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Are you ready for the holiday season?
It’s not quite autumn, but for authors, the holiday season arrived several weeks ago. That’s what typically happens when you decide to write a holiday-themed romance. While the sun was shining outside, I was listening to Christmas carols and burning cinnamon and evergreen scented candles to get in the holiday mood while writing A Code of Wonder, a holiday novella that will release on October 7 as part of the 99¢ Snowed in with a Rogue Regency romance anthology.
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A Code of Wonder will feature Abbie Bonnington’s younger sister Eliza Lyon and Lord Nicholas “Nash” Wessex, as well as other characters from my Regency romantic suspense series, the Code Breakers.
Snowed in with a Rogue also includes stories from Victoria Oliveri, Gina Danna, Tracy Edingfield, Cerise DeLand, Sandra Masters, and Angelique Armae. The stories cover women in every walk of life from slave to spy, and from worldly titled matrons to innocent young misses. The heroes have to step up their game to match these indomitable ladies.
I’ve noticed retailers are already stocking shelves with items for Halloween, Thanksgiving and even Christmas. Do you think it’s too soon to be thinking ahead or do you take advantage of opportunities like this to get a jump-start on shopping and preparations?
How soon do you start looking forward to reading romances with holiday themes?
If you’re not yet in the Yuletide mood, you can still enjoy one of my Code Breakers Regency romantic suspense stories. A Wedding Code is currently FREE at all retailers so download a copy today.
As a renowned arbiter of fashion and design, Miss Amelia Bonnington’s upcoming nuptials to Lord Derrick Brinsley have become the most anticipated event of English society. Her plans to create the perfect wedding must be cast aside, however, when her best friend’s brother, a member of England’s top code breaking family, disappears.
When his fiancée meddles in dangerous spy activity, Derrick, an undercover agent for His Majesty, must intervene. Now, it’s up to Amelia and Derrick to safely locate the missing brother, prevent another abduction, and thwart an assassination. Can they outwit the French spies and still have Amelia’s fairy tale wedding?
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Thanks to Those Who Serve
The 9/11 attacks left an indelible impression on Americans. It’s been almost two decades since the events that changed our way of life in so many ways. One of those changes was a strengthening of America’s sense of unity and patriotism. Volunteers came out in the hundreds to help in the aftermath of the attacks, and military enlistments shot up.
September 11 is a reminder of the selfless sacrifice of first responders, emergency workers and service members. My military romantic suspense stories feature fictional heroes, but they are inspired by the real-life heroes who serve and protect us. Each act of heroism–large or small–is worthy of our gratitude.
To all those who serve – thank you!
Regency Makeup Sales
Although advertisements for makeup and styling products may have been quite different during the Regency compared to today, it’s a common theme to appeal to women and their appearance. Here is an example of an ad from the Regency. Would this have sold you on the popular products of the time?
Cover Reveal! 'Mission: Impossible to Wed'
COMING OCTOBER 22! CHRISTMAS AT MISTLETOE LODGE BOX SET
including
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE TO WED
Five years after her broken engagement, Madison dreads nothing more than yet another wedding–especially one she was hired to design for during the Christmas season. Gabe, the best man, would rather return to the field as an elite spec ops soldier than think about marriage. Alongside Madison’s bridezilla friend, the country wedding only gets worse when she is forced to interact with Gabe. Will the close proximity change their minds about love?
Mission: Impossible to Wed is part of my military romantic suspense series Impossible Mission.
Preorder for just 99¢
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You can download the Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge Cookbook for FREE!
Authors are Team Players Too
There are many quotes about writing being a solitary pursuit.
“Writing is one of the most solitary activities in the world.”
― The Alchemist
“Writing is a strange and solitary activity.”
―
“I am forever an advocate of books, both the reading of them and the writing. There is something sacred to me in that community. Because writing–and reading–is a solitary business. And it’s good to know I’m not alone.”
―
“It’s true that writing is a solitary occupation, but you would be surprised at how much companionship a group of imaginary characters can offer once you get to know them.”
―
While the actual writing and composing of a story is a solo effort, I like Shannon Celebi’s reference to the community of those who read and write. This is particularly true for the romance genre, where readers and authors actively engage and connect through events such as book signings and Facebook parties.
Romance authors also collaborate. This makes the journey much less solitary and a whole lot more fun!
I am currently part of a multi-author project, and it’s been a great experience! We share ideas, brainstorm, and inspire each other’s creativity. The best part is that after working together as a team of authors, we’re able to share our handiwork with readers! From there, we are sharing the wealth, so to speak, with a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
This project is a 10-author holiday anthology called Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge. You can preorder a copy for just 99¢. The box set will include a brand new story from my Impossible Mission series–Mission: Impossible to Wed.
Each novel in this sweet to steamy romance set has a Mistletoe Lodge, none the same, but all magical, Christmasy and full of Happily Ever After endings. Curl up in a favorite chair and treat yourself to 10 wonderful holiday romances full of Christmas trees, jingle bells and mistletoe. The box set includes new romances from:
Sabrina York
Tamara Ferguson
Jen Talty
Natalie Ann
Pam Binder
Tammy L. Grace
Jacki Delecki
Joanne Jaytanie
Kim Hornsby
Lauren Gayle
As if a holiday box set wasn’t enough fun, we also compiled a collection of holiday recipes. You can download the Christmas at Mistletoe Lodge Cookbook for FREE!
What is your favorite thing about being part of the romance reader-author community? I’d love to hear from you!
