Quarterly Newsletter!


To connect more with our readers, Sweet Romance Reads will be starting a new quarterly newsletter which will come out for the first time next month! This is new so even if you subscribed to our former newsletter, please sign up again.

Better yet, we'll be giving away a $50 Visa Gift Card to ONE NEW SUBSCRIBER.  Next Thursday, May 7th, we will be hosting a Mother's Day Party on our FACEBOOK Sweet Romance Reads Cafe and you can sign up there. If you're not already a member of the Cafe group, just look to the right for the Cafe image, click it and Join!

If you're not on Facebook and don't want to join the party, you will be able to sign up here. Watch for the new signup in the right column. I'll be posting it very soon!--Lyn

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

New Month Brings New Beginnings by Laura Scott

New Month Brings New Beginnings!

As I sit down to write this blog, it seems like forever since the world came to a screeching halt, forcing non essential businesses and companies to close.

Personally I was looking forward to May, hoping and praying that maybe we would be able to start venturing out again, seeing our friends, going out for lunch, dinner or coffee. But it seems like that is not to be.

Our hospital here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin were I work has not seen the huge influx of patients that other hospitals across the country have experienced. For that I'm very thankful. I was prepared to work back to back twelve hour shifts, even joked with my son who is also an RN that we might get to work on the same unit. But so far the worst case scenario hasn't happened. We are very blessed to have a low hospitalization rate, and a low mortality rate.

Yet life as we know it continues to be something far off in the future. And that is making it difficult for me to look forward to May.  I have a new book proposal that I need to write for Love Inspired Suspense that is due mid-May. Normally, starting new books is my favorite part of writing! I'd rather start a fresh new story that I'm excited about then go back and edit the one that I just finished. Not sure what that says about me, but there you have it.

But f this time, I'm not excited about starting this new story. Maybe it's just a hint of depression with everything going on. I know it's important to keep a positive outlook and to find reasons to smile, as Janice Lynn suggested. Maybe I just need some down time, and find some things to do to relax a bit.

Getting a massage is not an option, so I've been trying home yoga via YouTube. I've only done this for a few days, but am already feeling more at peace. Maybe that new book will get started, yet!

Tell me what you're doing to help manage your stress during these difficult times. Maybe I can learn something from all of you.

I have a new book out this month: Target For Terror is a Christian International Thriller - and the first book in my Security Specialists, Inc series. Not sure it's very relaxing, but I've been told it's difficult to put down, so maybe that will help to put your worries aside.

Target For Terror by Laura Scott - $4.99

If you leave without me, you'll be dead by morning...

Critical care nurse Natalia Sokolova can't ignore former FBI agent Sloan Dryer's dire warning. After the Deputy Prime Minster of Russia dies under her care, her house explodes, then she finds her friend brutally murdered. The only glimmer of hope in this horrific nightmare is Sloan's bad Ukrainian accent and his ability to protect her.

Sloan can't figure out who wants Natalia dead and when he finds a link to her family, he's not sure who they can trust. As they run for their lives and from the awareness shimmering between them, they uncover a terrorist plot that could bring the United States to its knees. Time is running out. Can Sloan and Natalia save their country--and their future?
Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Let's make a gratitude list! - by Magdalena Scott

Photo by Edu Lauton on Unsplash

There's never been a better time to make a gratitude list, has there?

I mean, like, EVER?

The last few weeks have been hard for all of us residents of Earth, and we're not out of the woods yet. Some moments, hours, and days I experience anxiety, overwhelm, and hopelessness.

But I'm often surprised at how many things I can be grateful for. And I know I'm not the only one. So let's talk about it.

Okay, I'll go first. And I'll list several things to give you time to think about yours. (Yes, this is a group project. I know, I know, you always hated group projects in school, but this one is different. You'll be glad you participated. It will make you feel better!)

1. Despite sheltering in place, I was able to share my son's birthday dinner with him and my daughter-in-law by way of Google Hangouts. He blew out the candles on the beautiful, home-baked cake at their home, and I blew out the ones I'd stuck into an oat muffin.

1.a. And! We have a virtual game night each week the same way. Such fun.

2. My cat has calmed down after a period of acting out. (I think she has accepted that she's stuck with me for the duration. Thank goodness, because at least one of us was going to need medication.)

3. I've spent many hours in the old West, reading historical sweet romances.

4. Taste of Home's recipe for brown sugar oat muffins.

4.a. Having all the ingredients on hand for said muffins.
4.b. Eating said muffins.

5. Permitted walks outdoors in actual springtime (instead of jumping from winter to summer as we've done for several years). Many days have been gorgeous, and the birds are so happy. (Okay, that's more than one point of gratitude for number five but you get the idea.)

Now it's your turn. Share something(s) from your gratitude list, please!


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/


Monday, April 27, 2020

April 27th National Tell Us a Story Day by Margaret Daley

April 27th National Tell Us a Story Day (To make it clear that doesn’t mean tell a lie.)
By Margaret Daley

For a writer this is a perfect day. I try to spin stories all the time, but I must confess since having to stay at home for the past six weeks, I haven’t written much. I thought it might be fun in the tradition of this day since it is a National Tell Us a Story Day. This date doesn’t have to be only for writers. For parents who have children at home because the schools are shut down, it might be fun to start a story with a line or two then ask them to continue the story.

Some examples might be:

Emma heard a scratching sound against her window. As a chill ran up her spine…

Or

Joan waded out into the surf, the warm sea covering her legs as she neared the raft. Billy and Stephen were clinging to it as they rode a gentle wave that crested a hundred feet from shore. The sound of her two son’s giggling drew her attention until she glimpsed a fin moving through the water closer to… 

Or

Charlie laughed at a joke his friend told him even though he didn’t think it was funny. Behind Charlie another boy…

You might pick one of the starters above or come up with one of your own.

Below in the comment section give me a line after: Emma heard a scratching sound against her window. As a chill ran up her spine, she saw a face staring at her.

On sale for 99¢ until April 30th:

Finding Love Again
By Margaret Daley
Two wounded people, too afraid to trust...
Laura Williams first encounters high school principal, Peter Stone, when he suspends her son for fighting. New to town, this widow and mother of four struggles to hold her family together.
Peter is drawn to Laura and wants to help her and her son, who are hurting, but he's no stranger to pain. It's a daily struggle to overcome his own past. Will these wounded souls find love again, or will rocky pasts destroy all hope for a happy future?

Ladies, Sweet Romance Reads authors are going to continue our annual Mother's Day Party on Thursday May 7th, starting at 3 p.m. EDT. Our authors have always given away books to participants, but this time we have added TWO NEW PRIZES!!! One commenter during the party will receive a $50 Visa gift card. And since we are starting a quarterly newsletter, we will be offering another $50 Visa gift card.

If you look to the left column, you'll see the image of the Sweet Romance Reads Cafe, click it. And if you aren't a member, ask to Join (You'll see that button when you arrive at Facebook.) Then you'll be all set!



Sunday, April 26, 2020

Spring needs spring recipes

Spring has sprung! Or so goes the old saying. It's certainly true here at Casa Aylworth in beautiful Nor-Cal where the temperatures could not be more pleasant, the skies more forget-me-not blue, or the blossoms more lovely. The quarantine we've all been experiencing has not daunted the flowers. It seems our whole world is suddenly in bloom.


During my permitted morning walks, I have enjoyed all these lovely reminders that after every winter comes a spring. This time of renewal gives me power to keep going. Here I'm sharing some of the loveliest blossoms of the new season, part from my own yard and part from my neighbors.

Most of the time, quarantine means staying in. That has led to some indulgence, and in some cases, over-indulgence. (You may know the meme that encourages social distancing from one's refrigerator.)

In keeping with that norm, one of our indulgences during this stay-at-home time has been binge-watching TV cooking shows. Since I don't have most of their fancy ingredients, and we're all discouraged from going shopping just to buy those specialty items, I've been looking up recipes I can create from the items in my pantry. Today, I'm sharing two of those with you. These are scones (great for breakfast, dessert, or a treat) made from Bisquick or another baking mix. If you don't have the mix, use a basic biscuit recipe and then doctor it. Here you go. Happy baking!



Cinnamon-raisin scones
·         2 cups Bisquick baking mix
·         1cup milk
·         1 egg
·         1 teaspoon vanilla
·         3 tablespoons sugar
·         1 tablesspoon cinnamon
·         ½ c. raisins

DIRECTIONS
1.   Preheat oven to 425.
2.   Mix together all ingredients well.
3.   Take large rounded tablespoons of mixture and drop onto a non-greased pan. (Alternative: roll into a round about ½” thick and cut into wedges, like a pie. Place on non-greased pan.)
4.     Bake for 10-12 minutes.
5.     If you wish, drizzle with simple icing (powdered sugar softened with a tsp. of water) while cookies are still hot.

CHOCOLATE BREAKFAST scones
·         2 cups Bisquick baking mix
·         1cup milk
·         1 egg
·         1 teaspoon vanilla
·         3 tablespoons sugar
·         1 tablespoon cocoa powder
·         ½ c. chocolate chips (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1.    Preheat oven to 425.
2.    Mix together all ingredients well.
3.    Take large rounded tablespoons of mixture and drop onto a non-greased pan. (Alternative: roll into a round about ½” thick and cut into wedges, like a pie. Place on the non-greased cookie sheet or pan.)
4.    Bake for 10-12 minutes.
5.    If you wish, you can drizzle with chocolate frosting or melted white or dark chocolate.


As the quarantine lets up, I hope to enjoy, and perhaps share, some of the great recipes I've gathered from bingeing the cooking shows. I'll let you know how that turns out. If you have some good ideas for using common pastry items, you are welcome to share with us as well.

Susan Aylworth is the author of 20 novels. Her newest series, "Seasons of Destiny," explores romance in every season of the year in the small, former Gold Rush town of Destiny, California in the Sierra Nevada foothills.  Paris in the Springtime, Sunny's Summer,  Amber in Autumn, and Winter Skye are all available now in e-book and paperback. She is beginning a new "Daughters of Destiny" series featuring five sisters-cousins who sing together and lots of interesting song lyrics. Look for them in the coming months. 

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Bargain Books by Sweet Romance Read Authors

Bargain Books by Sweet Romance Read Authors


Finding Love Again—99¢ to April 30th, in Kindle Unlimited FREE
By Margaret Daley
Two wounded people, too afraid to trust...
Laura Williams first encounters high school principal, Peter Stone, when he suspends her son for fighting. New to town, this widow and mother of four struggles to hold her family together.
Peter is drawn to Laura and wants to help her and her son, who are hurting, but he's no stranger to pain. It's a daily struggle to overcome his own past. Will these wounded souls find love again, or will rocky pasts destroy all hope for a happy future?
Amazon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Only Her Heart--99 cents-Limited Time Only
by Lyn Cote


From a Carol Award–winning author: Unable to avoid her feelings for her boss, computer expert Jack, Annie prepares to quit her job. But when an unexpected phone call upends Jack’s life, will God help him realize what’s been in front of him all along?

Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2020
I enjoyed this story. I like how the characters grow and truth reveals. I also like
 how the various mysteries, especially the biggest one, have a common thread. 
I like that as the truth reveals, 
new perspectives lead to forgiveness."
For more info, click here:

~~~~~~~~



A Soldier's Promise by Laura Scott - Free for a limited time!
Reeling from a broken engagement that resulted in a small town scandal, ER nurse Julie Crain just wants to be left alone over the Fourth of July Holiday weekend. But when single dad, Derek Ryerson and his young daughter need a place to stay to recuperate from a car accident, Julie can't ignore their plight. She knows she needs to protect her heart, but little Lexi needs love and support. 

Derek is the strong silent type, insisting on helping despite being injured. He seems too good to be true, and maybe he is. Because she soon realizes the former soldier has a secret that could tear them apart forever.
Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

~~~~~~~~

A Boxed Set including the novella Trusting His Kiss 
by Jean C Gordon

  


NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!
99¢ with all Preorder Proceeds Benefiting Pets for Vets
Including Trusting His Kiss
By Jean C. Gordon

Twenty-one swoon-worthy heroes.
Twenty-one chances to fall in love.
Twenty-one happily-ever-afters.

This sweet contemporary romance anthology collection includes 21 original stories from bestselling and award-winning authors, Including WSJ and USA Today Bestselling Author, Judith Lucci.

Each piece written for this anthology is to benefit Pets for Vets. The Sweet Kisses Box Set is available for a limited time only. So preorder your copy before it's gone.

What a great way to help veterans who've been injured in service to our country and the Pets that need them.

Preorder links: AmazonBarnes and Noble | Apple | Kobo

Friday, April 24, 2020

Games People Play by Pat Simmons

Games People Play by Pat Simmons
We’re into our second month of the COVID-19 pandemic. I pray that you and your family are safe, and God is supplying all your needs. 
Somehow boredom always show up on Facebook by the games my friends play. How much time are you spending on social media? Here’s the first one that hit my wall:
My Crew got stopped by the police!!  😂🤣!! Please try it without cheating. Make sure you follow the directions at the bottom...Do NOT pick the names. *Facebook will*
1.Driver:Sharee Dozier
2. Fidgety:Al Ellison
3. Scared:Delorise Cowley Marks
4. Already saying I can't do jail time: Chance Ellison
5. Pee on self: Paul Cowley
6. Asking alot of questions: Annie Scott
7. Went Facebook live: Emily Dozier
8. Cursing police out: Romanita Womack
9. Got tased: Granny Mae
10. Fled the scene: Nancy Butler
11. Cried when asked to step out the car: Caitlyn Linzy
12. Pacing: Stacey Luvstorun McGaha
13. Straight face: Stacey Justice
14. Ready to snitch: Reginald Bailey
15. Kept screaming: Kc Dolo
16. Ride or die: Ron Dozier
17. Had a gun: Hawk Henry Mason
18. Acted like they couldn't speak English:Audrey Arnette Ellison
19. Kept repeating I should have stayed home: Keisha Mo
20. Passed out when they saw the handcuffs: Pat Simmons
1. Copy-paste the entire message above to your own page.
2. Delete the names I inserted.
3. Type @and the first letter of the first word from each line. (Driver: @d)
Select the name of the FIRST friend that shows up. (If one is already used, use the next one). ***Please don’t cheat either. 👀😮

---Someone else played the same game, and I was listed in the #12 slot.
Here’s a 2nd one:
First Sunday Service back in the Church House!! Please try it without-Cheating. Make sure you follow the directions at the bottom... Do NOT pick the names. *Facebook will*
SHOUTING SHOUTER: Leonard Bigwayne Smith
HUGGING EVERYBODY: Yvette Harris-Taylor
LEADING PRAISE & WORSHIP: Darletha Buchanan
READY TO GIVE TITHES & OFFERING: Rodney Lindsey Sr.
CRYING HAPPY TEARS: Chelle Vance
RUNNER: Tiffany Renee Lindsey
NEED GAS MONEY TO GET HOME: Yoro Newson
WENT FACEBOOK LIVE: Denise Williams
DRIVING CRAZY TO GET A GOOD PARK: Denise Grandberry
FAINTED: Morgan Ferguson
GAIN WEIGHT: Green Margaret
LOSS WEIGHT: Constance Connie Lindsey
SELLING CHICKEN DINNERS OUT OF THEIR TRUNK: Jo Anne Smith
CATCHING UP ON THE LATEST GOSSIP: Carol Bouteiller Perez
FIGHTING ON THE PARKING LOT: Sylvia Fair-Mcgruder
CANT STOP SPEAKING IN
TONGUES: Sherri WhoDat Carter
PREACHER: Pat Simmons
SAYS OPENING PRAY: Shane Atkinson
ASK PASTOR IF THEY COULD SING SOLO: Miesha Andréas
HAPPY MUSICIAN: Katrina Harris Rhodeman
SLEEPING MEMBER: Megan Sklar
GIVES THE BENEDICTION: Katherine An Author Gage
---I don’t know about the preaching part, but I definitely would be praying and praising the Lord!
A 3rd one:
My Quarantine Crew: Please try it without cheating. I want to see if I come up for anyone else. Make sure you follow the directions at the bottom.  *Facebook picked the names*
My roommate: Mark G. Robinson
Licks the window: Lisa Barrett
Asleep in the corner: Ahderah Brown
Reads scripture: Rochelle Hickson
Shouts at everyone: Sharlotta Jones
Removes hair weave: Regina Johns
Padded room occupant: Pat Simmons
Distracts the attendant: Delvia Berrian
Kicks the nurses: Krystin Scott
Believes they are a unicorn: Debbie Brown
Sneaks in the juice boxes: Sharae Epperson
Fights an imaginary elf: Faith Deborha
Makes the situation worse: Marlise Raysor
Gripes and complains: Gatha Hill
Hurts their pinky toe: Harold Guess
Just sits there: Jamar Young
---Not sure what a padded room is but evidently, I was in it. LOL.

Speaking of games, join me on Friday, May 1st for a Book Bingo Party with some of my Christian authors friends. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/100149313942764/
Want more fun? Sweet Romance Reads authors are hosting our annual Mother’s Day Celebration. We’ll have games, prizes, free eBooks, and free food (from your frig) on May 7th from 3 to 7:30 pm EST on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SRRCafe1/
Until next time, keeping praying for one another. Be encouraged. Psalm 91.
Pat Simmons is a Christian romance author of more than 30 titles. When she’s not writing or sewing, she’s having fun, dressing up as one of her characters to read from one of her books.
Visit her at www.patsimmons.net. While there, sign up for her monthly newsletter and get a free download.