Why Christmas in July Is the Best Reading Holiday Nobody Talks About and a free holiday romance. book by Josie Riviera

 Every July. I turn the air conditioning down to a temperature my electric bill will never forgive, I make a mug of green tea, I pull a blanket over my lap, and I read a Christmas romance novel. Outside here in the southern U.S., it is ninety-five degrees, and the cicadas are deafening. Inside, I am perfectly, contentedly pretending it is December.

There is a reason Christmas in July has become a genuine cultural tradition. Retailers figured it out years ago, but readers knew it long before the sales did. Christmas stories are all about slowing down, candlelight, and the sense that love might arrive before the year runs out.

Crank down the thermostat, and give yourself a Christmas in July. Along with several other great authors, I'm offering my sweet romance, Christmas in the Air, FREE with Newsletter signup.

Consider it my gift to you.

Are you a Christmas-in-July reader, or do you save your holiday romances strictly for December? Please tell me in the comments below.

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 supportive 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

December Thoughts and a FREE sweet holiday romance by Josie Riviera

I've been thinking about why I love writing Christmas romances.

It's not about the decorations or the perfect snow (though those are nice). It's about how this time of year has a way of making us take stock. We look at our lives and wonder if we're where we're supposed to be. If we've made the right choices. If it's too late to start over.

There's something about December that opens us up. Maybe it's the lights that make everything feel more possible, or the way the year is winding down and, after Christmas, we finally have permission to slow down and breathe. We get reflective. We remember what matters. We let ourselves hope for things we've been too practical to want the rest of the year.

That's when we need stories. Stories that don't pretend life is simple but believe in second chances and new beginnings. Stories about women who are figuring it out as they go, 

Christmas romances remind us that even when life feels complicated, love has a way of showing up when we need it most. They give permission to believe that the best parts of our story might still be unwritten.

For a limited time, I'm giving away A Chocolate-Box Christmas—grab your free copy and give yourself permission to hope for a little magic this season.

Happy reading and Merry Christmas!

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 supportive 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

November Gratitude and Thank You Gifts by Josie Riviera

Well, we made it back from our anniversary cruise! What an adventure that was. I'm still recovering from the brutal flight home from Australia. Whoever invented jet lag clearly didn't think it through. But seeing Tahiti and Australia and experiencing Hawaii for the first time? Absolutely worth every exhausted moment.

Now that I'm home and November is here, I'm in full gratitude mode, and I'm still pinching myself over this incredible trip. I also think about how blessed I am. Fifty years of marriage, the chance to write stories I love, and readers like you who make it all worthwhile.

There's something about coming home from a big trip that makes you appreciate the simple things—your own bed, a familiar routine, and yes, even doing laundry in your own washer. 

I have a thank-you gift for you! My sweet holiday romance, Cocoa's Christmas Love is free right now as my way of saying thanks for being amazing readers. It's about a florist whose Christmas magic starts healing a disillusioned photographer's heart, plus they rescue an adorable puppy together. Perfect for getting into the holiday spirit!

And I'm so excited to give you a sneak peek of my newest sweet inspirational romantasy release coming soon - A Canvas of Light. I can't reveal too much yet, but it is set in a New England town in the 1920s. The heroine is a photographer, and the hero is a keeper of a lighthouse. I love the cover and hope you love it, too.

What are you most grateful for this November? Please leave your comments below.

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 supportive 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

Why September Makes Me Want to Fall in Love (With Books) by Josie Riviera

I'm excited about September this year. Not that I'm ready for summer to end - definitely not - but there's something about this month that always feels like a fresh start. Maybe it's finally being able to wear my favorite sweaters again, or that sudden urge to light every fall candle I own and reorganize my entire closet. September just feels full of possibility.

I love cozy things - soft textures, warm drinks, and that perfect cardigan that makes everything better. I bought mine is Ireland many years ago. It is oversized and definitely well-loved. There's something so nice about slipping on that cardigan, even though I'm still not quite ready to let go of summer.

September mornings are perfect cardigan weather. Cool enough that you need something, but not so cold that you have to commit to a winter parka. 

This time of year always makes me think about second chances - starting fresh, trying something new, or finally going after what we really want. September energy, you know? There's something about pulling out those fall clothes and lighting that first pumpkin spice candle that makes everything feel possible again.

I have a free gift for you:

My Regency inspirational romance Seeking Rachel is free right now!

Rachel grew up wild and free with Gypsy children, dreaming of adventure and her perfect grey-eyed hero. Nash is a battle-weary man who's lost his faith and doesn't expect to find it among London society. But when these two clash, sparks fly and hearts heal. 

If you love clean, faith-filled romance with characters who feel real and a love story that will make you believe in second chances, grab your free copy while you can. Also free on KU.

And I'm thrilled to announce my upcoming winter release, A Winter Promise! 

It's set in a snowy small town, with a heroine with a secret that could change everything and a hero who's about to discover that sometimes the best promises are the ones we never saw coming. Mark your calendars—this book is an inspirational Romantasy (my first!) and is set in the 1920s.

Pre-order your copy of A Winter Promise today!

Back to the cardigans. Do you wear hoodies or cardigans this time of year? 

Please leave your comments below.

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 supportive 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 Midnight Garden Secret That's Changing Neighborhoods (and why I'm thinking of doing it, too) by Josie Riviera

Have you heard about the "Midnight Garden" trend? It's sweeping through neighborhoods this summer. The concept is simple—people garden in the cooler evening hours, often with landscape lighting, creating spaces that become gathering spots for impromptu neighbor meetups.

What started as avoiding the August Carolina heat has turned into a fun activity, while neighbors share gardening tips. Evening primrose, moonflowers, and night-blooming cereus are just a few flowers that open after dark, making nighttime gardens surprisingly beautiful.

Have you tried night gardening? Or found another way to connect with neighbors during these hot summer months? Please leave your comments below.

P.S. My video bird feeder captured a fascinating nighttime visitor this week. A crow!

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. FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

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

Sign up for her newsletter and get a FREE ebook on her website: josieriviera.com

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

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

Beyond Red Roses: Finding Real Romance in February by Josie Riviera

Let's be honest—Valentine's Day can be tricky. While store windows overflow with hearts and candy, real romance often looks different from those picture-perfect cards and commercials.

Some of my favorite love stories are wonderfully ordinary. The couple who still holds hands after forty years of marriage. The grandmother who bakes heart-shaped cookies with her grandkids every February. The sisters who've made Valentine's Day their annual movie marathon tradition, complete with popcorn and fuzzy socks.

These real-life moments remind me why I love a good romance story. Not for the grand gestures, but for the authentic connections—the kind that make you smile and remind you that love comes in many forms.

Looking for some heartwarming stories this February? Treat yourself to Valentine Hearts, a collection of four sweet romances that capture the magic of finding love when you least expect it. It's like having a box of chocolates, but instead of finishing them too quickly, you can savor each story one at a time.

Grab your copy of Valentine Hearts today!

This Valentine's Day, celebrate love your way—whether that's with a romantic dinner, a good book, or simply calling someone special to say "I care."

What's your favorite way to celebrate February 14th?

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

New Year, Same You: Finding Joy in January by Josie Riviera

After December's busy holiday season, January offers a welcome change of pace. While everyone else scrambles to make (and break) ambitious resolutions, I've learned to approach this month differently.

Instead of trying to reinvent myself, I use January to enjoy simple pleasures. My winter evenings are spent with a cup of tea and a good book—no guilt, no pressure, just relaxation. There's something special about settling in with a story while winter weather swirls outside.

My only January tradition is choosing one word to guide my year. Not a resolution to break, just a simple focus. This year, my word is "appreciate"—a reminder to notice everyday moments of happiness, from that first sip of morning coffee to losing myself in a captivating story.

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.

Grab your copy today at the special introductory price!

Remember, January isn't about becoming a new person. It's about taking time to enjoy life exactly as it is—perhaps with a good book in hand.

What helps you find joy in January?

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

Crafting Heartfelt Holiday Cards and a delicious recipe by Josie Riviera

As the days grow shorter, November is a great time to prepare for the holidays. One of my favorite traditions is making handmade holiday cards. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to connect with your loved ones. But it’s also a labor of love.

Crafting Holiday Cards:

Gathering Supplies
Start by gathering your supplies: blank cards, colorful paper, scissors, glue, and decorative elements like stamps, stickers, and ribbon. Don’t forget a good pen for writing your messages. You can find these materials at a local craft store or even around your home.

Personal Touches
Think about the recipients of your cards and what might make them smile. Do they love traditional holiday motifs like snowflakes and reindeer, or would they appreciate something more whimsical, like a playful penguin or a cozy cabin scene? Use these ideas to guide your designs.

Creative Techniques
Experiment with different techniques to make your cards unique. Try layering paper to create a 3D effect, or use glitter (my granddaughters love this!) for a festive sparkle. Stamping is an easy way to add detailed designs, and pretty ribbon can make your cards feel extra special. Don’t worry about making them perfect—handmade cards are charming because they’re personal

Messages from the Heart
Inside each card, write a personal message. Reflect on your memories with the recipient, express your gratitude, or share your hopes for the coming year. A handwritten note can mean so much more than a pre-printed greeting. It’s a chance to connect and let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them.

As a bonus, I’m sharing a simple and fun recipe, perfect for a crafting break.

 

Pumpkin Spice Mug Cake

It’s ready in just a few minutes and captures the flavors of the season.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon milk
• A small pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a microwave-safe mug, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
3. Microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is cooked through.
4. Let it cool for a minute before enjoying your delicious pumpkin spice mug cake.

I wish you a wonderful November!

If you have any crafting tips, please share them in the comments below.

Mark your calendars for a fabulous Black Friday sale on November 29th.★★ Experience the magic of the holidays with my sweet, clean, and wholesome romance boxed set, Holiday Hearts Volume 4, for just 99 cents, normally $9.99!★★

This collection includes: ✨ A Christmas Puppy to Cherish: Max and Sarah discover that love and faith are the greatest gifts of all.

✨ A Chocolate-Box Christmas Wish: Cora and Patrick find healing and romance in their small California hometown.

✨ A Chocolate-Box Irish Wedding: Colum and Keira get a second chance at love in their seaside Irish town.

These heartwarming stories celebrate the joy, blessings, and true meaning of Christmas. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer!

Grab your copy of Holiday Hearts Volume 4 today before the price goes up!

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

September Reflections: Rediscovering Our Stories by Josie Riviera

As September rolls in, it's the perfect time for us to pause and reflect on the chapters of our lives. This month, I'm writing about something that touches us all – the power of untold stories and second chances.

We're so busy being caretakers, professionals, friends, and partners that we sometimes forget to nurture ourselves. But every one of us has a story worth telling, filled with twists, turns, and perhaps a few mysteries waiting to be solved.

Think about the friendships you've let slip away, the dreams you've tucked into drawers, or the letters you never sent. September, with its gentle shift from summer's frenzy to autumns contemplation, invites us to revisit these forgotten stories.

Maybe it's time to reconnect with that childhood friend you've been meaning to call. Or perhaps you'll finally open that box of photographs in the attic. There's something about small towns and close-knit communities – they remind us that our stories are often connected.

This month, I challenge you to solve that mystery you left unsolved, whether it's a personal goal or a question from your past. 

In my journey as a writer, I've found that the most compelling stories often come from these quiet moments of reflection. My latest book, Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs, is my first cozy mystery.  In this book, I explore the power of friendship, undiscovered secrets, and the beauty of second chances.

So, embrace this season of change, and let's celebrate our stories.

Share a favorite memory in the comments below.

Remember, it's never too late to start a new page. 

I'm so excited about my newest cozy mystery September release: 

Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs is now available for pre-order on Amazon and your favorite ebook retailers.

One mysterious letter. Two childhood friends. A love story decades in the making. 

 

When a mysterious letter addressed to town socialite Lillian Beaumont appears in Olivia Harper's bookshop, it sets off an unexpected chain of events that will change lives forever. Joining forces with her childhood friend Daniel Whitfield, Olivia begins to uncover the secrets of Lillian's past. 

 

Along the way, will Olivia & Daniel confront their own unresolved feelings and dreams for the future?

If you prefer episodic reading, Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs is also available on Kindle Vella, and the first 10 episodes are free!

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

   

 

 

Unlocking the Mysteries: The Intrigue of Mysterious Letters by Josie Riviera

In an age of instant communication and digital messaging, there's something undeniably captivating about a mysterious letter. Whether it's a forgotten and tucked away in an old attic or a cryptic message discovered in a hidden compartment, the secrets have the power to transport us to another time and place.

As an author, I've long been fascinated by the role that letters play in storytelling, particularly in romance and mystery. In my latest release, Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs, a mysterious letter serves as the catalyst for an unexpected journey of discovery and self-reflection for the characters involved. But what is it about these messages that interests us?

Perhaps it's the element of mystery—the intrigue that comes from unraveling the hidden secrets. In a world where information is often readily available at our fingertips, the notion of uncovering a hidden message or deciphering a coded letter feels like an adventure.

Or maybe it's the personal connection that letters provide, offering a glimpse into the innermost thoughts and emotions of the sender. In an age where communication is often fleeting and impersonal, there's something deeply intimate about receiving a handwritten letter—a tangible reminder of the human connection that binds us together, even across great distances.

But perhaps, above all, it's the element of romance that holds the most appeal. From love notes exchanged between star-crossed lovers to heartfelt declarations of affection written in secret, there is power in a well-written letter.

New release!

In Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs, the discovery of a long-forgotten letter sets in motion a chain of events that will forever change the lives of those involved, proving that sometimes the greatest love stories are written not in ink but in the whispered promises of the heart.

So the next time you stumble upon an old letter tucked away in the attic or discover a hidden message, enjoy the magic of the moment. You just might uncover a story waiting to be told.

Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs is the first book in my newest series, set in the Pacific Northwest. Grab your copy today at the special introductory price. Available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and large print paperback.

If you prefer episodic reading, Whispers of Love in Sweetwater Springs is also available on Kindle Vella.

The first ten episodes are free!

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