Sweet Romance Reads

Friday, March 11, 2022

Why is the shamrock a symbol of Ireland? by Josie Riviera

For many years, Irish Folklore has held the belief that shamrocks have great meaning. The ancient druids (who conjure up thoughts of wizardry), thought the shamrock sacred, and that shamrocks held evil at bay.

The celts, who lived in Iron Europe about 2500 years ago, considered the number three as a sacred number. They valued the shamrock because of the shamrock's three, heart-shaped leaves.

In any event, the shamrock is a sweet, simple and green plant that brings a cheeriness and smile to any setting.

Do you love the shamrock plant as much as I do? Please leave your comments below.

Enjoy Irish sweet romance? My Irish romance boxed set, Irish Hearts, is new and improved and now contains 4 books!

The set includes:

OH DANNY BOY
A reader favorite! This pot of gold could hold more than they bargained for…

MAEVE
He’s all business. She loves to laugh. When business conflicts with pleasure, what could possibly go wrong?

1-800-IRELAND
A strong minded Irishwoman pursuing her dream. A disillusioned businessman ready to retire. Can two determined people separated by years find true love at the end of a rainbow?

Bonus Story: A Chocolate-Box Irish Wedding
A woman who wanted more. A man who wanted her. Can they rediscover their love in the seaside town where it all began?

Grab your copy today, snuggle up with your favorite warm beverage, and begin reading.

Irish Hearts is available in ebook, paperback, and large print paperback.

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.

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Introducing Book One! A New Series by Christine Bush

I’m delighted to announce that my new book, “Swan Song” , has just been released! This is something new for me, as it’s the first book in a brand new series titled “The Strawberry Manor Mysteries”.

The Strawberry Manor Mysteries!

I’ve written many books in my lifetime so far, but this is the first time I’ve written an ongoing series, with connected characters, and a constant setting. This has been a very exciting enterprise, but also a challenge!

“The Strawberry Manor Mysteries” is set in the town of New Hope, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It’s a little “artsy town” with art galleries, theater, and antique stores bringing color and personality to the region.

The town is real. There are some real landmarks and establishments in the stories. But the characters , many buildings, and of course, the murder within the book’s pages, are fiction.

Strawberry Manor itself is a “made up estate”, located along the Delaware River about five miles north of the town.

Being a reader, writer, and lover of romance, relationships are very important to me. My main character, Charley (who’s official name is Charlotte, but only her mother gets away with calling her that), is a thirty year old woman building a new life. She was widowed a few years before.

In over two dozen prior stories that I’ve written; romance, suspense and romantic mystery, the end of each story culminated in my heroine finding the love of her lifetime. The end.

This is not the case in a series like “The Strawberry Manor Mysteries”. Each book brings her a step closer to making that love commitment. But not quite. Building those “romantic elements” over several books is something new. More, perhaps, like real life?

In “Swan Song”, Charley has built her new world away from her life in Philadelphia, where she lived with her cop- husband until his on the job death a few years before. She’s purchased and rehabbed an old estate in Bucks County, nestled along the river, and has turned it into an engaging upscale bed and breakfast. As the inn has healed, so has she.

Until one of her guests, has been found “dead in his bed.” He’s an obnoxious and dramatic actor who has just finished a successful run at the Bucks County Playhouse. Nobody seems to be sad he is gone. But when the death is discovered to be a murder, the fledgling reputation of her inn is seriously threatened.

She’s determined to get to the bottom of things, with help from a motley group of characters that make up her new world. The new police chief obviously needs her help, doesn’t he? You can imagine.

Book two, tentatively titled “Curtain Call”, is underway. I’m having fun immersed in this new world. I’m hoping you love the series, and I’d love to hear!

Swan Song - Kindle edition by Bush, Christine. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. (in print and ebook!)

Christine Bush is a USA Today Bestselling author of romance, romantic mystery, and suspense. She can be found living in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania with her husband and 2 lazy cats, and spending time with her 14 grandchildren. When she’s not writing, she’s teaching Psychology at a local college, and working with clients in her private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She loves to hear from readers and writers!

www.ChristineBush.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christine-Bush-Author/213919128638762
http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Bush/e/B001KHSLRG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1392688497&sr=1-2-ent

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Release Day: Maybe I'm the One

I create a playlist for each book while I'm writing it, and it goes through a metamorphous before the book is finished and ready to share with the world. The songs must convey a mood or portray how a character was feeling during a scene. In Maybe I'm the One I'd have been remiss if I hadn't used a Maybelle Carter song, since Maybelle was Audrey's idol, and Audrey owns something really special of hers.
If you have amazon music, you can enjoy listening here

If not, create your own Spotify or other list with these songs:

MAYBE I’M THE ONE PLAYLIST

You Are the Reason – Calum ScottAdore
You – Harry Styles
To Love Somebody – Beyries
Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart
Good as You – Kane Brown
To Fight is to Lose – Mia Dyson
This Time – Connie Britton
Changes – Langhorne Slim
Fade Into You – Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen
This Little Bird -- Marianne Faithful
Wildwood Flower – Maybelle Carter
Fearless – Cyndi Lauper
Landslide – Liam Titcomb
Time After Time – Eva Cassidy
When the Right One Comes Along – Sam Palladio & Clare Bowen
A Groovy Kind of Love – Phil Collins

Nashville fans will enjoy this story of a beloved country singer who returns to her roots and encounters the cowboy whose song she unknowingly stole.

Audrey Knox sacrificed to make a successful career in Nashville, but the bigger her star shines, the smaller her world has become. After an eye--opening incident on tour, she wants her daughter to experience small-town life as she knew it, so she takes a break from touring to reconnect with her roots and introduce the eight-year-old to life on Big Pines Ranch. Facing the past might be her biggest challenge yet.

Jericho Tanner has loved Audrey since they were children on adjoining ranches, their families entwined. He fills the void of intimacy, love and belonging with ranch work and his deputy position in Rockwell County, with aspirations of taking over as sheriff. Emotional vulnerability is frightening, and his walls are sturdy and tall. When Audrey and her young daughter show up in Spencer, he’s forced to see his wounds in a new light.

Sweet romance from a USAToday award-winning author

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FROM AMAZON

OTHER RETAILERS

Monday, March 7, 2022

Let's Get Catty ~ Jean C. Gordon

Did you know that there are days officially celebrating cats every month of the year? I didn't until I decided on my blog theme for this month. In March, for instance, there are:

March 3: What if Cats & Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day
March 17: St. Getude of Nivelles Day (She's the patron saint of cats)
March 23: Cuddly Kitten Day
March 28: Respect Your Cat Day

I think our cats, Jester and Louie, above, may be plotting to get us on Respect Your Cat Day. Over this year, we went from a catless house to a two cat house, not entirely by our choice. We've always. been dog people. First, we inherited Louise (all white) from my older brother about a year ago. Jester (all black) joined us last month when our son moved to an apartment that doesn't allow cats. Both are a little put out about having to share the house and people-attention with another cat. But we're all getting there.

How about you? Will you be celebrating any cat days this month?

Cover Reveal

And there's been another cat on my radar this month. Panther from the new novella I recently finished. Here's the cover reveal.

His Thing about Cats is part of a HUGE Giveaway, starting April 1, 2022 and running through March 31, 2023. It features FREE books from nearly 100 sweet romance authors. To learn more and make sure you don't miss the giveaway launch, check out the Sweet and Swoony Romance page on Facebook by clicking below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For My New Releases

Check me out on Facebook

Follow me on BookBub

Sign up for my Readers Newsletter

Visit my Website

Saturday, March 5, 2022

Just a brief hello...and a new book on the horizon! Roxanne Rustand

I'm posting late today, but still wanted to say hello and give my best wishes to everyone here.

I would also like to mention that my next book, the third in my Montana Secrets inspirational romance mystery series, is now up on Amazon. Here is a quick description!

A violent criminal has been terrorizing her small mountain town in Montana, and deputy Megan Peters is working hard to identify and bring him to justice. Only now he has turned his sights on her.

Could he be the newcomer in town? Can she believe her instincts...or can she dare follow her heart?

.CLICK HERE to find out more. Why not check it out today?

Wishing you all my best,

Roxanne Rustand

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Let's Talk Snacks! 100 Calories or Less by @Donna_Fasano

Let's face it, we all overeat now and then. Whenever I overindulge, I do what I can to get myself back on track as quickly as possible. Here’s a list of my go-to snacks when I’m focused on sticking to 1200-1400 calories per day:

Snacks

1 cup frozen seedless green grapes – 65 calories
1/4 cup wasabi peas – 100 calories
1/2 cup of slow-churned ice cream – 100 calories
2 stalks celery (about 7” long) and 2 tablespoons hummus – 100 calories
30 goldfish crackers – 100 calories
1/2 cup of cottage cheese and a small wedge of cantaloupe – 100 calories
2 tablespoons PB2 spread on 1/2 granny smith apple – 90 calories (PB2 is powdered peanut butter that is 80% fat free. Mix 2 tablespoons PB2 with 1 tablespoon water.)
1/2 of a medium-sized baked potato and a heaping tablespoon of salsa – 100 calories
8 baby carrots – 100 calories
2 Tablespoons PB2 spread on 2 stalks celery – 66 calories
1 cup of tomato soup – 75 calories
1/2 banana (sliced and frozen) dipped in 2 teaspoons dark chocolate chips (melted) – 100 calories
1/3 cup Greek Gods Vanilla Honey yogurt – 96 calories
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce sprinkled with cinnamon – 75 calories
Banana smoothie – blend 1/2 a banana, 1/3 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, and a handful of crushed ice – 100 calories
2 long pretzel rods dipped in 2 teaspoons yellow mustard – 77 calories
1/2 cup steamed edamame (shelled) with a splash of soy sauce – 100 calories
16 cherry tomatoes sliced in half, 1/8 cup crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice – 95 calories

What are YOUR go-to snacks when you’re trying to get your diet and your weight back on track?

~ ~ ~

This month, I'm celebrating St. Patty's Day by offering A REASON TO BELIEVE to Kindle readers for just 99¢. You save $3 off the regular price of this Irish fairy tale.

A Real Fairy Tale

It seems like a grand idea, temporarily trading her pixie wings for a womanly form to help handsome widower Paul Roland with his baby girl. And the moment she holds the precious bairn in her arms, Fern knows true happiness for the first time.

But Fern never anticipates the dizzying emotions she feels for the man who not only needs her as a nanny, but as a woman whose passion can heal his wounded heart. Suddenly the forbidden fairy rule she gently bends because of the baby is in danger of being irrevocably broken.

Some things are meant to be…