ONE WEEK TO WIN HER BOSS by Barbara White Daille: #OnSale #99cents

Barbara White Daille is here to tell us about her sweet romance ONE WEEK TO WIN HER BOSS. OWTWHB is on sale for .99 cents until January 4 so pick up your copy now!

Jana, thanks so much for hosting me here at your blog, and best wishes to you and your readers for a great year ahead!

One Week to Win Her Boss, sweet romance by Barbara White Daille

Book blurb:

Single mom Amber Barnett loves family, kids, Christmas…and unfortunately, her boss, confirmed bachelor Michael DeFranco. It's a crush she really needs to get over. Except, when she’s temporarily forced from her apartment, her only option is to stay at Michael’s private ski lodge, where she's the housekeeper. No problem. Her handsome boss rarely visits Snowflake Valley unexpectedly, plus he’s spending the holidays with his family. Or so she thinks…

A stormy Christmas Eve reunion leaves Michael seeking the solitude of his lodge, where he finds Amber in residence—and in trouble. Attempting to save her from her matchmaking family, he announces they’re a couple. His good deed backfires when they’re instantly included in each and every holiday event in town. So much for solitude. 

Only the more time he spends with the beautiful, cheery brunette, the more he yearns to make things real between them. But he and Amber want different things, and Michael could never be the family man she's looking for. 

Excerpt:

Let him be the front man here. Michael settled back in his chair and sipped his coffee. This deal sounded worse than the Barnetts’ family project. No way would he get involved in either one.

“I’m not eligible since I’m attached,” Lyssa explained. “Everybody in town knows that when someone competes for Snow Ball King or Queen, they’re declaring themselves single and looking.”

Amber’s face turned as pale as her white ceramic mug, as if whatever illness bypassed her last night had just hit full-force. “I refuse to run.”

“You know the rules as well as I do. If someone is nominated, their name goes on the ballot.”

“I won’t participate.”

He caught it again—that same hint of despair he’d heard in her voice last night. Maybe this snowball thing tied into the secret she was keeping from her family.

“Hmm…” Lyssa shrugged. “Well, it’s true you don’t have to pursue winning the crown. But how will it look for Mom and Dad if a Barnett is nominated but doesn’t make even an attempt to win?”

“I can’t…”

“Why not?” Lyssa demanded.

“Because…because…” Amber’s gaze met his. He didn’t read anything close to a plea for help in those blue eyes, couldn’t find the hint of a silent SOS. Of course not. Amber’s independent streak would never let her lean on him. Yet he still felt the need to give her an out—maybe since he could relate to having family push her against the wall.

What the heck… He reached for her hand. “Amber can’t compete,” he said firmly, “because we’re together.”

Her fingers clamped around his, nearly cutting off his circulation.

Lyssa’s jaw dropped.

Nick slapped him on the shoulder.

Amber stared at him, her eyes now like twin blue pools, as the saying went. Eyes he could drown in—if she didn’t kill him first.

Find the book:

https://bit.ly/ENT-BarbaraWhiteDaille  (99 cents for a few more days)

About Barbara:

Barbara White Daille lives with her husband in the sunny Southwest. Though they love the warm winters and the lizards in their front yard, they haven’t gotten used to the scorpions in the bathroom. Barbara also loves writing, reading, and chocolate. You can find her books, blog, and newsletter signup here: https://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

#NewRelease JAZZ HOUSE by D.V. Stone

D.V. Stone is my guest today. Her new book, JAZZ HOUSE, book 2 in the Impact series, releases August 31, 2022. She sat down for an interview and told me about her writing and her life. Thanks for visiting, D.V.!

Jana, thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today. I’m excited to share about my new release. My Impact Series is near and dear to my heart.

Where did you get the idea for JAZZ HOUSE?

Jazz House is the second book of my Impact Series based on First Responders. The first book, Rock House Grill, is mostly about EMTs. In Jazz House, the main male character is Michael Machau. Michael is a police officer who was introduced as a secondary character in the first book. He is not only one of my favorite characters but seems to be a fan favorite.

Why did you choose this genre?

Several years ago, I did the National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo challenge. That’s where you commit to writing 50,000 words in thirty days. Now, those are a lot of words for a short period of time. Since I have experience as an EMT and in restaurant work, I wrote what I knew. The Wild Rose Press liked it and offered me a contract. 

What do you want readers to come away with after they read JAZZ HOUSE? 

Jazz House has a lot packed into it. An abusive relationship, a secret identity, making a way to overcome these things. I think the thing that I’d like to show most is that with supportive friends and family (whether they are blood relations on not), we can forge a new life and overcome the obstacles.

Do you work on more than one book at a time?

The short answer is yes. While I was writing Jazz House, I worked on two other stories. One has been submitted to my editor. (Shout out to ELF, who I adore. I call her my breathing coach as she gets me through the writing process). I have a project with several other authors that is an early work in progress. And working on a long-term project in my fantasy line, Shield-Mates of Dar.

How many books do you have under the proverbial bed? Will they ever see the light of day?

It’s crowded under there, LOL. I have the first book I ever started that needs tender loving care. The first book is done in draft but needs crazy editing. The manuscript is huge. There are two other books in various stages in that series. Also under that bed is the third book in my mid-grade paranormal series Agent Sam Carter Mysteries. There are a few other things too. A partial short story along the lines of Rainbow Sprinkles. Whew!

Do you write in the same place every day, or do you like to change it up?

D. V. is a rolling stone. I spend a great deal of time in my library/office, but I take it to my deck on nice days. I’m writing this interview in my camper. Occasionally I’ll head to the library when I need a further change of pace.

Tell us a bit about you. Where do you live, and how long have you been writing?

Since marrying my husband Pete twenty-eight years ago, I’ve lived in Northwest New Jersey. Before that, I lived in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where both Rock House Grill and Jazz House take place. Since retiring from full-time employment last year, we also spent the winter in a Florida campground where I worked on books, and Pete worked for the campground.

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing?

Someone asked me if I see myself in any of my characters. My answer is an emphatic yes. All of them. I believe most authors dip into their good, bad, and ugly to develop their characters. I’ve been everything from a farmer, waitress, maid, EMT in an ambulance, emergency room, and woman’s state prison. Over the years, I have been a  veterinary hospital manager, radiology office secretary, and owned both a coffee house and a small restaurant. Whether I’m working on a fantasy novel or a contemporary, bits of my life and experience touch it all.

Do you have any pets? Are you cat person or a dog person? Or are you into totally different pets, like goldfish? What do you like best about your pet?

I’m an animal lover and advocate. I’ve adopted all my pets and fostered many over the years, from Bassett Hounds to bottle baby kittens. Though I don’t have horses any longer, I’ll take any opportunity to be around them. Right now, Hali is my latest rescue dog, and Baby is our cat. By the way, Baby is seventeen years old and went to Florida with us this past winter. She was a champ and took to it like she’d been doing it since she was a kitten.

Hali

What are your hobbies away from the computer?

I live to glamp! We bought a 5th Wheel camper a few years ago, and I can’t get enough of travel. We especially like history and antiquing, so if a place has those, we’re on our way. In conjunction with that, cooking over an open fire is nearly an obsession. When we were in Florida, I often fed the campground. Give me fire, grate, or a tripod and Dutch Oven and ring that dinner bell.

What do you like best about your hero JAZZ HOUSE? 

Oh, Michael! He’s a sweetheart who rescues people and animals. He’s loyal, thoughtful, and a bit of a romantic. I can’t wait for you to read about his German Shepherds Forest and Jenny.

What do you like best about your heroine in JAZZ HOUSE? 

Jordon is complex. She’s made some bad decisions, and boy does she pay for them. However, she is not a coward and grabs her chance to escape and try to build a new life.

How do you choose the names and physical characteristics of your characters? Do you base them on real people?

I usually go to social security for contemporary works and look at popular names for the birth year. But let me tell you, as you write and the character develops, their name can change. In Rainbow Sprinkles, my main character is Gloriana Jones. The name just popped into my head one day with no story planned for her until TWRP called for submission for their One Scoop Or Two series. Gloriana was perfect for the part.

How can readers reach you or find you online?

I’m nearly everywhere! The best place to start is at my website https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/ and my monthly email list  https://mailchi.mp/18125bb60cc5/dv-stones-news-bulletin

Tell us a little about your current work in progress.

One of the things I’m working on is a cooperative effort with six other authors. I’m dipping my toe into historical paranormal romance with this one. Post WW2 action-adventure. Sort of like an underwater Indiana Jones. I’m excited to be part of this amazing group. Also, Felice, Shield-Mates of Dar Book One, was pulled and re-edited. She is being released with a new cover, and the second book, Kisa, will follow shortly.

If I was a first-time reader of your books, which one would you recommend I start with and why?

You could read Jazz House without reading Rock House Grill, but I think the reader would get a fuller, richer story to begin with RHG

Is there anything we haven’t covered here that you’d like to tell readers?

Be kind to each other. We have no idea what others are going through. Hold your friends and family close. Make an Impact in the world whenever you can. Oh, and Hali says, “Woof!”

(Translated to visit the shelters and adopt the pets.)

Blurb:

One woman’s choices. One man’s impact.

Jordan Vasilakis is on the run, living under an assumed name. After a disastrous marriage to a notorious Greek business tycoon, she flees to the States and starts rebuilding her life. But her ruthless husband is determined to destroy her…once he finds her.

Michael Machau is drawn to the new singer at Jazz House restaurant, but the guarded woman is harboring dangerous secrets. The dedicated police officer may have to risk more than just his heart to forge a connection with the woman he knows as Madeline Cielo, especially when he discovers she’s living a lie.

Worlds collide. Lies entangle. Survival, much less love, is in question. They must quickly distinguish friends from enemies or risk losing everything—including a future together.

Excerpt:

Jordan scrambled to the other side of the limo. 

“You sing good tonight.” He scrolled through his phone. 

“Yes, Kyrios.” 

Outside the window, massive cruise ships docked in the port. Happy older people made their way up the gangplanks toting bags filled with souvenirs, while the younger ones debarked dressed for the nightlife. Sparkly sequins flashed like diamonds as one young woman twirled on the pier. 

God, how had she come to this life? She willed her hovering tears not to fall. Kyrios wouldn’t approve. 

When she was offered a place in the touring group ten years ago, she thought it was the beginning of great things. Standing in the cabaret with the lights shining down was her dream come true. When she was the woman in the sparkly dress. 

Until he showed up. 

Each night, Kyrios Vasilakis, Greek business tycoon, sat at the front table watching her. Yes, he was older but so very handsome. Dark hair with silver at the temples, he cut a dashing figure in his black suits. 

Jordan began to sing to him. It was the beginning of the end. After a whirlwind romance, she found herself a prisoner in marriage to a brute.

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Jazz-House-Impact-Book-2-ebook/dp/B0B1Z2KKN8

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jazz-house-d-v-stone/1141502643

https://books.apple.com/us/book/jazz-house/id6442847677

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mZQq0e

For one-stop connections Link Tree 

Website: https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/18125bb60cc5/dv-stones-news-bulletin

IG: https://www.instagram.com/d.v.stone/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnavstone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dv.stone.1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16344100.D_V_Stone

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-v-stone

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/D.-V.-Stone/e/B01N154Y9U

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dvstoneauthor

Blog: D.V. Stone - Around The Fire Book and Author Blog (dvstoneauthor.com)

Other Books by 

D. V. Stone

Rainbow Sprinkles by The Wild Rose Press

After the storm come the rainbows.

Amazon  Barnes & Noble   iBook’s

Rock House Grill by The Wild Rose Press

One man’s choices. One woman’s Impact

Amazon Barnes & Noble iBook’s  Google Books 

Contributing Author

Australia Burns by The Wild Rose Press

Amazon

Independently Published

Mid Grade

Agent Sam Carter 

The Mystery at Branch Lake https://a.co/bb0HlkS

The Mystery at High Pointe Tower https://a.co/bb0HlkS

Kayelle Allen and the Antonello Brothers: #ScifiRomance

Kayelle Allen returns to my blog today for the Antonello Brothers: Immortal Complete Set Book Release Tour. If you like science fiction gay romance on the sweeter side, this set is for you! Welcome Kayelle!

 

Antonello Brothers: Immortal 

A Sweeter Gay Romance Set
New Release

Synopsis

Alone for centuries, Luc seeks mortal lovers to hold the loneliness at bay, but unlike himself, when they die, they don't come back. When his latest mortal lover falls in love with another, Luc steps aside. Will he never find his own forever love?

Izzorah, a young Kin male, comes into Luc's life, and the outlook brightens. This catlike alien reads Luc's emotions as if they were written on his face. Instead of fleeing from Luc's pain, Izzorah presses closer, offering solace.

When a life-threatening accident nearly kills Izzorah, the thought of losing him is too much to bear. Luc breaks the highest law among immortals and saves him by a transfusion of blood.

But instead of a simple cure, Luc's blood triggers a latent power, and an ability no one expected. Immortality. Could his precious Izzorah be Luc's forever love?

One thing is certain. Once Luc sets his mind to a thing, what Luc wants, Luc gets. But to claim Izzorah's full surrender, Luc must first offer his own...

♥If you'd like a cuddly cinnamon roll hero who purrs, and an alpha male who has met his emotional match, this MM Sci-Fi Romance book bundle is just what you've been looking for. Extra points if you prefer your love scenes with only a hint of steam.

♥Includes a bonus book and links to a full universe of stories with these characters.

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/abi-complete

Cover by GermanCreative 

#WriteLGBTQ #SciFi #Romance #NewRelease #Immortals #PietasFans #MMRomance #SciFiRomance 

Universal Buy Link

Universal Buy Link https://books2read.com/abi-complete

Website https://kayelleallen.com/anthology-package-deal

Website Series https://kayelleallen.com/antonello-brothers-immortal/

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Antonello-Brothers-Immortal-Sweeter-ebook/dp/B0B3SD65CM

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/complete-set-antonello-brothers-immortal-by-kayelle-allen

BookFunnel https://buy.bookfunnel.com/agjbctt9u6 

StoryOrigin https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/d33baa08-eb78-11ec-a208-4bc2590dc92f?via=kayelle

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/complete-set-antonello-brothers-immortal

Payhip https://payhip.com/b/R3WKD

#NewRelease from Liz Flaherty

Liz Flaherty, my special guest today, has had a terrific year writing-wise. REINVENTING RILEY, book 2 in her Second Chances series, is her third new release this year! ( A YEAR OF FIRSTS, book 1, Second Chances series, released February 7, 2022 and LIFE'S TOO SHORT FOR WHITE WALLS came out April 20, 2022.) Congrats Liz! She's here to tell us a little about REINVENTING RILEY. Take it away Liz!

Rye Winters grew up in Chicago, and she loves it there. After many years in a small-town subdivision, the forty-something widow is champing at the bit to go back. She’s sold her business and her house and made plans right down to the kind of apartment she wants to lease or buy—no more lawn-mowing or weed-eating for her! She’s not going to need a car—which is great because she hates to drive. She’d reinvented herself once—she could hardly wait to do it again.

But before making her final move, she goes to Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania, population 2922, to be her best friend’s “widow of honor” in her wedding.

Where she meets the preacher, falls in love with a cottage on the lake, and can’t stop looking at a downtown building that has so many possibilities. Hmm… 

Blurb:

He’s afraid a second time at love wouldn’t live up to his first. She’s afraid a second round would be exactly like her first. 

Pastor Jake McAlister and businesswoman Riley Winters are in their forties and widowed. Neither is interested in a relationship. They both love Fallen Soldier, the small Pennsylvania town where they met, even though Rye plans to move to Chicago, and Jake sees a change in pastorates not too far down the road. Enjoying a few-weeks friendship is something they both look forward to.

However, there is an indisputable attraction between the green-eyed pastor and the woman with a shining sweep of chestnut hair. Then there’s the Culp, an old downtown building that calls unrelentingly to Rye’s entrepreneurial soul. And when a young man named Griff visits Jake, life changes in the blink of a dark green eye.

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B2FT1JLR

Excerpt: 

He walked her to the door and waited while she unlocked it.

She looked up. “Do you want a glass of wine?” While being alone seldom bothered her, the evening ahead looked long with only Hagar for company. “Maybe watch a movie? I start watching Christmas movies on Thanksgiving night, so I guarantee you’ll have plenty of opportunity to roll your eyes.” 

He hesitated long enough for it to hurt, and she drew back. “Never mind. You don’t have—” 

“I want to,” he said. “Maybe a little more than is good for either of us. I don’t want to let you in for the gossip that often goes along with dating a single pastor.”

The relief made her feel a little silly. “Probably not as much as if I dated a married one.” 

But who was talking about dating? He was a dedicated minister with little left over to offer to a relationship. Besides, the sudden appearance of the boy called Griff was enough for him to have on his mind. Not that Rye didn’t want to spend time with Jake, but dating and depth didn’t go together for her. Sometimes, when she allowed herself to worry about things, she worried that she wasn’t capable of depth. 

She wasn’t going to think about that now. She was going to think about wine and cheese while watching the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol. If a handsome man sat on the loveseat beside her, that was all right. That’s all, just all right.

“So?” She hated the breathiness of her voice that made her sound like the stereotype of a beauty pageant winner. She wasn’t the breathy type. Breathiness went with depth, didn’t it?

“So, would you like me to open the wine? I’m good with a corkscrew.”

They still stood inside the door, the lights on the Christmas tree she’d put up the night before lending ambiance to the little house. “Yes,” she said. “I’ll slice some cheese. Do you have a favorite?”

“White kinds. I might not be too knowledgeable about cheese.” 

“Do you like Christmas songs?”

“Is the Pope Catholic?”

Rye’s list of holiday music played softly as they worked together in the tiny kitchen, bumping into each other every minute or so and laughing each time. It wasn’t self-conscious, the laughter, and she reveled in it. How long it had been since she shared that particular kind of joy with a man she…liked? Yes, liked. No more, no less.

After the third clashing of elbows, Jake set down the glasses he’d taken out of the cupboard and took the knife from her hand. “Let’s do this,” he said, and took her into his arms. Not close or tight, but warm, and danced with her through the kitchen and hallway, ending in the glow from soft light from the tree in the living room. They stood, swaying together.

“Your eyes,” he said, “are extraordinarily blue.”

“Yours are extraordinarily green.” His sweater, the same color as his eyes, was soft under her hands, covering shoulders and arms more muscular than she had expected. He was just the right height to dance with, too. Looking up didn’t hurt her neck, but he was enough taller than she to reduce her tendency to lead. “Is this our first date?”

He looked thoughtful. “No. Actually, I think we’ve had several. We’ve just kind of avoided calling them that.”

“That’s good then.” She sounded breathy again, but the truth was, she was feeling a little winded by his proximity and how it made her feel. “Because, I wouldn’t want to be known as someone who…you know…would kiss on the first date.”

“No, that wouldn’t be good, would it?” His arms tightened. “But maybe after several dates it would be okay?”

“I think so. A nice kiss goes well with wine and cheese and Ebenezer Scrooge’s story.”

“Does it?” His lips, warm and firm, met hers then. Searching. Tasting. Releasing. For a moment. “If one goes well, how would they be with two?”

“Oh.” She raised her hands, threading them through his thick, soft hair. “I think they’d be even better.”

The wine, cheese, and movie were wonderful after four kisses, splendid after five. The wine had had plenty of time to breathe and the cheese had warmed so that its flavor was rich and its consistency creamy. 

Kind of like the kisses. Not the creamy part, but warm and rich and leaving her with a wish for more.

Bio: 

USA Today bestselling author Liz Flaherty started writing in the fourth grade when her Aunt Gladys allowed her to use her portable Royal typewriter. The truth was that her aunt would have let her do anything to get her out of her hair, but the typewriter and the stories it could produce caught on, and Liz never again had a day without a what if… in it. 

She and Duane, her husband of at least forever, live in a farmhouse in central Indiana, sharing grown children, spoiled cats, and their grandkids, the Magnificent Seven. (Don’t get her started on them—you’ll be here all day.) To find out more about her, stop by http://lizflaherty.net/ or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/df7dhP. 

Social media links:

http://lizflaherty.net/ 

http://www.facebook.com/lizkflaherty 

https://twitter.com/LizFlaherty1 

http://wordwranglers.blogspot.com/

http://windowoverthesink.blogspot.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Liz-Flaherty/e/B001J919R4%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3336348.Liz_Flaherty

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/liz-flaherty 

https://www.instagram.com/lizkflaherty/?hl=en

#NewRelease from Liz Flaherty: LIFE'S TOO SHORT FOR WHITE WALLS

 I'm thrilled to have my friend and fellow Word Wrangler, Liz Flaherty, as my guest today. Liz is one of the best writers I know and I'm happy to have another of her books on my Kindle ready to go. Make sure the enter the giveaway. Welcome Liz!

 

Life's Too Short for White Walls

by Liz Flaherty

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Still reeling from her divorce, Joss Murphy flees to Banjo Bend, Kentucky, where she'd been safe and happy as a child. The family farm is now a campground. Weary and discouraged, she talks owner Ezra McIntire into renting her a not-quite-ready cabin.
With PTSD keeping him company, Ez thrives on the seclusion of the campground. The redhead in Cabin Three adds suggestions to his improvement plans, urging color and vibrancy where there was none.

Neither is looking for love, yet the attraction they share is undeniable. Can the comfort of campfires, hayrides, and sweet kisses bring these two lost souls together?

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google

Retired from the post office, Liz Flaherty spends non-writing time sewing, traveling, and doing whatever else she wants to. She and her husband Duane live in the old farmhouse in North Central Indiana they moved to in 1977. They’ve talked about moving, but really…40-plus years’ worth of stuff? It’s not happening. It would require removing old baseball trophies from the attic and dusting the pictures of the Magnificent Seven, their grandchildren.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Win a Swag Pack or

$20 Amazon giftcard,

-1 winner each! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LET IT MELT: #NewRelease from Margot Johnson

 Full disclosure: Margot Johnson and I belong to the same writing group in Saskatchewan, Canada. Though I haven't lived in Saskatchewan for over 20 years, I still belong to the Saskatchewan Romance Writers, of which Margot is also a member. And since I grew up in Saskatchewan, I'm very familiar with all the places where she finds inspiration in our home province. Great to have you here, Margot. I hope to see you at a retreat this year!

Let it Melt is book two in the Merilee Tours series. 

In book one, Let it Snowball, Merilee reinvents her boring life by launching a tour business which leads to fun adventures and surprising romance. 

In Let it Melt, Merilee hosts a Valentine’s Sweetheart Tour where love is in the air…maybe. 

How on earth did Jill, a single divorcee, land on a romantic Valentine's Sweetheart Tour for couples? Worse, she’s paired with Jack, her daughter’s brash father-in-law, and everyone thinks he’s her valentine. Stranded in a Canadian prairie blizzard, how soon can she kiss this awkward evening goodbye?

Long divorced, Jack would love to charm Jill with his toned body and dynamic personality, but his wisecracks and obsession with fitness get in the way—especially when he nabs a post at the same school where she teaches.

Even the most romantic month of the year can’t melt their differences and sweeten Jill's feelings….or can it?

Some of Margot’s inspirations…

The dogs in my books are inspired by my old golden retriever, Sophie, who makes me smile every day.

Merilee’s tours are inspired by my love of my home province of Saskatchewan and the many wonderful places to visit here including these five examples…

Winter sunset in Saskatchewan

1. Moose Jaw, SK – a city with a small-town feel, I set my first book, Love Takes Flight, there. Legend has it that Al Capone hid out in tunnels under the city, and it has a great mineral spa for a relaxing soak.

2. Waskesiu, SK – This touristy town sits on the shores of a lake in Prince Albert National Park in northern Saskatchewan. Our family visits every year to breathe the fresh, pine-scented air, hang out at the beach, and watch for wildlife. Elk often cruise the town, and you might see a bear along the road.

3. Madge Lake, SK – Another beautiful lake setting in Saskatchewan where our family has started an annual holiday tradition. 

4. Eastend, SK – This small town is best known for the nearby discovery of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton nicknamed "Scotty" in 1994. We stayed in a country cottage and had fun exploring the area.

5. Regina, SK – a city of about 250,000, it’s the capital city of Saskatchewan with many attractions including beautiful Wascana Park and the RCMP Heritage Centre and police training academy.

Excerpt, Let it Melt:

Circling the rink, she stretched her free leg and arced toward and then away from Jack. Her bulk floated away, and confidence expanded in her chest like a balloon that would never pop. She soared as alive and free as the old, energetic Jill. Goodbye to the tired woman who crumpled on the couch with potato chips to comfort her while she coped with the disappointments and adjustments of a failed marriage. Intermission from regular, active life was over.

For a few moments, only the crisp, cutting sounds of their blades broke the still, silent air.

“Will you—”

 “I wish—” Hearing Jack speak at the same moment, Jill slowed and curved side to side.

“Ladies first.” Jack swung forward an arm.

“I wish every night could be this beautiful.” She glanced at the starry sky. Did it twinkle the promise of happy days to follow? 

“In my amazing presence?” He stuck a thumb in his chest. 

“I mean…I don’t know what I mean. What were you about to say?” She lowered her gaze to his profile and absorbed the cold, peaceful air brushing her cheeks.

“Will you allow me to hold your hand?” He gave a slight bow and extended an arm

The bold man disappeared, replaced by a hesitant gentleman. At the same time, she melted from a mature woman into a fluttery teen. Passing fragrant evergreens, she couldn’t quite take a full breath. Would she? Should she?” Under her blades, the ice snapped. Her mouth dried so she couldn’t speak, so she nodded and held out a hand. 

About Margot Johnson:

Margot and Sophie

Margot Johnson writes feel-good stories of dreams, family, and romance.

She is the author of two sweet romance novels, LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and LOVE LEADS THE WAY, and two novellas, LET IT SNOWBALL and LET IT MELT. Her characters can't possibly find their happy endings...or can they?

Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. Her motto is "Dream big and work hard."

When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40!)

Margot lives in the Canadian prairies with her amazing husband and adorable golden retriever.

Where to connect

Website: margotjohnson.ca

Facebook: MargotJohnsonAuthor

Twitter: @AuthorMargot

 

Find her books here:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

BookBub

Goodreads

#NewRelease by Margot Johnson - LET IT SNOWBALL

My friend Margot Johnson is back on Journeys with Jana. She just released LET IT SNOWBALL, a new Christmas story in the Christmas cookie series from The Wild Rose Press. I had a look at the Chocolate Snowball recipe that Margot provided. I'm going to have try this one for Christmas! Take it away, Margot!

I write feel-good stories about women who chase their dreams and bump into romance along the way. They live in small communities near my home in the Canadian prairies, and they count on an eclectic mix of family and friends to make their lives interesting and fun. 

My new release is available as an eBook on Amazon and major online bookstores. I hope you agree it’s a fun way to celebrate the Christmas season!

In my story, the heroine, Merilee, shares her famous cookie recipe for chocolate snowballs – see below). Maybe you’ll want to add it to your Christmas baking list.

Author Bio:

Margot Johnson grew up in a family of writers and has always loved books and writing. She is the author of two, sweet romance novels--LOVE TAKES FLIGHT and LOVE LEADS THE WAY and the Christmas novella LET IT SNOWBALL. Her characters can't possibly find their happy endings...or can they? 

Before turning her focus to the fun writing life, Margot held leadership roles in human resources and communications. Her motto is "Dream big and work hard." When not writing, she loves to connect with family and friends, volunteer with SK Writers Guild, and walk at least 10,000 steps a day (except when it's minus 40!)

 She lives in the Canadian prairies with her amazing husband and beloved golden retriever.

Blurb:

Christmas tours brim with lights, cookies, and…unexpected romance?

Divorced, empty nester Merilee is on a roll. Filled with scrumptious cookies and old-fashioned fun, her Christmas bus tours aim to add festive spirit to her hometown and new meaning to her lackluster life. Too bad her reserved driver slams the brakes on fun.

Widowed farmer Ross needs a little joy to combat his December blues. Behind the wheel, he wears a Santa suit but can't muster a convincing ho-ho-ho. Too many memories block his road to happiness…until irrepressible Merilee sparks a snowstorm of unexpected feelings.

In two weeks of holiday tours, Ross might drive Merilee crazy…or will romance snowball inside their lonely hearts?

Excerpt:

After a short drive, the busload arrived at their first stop. “You’re in for a treat.” Merilee leapt up, leaned over, and gave directions on where to park. Absorbing Ross’s delicious scent, clean like snow infused with a trace of peppermint, she jerked back and steadied her breath. Sudden, shocking warmth flooded her insides. Now where was she?  She paused to gather her wayward thoughts. 

“These rules apply for each stop so we can all enjoy the goodies inside and still keep the tour on schedule. You are free to choose from several platters of cookies. If you would like to sample other kinds or take some home, you can purchase as many as you’d like. We’ll stay for thirty minutes, and then I’ll jingle.” She demonstrated with a string of bells. “Last one back on the bus has to tell a joke or lead a song. If you agree, shout snowball.”  

“Snowball.” In a chorus of voices, the group hollered back the right answer. 

She lowered the mic. “What about you, Santa?”

He shifted the gear into Park. “Nobody’s going anywhere without me.” He straightened his hat and quirked a fluffy eyebrow. 

She smiled, folded her arms, and tapped a foot. Her boots were pretty eye-catching covered in green and red toppers with bells on the toes. Maybe she could cajole him into some good-natured joking. “Santa, you know what happens to kids who don’t behave. You don’t want to end up on the Naughty List, do you?” 

“Snowball.” He kept a straight face. 

Links: 

Let it Snowball

Love Takes Flight  

Love Leads the Way

Website: margotjohnson.ca  Facebook: MargotJohnsonAuthor  Twitter: @AuthorMargot 

A Review from New York Times Bestselling Author Mary Balogh:

“I loved LET IT SNOWBALL. From the first page I wanted to book a place on Merilee’s nightly Season’s Eatings Christmas tour bus with its three stops at cookie shops to sample and buy. On the last page I wanted to book ahead for the Valentine’s tour! Margot Johnson has a way of making a festive atmosphere seem very real. Combine that with a warm and gentle love story that feels truly authentic, and you have a winner of a story.”

My writing tip: Don’t wait for the perfect idea or ideal moment. Just sit at your keyboard and write!

Inspiration for this story: I live in a place where winter storms and frigid weather are common. I also love Christmas. 

Last year during lockdown, my husband and I couldn’t visit friends and family in person, so we delivered Christmas light necklaces to their doors and then connected online. We also bundled up for a walk on a minus forty degree day. I can imagine my characters Merilee and Ross sharing similar adventures.

One wish: I love hearing feedback from readers. I wish everyone who reads Let it Snowball would post a review.

Merilee’s Famous Chocolate Snowballs

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

1/4 cup 2% or whole milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Icing sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add egg, milk, and vanilla and mix well.

Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

Gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Shape into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets and bake until tops crackle (7-8 minutes).

Remove to wire racks and cool. Roll in icing sugar.

Enjoy!

FOREVER WINTER: #NewRelease from Amber Daulton

 Please welcome Amber Daulton and her new sweet historical romance FOREVER WINTER, which releases October 5, 2021. The novella is on sale for .99 cents for a limited time, so get your ecopy now! 

A perfect Christmas wedding, a snowstorm, and a shocking secret. What could go wrong?

Susanna Lorican must marry the man she loves before the truth is discovered, or face the gossip of the ton. With an unexpected snowstorm injuring the minister, her future hangs in the balance.

Viscount Camden Beckinworth vows to keep his bride safe, even if he must betray her confidence. When their love is put to the test, how will he uphold her honor without jeopardizing his own?

– Warning: this sweet, complete Regency romance novella features a brief scene where the heroine is assaulted.

– Second edition. Newly revised and edited.

Will their love withstand the storm to come?

Excerpt:

Oh, my. The air in her lungs froze as he teased and tasted her lips in a decadent, feather-soft kiss. She moaned into his mouth and closed her eyes.

“You are so beautiful.” He trailed his lips down her neck.

“Camden.” She gasped and gripped his broad shoulders for an anchor in the storm of bliss threatening to sweep her under. Spots dotted her vision like twinkling stars peeking through dark clouds. She blinked several times and nodded to the entryway. “We must control ourselves. Anyone could see.” The smirk crawling up his cheeks clenched something deep and primal inside her. She breathed harder and inched closer to his heaving chest.

“Let them. We are betrothed. Two people in love who are about to wed are expected to kiss.”

“Kiss, yes,” she whispered. “You, my lord, make love with your lips.” Heat flamed in her cheeks and surely reddened her face.

Camden laughed and trailed his fingers up her bare arm to the puffed sleeve. “Do I? You have never admitted that before.”

“There are some things you should not be privy to.”

“Really? I’m honored that my bride appreciates the way I kiss. If she didn’t, what kind of man would that make me?”

She stepped away and smacked his biceps. “There are eyes and ears everywhere, Camden. Especially today. I’m positive the servants are already gossiping that we are spending time together on the one day we should keep our distance. It is bad luck.” And since their chaperone had left them unaccompanied, she expected another servant to arrive any minute, courtesy of her mother.

Camden drew her back into his arms and brushed his lips across her hairline. “I make my own luck. We control our destiny, Susanna; no one else. Besides, you have nothing to worry about. The one activity we shared truly worth gossiping about will never reach the light of day.”

Add to Goodreads – https://bit.ly/foreverwintergoodreads

Check it out on BookBub – https://bit.ly/foreverwinterbookbub 

Purchase Links:

Amazon – https://bit.ly/foreverwinteramazon

Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/foreverwinternook

Kobo – https://bit.ly/foreverwinterkobo

Apple/iBooks – https://bit.ly/foreverwinterapple 

Google Play – https://bit.ly/foreverwintergoogleplay

Universal link – https://books2read.com/foreverwinter

About the Author:

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. 

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats. 

Social Media Links: 

Universal link – https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton