March is finally here! by Josie Riviera

March is an odd month, weather-wise. One day it's sunny and warm, and the next you're searching for your winter coat again. But after the long winter, I'll take it. At least the daylight hours are getting longer (thank goodness for Daylight Savings Time), and the first tiny flowers are poking through the ground. Daffodils, and soon, Bradford Pear blossoms, as well as Redbud trees.

Down here in the Carolinas, we get a much earlier spring than what we used to get when I lived in upstate New York. 

Of course, March also means St. Patrick's Day. Whether you're Irish or not, it's a fun excuse to wear green and maybe grab an "Irish" lunch with friends. Plus, my favorite fast food restaurant sells those addictive Shamrock Shakes - I'm not saying I have one every week, but I'm not saying I haven't either. :)

If you're looking for a free sweet romance "Irish" read, be sure to grab a copy of 1-800-IRELAND.

A strong-minded Irishwoman is pursuing her dream. A disillusioned businessman is ready to retire.

Can two determined people find true love at the end of an Irish rainbow?

Also free on Kindle Unlimited.

Want even more Irish romance? Grab your copy of Irish Hearts. 

Four "Irish" sweet romances in one boxed set. 

The 4 books in the set include:

OH DANNY BOY

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

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?

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

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 of Irish Hearts today. Available in eBook, paperback, large print paperback, and audiobook. 

What's your favorite thing about March? Drop a comment below and let me know!

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

Join Me ~ Jean C. Gordon

No book talk today. Just an invitation to join me today in celebrating World Day of Prayer.

World Day of Prayer is a worldwide, ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service.

Women in more than 170 countries and regions participate in the celebration, which is observed on the first Friday of March--today this year. Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and have immeasurable influence.

The motto of World Day of Prayer is “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action.”

Lyn Cote Asks

--do you know that I have a free monthly newsletter where I talk about what I'm doing at home and ask readers to voice experiences on monthly questions and maybe win a free ebook? Here's the latest question.

Our question for March is a bit more persona than last month’s about reading historical fiction. What historic events have you lived through? What were the ones you most remember and why? Most of us have lived through many. The earliest one I recall is the Cuban Missile Crisis under JFK. (Yes, I was just in kindergarten at the time!:-)  Remember if your comment is shared here, I offer you an ebook!

I got amazing replies to this question. As an author I never get to meet or chat with my readers. This gives me a chance to get to know them or maybe you.

So if you'd like to get to know me better and vice versa, why not subscribe? You can unsubscribe at any time. I also hold a monthly contest for those who subscribe and JOURNEY TO VICTORY is the ebook to win. Click https://booksbylyncote.com/SWBS/contest and enter! Why not?

The Best Part of Book Signings by Pat Simmons

I'm celebrating 18 years as a published author, and every year, I attend book conferences. Readers rock!

I made new friends this past weekend at the San Antonio African American Book Festival, including an adorable four-year-old. As I was talking with her mother, all of a sudden, she stepped behind my table and handed me a heart-shaped sucker. How generous for her willingness to part with a treat. This gesture made my day. Children are so giving and innocent, and that moment was the highlight of my book signing.

Besides meeting new readers excited about my work, especially my Jamieson Legacy series that features Black American history, I got a chance to connect with other authors and admire their displays. Networking is a big part of going to book signing events. One such author was Mary Brown, a children's author extraordinaire. Her display was eye-catching and interactive for young readers.

Out of forty-plus authors, four of us agreed to stay in contact and continue to learn and uplift one another.

In three months, I'll head to Las Vegas for the Book Lovers Con with new ideas I've learned from authors on my Texas road trip. 

Here are a few more photos of table displays and authors. Some were not in the photo because they were selling books--a good thing.

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Make sure you check out my Intercessors series. The victory is already won.

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Valentine’s Day Magic: A Weekend of Love and Second Chances by Merri Maywether

There’s something magical about Valentine’s Day, especially when it falls on a Friday. The holiday feels like an open invitation to turn a single day of romance into an entire weekend of celebration—and that’s exactly what inspired me while writing my newest release, My Grumpy Valentine.

One of my favorite things about Valentine’s Day is the excitement it brings, especially from kids. Their joy over heart-shaped cookies, candies, and endless crafts with heart cutouts adds to my own excitement for the holiday. Their enthusiasm is so pure and delightful, and I’ve channeled that same energy into the story.

This year in Hope Springs, Montana, Valentine’s weekend becomes a delightful series of events: a Friday night concert, a Saturday dance, and a cozy Sunday brunch. It’s a time for love, laughter, and (imagine me tapping my fingers together behind the keybord) maybe even a little matchmaking magic.

Of course, no romance is complete without a bit of drama, and our cinnamon roll hero, Eugene, certainly delivers. Let me give you a peek behind the scenes:

A year ago, Kelly (she’s the grumpy one…but only with Eugene) invited Eugene on a “friend date” for Valentine’s Day.

But thanks to Eugene’s mischievous chihuahua, Brutus, the note never reached him. That’s right—Brutus hid the note! Eugene only finds it a year later, and let’s just say that both Eugene and Cupid have some work to do.

With a bit of help from Brutus, the meddling small-town friends and family, and maybe even Cupid himself, Eugene and Kelly are about to be nudged (or shoved) toward their happily-ever-after. Their story is filled with humor, heart, visits from characters in the other Hope Springs stories....and the sweet chaos of love that only Valentine’s weekend can bring.

Writing My Grumpy Valentine was a joy, especially because it allowed me to explore the ways love blooms. It also was a fun way to show that love isn’t always perfect or predictable, but it’s always worth the effort.

Now that Valentine’s Day has passed, I’d love to hear from you: What was your favorite part of the holiday? Did you try something new, indulge in sweet treats, or share special moments with loved ones? Let me know in the comments—I can’t wait to hear your stories!

💝 💝 💝

My Grumpy Valentine is part of the Sweet Short Romance Reads collection, featuring 18 heartwarming tales. Visit the series page to learn more: Clean Romance Book Girlies - Merri Maywether.

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is not only Valentine's Day, but it is my 49th wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe my husband and I have been married that long. We were married on Valentine's Day because it happened to be the Saturday before Presidents' Day back in 1976. I was a school teacher and had that following Monday off. So it was one less day I would miss from school while we were on our honeymoon. As it turned out, I resigned my teaching position because my husband lived in a small town about fifty miles from my school, and I discovered that fifty miles was too far to drive even for a few months until the end of the school year. 

My Kellersburg series was inspired by the small Ohio towns we lived in when we were first married. You can check out the books in the series by clicking right here. 

Do you have any special plans for Valentine's Day?

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.

 

Beyond Red Roses: Finding Real Romance in February by Josie Riviera

Let's be honest—Valentine's Day can be tricky. While store windows overflow with hearts and candy, real romance often looks different from those picture-perfect cards and commercials.

Some of my favorite love stories are wonderfully ordinary. The couple who still holds hands after forty years of marriage. The grandmother who bakes heart-shaped cookies with her grandkids every February. The sisters who've made Valentine's Day their annual movie marathon tradition, complete with popcorn and fuzzy socks.

These real-life moments remind me why I love a good romance story. Not for the grand gestures, but for the authentic connections—the kind that make you smile and remind you that love comes in many forms.

Looking for some heartwarming stories this February? Treat yourself to Valentine Hearts, a collection of four sweet romances that capture the magic of finding love when you least expect it. It's like having a box of chocolates, but instead of finishing them too quickly, you can savor each story one at a time.

Grab your copy of Valentine Hearts today!

This Valentine's Day, celebrate love your way—whether that's with a romantic dinner, a good book, or simply calling someone special to say "I care."

What's your favorite way to celebrate February 14th?

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