Showing posts with label #holidayromance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #holidayromance. Show all posts

Thursday, December 19, 2024

The Magic of Holiday Second Chances By Merri Maywether

The holiday season is a special time of the year. Homes are illuminated with lovely lights.

Baking and the wonderful fragrances are more prevalent. 

People share an appreciation for the carols I like to listen to all year round.

Events that foster a sense of togetherness compensate for the days that darken sooner.

My family endures my quirky love of matching pajamas.

These moments wrap around us like a warm blanket, building an atmosphere ripe with possibility.

It’s a time when hearts soften, old wounds begin to heal, and the idea of a fresh start feels not just appealing but almost within reach.

My favorite thing about this season is the magic. This magic extends to love, too. The holidays have a way of reminding us what truly matters: connection, shared moments, and the warmth of human companionship. 

It’s a time when forgiveness shines a little brighter, softening the sharp edges of past hurts. This season whispers promises of second chances, of rekindled flames, and of new beginnings born from understanding and grace.

I love writing about the theme of second chances, especially during the holiday season. It’s a comfortable, forced proximity, and the lights and togetherness guide characters to find love during this time of year.

 In
Winter Wonderland Inn, childhood friends, separated by outside forces, get a second chance to view their relationship with renewed eyes. 

Christmas Wishes tells the story of Hunter and Susan, college friends who reconnect and find love after a past misunderstanding is cleared up.

And in Frosted Mistletoe Kisses, Lucas and Amelia discover that the spark of friendship can ignite into something more when they reconnect.

Perhaps it’s the spirit of giving, or the nostalgia that fills the air, but the holidays offer a unique opportunity for love to blossom anew. 

So, this season, embrace the second chances. It could be a hug, a phone call, inviting a friend or family member for a cup of cocoa so you have a chance to reconnect....or enjoying a story.


Tuesday, November 19, 2024

From Real Life to Romance: The Story Behind Frosted Mistletoe Kisses

Real-life moments often hold the spark of a great story—those little encounters, quiet places, or chance connections that inspire something bigger. Sometimes, life’s most ordinary experiences plant the seeds for extraordinary tales.


What happens when the walls of a historic building whisper secrets of love, hope, and second chances? In Frosted Mistletoe Kisses, those whispers turned into a story worth telling.The inspiration for
Frosted Mistletoe Kisses stems from a real-life experience: renting a room in a historic building in Great Falls, Montana.

This grand old building, with its wooden staircases and creaky floorboards, provided the perfect backdrop for a heartwarming love story.

Amelia and Lucas are neighbors in this historic building. A mutual friend’s wedding, taking place on the bottom floor of the building, will open the doors to their happily ever after.  This historic setting not only inspired the backdrop

for Frosted Mistletoe Kisses but also shaped the tone of the story—a blend of warmth, nostalgia, and a hint of mystery. The building, much like the characters, has layers of history that hide secrets and stories waiting to be uncovered. In the excerpt below, you’ll see how Amelia’s surroundings mirror her journey of transformation and connection, and how a chance meeting with Lucas at the staircase adds a spark of anticipation to her day.

Here’s a glimpse of the story where love shines, a hidden identity will be revealed, and mystery and second chances intertwine in the historic Granville building.  

 ❤️ 🎄 📖 ❤️ 🎄 📖 ❤️ 🎄 📖

Amelia felt a gentle connection with the apartment building, remodeled to meet contemporary demands. It symbolized her life. She’d seen some things, but she had emerged from the problems better suited to friendships and the world in general. 

Caught in the pleasantness of her thoughts, Amelia didn’t hear the door down the hall open, but her ears had caught the sounds from the quiet meeting of wood against the frame and the jingling of keys turned in a lock. The carpet muffled the neighbor’s footsteps on his or her way to an errand—or a job. 

It could have been anyone. A couple of the apartments were rented to her former housemates—or one of the owners of the businesses who rented the storefronts on the first floor. —it could have been Amelia’s favorite person. 

She glanced up. It was him. Lucas. Neither former housemate nor business owner, Lucas also lived on the second floor of the historic Granville building.  Whoever owned the building was gracious enough to offer him an apartment that was priced according to his income as well. He’d been the handyman of the Second Chances Center.

The absence of a coat hinted that he was headed to the same place as Amelia. Rex’s coffee house. Amelia admired his rugged look, jeans, and a buttoned denim shirt. His hair was slightly mussed, and his closely shaved salt-and-pepper beard gave his chin a gravelly texture. 

Their paths converged at the top of the stairs that would take them from the second floor of the older building to the first. The third floor was an apartment all unto itself. Amelia glanced up, chancing a peek hoping for the answer to the question she hadn’t voiced. Who lived up there? She’d heard movement late at night but had never met the person behind the doors. Nobody knew.

Occasionally, from the outside, they’d seen a figure in the window, but they’d never seen a face.  Everyone speculated that it was a grumpy older man who hated people but liked the prestige of living in central Hope Springs. 

From what she saw from her perspective, at the bottom of the stairwell leading to the front doorway, the entryway to the third-floor clearing was dull. No Christmas lights were lining the top of the wall. Nothing about that area could be interpreted as festive. It sent a chill down her spine. She wrapped her plaid scarf around her neck to fend off the cold. Then she tugged her ponytail free of the temporary tangle. 

“Ready for all the excitement?”


❤️ 🎄 📖 ❤️ 🎄 📖  ❤️ 🎄 📖 


Mark your calendars! Frosted Mistletoe Kisses launches on November 28th as part of the heartwarming Mistletoe Kisses romance series. Starting now through mid-December, a new short and sweet holiday read will debut every day in the Kindle Unlimited Library. Don’t miss this festive celebration of love and happily ever afters! Check out the Weekly releases here:


❤️  https://www.cleanromancebookgirlies.com/mistletoe-kisses-week-4-releases/ ❤️


❤️ 🎄 📖 ❤️ 🎄 📖  ❤️ 🎄 📖 

One last thing......My husband and I share a love for exploring old buildings, and this story was inspired by one of our favorite visits. If you know of any historic spots we should check out, drop a comment below! We’re always looking for new places to explore—and who knows, they might just inspire my next romance.

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Holidays Past by Josie Riviera

 I am always thankful when I think about past holidays. My family and I had such fun times. Besides the holidays, we got together for every occasion imaginable--birthdays, anniversaries, New Year's, and weekly Sunday dinners.

Although the family is now spread out and my daughter currently lives in Ireland, we still FaceTime and see each other in person whenever possible.

My family also enjoys watching old comedy sitcoms during the holidays, such as I Love Lucy. Lucy and Ethel always found themselves on crazy adventures gone wrong, trying to get out of them without Ricky and Fred finding out. Good clean fun, with a lot of laughter along the way.

Another favorite activity during the holidays is playing board games. My granddaughter is now becoming particularly good at the game. She even lets me win on occasion! :)


Naturally, some of these pastimes make their way into my books. 

In my latest new holiday release, 

1-800-NEW YEAR, the hero and heroine play checkers. Can you guess who always wins? (Hint--the heroine!)

Do you have a favorite board game you play during the holidays? Please leave your comments below.


New Release! 1-800-NEW YEAR.

A struggling landscaper. A toymaking tycoon. Is their long lost love worth saving--or is it just a castle in the air?

I hope when you read 1-800-NEW YEAR, you'll be reminded of the happy times in your life too.



Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday seasons!


Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and inspirational 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.

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








Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Bargain and FREE Books for the Holidays!

 Lyn Cote here~ My Christmas novella, BENEATH NORTHERN LIGHTS, is on sale for 99 cent through the end of the month! Don't miss this sale!


Two wounded souls, a puppy, Christmas coming, someone out to destroy a man’s dream~

After a life-altering event, Nick's one goal--to race his beloved husky, Maddie, in the Apostle Islands Dog Sled Race. Megan adopts Maddie's pup, the runt, and soon helps "grumpy" Nick care for his dogs. Nasty pranks start--who's out to rob him of the joy of the race? 

Click here for more info.

Also ALWAYS FREE--Winter's Secret!

In a small Wisconsin town, winter brings a series of disturbing crimes. With God’s help, can sheriff Rodd and nurse Wendy crack the bone-chilling mystery — and the secrets of their own hearts?


Cick here for more info.

And two more holiday romances on sale for 99 cents!


The Fruitcake Scandal

Vickie McDonough

Price: 99¢ November through December

Pastor Clay Parsons waited a year to bring his fiancée, Karen Briggs, to his new church post. They plan a Christmas wedding, but in the meantime, Karen helps the church ladies with various projects, including a bake sale. But revealing her fruitcake recipe could spell disaster for her future with Clay and his congregation. 

https://www.amazon.com/Fruitcake-Scandal-Vickie-McDonough-ebook/dp/B07K19P7SP 


Roxanne Rustand

A Montana Christmas

$.99 

What do you risk if you step back into your past?

Kristen Jones goes to Montana to get her late grandmother's house ready to sell, but finds much more than she bargained for: an enemy she doesn’t expect, a house she can't let go, a charming mountain town, and a handsome veterinarian who just might steal her heart.

CLICK HERE  to find out more, or to buy at Amazon and all other major retailers.


Caitlyn's Christmas by Laura Scott $0.99


Will she survive to celebrate Christmas?


When an injured cat runs across the road, Caitlyn doesn’t hesitate to rescue the feline. But she isn’t prepared to witness a brutal murder. She slips away, only to lock eyes with the murderer, recognizing him as someone she’d seen earlier. Now the killer knows who she is, too. Caitlyn calls her cop friend Devon Rainer for advice, humbled when he agrees to protect her.

Devon is concerned about Caitlyn’s safety, especially after they return to the scene of the crime to find the dead woman gone without a trace. The escalating attacks against Caitlyn, prove the killer intends to silence anyone who can identify him. Devon’s priority is to keep Caitlyn safe, while finding the killer. Will they survive long enough to celebrate Christmas and their newfound love?



 Let holiday romance get you in the mood to celebrate the love and joy of this season!-Lyn Cote






Monday, September 20, 2021

Bargain Sweet Romances for #99cents

 Grab a 99¢ Deal Today!

MADE IN PARADISE ~ 99¢ for a limited time only

Save $3! Choose your #Kindle Store:

US: http://amzn.to/2nsgtxi #Ad

UK: http://amzn.to/2nFpp3w

Canada: https://amazon.ca/dp/B06XYGSQ3G

Australia: https://amazon.com.au/dp/B06XYGSQ3G

India: https://amazon.in/dp/B06XYGSQ3G

What readers have to say:

"... left me smiling long after I read the book."

"Loved this sweet story..."

This title is also available for Kindle Unlimited members.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Love Sweet Holiday romance?

Grab your copy of Candleglow and Mistletoe today!

Only 99 cents for a very limited time. (U.S. Residents only)


Also available in ebook, paperback, large print paperback, audiobook, and Hardcover.



Gabriel's Atonement
Vickie McDonough

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.

99 cents for a limited time / Free on KU

https://amzn.to/3hLyOUB


Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Holiday Free Book and Bargain Books!


Lyn Cote here~In the mood for a holiday romance plus mystery

AND FOR FREE?

How about my novel, Winter's Secret?

In a small Wisconsin town, winter brings a series of disturbing crimes. With God’s help, can sheriff Rodd and nurse Wendy crack the bone-chilling mystery — and the secrets of their own hearts?


For more info, click here.

How about another?



My "Puppies for Christmas" novella

Beneath Northern Lights
combines romance and mystery.
Only 99 cents~

Two wounded souls, a puppy, Christmas coming, someone out to destroy a man’s dream~

After a life-altering event, Nick's one goal--to race his beloved husky, Maddie, in the Apostle Islands Dog Sled Race. Megan adopts Maddie's pup, the runt, and soon helps "grumpy" Nick care for his dogs. Nasty pranks start--who's out to rob him of the joy of the race? 


For more info, click here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Puppies for Christmas! Have you read them all?

Christmas Redemption by Laura Scott $0.99


Did he deserve a second chance?

Jack Keller AKA Jessie Kramer has remained isolated, living off the land for several years, until an unseen force is nudging him home to Crystal Lake, Wisconsin to see his brother Ian at Christmas. When Jack finds an injured woman living alone in the woods, he feels compelled to help her and her German shepherd Sadie, along with Belle the puppy, survive. What he doesn’t expect is to be drawn to Raven in a way he’s never experienced before. And when he realizes Raven is in danger, he refuses to leave until the guy is caught.

Widower Raven Clark prefers animals over people, but when drifter Jack Keller does odd chores and makes pretty gifts for her, she’s plagued by curiosity about him. Who is this man God brought to her doorstep? When a blizzard hits, Raven insists Jack seek shelter with her, rather than sleeping in his tent. She soon learns Jack isn’t what he appears and is touched by his determination to protect her. Will Jack learn to forgive himself for his past mistakes and open his heart to love?

 


My "Puppies for Christmas" novella

is my inspirational contemporary romance and only 99¢!

You don’t need ears to hear God’s plan. All you need is an open heart…

Pre-order your ebook copy today!





A MISTLETOE PUPPY
The Puppies for Christmas series,  Book #2
by Roxanne Rustand 
Just  $0.99  through December 31st


Kate Larssen runs the local animal shelter in Mistletoe Falls, a small, scenic town in Minnesota.  Widowed last Christmas, Deputy Brad Bailey is trying his best to raise his sad, lonely six-year-old, Janie. When he finds a stray dog and her puppies while on duty, he brings them to the shelter, where he and Kate meet.
Neither has any interest in commitment, and for good reasons. But friendship...maybe?
Hoping to lift Janie's spirits, he brings her to see the puppies, and that friendship begins.  

Can a litter of adorable golden retriever puppies and a lonely little girl bring Brad and Kate together by Christmas? 

This novella is also part of Roxanne's own six-novella Christmas series, Coupled by Christmas.
Each novella is just $0.99  
For more information on this series or to find buy links, CLICK HERE
For Roxanne's newsletter and monthly contest for free prizes, CLICK HERE.
 

 Puppy Love and Jingle Bells releases today!

     When elementary school teacher Sedona Welch sets a goal to lose fifteen pounds, she doesn’t expect to barter her tutoring services in exchange for personal training, especially with a handsome personal trainer.

     Cody Dunn has all he can deal with taking care of his eight-year-old nephew, Mason. Cody finds an ally in Sedona as she helps him negotiate the guardianship of this troubled boy. But he doesn’t anticipate his nephew’s love for a cute little puppy or his own attraction to Sedona.

     Can well-meaning friends, a little boy, and a puppy help this reluctant couple find love at Christmas?

 

Get your copy for 99 cents at these retailers!








Monday, December 10, 2018

The Friendly Beasts of Faraday

by Shanna Hatfield

Several years ago, my husband and I were at a living nativity event and they cast of characters included a real, live camel. He was such a ham and just ate up the attention - and he gave me the idea for a book.
Then I started thinking about the Christmas carol "The Friendly Beasts." If you've never heard it, it's a sweet little song about the animals who were at the manger when Jesus was born. There's a donkey all shaggy and brown, a camel that's tan and black, a cow that's red and white, a sheep with a curly horn, and a dove from the rafters high.
With the idea already popping around in my head, I decided I wanted to write a series of four books featuring those animals in a modern day setting. Only finding the time to write four books to release all at once proved to be a little challenging.
So I set aside the entire month of January to write these stories. And I'm so glad I did.
These sweet romances feature matchmaking animals that are determined to help their humans find love this holiday season.



* Scent of Cedar (Book 1) - A woman in need of a new beginning finds herself tormented by a camel and captivated by the town's bad boy. Can she overcome her fears to embrace a sweet holiday romance? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K7YV9DT/




* Tidings of Joy (Book 2)- Only one woman can draw a shy mail carrier out of his shell, but it will take the help of her donkey and puppy to make it happen.


* Boughs of Holly (Book 3)- A free-spirited nurse winds up on a ranch with a stubborn cowboy and his matchmaking grandpa. Will love triumph over her need to roam? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K8RGNKK/




* Wings of an Angel  (Book 4) - Will a fun-loving teacher convince a woman sworn off romance to give love a second chance? He'll need a hand from her son and his furry, feathered friends. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K8R6VQ1/



Wishing each one of you a joyous, beautiful holiday season! 


Saturday, November 10, 2018

Rodeo Romance from Shanna Hatfield




Racing Christmas, the sixth in the Rodeo Romance series, just released and I'm happy to share a little about it with you today.

She’s racing to save the ranch
He’s struggling to win her heart. . . again


Brylee Barton has just one goal in mind: win the barrel racing world championship. Not for the glory, but for the attached cash prize that could save her family’s ranch. When an injury leaves her at the mercy of the very same copper-headed, silver-tongued cowboy she once vowed to loathe forever, she has no choice but to swallow her pride and accept his help.

Fun-loving, easy-going Shaun Price has a million dollar smile, more charm than he can channel, and a string of ex-girlfriends rumored to have started their own support group. When the one woman he’s never quite managed to get out of his head or heart needs his assistance, he jumps at the chance to help. Little does he realize how challenging it will be to keep from falling for her all over again.


With the holiday season fast approaching, will Shaun and Brylee discover the gift of forgiveness, and experience their own happily-ever-after?

This sweet Christmas romance warms the heart, lifts the spirit, and touches the soul with its message of forgiveness, hope, and redemption. Don’t miss it!


~*~
When I wrote the first book in this series, The Christmas Cowboy, I needed some help with a bit of research. I reached out to the Justin Sportsmedicine Team and they were incredibly helpful. They also told me about an organization called the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. This non-profit organization provides help to injured rodeo athletes and 100 percent of their donations goes straight to the fund. 

I was so impressed, I decided to give back to the JCCF through a yearly campaign called  Read a Book, Help a Cowboy. It raises funds and awareness for JCCF.



From November 1 through December 24, I donate a percentage of my book sales to the JCCF. For more details, hop over to my website: http://shannahatfield.com/jccf. Basically, any book I've written that you purchase between now and Christmas helps out those injured athletes.

~*~

Also, I've got a freebie to offer you today!


Be sure to download your copy of The Christmas Bargain from Amazon!

One Old West Cinderella discovers
Prince Charming is a. . . Cowboy?

The death of her mother left Philamena Booth grieving and at the mercy of her drunken father. After spending more than a decade held captive on their run-down farm, she’s left speechless when her father strikes a bargain to settle a long overdue debt. In lieu of payment, a handsome cowboy agrees to take Philamena. Mortified yet relieved to leave the farm, she finds herself married to the charismatic, caring man.
Luke Granger might own Hardman’s bank and the fanciest house in the Eastern Oregon town, but he’d much rather be outside riding his horses or wrangling his herd of cattle than keeping his account books straight. In a strange, unsettling turn of events, he finds himself accepting a farmer’s daughter instead of money to cover a loan. If the man hadn’t threatened to sell her to the saloon owner, Luke might have refused. He has no idea what to do with the beautiful Filly or their marriage of convenience, but he’s about to get far more than he bargained for.
Full of Victorian and western charm, The Christmas Bargain is a sweet holiday romance filled with the spirit of the season.
Here’s an exceprt:
Luke grinned at her and wiggled his fingers. “Come on, Filly. It’s a little late to worry about propriety now, don’t you think?”

She took his hand and swung behind him, lacing her hands around his waist and leaning her head against his back. As they rode to the parsonage, Luke kept his hand resting on top of hers.

“I’d like to speak with you about your ride to the Jenkins farm,” he said, using his most official banker’s tone.

She should have known riding through town with her skirts up to her knees and hair flying would embarrass Luke. She was really going to have to work on behaving with more decorum. More like a proper banker’s wife.

He smiled and his icy eyes warmed to a liquid blue as he looked at her over his shoulder. “I’d like to discuss how enticing you looked with your skirts hiked up and your hair rippling behind you. I pictured you as some ancient Irish warrior queen riding into battle. Filly, my girl, you’ve been holding out on me by keeping all that glorious hair confined to buns or braids. I think we need a let-your-hair-down lesson to go along with our kissing lessons.”


USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up dreamy characters, twisting plots, or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.
Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:
Find Shanna’s books at: