The 10-Minute Summer Dessert That Tastes Like Christmas (Plus a Free Holiday Romance!) by Josie Riviera

July might bring hot and humid temperatures here in the Carolinas, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a taste of holiday cheer! This month, I'm sharing my favorite no-bake peppermint icebox cake. It's refreshing, festive, and perfect for those "Christmas in July" moments when you need a midyear dose of holiday spirit.

Recipe for Quick Peppermint Icebox Cake:

• 1 package chocolate graham crackers
• 2 cups whipped topping
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies or peppermint baking chips (available in the baking aisle year-round!)

Layer graham crackers with the peppermint-infused whipped topping in a small dish, refrigerate for two hours, and enjoy! It's simple enough to make with grandchildren on hot afternoons and festive enough to bring holiday magic to summer days.

Speaking of holiday magic, I'm celebrating Christmas in July by giving away my sweet holiday romance Candleglow and Mistletoe completely FREE for the next few days. In this story, talented pianist Noelle Wentworth finds unexpected love with charming stuntman Gabe Waters in the picturesque, fictional town of Snowing Rock. I am a pianist, though not as talented as Noelle! :)

Grab your free ebook copy here.

Do you celebrate Christmas in July? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

P.S. The newest bird to visit my backyard bird feeder is Brewer's Blackbird.

If you're looking for your next great read, the complete Sweetwater Springs series is my newest release and now available in a boxed set. These three sweet romances will transport you to a charming small town filled with hope, heart, and the kind of community we'd all love to find.

The three books in the boxed set include:

WHISPERS OF LOVE IN SWEETWATER SPRINGS
One mysterious letter. Two childhood friends. A love story decades in the making.

WHISPERS OF MAPLE MEMORIES IN SWEETWATER SPRINGS
A century-old secret. A stolen chronicle. Could unearthing their past cost them their future?

WHISPERS OF HOLIDAY MAGIC IN SWEETWATER SPRINGS
A struggling baker, a determined financier, and a small-town mystery where secrets spark holiday magic.

Grab your copy of Whispers of Sweetwater Springs 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

It's 2017 ~ Jean C. Gordon

The year 2017 marked the last of my Love Inspired books and my decision to concentrate on writing sweet, rather than inspirational, stories. Reuniting His Family released in summer 2017 and A Mom for His Daughter in December.

Writing/Publishing Tidbits

When I later got the rights back to these two books, I decided not o reissue them from Upstate NY Romance. BUT, when I looked at the books to write this blog, I was reminded of how much I like the stories. So, I'm reissuing them with A Mom for His Daughter renamed Sharing His Daughter, one of my original title suggestions submitted to Love Inspired.

~~~~~~~~~~

A Father's Dream

Rhys Maddox wants nothing more than custody of his two sons. Released from prison after a wrongful charge, the widowed dad will do anything to bring his boys home where they belong. But that doesn’t include falling for their former social worker. Now leading an outreach program for families in transition, Renee Delacroix can’t escape the tall, dark and intriguing single dad…or his adorable little boys. But Rhys is determined to go it alone. Until one incident that may cost him what he wants the most. Now it’s up to Renee to save him…if she can make him see she’s just what he needs to complete their forever family.

PREORDER NOW or BUY July 15: Kindle | Apple | B&N, Kobo, and Other Vendors

Finding Her Family

Widowed single dad Marc Delacroix doesn’t have time for surprises—especially one like Fiona Bryce. Finding out that she’s the biological aunt of his adopted daughter, Stella, is a big shock. While Fiona’s commitment to the little girl appears to be genuine, Marc wonders if he can truly trust her—or his own heart, which he vowed never to risk again. Fiona’s eager to connect with the sweet young niece she never knew she had, but Marc seems determined to keep her at arm’s length. Could Marc and Fiona’s shared love of Stella be the bond that transforms their fragile connection into a real family?

PREORDER NOW or BUY July 15: Kindle | Apple | B&N, Kobo, and Other Vendors

Welcome to Paradox Lake

Any fan of sweet romance will love the stories of small-town love in the Paradox Lake Sweet Romance series. Grab your tea or coffee, settle into your favorite chair, and be swept away into the cozy Adirondack town, where complex characters navigate challenging situations as they find their way to love. Whether it’s love at first blush, old flames reuniting, or second chance romance, you’ll find pure reading enjoyment and satisfy your craving for sweet, wholesome romance.

Part of an ongoing series full of familiar faces, each story will stand on its own. With novel and novella lengths available, there’s something for everyone. Paradox Lake is written by USA Today Bestselling sweet romance author Jean Gordon, who’s penned stories for the Hopeless Romantics of Willow Ridge, No Brides Clubs, and Indigo Bay multi-author sweet romance series—as well as her own series and Harlequin Love Inspired.

Fireworks, a birthday, and a baptism ---and a free book

 I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July!

We traveled an hour south to spend time with our son and his family, as well as his wonderful in-laws. Good food, great conversation, and the Fourth of July parade in their small town is a lot of fun.

By the time we got home, night had fallen. We live on a hill in the country, and from our back deck, I watched fireworks displays from seven locations along the horizon. I love those bright, beautiful lights! Do you go somewhere to watch fireworks?

We got home from the south just last week. Our granddaughter was baptized in a lovely little church south of Baton Rouge. 

The party afterward at her Godparents' home was amazing, and so different from what we would have in the Upper Midwest. The food was regional, including a crawfish boil (fifty pounds of crawfish, done in batches), which was amazing. That was new to me! 

After that special occasion, we spent time in New Orleans during Restaurant Week, before heading for the relative peace and quiet of the Gulf Coast for a while. My birthday is today (July 5th), but I got to celebrate a little early with family at G.W. Fins, a restaurant in the French Quarter.

Now that we're home, we're glad to be here.  😊
But I loved the chance to spend time with our family!

Are there special, regional culinary favorites in your part of the country? I would love to hear about them!

Leave a comment, and you will be entered in a drawing for a free e-copy of one of my books--any title of your choice except for my old Love Inspired novels.
You can see them all by clicking HERE.

Have a wonderful summer!

Love, Roxanne Rustand
www.roxannerustand.com

Lyn Cote's Summer "View and Sounds"

The Independence Day holiday has started here in the northwoods of Wisconsin. The boats are going by and people are talking and laughing--a lovely sound--after a silent winter.

Those are "manmade" noises, but have you ever heard a loon call? Here's a Mam and two chicks.

If you'd like to hear the loons, click this link.

And don't forget, my next historical romance is on pre-order till Septemeber 10th.

“Blessing fights love because she knows how it destroyed her in a previous marriage. Gerard fights EVERYTHING as he struggles to learn who he really is away from his domineering father.”

After being wooed by a wealthy and socially prominent member of Cincinnati society, Blessing Cathwell leaves her family and beliefs behind to marry him. Widowed young and determined to never to lose her independence, Blessing reclaims her faith and sets out to use her wealth and influence for women’s rights and abolition. 

Gerard Ramsey, scion of a wealthy Boston family, comes to Cincinnati to escape his father’s schemes to arrange an advantageous marriage for his heir. an angry Gerard stubbornly strives toward independence, his planning is soon complicated by Blessing’s tendency for speaking to him as his equal and 

Moreover, Gerard wants to break with his father—in a way that will anger him—while providing Gerard with independence. His planning is soon complicated by Blessing  and her tendency for speaking to him as his equal and challenging him to consider the lives of others over his own. 

As pre-Civil War racial tensions rise in Cincinnati, Blessing and Gerard struggle to find common ground as violence escalates. And a secret adversary to both tries to reach a lethal end game.

“Rich and rewarding! Blessing will captivate you from beginning to end. A unique and compelling plot and well-drawn characters will bring you back in history to Cincinnati, Ohio, where women’s rights were nonexistent and racial tension permeated the city. I couldn’t put this book down until I learned their fate. A must read!” Judith Miller, Author judithmccoymiller.com

Click here to pre-order. Lyn Cote

Summer Reading by Laura Scott

 

Summer Reading! 

I don't know about you, for me, these summer days are flying by. I can't believe it's almost July! Here in Wisconsin, we cherish our warm summers, spending time outside if possible. 

For some weird reason I don't read as much in the summer. Maybe it's partly because there are graduations, long weekends and other events (my FIL's upcoming birthday) to keep me preoccupied. Maybe it's just that the weather is so nice I'd rather just sit quietly in my sunroom.

There's something about staying indoors when its cold out, curling up with a good book. I estimate I read twice as much in the winter as I do in the summer.

So what about you? Are you a seasonal reader? If you are, you may want to give my Sullivan K9 Search and Rescue series a try. The fifth book in my series, Scent of Death releases tomorrow!

Whatever you choose do to, have fun, stay safe and enjoy! We all know the summer days won't last forever...

Scent of Death - Laura Scott $3.99

After Alexis Sullivan and her cadaver K9 Denali find the body of a dead woman in the mountains, gunfire rings out, indicating she is the killer's next target. She calls FBI agent Griff Flannery for help and when Denali finds a second body just two hundred yards away from the first, she's horrified to realize they're dealing with a serial killer. 

FBI Agent Griffin Flannery has been investigating missing teenagers from across the state and rushes to join Alexis in the Bighorn Mountains. Two of the three missing women are there, but he knows there are likely others. Time is running out. He needs to find the third missing woman before she's dumped like the rest. But when the killer turns his sights on Alexis, Griff will risk his own life to save hers.

Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

I Should Have Been A Tour Guide by Pat Simmons

 

I think I missed my calling. Before I became a published author, I worked in radio and television. That was an exciting, sometimes depressing, but a much-respected industry--at the time.

Fast forward fifteen-plus years, and I'm honored and humbled to write stories that encourage readers and glorify God.

But there's something about knowing your history--family, local, world, or industry. It's the industry part that I enjoyed over the weekend, learning about the history of Warner Bros. Studio.

Yep, Kerry and I were in Burbank, California, and he suggested we take a tour. All I can say is "Wow." 

First off, our tour guide was highly knowledgeable about the history of Warner Bros. and the background of movies and sitcoms filmed there. Most were before her time, and some before my time. The passion in her voice revealed how much she loved her job, driving through the sets of legendary stars and sharing insider tidbits to look out for when watching movies and TV.

The exhibits were an eye-opener. One was the Batman costumes. Another was holding the Oscar. I had no idea of the heaviness of the statute. Of course, I had to play the part of winning. LOL.

Pictures tell the stories, and speaking of pictures, check out the stack of manuscripts from freelance writers trying to break into Hollywood. Only a small number makes it.

I'll have more photos posted on my website shortly, but if you're looking for a field, try taking a tour in your hometown or another nearby state, but get out and take a tour. Perhaps I'll consider being a tour guide for St. Louis. We have a rich history as a former slave state, and the courthouse where Dred Scott sued but lost his freedom case. St. Louis is also home to so many great entertainers like Vincent Price, Tina Turner, Josephine Baker, John Goodman, the Gateway Arch, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery...Should I keep going? See, I should have been a tour guide. 

Happy summer!

#tours#landmarks#hollywood

-------------------

Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of fifty-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 20 years. She serves as a publicist on the board of the Christian Book Lovers Retreat (CBLR). Visit her at www.patsimmons.net.

Pat Simmons introduces a new Christian fiction series that reminds readers that the bad guys don't always win, especially when the Lord fights our battles. Make this series your summer read.

Regency Romantic Suspense Sale: Lissa and the Spy Paperback Coupon Code

My newest release, Lissa and the Spy, is now available in ebook and paperback! This Christian Regency romantic suspense novella is a prequel to my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series.

About Lissa and the Spy

A Christian Regency Romance with Humor, Suspense, and a Dash of Intrigue

In the opulent ballrooms of Regency-era London, Miss Lissa Gardinier struggles through her second Season with a singular goal: marriage to escape her mother's constant criticism. So she represses her cheeky remarks behind a quiet, innocent facade, but combined with her plain face, it only serves to make her uninteresting to potential suitors.

It is her very unpopularity that enables her to notice the enigmatic Lord Jeremy Stoude and set in motion a chance encounter. An overheard conversation and faux dialogue later, she finds herself entangled in Jeremy’s covert undertakings. Lissa resists the temptation to pry, finding delight in their mysterious friendship.

Yet the world Jeremy inhabits is one of secrets and subterfuge, and he cannot afford to be distracted by Lissa’s charming smile and unflappable demeanor. Lissa’s family dynamics grow increasingly complicated with a sister harboring her own desires for the eligible Lord Stoude, and a formidable rival—Lady Charline Halberstam—making her intentions clear.

As danger stalks them and true feelings come to light, can Lissa and Jeremy navigate the labyrinth of society’s expectations and their own insecurities to find love?

Lissa and the Spy offers readers an intoxicating blend of romance, suspense, and wit, set against the glittering backdrop of Regency London. Perfect for those who love their historical fiction laced with a dash of intrigue and a sprinkle of humor.

• Free in July on Smashwords.com
• Free when you subscribe to my newsletter
• Get the annotated ebook for only $0.99 – includes Easter eggs, commentary, and behind-the-scenes fun!

Prefer print? I’ve released both the regular and large print paperbacks of Lissa and the Spy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and my website.

Use coupon code LISSAPB8 to get $8 off either paperback edition on my website:

• Regular paperback
• Large print paperback

The discount covers shipping for most U.S. orders, and you’ll also receive the annotated ebook FREE with your purchase!

Coupon expires June 30, 2025.

Please feel free to try the coupon and let me know if you run into any hiccups. 😊

Volunteering by Janice Lynn

My Wrapped Up in Christmas series often has characters who volunteer for various projects and organizations, including the fabulous Quilts
of Valor Foundation that is a real organization that wraps quilts of healing around our military personnel. I started out writing the series for Hallmark, so the stories are sweet and the characters often very much so, too. But the reality is that I try to live my life with a servant's heart, too. I truly find that doing for others brings great joy. 

One of the organizations that I personally volunteer with is a group called Veterans Back to Normandy. They're a French group whose mission is to do just what you'd guess from their name--to bring veterans back to Normandy. I met members of this group while I was volunteering with a differe

nt group who had brought 3 WWII veterans back to Normandy. That US group had partnered with the French group for the 79th and 80th anniversaries, however, they weren't going to be making the trip for the 81st. I feel so blessed in that VBtN asked me to volunteer with their group for the 81st. 

This trip is a big volunteer experience as I take off from my day job for 3 weeks as I do final preparations/make sure I have all my medical supplies, the trip, then after I'm home, take a couple of days to recover from any jet lag that might hit me. But it's also one that comes with such rich rewards because the WWII veterans I meet are all heroes. Everyone of them has amazing stories of things they've done during their life, both during the war, but outside of the war, as well. I just want to soak up every word they say because as they pass such a phenomenal part of American history is being lost. 

This year I flew from Huntsville, Alabama with 1 veteran and his family and we met 5 other WWII veterans in Atlanta for our flight to Paris. The oldest, 102 years old!, was with our group part of the time, but mostly with another group once we arrived in France. I volunteer as their medic (I'm a nurse practitioner in my day job) and this year was the guys healthiest year yet. Yay!!! 

I could go on and on about the trip because it's something I'm passionate about, and you'll no doubt hear me talk about these trips again in the future. I'm already looking forward to the 82nd anniversary and spending time with these veterans, their families, and the volunteers whom I absolutely love. 

Do you currently or in the past have something you volunteer with or support that you feel passionate about? 

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  

Wrapped Up in Christmas https://amzn.to/4gvI1wP

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy https://amzn.to/47wB8qW

Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope https://amzn.to/3Twuye

And the newest, WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS LOVE. Order your copy today. Amazon Barnes & Noble

 

Beautiful Views and Soggy Socks By Merri Maywether

I’m writing this month's blog from a different perspective. I’m living one of the chapters from my story….I’m on an adventure with friends, my husband, and my son. We’ve had days of meeting people from different countries, taking pictures of things like cobblestone streets, waterfalls, and that random flower that just makes my heart happy.

Social media, books, and blogs - pretty much everyone shares breathtaking views and “remember this” moments. This month’s story is a different view. I’m sharing what everyone lives, but doesn’t really talk about. 

Every adventure with friends comes with stories that test our patience—or bring us closer. 

At the time, cross words are spoken, tears my shed, and fears are spoken aloud. They’re the moments when we’re vulnerable that will grow into the stories we’ll laugh about later. 

Most importantly, they’re the moments that remind us why we’re good for each other.

So far, we’ve learned that not all laundry facilities are the same. It took my friend two days to get her clothes cleaned because we couldn’t figure out how to get the dryer to work.

I learned how much water socks hold because drying them with an iron was less daunting than going one more round with that forsaken machine.

Like I said, frustration was expressed, tears were shed, and vulnerabilities were expressed. Then came the hugs and the words, “We'll get through this.” And we did. 

As we hurried through the train station, I noticed that “We’ll get through this” is a universal theme.  I can only speculate that it is when our humanity shines. When people are candid about their challenges, others will take a moment to point them in the right direction. 

Yes, the beauty of a trip begins with those once-in-a-lifetime landscapes—but the heart of why I travel is in those small, messy, meaningful moments.

When we shine—not because everything went right—but because we chose patience, kindness, and encouraged someone with a quiet “I got you.”

And that’s what I love about writing.

Seeing those character traits play out in the real world affirms everything I put on the page.
Whether it’s in a tiny town or a crowded train station, it’s people who make the moments that matter.

I'll close this month's blog wishing you a summer filled with grace, laughter, and perhaps even a little well-deserved chaos.

Warmly,

💛 Merri

Also, in the spirit of embracing all kinds of memorable adventures, my son and I recently recreated a scene from a James Bond movie while sightseeing—and let’s just say we nailed the drama (minus the car chase).

*****

My newest release, Rules For Dating A Single Dad: Rule #9 Play to Win, launched last week.

Hold his crown. Things are about to get awkward. 

He’s the king of the friend zone. Easton has two priorities: keep his kids happy and keep his love life out of the local gossip loop. After one tragic loss and a few awkward almost-romances, he’s earned a nickname—a title he didn't know about until Grace pinned it to him like a queen bestowing an honor upon a knight.

She’s the queen of everyone’s heart. Grace, on the other hand, doesn’t mean to win things… it just keeps happening. A touch quirky, a little nerdy, and always up for a challenge, she’s perfectly content watching Easton from the sidelines. He’s steady. He’s safe. And she knows better than to expect anything more.

But when Grace keeps racking up wins—Baked goods raffles? Check.  Community game night? Check. The hearts of children and unsuspecting single dads? Whoops.

And  Easton keeps losing ground—not just in games, but in the fight to stay emotionally neutral—he’ll learn that he’ll need a new strategy.

To win Grace’s heart, Easton will have to step out of the safe zone and into her world—where the rules are different, the stakes are high, and the biggest win is love.

This story includes:

📖 He falls hard

​​​​​​​📖 Small-town competitions and cake-related banter

​​​​​​​📖 Friends to more

​​​​​​​📖 Kids playing matchmaker

​​​​​​​📖 Sassy, sweet banter with a side of emotional damage repair

****

You can read a preview of Easton and Grace's Story by visiting my Small Town Stories website.

Celebrating Dads by Merrillee Whren

Tomorrow in the United States, it is Father's Day. Dads play an important part of our lives. We need to celebrate them. As I look over the list of books I've written, I've been surprised at how many feature men who are dads or take on the responsibility of dad for children who are without a dad in their lives. Here are some choices for Father's Day reading. 

 

 

 

You can get more information for all of these books by looking on my website. Tap or click on the link.

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.