Sunday, December 31, 2023

Lyn Cote says HAPPY NEW YEAR and MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

I know many of you are very tired after staying up late OR not. I find that the new year comes whether I'm awake or not! This year will be a special anniversary for my husband me. And the heroine in my book Hannah's Hometown Hero, meets the hero in a very unusual way. (Closer to my Oct anniversary, I'll relate how my husband and I met.)

Here's THE MEET:


“Looking skyward, she noted the church’s roof had been stripped of shingles. One patch of new plywood looked out of place above the period building, but the majority of the roof looked old and discolored with water damage. What was going on?

She halted, stunned by the man she saw straddling the peak of the roof facing the steeple.

Definitely the most perfect male she’d ever seen in real life. He wore no shirt. Tanned brown, his chest, shoulders and arms bulged with muscles. Real muscles, not the kind a man got from working out at a gym. His firm legs stretched against the tight blue denim covering them. She felt her mouth open. Heaven in blue jeans.

She watched him lift the billed cap off his head and swipe his forehead with his arm, obviously brushing away the sweat on his brow. Sunlight glinted on golden waves.

Hannah swallowed with difficulty.

The man settled the hat on his head and eased up. Cautiously he balanced himself until he squatted, perfectly poised near an open window in the steeple. Was he going into the steeple?

Feeling her pulse racing, Hannah wished he’d get down from the roof. He was making her nervous. Shouldn’t he be wearing a safety harness or something?

A flicker of movement caught her eye. She followed the man’s gaze and saw, in the opening at the bottom of the steeple, her father stretching out as if he were going to join the man—

“No. Daddy, don’t!” Her shout echoed in the stillness.

The man on the peak lost his balance. He tried to catch himself on a roofing rack. 

He couldn’t.

Hannah shrieked."


Fortunately, there's a huge pile of grass clippings at just the right place and the hero Guthrie is merely shocked and a bit bruised. I think this is a very unique first meet, don't you? :-)


  If you’d like to read more, MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Hannah’s Hometown Hero ebook will be FREE Sunday January 14 through Thursday the 18th! Click this link for more info. 


Hope you'll take a look at it. It was fun to write. Here's more about book 1 of my "The Preacher's Daughters" series:


Can a shy girl find her moxie and her hometown hero?  Or “let” him win her?


Food blogger and columnist Hannah, recently “unengaged,” strikes out to help her parents get settled in their new house and show them the new forceful Hannah.  When she arrives, what meets her eye— just a foundation! What’s wrong with the builder—Guthrie?


How can Hannah achieve her hopes of helping her parents get settled well before snow flies. As she pursues her goal which involves the hardworking good-guy Guthrie, she and Guthrie both battle any temptation to love again. What will it take to bring these two stubborn hearts to a second chance at love?

BTW, you don’t want to miss Guthrie’s eccentric great aunts—Patsy and Penny—a hoot and a half!--Lyn


Saturday, December 30, 2023

New Beginnings by Laura Scott

 

New Beginnings!

Wow, I'm stunned to realize 2024 is right around the corner. Is it just me or is time going by at warp speed? 

I typically don't do New Year resolutions, but I often plan my year especially from a writing perspective. And this next year is no different.

I had so much fun writing the Finnegan First Responders series last year, that I decided to do a spin off series featuring the members of Rhy's tactical team. This way, I can keep the readers up to date on what's happening with the Finnegans while telling many new and hopefully suspenseful stories!

The first book in my Oath of Honor series is Steele. For those of you who read Elly's story in Christmas Crisis, you met several of the members of the tactical team. I plan to write a book for each member of the team. Steele is up for preorder, to be released on January 2, 2024 and it's also up for purchase on my website!

Steele by Laura Scott $3.99


Oath of Honor - To protect and serve!

Pregnant and in a killer’s crosshairs!

When Harper Crane is nearly abducted outside the law office where she works as an administrative assistant, she’s grateful two police officers are there to rescue her. At seven months pregnant she has no idea why someone is coming after her, especially since her criminal ex-husband is dead. She wants nothing more than to return to her boring life, but the attacks against her escalate, giving her little choice but to accept Steele’s protection.

Tactical police officer Steele Delaney believes someone within Harper’s ex-husband’s criminal enterprise is responsible for attacking her. But when key evidence is found in Harper’s apartment, he tries to understand why she’s being framed. He only trusts his fellow officers, and members of the Finnegan family. Staying under the radar isn’t easy, but neither is protecting his heart. Can he keep Harper and her baby safe long enough to plan their future?


Tuesday, December 26, 2023

A Look Ahead

Hi friends! I hope your Christmas day was lovely and that Boxing Day (today, if you're in Canada, the UK, or other parts of the British Commonwealth) is also going well.

Because we're only days away from the new year, I'm using this space to discuss resolutions, goals, and other ways of improving our lives. One thing I've discovered is true--for me, at least--is that big efforts at change don't usually go over well. I start off with great intentions and then? Well, you know what they say about good intentions and paving stones.

I've recently read a couple of books about small changes and how they can make great differences. Suppose you've been working hard at something and now you resolve to improve your performance by one percent per week. Doesn't sound like much, right? 

Yet as you do that, you find it's exponential. This week, it's one percent of your former 100%. Next week it's one percent of 101%, and so one. Even if you just added one percent more per week to your original performance, by the end of the year you'd be 152% better. It's worth considering.

2023 has been a tough year for me with the death of my husband of 53 years, a move across two states, and all the attendant changes. I'm resolving next year to work at improving a little at a time in the small things that will lead to big changes for me and mine. Whatever you choose to do to make 2024 better, I hope it will be your best year yet. 

Susan Aylworth is the author of more than 20 novels. Watch for Book 7 in her Rainbow Rock Romance series, Always a Rainbow, coming early in 2024. Find her at susanaylworthauthor.com, on Facebook, or at susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com. Susan loves to hear from readers. 

 



Sunday, December 24, 2023

Christmas Entertainment by Pat Simmons

 Happy holidays, everyone!


My church organizes a Christmas Gala each year where the membership and their guests can dress up, enjoy a sit-down dinner and fellowship.

We play games, take pictures--lots of them--and wait for the main attraction. Our entertainment was a mime ministry by "Chosen,"

Chosen ministered to us and at the end of the party, he sold merchandise that included mugs and a comic book.

I'm always in awe of people who have extraordinary talents. Miming is one of them. Chosen (Real name is Wendell Huckaby Jr.) was so expressive that I wondered how he could get through the song without escaping into a private place and worshipping God. Watching him was such a treat.

When our gala ended, many visited his table, where he sold promotional products: mugs, a book he wrote, and--a comic book.

Hmm. That was something different so I purchased one for me and my sister. I was surprised to read that miming grew out of his experience of being bullied as a child.  He turned his pain into worship, and now he helps others through the company he founded Mime Life Ministries.


My heart is warmed that despite bullying during his childhood, he is thriving for the Lord in his adulthood. Praise God.

Make sure you visit my website to see more photos from our Christmas Gala. 





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Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth and a five-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance and the 2022 winner of the Leslie Esdaile “Trailblazer” Award.

Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, and has worked in radio, television, and print media for over twenty years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.


Looking for Christian Christmas Reads?  Check these out:



Friday, December 22, 2023

A sort-of secret about Once Upon a Starry Night by Camy Tang

If you’re in Kindle Unlimited, you can now borrow Once Upon a Starry Night and read all 12 Christian romance novellas. My story in the box set is The Lone Rice Ball, which is book 5 in my Sushi series.

But here’s a secret about the box set:

While most of the books in the box set are novellas, The Lone Rice Ball actually ended up being 70,000 words, which is a full-length novel. I confess I was late getting the book to the formatter because the book ended up being so long.

And here’s a second secret about the box set:

Jan Thompson’s book is also longer than a novella. Hers clocked in at around 50,000 words, which is a short novel.

So even if you don’t care for novellas, you’ll get two longer stories in this box set. We can only do this because we indie-published it, which gave us more freedom.

Anyway, I hope you check out my story in Once Upon a Starry Night. Edytha and the gang from the Warubozu Spa Chronicles are in The Lone Rice Ball, and the story takes place the winter after The Wedding Kimono.

Click here to read Once Upon a Starry Night

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Cozy Paws and Holiday Hearts: Celebrating the Magic of Puppies This Christmas by Merri Maywether

 

December is here, bringing with it a sleigh-load of cheer and the delightful promise of Christmas. With that being said, sneaking a quiet moment with a book goes a long way to help with that calm to get us through all the holiday hustle and bustle.  

In this month's blog, I'm thrilled to share a special series, "Puppies for Christmas," featuring heartwarming stories that blend the magic of puppies with holiday romance.

First on our list is Puppy Love and Christmas Joy by Merrillee Whren. In this sweet story, a charming puppy plays Cupid to bring people together during the holiday season. Puppy Love and Christmas Joy reminds us of the joy and unity of the Christmas season.


Next, we have
Mistletoe Mischief by Merri Maywether. (That’s me)  Visit the small Montana town that is full of romance and holiday spirit. In this story, two puppies are adopted on the same day to play matchmaker. The story is full of love, laughter, and a dash of Christmas mischief, perfectly capturing the spontaneous joy of the season.

Then, there's Cocoa's Christmas Love by Josie Riviera. In this heartwarming tale, love blossoms amid festive decorations and the joyous backdrop of Christmas. Coco’s Christmas Love is as comforting and heartwarming as a cup of cocoa on a cold winter night, with a puppy's love adding an extra layer of warmth to the festivities.

The Holiday Puppy by Roxanne Rustand. This story is the perfect holiday escape while dwelling in the spirit and excitement of the season. Roxanne's writing captures the anticipation and energy of Christmas, mirrored in the boundless enthusiasm of a puppy.


"Puppies for Christmas" stories are more than just tales; they celebrate the warmth, joy, and love that both puppies and the holiday season bring into our lives. So, curl up with these delightful books, let the charm of puppies and the spirit of Christmas fill your heart, and enjoy the cozy embrace of these enchanting holiday romances.

🌿🍒

Here is a little snippet from Mistletoe Mischief.


“It's true, Charlotte Evans.” There was a hint of desperation in Rex’s declaration. He took in a breath and settled into the moment. His voice was deeper and sounded more sincere. “I am in love with you and your sweet spirit and your goofy matching Louis and Char outfits and how you make me feel like I’m the best at everything I try. I was afraid to say anything because I thought. Well, you know what I thought. And then, when I heard that you could have been taken away from me, I took a good look at what we had.”

A streak of pain flashed through his eyes, and Charlotte’s stomach dropped.

He shook his head and looked away toward the corner of the room. His gaze came back to Charlotte. “And to think, my foolishness of holding onto someone else's duplicity cast an unfair shadow over your beautiful light. I don't deserve the chance I’m going to ask for.”

Delia said, “And that, ladies, is what you should expect when a man woos you.”

The disruption jarred Charlotte. Rex had captivated her, and she had forgotten they were in a house full of people. 

He looked up, and his face flushed the most lovely shade of red. 

Emily said, “We’ll go to the kitchen so you can finish your conversation.”

Charlotte swallowed the emotion that had lodged itself in her throat and nodded her thanks. 

They watched the other women go into the kitchen.

“You’ve had a night. So, I don’t expect you to respond to what I said. I had to see that you’re unharmed and tell you the truth about how I felt about you.”

Charlotte’s feelings had the freedom to grow, and they had taken control of her voice. “I’m in love.” The words had bubbled up and escaped in a breath. Charlotte quickly added. “With you.” 

Excitement flurried in her belly. “I’m in love with you, Rex. I have been for quite some time.” 

Rex glanced down, and a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me smile brightened his face.

 Louis was pressed against Rex’s leg with a sprig of plastic Mistletoe in his mouth. He dropped at Rex’s feet as though to say, “You have to take over from here.” He snorted and trotted to the rug in front of the fireplace. 



This is where the snippet ends. Visit the Amazon store to see if Rex gets the hints Louis has been dropping. 

🌿🍒

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Puppies for Christmas Books for 99 Cents! by Merrillee Whren

 


All the Puppies for Christmas books are now available, and they are all 99 CENTS! Get your copies now for some good Christmas reading. You can find my novella, Puppy Love and Christmas Joy, at numerous retailers. Click on the title to find buy links.

You can find buy links for Merri Maywether's book, Mistletoe Mischief, by clicking on the title.

Again you can find buy links for Josie Rivierva's book, Cocoa's Christmas Love, by clicking on the title.

And finally, Roxanne Rustand's book, The Holiday Puppy, released this week, and you can find buy links by clicking on the title.


Don't miss these great reads at a bargain price. What is your favorite kind of setting for a Christmas story?

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.
 

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

 




The hectic Christmas season has arrived. My tree and decorations are up, and I am working on my Christmas cards. My shopping is done, so next up is wrapping presents. I like finishing my shopping early, so I can have time to relax and appreciate the season. One way I relax is by reading.

 Today, I want to tell you about a fun Christmas mystery novella collection, An1880s Christmas Mysteries. I wrote the 1st and 3rd stories in this collection set during the Christmas season. My good friend, Susan Page Davis wrote the 2nd and 4th stories. Each novella has its own mystery, but there is also an interesting mystery that runs through all four stories. This is the perfect book for a break in the busy Christmas Season.



The Marshal Next Door is the first novella in An 1880s Christmas Mysteries.

When Marshal Justin Yates' deputy claims he’s seen Justin’s teenage twin sisters snooping around businesses where there have been recent robberies, Justin can’t believe his sisters might be thieves, but when evidence is found in his house, will he have to arrest the twins at Christmastime?

In hopes of making his sisters more genteel, he asks his neighbor, Marta, for help. At first, Marta is stunned since the marshal rarely talks to her, but then she realizes the motherless teens could benefit from learning to cook and sew better. The hard part is not allowing the busy marshal to know she's far too attracted to him.

To make matters worse, Justin is starting to fall for his deputy's sister. He can only imagine what the man will say about that. Will Justin prove his sisters are innocent or will this Christmas turn out to be the worst since his parents died?

https://www.amazon.com/Marshal-Next-Door-Vickie-McDonough-ebook/dp/B0CDBJDK8J/




The Spinsters Next Door by Susan Page Davis (1880s Christmas Mysteries
Book 2)



The third novella in the series is The Outlaw Next Door, written by me. It's the story of a good-hearted man with a sketchy past and a woman he's certain he doesn't deserve.

A reformed outlaw has finally met the woman of his dreams. Regina Ross is the perfect woman: pretty, sweet, and kind. She's far too good for the likes of Dane McDermott, but Dane can't help being attracted to her. In spite of his rough past, he begins to hope for a future with Regina, but when his former gang shows up and kidnaps her, will it ruin his chance for love with the preacher’s daughter?

https://www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Next-1880s-Christmas-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CDBPPCWD




The Gunslinger Next Door by Susan Page Davis (1880s Christmas Mysteries Book 4)

The four books in this collection are best read in order, but each is a stand-alone novella. The stories take place in the same small Texas town, with characters you'll recognize from the other stories. Each story is $2.99, which is less than $12 for the whole series. Free on KU. I'd love to know what you think of this exciting mystery series. 


Have a blessed Christmas!






Monday, December 11, 2023

Puppies for Christmas Series by Josie Riviera

Unwrap the joy of the season with these heartwarming books filled with love, festive cheer, and delightful puppies! 📚🐶 All four enchanting stories are available at an amazing 99 cents each.

Puppy Love and Christmas Joy by Merrillee Whren. Embark on a journey of love and laughter, where a charming puppy plays matchmaker in the holiday season. Click to order this delightful story filled with festive cheer.

Fun fact: Did you know that puppies, like Christmas, have the magical ability to bring families closer and create lasting memories?

Mistletoe Mischief by Merri Maywether. Get ready for a romantic adventure sprinkled with mischief and holiday cheer, all accompanied by an adorable puppy.

Fun fact: The playful antics of puppies mirror the joy and spontaneity of the Christmas season.

Cocoa's Christmas Love by Josie Riviera. Love blossoms amidst festive decorations and the joy of Christmas.

Did you know that puppies, much like a cup of cocoa, can warm your heart and bring comfort during the holiday season?

The Holiday Puppy by Roxanne Rustand. As the holiday spirit continues to brighten our days, this book is the perfect holiday escape.

Fun fact: Puppies, with their boundless energy, embody the excitement and anticipation of the holiday season.

Experience the joy of love, seasonal delight, and the irresistible charm of puppies—order your copies now!

Free on Kindle Unlimited.

Grab your book today of Cocoa's Christmas Love today before price goes up.
Available in ebook, Paperback, Large Print Paperback, & Hardcover. Audiobook coming soon.


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