Sunday, November 19, 2023

Puppies For Christmas will Be Here Soon


What happens when four romance authors talk about writing a story with Christmas and dogs?

We get a month of 


🎉Sweet Holiday Reads

🎉Puppies

🎉Holiday Love

🎉Happily Ever Afters


Here’s what you can look forward to seeing:


November 21st 

Puppy Love and Christmas Joy by Merrillee Whren 


When Ella Hayden and her six-year-old daughter Joy move to Hallburg, Maryland, little do they know that a chance encounter with her cousin's old flame, Tony Zanetti, and a playful puppy will set the stage for an unexpected and heartwarming romance.


November 28th

Mistletoe Mischief by Merri Maywether


As Charlotte and Rex bond over their adopted dogs, Louis and his furry companion bring them closer than they ever expected, making them question if there's something more profound beneath their friendship, just in time for the holiday season.



December 5th

Cocoa’s Christmas Love by Josie Riviera


In the enchanting backdrop of Evergreen Valley, a florist's Wishing Blooms ceremony, a rescued pup named Cocoa, and the magic of Christmas rekindle a disillusioned photographer's holiday spirit, leading to a heartwarming journey of hope, love, and second chances.


December 12th 

The Holiday Puppy by Roxanne Rustand


As Lucy Brookes embarks on a quest to fulfill a lifelong dream and finds a lost pup on Waikiki Beach, she unexpectedly encounters danger and a chance at love, but when her pursuit of the puppy's owner leads to a deadly threat, her adventure takes a perilous turn.


📚 Preorder our heartwarming books for 99¢ each, making your holiday season even more magical.

💕🎄🐾



Mistletoe Mischief is my contribution to the Puppies For Christmas Stories. 

I’d like to introduce Charlotte and Rex with a snippet from their meet-cute.



Charlotte was about to turn around when she heard it. Woo—whoa whoa whoa—woo. The crooning sounded like dog talk for, “Please come over here.”

      She inched toward the sound, guarding her gaze to sneak a peek into the next cage. The cutest dog with tufts of white hair strutting from its ears continued the conversation. Her fingers itched to slide along its black, wavy hair, shining beneath the light.

      There were a couple more woos, but Charlotte got the message. The dog wanted to have a little chat with her.

      “Awww, are you having a rough day?”

      Charlotte was sure she understood the dog. It said, “I’ve been in here all day, and I just want some treats, some cuddles, and a warm bed.”

      “And a Hallmark Christmas movie?” Charlotte asked.

      The dog replied with a one-word yip. “Yes.”

      “Hold on one minute. I’ll go get Angie.” Charlotte pivoted and ran face-first into a human wall. He took hold of her arms before she fell back. His touch was soft, yet his grip was firm enough to steady her.

      Charlotte’s thoughts danced around her head. She’d bumped into people before, but none of the interactions demanded that she take notice of the person in front of her. The guy was a little taller than her, and she felt safe beside him.

       “I’m sorry. I was so busy enjoying your conversation.” He gestured with his hand toward the Terrier. “I didn’t realize how close we were.”

      They were close. Close enough that his cologne dulled her senses. The unpleasant odor of overeager dogs disappeared. Poof. Gone.

      The only scent Charlotte sensed was musky and warm and masculine—and Charlotte blinked. She had almost gotten lost in the fragrance. Forgotten that she was in the very spot because she had no interest in men for the foreseeable future. Especially men with eyes that told stories of a kindhearted person behind them. She stepped away from the man.

      Charlotte needed the dog. To save her from herself.

***

The rest of Charlotte and Rex’s story will be available on November 28th


Friday, November 17, 2023

Free ebook by Laura Scott

 

Free ebook by Laura Scott

Are you looking for a great series?

The first book in my Called to Protect Series is free for a limited time. If you have never read one of my books, and love wounded heroes with K-9 dogs why not give this one a try?




Sealed With Courage



Risking their hearts and their lives while protecting the innocent…

Will they find the kidnapped boy in time?

Sign language teacher Aubrey Clark feels responsible when ten-year-old Lucas goes missing. She’s determined to find her deaf student and knows more than she should from reading the lips of the man involved in the boy’s disappearance. Now she’s in the killer’s crosshairs too. Aubrey has little choice but to accept Navy SEAL Mason Gray’s protection, grateful for his help in searching for Lucas.

Mason’s last op as a Navy SEAL had gone sideways, leaving him deaf in one ear and hard of hearing in the other. But he’s not going to let his handicap prevent him and his K9 scent tracker, Bravo, from rescuing a deaf child. Mason has never balked at putting his life on the line for his country or to ensure the safety of women and children. But risking his heart? That wasn’t supposed to be part of the plan . . .

Amazon B&N Apple GooglePlay Kobo

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Puppies for Christmas by Merrillee Whren

 

Get ready for another Christmas season of reading with these books in the Sweet Romance Reads' Puppies for Christmas series. This year we have four authors from the Sweet Romance Reads group who have Christmas stories featuring puppies. All the books are currently up for preorder for 99 cents. Grab these bargain reads while you can. 

First up on November 21, is my novella, Puppy Love and Christmas Joy. Click on the title to find buy links.

Up next on November 28 is Merri Maywether's book, Mistletoe Mischief  You can find buy links by clicking on the title.

On December 5, Josie Rivierva releases her book, Cocoa's Christmas Love. Again you can find buy links by clicking on the title.

And finally, Roxanne Rustand's book, The Holiday Puppy, releases on December 12. Find buy links by clicking on the title.


 Remember besides having great stories to choose from, they are all on sale for 99 cents! What is your favorite kind of dog?

Merrillee Whren is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of American. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty-plus years, and has two grown daughters. Connect with her on her Facebook page and sign up for her newsletter.
 

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Unveiling the Enchanting Allure of Fairy Tales: Exploring the Enduring Appeal of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Josie Riviera

Fairy tales, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, have captivated readers for generations, weaving tales of wonder, magic, and timeless lessons. 
But why are readers continually drawn to these enchanting stories?

Here are some reasons:

  1. Beloved Characters and Endearing Personalities: One of the primary reasons readers is the presence of beloved characters with distinct and endearing personalities. Snow White's purity, the Seven Dwarfs' quirks, and the wickedness of the queen create a rich line of diverse characters. Readers become emotionally invested in their journeys, forming connections that evoke empathy, compassion, and a desire to see them triumph over adversity.
  2. Escapism and Imagination: Fairy tales offer readers an escape from reality, inviting them into a world of imagination and enchantment. These stories transport us to magical realms where animals speak, wishes come true, and true love conquers all. Readers can temporarily leave behind their everyday lives and immerse themselves in a world where anything is possible.
  3. Timeless Themes and Morals: Fairy tales often explore universal themes and morals that resonate across generations. Snow White's tale touches on concepts like love, jealousy, kindness, courage, and the triumph of good over evil. These traits offer valuable lessons about life, relationships, and the human condition. Fairy tales can serve as moral compasses, imparting wisdom and teaching us the importance of inner strength, resilience, and empathy.
  4. Emotional Connection and Nostalgia: Fairy tales often evoke feelings of nostalgia and remind readers of their own childhood experiences, fostering a sense of familiarity and comfort.

I have a 99 Cent Kindle countdown sale for my sweet holiday romance, A Snowy White Christmas.
(US Residents only.)


★★ Escape into a heartwarming second-chance romance novella with a secret baby twist, loosely based on the beloved tale of Snow White. Experience the magic of the holiday season and fall in love with this uplifting and clean holiday romance that combines the power of second chances with hidden secrets and unexpected fortunes.★★

Free on Kindle Unlimited.
Grab your copy today of A Snowy White Christmas today before price goes up.
Available in ebook, Paperback, Large Print Paperback, Hardcover, and Audiobook.


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



Thursday, November 9, 2023

Puzzles! by Christine Bush

                                                                    Puzzles!

 Lately, I’ve been seeing many articles and blogs about the benefits of “using your brain” by doing puzzles.  The gist is that as we age, keeping that “ole brain muscle” in shape will keep us young.



I hope this is true!

I’ve been doing puzzles all my life, beginning when young with word searches, crossword puzzles,  and the daily cryptograms in the local newspaper.



A snowy day could bring our family to the table to tackle a challenging 1000 piece puzzle.


Lately, I’ve become addicted to Wordle, Quordle, Octordle,  and Sudoku.  I think my brain is actually a little too busy.

But in addition to those puzzles in the paper, on the phone, on the computer, I’ve been making puzzles in other ways all my life.

My favorite kind of story to write is a Sweet Romantic Mystery.  There's lots of puzzles to solve.



Building characters is a puzzle.

“Why exactly did she do that?”

“What is keeping him from committing to love?”

Building a mystery plot is a puzzle.

“Who done it?”

“What’s the motive?”

“Was it Miss Scarlett in the parlor with the candlestick?”  You get the point.

So I guess I have this “puzzle thing” handled. Please remind my brain.  How about you?  Do you do puzzles?  Do you like to figure out the puzzles in mysteries?  I’d love to know!

In the mood for a good romantic mystery?  Try my award winning story: Available in print or ebook!

                            Cindy’s Prince

                       Cindy's Prince: Bush, Christine: 9781499587241: Amazon.com: Books



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!

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, November 7, 2023

New November Releases from the authors of Sweetromancereads!

 New Release on November 14th

He lost everything that mattered. Getting it back could cost him his life.

TJ Coughlan spent five years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. His reputation has been shattered and his career as a DEA Special Agent is over, but what hurts most is losing those years with his precious little girl.

Finally free, he's determined to uncover the truth.
TJ goes undercover in Silver Springs, Wyoming, and takes a room at Abby Hilliard's boardinghouse, determined to find the man who set him up--no matter the cost.

Whether she knows it or not, his beautiful landlady is his key to unraveling the truth and finally clear his name.

He just hopes she's as innocent as she seems.


Start reading today and stay up all night!

By USA Bestselling author Roxanne Rustand
Author of over forty novels, with over 2.75 million copies sold

Do You Have a Bucket List? ~ Jean C. Gordon


I don't have a bucket list per se. But my husband and I recently returned from a trip to the Scottish Highlands. I've been interested in Scotland since I was in fifth grade and read a book about Mary Queen of Scots and her three childhood friends, also named Mary. The book The Four Marys is now out of print. I checked. Since then, I've read numerous biographies of Mary, along with ones about Lady Macbeth and Queen Margaret. So you can imagine how exciting it was for me to walk through Mary's room at Edinburgh Castle and visit Queen Margaret's 13th-century chapel (below).

Another highlight of the trip for me was Culloden, a battle site of the 1745 Jacobite uprising. The site museum had a book with the rosters of men who fought there, and my husband and I found names of probable ancestors--Lindsays and Gordons. The book No Quarter Given is also out of print, but the museum guide thought it might be republished soon, since it's very popular with people researching their ancestry.

And, of course, there's all the natural and architectural beauty to see.


  

Do you have something you've always wanted to do?

~~~~~~~~~

You may have guessed this already. Yes, I have written a couple of Scottish books. One is a mildly spicy historical romance, His Lady Viking, set in 10th-century Scotland. I wrote it quite a while ago--the only historical I've written. I loved the research so much that I kept getting lost in it and not writing. The other is my Hopeless Romantics of Willow Ridge romance, Falling for the Scotsman. I have another Hopeless Romantics novella coming out in early 2024 with a Scottish heroine.

Aedan Hakonson spent his childhood hating the Norse and his adult life fighting them. The son of a Norse warrior and a Caithness noblewoman, he’s never forgiven his father for abandoning his mother and him. Battle-weary and heavy-hearted, Aedan is wary of relying on anyone for anything.

Kara Thorddatter is a Viking warrior. For all intents and purposes, she’s her father’s second son and better suited for the world of a Viking warrior than her studious older brother. If only her father and stepmother would acknowledge that fact and let her lead the independent life she wants.

When Kara’s brother disappears in a storm off the coast of Alba, she and Aedan are drawn together into a mutual quest for a hidden Viking hoard—a quest that reveals love is the real treasure.


Can their book boyfriends lead a book club of hopeless romantics to a real happily ever after?

Sorcha Laurent’s family-owned distillery has become her whole life. A far cry from where she’d expected to be when she’d left school with her newly minted MS in Chemistry and a sparkling new engagement ring on her finger. The family-business emergency that brought her home to the small-town of Willow Ridge has cost her a fiancée and her dream job in medical research. Now she’s at the end of the five-year agreement to manage the family distillery. Sorcha is ready to get back to having a life of her own. It’s time to throw in the bar towel and figure out what new dream might replace the one she lost. Little does she suspect that dream might involve potential business rival and swoon-worthy scholar, Ross Campbell.

A former Scotland National Rugby team player Ross Campbell is on track to his dream job, a professorship at his alma mater Edinburgh University. All he has left is to finish his doctoral thesis, while earning a few bona fides as a history teacher at an exclusive boys school outside Savannah. The fact that people here in the States accept him for himself, not as a former rugby star nor an heir to the Campbell Beverage conglomerate, is only frosting on the cake. And there’s no overbearing grandfather around pushing him to join the family corporation. Ross expects all things to continue according to plan, but meeting fiery Sorcha draws him down an unexpected and surprisingly enjoyable path.

When Ross catches Sorcha’s eye at the Savanah Scottish Games because he looks just like her historical romance book boyfriend, little do they know where their chance meeting will lead. A 50-year-old connection between her grandmother and his grandfather. A centuries-old mystery about a rumored stolen whisky recipe. Feelings that neither have experienced before and don’t know how to handle.

Will Sorcha and Ross’s research sessions take them beyond solving the recipe mystery and their intertwined ancestry to true love? Can they break free of family obligations and interference to live their dreams in a future together?

BUY