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 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