Hello!

How’s your summer going? I hope it’s been sunshine and water fights and great books and giggles. That’s what summer should be and I wish it for all of you. One thing that I love about summer is hitting the library and coming home with a huge stack of books and then falling into the couch for the afternoon. I’m currently reading a book called Unleash the Power of the Female Brain, by Dr. Daniel G. Amen. I’m only about 2 chapters in but I’ve found the information on the differences between a female brain and a male brain so interesting–especially because I have three boys.

I’ve already finished The Lucky Billionaire by author Jeanette Lewis. It was a quick, afternoon in the sun read that left me with a happy heart. The information is below if you’d like to pick up a copy. You can also click here.

When Ty Epperson wins a fortune in the Idaho State Lottery, he’s determined to put his sudden wealth to good use, even if it means putting up with Holland Morrissey, a Los Angeles image consultant who has never met a credit card she doesn’t like and thinks spending $1000 on a pair of pants is normal behavior. Ty has never considered himself lucky in life or in love, until now. But not all of Ty’s plans are popular and someone is determined to stop him, putting everyone and everything he loves at risk.

Of course, this book had me wondering what I would do differently if I won the lottery. 🙂 Hire a cleaning service? You bet. Buy a new car? Uh-yeah. And, if possible, I’d buy a second home in Italy just for funzies. What would you do?

 

Hello Wonderful Readers,

Life is full of twists and turns. Some of then knock us over and others are unexpected blessings. Being able to bring together authors for this Destination Billionaire Romance series has been one of those giant blessings in my life. Taylor is a wonderful mother, friend, and support. She’s wicked smart and has a heart of chocolate. 🙂

I’m pleased to introduce to you Almost Everything, by Bestselling Author Taylor Hart.

  Billionaire Montana Crew, country music superstar, thought he’d put the cheating best friend and ex-fiancé in the past. When the ex appears backstage bearing the news of his friend’s death and thrusting an envelope in his hands, he’s shocked and a little annoyed.

Lily Ray Gold, L.R. Gold to her associates at the law firm, doesn’t want to deliver the envelope with her best friend’s last wishes. Nothing could have convinced her to look the ‘King of Country’ in the eye again…except Jason. She’d do it and she wouldn’t lie, telling Montana she was finally done with him would feel awesome!

When Montana shows up at Lily’s law firm and extorts her into helping him figure out what Jason wants him to do, neither of them would have expected getting caught up doing their high school bucket list by surfing in Hawaii, riding in a hot air balloon, and climbing Devil’s Tower.

They both agree to finish the list for their friend, but when Montana proposes, Lily has to make a choice—tell the truth or never have almost everything she’s ever truly wanted.

You can pick up your copy of Almost Everything by clicking here.

Giveaway-

Gelato author, Jennifer Youngblood, is sponsoring a Rafflecopter giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card OR Paypal cash! (Although … you can use the money for a new summer dress, garden accessories, or groceries, think of the books you could buy!!) Simply click on the link below to enter.
Jennifer is the author of several slow southern romance and romantic suspense novels. Her latest book, Candlelight Kisses, is the first in her Almost an Angel series.

Enter Here

Because, guys want to have fun too! 🙂

Noah Baker, whom you may remember from The Country Bride, is chomping at the bit to get married. He’s all over the BMB perks like a personal trainer and expense account. But, Noah may have bitten off more than he can chew.

Harley Wilson is a Texas girl through and through. She’s smart as a whip and doesn’t take Noah’s bull. Can Noah solve the mystery behind her stalker or will he get caught up in a whirl-wind romance with his feisty bride?

You can pick up your copy by clicking here.

 

Hello,

The Reclusive Billionaire is now available to purchase and lending on the Kindle Lending library.

One of the reasons I loved writing this book is that it allowed me the opportunity to spend some time in Santa Barbara, California with my dad and step-mom.

My dad celebrated his … we’ll just say it was a milestone birthday … and my brothers (both living in Arizona now) and I flew out to surprise him. And surprise him we did! We met up at the airport, bought a cake and party hats, and stood on his doorstep singing “Happy Birthday.” He was so shocked, he just stared. Then he fell out the door and into my arms. Thankfully, I wasn’t the one holding the cake. 🙂 Tears flowed, hugs were shared, and cake was eaten. It was one of the highlights of my year.

The next morning, my step-mom gave me a tour of the harbor, even getting us behind locked gates and right out there on the water. I was able to investigate the one and only house boat–what a treat! I visited the Harbor Master’s office for research and took a hundred pictures. We then took a walking tour of downtown where I found the perfect spot for Becca Lee’s veterinary office. That night, we walked Sterns Warf, checked out Moby Dick’s Restaurant,  and enjoyed the salty night air.

I hope you get a feel for Santa Barbara, and enjoy it as much as I do, when you read The Reclusive Billionaire. Click here to get your copy today.

Spring is Snow Valley is officially launched and I’m so excited that I feel like drinking something bubbly. But, since my training for a half marathon started THIS MORNING I’ve sworn off all carbonation which includes my very yummy celebratory Vanilla Pepsi. (Although, coconut flavored Pepsi tastes even better. If YOU are not training for a half, then you should have one on my behalf.) 🙂

One of the reasons Snow Valley is so dear to my heart is the opportunity it provides to work with some incredibly wonderful and talented women. The reason I find them so remarkable, is that I get to hear their stories of struggle, pain, heartache, and loss and yet I see the beautiful stories they weave together about hope, romance, determination, and love. Their stories speak to my heart and bring joy to my day–I just know they’ll do the same for you!

To get your copy of Spring in Snow Valley–six sweet and romantic books all set in the Montana town of Snow Valley–click here.

Operation Kiss the Girl, Cindy Roland Anderson

Ivy Baker is doomed to marry a man she only pretends to be in love with to save the family ranch. Since she isn’t marrying for love, Ivy secretly creates a kissing wish list composed of scenes from the romance books she loves to read. She hopes to experience at least one kiss from her list before she becomes officially engaged and seals her fate. When she travels to Snow Valley to help her aunt recover from knee surgery, Ivy finds herself falling for Kellen Thomas, an irresistible cowboy she should avoid. By chance Kellen finds Ivy’s list, and decides to make it his mission to help her fulfill her bucket list, turning her world upside down and making Ivy want to choose her heart over duty.

Love Coming Late, Jeanette Lewis

Cynthia Eddington never thought she’d return to Snow Valley after a string of bad luck forced the sale of her beloved farm there. But here she is, about to start a new life with her children, Jackson and Anoria. Cynthia plans to focus on her career and her family; she’s not looking for romance and she’s definitely not looking for sexy cowboy, Colby Schroder.

Running from the Cowboy, Cami Checketts

Missy Horman escaped an abusive marriage and returns to Snow Valley to help her father deal with her emotionally disturbed mother. Volunteering to teach a youth Sunday school class seems like a good way to get out of her comfort zone—until she ends up kissing Porter Wilson in front of a bunch of teenagers. Embarrassed, and secretly thrilled, by the kiss, she writes Porter off as a playboy. But, Missy wasn’t the only one affected and Porter’s new mission in life is to prove that there’s more to him than flirting and world-tilting kisses. He wants to show her that a true cowboy knows how to treat a lady and, if Missy can’t keep her wits about her, she might just let him.

The Bet, Taylor Hart

When Destiny Morningstar gets blackmailed into spending her spring break in Snow Valley, the last thing she’s looking for is a date, especially not with Adam and Chase Moon—two attractive and athletic brothers. But soon she finds herself tangled up in a dating spree that includes a flag football game, swinging around the barn dance, and hiking to Snow Valley’s romantic hot springs with the town’s most eligible bachelors. At every turn she’s within kissing distance of one of the delectable Moon men. When she discovers she’s been part of some bet fueled by sibling rivalry and overactive egos she has to make a decision—forgive them both or miss out on the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

Sealed with a Kiss, Kimberley Montpetit

Jessica Mason and Pastor James are struggling to make their long-distance relationship work between Snow Valley and New Orleans where Jessica dances with the local ballet company. When April Murphy, a war widow with a child, shows up in Snow Valley, James reluctantly begins to wonder if he and Jessica are really meant to be. April would make the perfect pastor’s wife and he’d have an instant family and the stability he craves. But he can’t get the spitfire Jessica out of his mind and when she returns to Snow Valley to accept an inheritance, her male ballet partner in tow, the love triangle takes on a new edge. Can Jessica and James figure out how to create a family while living in two different states—or do they allow their hearts to move on and forget the passion they once shared?

Romancing a Husband, Lucy McConnell

Natalie Lawson is at a crossroads. Her husband is down on his luck and some days he’s just plain down while Natalie is moving forward, gaining promotions and starting new adventures. In some ways, they’ve grown apart and Natalie can’t help but wonder if her path through life will always include Eli. When tragedy throws them together, Natalie learns a profound lesson that may save her marriage and provide the key to romancing a husband.

 

 

 

Click here to reserve your copy of Spring in Snow Valley.

I swear, every book I write should come with a tagline “This book brought to you by (insert chocolate treat.)” In this case, the chocolate treat would be Doves melt-in-your-mouth Promises. I consumed more than my fair share over the course of preparing my story, Romancing A Husband, for the Spring in Snow Valley Anthology.

–What I really need to do is write a book about an Olympic athlete and train with that woman for a month! 🙂 —

 

One of the fun new adventures for this series was hiring our own models for the cover. Aren’t those two adorable! I just love the way he’s looking at her–like she’s his everything. And, guess what? They are actually married! Total swoon!

If you haven’t yet, take a second and reserve your copy of Spring in Snow Valley by clicking here. It’s a fantastic read and all your favorite authors are back. You’ll revisit some past characters including Pastor James and Jessica, Kellen Thomas –the war hero who lost part of his leg while serving, Porter Wilson–the flirty Wilson brother, and Adam Moon–a man who gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “computer geek.” You’ll also meet more of the Snow Valley residents and dive a little deeper into the workings of Dove’s grocery store, Big C’s Drive Thru, life on a cattle ranch, and the spring time Snow Valley events.  Thanks for reading!

 

The Resilient One by Cami Checketts

Alyssa Armsworth, a world-renowned photographer, has no intentions of honoring the Billionaire Bride Pact she made as a teenager to avoid getting her bra hung from the camp flagpole. Marriage is the last thing on her to-do list and when her father forces his wealthy friends on her, she runs to Maui.

She plans to lay low, take some great pictures, and eat fresh fish–until Beckham Taylor arrives. Stuck in the same hotel and spending days on the white sand with the handsome ex-NHL star wouldn’t be all that bad except Alyssa’s done something in the past that Beckham could never forgive. Before she can confess, her misdeeds are thrust onto the front cover of a well-known magazine. Alyssa must overcome her fears or live without Beckham.

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Giveaway and Facebook Events

As I looked for ways to market my books this holiday season, I really wanted to find events or opportunities for readers. I wanted you to have access to books, opportunities for your families, and some just plain fun events. With that in mind I signed up for the Just in the Nick of Time $250 Cash Giveaway. The winner will receive $250 just in time to do some last minute Christmas shopping (or pay off the smokin’ credit card.) Good luck!! I hope you win the cash!!

As for fun–the authors of the Echo Ridge and Snow Valley Anthologies have instigated a Facebook Takeover on the 12 Days of Christmas Stories page. That’s right, we’ll be live and together so you can ask questions, talk about your favorite characters, and get sneak peaks at the next release. See below for more information.

Happening Today!!

Follow this link to catch Connie Sokol, Heather Tullis, Rachelle Christensen, Cami Checketts and me live.
We’ll be giving away an Echo Ridge gift bag and talking about our stories. We’d love to hear from you!!

 

Happening Thursday December 10, at 9:00 a.m.
Stop by and meet Cami Checketts, Taylor Hart, Jeanette Lewis, Kimberley Montpetite, Cindy Anderson, and me!
We’re so excited we’re giving away free ebooks.
Hope to see you there.

Can you feel the crispness in the air?

The promise of a white Christmas?

The anticipation?

I feel it all the way down to my bones! If you’re missing that special feeling that only comes around once a year, try playing your favorite holiday music or looking for new artists and songs to liven up the holidays. (Celtic Women Christmas is one of my favorites and it never fails to bring that swelling of the heart.)

Another way to bring the holiday cheer is to read stories that center around the Spirit of Christmas, like Christmas Kisses, Blue Christmas, or North for Christmas. Each book has a sweet romance, some have some rock and roll, and they all have a special Christmas message.

If, after all that, you’re still not in the mood for egg nog, try taking a plate of Christmas cookies to your neighbors. One of the best ways to bring the feelings of love and joy into our lives is to create them. Don’t sit around and hope holly and mistletoe fall into your lap, get up and make it happen. AND, to help out with that, I’ve created a beautiful gift tag to help you spread joy to the world. 🙂 It can be used on presents under the tree, goodie plates for neighbors, or office gifts.

 

To print a page of tags (9 tags in all) simply click here.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

What is it we all crave during the holidays? Chocolate? For sure. But what do we really want from all our efforts? Why do we put up the tree and tangle with the same strands of temperamental lights every year or dig through 45 awful sweaters to find the ONE that will fulfill Mom’s wish list? What we’re looking for is a sense of family, a connection, that love and peace promised in every tiny Christmas song heard throughout department stores the Nation over. It’s that feeling we worked to capture in Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology and it’s that feeling that Connie Sokol wants to help us find this Christmas. I’ll turn the post over to her and let her get to it.

3 Tips to Simplify & Savor the Season by Connie E. Sokol

The holidays are upon us and like many women, my mature response often goes like this: panic, stare, shudder and roll over, desperately clutching a tin of Danish butter cookies.

But no more. This year, women can enjoy the holidays with a few simple and useable tips.

Step 1. Focus on a feeling

This seemingly warm, fuzzy consideration might be overlooked but is actually the underlying driver of a memorable holiday. Answer this question ahead of time: What feeling do I and my family want to experience and remember the most this holiday season?

The particular feeling isn’t as crucial as being intentional about it. Choose a feeling that fits your needs or desires: peaceful, exciting, joyful or spiritually grounding.

What matters most is that you choose what matters to you and your family. Then ask each member to choose one family tradition that is the most meaningful. As you enjoy those traditions, each person will experience that personally satiated, contented feeling.

2. Get the family buy-in.

Too often women feel solely responsible for creating a successful holiday season. But when we involve our families, they feel more joy, create memories, and learn life skills. To do this takes getting the buy-in — meaning holding a semi-official meeting to ensure that with time, energy and enthusiasm, the family will put aside electronics to help hang the holly wreaths.

The holidays are for family, so let them help. Let go of your inner controlling Mrs. Claus, and understand that even she uses elves (I have it on good authority). When everyone pitches in, each can enjoy the experience and you can let go of “The Mom Show.” Not only is that a gift here and now for you, but it is also a future gift for your children, because they will use those life skills year after year and prepare them to be stellar adults (and relieve your holiday stress).

3. Keep it simple

Especially during the holidays, conventional wisdom encourages women to consciously review and reduce their expectations, because emotional and physical overload can create “yo-yo” emotions. Too much to do combined with the desire to please too many people can create a lose-lose situation.

So the point here is, to keep it simple. Ask yourself:

• Am I doing this to create family memories or for show?

• Am I making this because I love my family or to check it off the list?

• Am I being present in the moment and enjoying this event or am I thinking ahead to when it will be done, or planning the next thing?

Consider how much holiday stress you’ll eliminate by focusing on those who matter most and not on how someone might perceive you or your item, event or decor.

The holidays can be a time of joy and peace and giving. With a bit of simple organization and intentional savoring, we can experience just that.

Happy Holidays,

Connie Sokol

Mother, Author, Speaker

http://www.fromthelivingroom.com–Downloads

Website, Twitter, Facebook

Enjoy a little more holiday cheer with the delightful, Christmas Kisses, a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors for only $.99.

Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords

Add it to Goodreads

 

The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author

Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth’s; but someday can’t come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business.  Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn’t planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy’s stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate.

https://lucymcconnell.wordpress.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDymock?fref=ts

Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author

Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she’s loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he’s near.

Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy’s Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she’s fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she’s stuck in buddy-status for life.

http://www.camichecketts.com * https://www.facebook.com/CamiCheckettsAuthor

Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author

Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father’s old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it’s not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?

http://www.conniesokol.com * https://www.facebook.com/8basics?_rdr=p

Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author

Anika Fletcher hates Christmas–its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth’s Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter’s faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth’s old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn’t sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing–especially at Christmas when it’s easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.

http://www.facebook.com/rachellechristensenauthor * http://rachellechristensen.com/

 

One Winter Night by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author

Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma’s house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn’t have all those farm animals.

Kaya Feidler’s family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years–long before the neighbors were there. There’s no way she’s giving up the animal therapy business she’s been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?

http://heathertullis.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/HeatherTullisBooks

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