Most Popular Author List & Two Free Books!

I was pretty excited this morning when I looked at the Most Popular Authors in Contemporary Romance list.  I was #32, (which is awesome!) but look who is at #33!

Just for today at least, I'm more popular than Nicholas Sparks! Woohoo!

I also wanted to share two free books with you. Christy Barritt is offering her book, Random Acts of Murder for free and this mystery looks good!

Here's the back copy:

When Holly Anna Paladin is given a year to live, she embraces her final days doing what she loves most—random acts of kindness. But one of her extreme good deeds goes horribly wrong, implicating Holly in a string of murders. Holly is suddenly in a different kind of fight for her life.

Only two other people know Holly was at the site of the murder, and one of them is the killer. Making matters stickier is the fact that the detective assigned to the case is her old high school crush and present day nemesis.

The clock is ticking as Holly is forced to play a dangerous game. Will Holly find the killer before he ruins what’s left of her life? Or will she spend her final days alone and behind bars?

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Janette Rallison is also offering her book, It's a Mall World After All, for free. She is a hilarious writer and I'm excited to read this one!

Here's the back copy:

If they gave out diplomas for what you learn at the mall, Charlotte could graduate with honors. Ever since she got a job as a perfume spritzer, she's become an expert on all things shopping related―oh, and she's getting really good at spying on her classmates who hang out there. What she hasn't mastered is the art of convincing her best friend Brianna to dump her boyfriend Bryant. After Charlotte caught him flirting with a mysterious, blond-haired stick figure, she knows he's up to no good. Worse still, now Brianna is taking his side. Charlotte must prove who is right, once and for all, and that means catching Bryant in the act. This is where her mall roaming skills will come in handy. Perfume anyone?

You can download your free Kindle copy here

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday season and find some time to read!

Movie Review & A Bestseller List!

The Christmas anthology, Under the Mistletoe Collection, that features six sweet romance novellas, including one from me, is perfect for a busy reader--short enough to read in one sitting, long enough to leave you with a smile on your face. The anthology is on sale today for only .99 cents, which is awesome, but it hit the Amazon Bestseller list today in both Inspirational Romance and Holiday Romance!

Can we all just do a happy dance together? 

Those categories are huge and I'm so excited! *throws confetti*

Thank you to everyone who bought the anthology and helped catapult it up the charts! Woohoo!

And since I know you won't want to miss this one, you can get your copy of Under the Mistletoe here

In addition to that great news, today I want to tell you about a new Christmas DVD called The Christmas Dress. It's a sweet movie that's only 27 minutes long, but uses the time to remind us of what Christmas is all about.  

We meet the Jeppson family who is struggling financially. It's the latter end of the 1920s and things are hard for everyone. Leland Jeppson can't find work, the packages he was expecting with his family's Christmas gifts hasn't arrived, and a snowstorm is blowing in. Leland's wife and children are at home, cooking up the last chicken and hoping for a Christmas miracle.  But sometimes it's hard to have faith and hope in the face of adversity. 

George Schow, a postman who is nearly blind, doesn't seem to have much care about what happens to the Jeppson's and their packages. "God helps those who help themselves," he says. But when push comes to shove, will he help his fellow man and go the extra mile?

I thought the actor who play the postman really stood out in his performance and the message was sweet and not overly preachy. My entire family enjoyed the show and we felt uplifted in the end. A quick Christmas pick-me-up about families and love and hope.

Here's the description:

It’s Christmas Eve, and Leland Jeppson’s hope is gone. Struggling to get by in their rustic homestead, he had at least wanted to give his family a special Christmas. But with a blizzard blowing in and the train bearing their gifts nowhere in sight, it seems Christmas is just one more thing they’ll have to do without. But as dusk falls, the Jeppsons’ packages unexpectedly arrive at the post office in the not-so-nearby town. Half-blind Postman George Schow is hesitant to brave the storm, but his son, Sidney, will stop at nothing to bring Christmas to the Jeppsons—and ask their daughter, Ellen, to the New Year’s Eve dance. Now it’s up to father and son to battle fierce elements in an attempt to deliver a Christmas miracle. Don’t miss this heartwarming reminder that while God helps those who help themselves, sometimes He does so through others.

Friday Freebie Christmas Novella!

Today's Friday Freebie is a cute Christmas novella called Miss Kane's Christmas by Caroline Mickelson. I'm all ready to cuddle up by my fireplace and get some Christmas spirit!

Here's the back copy:

With Christmas only three days away, Carol Claus agrees to her father’s request that she leave the North Pole on a mission to help save Christmas. Joining single father Ben Hanson and his children for the holidays seems an easy enough task until Santa informs her that Ben is the man behind the disturbing new book ‘Beyond Bah Humbug: Why Lying to Your Children about Santa Claus is a Bad Idea’.

Posing as Miss Kane, the children’s new nanny, Carol pulls out all the stops to show Ben how fun Christmas can be, all the while struggling to understand how one man could hate the holidays so much. How could she, Santa’s only daughter, be so attracted to a man who refuses to believe her father exists?

Download your free Kindle copy here

My Book Was Reviewed In Meridian Magazine!

I'm so excited! My new romance novel, Love's Broken Road, had a wonderful review in Meridian Magazine this morning! A little early Christmas present to me. Woohoo! 

The best part of the whole thing was the reviewer, Jennie Hansen, calling my book one of her personal favorites. Yay!

But here's my other favorite part of the review:

"Bellon usually writes action packed international intrigues, but with Love’s Broken Road she introduces a tender romance to her readers . . . This story is a second romance between two people who have suffered hurt and loss and are uncertain whether they can risk loving again. The characters are likable and draw the reader’s sympathy from the start . . ."

Made my day!

You can read the entire review here

What I'm Reading Wednesday

A few years back I contributed a story to an anthology about a time that was very tender for me---one of the most emotional Christmases I've ever had. It's a story that is very close to my heart and even though it was written a while ago, I've been re-reading it and remembering. There are several other good stories in the collection and if you're looking for a book to bring your heart closer to what's really important this season, then this is the book for you.

You can download your Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

Both laughter and tears will fill your soul with this heartwarming collection of a dozen true Christmas stories from favorite LDS authors, ordinary people whose lives have been touched in extraordinary ways. Discover lighthearted surprises, faith-affirming treasures, and thought-provoking insights about the greatest gift of all in this wonderful keepsake book. You'll want to share these timeless holiday tales of peace, hope, and love year after year. Authors include:

• Anita Stansfield
• Betsy Brannon Green
• Clair M. Poulson
• Jerry Borrowman
• Julie Coulter Bellon
• Connie Angeline
• Jeri Gilchrist
• K.C. Grant
• Susan Aylworth
• Michele Paige Holmes
• Marlene Bateman
• Kenneth M. Page

Being That Friend And Feeling The Love

photo credit: SheldonPhotography Salt Lake City, Temple Square Christmas via photopin (license)

I took my kids to see the lights on Temple Square last weekend. It was so beautiful, but we didn't stay very long. My little boy couldn't concentrate on the beauty of the lights because he was cold. He kept saying his legs were like "icicles" and he "couldn't walk another step" and that was all he could focus on. Luckily Dad and big brother stepped up to carry him and when he was in their arms, he was warm enough to finally lift his head and see the amazing displays that surrounded us. 

Sometimes I think life is like that. When we are cold, or sad, or lonely, it's hard to see the beauty and blessings all around us. When we have a friend to carry us or listen to us or just be there for us, we start to feel the warmth of their love enough to lift our heads and see the loveliness that surrounds us. 

But, even more, when we ARE that friend, the one reaching out to help and carry and be there for others, then light and love shines from within us and warms everyone from the inside out, including ourselves. Most of all, though, helping someone else changes our focus and brings us closer to what's really important. 

So, today, I'm just feeling grateful for the people and all the light and love I've been blessed to have in my life and for the opportunities I've had to share it. 

And I'm hoping you're also feeling some light and love this Christmas season! Have you done anything that really lifted and inspired you so far this month?

Four Free Books, A Giveaway, AND A Movie Release!

It's like Christmas around here! I'm so excited to share four free books with you, a giveaway, and the movie release of The Last Descent. Be sure to scroll all the way down for the giveaway and deals!

First, today is the last day to enter the Goodreads contest to win a paperback copy of my new romance, Love's Broken Road. You can enter here

Then, Liz Isaacson is giving away the first three full-length novels in her Three Rivers Ranch series! I really enjoyed these stories and think you will, too.

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

Second Chance Ranch: A Three Rivers Ranch Romance (Book 1): After his deployment, injured and discharged Major Squire Ackerman returns to Three Rivers Ranch, wanting to forgive Kelly for ignoring him a decade ago. He’d like to provide the stable life she needs, but with old wounds opening and a ranch on the brink of financial collapse, will Squire and Kelly have the patience and faith to make their second chance possible?

Third Time's the Charm: A Three Rivers Ranch Romance (Book 2): First Lieutenant Peter Marshall has a truckload of debt and no way to provide for a family, but Chelsea helps him see past all the obstacles, all the scars. With so many unknowns, can Pete and Chelsea develop the love, acceptance, and faith needed to find their happily ever after?

Fourth and Long: A Three Rivers Ranch Romance (Book 3): Commander Brett Murphy goes to Three Rivers Ranch to find some rest and relaxation with his Army buddies. Having his ex-wife show up with a seven-year-old she claims is his son is anything but the R&R he craves. Kate needs to make amends, and Brett needs to find forgiveness, but are they too late to find their happily ever after?

For fans of inspirational western romance authors Staci Stallings, Kimberly Krey, Becky Wade, and Denise Hunter.

Third, Jennifer Peel is giving away her contemporary romance, Rachel Laine. I haven't read this one yet, but it looks good!

You can download your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

Rachel Whitney’s life changed forever when Drew, the son of her twin sister, Sydney, was placed in her arms—and there he stayed. At twenty-two, she had no idea what she was doing, but in that moment, she knew that raising Drew was what she was meant to do with her life.
​
Fiercely independent, Rachel makes her own way managing her family's insurance agency. Decidedly against introducing any men into her life, or Drew’s, she protects her heart against all romantic entanglements. But what she didn’t count on was a letter from her sister that leads a famous secret to her door eight years after her sister’s death. A secret with the same eyes as her son’s.
​
Desperate not to get the courts involved, Rachel allows Drew’s previously unknown father, Andrew Turner, into their lives, and to her surprise, little by little into her heart. But for Rachel, taking that step could open her family to a firestorm of media attention that not even Merryton can protect them from. Is love worth the risk? Or will Andrew's fame and ambition ruin their chances?

And last, but not least, The Last Descent is out on DVD! Still looking for a stocking stuffer? Look not further! This was an emotionally gripping and inspirational show that will stay with you long after the lights come on. (You can read my review of it here)

You can buy it on Amazon here or Deseret Book here

There will also be a contest to win a copy. Be sure to check back!

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