Wrapping up a Series by Laura Scott

I have a confession to make. I love writing a series and even more so, I love writing the end of a series! I tend to write six book series where I can wrap up the overarching plot between the books and bring all the characters together in the end. I have even gotten a little teary knowing the series is finished and that I'll have to leave these great characters behind.

I see many authors write much longer series than six books. I'm in awe of that talent. I tried to plan a longer series but my brain just doesn't work that way. Probably because I can't juggle that many characters, LOL. 

Then there are readers who don't like having to be committed to reading an entire series. I can see where they are coming from, but again, my brain doesn't seem to cooperate with that idea. I always come up with an idea for a multi book series.

Tell me your thoughts! Do you like reading a series? Prefer stand alone books? Or a little of both?

Jayme's Journey is the sixth book in my Smoky Mountain Secrets series. This book will be available on October 5th. If you enjoyed the rest of the books in this series, you'll love knowing all the foster siblings will be together at last.

Will she ever escape her past?

Jayme Weston has come a long way from the abusive foster home run by the Preacher. While living on the streets, she’s done her best to protect her younger foster sister, Caitlyn while managing to survive and thrive. Now Caitlyn is living on her own, and Jayme finds herself at loose ends—until she is targeted by several suspicious fires.

Arson Investigator Linc Quade doesn’t understand why this particular fire bug isn’t following a typical arson pattern. And the beautiful redhead isn’t nearly as forthcoming as he’d like. As the attempts against Jayme escalate, Linc becomes more determined than ever to protect her. Falling in love wasn’t a part of his plan. But when the elusive arsonist manages to kidnap Jayme, Linc knows time is running out. Will he find and rescue her, before it’s too late?

Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

Also, if you have not read any of my Smoky Mountain Secrets books, the first story, Hailey's Haven is free for a limited period of time. 

A safe place to call home...

After escaping her abusive foster parents thirteen years ago, Hailey Donovan thought her nightmare was over. Gatlinburg Tennessee had been a safe place to live, until she's nearly hit by gunfire while hiking the Smoky Mountains. Her instincts are to avoid law enforcement, especially handsome park ranger Rock Wilson, but when more gunfire echoes around them, they're forced to work together to escape.

More attempts against Hailey convinces her to leave the city to start over someplace new. Rock talks her into staying and fighting against the unknown assailant. Rock senses Hailey has been traumatized in the past, and is determined to uncover the mystery surrounding her. As Hailey and Rock seek the truth behind the escalating attacks, Rock realizes he's also in danger of losing his heart. Can Rock provide Hailey the save haven she desperately needs?

Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

Color me cozy by Magdalena Scott

 

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

Well, gang, we made it to autumn, the season I love best. Here in southern Indiana, we've even had a few days of seasonal temperatures. Nice! Of course, as I write this we're back to the 80s. Fingers crossed that it doesn't last long.

I love pretty much everything about fall. Crickets singing, the sun's altered slant during the day. The fact that it's still dark outside when I get up in the morning, and dark by the time I go to bed. The list is long...

It's time to prepare for cooler days and nights, and I'm jazzed about it.

I'm re-watching one of my favorite series, Northern Exposure. In a recent episode, the inhabitants of Cicely, Alaska were getting ready for winter by overeating. Like a bear preparing to hibernate, I guess. 

Much as I adore my buddies in Cicely, adding to my waistline isn't on the agenda. And as an apartment dweller, I don't need to stock up on firewood or check the exterior of the house to be sure it'll withstand the cold north wind.

So what are my preparations?

I have bought some books. Hardbacks and paperbacks. I love reading ebooks, but at this time of year, it's especially nice to curl up with a hefty read. (Happy endings only!)

And speaking of curling up, that's much cozier under the alpaca blanket a friend gave me, or for super cold times, the Indiana University stadium blanket. 

I bought some cornmeal from a local historic mill. I'm not a cookie or cake baker, but on cold days I enjoy homemade soup with a cornstick or two on the side. (You're right to think I'll need to watch the waist if this happens too often.)

Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash

A few weeks ago, I bought three beautiful chrysanthemums from local growers: yellow, dark-red, and white.

I'm playing my mountain dulcimer more these days too. It's a peaceful endeavor year-round but seems even more enjoyable right now.

Okay, it's your turn. How are you preparing for the fall and winter seasons?

Magdalena Scott

Website: https://magdalenascott.com/

Sweet Romance in Paperback

 Don't read digital books? 

Try our paperbacks!

The Black Bear Brothers Series:

An Honorable Man, Book 1, in Paperback at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Woman of His Heart, Book 2, in Paperback at Amazon 

Healing Chay, Book 3, in Paperback at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

*  *  *  *  *

A Love Song To Cherish is the first book in my inspirational contemporary romance "Cherish" series. Available in Paperback, Hardcover and Large Print Paperback.

Check out my Amazon page. All my books are available in Paperback, Hardcover, and Large Print Paperback.

* * * * *

Spend October in beautiful Destiny, California. Founded by Gold Rush miners, this small, close-knit community in the lovely Sierra Nevadas nourishes romance in every season.

* * * * * *

Paradox Lake Sweet Romance Series:

Trusting Her Heart, Book 2, in Paperback at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Trusting His Heart, Book 3, in Paperback at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Trusting Love, Book 4, coming in Paperback in early 2022

*  *  *  *  *

Each of these books is available in print from your favorite online retailer.

Amazon, Barns & Noble, Books A Million

It's Fall Sports, er, Autumn Time!

How well I remember the days when we had five kids playing fall soccer games on three different fields! With the help of useful grandparents, we managed. Now I'm the not-so-useful grandparent who shows up to cheer on the valiant efforts of four kids playing on four different fields at overlapping times. (Note #5 below, poised to take the ball.)

Some of our grandchildren play too far away for us to see them in action. One grandson is on his high school's freshman football team in Oregon. He plays offense, defense, and special teams (the point-after kicker). I wonder if that's related to the fact that his dad is coaching? Hmmm...

In southern Utah, two grandsons are playing on both sides of the ball--the football, that is. So far, they've both been involved in valiant losing efforts. We're scheduled to go see them play in a couple of weeks. Perhaps our being there will do the trick? We hope so.

We recently had the opportunity to watch a couple of our boys on the soccer field. One blondie turned ten the week before. We were there to see him blow out his birthday candles on Friday, and there to watch him dominate the field on Saturday, playing against most of the boys who attended his party. 

Though he was all over that field on both offense (first half) and defense (second), the team didn't do as well overall. Some valuable lessons can be learned from losing, too. 

There's so much to be said for kids' sports. Some advantages include healthful activity, fresh air, sportsmanship (depending, of course, on how the parents behave), the joy of winning, and learning to accept defeat. I support the concept even in my fiction, which is why Rainbow Rock, Arizona gets its own youth soccer league in my Rainbow Rock Romance series. The children of my imaginary friends need comaraderie, fresh air, and an active lifestyle too.

I expect many more proud grandma moments, and some triumphs and defeats for the fictional children as well. After all, it's autumn and time for kids' fall sports. 

Susan Aylworth is the author of more than 20 novels. Her newest book is Kisses and Kittens in Christmas Town, Book 3 in the Christmas Town series. Over the Rainbow, a prequel to the Rainbow Rock Romances, is available free to everyone who subscribes to her newsletter on her website: susanaylworthauthor.com. Contact her on her Facebook author page or via susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com or join her on Twitter @Susan Aylworth. 

Free and Bargain Books by Sweet Romance Reads Authors

 Hailey's Haven by Laura Scott - Free (for a limited time)

A safe place to call home...

After escaping her abusive foster parents thirteen years ago, Hailey Donovan thought her nightmare was over. Gatlinburg, Tennessee had been a safe place to live, until she's nearly hit by gunfire while hiking the Smoky Mountains. Her instincts are to avoid law enforcement, especially handsome park ranger Rock Wilson, but when more gunfire echoes around them, they're forced to work together to escape.

More attempts against Hailey convinces her to leave the city to start over someplace new. Rock talks her into staying and fighting against the unknown assailant. Rock senses Hailey has been traumatized in the past, and is determined to uncover the mystery surrounding her. As Hailey and Rock seek the truth behind the escalating attacks, Rock realizes he's also in danger of losing his heart. Can Rock provide Hailey the save haven she desperately needs?

 

Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

___________________________________________________________

Joan McAllister never imagined a world without her larger-than-life father. After his sudden death, she is overwhelmed with sorrow, harrowed up by guilt over dreams she never shared, and burdened with helping her mother run the family farm and care for three younger brothers. How can she reject her father’s dying wish, even when it means giving up her dreams? To complicate matters, Joan is attracted to a man she met at her father’s funeral. How can she be musing about romance when her life is in turmoil?

Bob Riley sees in Joan the woman he has always wanted. Even though they met under somber circumstances, there’s nothing somber about his feelings. Bob knows he and Joan have much in common, and he’s pretty sure she is attracted to him, so why does she keep pulling away?

Come to Rainbow Rock, Arizona, and learn what awaits Bob, Joan, and the rest of the McAllister clan in Over the Rainbow. 

Free when you subscribe to Susan's newsletter:  

susanaylworthauthor.com

 

National Cherries Jubilee Day! @PatSimmons

 According to National Day Calendar, today is NATIONAL CHERRIES JUBILEE DAY! Let's celebrate! 

Chef Auguste Escoffier is credited for creating this fancy dessert for Queen Victoria. To learn more about this day, click here.  

For a recipe for Cherries Jubilee, click here.

Do you think Cherries Jubilee is worthy of a celebration? Or do you think it's a sweet of a golden era in the past?

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Take a look at this short story by Pat Simmons:

After splurging on a one-of-a-kind evening dress, Pepper Trudeau hopes to dazzle the crowd at a St. Louis soiree. With her hair in place and makeup polished, Pepper stands confident, at least steady, in her ridiculous stilettos as she heads out the door--dateless.

Drake Logan almost didn't come to the gala, but when he catches a glimpse of an exotic beauty in a dress that seemed made for her figure, he almost lost his mind. Sometimes a man only gets one shot to impress a woman, and taking advantage of the moment, Drake will do whatever it takes to capture Pepper's heart on the spot.

Her Dress is a romantic novella about a woman who soon learns there is no price tag on love.

Available for:   Kindle  *  Nook  *  Kobo  *  iBooks

Learn more about the author at her website.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes by Janice Lynn

 

Not All Heroes Wear Capes...I saw that written a lot during 2020 when nurses and the healthcare field was overwhelmed (we still are in many areas, btw) and when I think of my next Hallmark Publishing release, it really fits the story. My heroine and a widowed mom, Morgan, is a nurse who lost her job due to budget cuts (this actually happened to people I knew last summer). She moved to where her grandparents lived to get on her feet and to make sure that her young son has the best Chistmas ever in Pine Hill, because his last two haven't been good, much less magical. When there, Morgan goes to work at a nursing home/assisted living facility. Y'all, the men and women working in these areas truly are heroes and heroines! I've always thought it, but even more so since Covid-19 forever changed life as we know it.

My hero, Andrew, is a firefighter who longs to be a smokejumper. Firefighting in general is heroic. I mean, these men and women run into fires when everyone else is running out. But to be a smokejumper takes it to another whole level of danger. I'll admit, I cried quite a bit when doing the research on Smoke Jumpers and Hot Shots due to the loss of lives over the years, and the absolute bravery and resiliency these men and women exude with their every breath. 

Writing their story, one of a heroine who had already lost the love of her life to his dangerous lifestyle and a hero whose very core is dedicated to protect others even at the ultimate sacrifice to himself, well, it often had been thinking how blessed I am by the real life heroes and heroines in my life. As a nurse myself, I'm surrounded by healthcare workers and know many more. Y'all, they are all heroes and heroines in ways someone outside the healthcare field may not be able to truly understand because it's on the drives home and at night that our tears flow the hardest and our hearts just ache at the things we've seen. I'm also blessed with a nephew who is a state trooper, a nephew who is a firefighter, a nephew who served in the Army, and a son who is currently serving in the Army National Guard. They, and all those serving with them, are heroes and heroines in my eyes.

I want to expound on all the other heroes and heroines out there. Those that serve in ways that may often go unrecognized--such as the lady at church who always mails get well cards and sympathy cards to members. Such as those who check on shut-ins, bring them food, to doctor appointments, etc. Such as the family member who brings in a parent or grandparent to provide 24/7care for them. Such as electric line workers who go out during and after storms to help restore power. Such as the seamstress who sewed masks and gave them out by the stacks. Such as the quilters who make quilts to wrap veterans and service members in to welcome them home. I could go on and on, because our world is filled with heroes. The writer in me wants to recognize them all, to give each one a story and a voice. I'll never live long enough to succeed, so y'all help me. :) 

Who are some of the heroes and heroines in your life? You can share why if you'd like, but if you just want to acknowledge them, that's great, too. 

Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope coming October 26, 2021 from Hallmark Publishing

Buy Your Copy HERE

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, an exercise queen, a military mama, and an avid supporter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Just kidding on the exercise queen. www.janicelynn.com   WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS & WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS JOY are available at AMAZON Barnes & Noble WALMART

www.janicelynn.com

Bargain Sweet Romances for #99cents

 Grab a 99¢ Deal Today!

MADE IN PARADISE ~ 99¢ for a limited time only

Save $3! Choose your #Kindle Store:

US: http://amzn.to/2nsgtxi #Ad

UK: http://amzn.to/2nFpp3w

Canada: https://amazon.ca/dp/B06XYGSQ3G

Australia: https://amazon.com.au/dp/B06XYGSQ3G

India: https://amazon.in/dp/B06XYGSQ3G

What readers have to say:

"... left me smiling long after I read the book."

"Loved this sweet story..."

This title is also available for Kindle Unlimited members.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Love Sweet Holiday romance?

Grab your copy of Candleglow and Mistletoe today!

Only 99 cents for a very limited time. (U.S. Residents only)

Also available in ebook, paperback, large print paperback, audiobook, and Hardcover.

Gabriel's Atonement

Vickie McDonough

All Gabriel Coulter ever wanted was to live a comfortable life as a successful gambler, but a confrontation with a disgruntled cowboy who’d just lost his monthly pay to Gabe leads to a family man dying in his arms. Even though it was self-defense, the only way Gabe knows to get rid of his guilt is to return the money he won to the man’s wife. 

Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and wants nothing to do with him--not even the much-needed money he's offered her. But as she struggles to provide for her family and makes plans to claim property in the upcoming Oklahoma land rush in hopes of finally having a permanent home, she wonders if God might have sent the meddling man to help.

99 cents for a limited time / Free on KU

https://amzn.to/3hLyOUB

It's Zucchini and 🍎 Apple Season by Merri Maywether

Remember that scene in Forrest Gump where he makes a catalog of the variety of ways to cook shrimp?  It was probably a good minute long, and it was an extensive list. Well, this is the season for bakers far and wide to make a similar list with the ingredients of their choice.  My two lists of ideas come from apples and zucchini. The funny thing is I grow neither. 

When we first moved to Montana, I opened my car door to find a zucchini that was so large it needed a seat belt to stay in place. Those who grow zucchini have no problem sharing their harvest. This would also be the beginning of my journey into baking with the unusual vegetable. 

Last week my friends made zucchini relish. I have a sweet tooth so I shred some of the zucchini and freeze it for: zucchini chocolate chip muffins, zucchini brownies, zucchini bread, zucchini cake...see what I mean about the list. 

I developed a love for baking zucchini that was so intense, it became the theme of a tradition in Three Creeks, Montana. In Honey, I’m Home the characters compete in a zucchini cooking contest at the fall festival. I loved writing those chapters. 

Just when I think, I am at the end of my list, apple season begins. Every day when we have a short break, the kids gather a handful of apples off of the tree outside the door. We munch on them and talk about the changing season. Soon, it will be snowy and we’ll all want to huddle indoors, which makes us appreciate the simple joy of eating an apple off of a tree. 

Our cousins grow apples. So I make apple strudel, apple crumble, apple crisp, apple sauce, apple cheesecake, apple topping for pancakes, and the list continues. 

While the food is good. The giggles with my friends and baked goods exchanges add to the anticipation. 

The first time it happened, that scene in Forest Gump came to mind with a gasp of ‘Oh, I get it’ awareness. Talking about recipes pertaining to food that we have in abundance is a pleasant pastime that connects people. 

Dear reader, you may be too far for me to drop off a gift bag full of dehydrated apples, or apple cider donuts. Thanks to Pinterest, we can share recipes. I invite you to visit my Pinterest dessert board and try making some of the tasty treats. This also is an invitation. If you have a recipe you think I might like to try, share the name of it in the comments. While it isn’t the same as sitting across the table with a cup of coffee, it is the easiest way to bridge the miles. 

In the meantime, I’ll be trying to make the air fryer apple cider donuts.

🍎 🍎 🍎

She's had a lot of luck. What she wants is love.

Overwhelmed by the aftermath of a breakup, Sarah Thompson impulsively bought a lottery ticket...and won. The small-town waitress at Keane's pub didn't really expect to win. But now that she has, she makes plans. She can buy out her brother's half of the house. With the rest of the money, she can do some nice things for people.

Small town lawyer, Gavin Bloom sat at Sarah's station every day for lunch. He'd been there so long, Sarah knew his order before he opened the menu. In a gesture of goodwill, Gavin offers to take Sarah on as a client to help her manage the changes in her life.

In this sweet romance, unlikely friendships are formed, and hearts are tested. Some will learn too late to hold onto those you love. If Sarah doesn't pay attention, she might be one of them.

Amazon | Apple Books| B&N | Kobo |

🍎 🍎 🍎

Merri Maywether lives with her husband in rural Montana. You can find her in the town's only coffee house listening to three generations of Montanans share their stories. Otherwise, she's in the classroom or the school library, inspiring the next generation's writers. 

Sweet Romance Reads September New Releases !

Trent's Trust - by Laura Scott $3.99

Will he learn to trust his heart?

Lead guitarist, Trent Atkins left his foster brother and the small town of Gatlinburg for the music scene in Nashville. He’d made more money than he could have imagined, until the day he woke up from a terrible hangover to find the lead singer of their band, dead. He’d thought living with the Preacher was a nightmare, but this was far worse. Now someone is trying to kill him, and he has no idea who or why.

Private Investigator Serena Jerash is determined to uncover the truth behind Jimmy’s death. She believes he was murdered, and soon discovers Trent has become a target, too. The only way to survive is for the two of them to work together in an effort to uncover the band leader’s secrets. Trent doesn’t trust anyone, least of all, himself. Will Serena convince Trent to follow God and to trust his heart?

 

Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

Ellie's Forever Family, A Heartwarming Faith-filled 

Romance  New Neighbor Lane Book 3

by Lyn Cote $2.99

A little girl matchmaker who needs a mother’s love won’t be deterred by a love-shy father~

High school teacher, Pete volunteers at the local Habitat for Humanity house-build to help two of his building trades students keep out of trouble for the summer. A single dad, Pete is intent on raising his two children without their absent mother. But his little girl Rylee falls in love with Miss Ellie on the very first day at the Habitat site.

He is not happy about Rylee’s infatuation with the woman in charge of the Habitat project. And who’s a lawyer like the wife who walked out on them.

Ellie is about to take a big step in her life too, pursuing taking in a foster child. She isn’t looking for romance, but a family. Engaged twice, she backed out each time. Little Rylee has her work cut out for her with these two stubborn adults! Why not download this USA Today Bestselling Author’s latest romance today!

https://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/books-by-lyn/ellies-forever-f…thfilled-romance

Personal Threat - by Kimberly Rose Johnson $1.99

Bodyguard Sally Wilson has become the target. Can she save her own life as well as her daughter’s?

Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but when Sally’s young daughter, Emma, becomes the target of child traffickers, and the little girl’s biological father wants Sally dead, the Christmas season takes a dark turn.

Police officer, Dillon Brady, responds to a call for help at the home of his friend and Protection Inc. bodyguard, Sally Wilson. When their relationship tips beyond friendship, Dillon is determined no one will hurt Sally or her daughter again. Will his resolve be enough?

Sally is drawn to Dillon. He’s a natural with Emma and appears to care about both of them. Sally’s been fooled before by a man she believed loved her, but what if it’s an act? Can Sally learn to trust again and follow her heart, or will Dillon get relegated to the friend zone?

Amazon

One More Kiss - By Roxanne Rustand $3.99

In One More Kiss, a disillusioned lawyer wanting a quiet life inadvertently ends up sharing his elderly aunt’s vacant house in a small resort town, with a woman who has a dark past, a young daughter and a menagerie of epic proportions. What could possibly go wrong? Humor, romance...and a mystery!

Amazon

New Release from Kimberly Rose Johnson

I'm so excited to share my annual Christmas book with you. Personal Threat is book five in my Protection Inc. Series and the final book for that series. The book releases September 21st. There is still time to pre-order or mark as "want to read" on Goodreads. 

Here's the blurb:

Bodyguard Sally Wilson has become the target. Can she save her own life as well as her daughter’s?

Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, but when Sally’s young daughter, Emma, becomes the target of child traffickers, and the little girl’s biological father wants Sally dead, the Christmas season takes a dark turn.

Police officer, Dillon Brady, responds to a call for help at the home of his friend and Protection Inc. bodyguard, Sally Wilson. When their relationship tips beyond friendship, Dillon is determined no one will hurt Sally or her daughter again. Will his resolve be enough?

Sally is drawn to Dillon. He’s a natural with Emma and appears to care about both of them. Sally’s been fooled before by a man she believed loved her, but what if it’s an act? Can Sally learn to trust again and follow her heart, or will Dillon get relegated to the friend zone?

This was a fun story to write! I really enjoyed giving two characters from previous books in the series their own story.

The entire series is in Kindle Unlimited for those of you who subscribe to that. If you are a Prime member the first book, Direct Threat, is free for you right now.

Do you read Christmas books year around or do you reserve them for a certain time period?

Let's Be Creative by Merrillee Whren

 When I realized that September 14th is National Live Creative Day, I thought it is the perfect subject for a writing blog post. After all fiction writers are creative. We create characters, towns, scenarios, and make them all into a story for people to enjoy.

National Live Creative Day isn't a very old holiday. It has only been around since 2016 when a company in Chicago, Illinois made the holiday to encourage people to be more creative.

"Creative" comes from the Latin word, "creo," which means to create something. It was often associated with a divine creator. Creativity was not a concept in ancient times. A Polish poet referred to creativity in relation to poetry in the 17th century. Finally in 1926 Graham Walls published an article about the four stages of the creative process—preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. I can identify the preparation, incubation, and illumination in my writing process. I'm not sure about verification. Maybe that comes from the finished story. What do you think?

These days creativity isn't just limited to the arts and literature. Many in the business world consider thinking outside of the box as creativity. Creativity can apply to any aspect of life. What do you do to be creative?

 I've been thinking about which of my characters is the most creative, and I have to give the award to Amanda Reynolds, who is a singer/songwriter with Nashville-fame dreams. You can read her story in A Song to Call Ours, the fifth book in my Front Porch Promises series.

 

 

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.