Winter Blogfest: Lucy Felthouse

December 24, 2024 By 3 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a backlist ebook of the winner’s choice.

 

Weaving Reality into Fiction—At Christmas by Lucy Felthouse

A couple of years ago, I found out about this really awesome local initiative that was taking place. A café in my nearest town was putting on a meal on Christmas Day for those who would be alone, or for whatever reason didn’t have the funds/resources to cook their own meal. They were raising funds to pay for it, and asking for volunteers to help out on the day. I wasn’t in a position to volunteer, unfortunately, but kept it in the back of my mind for the following year. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, as the café has since closed—a real loss to the community.

However, the idea and the spirit behind it remained bubbling away in the back of my mind and I decided to make it the jumping off point for my latest Christmas book, When Christmas is Cancelled. I took the charity meal idea and the café itself and weaved them into my story. It made for a very heartwarming plot, and the ideal place for my lead characters to bump into each other a decade after a painful breakup. I had lots of fun telling their angsty, twisty story against the wholesome backdrop of people volunteering their time to help others, with Christmas cheer, food, songs and decorations everywhere.

My local town isn’t actually named in the book, but I did borrow heavily from it. The lovely Christmas trees and decorations that are up at this time of year, the fantastic independent shops, the sense of community and generosity. All this reality was woven into fiction, and then I went heavy on the making stuff up at a pivotal moment in the book when I added some snowfall—which we rarely get in this neck of the woods, for some reason (and when we do, it’s way more inconvenient than fun).

I really enjoyed picking and choosing my favourite bits of reality and putting them into this story—although it was weird to be writing a Christmas book during the summer! Thankfully, by the time the editing phase came along, we were in the grips of a chilly autumn and even had some early snow, so it was easier for me to add in some more of those wintery details as I polished up the book to a gleaming shine, ready for readers to (hopefully) enjoy. The result is a book that (and early reviews attest to this) is heartwarming, scorching, and also tugs on the heartstrings. So if you like second chance romance with an age gap and a spot of BDSM, then do check out When Christmas is Cancelled. It’s available from to buy from Amazon in eBook and paperback formats, and is in Kindle Unlimited for one term only, so if you’re a subscriber, add it to your shelf ASAP.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and happy reading!
Lucy x

When Rosie does a good deed on Christmas Day, she’s not expecting to come face to face with her very own ghost of Christmas past.

Rosie Kilbride’s festive plans are derailed when her mother calls on Christmas Eve to postpone their family get together due to illness. Left with a surplus of food and no one to eat it with, Rosie contacts Ingrid, a local café owner, to find out if she still needs volunteers for the charity Christmas meal she’s organising. Ingrid jumps at the chance, and on Christmas morning Rosie heads out, anticipating a busy but pleasant day doing something nice for others, followed by a meal of leftovers with her fellow volunteers.

Unfortunately, on being introduced to the café’s kitchen staff, she discovers the head chef is none other than Luke Adams, the man who broke her heart into a million tiny pieces ten years ago. And she’s got to work with him. Despite her inner turmoil, there’s no way she’ll let Ingrid and the diners down, so she’s determined to grin and bear it. It’s just a few hours, after all.

When the day is almost done, tiredness and hunger kick in, and emotions start to run high. Can Rosie get away unscathed, or will she be forced to deal with Luke and all the feelings his presence has dredged up?

When Christmas is Cancelled is a standalone M/F steamy contemporary romance with second chance, age gap and BDSM themes.

 

Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award), The Persecution of the Wolves, Hiding in Plain Sight, Curve Appeal, Not That Kind of Witch and The Heiress’s Harem and The Dreadnoughts series. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 175 publications to her name. Find out more about her and her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/linktree

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Winter Blogfest: Nan Reinhardt

December 24, 2024 By 3 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win e-book copies of reader’s choice of any two of my five River’s Edge holiday romances. One reader, two books. 

Repeat the Sounding Joy by Nan Reinhardt

I love to sing. I can’t sing. I mean I have a truly terrible voice, but I love to sing. Especially at Christmas. So Pandora’s Christmas Classics starts playing at our house before Thanksgiving and NPR gets switched to the Christmas station on the car radio as soon as B104.5 becomes all Christmas music all the time. I’ve played James Taylor’s holiday CD so many times I’m surprised it isn’t worn through and at least four times a week, I hunt for the Eagles version of “Please Come Home for Christmas” on YouTube and play it while I’m working.

Hello, I’m Nan and I am a Christmas music junkie.

It’s not just the holiday tunes that we all know and love—you know, the ones that send warm little snuggly hugs throughout your whole being? “Winter Wonderland.” “The Christmas Song” (Nat King Cole’s version, of course). “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” “Jingle Bells.” Even the more up-to-date ones like “All I Want for Christmas” and Leonard Cohen’s haunting “Hallelujah,” make me happy.

But it’s the Advent singing that takes me into the holidays with the gladdest heart. All the lovely carols we sing as a part of Sunday worship in December and the special music. “Mary, Did You Know?” “Who Comes This Night?” “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” And of course, “Oh, Holy Night.” My Aunt Ruth Audrey used to sing that beautiful carol every Christmas Eve while my cousin Susie accompanied her on the piano. Aunt Ruth had a gorgeous contralto that sent shivers down your spine when she hit that first “Oh night divine…” As a kid, that’s when I knew it was truly, truly Christmas.

I miss her. I miss those family Christmas Eves and the singing around the piano and lighting the advent candles and Mom reading to us from the second chapter of the gospel of Luke and my grandfather’s turkey dinner on Christmas day. I do what I can to make our Christmases as special as they felt when I was a kid, but even today, it’s the music—the carols, the songs about snow and pie and winter wonderlands and silver bells that truly bring the spirit of the holiday to life for me.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours and if you need a little holiday boost, turn on some Christmas music and sing along. Your heart will thank you.

 

This Christmas he has big plans until he meets a beautiful distraction….

Army reservist Cameron Walker loves everything about the holidays in River’s Edge—celebrating with his big family and carving out more time to work on his custom design furniture in his studio. But when he meets a visiting artist and niece of a family friend, he’s eager to break his work plans for play. He knows first-hand life’s short.

Teacher and artist Harper Gaines is bowled over by the handsome and friendly finish carpenter she meets during her vacation. His admiration for her art and his enthusiasm for life light her up, and remind her of how much she’s been missing since her soldier husband’s death. But when she discovers Cam’s also a soldier, she retreats, unable to risk another loss.

Cam has never felt such a strong connection, and he won’t give up without a fight. But will Cam’s persistence and the magic of Christmas be enough to convince Harper to take a chance on them?

 

Nan Reinhardt is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet, small-town romantic fiction for Tule Publishing. Her day job is working as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, however, writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. She can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t writing—she wrote her first romance novel at the age of ten and is still writing, but now from the viewpoint of a wiser, slightly rumpled, woman in her prime. Nan lives in the Midwest with her husband of 50 years, where they split their time between a house in the city and a cottage on a lake.

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Winter Blogfest: Mariah Lynne

December 24, 2024 By 2 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an e-book copy of “A Christmas Wish for Love.”  

 

A Taste of Christmas by  Mariah Lynne

Each year, as I unwrap precious ornaments from my childhood, I am reminded of past family holidays. My father immigrated to the US from Naples, Italy and brought this holiday tradition with him. I find it ironic that I now live close to Naples, Florida.

​Southern Italians especially Neapolitans begin their holiday on Christmas Eve with a very special meal, The Feast of The Seven Fishes. Growing up in New Jersey, I remember my mother and father taking me to my Aunt Maggie’s (Michelina’s) on Christmas Eve to celebrate with cousins, aunts and uncles. As we walked through light snow, past bushes filled with colored lights, to climb the two steps up to her front door, aromas of fresh bread, sauces, and homemade desserts greeted us from her kitchen.

​Once everyone had arrived, we gathered in her dining room. Laughter, homemade wine and animated conversations filled the room. An ecru lace tablecloth crocheted by my grandmother covered her long dining room table. Red poinsettias and a special nativity from Italy decorated her sideboard. All the children gasped when we saw the colorful packages underneath her Christmas tree knowing she always had a present for each of us,

​This special night, all problems were left at the door. Only love and happy thoughts of Christmas filled our minds as we eagerly anticipated dinner. My aunt and grandmother cooked all day. My mother brought her homemade biscotti to serve for dessert along with her homemade cannoli.

​The oohs and aahs became louder as my aunt and uncle carried in the platters filled with The Feast of The Seven Fishes. The menu remained constant.: calamari, baccala (salt cod), clams with linguini, crab in a tomato sauce with angel hair pasta, anchovies, baked flounder, and shrimp cooked in olive oil with lemon butter. I’ve watched the Feast cooked by professional chefs on TV, but none could ever compare with Aunt Maggie’s labor of love.

​Living by the sea, I kept the tradition of serving fresh seafood on Christmas Eve. Not as big as the Feast but one appropriate for our smaller gathering: homemade New England Clam Chowder, baked stuffed shrimp or Shrimp Scampi, Parmesan Crusted Grouper and my mother’s homemade biscotti.

RECIPE FOR SHRIMP SCAMPI: ENJOY!

​Ingredients

1 POUND OF LARGE SHRIMP (16-20), peeled and de-veined

SALT and FRESH GROUND PEPPER TO TASTE

3 GARLIC CLOVES CHOPPED– OR MINCED

2 TABLESPOONS FRESHLY CHOPPED PARSLEY

2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL

3 TABLESPOONS BUTTER

½ CUP WHITE WINE

RED PEPPER FLAKES TO TASTE

1 ½ TABLESPOONS OF LEMON JUICE

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side until they begin to turn pink, then flip.  Pour in wine, add red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes or until wine reduces to half and shrimp is cooked through but not over– cooked.  Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley and take off heat immediately. Serve over rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Have you ever had a holiday cookie that came with a set of instructions? You’re about to.

In this sweet, heart-warming holiday romance, a precocious twelve-year-old named Luci, short for Lucia, never met her mom because she died giving birth. Her dad, a Florida Gulf Coast Island veterinarian, loved his late wife so much that he does not date or look at any other woman even though women are attracted to him. He still wears his wedding ring and, every Saturday night, shares a box of her mom’s memories, hoping to keep her alive in Luci’s heart.

Luci’s elderly Swedish next-door neighbor Meta loves Luci like an adopted granddaughter. When Luci’s dad gets called in for an emergency on her birthday which happens to be Saint Lucia’s Day, Luci and her dog Chester visit Meta.

Meta gives Luci a surprise birthday gift as she leaves to take home and open later with her dad. Then the holiday magic begins.

A CHRISTMAS WISH FOR LOVE is an enchanting and inspiring story you will want to share with others!

 

 

Mariah Lynne takes her readers on exciting adventures. Travel through time to catch a thief or be rescued by a handsome knight, outsmart murderers who think they are invincible, and fall in love again with romances that will make you smile and melt your heart. Her heroines are fearless, strong- willed independent women whose stories are sure to entertain you . 

A resident of a beautiful Florida Gulf Coast barrier island for more than thirty years, she loves to weave the local color of islanders into her characters as well as set her stories in the scenic island backdrop that serves as her back yard. An animal lover, all her heroines have pets. Her books include: The Love Gypsy, Shadows Across Time, The Duchess’ Necklace, A Gem of a Murder, Claws for Justice, Paws for Christmas, Max Canine Concierge of Love, and A Christmas Wish for Love.

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Winter Blogfest: Garth Pettersen

December 24, 2024 By 2 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook copy of The Swan’s Road (book #1 in the Atheling Chronicles). 

 

Christmas in the Eleventh Century by Garth Pettersen 

I have been wondering about Christmas in the early part of the 11th century when my characters in The Atheling Chronicles lived. I finally found some information. Here is a quick summary. 

In the early 11th century, the good folk of Engla-lond were either Anglo-Saxons (Germanic) or Danes. Both groups had originally been pagan, believing in a whole pantheon of delightful gods and goddesses.

In 597 c.e. Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries to Engla-lond with the PR strategy of continuity, i.e. keep as much the same as it was. Yule was a pagan festival (not connected with the Winter Solstice) with an association with fertility⸺it may have involved some ceremonial copulation.  

The Church had decided (in the 4th century) that December 25 would be celebrated as the birth day of the Christ Child, so they turned the Yule fertility festival into a Christian feast day. In Anglo-Saxon the word was “Cristesmæsse.“ Easter was the more important festival for the Church, but around Christmas, the English would take part in fasts, vigils, prayers, and the giving of alms both to monasteries and to the common people, for the full twelve days before Christmas. The copulation part was dropped. 

So there we have the beginning of celebrating the birth of Christ and the origin of gift-giving. The last tradition added during the Anglo-Saxon period was the holiday (holy-day) part. One of Alfred the Great’s laws (there were a lot of “Greats” in those days⸺we’ve forgotten all the “Not So Greats” such as Sven the Slackard) stated no one should work during the Twelve Days of Christmas.” This gave the hardworking folk of Engla-lond a much-needed rest and a reason to celebrate. So there you have it.  

Gesælige Cristesmæsse! 

 

In 1030 C.E., Cnute, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, sends Harald, his middle son, to the Kingdom of Dublin to meet with his Norse-Irish allies. Harald’s mission is to coordinate an invasion of the northern Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd, to replace King Rhydderch who is growing too powerful on England’s borders. Harald is reluctant to be involved in affairs of state, but agrees to go, even though his beloved wife, Selia, is unwell. Harald tells Selia he will not have to take part in the fighting.

Harald becomes involved in a conflict with Dublin’s neighbor, and to appease the king of Dublin, he commits to leading their combined forces in the attack on Wales. The plan is to replace King Rhydderch with Iago, the weaker King of Anglesey. The more Harald learns of these monarchs, the more his allegiance leans toward the man he has been sent to kill. 

Will Harald unseat a strong and just ruler to carry out his father/king’s commands, or will he tread a more righteous road, which will destroy the life he and Selia have built in England?

 

Garth Pettersen is an award-winning Canadian writer living in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, BC, where he and his wife board horses. Pettersen has a BA in History from the University of Victoria and is a retired teacher. His short stories have appeared in anthologies and in journals such as Blank Spaces, The Spadina Literary Review, and The Opening Line Literary ‘Zine. Garth Pettersen’s historical fiction series, The Atheling Chronicles, is published by Tirgearr Publishing and is available through most online outlets. The latest book in the series, The Sea’s Edge, received a first-place Incipere Award.

 

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Winter Blogfest: Megan Slayer

December 24, 2024 By 1 Comment

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a bracelet made by the author.

My Christmas Playlist by Megan Slayer 

I thought I’d pull together a list of my favorite Christmas songs. I’m kind of picky about what I like at Christmas. I’m not wild about much of the newest versions of the old songs. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order)

“Jingle Bell Rock” ~ Bobby Helms – It’s just classic.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” ~ Bing Crosby – this one makes me sad and think about the people in my life that aren’t there any longer. But it also makes me glad I knew them.

“Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” ~ Burl Ives – now that I know he was blacklisted, I love it even more.

“Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” ~ Gene Autry – we sang this song at school. It reminds me of being in the first grade.

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” ~ Brenda Lee – doesn’t she have the best Christmas songs? Besides, how can you not love it and not think of Home Alone?

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” ~ Judy Garland – makes me sad, yet Christmassy, too.

“White Christmas” ~ Bing Crosby – it’s just a classic

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” ~ Bruce Springsteen – okay, I love how he asks how many have behaved and when he gets a poor response, he says, ah…not many, not many. Cracks me up.

“Santa Baby” ~ Eartha Kitt – she makes Christmas sexy 😊

“The Chipmunk Song” ~ How can you not like the Chipmunks at Christmas?

“Little Saint Nick” ~ The Beach Boys – I learned the Muppets version of this song and love both versions.

“When the River Meets the Sea” ~ Paul Williams, but sung by Robin the Frog and Denver with the Muppets

And….

“The Peace Carol” ~ Traditional ~ John Denver and Scooter with the Muppets

I know I left off the Drifters, Otis Redding and Darlene Love among others. They’re on the longer list. What are your favorite Christmas songs? Do you lean classic or contemporary? I’d love to know.

 

Two hearts, one child and the chance to make everything right.

Jamie Starkey has started to wonder about having kids. He thought he had his life sorted out—the job, the life and the house—but he doesn’t have it all. And there’s one man he never forgot. Haddie Clay. Jamie’s long had his heart set on him, except Haddie isn’t interested in him—until now.

Haddie Clay has always known Jamie was the father of his kid. Haddie’s raised his nephew, Chris, for the last ten years, but it’s time Chris knew the truth, that Haddie is Chris’ uncle and Jamie is his biological father. He’s also never forgotten the attraction to Jamie.

Now that they’ve got to work together to raise Chris, they’re going to have to figure out if they want to give in to the desire between them…and be a real family.

 

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

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Winter Blogfest: Kate Damon

December 23, 2024 By 5 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of my book. 

 

My Most Meaningful Christmas Gifts by Kate Damon

At age eight, I received a most meaningful gift. It was a beautiful doll with blond hair and eyes that opened and closed. I had worked hard for that doll. To get on Santa’s “good” list, I cleaned my room and did my chores, along with everyone else’s chores. When I opened the box Christmas morning and saw two big blue eyes staring back at me, I was elated.  I felt as if I could make every dream come true if I wanted it bad enough and was willing to work for it.

At twelve, I received a most meaningful gift.  It was an angora sweater. A year earlier, I had received toys for Christmas. “Graduating” to clothes was a big deal. I remember feeling so grown-up and that gift told me that others saw me that way, too.

At seventeen, I received a most meaningful gift.  It was a heart-shaped necklace from my boyfriend.  I believed at that moment that love would last forever. The chain snapped less than a week later, and we broke up soon after. That gift taught me that some things are meant to last for only a short time, and that we must enjoy them while we can.

In my twenties, I received a most meaningful gift.  Our oldest son was born just before Christmas. It was a gift that both elated and humbled me and I wanted so much to be the perfect mother.  But as I walked the floor that Christmas day with a colicky baby, I realized the futility of that goal. I soon learned that no child ever said that his or her mother was perfect, only that she was the best.  

In my thirties, I received a most meaningful gift.  That Christmas my husband’s company was on strike, and we were down to our last fifty cents.  As I filled our three children’s stockings with nuts and oranges, I dreaded the following morning when they would see how little Santa had left.  Much to my surprise and delight, I never heard one of them complain. If anything, they seemed to be more appreciative of the few gifts they did receive.  That was the year I learned that sometimes less is more.  

I received the most meaningful gift during our saddest year. Our oldest son died a few months before Christmas, and I couldn’t even bring myself to put up a tree.  I cried most of that day and I don’t remember what presents I received, but I do remember one important gift.  For it was that year that I learned that we’re stronger than we think we are, and though we lose so very much with the death of a loved one, we can’t possibly count all the blessings that remain.      

I don’t know what gifts are in store for me this Christmas, but I do know this: the gifts that touch our hearts are the ones that stay with us the longest.

 

The verdict is in; a famed athlete is headed for prison. The jurors have done their job and are free to go back to their lives.

But after being sequestered for three months, life as most jurors knew it, no longer exists. 

HAROLD ASHMAN’s house is almost destroyed when a reporter drives through it. Exotic dancer, CEECEE LAINE, discovers that her boyfriend is two-timing her, and she no longer has a job. Actor ALEX MANNING learns his career is down the tubes, and 72-year-old, HELEN RYDER, discovers her family is plotting to put her in an old folks home.

Then things take a turn for the worse. When jurors start dropping like flies, CeeCee, Helen, Harold and Alex are convinced there’s a killer on the loose. Now the feuding foursome must find the killer before he finds them—or before they save him the trouble by killing each other.

 

When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge. Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita  finalist. Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery

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Winter Blogfest: Randy Overbeck

December 23, 2024 By 2 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an e-copy of Scarlet at Crystal River, a Christmas Mystery or any of my novels. Winner’s choice.  

Which Giving Reflects the True Meaning of Christmas? by Randy Overbeck

Christians have been celebrating Christ’s birth for more than 2000 years, honoring this event by doing what God did, showering those we love with gifts. According to the Biblical legend, the Magi may have started it with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, but by now, the giving of presents to show our love and appreciation of those around us has become an accepted, and expected, part of the holiday celebration. (Some might argue this tradition has simply caused Christmas to become overly secular and super-commercialized, but that’s a discussion for another time.)

But what about the practice of giving to those less fortunate?

It would be logical to think this tradition of generosity is a natural development of the true Christmas spirit. After all, Christians believe God did give the ultimate gift—his only son—to those less fortunate, all of us on earth. Those of us who grew up with Salvation Army Santas manning the kettle and ringing the bell for donations or who participated in school canned food drives or who contributed to the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” program at Christmas were taught that such altruism was simply an extension of the real Christmas spirit. Lately, even companies and corporations have gotten into the act of philanthropy at Christmas. Not only do they donate to the poor, but companies like Subaru, Amazon, Target and Chick-Fil-a spend millions in advertising each Christmas to promote their efforts to bring families together, to feed the hungry, to help animal shelters—in other words, to give to those less fortunate.

However, according to annuls of history, this practice of altruism has a more recent origin—though 180 years is only recent compared with twenty centuries. In mid-nineteenth century England (and much of the rest of the civilized Christan world) Christmas was celebrated mostly in small towns, where life was close and interactions were personal. In the crowded, major cities of the time, where life was impersonal and interactions often anonymous, Christmas was largely ignored.

One author and one novella changed that. In 1843, Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol, a runaway bestseller, and it became so popular, its message changed the culture. Before this, the idea of sharing your time and treasure at Christmas with those less fortunate was not a thing. But Dickens’ exposure of the parsimonious and money-hungry Ebeneezer Scrooge struck a chord that still reverberates today. Slowly, in the 1850’s beginning in London and spreading outward, the idea of Christmas started to take on a different, more layered message. Not only was the holiday the time to celebrate those you love and cherish, but it also became the time of year to share your bounty with others in need. (For a more extensive discussion of this transformative Christmas tale, you might want to check out this episode of my podcast, GREAT STORIES ABOUT GREAT STORYTELLERS https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/podcast/episode/7f9d3d6e/what-you-didnt-know-about-dickens-a-christmas-carol

It may not have as long a history, but I’d argue this practice comes closer to the true meaning of Christmas than giving your wife another bottle of cologne or gifting your teen son or daughter with another video game. That’s why each Christmas I select several charities who serve those less fortunate and give them a special donation. Now I’m not rich. After all, I’m living on a teacher’s pension and I’m a struggling author, but I do what I can.

In the true spirit of Christmas, I suggest you do the same.

All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida during the holidays. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help. 

When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids gets their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has turned this experience into captivating fiction, authoring the bestselling series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries, winner of nine national awards. Last year, the Wild Rose Press released his newest work, an atmospheric amateur sleuth mystery, CRUEL LESSONS, which has captured two more national awards including mystery of the year. He hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is also a speaker in much demand, sharing his multi-media presentations about ghosts and the world of writing with audiences all over the U.S. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences. When he’s not researching or writing his next thriller or historical suspense or sharing one of his programs, he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

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Winter Blogfest: Sandra Carmel

December 23, 2024 By 5 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook copy of Sage Advice, book one of my steamy romantic suspense series, Hearts in Danger. 

Sage Advice Christmas Blog

It’s a scorcher already here in Melbourne and apparently, it’s only going to get hotter! Much to my dismay. I am not a summer person. And although I appreciate sultry, and write steamy romances across a broad range of sub-genres, I’m not a fan of heat or humidity 😉

In the southern hemisphere, we’ve recently ticked over into the start of summer and so I need to wait out the next few months to transition into my favourite season: Autumn. If you ever visit here, I’d recommend April as the best time to come. It’s so damn pretty and the weather is the most stable.

Christmas is a very family-oriented affair for me. I have an Italian heritage with quite a large extended family, who I very much enjoy catching up with over the festive season. Mind you, leading into Christmas tends to be pretty crazy with all sorts of friend and family catch ups!

In terms of festive food, there’s always some sort of pasta, such as gnocchi, pasta al forno (baked penne instead of lasagna sheets) and lasagna; and other delicious savoury treats including arancini (rice balls with a meatball in the centre), and savory donuts, some with anchovies. And, of course, there are multiple desserts, from a fruit platter to cheesecake to apple slice to rum balls and cannoli. Afterward, I swear I won’t be able to eat for ages but can usually still manage several helpings of leftovers the next day 😉

What are your Christmas plans? What are your food traditions? Let me know in the comments.

At present, I’m looking forward to book two of my Hearts in Danger series, Chase my Heart, to be released in May 2025. And in the interim, I’m working on book three, May I Help?

I can’t possibly finish this post without some mention of my passion—writing racy, flirty and downright dirty romance. If you haven’t already, you can check out my work via your preferred e-retailer. And if you enjoy my stories, I’d really appreciate a review or two.

Wishing you and your family a safe and lovely festive season, and happy and prosperous New Year.

 

Two hearts in danger. One destiny…

Sage, a psychologist struggling with a client’s suicide.

Alexander, an ex-military man trying to adapt to civilian life.

A stalker, who has terrorized Sage for months.

Against Sage’s wishes, Chase, her overprotective older brother, recruits his best friend Alexander—her infuriating teenage crush—to help keep her safe. Forced proximity creates a second chance at love—a love neither believed possible.

With danger growing closer, will Sage and Alexander survive the threat to their lives…and hearts?

Sandra Carmel is a bestselling Australian author of racy, flirty and downright dirty romance novels, novellas, short stories and poetry, who enjoys stimulating herself and others with words. An obsession with Jane Eyre, and her infatuation with Mr Rochester, were key motivators in commencing her romance writing journey. So far, she has taken the scenic route from steamy paranormal to sci-fi to contemporary, creating provocative stories that delve beneath the surface of desire. She reads and writes a lot, frequently disrupted by her ever-attentive, cheeky cats, and sinfully amorous array of book boyfriends.

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Buy the book at Books2Read.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Guest Blogs Tagged With: , ,

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Winter 2024-2025 To Read List

December 17, 2024 By 67 Comments


Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Winter is a time of year when I tend to get a lot of reading done due to how snowy and cold it can be outside.

Here are ten books coming out this winter that I’m looking forward to checking out. If no release date is included, that means that title is already available to buy or hopefully even borrow from your local library if you have one!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchinson

Why I’m Interested:  I’m too much of a city person to ever want to live off grid in the middle of nowhere, but I do enjoy reading about such things! (See also: that old fable about the city mouse and country mouse who take turns visiting each other and realize that not all mice like to live in the same sorts of places!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping  by Sangu Mandanna 

Release Date: December 24

Why I’m Interested: The plot sounds cozy and sweet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, #2) by Xiran Jay Zhao

Release Date: December 24

Why I’m Interested: The first book in this series has been on my TBR list forever. Maybe the sequel coming out will convince me to finally read it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Release Date: January 14

Why I’m Interested: Mr. Hendrix writes such attention-grabbing books that I always keep an eye out for what he’s come up with next.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 .Something Like Fate: A Novel by Amy Lea

Release Date: February 4

Why I’m Interested: This looks like a cute romance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Raised By Ghosts by Briana Loewinsohn

Release Date: February 4

Why I’m Interested: The blurb made it sound like a thoughtful graphic novel about dealing with loneliness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Life Hacks for a Little Alien by Alice Franklin

Release Date: February 11

Why I’m Interested: The fabulous title. How could I not want to read something this playful?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde, #3) by Heather Fawcett

Release Date: February 11

Why I’m Interested: Just like with answer #3, this is a series I’ve been meaning to read for a while now and am hoping to find the time for soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

Release Date: February 11

Why I’m Interested: We all go through hard times in life eventually. What interested me about this tale is how many different conflicts and difficulties the protagonist had to deal with at once. It’s difficult when that happens, but I have hope that she’ll get through all of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com (Cosmic Chaos, #1) by Kimberly Lemming (black

Release Date: February 18

Why I’m Interested: Cheeky, self-aware titles are the best, and this one looks like it will be great fun to read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Musings Tagged With: ,

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish Goals for 2025

December 14, 2024 By Leave a Comment


Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

For comparison’s sake, here were my Bookish goals for 2024. I achieved most of them as least partially.

This year I would like to:

1. Write more film reviews for Long and Short Reviews. I find it easier to read for 15 to 30 minutes here and there as I work on book reviews for them than I do to set aside 2 or 3 consecutive hours to watch a movie. Let’s see if I can change that this year.

2. Read more from the solarpunk genre. Like cozy mysteries, these are such soothing stories because I know everything will turn out okay in the end. Generally, they’re even pretty comforting in the middle of everything.

3. Whittle down my TBR list. This is a never-ending goal for me!

4. Use humor more often in my reviews. One of the things I think some of the other LASR reviewers – and even a lot of TTT reviewers whose blogs I have visited over the years – do really well is find playful ways to word things. My reviews are generally more serious in nature, but I’m wondering I can switch things up a little in certain cases.

5. Review more of the books I read, especially for indie authors. I know how important reviews are to them, but it can be hard to find the time to review everything or even to know what to say for certain books.

6. Avoid spilling tea again on my phone while reading an ebook. (Luckily, the tea had cooled down and it was only a few drops of it!)

7. Avoid spilling anymore crumbs on my phone while reading, too. Can you sense a theme developing in my life? 😉

8. Listen to audiobooks regularly. They are such a handy way to squeeze in more reading time.

9. Read more nonfiction. If you’ve read any great books in this genre, I’d sure like to hear about them.

10. Read more poetry.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Musings Tagged With: ,
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