Things Book Lovers Do

This is SO me, except for the read several books at one time. I'm a read-one-book-at-a-time girl. What about you? Are these things that you do?

Are You in a Book Club?

I was invited to (virtually) come and speak about my author journey to this ladies book club in North Carolina. I had so much fun! One of the best perks of being an author is meeting new people. I love book clubs. 

Are you in a book club?

Weekend Book Report

Over the weekend I was reading Cry Wolf by Kathi Oram Peterson. I am really loving the suspense element. It's a lot like the Harrison Ford movie, "The Fugitive," complete with someone missing body parts who is the real killer while the spouse is wrongfully imprisoned. 

What did you read this weekend?

Interested in Cry Wolf? You can get your copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

Dania Blackwolf is bursting with excitement: after years of disappointment, she’s just learned she and her husband are one step closer to having their dreams come true. Eager to tell her husband, Matthew, about her findings, she returns home from her nightshift at the hospital—but what awaits her there is no dream. It’s a nightmare. Matthew has been murdered, and Dania is the only witness to the masked intruder. With no one to corroborate her story, she is the prime suspect.

When U.S. Marshal Brett Rollins’s best friend, Matthew, was murdered, Dania, was convicted of the crime. But it’s never added up for Brett. Now, three years later when Dania escapes prison and Brett finds her, he is faced with a life-altering choice: send a woman he believes to be innocent back to prison or help her find his friend’s killer. Determined to see justice done, Brett goes rogue. The unlikely allies embark on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth. But what they discover is a plot more far-reaching than they ever imagined and a truth that will test everything they thought they knew. 

You Won't Want to Miss This Freebie!

A Matrimonial Advertisement was the first Mimi Matthews book I read and it hooked me on her books! She just has a way of totally immersing you in the characters' lives. You won't want to miss this one if you love historical romance! And it's free today!

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

She Wanted Sanctuary...

Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar's Abbey isn't the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill--though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome--is anything but a romantic hero.

He Needed Redemption...

Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household--and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one.

Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena's past threatens, will Justin's burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

From One Reader to Another

We have been decluttering at our house and here's my question for you: How hard is it for you to give away or *gasp* throw away a book? Or do you keep them all? 

I have such a hard time giving books away!

Does This Age Me?

Boy, does this ever take me back! (Am I aging myself? haha) For me it's Bo, Ponch, Apollo, and Frank. (But it should be Frank and Joe from the Hardy Boys. Oops!)

What about you? Who were your faves?

I'm Presenting at a Conference Today!

AUTHOR FRIENDS!

I am so excited! I'll be presenting at the Thriving Scribes Summit today. It's free to attend and I hope I'll see you there! All the fun starts at 9:00 a.m. MT today!

I'm teaching about 15 Minute Marketing and how to create a marketing plan that is perfect for your busy life.

You'll learn all about…

How to make a marketing plan and strategy that fits you.
Proven strategies that will increase your visibility and sales.
Tips and tricks to make the most of your marketing minutes.

And it’s not just me—there are tons of other presentations for you to watch, too!

Each speaker is sharing a potential strategy or system you can implement in 2024 to grow in authorship! Get your free ticket at summitthrivingscribes.com and head on over to the summit. I'll see you there!

My Monday Book Report

Over the weekend I was reading, A Not-So-Distant Love by Heidi Kimball. It's a sequel to her book, Heart in the Highlands, which I loved. This one promises to be another keeper as well. Lots of misunderstandings and attraction and an emotionally wounded hero. 

What did you read this weekend?

If you are interested in A Not-So-Distant Love you can get it HERE

Here's the back copy:

Lady Charlotte Darrington’s path in life is clearly laid out before her: she will select a suitable husband, marry, and one day inherit her father’s Scottish dukedom. But a growing restlessness has her desperate for a bit of freedom before her all-too-certain future closes in. When the opportunity to travel to America arises, Charlotte leaps at the chance and soon finds herself across the Atlantic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her American hosts and their friends couldn’t be more welcoming—all except one. The insufferable Dr. Galloway captures her eye—and her ire.

Life has made Dr. Alec Galloway wary of everyone, including the self-important Lady Charlotte Darrington, who thinks herself above Pittsburgh society. He makes no qualms about voicing his disapproval of Britain’s archaic peerage system, or of a certain peeress herself, though he never intended for his brusque opinions to reach her ears, sparking a conflagration neither could have foreseen. Yet as Charlotte gains insight into Alec’s wounded past, she offers him something that changes everything—her friendship. Despite Alec’s determination to keep everyone at bay, she slowly erodes his defenses, allowing him glimpses of a future he never imagined. Soon he must decide whether to face his past fears and grasp a second chance at love or risk losing Charlotte forever.

Name Your Favorite Authors!

I read a lot of books and I own a lot of books. When I look at my shelves, I see all my favorites. So here is my question to you:  Can you name five authors who you've read at least five of their books? 

There are so many for me, but here are five off the top of my head:

Sarah Eden
Mimi Matthews
Heather B. Moore
Jennifer Peel
Becky Monson

Okay, now it's your turn! Name your five authors that you've read at least five of their books!

New Book Video

I made a little book video for Love's Journey Home today. What do you think? Have you read this one yet?  (If it isn't showing up for you, you can see it HERE. Sometimes Blogger gets glitchy.)

(And did you know I'm working on the third book in that series? Shhh...that's a secret!)

What Are You Reading Wednesday?

I just finished Jennifer Peel's new romantic comedy, Forgettable in Every Way. It is so cute! Funny, heartwarming, single dad with a second chance romance. Jennifer just has a way of writing that draws you into the character's lives and makes you feel like you are right there with them. Two thumbs up from me!

What are you reading this week?

Get Forgettable in Every Way HERE

Here's the back copy:

All it takes is one person to remember you.

A word of never fall in love with an Englishman in New York. If you do, chances are that he’ll captivate your soul and never let you go. Take me, for instance. For the last thirteen years, I’ve heard “So This Is Love” on repeat every time I think of Simon Harrison. If this is love, it kind of sucks. Especially given that Simon only ever saw me as his friend before proceeding to marry my supposed best friend. The worst part is that I thought for once in my life someone saw me. That he saw me. But I was wrong. So wrong.

Or was I?

Thirteen years ago, I made a colossal mistake without even knowing it when I let Jules Carmichael disappear from my life. I had no idea the woman I always thought of as my best mate could have been so much more if I’d only opened my eyes to see what was right in front of me. But now that I find myself divorced and face-to-face with the lovely creature again, she wants nothing to do with me, and it’s driving me mad. If she could only see that I’m not the daft younger man who let her slip away, I have a feeling we could have something unforgettable.

Two Cent Tuesday

Okay, it's Two Cents Tuesday! Would you rather live in your favorite character's world? Or have your favorite character live in your world? (My problem might be figuring out who I will choose as my favorite character, haha! Maybe I'll go with the book I'm currently reading) 

What are your two cents? What would you rather have?

Martin Luther King Day

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?”--Martin Luther King Jr.

 
I hope on this Martin Luther King Jr day, we can all find a small and simple way to serve those around us.

Free and Discounted Romantic Comedy Series!

Jennifer Peel's More Than a Wife series has a free book and two discounted books available today! This series is an emotional roller coaster ride that will make you feel all the feels and is one you'll put on your keeper shelf. 

Get your free book HERE

See the series HERE

Here's the back copy:

She's getting back in the game, one blog post at a time.

Samantha Higgins never thought driving her husband's car would forever change her life. But one conversation later, heard through his Bluetooth, and Samantha is changing her last name. While trying to figure out who Samantha Decker is, she writes what she thinks is one final post on her blog, announcing her divorce. When the post goes viral, she finds herself with a new title, The Sidelined Wife, and an unbelievable following.

Then her younger brother's best friend, Reed Cassidy, who she used to babysit, moves back to town as the new head football coach for her son's high school team. Reed has harbored a crush for his old babysitter all these years. But, Samantha isn't keen on dating anyone, much less a younger man who used to booby trap her bedroom with firecrackers.

While Samantha is doing her best to learn the rules of single life and being a semi-celebrity, Reed comes in and changes the game. Now Samantha must decide if she should get back on the field or if she prefers the sidelines.

It is SO Cold and Snowy Where I Live!

This made me laugh today because it's true! Haha! It feels like winter has finally arrived, but I was really enjoying the very mild weather we've been having. Now it feels like there is non-stop snow. That's why this little meme made me laugh so hard and I had to share.

What Are You Reading Wednesday!

I am reading Jenny Proctor's How to Kiss Your Best Friend and it is so good! I have learned a lot about kayaking, too, that I didn't know. Lots of sigh-worthy, swoony moments, but also some realistic scenes about how hard family issues can be and how they affect you even as an adult. I'm really enjoying this series.

What are you reading this week?

Get your copy of How to Kiss Your Best Friend HERE

Here's the back copy:

He’s a hot high school chemistry teacher living in a small town. She’s a globetrotting journalist running from her past. They used to be best friends. Then one kiss changes everything.

Kate Fletcher is my kryptonite.

She’s also my best friend. Former best friend?

I’m not sure what you call it when we grew up attached at the hip and then she left Silver Creek (and me) to travel the world.

The important thing is: Kate is back. (Temporarily.)

And I’m still in love with her. (Permanently.)

But something is different now. The attraction doesn’t seem one-sided. I don’t think I’m imagining the heat in Kate’s eyes or the chemistry crackling between us.

But will that be enough to keep Kate here, when, for as long as I can remember, all she’s wanted to do is leave?

I’m determined to give her a reason to stay. Family. Connection. Roots. And me. I’ll have to start with sparks and fire, but if I take this step, there’s no turning back to simple friendship. And if she doesn’t feel the same way, I might lose her again—this time for good.

I'm Presenting at a Conference!

Author friends this is for you!

Do you want to grow your author business in 2024? I'm going to be one of several speakers at the Thriving Scribes Summit Jan. 22nd-24th where there will be online presentations on how to build your author brand, expand your readership, and streamline your process. It's FREE to attend and something you won't want to miss!

Get your free pass HERE

Free Romantic Comedy!

I saw that one of my favorite romcoms is free today! There were so many great moments in this one.

If you love:
• Pop star romance
• He falls first
• Forced proximity
• Fake dating
• Slow burn romance

Then you definitely want to grab Love Songs Suck!

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

“Louella,” he says my name and . . . yep. A tingle just went down my spine. It’s just the way he says it, the way it rolls off his tongue, like his lips are meant to say it.

After growing up in Nashville with two musician parents, I promised myself one thing—I would never, ever fall in love with anyone who had anything to do with the music scene. I will take my stable, albeit boring, accountant boyfriend, thank you very much, and live securely ever after. At least that was the plan. Who knew one ridiculous party where boy band sensation Finn Thatcher showed up would turn my life completely upside down.

How dare he write a song about me. A song that went straight to number one. A song that messes everything up with his band. And who gets the blame for that? That’s right, me. I’m the new Yoko Ono. The only way to fix it is to, well . . . give the world what it wants—a love story. We are talking the whole freaking fairy tale. Nothing says true love like a fake relationship. But what if it’s not so fake? What if I want the happily ever after? Or am I just another love song to Finn?

Love Songs Suck is a slow burn rock star romance, with a dash of fake dating, some forced proximity, and late night song writing sessions.

Do You Love Western Romance?

How is your new year of reading going? I am on my second book of the year already and it's a rom-com. I'm loving it so far! 

I did see this deal and wanted to pass it along to you. If you love historical western romance, you'll want to pick up this novella collection, on sale now! 

Get your sale copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

The following collection is based on based on true events during the 1860s:

ONE DANCE by Heather B. Moore:
When Harriet Silverman arrives in Seattle for a fresh start and a new teaching position, the last person she expects is to meet is a fisherman who seems to be every place she turns. As she gets to know Caleb Munns, Harriet discovers they are a perfect match--for friendship. They both have solid reasons for not pursuing marriage. But as their paths continue to cross, Harriet begins to see a completely different future than she imagined.

A JOURNEY TO LOVE by Teri Harman:
Cora, a nurse and surgeon's assistant who learned her skills during the war, joins Mercer's expedition in hopes of finding a job in the West. She's a widow and does not want to marry again. When she meets Albert, a surgeon who is traveling on board the Continental, she finds herself intrigued. Yet, Albert's determined to open his own practice in Seattle, make it a success, and has no plans to look for a wife. But the more time Cora and Albert spend together on the voyage, the more they are drawn to each other.

A FARAWAY LIFE by Linda Carroll-Bradd:
Teacher Sorcha Geraghty yearns for a fresh start after the death of her beau and a factory accident maimed her hand. Asa Mercer’s call for teachers for Washington Territory provides a new opportunity, and she joins his ocean-going expedition. Upon arrival, she learns of the expectation for the women to become wives to the many bachelors. Sorcha needs a new plan and fast. Logging manager Lang Ingemar wants a teacher to provide basic English instruction to his Swedish-speaking crew and keep them out of trouble when they go to Seattle. When he convinces Miss Geraghty to relocate to the logging camp, he has no idea the ways his life will be changed.

Today is National Ribbon Skirt Day!

Today is National Ribbon Skirt Day in Canada! I love that there is a national day to celebrate the beauty of indigenous traditions and cultures through ribbon skirts! 

In my children's book, Thelma a Métis Girl Who Was Born in a Storm, Thelma, her mother, and grandmother all wear a ribbon skirt. The ribbon skirt holds special meanings in Métis culture. They remind those that wear them of their identity as a Métis woman and the sacredness of that role. Ribbon skirts are worn to honor the women who have come before. They symbolize to the wearer that their ancestors are united with them as they journey through this life. I think they are so beautiful and I love how they connect us to our heritage.

 
Do you have a piece of clothing that connects you to your heritage?

What Are You Reading Wednesday

I finished reading my first book of 2024! Woohoo!

It was from one of my favorite authors, Nancy Campbell Allen. Protecting Her Heart is a Victorian mystery romance with intrigue and danger and a friends to lovers romance that had plenty of swoon and sigh-worthy kisses. But the mystery! Oh my word, I stayed up until 1 a.m. just so I could see who the murderer was! I loved this one and it set the standard high for the rest of my 2024 books. 

What are you reading this week?

Get your copy of Protecting Her Heart HERE

Here's the back copy:

London, 1887

When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and returns home to see to her family’s estate. Among her father’s possessions is a box of her late mother’s letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte’s grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest there was more to her mother’s death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to the one man she trusts more than anyone—her treasured friend and director of London’s police force, John Ellis.

John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need.

Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more—and opening her heart to him in the process.

As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.

I'm Just So Cold

It is SO cold right now where I live, so when I saw this today, I had to laugh. I may or may not have been in a heated blanket, working on some edits, but wanting to finish the next chapter of the book I'm reading. 

How's the weather where you live? Cold? Freezing cold? Warm? (If you are having warm weather, just know I'm really jealous right now!)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 

I am so excited for 2024. There are some really exciting things coming up for me that I can't wait to share. And of course, some really great books are coming out that I can't wait to read! 

What are you looking forward to in 2024?