Freebie for Mail Order Bride Fans!

If you love mail order bride stories, you're going to love the Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride novella collection! And it's free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Mail Order Bride Collection, now a USA TODAY Bestseller! Six historical romance novellas set in the Old West.

WRITTEN IN HER HEART, a charming novella by Stacy Henrie, Georgeanna is getting desperate. She can’t fund her favorite orphanage unless she marries and secures the rest of her inheritance left by her father. But her father’s financial planner, Clay, can't understand why she's not content with her current situation. Georgie determines to send out a notice as a mail order bride to attract suitors who won’t know her financial situation. Little does she know, Clay takes up the pen and sends her letters of his own under an assumed name. After years of working for Georgie’s father, Clay realizes he isn’t ready to watch her marry another, not when his heart is already claimed by her.

In Kristin Holt’s delightful novella WANTED: MIDWIFE BRIDE Dr. Naomi Thornton thinks she has it all: a beautiful house, a loving husband, and a fulfilling career. But when everything she holds dear is ripped away, Naomi has no choice but to start over. What will she find in the wild and untamed Wyoming Territory? Dr. Joe Chandler has waited years for a wife with the knowledge, skills, and tender heart he yearns for in a medical colleague and lifetime companion. When a midwife arrives with more expertise and secrets than he counted on, Joe quickly discovers there’s more to love and marriage than a simple mail order contract.

In THE SOUND OF HOME, a captivating novella by Annette Lyon, Marilyn is given the choice of either marrying the despicable Victor or being charged with a murder she didn’t commit. Refusing to believe that either is her fate, she finds a third option: she answers a mail order bride advertisement and boards a train to Wyoming to wed a man named Harry. Moments after her arrival, she learns that Harry isn’t who he seemed to be, and the advertisement turns out to be a giant mistake. Harry’s brother Thomas agrees to let her stay until she can figure out what to do next—after all, she simply cannot return to New York—but Marilyn quickly finds herself developing feelings for Thomas.

In Sarah M. Eden’s endearing novella FOR BETTER OR WORSE Gerald Smith, on the advice of his well-meaning neighbors, has decided it’s time to change his lonely existence. Mary Hill, on the advice of her empty pocketbook and non-existent roof over her head, has decided it’s time to secure herself a future. A mail-order marriage, they both realize, is no guarantee of happiness, but it is a risk they are willing to take. However, coming face to face on the train platform, the hapless couple discovers an unexpected truth: marriage to a perfect stranger is sometimes far preferable to the prospect of a lifetime with someone you used to know.

Heather B. Moore’s sweet novella THE INCONVENIENT BRIDE sees Carmela traveling from Boston to Colorado, eager to meet the man she’s been corresponding with and will soon marry. Her brother’s new marriage leaves little room for Carmela in her old life. Upon arrival in Leadville, she faces a rude awakening, and the only one who can understand her predicament is her fiance’s brother, Samuel. But Samuel can’t possibly help her out of an awkward situation, can he?

THE PRICE OF SILVER, an engaging novella by Siân Ann Bessey, Katie leaves New York for Idaho to marry Jake, a man she’s written to a couple of times. But when she steps off the train, his brother Caleb is there to greet her. Jake has gone to take a mining job he couldn’t pass up. Caleb takes Katie back to the family ranch to wait for Jake’s return. The more Caleb gets to know Katie, the more he envies his brother, but he can’t let his heart overrule his head unless Jake changes his mind about his intended bride.

Are You a Little Quirky?

Do you love a quirky character? Do you have a few quirks of your own?

We had such a fun time on our podcast this month talking about quirks from books, TV,  real life, and movies. You don't want to miss our new podcast episode of Authors Off the Page!

 
(You can ask Alexa to play the new Authors Off the Page podcast, or download it on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, or just click HERE)

Anyone Watching the Olympics?

This one made me laugh today. Anyone else watching the Olympics? What's your favorite sport so far? 

I watched the fencing matches, volleyball, some water polo, a little gymnastics, diving and skateboarding. I admit, I was fascinated by the synchronized diving. That must have been SO hard! I can only imagine the training hours they put in. The Olympics can be so mesmerizing!

Are you watching?  

 

Jammin' in the Summertime!

My talented husband made the yummiest Apricot/Pineapple jam. I am a very lucky woman! Are you making jams or rhubarb crisp or zucchini bread or anything yummy from the garden?

Book Review: A Child of God

I Am A Child of God by Chantel and Mauli Bonner is an adorable children's book talks about God's creations in all their variety, animals, flowers, and even people. It presents ideas in a simple, yet profound way that God loves us all the same no matter what our hair or skin color is, and we can be like him through our actions. 

I thought the illustrations were well-done and the text hit just the right balance with a rhyme that tells a tender truth. A book every child will enjoy having read to them and one that can start important conversations.

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

A rhyming, read-aloud book with warm illustrations conveys a comforting, faith-filled message from a Black father and mother to their children who see visual representations of their faith, but question what it means when they don't see their skin color, their physical features, or their gender portrayed.

"What about the angels, will they stop and stare, when they see that I may not have their same color hair?" asks the girl.

In soothing verse, the father assures his children that everyone looks like Jesus and the angels by the things they do. As the family walks through their neighborhood, the father points out the beauty in God's creations, from flowers, all unique and different, to all the children in their community "each with skin a different shade." He reminds his children that pictures of faith such as angels were drawn by someone and encourages his children to draw their own pictures so angels look like all of us.

Freebie for Historical Romance Fans!

If you love historical romance, you'll love Tailor Made by Annette Lyon. It's a sweet romance unlike many I've read since it takes place during the Grand Duchy era. And it's free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Two people. An impossible task. A traitor in their midst.

Sofi’s mother desperately needs medicine, and Sofi will do anything to get it—including a one-month stay at the Brunberg mansion in Helsinki, the capital. There she’ll spend her days at the Kangas Tailor Shop, knitting silk stockings and other items from sunup to sundown for the biggest wedding of the decade. If she can do it, Sofi will have the ability to get the medicine her mother needs, with money to spare.

But Sofi’s safe world of knitting needles and thread is turned upside down when she finds herself in the middle of political intrigue. Antti, tailor and owner of the shop, Sofi uncover a plot to sabotage the Brunberg daughter’s wedding and threaten to bring Russia’s fist onto the Grand Duchy, removing the Finns’ self-governance, and possibly lead the countries into war.

As Sofi and Antti work together to save their country, she can’t help falling in love with the unassuming and attractive head tailor, though she knows she can’t have him. Her country and her family need her, and when her job is done, she’ll go home to Porvoo, never to see him again.

As they race to stop the traitor, the battle in her heart intensifies, and she fears that the victor won’t be love.

The First Chapters of My New Book

Did you know that the first three chapters of my brand new book, Worth the Risk, are up on Kindle Vella now? I would LOVE for you to read them and tell me what you think! I'm really enjoying writing Quinn and Tyler's story. 

You can read all three chapters HERE 

If you'd like to know more about how Kindle Vella works, with a step by step guide of what readers should do, an author wrote up a handy, detailed explanation that you can read HERE 

But I'd really just like your feedback on Tyler and Quinn's story so far. Thank you so much for all your help!

Movie Review: Once I Was Engaged

We watched Once I Was Engaged, the sequel to Once I Was A Beehive. We were excited that the same girls from the original film were returning and the trailer looked cute. 

Bree Carrington's mom was the girls' camp uber planner in the last movie. In this movie, her daughter Bree gets engaged and they only have a couple of months to plan the wedding. But the couple hits a few bumps in the road, which leads to some self-realization. There was some good character growth in Bree and she's really relatable in the show as she navigates the consequences of her decisions. There's also some cute comedic moments, and it was good to see the other girls, especially Lane, from the first movie. The cinematography was well-done (I loved the Hawaii scenes) and the story was sweet, but the ending was definitely unexpected for me. Overall, it was a fun family night at the movies with this one.

Here is the teaser:

A new romantic comedy from the creators of Once I Was a Beehive! When Bree Carrington gets engaged while at BYU Hawaii, her loving but over-the-top mom goes all out to create the wedding of the century. But both mother and daughter must overcome the pressure of perfection when this happily ever after story doesn't go quite as expected.

Here is the trailer:

Can You Vote For Me?

There is this fun award called the Swoony awards and Second Chance is currently listed as #135 in the poll! 

I'm so grateful to everyone who has voted so far, but I would love to get some more votes for Augie and Rian's story. If you have a Goodreads account, you can vote! 

All you have to do is go HERE on Goodreads and scroll down to Second Chance and click "Vote for This Book!" (Make sure you are logged into your Goodreads account.)

Thank you so much!

My Audio Book Won An Award!

The audio book for my romantic suspense novel, Second Look, got a 4.5 star review AND the Crowned Heart of Excellence in InD'Tale magazine! Woohoo!

My favorite part of the review was, "Second Look is a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense novel that will leave readers breathless. Ms. Bellon has created a well-thought out terror plot that thrusts Nate and Abby together. While their attraction grows the more time they spend together, they also have a very real relationship that will have readers rooting for not only their survival as individuals, but also as a couple." 

The reviewer also said my narrator, Tristan Wright, was "absolutely fantastic." (And I completely agree!)

You can read the entire review here

 

Free Regency Romance Today Only!

I really enjoyed Heidi Kimball's regency romance Where the Stars Meet the Sea and it's free today only! (You can see my full review HERE) You won't want to miss this one!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Juliet Graham fervently counts the days until her twenty-first birthday, when she can claim the inheritance that will grant her the freedom she has always craved and the guardianship of her younger brother. Until then, she is trapped under her aunt Agnes’s domineering will. When forced to accompany the family to a house party at Shaldorn Castle, Juliet’s only objective is to keep to herself. That is, until a chance encounter with a boorish stranger stirs up an unexpected whirlwind of emotions in her. Thrown off-balance, Juliet does the unthinkable: loses her temper and insults the man—who turns out to be her unwilling host, the Duke of Halstead. Fully expecting to be sent away, Juliet is surprised when the brusque and callous duke instead takes an interest in her.

Drawn to the duke in unguarded moments, Juliet finds herself more and more intrigued by the man who shuns Society’s rules as completely as she does, and over the next few weeks, their unlikely friendship deepens into a connection neither expected.

But even as Juliet comes to recognize her true feelings, her scheming aunt issues an ultimatum that threatens the future she was just beginning to hope for. Juliet must choose: either break the promise she made to herself years ago, or lose the man who has captured her heart and soul.

My New Story is on Kindle Vella!

Have you heard of Kindle Vella? 

It's Amazon's new program where authors can upload a chapter at a time of a book and readers can follow, like, or comment on the story and the chapter. I've decided to try it out so I'm doing the first book in my new romantic suspense series, Worth the Risk on Vella! 

I'm so excited about this! Click HERE to read the first two chapters in my story. Read, follow, favorite, and tell me what you think! 

Here's the back copy:

Homeland Security officer Tyler Coughlin discovers that surface-to-air missile systems are being offered on the black market and Quinn Parker--a legend in the field for her ability to get the job done---will be sent in undercover. Tyler will be Quinn's backup, but when the mission goes wrong his hacking skills and her expertise in the spy game will be the only thing keeping them from certain death. Can they stay alive long enough to bring down those who want to hurt the U.S. in any way possible?

Freebie for Romance Fans!

If you are having a busy summer, but still need a little romance, this collection of summer wedding novellas---bite-sized romances---are perfect for you. And it's free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

LOVE BYTES by Melanie Jacobson
Bree is the maid-of-honor and Dallen is the best-man. While they plan and plot over email and texting, Bree realizes that the best part about the Maui wedding might be meeting Dallen. She just hopes that he’ll feel the same way.

ROMEO AND JULIE-EX by Julie Wright
“Romeo” turns out to be a two-timing jerk, and when Juliet Moore’s pre-ordered wedding dress arrives from UPS, Juliet curses everything male. In a stubborn streak, she decides to keep the bridal photography appointment—when Juliet shows up for the appointment and meets photographer Jack Montague, she might have to take back some of her curses on men.

THE MELTDOWN MATCH by Rachael Anderson
Courtney spends each summer in her hometown of Heimel, Alaska, to find inspiration for her next novel. But when she runs into former high school friend, Mitch Winters, and they both win the Meltdown Match—a traditional dating contest—Courtney discovers that leaving her hometown at the end of the summer might not be so easy this time.

GOLDEN SUNRISE by Annette Lyon
Natalie takes time out of her crazy schedule to fly to Vegas for her best friend’s wedding. Sierra and Jason, high-school sweethearts, are finally getting married. Fortunately for Natalie, her old high-school flame, Adam, has a work commitment and can’t be there as best man. But when she arrives at the wedding rehearsal—late and ragged—Adam is there. When Adam makes a wild suggestion, Natalie just may take him up on it, even though she knows he’s moved on. A single choice may mean Natalie is taking a shot at reclaiming the past—or that she's putting her heart in harm’s way a second time.

TIDE POOLS by Heather B. Moore
Lexi makes a quick trip to Hawaii to attend her friend’s wedding, and she discovers that the engaged couple, Sydney and Apelu, are still trying to match-make for her. Lexi laughs because not only does their friend David have a serious girlfriend, but he owns a restaurant on the island. But when Lexi meets David, she has a hard time remembering why all of her plans were so important.

A REGULAR BLOKE FROM STANMORE by Sarah M. Eden
Abby is helping her sister, Caroline, plan her British wedding. That’s right, Caroline is obsessed with all things British and insists on an authentic wedding in . . . Oregon. When they arrive at Sainsbury House reception hall, it has everything Caroline loves, and the host, Matthew Carlton, even has a British accent. Yet Abby isn’t buying the whole good-looking-British man with impeccable manners thing; she’s determined to expose him as a fake. But the more Abby gets to know Matthew, the more she realizes how wrong she really is.

Book Review: Ace High

Contemporary Fiction Review by Lauren

Kellie Prosper is an accomplished therapist whose life didn’t turn out exactly the way she planned it. Coming out of a messy divorce, she finally has the closure she needs to move on. Fortunately, she has a brother with cute friends that help around the family ranch. For what seems like the first time, she notices the handsome Lars, her brother’s best friend and local rodeo star. As they explore their feeling for one another, a romance begins to blossom that keeps the reader enthralled and enjoying every minute of this book.

Ace High is an adorable romance novel that not only will satisfy your need for a cute love story, but also brings in real-life issues such as mental health and divorce in a very sensitive way. This book takes you on the ups and downs of navigating a new relationship, and how worth it is to work on hard things together.

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Sometimes second chances are waiting when you least expect them.

Lars Jackson isn’t purposely hanging around Lost Creek to see Kellie Prosper more. All right, maybe he is. She’s single now, and well, he knows she’s been through a lot. Maybe he can be a listening ear. Something more would be a dream of his, but he’s good at waiting. Before Kellie’s divorce, he’d just kept his focus on his bronc riding career. But now . . .

Kellie Prosper is busier than she’s ever been. Running the Broken Hearts Ranch, bringing on new clients, and balancing all the changes in Lost Creek. At least her brother Ryan is there to help, though when Lars Jackson, one of the Original Six, starts hanging around more, Kellie feels . . .  She doesn’t know exactly what she feels. But appreciation is just the beginning.

Freebie for Regency Romance Fans!

Regency romance fans, Karen Thornell's novella Pursuing Miss Hall is free today! I haven't read this one, but it looks cute so I thought I'd pass the deal along. 

Get your free copy here 

Here's the back copy:

Nathaniel Blake has been in love with his best friend, Meg, for as long as he can remember. Though a gentleman himself, his status in Society is inarguably below Meg’s own. Determined to avoid the label of “fortune hunter,” Nathaniel has long concealed the feelings of his heart. But when Meg’s parents determine to throw a house party for the sole purpose of marrying her off, it is clear that idleness is no longer an option.

The daughter of a wealthy baronet, Margaret Hall has always known she is expected to marry well. After illness forced Meg to miss her first London Season, her mother is not willing to allow her to sit off the marriage mart for too long. There is to be a house party that will include three eligible men for her to choose from. Meg is determined to make her parents proud. Still, she cannot help but be grateful that her closest friend, Nathan, has been invited as well. But when Meg begins to develop feelings that are far beyond friendship, will she have the courage to choose her own happiness over duty?

Book Review: Inventing Vivian

Inventing Vivian is the next installment in the Blue Orchid Society series and I was really excited to read this one. Jennifer Moore is one of my favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint in this Victorian romance.

Vivian loves science and experiments, but of course her brilliant mind is not accepted in society. In fact, she has felt the sting of being asked to leave a club for young scientists when she was a girl, but now she is grown and has dreamed of going to the International Exhibition of Industry and Science. She needs a recommendation from a peer of the realm and is struggling to find someone to help her, when she receives an anonymous benefactor. 

Lord Benedict has returned from China upon the death of his older brother. He is trying to find his footing as the new heir, when he meets Vivian in a most unusual way. He is attracted to her uniqueness, but because of an unfortunate event when they were children, she is not anxious to be more than acquaintances. Lord Benedict finds a way he can help her by being her anonymous sponsor at the Exhibition, but when the secret is revealed, will it ruin his hopes regarding Vivian?

I really enjoyed Vivian's character and her inventions. She is such a memorable character, with depth and passion for her craft. I loved her interactions with Lord Benedict as they begin to see each other in a different light. There really were some laugh-out-loud moments between those two! There is also a little murder mystery near the end of the book which also showcases Vivian's talents and her deepening feelings for Lord Benedict. 

I thought the author did a wonderful job with the details and setting, especially bringing in a little bit of Chinese culture through Lord Benedict's best friend Zhang Wei. Lord Benedict was a hero who needed a bit of guidance, but wasn't afraid to ask for it. He wanted to do right by those around him, and was so endearing in his attempts to woo Vivian. Inventing Vivian is a wonderful addition to the series, and one for my rainy day shelf!  

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Ladies of London’s High Society are known for their social graces and poise. Vivian Kirby boasts neither of these enviable qualities, though she does offer impressive conversation on chemical compositions. Unfortunately, it appears that not many men want a brilliant wife. So it is that Vivian finds kinship with a group of young women who embrace each other’s differences: The Blue Orchid Society.

After an extended stay in China, Lord Benedict has returned transformed to his family’s estate, where an encounter with Vivian, whose scientific knowledge he once undermined, leaves him determined to make amends. He arranges to help forward her research—anonymously, of course. Through letters, Vivian establishes a warm friendship with her secret benefactor, even as she’s unexpectedly drawn into a murder investigation that forces her to work alongside Benedict to unearth the truth. Soon, Vivian fears she may be falling in love with two men, never suspecting that they are one and the same.

Freebie Friday for Romance Fans!

If you need a romance to read this weekend, Not Over You, by Heather B. Moore is free today! I haven't read this one, but it looks like a cute second chance romance. 

Get your free copy here 

Here's the back copy:

He left her behind. She’s spent years ignoring him. But some things can never be forgotten.

Knox Prosper knows he can never go back in time and correct his mistakes, so he has to find a way to move forward, and start a new life. Become a better man, and a father, if only for his young daughter. His regrets have taught him to simplify and to focus on what’s real and important. Returning to his hometown to ride in the rodeo gives him a chance to spend time with his daughter and to continue mending bridges with the rest of his family. But what he doesn’t expect is to run into Jana Harris—the first woman he loved—the woman who faded from his life years before because Knox continued to mess up one thing after another. Someone as good and as sweet as Jana is the last person he deserves. Hope is dangerous. And hope can break his heart once again. Yet Jana might be the one person with the power to redeem his past once and for all.

I Was a Guest Reviewer in Meridian Magazine!

I was really honored to be a guest reviewer in Meridian Magazine. I reviewed a new collection of western frontier romances called Heart of the Frontier, with novellas from Brittany Larsen, Jen Geigle Johnson, Jennie Hansen, and Carolyn Twede Frank. Each one presented a different perspective on the untamed West and all four bite-sized romances were perfect summer reads. 

You can read my entire interview here

You can get your copy here

Here is the back copy:

The Gamble by Brittany Larsen

British aristocrat Thomas Clayborne anticipated a grand adventure in America—but what he imagined is a far cry from the rough-and-tumble reality. When his journey West brings a bold young woman into his life, will he risk everything for true love?

Her Frontier Bandit by Jen Geigle Johnson

When Rebecca and her physician father relocate to a frontier town in desperate need of a doctor, Rebecca believes it will be an opportunity to mend her recently broken heart. But she quickly realizes that no matter how far she runs, true love always finds a way.

Sagebrush Sally by Jennie Hansen

English rose Sally is finding it difficult to bloom in the rugged wasteland of the West. But with two handsome cowboys vying for her affections, it seems that even amid cattle thieves and gunfights, the truest danger lies in losing her heart.

Celebration for Celia by Carolyn Twede Frank

Though Celia generally adores Fourth of July festivities, she finds herself weighed down by uncertainties that dim her anticipation of the holiday. Then fate brings into her life a dashing stranger who is determined to give Celia a celebration she’ll never forget.

If You Can Only Choose One . . .

This is such a tough one! For my favorite spy show, Alias, I would want to meet Jennifer Garner who played Sydney Bristow. 

For my favorite crime show, Hawaii Five-0, I think I'd want to get stuck in the universe of the show for one day. Or maybe just meet the cast. Or maybe have Chin and Kono come back. Aaaah! It's such a hard choice! 

What would YOU choose for your favorite TV show?

What Are You Reading? Check In!

What are you reading this summer? I've been reading Inventing Vivian by Jennifer Moore. She's one of my favorite writers and I'm really enjoying this Victorian story. The Blue Orchid Society is so fun! I thought I'd actually have more time to read this summer, but I've been a lot busier than I thought. Isn't that how it always happens? But I've still been able to pick up some good ones for when I do have time.

So tell me, what books are you reading?

I Need Your Opinion!

 

I have a question for you today. I have so many story ideas running through my head, I could use some outside opinions! After I release Second Guess, the next book in my Griffin Force series, what book would you like to see next from me?

A. I would like to read the next book in the Veteran's Club regency stories.

B. I would like to read the next book in the small town romance series, Lincoln Love Stories.

C. I would like to read another Griffin Force Book

D. I would like to read a brand new story not connected to any of the current series.

E. Just take a break from writing, Julie, you're good for the year!

Any Fun Plans?

I hope you have a very safe Fourth of July.  Do you have any fun plans for this holiday weekend? We are going to have a family barbeque and then go over and watch our city's fireworks display. I'm excited!

What are you doing?

Happy Canada Day!

I love being Canadian and today is Canada Day! Woohoo! As you all know, I love my Canadian food like Caramilk, All-Dressed chips, and poutine. I'm so grateful that my mom still sends me care packages so I can share all the yumminess. And I am so glad to be able to teach my kids about their Canadian heritage and have some traditions around it.

So, in order to celebrate today, here are some fun facts about Canada for you!

Canada is the largest country in the Western hemisphere and the second largest country in the world after Russia and borders only one country, the United States of America!
Canada has the longest coastline in the world with 202,080 km/ 125,567 miles.

More than half of all the lakes in the world are located in Canada! The country counts more than 3 million lakes and 31,700 big lakes with an area over 300 hectares. Canada also includes two of the biggest lakes in the world: Great Bear Lake and Great Slave Lake.

And did you know that there are several famous Canadians in the Marvel Universe? Evangeline Lily (Ant Man and the Wasp), Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool), Ellen Page (X-men), Cobie Smulders (The Avengers), Rachel McAdams (Dr. Strange).

There are also some famous Canadian musicians like Drake, Justin Beiber, Michael Buble, Shawn Mendes, Alanis Morisette, Avril Lavine, Sarah Mclachlan, Rush, Neil Young, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Rush, Barenaked Ladies, Bryan Adams, Leonard Cohen, The Weekend, and The Guess Who.

Also, three of my favorite actors, Keanu Reeves, Kiefer Sutherland, and Nathan Filliion are Canadian!

So Happy Canada Day to all of you!