Handbells: Have You Ever Tried Them?

I bought a handbell set and it has been so fun! I've always loved the sound of handbells, so when I saw a set on sale, I thought let's do it! 

I got the basic set with eight bells and a songbook. But did you know there are so many websites with handbell music on them on the internet? My kids and their friends are obsessed with learning new songs and even my older kids have joined in the fun. 

If you ever have the chance to buy a set, you totally should! Hours of fun and even if you're not exactly musical, you can ring a bell when it's your turn. Perfect for any group! 

And though we aren't as good as this handbell choir yet, we are on our way! LOL

Book Review: Merchant and the Rogue

I wanted to do this book review right when The Merchant and the Rogue came out, but I was right in the middle of my illness. As a big Sarah Eden fan, though, I didn't want you to miss this one!

In this new installment of the Dread Penny Society series, we get to know more about Brogan Donnelly, who we were introduced to in a previous book. Brogan is from Ireland and has a few secrets about why he left his homeland. But he has carved a life for himself in London, writing penny dreadfuls and being part of the Dread Penny Society. When the mysterious head of the society asks him to go undercover, Brogan isn't entirely sure of the assignment, but does as he's asked. He gets a job at a print shop that has had a lot of suspicious comings and goings. While there, he meets Vera, who is the daughter of the print shop's owner. Vera has a hard time trusting others, and it takes time for Brogan to earn her trust, and the scenes they have together are full of wit and charm as they begin to know each other and perhaps have feelings that are more than friendship. But when Brogan's undercover work begins to bear fruit, and the reason for the suspicious activities come to light, can Brogan and Vera overcome the obstacles that might snatch away their chance for happiness?

I really enjoyed this story that is so detailed with characters who are so vivid and relatable. Brogan has lived through some really difficult trials and the stakes that are first presented at the beginning of the book get even higher as his past comes back to haunt him and threaten his future. His romance with Vera is sweet and sigh-worthy. I loved that Vera was such an intelligent character, strong, yet still vulnerable. She also has left her home country and has a past that rears its ugly head. The author shines in her ability to intertwine lives and events with deep emotion that draws you in and holds you captive in between the pages. My only complaint is that there are two penny dreadful stories interspersed within the actual book and it stalls the pacing and pulls me out of the spell the book weaves around the reader. While I do enjoy the shorter penny dreadful stories, I wish they would put them at the end of the book. Other than that one tiny thing, this is a wonderful addition to the series and one you won't want to miss!

Get your copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

London, 1865

Vera Sorokina loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. The shop offers her the freedom and income to employ and protect the poverty-stricken Londoners she's come to care about, and it gives her father something to do other than long for their hometown of St. Petersburg. She is grateful for the stability in their lives, but she often feels lonely.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he's built a career as a Penny Dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister. His membership in the secretive Dread Penny Society allows him to feel he isn't entirely wasting his life, yet he feels dissatisfied. With no one to share his life with but his sister, he fears London will never truly feel like home.

Brogan and Vera's paths cross, and the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at her print shop is aboveboard. When the growing criminal enterprise run by the elusive and violent Mastiff begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they've both grown to love. But that means they'll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.

Black Friday Book Deals!

There are SO many great book deals today! You can fill up your ereader with everything from cowboy romance to contemporary. I've rounded up some of my favorite authors and their book deals just for you!

The Healing Summer by Heather B. Moore for FREE!

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Summer 1981

At the age of ninety-four, Maggie Howard’s final wish is to return to San Francisco and find out what happened to the young man who saved her life in 1906 after the disastrous earthquake and fires that devastated the city. They’d been trapped beneath a collapsed roof for hours, injured and unable to call for help.

The morning of their rescue, Orlando Gallo promised he would find her again. But Maggie hasn’t seen or heard from him in over seventy years, and now, widowed and childless, Maggie hopes to leave her estate to Orlando’s descendants. She invites her neighbor, forty-year-old Jo Sampson, to travel with her, and as the two women return to San Francisco to track down Orlando, they form a strong bond of friendship and healing that transcends time and place.

Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah Eden for only $1.99!

Get your sale copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

When Crispin, Lord Cavratt, thoroughly and scandalously kisses a serving woman in the garden of a country inn, he assumes the encounter will be of no consequence. But he couldn’t be more mistaken— the maid is not only a lady of birth, she’s the niece of a very large, exceptionally angry gentleman, who claims Crispin has compromised his niece beyond redemption. The dismayed young lord has no choice but to marry Miss Catherine Thorndale, who lacks both money and refinement and assumes all men are as vicious as her guardian uncle. 

Trapped between an unwanted marriage and a hasty annulment, which would leave his reputation tainted and Catherine’s utterly ruined, Crispin begins guiding his wife’s transformation from a socially petrified country girl to a lady of society. Their unfolding relationship reveals encouraging surprises for both of them, and privately, each of them wonders if theirs may become a true marriage of the heart. But their hopes are dashed when forces conspire to split asunder what fate has granted, and as a battle of wits escalates into a life-threatening confrontation, will it be possible for Crispin and Catherine to live happily ever after?

Chances Are by Traci Hunter Abramson for .99 cents!

Get your copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Maya Gupta is a survivor. After escaping an impending arranged marriage in India as a teenager, she has thrived in America. But now she faces her greatest challenge yet—cancer has invaded her life, and unless she finds a way to participate in a clinical trial in Washington, DC, this may be one battle she loses. When Maya’s best friend Kari offers Maya the lifeline of a place to stay—her brother’s currently vacant DC apartment—the young woman eagerly accepts and goes to meet her fate . . . Ben Evans’s plans have changed, and he’s heading home for some much-needed rest and relaxation during his off-season in the major leagues. Upon arriving at his DC apartment, however, Ben is shocked to find Maya—his sister’s friend, who he hardly knows—in residence. He soon finds himself trapped between protecting his above-reproach reputation and searching for a way to help a woman he is coming to admire. When Maya’s fight to survive her disease becomes more complicated than ever, she and Ben scheme an extreme solution to her predicament that tests to what lengths they’re willing to go together to save Maya’s life. 

Love Bytes by Melanie Jacobson for FREE!

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Jessica Riley would do anything for her best friend Addison, including be her maid of honor and meet all her increasingly crazy wedding demands. But that's because Jessica has Dallen, the best man, helping her navigate the trouble their respective best friends keep stirring up. Even though she and Dallen have only spoken online or in texts, their friendship forms fast and easy, and Jessica is beginning to hope that the wedding in Hawaii will become the start of something special for her and Dallen too. Except...Dallen dates braniac supermodels. And while Jessica is a brainiac, she has a bad feeling she won't be his type. Will their connection survive in real life?  

Snow and Mistletoe by Jen Geigle Johnson for FREE!

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Mr. Easton must find a wife by Christmas or his brother will choose one for him.

Dosie is in no hurry to marry. She is starting her first season ready to spend as much time as possible diverting herself. But she is more awkward than clever when it comes to flirting, and she knows almost no one in the London ton. All these obstacles can be solved however with a little practice. She is sure of it. Early on, her plans are upset by the arrival of an undesirable suitor her father seems bent on accepting. He’s dark and looming where she is light and fun, and she is most desperate to rid herself of him as soon as possible.

Julian Easton wants nothing more than to free himself of any strapping to his brother. As a second son, he has little finances and up to this point has not discovered any way to increase his income besides the ever enticing betting on horses and the card tables. But as his debtors add up, he recognizes that he will need something else, anything else, and soon. His brother pushes him to marry a woman of wealth but a part of him recoils at the idea of using a woman in such a way and the romantic part of his heart wishes to one day marry for love or at least respect.

Everything changes for both of them as Dosie most desperately needs a hero and Julian steps in. But now they must accept the consequences and the arranged marriage that will come as a result.

Enjoy the journey of their love and the path to marriage that they may not have chosen but just might learn to treasure.

Rugged Cowboy by Elana Johnson for FREE!

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

He's a cowboy mechanic with two kids and an ex-wife on the run. She connects better to horses than humans. Can Dallas and Jess find their way to each other at Hope Eternal Ranch?

Dallas Dreyer was once a decorated surgeon. After getting involved in insurance fraud and then spending thirty months in a low-security facility, he gets released only to learn his wife of fifteen years has left their two children at her sister's and fled the state. He's determined to figure out how to be a single dad and do right by his kids, and he goes to Hope Eternal Ranch to attend the wedding of one of his best friends.

He meets Jessica Morales, the stable master at the ranch, and he's instantly attracted to her. She has a big heart, a wide smile, and she's great with his kids. Jess likes him too, but she's wary of the rugged cowboy mechanic who doesn't seem to know when it's okay to take calls from his ex-wife and how to juggle all of his new responsibilities. Her horses, though, she gets, and since she's never had a relationship that's lasted longer than two months, she's not sure she wants to take a chance with her heart.

When Dallas finds himself dealing with thugs who want him to pay off his ex-wife's debt, he has to make difficult decisions to keep himself, his children, and Jess safe. That means dealing with his ex-wife and paying whatever price necessary to get dangerous men away from Hope Eternal Ranch.

Can Jess be patient with Dallas while he deals with so much? Or will the family she's started to build with him and his children disintegrate right before her eyes?

My Not-So-Wicked Stepbrother by Jennifer Peel for only $1.99!

Get your sale copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Loveless is more than a name, it's a curse.

I, Emma Loveless, have a destiny. It's not the greatest of destinies, but when you have a name like Loveless, what can you do? I'm cursed to always be the friend, never the girlfriend. Unless you count my love affair with Duncan Hines, Dr. Pepper, and the ever-lovable Pillsbury Doughboy. They've seen me through it all, but a girl needs more than refined sugar to curl up to every night. It doesn't help that I have a meddling, albeit wonderful, mother who can't help playing matchmaker. Thanks to her, I can say I've been on a date with a felon. Now she swears she's found the one for me, her new optometrist, Dr. Sawyer King. Meanwhile, I'm preparing for the inevitable restraining order. That is, until I meet the sexy doctor and have to admit my mother is right--love at first sight does exist.

Unfortunately, my last name means business. Not only do I find myself in the friend zone, but also the twilight zone. Only in my world would Mr. Right turn into my stepbrother. To top it off, he brings with him a wicked stepmother who will do anything to keep us apart. Despite all this my heart--or is that my mom?--keeps telling me Sawyer is the one. But what if true love isn't strong enough to interfere with my destiny? It'll be me and the Doughboy...for eternity.  

And SIX of my books are on sale right now for only .99 cents! Second chance romance, Christmas romance, small-town romance and romantic suspense books to cozy up with and enjoy. 

Get Love's Broken Road HERE

Get The Captain's Christmas Promise HERE

Get The Captive HERE

Get Through Love's Trials HERE

Get Truth or Dare HERE

Get All Fall Down HERE

You can also see MORE great Black Friday book deals HERE 

Happy holiday reading!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I have so much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving! My family, my friends, and for the life I've been given. This year has been full of highs and lows for me, but I am truly feeling blessed today. I hope you had a day filled with love and Thanksgiving. Thanks for being part of my life!

A New Podcast Episode is Live!

I am so excited to celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow! I have so much to be grateful for this year.

If you have some free time between turkey and pie, you could listen to our newest Authors Off the Page podcast. It's our Unthankful Thanksgiving Episode! We talk about our least favorite things, that we're not exactly grateful for, and well, one of us almost got unfriended over a certain food choice, haha! We all read excerpts from our newest work, including Becky's new Christmas book and we also get a sneak peek into Jennifer Peel's newest book, The Valentine Inn! You can listen on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, or anywhere else you get your podcasts!

Or you can press HERE to listen!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I made it to another birthday! It was different this year. Sweeter. Slower. Filled with so much gratitude for my family and my friends who have made such a difference in my life. 

I'm thankful for my husband and children who make every day of my life wonderful. I'm thankful for my friends for every birthday message, text, visit and call. I felt so loved! I'm also thankful for doctors and nurses who are taking such good care of me and giving me a second chance at life. I'm thankful for all of you who have stuck by me, waited for new releases, supported and cheered me on. I'm so lucky to have you in my life! This was definitely a birthday I won't forget.

Freebie for Romance Fans!

Have you ever wanted to take a romantic tour of Europe, but haven't been able to yet? Well, now you can take a romantic fiction tour with Timeless Romance Anthologies European Collection that is free today! Six novellas in one collection is perfect for your busy holiday season.

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

WAR OF HEARTS by Annette LyonAnna, a journalist, is desperate to escape the magazine where Pete, her now-former boyfriend, also works. Heartbroken and still in love with him, Anna snags an assignment to cover the Winter War in Finland. She arrives at a snowy Finnish battlefront only to discover that Pete is already there—as her photographer. She’s determined to be professional about the situation until a battle breaks out in camp, putting her and Pete in harm’s way and putting their love to the test.

THE EARL OF OAKSEY TAKES A WIFE by G.G. Vandagriff
Melissa Burroughs is the new Countess of Oaksey. Her whirlwind romance and subsequent elopement was worth every divine moment, even if her parents did disapprove. When Melissa learns about her new husband’s apparently empty pockets, she wonders if the intimacy they’ve shared is only the ruse of a fortune-hunter. Melissa is devastated and determines to live a separate life from her new husband. But the Earl has other plans, which do not include staying away from his wife.

GIFT OF LOVE by Michele Paige Holmes
Ethan Mooreleigh knows he’ll never love another woman after the loss of his beloved wife. Yet he needs a male heir to inherit his vast fortune. Ethan’s best friend, Stuart, has an idea and retrieves his sister, Amelia, who has been living in a convent since the tragic death of her parents. Amelia only agrees to enter into the contract marriage because there’s a child involved, Ethan’s neglected three-year-old daughter. When Amelia meets Ethan for the first time at the altar, she realizes that the last thing she wants her marriage to be is loveless. But winning a man whose heart is still broken may be impossible.

A LESSON IN LOVE by Sarah M. Eden
Newlywed Lucy Stanthorpe arrives for the London Season, planning to attend every ball and musicale with her new husband, Reed, only to discover he has no intention of taking part in the social whirl. Spurred on by their family and friends, Lucy and Reed each formulate increasingly outlandish plans to teach the other a lesson in appreciation. Their battle of wills threatens to pull the young couple apart unless they can both soften their stubborn hearts.

AN OCEAN AWAY by Heather B. Moore
Gina Graydon knows the last thing she’ll attract on her holiday in France is an eligible bachelor. Tall, outspoken, and with a weakness for laughing at the wrong moment, not to mention being much too occupied with reading gothic romances, Gina decides she’d rather live in her fictional world. Besides, the only man who pays attention to her at the resort hotel happens to be her father’s worst enemy. And that is far from romantic. Reading in a secluded garden, and dreaming about the perfect kiss, all keep Gina much too busy to consider Mr. Edmund Donaldson any sort of hero.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VENICE by Nancy Campbell Allen
Evangeline Stuart is determined to enjoy her vacation in Venice—her first and likely her last since she lives under the strict confines of her step-father’s control. When she meets the mysterious and romantic Conte Bellini, who happens to be Italy’s most eligible bachelor, she decides he is all part of the dream of visiting Venice. It’s impossible for her to believe that his interest in her is anything more than kindness to a foreign visitor. But when he discovers the true betrayal of her step-father, Evangeline learns the Conte may be the one person with the power to restore her happiness.

Book Review: A Seaside Summer

In the Book Review Corner with Lauren

A Seaside Summer consists of three unique romances that were adorable and the perfect length. Each story was set near the sea and was beautifully written! I enjoyed all three stories and can’t wait to check out more of the Timeless Romance anthology series. The characters are all believable and the time period was well-researched by the authors. I only wish there had been more of the book to read!

All three stories had great storylines, but my favorite was the second story in the collection. Judith Jardine attends a party and is embarrassed and insulted by a local bachelor. A few days later, when her hurt feelings are still fresh, she finds the very man who insulted her unconscious on the beach. When he awakens, Judith finds that he has lost his memory. Judith takes this opportunity to get some revenge and show him what life is like for a lowly servant. Will feelings develop as they spend more time together? Does he ever regain his memory? The ending is wrapped up perfectly with a resolution you are sure to enjoy! I cannot say enough good about this book and the stories included in the collection!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

Summer on the seaside . . . a perfect place for romance.

Join us for three novellas in one collection:

The New Countess by Josi S. Kilpack
Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal. Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess, and a time for her to rest before their baby is born. She is expecting lazy days on the beach with the children, simple meals, and keeping her own schedule. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. When she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better, she realizes that perhaps this marriage can be more than she expected. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.

Mishaps and Memories by Martha Keyes
Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman. Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to. But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.

Moonlight Summer by Heather B. Moore
Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way. Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.

Freebie for Victorian Christmas Romance Fans!

I haven't read anything by Mimi Mathews, but she has been recommended to me many times. Her Christmas book, A Holiday by Gaslight, is free today! I'm excited to try a new-to-me author!

Get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

A Courtship of Convenience

Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run-of-the-mill London merchant. He's grim and silent. A man of little emotion--or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she's ready to put an end to things.

A Last Chance for Love

But severing ties with her taciturn suitor isn't as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there's Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What's a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to Appersett House for Christmas and give him one last chance to win her? Only this time there'll be no false formality. This time they'll get to know each other for who they really are.

Book Review: Love and Lavender

I was so excited to read the new book in the Mayfield family romance series by Josi Kilpack. I've enjoyed getting to know this family and this book introduces us to Hazel Stillman. She's offered the marriage deal by her uncle that generally kicks off the story and has been the pattern in the other books in the series. Hazel is offended by the offer, however, thinking it was made because no man would marry her unless she brought a financial windfall to the union. When Hazel meets Duncan, her aunt's ward, she is wary of him and his obvious quirks, but they strike up an unusual friendship that is based on their mutual love of math. When extreme circumstances come up for both of them regarding their employment, it seems like marriage would be the best solution to find some stability, then go their separate ways once that is achieved. But could a marriage be more than that for them? 

I enjoyed getting to know both Hazel and Duncan. They are such well-rounded characters with relatable problems. They both are navigating a relationship for the first time and make mistakes, their backgrounds and previous experiences coloring their perspectives about what marriage should or could look like. I loved that both our hero and heroine were dealing with perceived physical and mental limitations, but still found themselves falling in love. I really wanted them to find their happily-ever-after with all they'd been through! I didn't expect some of the twists and turns in the story and the inner and outer conflict the characters faced. Hazel does make a decision regarding Duncan's family that I wished would have been more resolved, but overall, I can understand why she comes to the conclusion she does. I thought the secondary cast and setting were very well done, but the author truly excelled at weaving together a beautiful story of what love truly means. 

Get your copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, Hazel knows marriage is unlikely, so she devotes herself to teaching at a private girls’ school.

When her uncle offers Hazel a substantial inheritance is he marries, she is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? But when she learns the school might be sold, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale thrives on order and process. He has no interest in marriage, so when Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, offers him an inheritance if he weds, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, an inheritance means he could purchase a building and run his own firm.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, claim their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But then Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must first live together as a couple for one year.

Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

Freebie Friday for Romance Fans!

Do you need an inspirational cowboy romance to read this weekend? The Cowboy's Catch, a cute novella by Kimberly Krey is free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

Could one little date change her mind about him?

When Jason Keller bids on a date with Marlee at the town's annual fundraising event, she's quick to turn him down. First of all, an evening with Marlee was never on the table; just dates with each of her younger sisters.

Beyond that, Jason Keller--a man with Hollywood ties--is the last cowboy in town she'd go on a date with. Being abandoned because of her own mother's Hollywood pursuits taught her well.

But when the Keller Cowboy offers a hefty sum for the charities in question, in front of half the town no less, Marlee's compelled to accept.

It's just one date after all, and it's not like she'd ever fall for a man like him. Or so she thinks.

My New Audio Book is Here!

I'm so excited that my novella, The Captain's Christmas Promise, is now available in audio book! It's a Christmas adventure romance with Colt and Brenna from The Captain. (This book does stand alone, but having the background of the characters makes for a richer experience.) 

The Captain's Christmas Promise is a novella and the audio book is just over two hours long. The story came to me while I was on a road trip and the moment I came home I wrote it all down! Not your typical Christmas story, but still one of my favorites. Can you believe Christmas is next month?!

You can get your copy here

Here is the back copy:

A Christmas they won't forget....

After spending every waking moment hunting the world’s most wanted terrorist, Colt Mitchell and Brenna Wilson decide to take a break and go home for the Christmas holidays. The minute they touch down on Canadian soil, however, they are pulled into an international conspiracy that would leave the son of a Kuwaiti diplomat dead. Colt and Brenna finally locate the target, but a contract killer is hot on their trail. Retreating to the Canadian wilderness to keep everyone safe, they'll need all their skills - and maybe a Christmas miracle - to make it out alive.

Freebie Friday for Romance Fans!

Do you need a little romance in your life this weekend? The Autumn Timeless Romance Anthology Collection is free today! Six romantic stories set in autumn.

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.

Let Art Be Your Voice & A $200 Giveaway!

Dan Wilson is one of my favorite artists. I follow him on Instagram and he's shown his drawing process several times and it amazes me! He can create something so beautiful in such a short time. He truly has an incredible talent. 

I think the art that we put on our walls says a lot about us as an individual. One of my favorite paintings is this one:

I love the details, the churning sea, the light around Jesus' head as he beckons us to come to Him. In a world that is churning with emotion and oftentimes, contention, I like this reminder of where I can look for light and peace.

Havenlight is a company that sells the art of many wonderful artists, including Dan Wilson. There is a $200 giveaway going on right now that you will definitely want to enter! 

You can enter the giveaway HERE

And that's not all!

Right now, if you would like to buy some art from Havenlight, you can get a 20% off discount code by entering LDSWRITERMOM 

See all the Havenlight art HERE

Dan Wilson Bio:

“I want to paint images that speak to and uplift the viewer, pieces that remind them of the beauties of life, the reasons for living and loving existence. Vibrant colors and brush strokes working together with the disciplines of art to create beauty and emotion you can’t achieve in any other way.” -- Dan Wilson

Dan Wilson is an award-winning fine artist from Lehi Utah. As a young boy Dan dove deep into art, always known as “that kid that doodles on everything”. After serving an LDS mission those artistic passions grew as he painted full time for his Major at UVU. After graduation he was taken under the wing of his mentor William Whitaker, who pushed him hard to improve his skills.

Dan Wilson paints and teaches out of his home art studio where he is supported by his beautiful wife and six children.

An Evening With a Narrator!

Jessie Gussman writes sweet romance, and her narrator, Jay Dyess, is hosting an evening on Facebook where there will be lots of fun and prizes for everyone who attends! I will have a small appearance talking about my own audiobooks, too, so you can watch for me!

You'll want to pre-register because everyone who does will be given a FREE Dyess/Gussman audio and will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Amazon eGift card. Plus tons more prizes at the event! You can pre-register below. (You will be asked if you want to appear on camera and be "Jay's Mom." If you don't want to, you can check the "I'd like to register without entering to appear on camera" box.)

If you love audio and want to come to the party, you can pre-register HERE

Book Review and Giveaway!

I have been looking forward to the last book in the Jonquil and Lancaster series for a long time and Charming Artemis puts a nice little bow on all our favorite families and their stories.

Artemis has always struggled with finding her place in the world. She lost her mother, was ignored by her father, and put up walls and defenses around her heart to avoid getting hurt. She allows few people to truly know her, and has somewhat isolated herself. Her true self. Enter Charlie Jonquil. He is the youngest brother in his family and also struggling to find where he belongs. But despite having this in common, Artemis and Charlie do not get along. He knows she is putting on a facade and it gets under his skin. They snipe at each other and are known to be enemies---as much as a lady and gentleman of the ton can be enemies---until the unthinkable happens and they are thrown into a mess that will affect both of their lives forever. Can they learn to trust each other? Maybe even let each other in long enough to find the love they long for?

I loved Charlie Jonquil. This book really shows some great character growth, and highlights Charlie's tender side. The scenes with him and the children were adorable and his attempts to win over Artemis were endearing and sweet. He did make some mistakes, but he was swoon-worthy enough that readers will cut him a great deal of slack and hope for his happily-ever-after. Artemis also learns a great deal about herself as she tries to get along with Charlie, but her journey to trust herself and others is difficult. She is attempting to reconcile her past with her future and that's always a hard road when expectations are not realized. The story thread about Artemis's "Papa" wasn't my favorite because it didn't seem believable, but I do understand why Artemis would want to hang on to a father figure. I liked seeing some of my favorite characters from other books and catching up with what had gone on in their lives since "The End." Charming Artemis is a solid ending to a wonderful series and Sarah Eden fans will stay up late reading and close the book with a smile.

Don't forget to scroll down and enter to win!

Get your copy of the book here

Here's the back copy:

Charlie Jonquil is mild-mannered and kind—except when it comes to his one true adversary, Artemis Lancaster. Though Charlie has a brilliant mind for mathematics, Artemis poses a problem he can’t seem to comprehend: how can one be so lovely and so infuriating? A party in London brings him into the company of the maddening young lady, and it is clear that Charlie’s disdain is mutual. But when an unfortunate incident between the pair involving Charlie’s jacket and a glass of raspberry shrub leads to scandal, the sworn enemies are left with only two options: be ruined or be married.

So it is that Artemis finds herself in a most outrageous predicament: she must wed a gentleman she’s hated for years—and she pledges to avoid him at all costs. But it is only when they enter into this mockery of a marriage that Charlie and Artemis learn things are not as simple as they once appeared. As their tentative ceasefire leads to friendship, it seems their marriage born of desperation might lead them to a love that was destined to be.

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SEAL Team One-Shot--All In

This little one-shot is for all the Jandy fans.  Love you guys!  

These characters are not mine and this is for purely entertainment purposes. I own nothing and no copyright infringement is intended.

At the beginning of Season 5 Episode 5, Jason has just found Mandy's picture and has it with him as they race toward the train on the little birds. This is what I imagined going through his head. 

All In

The west African scenery outside the little bird was hardly more than a blur, the helo rotors rumbling overhead as they headed for the train, but all Jason could focus on was the picture.

Mandy. Captive. Beaten.

Usually on ops it was easy to keep his mind empty of anything that wasn’t mission-related. Three-foot world. Front focus. That’s what kept him and his team alive.

Or it had been easy until he saw that picture. Her face. The wounds and injuries so dark on her skin. He took stock of what he could see. The blood on her mouth. The same mouth that had told him the truth even when it’d been hard, and kissed him as if she’d been drowning and he was the air she needed. Her bruised cheek. The same one that felt like silk under his fingers as he’d lightly traced it while she’d slept next to him. A blackened eye. The same eyes that saw his soul and the darkness there, but never wavered in her trust and acceptance. The longer he looked at the image, the more rage raced through his veins, seething just below the surface that someone had hurt her like that. After he found Mandy and made sure she was safe, he was going to find her captors and make them hurt. His fist clenched at the thought, wishing he was there now to fight for her. With her.  

The last time he’d seen Mandy, she’d turned at the door and given him that smile, the one that lit her up from the inside and transferred that warmth to him. He’d missed that---missed her. It was hard not to call her back to his side, to try and keep her with him for just a little longer, but he'd watched her go and the door had closed. He’d pulled up her number on his phone a million times since then, wanting to reach out, but she’d seemed happy and busy with her new life, so he’d put it off. Now her battered face stared back at him. What was she doing in Africa? Had she gone back to the CIA? How had she been captured? Questions went round and round in his mind, the biggest ones being, where was she now and how quickly could he get to her? He had no answers.

Vaguely he heard someone say they were three mikes out from the train. The target they were after, Boukare, he would know. He was the key to finding her. Jason shifted in his seat and pulled the picture a little closer to him. Mandy was staring straight ahead, her chin up. She wasn’t cowering. She wasn’t broken. All she had to do was stay strong until he could get to her.

Jason could feel Ray’s eyes on him and heard him yell, “Hey! Nothing we can do for Mandy until we secure the train. Front-sight focus, Jase.”

Jason folded the picture over and put it in his pocket. He was mission-focused now. Capturing Boukare was his number one priority. Boukare was how they were going to find Mandy.

But her words echoed back to him from the mission in Paraguay to rescue her CIA friend, Jane. “She’s not ready for this, Jason. She’s running out of time.” Now Mandy was the one running out of time.

He touched the pocket where he’d put her picture. “Just hang on a little longer,” he murmured. “I’m coming to get you.”

And that was a promise he was going to keep.