The Miracle of the COVID-19 Vaccine...by Kristin Wallace

Today, I'm getting my first COVID-19 vaccine shot. Here in the U.S., most states are using the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Astra-Zeneca vaccine is awaiting final approval for emergency use. The fact that we have three vaccines that were developed so fast is a modern-day miracle. 

There is a lengthy period of trials and testing here in the U.S., which includes exploratory phases, pre-clinical trials, new drug applications, and 4 phases of vaccine trials. Everything has to be vetted and approved by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It's easy to see how this process can literally take years. 

Look at how long it took to develop other life-saving vaccines:

- Polio - Around 3 years, but that was only after decades of research

- Measles  - Around 2 years

- Mumps - 4 years

- HIV - The first trials for a vaccine began in 1987 (and they're still ongoing)

The fact that it took around 9 months for four vaccines to be developed and approved for emergency use is absolutely amazing. A truly heroic effort by scientists and medical experts that will end up saving millions of lives. I don't know that we would've had this result at any other time in history. 

Hopefully, it will allow us to return to normal life soon.

Have you been vaccinated yet? 

Kristin Wallace is a USA Today Bestselling author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with Love, Laughter, and a Leap of Faith. She has three best-selling series: Covington Falls Chronicles, Shellwater Key Tales, and Palm Cove Tales. Look for CHRISTMAS CHARADE, a brand-new Covington Falls Chronicles book as part of the Holiday Fake-Out box set. 

Christmas Charade - Covington Falls Chronicles

The story revolves around Magnolia (Maggie) Lewis. She left Covington Falls over a family rift and the desire to follow her dream as an artist and sculptor. Now, she has to return for her cousin's Christmas wedding. She can't go back alone, however, because everyone thinks she has a boyfriend. (It was just a tiny lie.) A non-boyfriend who has no idea he's about to get dragged into her family drama. 

Convincing Liam Sullivan to be her fake date to the wedding is only the first challenge. She needs to make sure she doesn't fall in love with him for real.

   

 

AMAZON  /  ITUNES  /  BARNES & NOBLE   /  KOBO 

(Google Play coming soon!)

Weddings During the Time of Coronavirus by @Donna_Fasano

Last year, I received a Save The Date card for a huge destination wedding of a family member that was to take place this month. But then COVID-19 hit our country hard and large gatherings were prohibited. The bride and groom have decided to postpone their wedding until 2021. This young couple are going to wait a whole year to tie the knot! I feel so bad for them, but what else could they do?

The question got me thinking about weddings during the pandemic. People have to go on with their lives. Or is everyone postponing their nuptials? THAT question had me going to Google to do some research.

It seems that lots of couples have put off their weddings. But others have decided to elope… just the two of them. Others are settling for what are called “mini-monies,” which are miniature ceremonies that include guests of only 10 family members and friends. The important thing to these people is the “getting hitched” part and they’re not too hung up on the size of the guest list. Even though they must settle for a minimalist approach now, they can always plan a bigger celebration later.

Do you know a couple who was planning a wedding? Did they cancel? Or did they decide to go for it?

This month, I’m offering my book, THE WEDDING PLANNER’S SON, for just 99¢ for Kindle readers. 

About the author: Donna Fasano is a USA Today Bestselling Author. Learn more about her on her website. Sign up for her newsletter for information on sales and new releases.