Monday, February 28, 2022

In the Non-Fiction Corner: The Scrumptious Cookbook

In the Non-Fiction Corner with Lauren




Scrumptious
by Christy Denney is the perfect cookbook! When I first started looking through it, there were so many recipes that looked incredible and I had a hard time picking just one. I am just a beginning chef, but I felt like there were many recipes that were manageable for someone like me. Many of them looked fast and easy, which is exactly what I look for in a recipe. I love that the cookbook is also pleasing to the eye, with a large enough font and pictures in color.

The recipe I made this week was a Sheet Pan Steak and Parmesan Potatoes. The recipe was super easy to follow and I was excited to try it! At first I was skeptical because the steak, potatoes, and asparagus were all covered in garlic and parmesan, but they all tasted great. For me, the cook time and prep time were a bit off (the steak and potatoes needed MUCH longer than the recommended 6 minutes to cook) but I was happy with the result and would make it again. It made plenty of food so it’s good for a family of 4 or for leftovers! I have a list of other recipes from this book to try and I can’t wait!

  




Here's the back copy:

If you can’t be left alone with warm cinnamon rolls or a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies, or if you enjoy creating photos of your culinary creations almost as much as eating them, Christy Denney, the blogger known as “The Girl Who Ate Everything”, has the perfect cookbook for you.

Scrumptious from the Girl Who Ate Everything combines Christy’s expert professional experience as a recipe writer for both Betty Crocker and General Mills with her life experience as a mother of five and one of ten siblings. Christy knows food often is the centerpiece of family life and can be a major undertaking, requiring creativity, planning, practice, and purpose.

Christy showcases 101 of her favorite recipes, each beautifully photographed using natural light from a window in her home, and includes detailed instructions for prep time along with helpful tips.

From unforgettable Sunday brunches with Banana Muffins, to easy weeknight one-pan dinners like One-Pan Chicken Enchilada Skillet, to low-carb meals like Egg Roll in a Bowl, to rolling out the works for a game-day crowd, including her NFL-husband’s favorites like Jalapeno Popper Bread and Garlic Parmesan Wings, this is the family-friendly cookbook for anyone looking to plan quick-and-easy meals and wants a way to bring people together, feasting on food which can only be described as scrumptious.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

A New Authors Off the Page is Live!


You are definitely not going to want to miss the new episode of Authors Off the Page

We are starting off our third season with a bang--both Becky and Jennifer give sneak peeks into their soon-to-be-released books and they are SO good! Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Or you can listen right here!

Friday, February 25, 2022

Freebie Friday for Romance Fans!


Need another romance collection to get you through the weekend? The Love Letter Collection is free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

MAGGIE'S SONG by Karey WhiteMaggie Jensen is part of a trio of best friends with Lucas and Dan. Together, they own and run Wild Country Hiking Tours. When Lucas returns to the company after getting his college degree, Maggie realizes that the crush she had on him as a teenager has now blossomed into so much more. But Lucas still treats her as one of the guys, and Maggie worries that if she tells him her real feelings, their relationship will be damaged forever.

JUST FLY by Krista Lynne Jensen
When Wren is faced with the devastating news of her grandfather's death, her mom finds a mysterious letter from a woman named Dot in Seattle. Wren visits the woman herself to deliver the news in person. Wren learns of the bucket list Dot and Gramps had put together with the help of Dot's grandson, Seth. Dot challenges Wren to take her grandfather's place in completing the list. Before the week of adventure is over, Seth has impressed Wren in more ways than one. But is that enough to overcome Wren's fear of losing those she loves?

HOW TO REWRITE A LOVE LETTER by Diane Darcy
High school teacher Julie Ashburn believes she’ll never live the “event” down in which she wrote her true feelings in a love letter to Principal Dane Parker, and he laughed out loud, mocking her. Now that her honors English students want to write love letters for the school fundraiser, Dane turns down the idea flat. Julie tries to convince him that it was her students’ idea and not any sort of payback. But when a student writes a fake love letter from the principal to Julie, everything gets even more mixed up, and both Julie and Dane are caught up in a series of misunderstandings that might be impossible to sort out.

A THOUSAND WORDS by Sarah M. Eden
Shannon Ryan has been waiting half a year to be reunited with her fiance, Patrick, with only the letters between them keeping their relationship alive. He finally sends for her after securing a good job with the Sidney newspaper, and she can’t wait to be reunited with him, swept up in his arms and thoroughly kissed. And of course, married as soon as possible. But when she arrives at the train station, there is no Patrick waiting for her. Shannon must discover if the man she loves still has feelings for her.

BETWEEN THE LINES by Annette Lyon
Jane Martin is intelligent but extremely shy, especially around men. When the Aid and Cultural Society proposes a letter-writing program, Jane signs up, hoping she can find true friendship. The program doesn’t run as smoothly as expected, and unknown to Jane, one of the men in her city becomes her writing friend. Thomas Allred has always known Jane, but reading her letters written to his secret persona, opens his eyes to what an amazing woman she is. The only trouble is, Jane doesn’t know that the man who she is falling in love with through letters is also Thomas, the man who is falling in love with her in person.

BLACKBERRY HOLLOW by Heather B. Moore
Lucy Quinn travels to England to inspect her inherited estate before she puts it on the market. She spends time learning about her ancestors. What she doesn’t expect is Calvin Bevans, the man living next door. The two families have been divided by a misunderstanding decades old, and when Lucy discovers a set of love letters, she learns the truth. As Calvin helps her unravel the hidden secrets between the two families, Lucy finds that she has more reasons to stay in England than to return to New York.

Monday, February 14, 2022

Happy Valentine's Day!


I hope you have a wonderful day full of love for significant others, brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, friends, and most especially for yourself! You deserve it!

Here's some virtual chocolate and flowers. Happy Valentine's Day!

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Freebie for Historical Romance Fans!

Martha Keyes has been recommended to me several times and her book, The Widow and the Highlander is free today! I'm definitely downloading this one. 

Get your free copy HERE

Here's the back copy:


She needs to be protected. He'll take on the job...for a price.

Christina MacKinnon is secretly relieved to be a widow. She is equally desperate to distance herself from the clan of her dead husband, but as the heir to his estate—one she needs in order to support her siblings—she must first stave off both the advances and threats of the man next in line to inherit. It seems the only person she can turn to is a nearby stranger who seems inclined to help her. But he has a request….

Freshly returned from the war, Lachlan Kincaid has one aim: to see justice served to the MacKinnons for betraying his family years ago and depriving him of his inheritance. While biding his time at a nearby inn, he discovers the death of the MacKinnon laird—whose widow has inherited everything. The way to accomplish his goal is becoming more evident, but the path is murkier than he could have foreseen.

As Christina’s and Lachlan’s lives intersect, it becomes clear that their separate aims may well only be achievable if they join forces. But to do so is to court more danger, and it requires a sacrifice Christina isn’t sure she’s prepared to make.

Friday, February 11, 2022

Mandy and Jason: Valentine's Day

This is just a fun Jandy Valentine's Day fanfic. No copyright infringement is intended, it's just for entertainment purposes only. 

Happy Valentine's Day to my SEAL Team friends who love Jason and Mandy!


Mandy tucked her hair behind her ear and glanced in the rearview mirror one more time. Jason had been so mysterious on the phone. He’d just gotten back from a mission and she’d expected to meet him at home, but he’d asked to meet up with her at a private shooting range. She pulled into the parking lot and saw his truck sitting near the front.  Parking next to him, she got out and headed to the building perched on a small hill. 

“Hey.” Jason gave her that half-smile she loved as he crossed the lobby. She noticed the cut over his eye and a bruise along his jaw. The mission must have gotten up close and personal, but he was still standing. That’s what mattered. The moment she was in arm’s reach, he pulled her close, his embrace enveloping her. 

She pressed her cheek against his chest and relaxed into him. She needed this.  Him. He centered her. She breathed him in, still smelling a bit of plane exhaust on him. “Hey.” 

He held her for an extra moment, then drew back. “I was worried we wouldn’t make it home in time for Valentine’s Day and I didn't want to miss our first one. I know I should probably be giving you flowers and taking you to a fancy restaurant, but I thought, let’s do something we both love.” He gave her a full out grin.

“For the record, I do love flowers and good food,” Mandy told him, holding back a smile.

“You’ll love this more. I had some shooting stages set for us. You know, for a friendly little shooting competition.”  He took her hand and headed for the far doors that led out to the field next to the club.

She chuckled and shook her head. “Can we have friendly competitions?”

“Of course we can. This will be fun.”  His thumb caressed the back of her hand and butterflies started low in her stomach. Even the smallest touch from him garnered a physical reaction and they’d been apart for two weeks. She bit her lip and slowly let out a breath. If he could wait, so could she. Right now, she had to focus, especially if this was going to be a competition.

They headed to the center field where stages, or wooden props set to look like buildings, corners, and even targets, were set up in different formations. “How many stages are we doing?” she asked him.

“Let’s do all three.” Jason slung an arm around her shoulders. “Unless you’re worried you’re too rusty?”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.”  She walked toward the staff member waiting for them at the first station, holding their ear protection. A little shiver of excitement ran up her spine as her competitive side reared up inside her. 

“Glocks?” Jason asked.

“Sounds good.”  She picked up the gun and shifted its weight around in her hand for a second until she found her most comfortable grip.  “What sort of competition do you have in mind?”

“Speed and accuracy.  And then we’ll hit MJ’s.”  He smirked, leaning his hip against the table.  He looked every inch like Bravo 1 with well-defined muscles and an air of authority.  Her heart rate picked up the longer she looked at him.

“You want to eat at MJ’s and not the Bulkhead?” She lifted a brow.

“Maybe I want to feed you some great fries.” His gaze pinned her, and her mind immediately went back to the fries he’d fed her in Rehoboth. The need to be alone with him ramped up again. There were a lot of great memories in Rehoboth.

She flushed and looked down at her gun to regain her equilibrium. “Is the winner buying dinner?”

“Well, there are other attractions there.”  He lifted his eyebrows, obviously giving her clues to what he was getting at.   

And then it hit her exactly where he was going with this.  MJ’s had a karaoke bar.  “So, loser has to sing karaoke.” Her chest tightened at the thought and the competition he had in mind jumped to high-stakes.  She hated singing in public. 

His lazy grin was back and her heart tripped a beat. Is he trying to distract me? “Oh, it’s even better than that,” he continued.  “Loser has to sing whatever song the winner chooses.”  He picked up his weapon and nodded toward her.  “Unless you’re not up for it.”

“Oh, I’m up for it.”  Mandy injected her you-better-believe-it tone to make that statement sound true, even though adrenaline was starting to pump through her.  The man was a SEAL. Bravo 1. This might be too easy for him, but even if it was, she’d be sure to give him a run for his money.  She moved toward the first stage and got ready.  “Hope you’ve been practicing singing in the shower or something.  I’ve got a few songs in mind for you.”

“Confident. I like that.”  He moved into position, slightly ahead of her.  “Keep thinking positive.”

She bumped him to the side.  “Ladies first.”

He acquiesced and let her by. “No problem.  Then I’ll know the score to beat.”

“And be sad when you don’t.”  She stepped up to the first wooden target, the thought of standing on the stage to sing in front of people making her fight or flight response zing through her veins.  She had to win.  Up on the balls of her feet, she waited for the signal.  The buzzer went off and she carefully aimed for her first targets.

The first two were easy.  It was automatic as she hit the targets and stepped to the next barrier.  Exhilaration washed over her.  She followed the marked path and slipped to the wooden barrier to get around the corner for her next shot.  She was on her game and hit the three targets dead center, even the hard one that was sort of hidden.  Turning to her left, she took the last two shots before she headed for the second part of the course.  She could feel Jason’s eyes on her, but she couldn’t let him faze her.   

The second stage had eight targets, some close and some far, separated by blue barrels.  The sun was beating down on her and she wished she would’ve taken her jacket off, but she reloaded and went forward, not focusing on anything beyond the course in front of her.  The new stage took a little more concentration, but she made it through, only missing her mark once.  Moving on to the third stage, she dared to glance back at Jason.  His face was a cool, calm mask as he made his shots.  She’d seen him work in the field and it never failed to amaze her how good his instincts were. 

She turned and reloaded, firing at the six targets lined up across the field.  This was the last easy part before the final stage that looked trickier than the others.  This part of the course had a little makeshift wooden area like a room in a house with doorways and windows.  The targets were placed strategically outside.  She headed for the first one, a close target near the door that was easy to get.  The next target was through a window, four targets placed close together with one sort of behind the other.  She was pretty sure she got those, and headed for the back doorway.  This one had one metal target placed further back and two wooden ones, closer to the door.  She squeezed the trigger, feeling a surge of satisfaction as the bullet hit its mark.  She had a healthy respect for guns, especially in her former line of work, but there was just something about being able to control the weapon and hit what she aimed for. 

She shot at the last five targets as quickly as she could, confident she’d made good time and hit her marks.  The range officer next to her instructed her to finish, unload, and clear.  As she did so, he moved closer.  “Slide forward, holster.”  His voice was fast and sounded like an auctioneer.  He must get tired of saying that all day long.

She stepped back into the safe zone and waited for Jason.  He soon came into view.  His form was beautiful when he shot, graceful and easy. This was second nature to him.  It looked like he was hitting most of his targets, too.  Even if she didn’t win, she’d still done a good job.  She took a deep breath. Jason was right, this was a great Valentine’s date.

When he was done, they both waited while the scores were tallied.  “Still feeling confident?” he asked her, nudging her shoulder.

“Oh yeah.”  But really, her stomach was doing little somersaults. Jason was one of the best in the world.  If she lost, it would suck to have to sing, but she wouldn’t let him see an ounce of uncertainty.  Her competitive nature would never let that guard down.

“Did I mention I asked Sonny and Davis to meet us there?” he said, pulling her in and wrapping his arms around her.  “Just to make it more fun.”

She wrapped her arms around him, glad he couldn’t see her face.  If she lost and had to sing in front of them, she’d never live that down. With the team just getting back, maybe they had better things to do. “Hope they like your singing voice.” But even though her words sounded self-assured, she knew her bravado was slipping the longer they waited for their scores.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the range officer was coming toward them, shaking his head.  That didn’t bode well. She stepped back, shading her eyes.

“How’d it turn out?” Jason asked, straightening to face the man.

“That’s the closest I’ve ever seen a score,” he said, looking up at Jason as he stopped a few feet away from them. “Nearly a tie.”

“Is there a clear winner?” Jason’s voice didn’t sound as confident as it had a minute ago.  Mandy tensed, waiting for the verdict.

The guy scratched his chin.  “Yep.  The lady was just a bit faster and she wins by a half point.”

  Jason threw his head back in mock frustration, his eyes meeting hers.  “Seriously? I demand a recount.”

Mandy laughed, relief lacing through her.  “Sorry. No sore losers here.  The lady won by a half point.  The judge has spoken.”  She stepped forward and took his hand, trying not to show how worried she’d truly been.  Patting his arm, she smiled up at him.  “Don’t worry, I won’t make you sing anything too embarrassing.  Definitely something from the ‘80s though.  There’s just something fun about that decade, you know?”

Jason groaned good-naturedly.  “I never knew you had a mean streak.  The ‘80s? Really?”  He slowly walked her across the field to her car, the sudden silence in the air standing out to her.  For just a second they weren’t at a gun club, they were just strolling outdoors, enjoying each other’s company.  It was so peaceful Mandy wanted to make it last longer, but all too soon they were in the parking lot. 

“I wish I could have picked you up so we didn’t have to go in separate cars, but meeting you here made more sense time-wise.” He stopped and opened her driver side door.

“I’m just glad you’re home and honestly, after karaoke, riding in separate cars might be a blessing.”  She smiled up at him.  “You might not want to be too close to me once you see what I have planned.” 

He didn’t respond, his gaze flicking to her lips. She rose up on her tiptoes at the same moment he reached for her, his hands sliding around her waist. His lips slanted over hers and Mandy closed her eyes, pulling him close. The feeling of belonging she always had when she was with him washed over her. The fire that had been slowly burning between them leaped to life and she deepened the kiss, wishing they were home. It took all her willpower to pull back. Cradling his face between her two hands, she swallowed hard, trying not to kiss him again.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” he said, his voice low and husky.

She nearly groaned, her entire body leaning toward him, the pull he had on her so strong, but she hastily pulled back. “Now that I know we have people waiting on us, we better get going. I’ll see you at MJ’s, but just so you know, we aren’t staying long,” she told him in her best no-nonsense voice. She ducked into her car and he chuckled before running a hand over his face and sucking in a breath. Mandy loved that he was just as affected as she was. 

Following his truck out of the parking lot, she turned on some music.  She went over some other ‘80s bands in her mind.  Would she really make him do David Lee Roth? Maybe something by Def Leppard? She was trying to imagine him on stage and the thought made her laugh. He’d totally get into though. He always threw himself into everything he did. She’d always thought it was part of living on a dangerous edge. When the job was done, the team came back, did their best to relax, maybe forget a little, and tried to live life to the fullest, glad to still be here.  

Pulling into the karaoke bar parking lot, she watched him get out of his truck and met him halfway. 

“So did you decide on a song?” he asked as he took her hand and they walked into MJ’s.  She loved that he was always touching her in some way with his arm around her or holding her hand.  That closeness was like coming home, the piece of her that had always been missing now back where it belonged. With Jason. 

“You’ll have to wait and see,” she teased, squeezing his hand.

As soon as they walked to the hostess podium, they saw Sonny and Davis waving to them from a nearby table.  “We thought you guys would never get here.  The karaoke is about to start,” Sonny said, when they were close enough to hear.  “So, who won?”

“Do you even need to ask?” Mandy said, buffing her nails on her shoulder as they sat down. 

“That’s my girl,” Davis said with a laugh.  “Pay up, Sonny.”

“You bet against me?” Mandy turned accusing eyes on Sonny.  “Wow. No faith at all.”

“Hey, he’s Bravo 1. I thought he might have some moves, but I guess not when it comes to his girl.” Sonny pulled out a five-dollar bill. "Maybe he's tired after that mission."

“No, no,” Jason held up his hands. “No excuses.  She was faster than me so she won. This time.”  He rested his hand on her shoulder as he sat down in the chair beside her.  “And believe me, Sonny, I have moves, but apparently she has half a point better ones.”

“I’m hoping we’ll see some of your moves up on the stage tonight,” Mandy said sweetly, leaning her elbows on the table.

Everyone laughed.  “Maybe I should have said best out of three,” Jason said, rubbing his hands over his face.

“Hindsight is 20/20.”  Mandy tilted her head toward the stage.  “You better get up there. Maybe ask for the David Lee Roth one I Ain’t Got Nobody.”

Jason raised his eyebrows.  “That’s the song you picked? Doesn’t that one talk about a gigolo or something?”

Davis snorted.  “That’s the one.”

“If it’s not too much, I think you’d want to do your best impression of the guy onstage. You want to make it good, right? Show you’re a good sport.” Mandy could hardly contain her laughter at the look on Jason’s face. “As my Valentine’s present.”

Jason leaned over to Sonny.  “I should have gone with the flowers and fancy dinner. Next time I say the words "friendly competition" and "Mandy" in the same breath, remind me that she doesn’t do friendly competitions, okay?

“Live and learn, buddy.” Sonny shook his head. “And remember―the only easy day was yesterday.”

 

Valentine's Day Ebook Sale!


Do you need some sweet romances to read this Valentine's Day weekend? There are SO MANY great Valentine's Day ebook sales going on right now. Here are three of my favorites!

The Valentine's Day Timeless Romance Collection has six novellas and is perfect for Valentine's Day.
Get your FREE Valentine's Day Timeless Romance Collection HERE  

The Sweet Escape Collection has seven sweet romance novels from award-winning authors that will definitely get you in the Valentine's Day spirit! Get your FREE Sweet Escape Collection HERE  

Where the Stars Meet the Sea was one of my favorite novels of 2020. Sweet historical romance with all the feels! Get Where the Stars Meet the Sea for only .99 cents HERE  

Thursday, February 10, 2022

Writer Perks!


I really love so many things about my job. I got to do a little class visit to 3rd graders to talk about imagination and writing and being a published author. It was SO fun! 

Kids that age are adorable and so full of stories and excitement over sharing things that matter to them. I loved all their energy as we wrote a story together about an adventure to the center of the earth to save an ancient artifact and meeting up with lava fish and a terrible lava monster! We were having such a great time building a story and learning together at the same time. 

I was able to bring each student a little "Survival Kit for Writers" with a notebook, pencil, bookmark, and candy for energy--all in a cute little bag. They loved it! 

I love being a writer and all the opportunities I've had to meet so many amazing people. There is no doubt in my mind one of those kids will be a New York Times bestseller someday!

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Cover Reveal for My Children's Book!


My grandmother, Thelma Chalifoux, would have been 93 years old today. She did some amazing things in her life, including being the first Metis woman appointed to be a senator in the Canadian federal government. She dined with the Queen of England and met dignitaries from across the world, but her only mission was to be a voice for those who felt they could never be heard. 

She was a proud Metis woman, who wanted to see the Metis culture remembered and celebrated. To honor that wish, I've written a children's book, A Metis Christmas: Thelma's Wish and I'm so excited to show you the cover today! The illustrator, Mikey Brooks, studied Metis artists and history and he has done an absolutely incredible job capturing the look and feel of Metis folk art and family. I think my grandmother would have loved the story. I can still hear her say, "I'm proud of you, my girl." And I know she is and always was. 

Love you, Grandma Kookum. Happy birthday!

(The book will be available this spring!)

Friday, February 4, 2022

Freebie Friday for Romance Fans!


If you need something fun and flirty to read this weekend, Miss Match, by Lindzee Armstrong is free today!

Get your free copy here

Here's the back copy:

She’s a matchmaker with abandonment issues. He’s her billionaire best friend willing to do anything to win her heart.

Brooke’s abandonment issues have wrecked her love life, despite being Los Angeles’s top-rated matchmaker. Her one constant over the past eight years has been Luke, her ever patient billionaire best friend. But she keeps even him at arm’s length, terrified to explore the chemistry between them.

Luke is the city’s richest and most eligible bachelor, but he has eyes only for Brooke. He’s loved her since high school, but she’s rebuffed all his attempts to deepen their relationship. Despite that, she’s been there for him through every trial—including his father’s recent death, and his now tenuous position as CEO.

When Toujour announces it’s closing, Brooke hatches a plan to save the company by hiring Luke as a client. But Luke knows this is his last chance to win her heart. And he’s willing to break all the rules to do it.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

My New Video!

 


Here is my newest video for my Regency spy romance, The Marquess Meets His Match. Who doesn't like spies, danger, and romance? I thought the music really went with the time period and I loved the colors. What do you think?

If you haven't read The Marquess Meets His Match, you can get your copy HERE

Here's the back copy:

An American diplomat is kidnapped. A former Navy SEAL and the daughter of a notorious Algerian negotiator are sent in to rescue him. But when secrets are revealed, everyone's life is on the line.

Former Navy SEAL Jake Williams is the newly appointed head of a task force assigned to rescue a kidnapped American diplomat. Their only hope is Mya Amari, the daughter of a notorious Algerian hostage negotiator, but she is full of secrets and complications---something Jake takes as a personal challenge. As they grow closer, the threat to the mission escalates and time runs out for the hostages. Can Jake unravel the web of deception to save them all without getting caught in the crossfire?

Mya Amari has been in hiding nearly her entire life to escape her father' s enemies. But when her sister is kidnapped along with an American diplomat, she'll do anything to bring her home---including walking into the enemy's lair. She doesn't trust anyone, especially the too-handsome-for-his-own-good Commander Williams, but when all her careful plans explode out of control, he's the only one she can turn to with the truth about her family. Is it too little, too late?

Stock Footage provided by TailorAndWayne, from Pond5

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Huge Sale on Steampunk!

I'd never read a steampunk romance before, but one of my favorite authors, Nancy Campbell Allen, had written a series of four steampunk romance novels, so I tried them. They ended up being some of my favorite stories!

And ALL FOUR of them are on sale right now for only $1.99 each! You don't want to miss these romances.

Get your sale copy of Beauty and the Clockwork Beast HERE

Get your sale copy of Kiss of the Spindle HERE


Get your sale copy of Lady in the Coppergate Tower HERE

Get your sale copy of Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts HERE

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

What's Your Definition of True Love?



With Valentine's Day coming up, I clicked over to a blog that was talking about love. Their definition of true love was "making the other person happy no matter what the cost." 

I've really been thinking a lot about that statement. I don't want to say the other person's definition is wrong, but in my heart, I don't think you can "make" another person happy. You can care about their happiness. You can do things that would bring them happiness. But you can't make them be happy. 

I have also been contemplating the phrase "no matter what the cost." Is there a limit to what I will do to show my husband I love him? If there is, does that mean it's not true love? For me, I think there are boundaries and if it is true love, your significant other won't ask you to cross them. 

What do you think? What's your definition of true love?