Daylight Saving Time Debate by Josie Riviera

On Sunday, November 6, 2022, in the US and elsewhere around the world, we turn our clocks back an hour.

 This is called Daylight Saving Time, which is also referred to as "Fall Back," or "Winter Time." Please note the term is "Saving," not "Savings." I've often referred to the term wrong!

Expect sunrise and sunset to be about an hour earlier, and more light in the morning.

Did you know that over 70 countries use Daylight Saving Time?

Some of the main reasons include:

Conserving energy by using more natural light, rather than artificial light.

Decreasing road accidents during the heavier traffic hours.

However, dairy farms often protest that changing our clocks twice a year makes milking cows and getting the milk collected a challenge. Although our modern dairy farms often utilize robots for cow milking, farmers in developing countries are affected.

What are your thoughts on Daylight Saving Time? Is it time to "fall back"?  Please leave your comments below.

New Release and just in time for Christmas!

I'm thrilled that my newest boxed set, A Very Christian Christmas, will be release on November 16th.

Cozy up with your favorite beverage and lose yourself in the special, joyful season of love and faith.

This collection includes the following books:

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

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

Holly’s Gift
Miracles don’t always come easy. Sometimes it takes a secret wish to light an angel’s way.

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

Grab your copy of A Very Christian Christmas today!

Available in ebook, Paperback, and Large Print paperback. Audiobooks for each book sold separately.

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

The Importance of Grandparents Day by Josie Riviera

 Grandparents Day in the U.S. is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day.  The history began in 1969 when a 9 year old boy wrote a letter to President Nixon asking that a day be set aside to celebrate grandparents.

In 1978, President Carter signed the proclamation, and, the following year, Grandparents Day was celebrated for the first time.

Here are some interesting facts:

53% of grandparents take care of their grandchildren so that their parents can work.

In 2011, 4.8 million pre-school children, were cared for by a grandparent.

Every year, grandparents spend 52 billion dollars on their grandchildren.

Grandparents are family, and they won't be around forever. Expressing love and gratitude through a postcard, video chat, and/or letter, are always appreciated. A visit, a meal, or enjoying a hobby together such as puzzles or bird-watching, are ways that we can all appreciate and spend more time with our grandparents.

How do you spend time with your grandparents or loved ones? Please leave your comments below.

New release! I'm thrilled that my newest boxed set, Cherished Hearts, is available on September 15th.

These sweet and wholesome stories, where God is at the center, brim with love and laughter.

Six sweet small-town inspirational romances to warm your heart! For the first time, the complete Cherish Series is exclusively in one large collection.

Find out why readers are falling in love with Cherished Hearts & staying up all night reading. Cozy up with your favorite beverage and lose yourself in the joyful seasons of love.

This collection 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.

Grab your copy of Cherished Hearts 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

What's your fondest memory of a Fourth of July? Win a free book! Roxanne Rustand

Happy Fourth of July!  The firecrackers have been booming in our rural area for several nights, so our fifteen-month-old golden retriever has been cowering once dusk falls.  

I love the festivities of this holiday and the chance to be with family and friends, but for Doogan's sake, I'll be relieved when he can finally relax and not be so scared about going outside to potty.

Family and friends...such a joy!  Have you been able to get together with someone this weekend?

Some of the birthdays in our family have managed to coordinate with one holiday or another, which makes those holidays even more special---and convenient.  😄   

My husband and I both have birthdays within a few days of the Fourth of July, so we can usually be with at least some of our kids and grands.  And all three of our kids plus the two newest grandbabies have birthdays close to Christmas. 

Our son Brian's is actually on Christmas Eve, which he loves because then he'll always be with family on his birthday.  And, one daughter-in-law was born on Halloween.

So beyond the usual celebration of various holidays---and of course the true meaning of Christmas--we have lots of good memories of being with family at those times. 

One special memory of the Fourth of July was when our older son and his family lived on a vast reservoir north of Dallas. We spent the evening until midnight out on his boat, watching endless fireworks sparkling in the sky in every direction. So beautiful!

Do you have a fond memory of a holiday that you'd like to share? 

Leave a comment and you'll be in a drawing for a free e-copy of any book in my Montana Secrets inspirational romance mystery novels!  To see the whole series, CLICK HERE.

Wishing you all a happy Fourth of July!

Roxanne Rustand

Sweet Romance in #Audiobooks

 Click the links below for Sweet Stories in Audiobooks!

Derrick, Book 1, is available at:

Amazon          Audible          iTunes

Jason, Book 2, is available at:

Amazon          Audible          iTunes

Reece, Book 3 of The Single Daddy Club is available at:

Amazon          Audible          iTunes

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Book 1of 4 in Lyn Cote's Northern Intrigue series

Amazon

~~~~~~~~~~

Listen to the entire series. Book one is above.

Available at Audible and Amazon

Available on Audible and Amazon

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Love sweet Christian romance?

A Love Song To Cherish is available on Audible and Amazon.  

Book one in the "Cherish series."

Listen to the entire series here.

For the Love of Music by Josie Riviera

 As an author who loves music and travel, I'm thrilled to be able to incorporate both in my sweet romance novels. It is a joy sharing my books with you, my readers, and I consider myself fortunate.

To develop my stories, I research the culture, people, weather, and yes, one of my favorites, even the food.  It's always a thrill to see the characters emerge with their own personalities, and small towns are one of my favorite settings.  The location can set the tone of a novel, and often the characters' belief systems and goals are influenced by their life experiences. In my inspirational "Cherish" series, Christian faith is paramount.

As a professional musician and music lover, I often include characters who enjoy music. Readers will often see music references, as well as pianists, an opera singer, harpist, harmonica player, and in my newest release, A Homecoming to Cherish, an up and coming guitarist!

Do you enjoy music references in the books you read? Please leave your comments below.

A Homecoming To Cherish, my newest inspirational contemporary romance, is on pre-order for only 99¢!  I hope you enjoy Nora and Julian's story, as well as Nora's teenage daughter, Samantha.

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

Grab your copy today. Available in ebook, Paperback, Large Print Paperback, and Hardcover.

Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet contemporary, inspirational, and historical romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area, with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their empty-nester home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

"Like" her author Facebook page.

Follow her on Bookbub.

Remember to join our Sweet Romance Reads cafe!

Changing Seasons by Laura Ashwood

 As we approach the end of August, I can feel myself getting really excited for fall. My husband and I are lucky enough to live in a state that experiences four distinct season changes. I will admit, contrary to most people, I am NOT a fan of summer and prefer the cooler weather that fall and winter bring.

Fall brings crisp air, the changing vibrant colors of the leaves, and my very favorite thing...the beginning of sweatshirt weather. I could LIVE in sweatshirts year 'round if we didn't have summer. 

The seasonal shift also tends to be a time I reflect on the goings on of the season on its way out.

This summer was eventful for us, despite the pandemic. Our first grandchild celebrated his 2nd birthday with a very small party. We were fortunate that day to be able to bring grandchild #2 with us to celebrate because grandchild #3 was born that same day.

From a writing perspective, this summer was also really good to me. While I am still struggling with anxiety over what's going on in the world, writing gives me an escape, kind of like reading but on a different level. I published my second book, A Little Something Sweet, and finished my first historical, An Agent for Clarissa - which went live yesterday. I've got my 2021 writing calendar full and it's quite ambitious. Go big or go home, right?

Did you have any memorable events this summer? 

What is your favorite season? I'd love to know!

Until next month!

xo, Laura

~~~~~

Happy Retirement To Me by Laura Scott

I'm officially a full time author!

Laura Scott here celebrating my retirement from Froedtert Hospital where I worked for 38 years! Many of you know I'm a Registered Nurse and worked in Critical Care which has been a rewarding and challenging profession.

But my love of writing could not be ignored and now that both of my kids have moved out of the house, it's time for me to fulfill my dream of being a full time author.

I feel great, yet there is still this strange bit of apprehension. It's hard to give up one career, even though I have another equally rewarding career to replace it. 

Could be that giving up my biweekly paycheck is also causing some internal stress, haha.

I truly believe God has put me on this path for a reason. Thanks for taking the time to celebrate with me, and I'd love to hear any advice you have to offer.  Have some tips or tricks? Tell me what worked and didn't work for you. 

Thanks and God bless all the nurses who are still working....

Laura Scott

Life Isn't a Sprint it's a Journey by Kimberly Rose Johnson

The mantra of my life for several years now has been finding balance. I was stressed and too focused on writing. My health suffered as a result and so did my social life.

I've been trying to slow down a bit with my writing for two years. As I look back, I see that I truly succeeded in 2019. I only wrote three books and one screenplay. I realize this may sound counter intuitive to an entrepreneur, but it was necessary for me to find balance in my life.

Even though I only wrote three manuscripts and a screenplay, it has still proven to be a struggle to find balance because I've had multiple collections of older books compiled by my publisher which require marketing, and then I decided it was a good idea to do it with my indie books too. On top of that I dusted off an old manuscript and did a huge rewrite and published it as well. So in spite of writing fewer books, I've stayed busy, but not so busy I made myself sick, like I've done in the past.

Lately, on Fridays I've given myself permission to only do the minimum that is necessary to keep moving forward in order to enjoy time with friends or family. It's been delightful!

I hope as you finish 2019 you will take time to enjoy it doing the things you love.

The Sleuth's Conundrum was the only full length book I wrote in 2019, and it released this month. It's the third book in my Librarian Sleuth series. I'm currently writing the next book.

Here's the back cover description for The Sleuth's Conundrum.

Adam and Tara are sucked into a police investigation that might get Tara killed. Can Adam keep her safe or will he lose her forever?

Tara James, the local librarian assistant, is afraid her past will catch up to her when an infant is abandoned outside the Tipton County Library. Will news of the abandoned baby stir up publicity and force her to go on the run again?

Librarian Nancy Daley’s world has become complicated. Carter is pushing to set a wedding date, a woman was left for dead on the side of the road, and Tara, her assistant, is acting strange. Nancy is working every angle she can think of, but the case goes from bad to bizarre. Can she find the baby’s mother, help Tara, and plan her wedding without upsetting her life’s delicate balance?

Slow news days become a thing of the past for local reporter Adam Stacy when a dead body is discovered on the side of the road. Was the woman murdered or was it an accident? Adam’s feelings are growing for Tara, but she appears to have secrets she’s hiding. Is she somehow connected to the abandoned infant?

When things go from bad to worse Adam does everything in his power to protect Tara, but will it be enough?

Available at Amazon 

Land Rush Dreams by Vickie McDonough

I was recently on a Facebook party promoting my Land Rush Dreams series, and I was surprised to learn how many people had never heard of the Oklahoma land runs. So, let me enlighten you, in case you haven't heard of them either.

Actual Land Rush Image, public domain

There were seven land runs in Oklahoma, but by far, the most well-known were the 1889 and the 1893 runs. The first occurred on April 22nd, 1889, which led to the settling of the Canadian, Cleveland, Kingfisher, Logan, Oklahoma, and Payne counties in Oklahoma. Nearly two million acres of Unassigned Indian Lands were claimed in a single day. The terms "Boomer," Eighty-Niners" and "Sooner" were birthed during the days before this run. Now you know where the Oklahoma Sooners from the University of Oklahoma got their name. #BoomerSooner.

The Land Run of September 16, 1893, was known as the Cherokee Strip Land Run. It opened 8,144,682.91 acres to settlement. The land was purchased from the Cherokees. It was the largest land run in U.S. history, four times larger than the Land Rush of 1889. 

That's a very brief overview. The land runs proved to be too chaotic, so the government they switched over to land lotteries to settle the final Unassigned Indian Lands. In my Land Rush Dreams series, I feature both of the land runs mentioned above and the land lottery. I always enjoy mixing real-life history with fictional stories.

Just $1.99 for a limited on Kindle / #FreeKU

Gabriel's Atonement

Land Rush Dreams, book 1

Features the Land Run of 1889

All Gabriel Coulter ever wanted was to live a comfortable life as a successful gambler, but a confrontation with a disgruntled cowboy who’d just lost his monthly pay to Gabe leads to a family man dying in his arms. Even though it was self-defense, the only way Gabe knows to get rid of his guilt is to return the money he won to the man’s wife.

Lara Talbot sees Gabe as a derelict like her husband and wants nothing to do with him--not even the much-needed money he's offered her. But as she struggles to provide for her family and makes plans to claim property in the upcoming Oklahoma land rush in hopes of finally having a permanent home, she wonders if God might have sent the meddling man to help.

Click here to purchase

Joline's Redemption

Land Rush Dreams book 2

Features the Cherokee Strip Land Rush

Buy Here 

Sarah's Surrender

Land Rush Dreams book 3

Features the Oklahoma Land Lottery

Buy Here 

Introducing Laura Scott!

Good morning! This is my first blog post here and I thought it might be a nice time for you to learn a little about me, and I'd love to hear some interesting facts about all of you, too!

I'm a Registered Nurse by day and a romance writer by night. I work at the only level 1 trauma center here in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Our hospital has 650 beds total and 110 of them are critical care beds. My speciality is critical care, but I have been in leadership for a while now. I'm retiring from my day job April 9, 2020 after 38 years, to write full time. I can't tell you how excited I am about that!


I've been married to a wonderful man for going on 35 years, and we have two adult children. My daughter Nicole married the man of her dreams in August of 2018 and my son Jonathan is also a Registered Nurse at the same hospital where I work.  That's a picture of him in front of his new house. And here are photos of my daughter's wedding!

 


I have been very blessed to have sold my first book to Harlequin back in 2003 and have since written over 50 books for them. When I'm not writing Love Inspired Suspense stories I have several indie romance  series that have been a lot of fun to write. These are all sweet contemporary romances.

On November 1st my latest Love Inspired Suspense book Soldier's Christmas Secrets will be available. This is the first book in my Justice Seekers miniseries.

Amazon B&N Apple Google Kobo

Also, my book A Doctor's Promise will be free only until November 1st, so if you haven't read my books and want to give one a try click on one of the vendor links below. I had an opportunity to do a ride along with our own Flight For Life and this Lifeline series gives you some insight into what it's like to be a flight nurse on a helicopter. 

Amazon B&N Apple Google Kobo

That's all the interesting stuff about me, how about you? Drop me a note and introduce yourself! I look forward to getting to know all of you better.

Thanks, Laura Scott

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month by Josie Riviera

Did you know that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?

Approximately 3.3 million dogs are put in shelters each year. Sadly, oftentimes these dogs are abused and abandoned.

But two things are certain: 

Each dog deserves a forever home, and

You’ll be saving a dog’s life if you adopt.

Interestingly, in a recent study from Amazon Audible and dog behaviorist Cesar Milan, audiobooks were found to calm dogs in kennels.  A recommended list of audiobooks includes To Kill a Mockingbird and Anne of Green Gables.

Audiobooks for Dogs.

When you adopt a dog, the benefits to humans are unlimited. Studies prove that an animal can improve your health and make you happier. And, your dog will love you unconditionally.

If you can’t adopt a dog, consider volunteering at your local shelter. Dog walkers are always appreciated!

Many of my readers are aware that I own a 7 year old shih tzu named Henry. (He's Batman in the above photo!)

Although the dog isn’t referred to by name, there is a shih tzu mentioned in my inspirational holiday romance book, Holly’s Gift.

Still on sale for only 99¢, and free on Kindle Unlimited.

Also available in Paperback and Large Print Paperback.

Six of our sweet romance read authors wrote a heartwarming series set in Snowflake, a fictional small-town in Colorado.

My contribution was Holly’s Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 5)

Miracles don’t always come easy. Sometimes it takes a secret wish to light an angel’s way.

 Have you ever adopted an animal from a shelter? Please leave your comments below.

Josie Riviera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

To see her latest family adventures, follow her on Instagram.

And remember to join our Sweet Romance Reads Facebook cafe.

The Sound of Silence by Josie Riviera

How many times have you gone for a walk outside without your phone and headphones? My husband will rush back to our house if he forgets either, because for him, silence is a real trial. In fact, many people associate silence with loneliness and solitude.

I, however, prefer absolute silence, especially when I write. Perhaps because I’m a musician, if I hear music, I start analyzing the chord structure, or tuning in to the lyrics.

Studies indicates that silence reaps both spiritual and emotional benefits. Many people in today’s culture depend on tech devices: phones, incoming text messages, and the constant distractions of social media clutter our thoughts.

However, silence is said to soothe the mind and restore stability.

The following are some ideas to get you in the habit of entertaining silence:

Walk silently with a friend, or by yourself

Employ deep breathing exercises

In the morning, engage in a few moments of private prayer before beginning your day.

Have you ever made a deliberate decision to entertain silence and be alone with your thoughts? Please leave your comments below.

Be sure to pre-order your ebook of Holly’s Gift at the introductory sale price of only 99¢! Delivered straight to your inbox on September 30^th, this inspirational romance will warm your heart for the holiday season.

Miracles don’t always come easy. Sometimes it takes a secret wish to light an angel’s way.

When Holly steps into a homeless shelter looking for an MIA piano student, she notices a distinct lack of Christmas cheer—because a handsome building inspector is forcing the shelter to temporarily close down.

Holly knows bad guys—she was married to one. Yet when the man asks her out, she finds absolutely not warring with absolutely yes.

Tim Stewart doesn’t hold his breath waiting for God to answer prayers. He went from homeless desperation to television stardom to relative obscurity while God stayed silent. But when Holly barrels into his life, her steady faith sparks hope for a dream of his own. Even if it means praying for a Christmas miracle—one last time.

Order your copy of Holly's Gift for only 99¢ today!

Enjoy all six books in the series by our very own Sweet Romance Reads authors:
Mia’s Gift by Cindy Flores Martinez
Caro’s Gift by Jean C. Gordon
Nate’s Gift by Jackie Castle
Sara’s Gift by Kimberly Rose Johnson
Holly’s Gift by Josie Riviera
Taye’s Gift by Pat Simmons

Josie Riviera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

 

To see her latest family adventures, follow her on Instagram.

And remember to join our Sweet Romance Reads Facebook cafe.

Mother's Day memories.... Roxanne Rustand

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Hard to believe it's coming up so quickly!

My own sweet mother has been gone nine years now, and rarely a day goes by that I don't think of her and wish her back. I so look forward to seeing her in heaven someday!  

Do you have any particular memories of your mom that you'd like to share?

 Our three children have all grown up and married, and so far, two of them have children of their own. Mother's Day reminds me of just how blessed my husband and I are to have two wonderful daughters-in-law who are loving, devoted mothers!

Just as a reminder, here is Donna's May 3rd blog message to you regarding our upcoming Mother's Day Facebook party on May 9th:

Hey, readers! You are invited to the Sweet Romance Reads Mother's Day Event. All the fun will take place on May 9th on Facebook. Click here to join the party. You must click GOING (rather than just "interested") in order to participate. Hope to see you there! Here's a link to the Facebook event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2105376836242289/

By the way--if you leave a comment about this post, you'll be in a drawing for an e-copy of my new Love Inspired novel, High Country Homecoming. It's a June, 2019 release, but it will be in the stores and available online later in May.

Best wishes to you all for a wonderful week!

Roxanne Rustand