It's 2002 Again ~ Jean C. Gordon

This month, my retrospective moves to 2002, and my third Avalon Romance. Each month, until I run out of years in which I had a published book, I'm sharing a retrospective of my books and tidbits about writing them here on my usual monthly blogging date.

My First Award-winning Book

Mandy and the Mayor, in its proposal form—three chapters and a synopsis—was the winner of the New Jersey Romance Writers 1999 Put Your Heart in a Book Contest for Short Contemporary Romance. I worked on it before Love Undercover and targeted it to Harlequin's Silhouette Romance, which paid far better than Avalon. Despite the award, Silhouette didn't buy it, so I submitted it to Avalon Books, which did.

The Hardcover Release ~
April 1, 2002

The last place Mandy Harris would choose to spend her summer is Whitmore Mills, a sleepy village in the Adirondack Mountains. She far prefers city life. But the village needs a director for its summer recreation program, and the deal is too good to pass up. The compensation includes a grant to pay off her student loans, and the experience will look great on her teaching résumé. The only difficult part is her boss, Mayor Whitmore.

Thaddeus Whitmore is intent on vindicating his family name and returning prosperity to his dying hometown. His father plunged the community into economic decline when he closed the family lumber mill to meet the divorce demands of his “trophy” wife. Thad’s remedy is to turn the old mill buildings into a high-class resort. He has studiously planned for every imaginable obstacle except the arrival of Mandy Harris.

While Thad’s great Aunt Aggie plays matchmaker, Mandy and Thad clash on everything, from her hiring to her recreation programs to his resort plans. More than a few sparks fly in the process. But are they enough to burn through Mandy and Thad’s differences and ignite the flame of everlasting love?

The Covers

Which do you like better, the hardcover (left) or the eBook's? I'm partial to the hardcover. And how many of you have read Mandy and the Mayor?

Hardcover and eBook/KU

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

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.

Home Sweet Home - by Magdalena Scott

Tohono Chul Park - Tucson

Earlier this month, I spent a week in Tucson, Arizona, staying with friends in their lovely guest suite.

Besides being chauffeured to a variety of beautiful and interesting sites around town, and having a picnic on Mt. Lemmon, I spent two days at the fabulous Tucson Festival of Books. (Books! Authors! Readers!)

I also had coffee with author Patricia Forsythe, and lunch with author Merrillee Whren. What a treat to have unscripted time with each of these two ladies, whom I met a couple of years ago through Sweet Romance Reads.

My "host family" adores the area they live in, and regularly get out and seek new places and experiences. They treated me to walks in the desert, delicious home-cooked and restaurant meals, and generally spoiled me rotten.

It was one of the most beautiful, interesting, restful trips I've ever taken, and when I was back home in my little studio apartment, the experience seemed almost like a dream.

Three days later I had company for a few hours--people who wanted to see where I live and work. I gave them the full tour of my apartment: Stand in center of apartment, turn 360 degrees. We also strolled around the town square and stopped in at all the shops. We ate a delicious meal at a restaurant just a few hundred yards from my front door. Our waitress, and all the shop owners, were gracious to my friends. I'm certain they enjoyed the visit as much as I enjoyed having them with me.

I love traveling--seeing new things, trying new foods, making and strengthening friendships. Yet it's always wonderful to be home. And it's a treat to see people enjoy my little town. Helps me appreciate it more.

Do you ever try to imagine how visitors see your city? Do you treat yourself to "touristy" things at home, and not just when you're in a new location?

***

Magdalena Scott is a USA Today Bestselling Author of small town sweet romance and women's fiction. Learn about her books, read her blog, subscribe to her newsletter, and connect on social media by visiting her website: magdalenascott.com

Her newest release is Book Four in the Serendipity, Indiana series: THE BLANK BOOK. Paperback is coming soon. The ebook version is available here:

Amazon (U.S.)

Amazon (U.K.)

iBooks

Kobo

Nook

Smashwords

Memorial Day in the United States by Ciara Knight

I had planned my debut post at Sweet Romance several weeks ago, which was going to show behind the scenes of Scrapbooking Mania at Romantic Times 2016, but something happened that changed my mind. My friend’s son returned home for a visit last week, and it called my heart to write a post about this special holiday in the United States.

For those of you that do not reside in the United States, Memorial Day is the last Monday of May, and is a day in which those who died in active military service are remembered.

I grew up hearing about my parent’s romance during the Vietnam War, and how my mother’s letters to him helped my dad through the war. Those who did not make it home usually had that one note from their sweetheart tucked safely in their pockets.

There have been countless stories penned over the years that show us the great sacrifices our men and women have made to defend their people. Not just in America, but all over the world. Epic tales of war torn countries with battling clans, forbidden love between cultures or houses, love after war, aftermath of war, the ability to love again, and so many more.

Here is a top ten list of my favorite stories with an epic romance during war times:

1)     Where Treetops Glisten: Three Stories of Heartwarming Courage and Christmas Romance During World War II

2)     The Photograph by Virginia Ellis

3)     A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

4)     Hunger Games

5)     Outlander

6)     Memoirs of a Geisha Girl

7)     The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simmons

8)     War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

9)     Les Meserables

10)  The End of the Affair by Graham Greene

***Warning, not all of these are ‘sweet romance’.

After speaking with my friend’s son, I realized that the letters from loved ones still carry our soldiers through the darkness. I even discovered that these tough men and women love to read romantic tales while hunkered somewhere never knowing what is waiting across the sand or sea.

Leave a comment for your chance to win an e-copy of my upcoming release, 4th of July in Sweetwater County. This will close at 5:00PM EST on Monday, May 25th. I'll post the winner by 8:00AM on Tuesday, May 26th. Enjoy this holiday with your family and friends!

To all our men and women overseas, and to those lost veterans’ who’ve served our country, I dedicate this post to you.

Future posts from Ciara:

June 23^{rd -} Behind the Scenes Part I: A look at planning Scrapbooking Mania for Romantic Times Convention

July 23^rd - Behind the Scenes Part II: A look at planning Love Our Readers Luncheon.

Ciara Knight writes with a ‘Little Edge and a Lot of Heart’ with her contemporary and paranormal romance books. Her most recent #1 Amazon bestselling series, Sweetwater County, has topped the charts and received acclaimed reviews. Her international best-seller, Pendulum scored 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, accolades from InD’Tale Magazine and Night Owl Top Pick. Her young adult paranormal series, Battle for Souls, received 5 stars from Paranormal Romance Guild and Night Owl’s Top Pick, among other praises.

Preorder available now at Amazon.

Available at all online retailers May 25^th.