Introvert Bingo: Are You A Winner?

 

Anyone else get a Bingo? I practically have a blackout? haha. It's like the board knows me so well . . .

.99 Cent Black Friday Book Deals GALORE!

If you've been waiting to get some of my books, or buy one for the reader on your list, there are quite a few on sale today for only .99 cents! 

Get the links below. 

Happy Black Friday everyone!

The Captive

All Fall Down 

Through Love's Trials 

Truth or Dare

Love's Broken Road 

The Marquess Meets His Match

You can also see MORE.99 cent books on sale at HERE

I hope you get to load up your Kindle today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends. I hope you know how much I appreciate you all and the place you have in my life---friends, family, readers, and fans! I've been surprised at how I've seen smaller blessings and things I've taken for granted as our world has been so crazy this year. So much to still be grateful for!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday! 

Book Review: The Christmas Apron

 I loved this heartwarming story about a Christmas apron that makes Christmas wishes come true. My daughter was an extra in the movie that was made about this book and it was such a memorable experience for us!

Millie is thrilled when her ballet teacher tells her she's finally ready for en pointe shoes (my own daughter just received hers this year so we know what a big deal that is!) The problem comes when she overhears her parents talking about what little money they have for Christmas this year. But Grandma is coming with her Christmas apron and surely her wish for en pointe shoes will be granted. When Grandma comes, however, Millie learns so much more about what Christmas is truly about.

I loved how the author connected the family through the stories about the apron. I loved the underlying messages of service and thinking of others. The story will tug on your heartstrings and the pictures really bring out the best of the characters. My children really enjoyed The Christmas Apron and I know it will be family favorite in the years to come.

Get your copy here

Here is the back copy:

The children in Millie's family can't wait for Grandma to arrive with her special Christmas apron. According to tradition, each grandchild will write down the gift he or she wants most in the world and then slip that wish into the apron's pocket. Then, on Christmas morning,those wished-for gifts will be magically waiting under the tree. But eleven-year-old Millie overhears her parents: the family can't afford gifts for all the little ones. She pictures the disappointment on her siblings faces nothing to open on Christmas morning.

Is Millie willing to sacrifice her own whole-soul wish so someone else's can come true? Full of tender emotion and delightful surprise, this story reminds us of the miracles that unfold when we think of others before ourselves.

And just for fun, here's a little behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Christmas Apron movie!

A Little Pandemic Laugh

 

As the pandemic stretches on, I have to take my laughs where I can. This meme struck me as so funny! Who would have thought to look at it from a dog or cat perspective! LOL

My son tested positive for COVID-19 and thankfully his symptoms were very mild and he was able to get over it quickly. I hope you and yours are staying safe. Be careful out there!

Researching Fun!

Well, someone gets shot in my new story, (surprise!) so I've been researching gunshot wounds and trauma. You guys, don't judge me, but this is FASCINATING stuff! When I was in college I took a class where we dissected a human cadaver (I wanted to go to medical school at one time) and honestly it was one of my favorite classes. I learned so much! And that experience helped my writing, too, with all the things my characters go through physically.

So, anyway, long story short, just know that when you read the scene in this book where someone gets shot, you can be sure it is well-researched! And I had fun doing it. Haha!

What are you up to today?

Book Review: The Gentleman and the Thief

It's no secret that I'm a huge Sarah Eden fan and I love her new series! 

The Gentleman and the Thief features Hollis Darby, part of the Dread Penny Society who secretly try to help those in need. Hollis has secrets of his own, however. He's a gentleman in society, yet his family's coffers are bare. In order to keep up appearances, he writes Penny Dreadfuls under a pseudonym. (The stories are interspersed throughout the book, which is an added bonus. It did distract me from the main story a bit. I wish the Penny Dreadfuls were just all together at the end.) But beyond that, I loved Hollis's character and seeing his background as he tries to navigate the life he's chosen. There are so many sides and such a depth to our hero. Ms. Eden is so talented at truly bringing her characters to life and making them feel so real!

 Ana Newport is such a surprise as a character. She's a thief and I loved having her be the Phantom Fox. The reasons she had resorted to stealing are heartwrenching and I was definitely rooting for Ana to have a happy ending. The interactions between Ana and Hollis are so swoon-worthy as they discover and fall in love with each other. I do admit I was turning pages as fast as possible to see how they would react when their secrets were revealed and how it would all end. Ms. Eden does not disappoint. The romance and the intrigue of the story kept me up far past my bedtime and I went back to read my favorite parts the next day! I can't wait for the next installment of the series.

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.

Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.

When Hollis’s brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.

When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief?

Grateful For My Book Tribe

 

You know what's the best? When my critique partner drops off a birthday gift that is also the exact writing fuel I need to power through getting more words on the page. Thank you, Annette! You always know when I need it most!

I'm so grateful to all my beta readers, reviewers, bloggers, and editors who work so tirelessly to help make my books the best they can be. I hope you know how much I appreciate you all! My book tribe is seriously the very best in the world. 

Book Review: Revolution of Hearts

 Don't you love the cover on this book? I was really excited to read it.

This book starts out with action and intrigue as Marcel de Prideaux, a political activist is murdered and his sister Dacia is accused of the crime. I was turning pages so fast to see what happens! She is desperate to escape and finally makes it to England where she must hide among the servant class. This is a big change for her, as she is a high-born lady and not used to serving or working in any form. The English landowner she works for is aware of some of her circumstances, but in order to protect him, she keeps her secrets close---until danger finds her once again.

I really enjoyed this historical romance and how Dacia really finds herself in the midst of such chaos. She is stronger than she thinks, even in the face of impossible odds. I did think it was going to be more of an action and intrigue story, but the bulk of it is about Dacia and her new life as a servant. We have multiple points of view, which was confusing for me at times because of the intricate backstories those introduced, but it all wrapped up in a satisfying way. Our hero Richard was daring and sweet and I was really rooting for him to get his happily-ever-after. Definitely worth the read!

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

Here's the back copy:

Born to a life of wealth and status, Mademoiselle Dacia de Prideaux is every inch the glittering aristocrat. However, her brother, Marcel, is an outspoken political activist, and with the country on the verge of the French Revolution, he has made dangerous enemies—one of whom takes Marcel’s life. When Dacia is accused of the unthinkable crime, she finds refuge with her dear friend Marguerite St. Just, who believes there is one man with the means to help: the wealthy fop, Sir Percy Blakeney.

Intent on rescuing people from perilous circumstances, Richard Harris, wealthy English landowner and member of Sir Percy’s league of gentleman heroes, has been assigned to protect Dacia. Hiding her in plain sight and masquerading her as a housemaid at his estate, Richard soon comes to trust the beautiful woman under his protection, and their feelings for each other grow stronger each day. But Marcel’s murderer will never stop pursuing Dacia, and she will need both her cunning and Richard’s connection to the legendary Scarlet Pimpernel to survive.

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Want to Safely Have Me and My Author Friends in Your Living Room?

Did you know that if you have an Alexa, you can ask her to play the Authors Off the Page podcast and she'll play it? It's so cool! Then you can hear me, Becky Monson, and Jennifer Peel talking about everything on and off the page right in your living room! It will be just like we're all sitting down for a chat!

This month we're talking about what we're thankful for, Thanksgiving traditions, and our favorite recipes. Then we read excerpts from the books we're working on! (Well, Jennifer and Becky did. I got a different memo haha!) I love chatting with these ladies and hope you'll feel right at home with us, too!

If you don't have an Alexa, you can just click HERE to listen.

Cover Reveal for My Christmas Story!

 I am SO excited to share my new romantic suspense novella, The Captain's Christmas Promise with you. It stars Colt and Brenna from The Captain and I love that their Christmas story cover has a lot of blue in it as well. I can't stop looking at this cover art. I think it's so beautiful!

Shattered Within Spotlight & An Author Interview

Today I'm delighted to spotlight Sara Fitzgerald's new book, Shattered Within, which deals with the difficult subject of mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it. I also got to interview Sara about her writing journey and how this book came about. And though I haven't read this book yet, I'm told it's a gripping and poignant story.

Here's a little more about the book:

Katherine Michaels has never been happier, but when her world comes crashing down on her, she attempts suicide and finds herself in the hospital. She's alone and terrified, not only for herself, but for her unborn child. Darkness seems to be closing in. Can she find a light to chase it away?

Brant Michaels is trying to land his dream job with the help of Elizabeth, his boss’s attractive daughter. Brant is shocked to learn his wife has been taken to the hospital and the doctor thinks she has a mental illness that may require months of dedicated care. Brant thinks Katherine’s illness will derail his career, and it doesn't help that Elizabeth is constantly on his mind. With so many decisions to make, it's hard to know what to do.

Will Katherine’s and Brant’s sacred vows they took in the temple soon be shattered?

Here's my interview with Shattered Within's author, Sara Fitzgerald.

Tell me a little about your writing journey.

In high school I tried out for the creative magazine club. I didn’t think I had a chance, my high school was huge with thousands of students. I scanned the list to see who made the club with my heart pounding. My name was second to the bottom. I missed the bus that day and had to walk a mile home but it was worth every step. I knew right then I wanted to be a professional writer. This will totally date me, but my parents who have always been incredibly supportive, bought me a fancy typewriter, it held three typed pages at a time. I wore these big goofy glasses and sat every day typing away. I knew my husband truly loved me when he sold his music equipment to buy us our first computer. He also found the Romance Writers of America for me to join. For our first Christmas together he gave me Word Perfect. We have been together ever since.

What was your first published book?

My first published book is Mine for Keeps, published by Champagne Books. There had been so many rejection letters and tears, when I received their email I almost deleted it without reading it. Curiosity got the best of me. They didn’t just like my book but loved it. I had kept writing during the first few years of rejection. I had four finished contemporary romance novels. Champagne wanted all of them. It was like a dream come true. I went on to become a Best Selling Author for them. Later I wrote Darkness Within and Magic Within, two young adult paranormal books about coming to age with a splash of magic. I then entered a Christmas contest, Cedar Fork was having. I didn’t win, but they wanted to publish my story, Saving Savanna which went on to sell thousands of copies. In my personal life, I was blessed to have a child, my beautiful daughter Savanna. Savanna has autism. I decided to self-publish A Miracle for Ann. It is about a couple whose child has autism and the struggles they went through. I thought it was the book of my lifetime, until I wrote Shattered Within.

What inspired me to write Shattered Within?

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I always wanted to write a book about people who belonged to this religion. Plus, I have a master degree in social work with a special emphasis on mental illnesses. I believe there is still so much stigma toward people with a mental illness. I am hoping this book will show that people who have a mental illness are not bad or flawed humans. They simply have an illness like any other. I also wanted to give hope to those suffering from a mental illness that there is help and support available. God loves them just the same as everyone else.

If you couldn't be a writer, what would you want to do?

I’m not a full-time writer. I am Savanna’s mom. She’s my joy and main responsibility.

If you had ten million dollars what would you do with it?

Wow, what a great question. I would give generously to the causes that have touched my life the most and those I love. I would donate to The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, NAMI for short. I would donate to Autism Speaks and to my daughter’s autism charter school. I would donate to the League of Utah Writers. And I would give everyone who bought my book six pounds of chocolate, the good kind.

What book are you reading right now? What is your favorite genre to read?

On my bedside table is Debbie Macomber Christmas book Merry and Bright. I love Christmas novels. I also still love reading romance novels.

Thanks so much for having me. I appreciate it. I’m excited to share my writing journey with you and your followers. Plus to get the word out there about Shattered Within, the book of my heart and lifetime.

You can get your copy of Shattered Within HERE or find out more at sarafitzgeraldbooks.com

Free Romance Collection!

If you are looking for some romance to snuggle up with this weekend, the Timeless Romance Autumn collection of romantic suspense novellas is free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

A HOUND DOG NAMED ELVIS by Heather Horrocks
Interior designer, Kaitlin Hartley returns to her hometown of Aspen Grove, California, to the job of her dreams after a year of specialized training in New York. During the town’s Autumn Festival, she enters her dachshund, Elvis, into the Running of the Hallowieners race. Joshua Moore, the man who hadn’t wanted her to leave Aspen Grove, but hadn’t waited for her either, enters Elvis’s sister, Priscilla. When Kaitlin gets home afterward, she realizes Elvis has left the building—with Joshua. She has the wrong dog! Can she get her dog—and the man she’s never stopped loving—back?

EYE FOR AN EYE by Stephanie Black
Mallory is just getting her life back together, living with her sister and brother-in-law and starting college. After a difficult few years following a family tragedy, she’s finally ready to move forward, which includes getting to know the charming Darien better. But when illegal drugs turn up in her sister’s drawer, the first person accused is Mallory, and suddenly she doesn’t know who to trust. She turns to Darien, but with all evidence pointing at her, she doesn’t know if Darien is the man to save her.

FIRST HEIST by Heather B. Moore
Mia, an undercover agent is about to make a handoff to co-agent, Omar Zagouri. But before she can complete her assignment, her cover is blown, and she finds herself escaping with Omar. The only problem is, her boss warned her about Omar and his sketchy history of landing himself in the middle of danger. After losing her mother in an attack planned for Mia, pulling off any heist with a man like Omar is the last thing she needs for her career . . . or her life.

LETTER FOR TWO by Sarah M. Eden
Sophia looks forward to the 5:30 p.m. mail sorting she does with her next door neighbor, Ethan. They live in a renovated house, now split into two apartments. Ethan is one of those dreamy, smart guys, but he shows no interest other than being friendly toward Sophia. When they find a mysterious letter addressed to Eleanor, dated to 1953, Sophia and Ethan determine to solve the puzzle together. Sophia knows that spending evenings with Ethan in ‘research’ might be her only chance to convince him that she should be more than just a neighbor.

SILVER CASCADE SECRETS by Rachelle J. Christensen
Jillian is the master landscaper at a beautiful park. Meeting Travis there soon after breaking up with her boyfriend, Jillian is wary at first. Travis seems like a great guy, but Jillian had fallen for great guys before. When she learns that his brother, Craig, was murdered six months before, her heart goes out to Travis. True to her curious nature, she starts asking questions and learns about Craig’s close connection with the park. But finding the answers puts Jillian’s life in danger, and she must decide who she really trusts.

CHOCOLATE OBSESSED by Annette Lyon
Whitney, an executive pastry chef, is working her resort’s booth at the New York Chocolate Show. The only problem is that she shares the shift with her arch rival, Stephen. But then an unexpected visitor shows up: Jeremy, a man who lost a dessert competition she judged. When Jeremy confronts her and becomes threatening, Stephen gets Jeremy dragged off by security. But that doesn’t throw Jeremy off for long; soon Stephen and Whitney are running for their lives.

Veterans Day & A Book Sale

 

I've been thinking a lot about the sacrifice and dedication that our military men and women make every day. This is the picture my grandpa had with him when he was wounded during the Korean war. It's of his two little baby sons who were waiting for him to come home safely. While he was away, this picture was one of his most prized possessions and it touches my heart whenever I see it because I know every soldier probably carried a similar picture and reminder of home with them and some didn't make it back. (Thankfully my grandfather did.) 

I hope that this Veterans Day and every day those families know how grateful we are for their loved one's sacrifice.

As a writer I have been so honored to have met military men and women who have read, commented, and/or helped me keep my stories plausible. I'm so grateful to all veterans for their sacrifice and dedication to the cause of freedom.

To honor them, I am offering my Christmas military romance, Truth or Dare, that features a veteran and his dog, for only .99 cents today.

Get your sale book HERE

Here's the back copy:

After a year of recovery, wounded war veteran Jonah Harrison comes home for Christmas. No longer the outgoing high school track star, he just wants to be left alone, away from well-meaning friends and neighbors. But when a blizzard strands him with Kami Jackson—the girl who once knew him best—he can’t hide anything from her, no matter how much he wants to. Kami has a wounded heart of her own, though, and it might take a miracle---or at least two matchmaking dogs---for them to find the healing they both long for and the courage to reach for a chance at love.

Book Review: The Christmas Waltz

Josi Kilpack's new Christmas story, The Christmas Waltz, is quite unique. It's about a couple who only meets once a year and through this small interaction, develop feelings for one another. Feelings that can't be acted upon. I wasn't expecting that at all! This is an angsty story with a poignant message.

I thought the author drew the characters well. I liked that each chapter alternated from the hero's and then heroine's perspective so we could get a full picture of each of their feelings as the years went on. It is a heart-wrenching story in some places, but there are enough light moments to keep from bogging it down. I was thinking this would be a lighter, fluffier Christmas story, but enjoyed the deeper and more reflective one. 

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

One dance, once a year.

This defines Marta and David’s friendship from the moment they first meet at the Yuletide Ball. Now, dancing the annual Christmas Waltz is a tradition between the pair in which they agree to tell each other the truth about their lives. Over the years that follow, their lives take different directions, wrong turns, and heartbreaking spirals, but they never miss their chance to reconnect and encourage one another to live their best lives, even if they can’t live them side by side.

Movie Review of The Santa Box and a Giveaway!

 

I was super excited to be part of the blog tour for The Santa Box. It's hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner and I loved snuggling up with my family to watch this adorable Christmas movie.

Kallie Watts is a teenager who has been through a lot---including her house burning down, her father dying, and her grandfather dying, all at Christmas time. She believes she is cursed by Christmas and when they move to a new town that has Christmas decorations everywhere she looks, she is not impressed. 

She starts attending her new school and meets a mean girl who loves to point out the flaws in others. The mean girl's mom is also up to no good and trying to evict an old German man named Otto in the neighborhood. Kallie befriends the man and in a Karate Kid sort of way, and learns from his wisdom. (He even has a garden!) Otto helps her to see the qualities of love and forgiveness as he deals with those who seem to hate him for no reason. (The interaction between these two was adorable.) But the heart of the movie is when Kallie receives a mysterious Santa box and even though she hates Christmas, her heart is slowly opened as she begins to find joy in the season again. 

I thought this movie was original and cute. There are a lot of themes going on throughout including love and loss, kindness and cruelty, war and sacrifice, and seeing beyond a person's outer appearance. The characters were really relatable and our entire family was entertained. We laughed and cried and just enjoyed the first Christmas movie of the season together. It was fun to be reminded of the magic of Christmas and what's really important. This movie is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!

You can get your DVD at these retailers:

Amazon

Deseret Book

Seagull Book

Here's a little more about the movie. Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

The Santa Box tells the story of teenager Kallie Watts. For the past five years, Christmas has spelled disaster for her and her family. When a fire leaves Kallie and her mother homeless just before the holidays, there’s only one conclusion: Kallie is cursed by Christmas. When Kallie and her mother relocate to a small California town, Kallie is confronted by her worst nightmare come true: a town overflowing with holiday decorations and Christmas cheer. But Kallie’s life will soon change forever by the gift of a Santa box, which helps her rediscover the magic and true meaning of Christmas.

See the movie trailer HERE

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Bargain Book for Romance Fans!

Are you looking for a romance to snuggle up with this weekend? Rebecca Connolly's romance, Love Out of Focus, is only .99 cents today! I haven't read it, but it looks cute.

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Mallory Hudson loves her simple life as a photographer, even if it isn’t as exciting as she’d hoped. When her cousin Jenna comes with a proposition to hire Mal for her very exclusive wedding at a resort, Mal reluctantly accepts, and her world goes into freefall.

Hunter McIntyre isn’t sure what it is about Mal that fascinates him, but he can’t deny that she has caught his eye. The more time he spends with her, the more time he wants, and soon the wedding at hand isn’t the one he cares about.

An Award for My Audiobook!

You guys! I'm so excited today! The audiobook of my novel, The Capture, received the Crowned Heart for Excellence award and got a great review from InD'Tale Magazine. My book's narrator, Tristan Wright, is truly amazing as you know if you've listened to any of my Griffin Force books! This is my favorite part of what the reviewer had to say about the him and the story: 

"Mr. Wright does an amazing job at bringing to life the characters in this novel . . .it is easy to get lost in his wonderful voice. This slow burn military story will leave readers who are looking for a solid romance mixed with thrills hungry for more!" Woohoo!

What Are You Reading Wednesday?

Can you believe it's Wednesday already? What are you reading?

I just started How To Get Over Your Ex in Ninety Days by Jennifer Peel. So cute! Her books just flow so easily and are fun to read.

Your turn. What are you reading?

A Sneak Peek At My Christmas Story

I've been playing around with images today. This isn't the book cover, but I like the feeling of this picture. What do you think of the title? 

And for all your help so far (on Facebook, Instagram, and the blog), here's a little peek from The Captain's Christmas Promise:

Colt pulled her to his chest, his hand rubbing a half circle on her back. “I about lost a year off my life seeing them pull guns on you. I thought we left all that behind in Afghanistan." He rested his chin lightly on the top of her head. "You were only on Canadian soil for fifteen minutes.”

“Are you saying I attract trouble?” Brenna closed her eyes and slowly inhaled, enjoying being in his arms. 

“Need I remind you who got you out of trouble while we were on operations?” She leaned back slightly to look in his face and raised her eyebrows.

“No, I freely admit it was you.” He bent to give her a quick kiss on the lips. "But I'll happily volunteer to keep you out of any and all trouble for the rest of the trip. The only catch is that you'll have to stay within arms-length of me at all times."

She laughed, sliding her fingers down his bicep before she took his hand. “Okay, deal, But we better get on the road. I don't want to be trying to find this place at midnight."

What Would You Rather Read?

So, I've been working on Colt and Brenna's Christmas story and I've come to a crossroads. There's this character that has grown beyond his original purpose and he is making it so I could either go with the original fun, fluffy Christmas story for them, or I could make it a suspenseful Christmas story. 

For those of you who have read my books, what would you rather read? A sweet and happy holiday story or one with guns and bad guys?