Lyn Cote Asks Real history? Or made up history? Which do you prefer?

Real history? Or made up history? Which do you prefer in your reading of historical romance?  

This is the first cover in my “Lone Star Courage” series coming out in June! 

What do you think? I love it. It’s title is LOVING AGAINST ALL ODDS and its subtitle is “A Christian Frontier Texas Romance.” It’s book 1 of 3 and will debut in early June!

And leads to my question: Do you enjoy reading and “learning” about the true history of the West? I love doing historical research. (I have a Master’s degree in American history.) I love reading eye witness accounts of actual events and digging into what really happened, not what Hollywood “dreamed up.” How about you? Do you have any pet peeves about this? I have some! 

Tease: Did you know that from 1821 to 1846 that Texas was

1. a Spanish colony
2. part of the Mexican Republic
3. a sovereign nation 
4. and finally part of the USA!

I can’t wait to take you on the journey through the lives and loves of the people of Texas—all of them!-Lyn Cote 

Writing a K-9 Series by Laura Scott

Good morning! I'm thrilled to be here today to talk about my next book. How many of you like K-9 stories? (Raises hand). I love dogs so writing about the amazingly talented K-9 police dogs is so much fun.

If you are interested in reading one K-9 story, how about a series featuring ten of them? And with an over arching mystery that gets solved at the end? 

Doing a project like this is not easy. Each author gets an overview document that briefly describes the characters, the different plots for each individual book and the overarching suspense plot. The overview for this series was 70 pages single spaced. Yikes. It's a lot to keep track of but working with the other authors makes it fun. 

Baby Protection Mission is the first book in the Mountain Country K-9 series. This is a series through Love Inspired Suspense and I have been blessed to work with nine other talented authors on this series. There are eight full length books and one Christmas book featuring two novellas. Trust me, you won't want to miss a single one!

When a baby is targeted, can a K-9 team keep him safe?

When his sister is kidnapped, rancher Cade McNeal will do anything to prevent his baby nephew from being next. Now Officer Ashley Hanson and her K-9 partner are on the case, and it’s up to them to track down the assailant and keep Cade and his nephew from harm. But as the suspect list grows and the attacks escalate, will they bring a kidnapper to justice…before he strikes again?

Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

My Ancestors Tell My Stories by Pat Simmons

Hands down, the best room in my house is the family room. It's spacious, inviting, and showcases dozens of dozens of my daughter's bowling trophies from high school to college. But that's not the conversation piece that beckons guests to come and take a closer look. It's the decor. 

Mugshots of kinfolks. A  snapshot of our past and present family members. Some I've never met but would have loved to share a cup of coffee or put on trial.  

As a Christian fiction author, the best way to honor my past is to cast them in starring roles in my contemporary romances, giving one or two characters my ancestors' names. Only an amateur genealogy sleuth would devise a plan to track down readers who might turn out to be family if they can connect the dots.

Genealogy research has played a significant role in my writing career. I have created a family saga about tenth-generation descendants of a royal African trial who are some of the best trackers in finding lost family by any means necessary. The Jamieson Legacy series is a fan favorite, with strong, confident black men of faith falling in love with beautiful black women of faith.  It's fourteen books and still growing. As long as I can uncover past records, there will be stories to tell.

Going through the 1860 Mississippi Morbidity Book dared me to ignore the small details that screamed, "Pay attention." The very detailed book listed the following information:

The last name, first name, years alive, months alive, days alive, cause of death, and county.

When I turned the page to the last name N, I wasn't prepared, nor could I have guessed that Negro was used as a surname for people with first names from A to Z. This is where I pause for a moment of silence to pay respects for all they endured unimaginable injustice in life and attempted erasure in death. But I found them!

One such story in the Jamieson Legacy is Guilty by Association, in which a young man from a single-family home disdains his father's surname. The theme is, "It's not a name that makes the man; it's the man who makes his own name." 

Another book in the same series is Contempt: Grandma BB's Shenanigans. Written in a dual timeline, I felt part of the story that unfolded during my childhood, when the Civil Rights era meant little to me. Now, I'm glad I did the research to learn more about American Black history in my own backyard.  Besides the historical events, Grandma BB takes center stage with her antics: Grandma BB, the unofficial matriarch of the Jamieson clan, is getting her house in order for the perfect homegoing celebration. After all, she’s eighty-something. She summons Parke Jamieson VI, his brothers, cousins, and their families to play a part in the practice funeral program—only if they follow her instructions to the letter.

Since the Jamiesons are at her house with bodyguards Chip and Dale, they might have an impromptu family game night. The evening is full of surprises, especially when an unexpected visitor shows up to steal the show. With more work that needs to be done, Grandma BB plans to put her funeral on hold and stick around for a couple more generations.

Finding my roots, as well as others. Doing research is my excuse for field trips to historic places in my city and other states.

I've been able to locate two slaveholders on my mother's side, possibly two men on my husband's side, and narrowed down one on my dad's side.

All my ancestors didn't leave a long paper trail, but I'm stepping in the faint footprints of those who have a story to tell me and the next generation. 

***

Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of forty-plus titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, 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. She is on the Christian Book Lovers Retreat (CBLR) board as a publicist. Visit her at www.PatSimmons.net.

 Pre-order Book 3 in the Intercessors series, DAYS ARE COMING

Lyn Cote Has a Big Deal or 2 for you!

 

March 18-24th 99C Sale! Northern Intrigue Series Books 1-3: Christian Romantic Suspense

Welcome to Steadfast, Wisconsin, a small town whose people and mysteries you may never forget. 

A small northwoods town where everyone knows everyone. Or do they? Who is the silent thief in the night? Who is setting fiery surprises and why? Is there a stalker? Yet in the midst of the danger around them, unlikely couples find the courage to love. And faith to trust God. Don’t miss these suspenseful romances by a USA Today bestselling author Lyn Cote.

“Not one boring sentence! This story is sweet and exciting with just the right amount of details! The inspirational parts were precious....Loved it!”

Click to Buy

PS: The same Northern Intrigue series box set books 4-6 are on sale for $6.99 on the same dates. Why not get the whole series at a great price?

Click to Buy 

WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT??? Why not tell a friend?--Lyn

Take Camy's poll and enter to win one of her ebooks

Camy’s new Patreon

I'm trying something new for the next 6-7 months. If it works, I'll continue, but if I end up not liking it, I'll stop it in September or October.

I will be starting a monthly subscription membership on a new Patreon account.

I will be posting the chapters of my current book (Lady Wynwood’s Spies, volume 7) so you can read ahead of when the ebook will be edited and published. My current plan is to post 1-2 chapters weekly.

One reason I’m switching things up is that I want to get closer to my readers and build a tighter, more intimate community with you. You can comment on each chapter of my book, give a reaction, ask a question, or even correct mistakes. My books will become a dialogue with you.

If you subscribe to my Patreon, you'll be charged monthly and have access to all the benefits for the tier you subscribe to.

The benefits include not just early access to my next book, but also early access to bonus extras about my books and cover reveals, your name in the acknowledgments section, audiobooks, Zoom calls, and the chance to choose the name and description of a character in a short story.

Here’s where I need your help: 

My Patreon hasn’t launched yet, but you can view a preview of my Patreon here.

My tiers aren’t finalized yet, and I’d like to know what you’d like to see. What do you think of my current tiers? What perks would excite you? What kinds of things would make the Patreon really amazing for you?

Please take a look at my Patreon preview page, then take my poll here.

This is not a commitment to joining my Patreon, I just want some feedback on my tiers. I’m hoping to launch my Patreon in 2-3 weeks, depending on how my writing is going.

Everyone who takes the poll will be entered to win a copy of any one of my paperback books (yes, even international readers can enter!) or, if you’re a writer, all five of my Story Sensei ebook worksheets.

Deadline is March 25, 2024.

Thanks!

Help Camy out and take her Patreon poll

Weddings by Janice Lynn

With a daughter getting married in 2 days, it's little wonder why weddings would be on my mind. Weddings are such celebrations of love that it makes sense that I would absolutely love them. A couple of my Wrapped Up in Christmas series books have weddings in them. One was a very elaborate over-the-top wedding and another was a simple church wedding with an exchange of vows. Truly, they were about as different as could be but both were the culminations of relationships where the couple were committing to a life of loving each other forever. Michael and I had a beach wedding with just a few friends and family members there. It was simple and exactly what we wanted for our big day. 

My children have had a mix of weddings from elaborate to one who eloped. The day is about them and the way they want to express their love to their significant other on their special day so my desire for each of them was and is always that they do it their way.  It is amazing to me how much planning goes in to that day, how much money can quickly be spent, how much stress a bride can feel as she attempts to bring to life her dream wedding. The reality is that no matter how much planning one does, things can and often do go off schedule. But at the end of the day, as long as the bride and groom end up as Mr. & Mrs. the rest is just superfluous--even when a drunk woman celebrating her divorce steals your flower arch.Yes, that really happened during MY wedding. Michael & I got married on the beach in front of a house we had rented. We'd already said our vows and had moved up closer to the house to take photos. While we were doing that, a well intoxicated woman stole our flower arch. I'm honestly not sure how she did it, if she had help or if it was just her. As it was rather large, I'm thinking her friends must have helped her. My sons retrieved it from her after she'd taken photos beneath it. They tell me she did not want to give it back. At the time, I wasn't amused as we'd not taken after the ceremony photos with it, but now, looking back, I find great humor in that it happened and I often think about HER story. I've notes made to write that woman's story at some point, because I know it's a doozy.  (picture of arch after the guys retrieved and relocated it off the beach)

Okay, back to weddings, do you have a funny wedding story? Did anything go crazy wrong at your nuptials or a wedding you've attended? What's your all-time favorite celeb wedding? 

I'm excited for Reesee & Austin's wedding this weekend and more importantly, for their life together. I hope their day is filled with fun & laughter & makes all their dreams come true. My wedding day sure did. :) 

Have you read Janice's latest release from Harlequin? It's available now from your favorite book retailer.

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble

Harlequin

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, a military mama, and an avid supporter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. 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 from Tule Publishing

Spring: A Time for New Starts and Fun Adventures by Merri Maywether

Happy First Day of Spring 💐

It's the time of year when winter grants us glimpses of warmer weather, the gophers come out, and we start searching the ground for the Tulip buds. In Montana, it will be a while before we see the colors. Still, the air is full of that sense of freshness and newness and lovely.  

In one of my favorite bookish small towns,  Ashbrook, Montana, spring is extra special because it's when people feel hopeful and start new adventures, just like the flowers start to grow again.

Finding Happiness Again

In a story about a place called 324 Hope Road, we meet the Darlings and the Timmermans. They are families that work together to keep the community close. Janine, the oldest cousin, by sowing the seeds of love in a teenage girl’s life will find the gift reciprocated from the girl and her father. 

Brave Enough to Try Again

Spring teaches us that it's okay to start over and try new things, just like plants start growing again after the cold winter. It tells us that we can get through tough times and come out stronger and ready for sunshine and new dreams. Janine and Matthias will encounter the opportunity in some interesting ways to build their bravery. 

Let's Enjoy Spring!

As an author, I use many spring activities to guide my characters' growth. As a bookish friend, I want to do the same for you, Dear reader.

Keep an eye out for those flowers, the birds making their way north, and the neighbors taking a walk because it’s finally warm enough outside. It’s also a good time to start a new hobby, call a friend to catch up or embark on an adventure.  (Just last week I visited the San Antonio Riverfront. It was warm and gorgeous and I left with lots of ideas for stories) 

I'd love to hear from you! What are you excited about this spring? Is there something new you want to try or a goal you want to reach? Share your stories, and let's celebrate the season of new starts together.

💐💐💐

Here is the excerpt from 324 Hope Road, where Janine learns to speak life into a teenager that really needs it

Keep an eye out for those flowers, the birds making their way north, and the neighbors taking a walk because it’s finally warm enough outside. It’s also a good time to start a new hobby, call a friend to catch up or embark on an adventure. 

Last week, I visited a friend in San Antonio. We spent some time exploring the Riverfront. It was warm and gorgeous, and I left with lots of ideas for stories) 

What are you excited about this spring? Is there something new you want to try or a goal you want to reach? What kinds of flowers are you seeing where you live? I'd love to hear from you! Make sure to comment below.

Mr. Peterson announced they would have a group working on general projects like tacking baseboards and touching up paint with the maintenance man. It was down to the two other women. He said, “Lastly, we will have a group beautifying the girls’ bathrooms. I’ll let you sort yourselves into groups. The only thing I’m asking is that you don’t have more than twelve to an activity. If you finish early, you’re more than welcome to join another group.” 

Two boys bounded down the bleachers and stood beside the two women leading the upgrades to the girls’ bathrooms. Mr. Peterson’s voice was loud enough for everyone to hear him say, “Parker and Carter, I don’t want you anywhere near the girls’ bathrooms.” 

The boys in the stands pointed and guffawed. The two boys’ exaggerated headshakes of disappointment drew laughter from the group. Even Mr. Peterson joined in the good-natured chuckle. He patted the boys on the back while guiding them to join the maintenance man. 

Janine and Marianna waited to move until the girls around them had risen to go to the project of their choice. All had left except for one. Matthias’s daughter watched the other girls but hadn’t motioned to move. To Janine’s curious glance that asked what Matthias’s daughter was waiting for, she replied. “My name is Rebecca.  I don’t want to work with my dad, and I don’t want to clean windows. If it's okay with you, I'd like to be on your team.” 

Earlier in the morning, Aunt Tee mentioned that Janine would be the village Auntie. Janine believed it when her aunt said it, but hadn’t expected it to come to fruition so  soon. And of all people, the daughter of the man Janine was slowly learning to despise. 

There was a hint of fear behind Rebecca’s expectant eyes. It said she had been rejected and was prepared for it to happen again, but had to ask. 

She is just like me. Janine’s heart connected with Rebecca’s.

She didn’t know how things were going to work out, but she had a feeling in her heart of hearts. It told her that she and Rebecca were going to be a part of each other’s lives in the days to come. Somehow, they’d sort out what to do about her bear of a father. 

She said, “Rebecca, my name is Janine. I think you and I will have fun today.”

Rebecca’s shoulders dropped and a slow smile spread across her face. “I think so, too.”

💐💐💐

324 Hope Road is the starter story for the Ashbrook, Montana series.

| Get A Copy of 324 Hope Road |

Spring Sale and Book Trailer by Merrillee Whren

 

Technically it's not spring yet, but maybe the flowers are already blooming in your neck of the woods. Of course, in the southern hemisphere you are looking at the coming of fall. But a sale is always good no matter if it's spring or fall. So grab your copy of my book, Hometown Cowboy, while it's on sale for 99 cents. You can read an excerpt by clicking or tapping on the title of the book.

You can find the ebook at these retailers.

Amazon

Apple

B&N

Kobo

 

You can also check out the book trailer I made a few years ago with the help of my granddaughters. 

 

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.

 

A Whimsical Irish Love Story by Josie Riviera

Many of you may know that my daughter lives in Ireland, and I love writing Irish stories, using beautiful Ireland as the background.

Well, Ireland has a little something special up its sleeve that I didn’t know about until recently—the Puck Fair and the goat monarch! You assumed that Ireland was all about St. Patrick's day, but there's more...

So, I wanted to share this fun and whimsy event with you.

There’s a town in County Kerry where a wild mountain goat gets crowned as the "King of the Fair."

 Yes, really! This quirky tradition is centuries old!

After the “crowning” of the goat, the Puck Fair turns into a party zone with pubs opening, and soon the streets become an outdoor dance floor. 

Delicious street food is also served, and who doesn't love street food? If you haven’t had a plate of mouthwatering boxty or warm, gooey Irish stew, then this is the place to visit. 

So, whether you're enjoying the view from the Cliffs of Moher or exchanging Claddagh rings, or crowning a mountain goat, may the spirit of Ireland inspire you this March.

Sláinte to love and the Emerald Isle!

If you love sweet Irish romance, and enjoyed watching The Dating Gane on television, this be sure to pick up a copy of my sweet Irish romance, Maeve.

Here's a short description:

He’s all business. She loves to laugh. When business conflicts with pleasure, what can possibly go wrong?

When the opportunity arises for Maeve to enjoy a week on the picturesque island of Corsica, thanks to Perfect Match, she can't resist. Although she's labeled herself as a workaholic on her dating profile, she hopes her match will share the same mindset. Little does she know that her journey will lead to more than she bargained for.

Enter Edward Newell, a no-nonsense businessman with one goal in mind: finding the perfect location for his successful hotel chain. Love and romance are the furthest things from his mind. However, when he crosses paths with the beautiful Maeve, sparks fly and their worlds collide in unexpected ways. As their connection deepens, they find themselves torn between their growing feelings and the demands of their individual lives.

Maeve combines beach island romance, opposites attract, and the intriguing allure of a billionaire. Follow Maeve and Edward as they navigate the complexities of their blossoming relationship against the backdrop of Corsica's stunning shores. Will they overcome the challenges when business conflicts with pleasure, or will their hearts be left broken?

This sweet and engaging romance is perfect for fans of Irish love stories and tales that celebrate the power of second chances. Join Maeve and Edward and discover if a chance encounter on an island can lead to a love that will last a lifetime.

The best news? Maeve, the ebook, is FREE for a very short time, so grab your copy today!

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

 

 

Bargain Books: Maybe I'm the One

  Maybe I’m the One, Cheryl St.John

Nashville fans will enjoy this story of a beloved country singer who returns to her roots and encounters the cowboy whose song she unknowingly stole.

Audrey Knox sacrificed to make a successful career in Nashville, but the bigger her star shines, the smaller her world has become. After an eye--opening incident on tour, she wants her daughter to experience small-town life as she knew it, so she takes a break from touring to reconnect with her roots and introduce the eight-year-old to life on Big Pines Ranch. Facing the past might be her biggest challenge yet.

Jericho Tanner has loved Audrey since they were children on adjoining ranches, their families entwined. He fills the void of intimacy, love and belonging with ranch work and his deputy position in Rockwell County, with aspirations of taking over as sheriff. Emotional vulnerability is frightening, and his walls are sturdy and tall. When Audrey and her young daughter show up in Spencer, he’s forced to see his wounds in a new light.

GRAB YOURS HERE

USA Today bestseller Cheryl St.John writes historical and contemporary novels. Her stories have earned numerous awards and are published in over a dozen languages. One thing all reviewers and readers agree on regarding Cheryl’s work is the degree of emotion and believability. In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real-life situations.”

Healing and Hope by Christine Bush

                                             

Real life can be full of trauma, loss, anxiety, and pain.  We can get stuck in it. 

One of the “hats” that I wear in my life is working as a therapist, often with clients dealing with any or all of these issues.  I am a firm believer that healing and growth is very possible.  I’m also a firm believer that sometimes it’s hard for an individual to even imagine the goal of healing.  It’s hard to have hope.

Sometimes, I find that romance fiction is a most amazing way to introduce the topic of hope.  That’s part of the motivation for my writing, for the characters I develop, for the fictional scenarios in their lives.

While my characters are absolutely fictional, their issues are very true examples of what can happen in the reality of life.  And with those fictional characters, the framework of love and growth can be demonstrated in each story, showing an example of “happier ever after”.  The romance is one point of the story.  But often, in my stories, the character’s healing is just as (or more) important.

Readers have often shared with me the power of being able to see the healing on the page.  Seeing the possibility brings that hope that can lead to our own belief that healing is possible in our own lives.

In my recent novella “Rachel’s Roses” our heroine deals with the lack of trust that can get firmly embedded after a broken heart.  But our hero deals with another issue.  He’s stuck in the pain of a “water phobia” that has undermined his self esteem all of his life.

What fears and traumas can be lurking, often secret, in our own lives?  We can face and heal these things.  As our hero does.

Amazon.com: Rachel's Roses: 9798869604491: Bush, Christine: Books

In another novella “Christmas with the Cat Lady”, our hero is drowning with grief after the loss of a child. What does it take to even imagine healing from such a heart wrenching sadness?  Can a person even imagine laughing again?  How does life go on? 

Again, his journey reverberated with several readers.  To see an example, even fictional, can provide hope. And the curiosity to imagine healing and to start on the path.

Amazon.com: Christmas With the Cat Lady eBook : Bush, Christine: Kindle Store

There are so many different reasons for loving sweet romance. The emotional, hopeful, inspiring stories can light up our lives in so many ways, even unexpected ones. 

How about you?  What gifts have your received in your sweet romance reading or writing that have inspired you in your own life? I’d love to know.

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