Lyn Asks Do You Enjoy...

reading historical novels? Lately I asked this of my newsletter subscribers and  

They Really Impressed Me!

 I was blown away by the responses. Here are a few:

Sherry M.

Heather Blanton is my favorite historical author. I enjoy historical books that make me feel good.when you struggle with elderly depression at times I’ve found that books and good stories are cheaper than pills!I really love to read and your books are at the top of my list too.

Gail O

I do like historical fiction. I often wonder why teachers don’t teach history with fiction together with facts; it makes it more real in some ways.

Pam G

I love historical fiction, especially romance. The latest I’ve read is Dakotah Treasures 4-book series by Lauraine Snelling. History classes in school were always very boring to me. I memorized all the dates and names for tests and immediately relegated them to the lost files cabinet. They should offer history classes using historical fiction. I have learned more history reading these than I ever learned in school!

Sue Ellen C

When I was a child, riding in a car to visit relatives, we drove past an old abandoned mansion in total disrepair. Although my parents wondered why it hadn’t been torn down, I always created a story in my mind about who might have lived there and whether I could recreate a similar life if I owned it. My influence back then was “Little Women” and “Little Men” by Louisa Mae Alcott. Her books hooked me on historical novels. They are a way to bring history alive and more personal. What did the families do when the father was fighting in a war? Were veterans of sound mind, let alone body, when the war ended? What did women really think about the societal norms of Regency England? Then there were family stories about my grandparents, born in the Civil War era, who did the outrageously bold thing of traveling by horse and buggy from Pennsylvania to Washington, DC, for their honeymoon to dance at President Benjamin Harrison’s Inaugural Ball. What simple farmers did such a thing? Did ordinary people even go on a honeymoon in 1889? In middle school I found an extremely old history book that had been my mother’s (think no later than WWI), in which a scene from the Battle of Saratoga told of a cannonball ripping through General Burgoyne’s tent during his dinner, and changed his battle strategy. I used that scene to enter an essay contest in eighth grade and received honorable mention. Our dry history texts today would be hard pressed to include a fascinating nugget like that, if a battle or general from that far in the past would even be acknowledged. From that point on I was drawn to novels that accurately reflected the events or mores of the time as seen through the eyes of people who could have been eyewitnesses. It’s so much better to give meaning to the what of an event if you can live it along with the people who lived it.

Lyn Cote here~ I loved reading all the 25 replies! I connected with those who love to learn AUTHENTIC history in the vehicle of exciting fiction! When I write an historical series, I do as much research as I did when I wrote my masters thesis. And I love it just as much! I'm always fascinated to discover so much detail about a place and time that I never knew!! I used to teach English and history classes and wish I could have combined both with historical fiction!!! And the kids would have enjoyed it so much more!! After all, history without people is just facts!

So how about you? Do you enjoy reading about the past?--Lyn

For more information, click here. To download the free prequel to this series, click here!

Lissa and the Spy free ebook!

My Lady Wynwood’s Spies novella, Lissa and the Spy, was in the multi-author anthology, Once Upon a Courtship, which is now unpublished.

Now that I have the rights back, I’ll be publishing it on Amazon, although I’m not sure yet when I’ll be doing that.

In the meantime, I’m giving you Lissa and the Spy ebook FREE! You must subscribe to my email newsletter to get the free ebook.

If you’re already on my newsletter, when you click the link, be sure to use the same email address you use to subscribe to my email newsletter.

Click here to get Lissa and the Spy!

Exotic Settings in Novels by Janice Lynn

My husband and I recently returned from a trip to Greece. As with pretty much every life experience, visiting there gets my creative juices flowing, making me envision different ways to incorporate things I've seen and done into new stories. 

We did several days in Athens, viewing historical sites, roaming streets, popping into shops, and just taking in sights and sounds of being in Greece. We visit Meteora for a couple of days and Corinth for a day. And, we went to Naxos for 3 days. The food was consistently the best food we've ever encountered. Every single meals the food was fresh and delicious. The people were lovely and friendly. 

I've never written a story set completely in a foreign country, but traveling to places like Greece makes me consider, for sure.

As a reader, do you prefer settings that are familiar to you or settings that are more exotic such as a Greek island or say, London or Paris? 

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

 

🌸 Hope, Renewal, and a Little Bit of Romance 🌸 by Merri Maywether

Spring always feels like a gentle nudge to try something new. The days stretch a little longer, the sunshine lingers a little warmer, and something about the air just feels lighter. This Easter weekend, I’m reminded of all the small joys this season brings—blooming flowers, pastel candies, community gatherings, and quiet moments of reflection.

Spring is also known as the season of new beginnings—and I have a soft spot for those, both in life and in fiction. My husband and I actually met the week after Easter. Funny enough, we both skipped Easter Sunday that year. We didn’t know each other yet, but we shared the same quiet hope: that our return to church would mark a fresh start. 

That first Sunday back, we became friends. Eventually, friendship grew into something more… and now, it’s one of my favorite real-life love stories.

That’s the beauty of sweet romance, isn’t it? It’s filled with gentle turns, second chances, and quiet moments that grow into something lasting. 

Just like spring, the sweet romance stories we love to read often begin in unexpected places—with characters who are healing, hoping, or simply trying to find their place in the world. Whether it’s an Easter egg hunt in a small-town park or a shared smile over a coffee table, love has a way of showing up right when it’s needed most.

In fact, one of my holiday short stories, Easter Surprise, was inspired by that very feeling—how spring brings a little magic, a little romance, and occasionally a happily ever after. I’ve added the story to my website for the month of April. If you’re in the mood for something heartwarming, I hope you’ll check it out.

👉 Read Easter Surprise here through April 30th

What about you?

What’s your favorite part of this season—sunshine, daffodils, second chances… or maybe chocolate bunnies?
I’d love to hear your favorite Easter or springtime tradition—and the kinds of sweet romances you love to read this time of year.

Wishing you joy, renewal, and a little something sweet this weekend (whether it’s love, laughter, or a half-priced chocolate bunny). 💛

Spring in the Desert by Merrillee Whren

 

Spring is a time when the earth springs alive. Flowers are everywhere, even in the desert where I live. The cacti have unusual and amazing flowers, and the wildflowers grow along the road and across the desert landscape. I'm going to share some desert flowers with you.

I could post a dozen more photos of the unique flowers we have here in the desert. I miss spring flowers that I knew in other parts of the country where we lived. I especially miss lilacs. They are my favorite spring flower. When I write, I try to include flowers to set the scene. Here is a scene from Country Blessings.

  Matt grinned, and crinkles fanned out from his golden eyes. “I do remember that you had a fantastic imagination.”

      “That was me all right. My head full of fantasies.”
     “Look where those fantasies got you. Hollywood. Becky’s a lot like you, and she’s got a creative companion in Erin.”
     They do have fun together. I’m glad Becky has such a good playmate. Staying here has been good for her.”
     Has staying here been good for you, too?”
     Rachel didn’t speak immediately. Being here was therapeutic in a physical sense, but emotionally it was a roller coaster ride. First, she’d had to deal with her mother’s death. Then she had the ever-present reminder of her feelings for Matt. He drew her like a bird to the berry patch, but like the scarecrow, his faith frightened her away.
     Rachel’s gaze drifted back to the sky as she contemplated her answer. Being on the farm gave her the peace she hadn’t had in L.A. in a long time. Life was so different here that she sometimes forgot the turmoil she’d left behind. “Yes, it’s been a welcome change from the hectic life I was leading before Mom died. I’m just sorry she isn’t here to share it with me.”
     You really miss her, don’t you?”
     Yes. I can’t explain the silly little things that make me miss her.” Tears welling in her eyes, Rachel looked out over the field in front of them. She made no comment as she tried to control her emotions.
     “It’s okay if you want to cry.” Matt moved closer and put an arm around her shoulders.
     She leaned her head on his shoulder and let the warmth of his comforting embrace wash over her. In Matt’s arms was where she wanted to be. She blinked back the tears as she lifted her head and looked at him. “Thanks. I’m all right now. I get these moments every once in a while. I’ll be fine.”
     “Let’s get Becky.” Taking her hand, he stood up, pulling her to her feet.
     When she was standing he didn’t let go of her hand, but continued to hold it as they walked along the edge of the field. It seemed so right, and yet she didn’t dare to think about what it might mean.
Becky emerged from the far end of the shelterbelt with a fist full of flowers. She scampered to where Matt and Rachel stood, still holding hands.
      Becky thrust the flowers at her mother. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
     “Yes, they are.” Rachel released Matt’s hand and took the bouquet of delicate lavender blooms. “Do you know what kind of flowers these are?”     

     “No. Are they special?” Becky asked.
     “Yes. These are Pasqueflowers. They’re the state flower of South Dakota. I used to pick them when I was a little girl, too.”
     “Can we take them home and put them in a vase?”
     “Sure. Let’s head home.”

 

Do you have favorite spring flower?

 

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.

April: When the South Really Shows Off: by Josie Riviera

The pollen situation in the Carolinas is no joke right now. That yellow dust is coating everything—my black car looks ridiculous, and I've given up trying to keep the screened-in porch clean. 

But you know what? All that pollen mess is worth it when I look around and see azaleas bursting with color all over the neighborhood. Between my friend's sneezing fits, I can't help but stop and admire them.

The best part about April in the south? It's perfect porch-sitting weather. We're past those tricky March temperature swings, but the real southern heat hasn't kicked in yet.

So, grab a glass of sweet tea, find a comfortable chair, and watch the butterflies discover all the spring flowers. These are the days we dream about during those damp, cold weeks of winter.

I'm thrilled to offer a free eBook this month! A Summer to Cherish, my sweet inspirational romance and RONE first place winner, is free for a short time.

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

Want more inspirational sweet romance? Grab a copy of the boxed set, Cherished Hearts.

Six inspirational romances in 1 boxed set.

Six sweet small-town inspirational romances.
This is the complete Cherish Series in one large bundle and includes the following books:

A LOVE SONG TO CHERISH
It’s easy to recognize another’s pain. The tough part is facing your own.

A CHRISTMAS TO CHERISH
There’s nothing a Christmas kiss won’t cure. Except perhaps a shattered heart…

A VALENTINE TO CHERISH
Valentine’s Day is all about love. And God has a special plan for a small-town woman and a road-weary singer.

A CHRISTMAS PUPPY TO CHERISH
You don’t need ears to hear God’s plan. All you need is an open heart.

A HOMECOMING TO CHERISH
All relationships require a commitment, but is she ready to sacrifice her heart again?

A SUMMER TO CHERISH
Faith is fragile. Faith takes time. And the best solutions are always painted with love.

These books are also published as solos and in other collections.

Overflowing with hope and second chances, these romances brim with love and laughter, and celebrate the joy of God's grace.

Grab your copy of Cherished Hearts today!

What's happening in your garden this month? I'd love to hear what's blooming in your corner of the world.

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

Looking Back at 2013 ~ Jean C. Gordon

 

Back to my book retrospective this month. In 2013, Harlequin released my third Love Inspired book, Small-Town Mom. For those of you who have been following my blogs, you may see a pattern.😀

Writing/Publishing Tidbits

The only tidbits I remember about writing/publishing Small-Town Mom are a reference to my love of football in my choice of a name for my hero (although neither the first or last name are players from my beloved Buffalo Bills). The other is one of my critique partners commenting that the hero looks like he's wearing a Post Office Uniform. Some of you may remember Post Office uniforms.

The Widow's Rules of Engagement

Jamie Glasser has two ironclad rules: raise her kids the best way she knows how and…no more military men! The widowed mother of three lost to the army her late husband—and her faith in God—but she can't avoid former air force lieutenant colonel Eli Payton. The handsome high school guidance counselor is committed to helping Jamie's rebellious teenage son. But it's Jamie who's tested when she's irresistibly drawn to Eli. Here, in the family-centered community of Paradox Lake, can a woman at a crossroads find the courage to reclaim her faith and give love another chance?

The book is no longer available as an ebook, but you can buy a used copy of the paperback on Amazon.

BUY

A Novella Version

Eight years after Small-Town Mom was released in paperback and ebook, I rewrote this story as a novella for a multi-author ebook collection. That collection is out of print, but a Kindle copy of my novella Trusting His Kiss is available on Amazon. 

BUY FOR 99 CENTS

Trusting His Kiss kicks off Jean C. Gordon's Paradox Lake Sweet Romance Series.

Life is complicated for nurse and widowed mother of three, Kari Hazard. Her 15-year-old son Myles is rebelling and she is not sure how to handle it. Still, Kari is not immediately thrilled with the actions Myles’s handsome new school guidance counselor is taking.

Eli Evans is a former Air Force officer and can relate to Myles’s feelings regarding his father who was killed in Afghanistan. Eli also finds Kari extremely attractive, but an issue from his past could pose a problem for any prospective relationship. However, an even larger obstacle is Kari’s residual anger and complicated emotions toward the military and her late husband.

In the small town of Paradox Lake, fate (with a little help from Eli’s mother), keeps pushing them together. Can Kari and Eli leave the past behind them and find a way forward to new love?

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 stands 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 No Brides Clubs Series, Indigo Bay Series, and Harlequin Love Inspired, as well as for multiple sweet romance collections.

SEE THE SERIES