Lyn Cote Asks "How did you meet your true love?"

 I love to write about Opposites Attracting--since my husband and I are just that! He was an electrical engineer and I was a school teacher and now an author--one of numbers, the other words! No wonder we have a hard time communicating! We met at a church couples New Year's Eve Party and were married the first week of October. We fell in love and married and have not regretted it but sometimes I think we're some different planets! How about you and yours?

Here's my true love. Yes, he loves the outdoors and I like to browse libraries. Ah, true love! '-)

Here's my unlikely couple in my October 20th new release!

LUCY'S UNLIKELY LOVE

What happens when a “thinker” and a “live wire” collide? Sparks? Or a 5-alarm fire? 

Small town Pleasant Prairie has been slowly dying. Then an influx of Hispanic Americans gives the town much needed new life and possibilities. Pastor Tanner Bond hopes to connect the longtime families and the newcomers for the good of all. But he wants to make the right decisions and has prayed for help. 

But he didn't expect God to send him Lucy Kirkland. Bold, brash, and bilingual, Lucy swoops in to help Tanner take action among the new Hispanic residents. But she's also Tanner’s complete opposite—she is impulsive and confident while he ponders and second-guesses himself. 

Growing up as a PK, “preacher’s kid,” Lucy resented the restrictions put on her. So she doesn't want to have feelings for Tanner. But she does. Will her rush to bring harmony to the small town do more harm than good? And will this preacher’s daughter realize that she would make this preacher’s perfect wife?

Don’t miss this heartwarming story of love and faith by USA Today bestselling author of over fifty romances. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE. It's on pre-order for $1.99 till Oct 19th. Don't miss the discount!-Lyn

Reunions by Pat Simmons

Recently, I attended my class reunion, not high school or college, but grade school! The old Catholic school building was razed decades ago and townhouses took residence. When I did a Google search, the intimidating larges that seemed to have eyes as school children walked by are still standing so passerbys can appreciate their majestic architecture. 

As smart as I am, it wasn't an easy task to calculate what year I graduated from grade school. Subtracting four years from my high school graduation seemed too simplistic.

 

About fifty alumni attended. Some I remember, some I didn't. For some reason, more people remembered my mother than me and my sister.I was impressed by those who graduated grade school in 1969 and looked amazing. They were also some of the first on the dance floor in the Soul Train line. I saw dance steps I had forgotten about. 

My graduating class had two sets of twins. It was surprising what we remembered during our time at school. I remember going to the twins' house and breaking a vase because their cat scared me.

If their mother was alive, she would still be expecting payment. I'm not joking. They remember my sister writing answers to our math problem on the school board.

Then there was my "play brother," who the girls loved. It was through him I met my very best friend. They broke up, but his ex-girlfriend became like family. Our friendship continues today.

Of course, there were some from my class who had recently passed on and others who died tragically young. We recalled names and wondered what happened to them. My former classmates who organized the event allowed me set up a table display and sell my books.

One older classmate and I share a genealogy history from Clay County, Mississippi. In grade school, we had no idea that our lives were interconnected from centuries ago.

The venue was held at a  country club tucked away in a historic area of St. Louis that had homes with garages built to accommodate automobiles. Streetcars and buses were the norm for transportation back then. The food was scrumptious, and the backdrop around the patio was picturesque. so Kerry and I took a picture. Rumors say it was the last class reunion. I hope out. It was great catching up and enjoying each other while we can remember.

******

Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus 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 five-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance and the 2022 Leslie Esdaile Trailblazer Award recipient. 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 has worked in radio, television, and print media for over twenty years. Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.

Pre-order her latest release: Contempt: Grandma BB's Shenanigans. 

Read Camy's book for free in Amazon Prime Free Reads

Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 1: Archer in Amazon Prime Free Reads

Hi there, it’s Camy! My book Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 1: Archer (writing as Camille Elliot) was chosen to be included in Amazon Prime Free Reads. If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll be able to borrow my book for free. Now’s the chance to read Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 1: Archer if you haven’t yet!

Read Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 1: Archer free on Amazon Prime

Libraries to Spark a Love of Reading by Janice Lynn

I recently saw a photo of a library that really caught my attention. It was a photo of the children's area and I was delighted to learn that it was in my home state and only about an hour from where I live. I visited their website and their Facebook page and think I've completely fallen for their program. It appears quite magical and someplace where I'd like to go and sit and read for hours and hours--which is what I imagine whomever designed it intended. The library is the John P Holt Brentwood Library. Just looking at the photos makes me wish I worked there...although I might get fired for hiding away with a great book. :) 

That got me to thinking about libraries and what a great resource they are to communities. My local town has a small library, but they offer summer reading programs that I believe are wonderful. I brought my kids when they were small (and may be hauling to Grand to Brentwood soon for a library visit). I think I enjoyed those summer programs as much as they did. I think how much fun it must be for children to come here to check out their favorite books and to discover new stories to take them on imaginative adventures and what a great way to inspire kids to develop a love of reading.

(All library photos credited to John P. Holt Brentwood Library)

Does your town/community have a local library? Do they offer programs for children and adults? When is the last time you visited a library? What's your favorite library and why?

Janice's latest Medical Romance novel is available here. Or if you're ready to start your Countdown to Christmas a little early, check out Janice's Wrapped Up in Christmas books 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  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 2024.

The Flavors of Fall by Merri Maywether

 

As the leaves change color and a crisp breeze fills the air, autumn brings us new opportunities for fun. Everyone is sharing the bounty from their gardens, which means zucchini breads, muffins, and cakes. People are canning and jarring. It’s the start of Friday Night Football games, trips to the apple orchard, and visits to the pumpkin patch.

It is also the season of pumpkin spice. Pumpkin spice is one of those like-it or no-way seasonings. Last year, I wanted to have fun with the pumpkin spice debate. So I wrote a character who didn’t like the flavor but made an award-winning recipe. To add to the fun I named her….Ginger.  

For the longest time, like Ginger, I shuddered at the thought of pumpkin spice. Then I made a pumpkin pie cheesecake for my uncle. Now I know it was the nutmeg and allspice ratios.

Once I knew the why behind my hesitance to try anything pumpkin spice, like Ginger, I made my own recipe. Here it is: 

• 

• 
  

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Now, I love autumn because it’s the season of pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin muffins….(you get the idea) 

What is your favorite thing about autumn?

***

Ginger has always been the small-town girl with a big heart and a healthy dose of sass to go along with it. A weekend of family fun has her considering leaving the comforts of a life of blue-ribbon recipes and a home where everyone sees her simply as Sally and Joe’s sweetheart of a niece.

When Owen left Hope Springs, he thought he shook off the dust of his small town beginnings. However, his rags-to-riches life brings him back to, of all places, the pumpkin patch with the woman who believed in him all those years ago.

A weekend together brings Ginger and Owen together. The two childhood friends may need a map to navigate the maze of events to find the happily ever after everyone in Hope Springs knows they deserve. That is, if they’ll slow down and read the directions.

For the week of September 19th -September 23rd, Hope Springs Harvest Days is a part of the Kindle Countdown 99¢ deal. 

| Visit Amazon |

99-Cent Sale by Merrillee Whren

 

 The first book in my Happiness in Hallburg series, Puppy Love and Mistletoe, is now on sale for 99 cents. Grab your copy now at these retailers.

Amazon

Apple

B&N 

Google Play

Kobo 

You can also check out the other books in the series.

Next month you can learn more about the upcoming Puppies for Christmas novellas for 2023 by several Sweet Romance Reads authors.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Two New Releases

I recently got the rights back on a bunch of novellas I wrote for Barbour Publishing, so expect to see more releases in the upcoming months. The first two were in a collection called Christmas Next Door, which I wrote with my good friend Susan Page Davis. They are stories about neighbors who fall in love at Christmastime--but wait--there's more to the story. Each of the four novellas have a mystery, but there is also another mystery that runs throughout all of the novellas. I wrote books 1 & 3, and Susan wrote books 2 & 4. Each story is a stand-alone, but they are best read in order because they include the same town, townsfolk, and the over-arcing mystery. We have retitled the collection as An 1880s Christmas Mystery. Let me tell you about my novellas.

Book 1: The Marshal Next Door by Vickie McDonough

When Marshal Justin Yates' deputy claims he’s seen Justin’s twin sisters snooping around businesses where there have been recent thefts, Justin can’t believe his sisters might be the 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, 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, he is starting to fall for his deputy's sister. He can only imagine what the man will say about that.

Available on Amazon for $2.99 / Free on KU

Book 2: The Spinsters Next Door by Susan Page Davis

Book 3: The Outlaw Next Door by Vickie McDonough

A reformed outlaw has finally met the woman of his dreams. Regina Ross is the perfect woman: pretty, sweet, and kind-hearted. She's far too good for the likes of Dane McDermott, but Dane can't help being attracted to her. In spite of his rugged 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?

Available on Amazon for $2.99 / Free on KU

Book 4: The Gunslinger Next Door by Susan Page Davis

I hope you get a chance to read these fun romantic Christmas mysteries. You can buy all four stories for less than $12.

Remembering September 11: A Day of Remembrance, Unity, and Resilience by Josie Riviera

September 11 serves as a solemn reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in 2001. It's a day that forever changed the course of history and left an indelible mark on countless lives. As we approach its anniversary, let's reflect, remember, and honor the spirit of unity and resilience.

1. Let's pay tribute to the courage, compassion, and selflessness displayed by first responders, ordinary citizens, and volunteers who stood as beacons of hope. On that day, we learned that we are strongest when we stand together.

2. 
   

3. In the aftermath of September 11, communities rallied to rebuild and heal. The resilience demonstrated by survivors, families of the victims, and the nation as a whole was truly remarkable. Many of us remember where we were when we heard the news.

4. 
   

5. May we honor the memories of the fallen by spreading love and embracing the strength of our shared humanity.

And, I'm thrilled to share Seeking Fortune, my 99 cent Kindle Countdown, with you this month.

★★ Do you love British inspirational Regency romance? Seeking Fortune is a faith-filled, clean, sweet, and wholesome story. Fall in love with heartwarming romance filled with delightful characters, Romany Gypsies, faith in God, and the promise of a second chance. ★★

A Golden Pen Winner, Seeking Fortune also received over 6000 nominations on Kindle scout.

There are lies more believable than truth.

Valentina, my heroine, a Romany woman, reads palms.

Palm reading, also known as palmistry or chiromancy, becomes a catalyst for self-reflection and discovery in my characters’ lives. As her fingers trace the lines on the hands of the hero, he contemplates his own strengths, weaknesses, and deepest desires.

The life line symbolizes resilience and vitality, reflecting the challenges they’ve overcome. The heart line hints at their capacity for love, reminding of the tender emotions that beat within. The head line offers insights into their intellect and thinking patterns, while the fate line offers a glimpse into their potential paths.

Grab your ebook copy of Seeking Fortune today before price goes up. Available on ebook, paperback, large print paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

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

A New Season.... by Christine Bush

These words are being written to my creative peers.  Some are writers, like me.  Some are painters, some are musicians.  Some are brilliant craft persons.

All are the individuals who are launched into creating works birthed in some kind of magical inspiration, undefinable motivation.  I greet you.  I applaud you.  I hope you are having a day of creative genius, because we need your genius in this world of ours.

Here’s the truth.  I’ve been stuck.  The feeling has been a bit like devastating, inescapable sludge of quicksand, physically caught.  Add to this the feeling of paralyzing emotional fatigue, tired of pandemic fear and change, worry and lack of hope.

The pandemic was a big shakeup. And then, life began again.  People went back to work, to school, to concerts, to movies.  Traveling again became “a thing.”  This is all good.

But my writing, which had gone on hiatus during the upheaval, didn’t come back.  I can not put into words how much this upset me.

I’ve written over 26 books in my career.  I had begun one in 2020.  It stopped.

Some great things happened during the next 3 years.  I spent lots of time with my school aged grandchildren as they worked from home here on line.  I babysat the wee ones so their moms and dads could work.  I taught on line.  I had weekly zoom sessions with the kids who live distantly, and we spent more time together than before, even though it was on screen.  For the most part, we stayed well. I read.

But I couldn’t write.  Beyond a short blog or two here and there, my creative well was dry.

I missed my in person writing groups, even though we did the monthly zoom thing.  I missed having book signings and meeting readers.  I missed the beauty and inspiration of conferences, that chance to really share with fellow creatives.  And I began to be filled with self doubt.

Would I ever write again?  And why, anyway, when it’s not, in honesty, the way to make a million? Would readers forget me?  And what is important about sweet romance and light romantic mysteries when people are struggling with serious illness, food insecurity, and a broken, depressed world?  Is that phase of my life over?  Sadness.

It’s been a heart wrenching and heart searching time, on many levels.

But I read other people’s books, writers I knew, and new writers as well.  And those stories helped me.  They were entertaining, enriching, and finally, yes, motivational.

The sun came out one day a few months back. A new season began. My mind woke up.   I opened the file of the “stuck book” and read it over, gathered up my notes, and found my way back into the story.  I wrote.  It felt good.  It felt great.

So I’m here to brag today, in the spirit of success and accomplishment.  I just wrote the words “THE END” on the first draft of my new book.  I made it.  It may have been a REALLY long labor, but the book baby is born, and the editing has begun.   I’m beyond grateful for the process and the whole experience.

The new book is titled “CURTAIN CALL”, a romantic mystery that takes place in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and is centered around the Bucks County Playhouse. It won’t be out for a while, but it’s coming!

CURTAIN CALL!    (Book 2 in the "Strawberry Manor" series!)

 It’s a “partner” book to my last book “SWAN SONG” which is available (details below). I hope you love them both.

Creative friends, maybe you’ve been stuck too.  If that’s the case, I’m here to cheer you on, and to tell you that what you write or create matters.  The frustrations of life can sure slow us down, but it can’t really put out the fire.  I’ll be waiting for your next book. Or painting.  Or piece of jewelry you’ll design.

I appreciate the books that were available to get me through some hard days in the last few years. Your stories matter.  I hope mine do too. I’d love to hear how you’re doing in your creative process.

 Love,    Christine

 Christine Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic mystery, and suspense.  She can be found living in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats, and spending time with her 14 grandchildren.   When she’s not writing, she’s teaching Psychology at a local college, and working with clients in her private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Bush-Author/213919128638762

http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Bush/e/B001KHSLRG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1392688497&sr=1-2-ent

 

AVAILABLE NOW!

“SWAN SONG”

Swan Song: Bush, Christine: 9798424148651: Amazon.com: Books