A New Season Sale! by Liz Flaherty

Once upon a time, my husband and I drove over a bridge with a sign giving the crossing the name Fallen Soldier Bridge.

It was one of those things you just don't forget. One of those things you know you need to do something with, but what? 

That explains the genesis of Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania, from which came the A New Season Trilogy, the stories of Syd, Riley, and Dinah. They've loved before. Lost before. Gotten their hands dirty in working through life. Learned. 

They are no longer young. They've never been perfect. But they're starting over.

And their stories are on sale for 99 cents.

Amazon: A New Season

D2D:  A Year of Firsts

            Reinventing Riley 

           The Summer of Sorrow and Dance 

I hope you spend some time in Fallen Soldier and that you enjoy the trip. Thanks!

Wildflowers, Wide-Open Skies, and a new release by Josie Riviera

 There is a reason women have always loved cowboys.

Not only the boots and the broad shoulders.

 The cowboy represents a man who keeps his word, who works the land with his hands, and who shows up. 

Here's what surprised me: the golden age of the American cowboy lasted only twenty years. From1865 to 1885, after the Civil War and the cattle drives began, an entire culture was born. Men as young as sixteen drove longhorns thousands of miles up the Chisholm Trail, earning about thirty dollars a month, sleeping under the open sky, and going months without seeing a town. Their handshake was their contract. Their reputation was everything they owned.

That code of loyalty and honest labor never went out of style. It moved into our fiction, where it belongs.

That's what drew me to write Wishes and Wildflowers, my newest sweet cowboy romance set in Bitterroot, Montana. My heroine, Lily, arrives in Montana carrying a grief she hasn't yet named. My hero, Reid, is a man holding his small family together with sheer stubbornness and love. Neither of them is looking for the other. But Montana has a way of stripping a person down to what matters.

I wrote this story for every woman who has ever needed a reminder that second chances are real. Sometimes it finds you in a dusty field full of wildflowers.

I'm so excited about my new release, Wishes and Wildflowers! Order your copy today.

Tell me in the comments — have you ever visited Montana, or is it on your dream list?

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

In Defense of a Slower Summer by Josie Riviera

Every May, I have grand intentions. Long evenings on my screened porch. Spontaneous road trips on a Sunday afternoon. Farmers market Saturdays. Reading books in actual sunshine instead of scrolling through pictures of people doing exactly that.

And then June arrives and somehow I get busier.

This year I'm making a decision before the entire season gets away from me: One weekend morning a month with nowhere to be. One evening walk that isn't a workout. One book read purely for the pleasure of it.

This month, I'm giving away audiobooks of my sweet summer romance, 1-800-SUMMER. 

It's the perfect read for a porch, a beach chair, or a Wednesday afternoon when you decide the emails can wait an hour.

Get your free audiobook code for 1-800-SUMMER on my Google form. 

(Codes are available from Spotify Voices.)

Here's to a summer we'll truly remember.

What do you love about May? 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

What History's Boldest Women Never Waited For by Josie Riviera

April always makes me want to fling open the windows, clear out the clutter, and, for reasons I can't entirely explain, read about Tudor England.

Maybe it's because the women in that era are fascinating. They lived in a world that handed them almost no power, and yet many of them were brilliant and strategic, despite the constraints. Anne of Cleves negotiated her way to freedom and outlived them all. Katherine Parr published books. Bess of Hardwick built an empire from scratch, four times over.

Which is a good reminder for spring, when we're all tempted to wait. We wait until the kids are older, the timing is better, the budget is bigger, and the confidence arrives. It rarely does. It tends to show up after we've already started.

This month I'm offering my sweet/spicy Tudor short story, Seeking Catherine, as a free read. 

In fact, this book is always free, so pick up your copy today. (Fun fact: This is the first book I ever wrote and published.)

What do you love about April? 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 Luck You Make for Yourself by Josie Riviera

There's a reason we love everything about Ireland in March. The green, the legends, the sense that magic is lurking just around the next stone wall. But here's what I've thought about lately: Is luck something that really happens to us?

The women I admire most didn't wait for the stars to align. They made a decision, took a step, and figured out the rest on the way. That's not luck. That's courage.

Spring nudges us toward that kind of bravery. The days are longer. The air makes it seem like anything is possible. This is the time to try something you've put off: a class, a trip, a conversation, and a dream you tucked away for "someday."

This March, I want to celebrate; I'm offering my Oh Danny Boy, my sweet Irish romance novel and reader favorite, as a free download for a limited time only. Set in Ireland and full of second chances Grab it, curl up, and let yourself believe in magic.

After all, the luckiest thing any of us can do is to begin.

Also free on Kindle Unlimited.

What do you love about March? 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

A February Treat, From My Heart to Yours: A Recipe + a Free Romance by Josie Riviera

February always shows up at my home in the Carolinas with a mix of chilly days coupled with reasons to smile. Bright red candy boxes line the store shelves, and people seem quicker to hold doors open this month. Love often looks like everyday kindness—checking in on a neighbor, sending a text to someone who’s had a rough week, or sharing a laugh with a loved one. Those moments matter, and they’re what inspire so many of the stories I write.

To bring a little warmth into your kitchen, here’s an easy treat I’ve been making on repeat: 

Raspberry Chocolate Swirl Squares. 

Stir together 1 cup of melted chocolate chips, 1/3 cup butter, 1 egg, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 cup flour. 

Pour into an 8x8 pan, then drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam over the top and lightly swirl with a knife. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

 They’re simple, rich without being heavy, and perfect with a cup of tea.

And because this month feels like the right time to share something special, I’m offering my inspirational Valentine romance for free for a limited time. If you enjoy stories filled with hope and second chances, I think you’ll like A Valentine to Cherish.

Also free on Kindle Unlimited.

What do you love about February? 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 Power of Caring by Merri Maywether

In sweet romance, caring comes in a variety of ways. I could make an extensive list of how, but it boils down to the characters in these stories give without expecting. 

And they do this because it proves that at the heart of it all, people matter. Not their job, or status in the community, or what they can offer in exchange. They do it because they care.

These are the characters readers root for.

The hero who fixes the broken step because someone might trip—Ivan in Cottage Cove New Beginnings.

The heroine who volunteers for a community project even though her heart feels heavy—Whitney in Cottage Cove Homecoming.

The friend who quietly endures a misunderstanding because the friendship is more important than being right—Kelly in Be My Grumpy Valentine.

I mentioned three of my characters, but this is in every sweet romance we read.

They’re the stories that are full of moments that seem small on the surface. Then, after they settle, they turn into something amazing—the kind of moments that build trust, give the character’s heart room to heal, and ultimately lead them to recognize that the love they’ve been looking for is waiting for their acceptance. 

And maybe that’s why sweet romance feels like comfort reading—it reminds us that goodness exists.

Today feels like a good day to remember that kindness, compassion, and care are never small things—and stories that remind us of that matter more than ever.

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

October Adventures and Golden Anniversary Surprises by Josie Riviera

I can't believe it's already October! This month feels extra special because my husband and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary with a cruise to Tahiti. Fifty years—how is that even possible? I swear we just got married yesterday, but then I look at old photos and realize we actually were babies back then.

The cruise starts in Hawaii, which we've never visited, and ends in Australia—another first for us. I'm trying not to think about that incredibly long flight back to the Carolinas from Australia. Or the fact that I tend to get seasick.

But at our age, when else are we going to do something this adventurous? Below is a photo of my husband and me at a surprise anniversary party that our son and his wife hosted for us.

I keep thinking about how much has changed in five decades. When we got married, I never imagined I'd be writing romance novels or that we'd still be planning adventures together at this stage of life. But here we are, still surprising each other and still believing in happily ever after.

My husband still makes me laugh, and we continue to plan adventures together after all these years.

I'm also working on something special for you—more details coming soon, but let's just say winter is going to bring some exciting new releases. Sometimes the best surprises are worth the wait.

Here's a sneak peek at my second sweet inspirational romantasy, A Season Out of Time, now on preorder.

Are you doing anything special this October? I'd love to hear about your fall plans! Please comment 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

Summer Dreams: When Scotland Meets Southern Sunshine by Josie Riviera

June always brings back memories of summers spent watching the neighbor's horses graze in the field behind our house. 

I was reminded of this when I wrote my sweet romance, 1-800-SUMMER, with its Scottish hero and his sweet daughter.

Did you know horses can recognize human emotions and often mirror them? It's one of the reasons they're so effective in therapy programs, something my heroine, Belle Boots, in 1-800-SUMMER puts to good use as an equine therapist for the hero's daughter.

I want to share something special with all of you this month. 1-800-SUMMER is available completely FREE for the next few days. It's my thank-you gift for your continued support. Just click the link to download your copy and meet Andrew Branfield, my Scottish hero, whose fear of horses creates both heartwarming and humorous moments as he navigates his growing feelings for a woman who loves them. 

Grab the book here. 

Available in eBook, paperback, large print paperback, and audiobook. FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Have you ever helped someone overcome a fear? Or found yourself falling for someone who challenged you to face your own? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments below.

P.S. My video bird feeder has now collected 45 species of birds. One of our most frequent visitors is the Chipping Sparrow, who has visited over 2600 times!

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.

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