Thursday, May 26, 2022

Dreams Deferred by Susan Aylworth

As Hubby and I approached our 50th wedding anniversary, we promised ourselves we'd do something fabulous to celebrate. Half a century of togetherness seemed worth celebrating. So, to do it right, we planned a trip we'd wanted for years. We planned to visit Hawaii.

When our anniversary came in June of 2020, conditions in the world had changed. Hawaii was closed, as was the rest of the planet. None of us had planned for a global pandemic, and our dream was deferred. 

Time has passed, restrictions have eased, and last month, we pulled ourselves together and got on an airplane. Was it everything we had imagined? No. Not at all. Some parts of the trip were much more amazing than I could have imagined; other parts even disappointed just a little. In both, we are delighted to have fulfilled this dream. 

Here's a little of what we experienced:  To the right, sea turtles sunning on a beach in Maui. 

Below, the central trunk of the banyan tree in downtown Lahaina. Planted 149 years ago, this tree now covers almost two full acres. It's a local treasure and everyone plans to celebrate it's 150th birthday next year. 


Right, the throne room at the Iolani Palace in Honolulu, the only royal palace in the United States. 

These images mark just the beginnings of our adventures. We flew in a helicopter over waterfalls on Molokai, paid our respects to the men of the U.S.S. Arizona, watched fire-knife dancers at the Polynesian Cultural Center, and learned more than we imagined possible about these beautiful islands.

Hawaii may not be everyone's dream, but if Hawaii is on your bucket list, I hope you enjoy it just as much as we did. If your dreams differ, may you not need to defer them long.

Susan Aylworth is the author of more than 20 novels. 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.


Tuesday, May 24, 2022

New Releases from the Sweet Romance Reads Authors

 Enjoy a new release from the
Sweet Romance Reads Authors


Hiding in Montana
Laura Scott

A fugitive at large…

This K-9 is on his trail.

To save a woman from being kidnapped, Officer Chris Fuller and his K-9 partner, Teddy, have no choice but to let the fugitive they’re tracking getaway. But when the escaped murderer returns to hunt tour pilot Lexie McDaniels again, Chris knows the attempted kidnapping wasn’t a chance encounter. Lexie won’t be safe until he catches the criminal…but are her secrets what is endangering them all?

 






A Summer To Cherish
Josie Riviera

Faith is fragile. Faith takes time. And the best solutions are always painted with love.



Finding Love in San Antonio

Kimberly Rose Johnson
and
Miralee Ferrell

For TV chef Adela Romero, the lights of LA have lost their luster. The grief of her husband’s death three years ago still hangs heavy over her and her daughter, Fabi.

When Adela returns to San Antonio for a summer break with her daughter, she learns her mother-in-law's Mexican diner is struggling. Adela wants to help, but her career is tugging her in another direction.

Local food critic David Agraponte has a history with Adela. A history he’d like to rekindle. When he interviews Adela, sparks fly—both good and bad. In Adela’s struggle to put her past behind her, she’s tentative about a new relationship, but David hopes she’ll stay at Romero’s long enough to give him a chance.

Sandra always dreamed of managing Romero’s one day, but her chances of proving herself to her aunt are slim with her famous TV-chef cousin taking all the attention. Can’t her aunt see that Adela’s just passing through on her way to her next big gig? Still, as much as she resents it, Sandra may need Adela’s help if there is going to be a Romero’s left for her to manage.

When Adela gets a TV offer that’s sure to shoot her career to the stars, her choice may hold more than just her future in the balance. Can David and Adela find a way to save Romero’s and hold onto their own dreams, or will Adela’s opportunity push them apart?


Laney
Prairie Roses Collection
Vickie McDonough

A woman fleeing her past runs straight into her future.

Laney Dawson is desperate to leave Council Grove, KS. Her abusive father is getting out of prison soon, and she refuses to allow him to hurt her again. With few options available for a young woman, she poses as Lane, a teen boy, and hires on with a family traveling the Santa Fe Trail to New Mexico. Laney regrets lying to the kind Buckley family, especially Ethan, the oldest of the five siblings. As her feelings for Ethan grow, she knows she needs to tell him the truth, but will he leave her in the next town when he learns she's a woman?



Northern Shore Intrigue Duet
Lyn Cote

A duet of clean romance mysteries with characters, some four-footed, you won't easily forget. And a second chance at love for a later in life heroine.

First story:Two wounded souls, a puppy and someone out to destroy a man’s dream.

Second story: By starlight, a frantic dog leads Lois to a young woman lying in the snow, unconscious. She awakes, diagnosed with amnesia. Who is she?

https://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/books-by-lyn/northern-shore-intrigue-duet



I Sorta Do
Cheryl St.John
 
Husband needed: One week commitment. Children optional.

I, Francie Karr, take you, Ryan MacNair, in bogus matrimony to convince my grandma and high school reunion class that I’m blissfully married—you provide the kids. A week should do it. You pledge to be so irresistible that you charm the Spanx right off those stuck-up gossips. Your touches should make their eyes pop, and your kisses be so intoxicating that we don’t have to fake that part. Oh, and we promise not to let this family—or this electricity between us—feel real.




Finding Lost Family by Pat Simmons

Recently, my husband and I returned from Atlanta. 

Although some may call it pleasure trip, it was all business. Family business. 

The St. Louis Simmons families are hosting the family reunion this summer, and we want as many of our young people to attend to get to know our history and to keep the reunions going. Some families can boast their reunions date back more than a hundred years. Not us. We're no where close.

Kerry's kinfolks are many. His great grandfather had eleven boys. Yikes. Of course, there were more children, but they either died during birth or at an early age.

Pictured are descendants from two of those brothers--great great grandchildren.  These cousins live in the same city, but didn't know each other. Kerry and I were the glue to put them together.

Nick, the tall cousin's grandfather recently passed away at age 97 years old. He has a lot of history on his father's side of the family, but little on his mother's Simmons' side.

Our cousin in the center never knew we existed. I'm so glad our Atlanta cousins exchanged numbers. Mission accomplished, bringing family together one cousin at a time. Countdown to our summer Simmons Family Reunion, St. Louis Gateway to the West.

 ----


Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of more than thirty titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a four-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance.
 Christmas Dinner was also an Emma Award winner for Book of the Year. Christmas Dinner and Here for You were featured in Woman’s World Magazine.

 

As a Christian, Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as a life-altering experience. She has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, and GPS-guided chauffeur. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked in various positions in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.


Pre-order her upcoming Christmas short story, House Call for the Holidays, part of the Puppies for Christmas series, featuring her grand dog, Dr. Avery.

Monday, May 23, 2022

Sorry I've been such a bad SRR author...by Kristin Wallace

I have to start off this post with an apology. I’ve been MIA for a while. The truth is I’ve also been MIA from writing for a while. First, I’ve been dealing with a terrible “brain fog” that I can’t seem to solve completely. This makes it difficult to focus in the same way that I once did. The ideas don’t’ flow, and frankly, the voices that once lived in my head have been pretty silent lately. 

 

Maybe it’s also a form of burnout. After 16 books, written while working full-time “day jobs” that also includes writing, I just don’t feel the same excitement or urge to sit down and write my books. I managed to write a Christmas novella last year, which was only 20,000 words, and even that was a struggle. 

 

I also wonder if the COVID pandemic, and all the drama, worry, crazy politics, and angst surrounding it, made writing more difficult. Just like it became less important to put on real clothes and makeup every day, it seems somehow less urgent to write about fantasy romance. (Although you’d think it would be the opposite.)

 

I hope things change at some point because I do miss creating new characters and places. I miss writing in many ways and the joy I felt as characters came to life in my head. 

 

But I WILL do better about communicating with you.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Something Blue by Janice Lynn

 Wedding season is here! Already my social media feed is filled with love and smiles from happy couples. I often think how wonderful it would be if the way couples look at each other on their wedding day was exactly how they still looked at each other after 50+ years together. I know some couples who do, fictional & real life) This week has been a fun week as I had a short romance to come out with some dear friends on Tuesday. All our stories have a wedding theme. To be honest, mine is quite tame compared to some of the fun these ladies wrote. There's something for everyone with boy next door, wedding rivals, amnesia, beach weddings, destination weddings, puppies, and more.  


My story features Lacey Collins who has had a crush on her older brother's best friend for what feels like her whole life. She hasn't seen him in 10 years, but is about to come face-to-face again at her brother's weekend wedding in the Georgia mountains. I did a chat this week with several of the authors and we discussed titles and some of them are so fab--Petals and Playlists...I mean, that's such a great wedding story title. And, The Wedding Rivals--I instantly know what the story is about. Wedding Veils and Puppy Tails--how cute is that? Sigh, I just want to curl up with this e-book and read, read, read. 

There are 18 stories for just 99 cents through tomorrow, so grab your copy asap. But if you missed the introductory special price, no worries as this collection is still a bargain at $6.99.  



Say "I do" to this collection of 18 sweet wedding-themed romantic comedies by some amazing bestselling authors and get swept away in the wedding magic.
Kobo: https://tinyurl.com/yckkmhx2

Janice's Wrapped Up in Christmas books from Hallmark Publishing are available, also!
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  The WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS books are available at AMAZON Barnes & Noble WALMART & many other place where you buy books. WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS LOVE is coming Christmas 2023.

Thursday, May 19, 2022

I Had Questions by Merri Maywether

Close to twenty-five years ago, my husband and I were married. We eloped at the end of August and had a Vegas destination wedding in November. The wedding was fun. I’d go as far as to say life-altering (hee hee ). With that being said, other than the ceremony, the only event that stuck with me was the roller coaster ride at the MGM Grand. 


My husband’s mother, Irene, rode in the seat in front of us, and his brother and niece rode in the seat behind us. From start to finish, Irene giggled.  The sweet sound rose the minute the cars creaked on the track, remained through the looped-de-loop, and then she laughed a little harder when we were jarred through the swirls. 

Everyone else was screaming. 


My husband’s then seventy-year-old mother laughed. 


I’d always wondered what she was thinking. 


Then, last week, I had an experience that answered the question. 


Every year a team of teachers takes the senior class on a celebratory trip. This year, it was my turn. 


On a whirlwind adventure, we visited several iconic Montana destinations. My favorite stop was our stay at the Fairmont Hot Springs. 


The Fairmont Hot Springs is fed by a natural spring, and they are the temperature of bathwater. That in itself is exciting. But there’s a little more to add to the fun. At the edge of the spring, there is a swirly slide that ends with a plunge into the water. 



Of course, the kids talked me into trying it. 


I’ll be honest. At first, I was nervous. 


I had questions. 


What if I’m too big? What if I get stuck? What if I go too fast and bump into the walls? What if my bathing suit fails? What if there is a sinkhole beneath the pool and it opens up just as I land, and I plummet into uncertainty? (Hey, I’m a writer so I have a gloriously vivid imagination) 


The questions taunted me as I walked up the three flights of stairs. 

I actually thought about pretending I had to go to the bathroom and turning around. 


Then it was my turn. 


I sat at the top of the slide. A buzzer sounded, and gravity took over. 


It was almost like it tickled me. 


I started giggling. It was kind of fun. 


After the first swirl, I bounced into the air. But I landed–and the giggle grew into a laugh. 


At the next swirl, I decided I really like this. 


Somewhere after the third swirl, daylight reflected off the side. The next thing I knew, water was going up my nose, and I could hear the kids cheering. 


I gushed at how much fun it was and thanked them for talking me into taking the metaphorical leap. 


Left to my own resources, I’d have been happy soaking in the water on the edge and watching everyone else have fun. All it took was a gentle, “This is the only time we’ll be able to do this together.


As we climbed the stairs for our second foray down the slide, they said, “We heard you laughing all the way down.” 


Later that night, when all was quiet, it was like Irene whispered in my ear. “Now, you know.”




*****



Today's a special day at the Sweet Reads Cafe.
Make sure to visit the Facebook group and join the fun. 

*****


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.


*****

Brock Buchanan's homecoming starts when the summer festivities begin.


Brock made sacrifices for his military career. Love is at the top of the list. Now it’s time to build bridges he shouldn’t have burned.

Katie thought she was over Brock. When she reconnects with him at a high school reunion, she’ll need 20/20 hindsight of everything that went wrong to resist his let’s try again charm.

If that doesn't work, she has something or someone to remind her to guard her heart.

Or could that work in Brock’s favor?

There’s a reason why Brock is Home for Good. Read this heartwarming, small town, clean romance and find out why.


For a limited time, Home for Good is available for 99¢ 


Amazon| Apple | B&N| Kobo

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

New Release by Lyn Cote


A duet of heartwarming, clean romance mysteries with characters, some four-footed, you won't easily forget. And a second chance at love for a later in life heroine. 


First story:Two wounded souls, a puppy and someone out to destroy a man’s dream~


Second story: By starlight, a frantic dog leads Lois to a young woman lying in the snow, unconscious. She awakes, diagnosed with amnesia. Who is she?

Click here for more info. 



 

Monday, May 16, 2022

Finding Love In San Antonio Releases By Kimberly Rose Johnson

 One of the best days in the life of an author is the day their book baby is released into the world. Finding Love In San Antonio released yesterday. I'm still celebrating. 

I co-wrote this book with Miralee Ferrell. I was tasked with the job of writing Sandra's story. I wrote a novella that was woven into the larger story. It was a truly fun experience.

Here's the back cover blurb:

For TV chef Adela Romero, the lights of LA have lost their luster. The grief of her husband’s death three years ago still hangs heavy over her and her daughter, Fabi.

When Adela returns to San Antonio for a summer break with her daughter, she learns her mother-in-law's Mexican diner is struggling. Adela wants to help, but her career is tugging her in another direction.

Local food critic David Agraponte has a history with Adela. A history he’d like to rekindle. When he interviews Adela, sparks fly—both good and bad. In Adela’s struggle to put her past behind her, she’s tentative about a new relationship, but David hopes she’ll stay at Romero’s long enough to give him a chance.

Sandra always dreamed of managing Romero’s one day, but her chances of proving herself to her aunt are slim with her famous TV-chef cousin taking all the attention. Can’t her aunt see that Adela’s just passing through on her way to her next big gig? Still, as much as she resents it, Sandra may need Adela’s help if there is going to be a Romero’s left for her to manage.

When Adela gets a TV offer that’s sure to shoot her career to the stars, her choice may hold more than just her future in the balance. Can David and Adela find a way to save Romero’s and hold onto their own dreams, or will Adela’s opportunity push them apart?


Buy on Amazon 

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and recently moved to Montana after a lifetime in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance and romantic mystery and suspense with a heart.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Subscribe to Kimberly's newsletter at https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

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Friday, May 13, 2022

Bargain Book for You!

 

A little boy  chases a stray dog into the path of a cement truck. This heart-pounding meeting brings two wounded souls together.


Rosa Santos, a single mom, has come to the groundbreaking for her Habitat for Humanity house. When a handsome volunteer, Mark Chambers, puts himself in harms way to save her seven-year-old son, she can barely thank him, her heart in her throat.


From then on Rosa and Mark’s paths keep meeting--when they work together building her house and when he coaches her son’s Little League team. Rosa suffers from her own broken heart, but the gray smudges under Marc’s eyes tug at her sympathy. What secret pain bedevils this good, kind man?


From a USA Today Bestselling author, a heartwarming story of love, faith and God’s healing power. And the joy of furry friends! Click here for more info. '-)--Lyn





Wednesday, May 11, 2022


Did you know that today is National Limerick Day? Observed on May 12th, National Limerick Day celebrates the birthday of English artist, illustrator, author, and poet Edward Lear (May 12, 1812 – Jan. 29, 1888).  Lear is known mostly for his literary nonsense in poetry, prose, and limericks. While Lear is credited with popularizing the limerick, the poetry style existed long before the publication of his book. The limerick celebrates fun turns of phrase, rhythm, and humor in short form.

THERE WAS A YOUNG LADY
By Edward Lear

There was a Young Lady whose chin
Resembled the point of a pin;
So she had it made sharp, and purchased a harp,
And played several tunes with her chin.

Here are some more limericks for you to enjoy.

There was a young woman named Bright,
Whose speed was much faster than light.
She set out one day,
In a relative way,
And returned on the previous night.

A maiden at college, Miss Breeze,
Weighed down by B.A.s and Lit.D’s,
Collapsed from the strain,
Said her doctor, “It’s plain
You are killing yourself—by degrees!”

There was a young lady named Perkins,
Who just simply doted on gherkins.
In spite of advice,
She ate so much spice,
That she pickled her internal workins’.

And there you go. Happy limerick day

Grab a copy of my latest novella LANEY. 


LANEY
Vickie McDonough

A woman fleeing her past runs straight into her future.

Laney Dawson is desperate to leave Council Grove, KS. Her abusive father is getting out of prison soon, and she refuses to allow him to hurt her again. With few options available for a young woman, she poses as Lane, a teen boy, and hires on with a family traveling the Santa Fe Trail to New Mexico. Laney regrets lying to the kind Buckley family, especially Ethan, the oldest of the five siblings. As her feelings for Ethan grow, she knows she needs to tell him the truth, but will he leave her in the next town when he learns she's a woman?

Available on Amazon

Why are the arts important? by Josie Riviera

 This month, I'm focusing on the arts, because my newest contemporary inspirational release, A Summer To Cherish, features an artist losing his eyesight.



David Fodero is the hero of the story.  Ashley Madden is the spunky heroine who teaches art to children with disabilities.

I am a musician, a pianist, and I applaud the arts. In my research for this book, I found many similarities between art and music.

The process of producing art--playing an instrument, writing a poem (or book!), painting a picture, is good for you. For many people, the arts offer a release--a stress reducer--from everyday life. Instead of feeding on the numerous social media influences we are bombarded with,  let's create our own outgoing activities. 

The arts offer our own individual outlets, and a freedom to express ourselves.

So, I encourage you to draw, take up an instrument, or build a shed. In fact, the possibilities to express ourselves our endless. I guarantee that your well-being and contentment will improve.


New Release! Do you love inspirational contemporary romance? Small-town romance? Series books?

A Summer to Cherish is only 99¢ for a limited time! 

Faith is fragile. Faith takes time. And the best solutions are always painted with love.



Grab your copy of A Summer To Cherish today! FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

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