The Benefits of Winter Hibernation by Nancy Fraser

I hate winter! I'm not a skier, I don't snowshoe, I don't skate. Even as a kid, I favored the summer months and sports.

However, in the past, I tolerated winter. I got out and did things, and I caught a lot of colds ... no matter how well I bundled, or what vitamins I took. Then, it dawned on me ... people were making me sick (literally). You can't control other peoples' lives, including whether or not they're sick, or whether they wash their hands, or take medication.

So, this year, I decided to hibernate. My plan is working ... so far. One large shopping trip at the beginning of the month, a very short trip mid-month to restock where necessary. In an out of the store (even Costco) as quickly as possible.

Rather than spend my time outdoors, I've put together a list of things I can do indoors to pass Eastern Canada's three worst months of winter!

First of all, and most importantly, I can write. In January alone, I managed to finish galley edits on two books, plot out a third, and sign a new contract. If this holds up, I may reach an all-time personal high for books produced in one year!

Second, since I'm already protecting myself from catching something, I might as well concentrate on other parts of my health that need attention. I'm still looking for a good balance on that one, but I hold out hope that things will get better as spring and summer approach.

Finally, I'm saving money! No impulse buying on unnecessary shopping trips. No grabbing fast food because I forgot to set something out before I left the house. AND, I'm still working on the full tank of gas I put in my car on New Year's Eve.

And, BONUS, I haven't had as much as a sniffle (knock on wood)!

The one thing I've definitely done is read. I've enjoyed more books in the past month than I did all last year.

Speaking of reading, we have a wonderful new feature devoted to our friend Cupid. Check out the Holiday Book Fair page to see all our books!

I'd love to give away a set of my Valentine-themed novellas, Only Yours and it's sequel, Paging Dr. Cupid. Both are sweet romances set in the mid-1960s. All you have to do to win is comment below and tell me about the most romantic gift you ever received! Don't forget to spell out your email address (e.g., romwriter96 (at) gmail (dot) com).

Everyone expects Rebecca Winston to marry her high school/college sweetheart, Garrett Langley. The problem is, the flame’s gone out on their romance. When Garrett’s older brother Wyatt (an L.A. attorney) returns home for the first time in years. The attraction between Rebecca and Wyatt is immediate.

Can Rebecca expect her family and, especially, Garrett to understand that her desires have changed and turned toward Wyatt?

Can Wyatt get past the feeling that he’s poaching his younger brother’s girl?

And,

Dr. Garrett Langley can’t seem to find a secretary who can keep up with his demands. Piano prodigy Grace Valentyne desperately needs a job to afford the last year of her education. 

When offered the opportunity to work for the physician nicknamed Dr. Cupid, she jumps at the chance. Grace soon finds herself in over her head—and not just with the office equipment. Falling for the boss won’t get her back to Julliard but may just make her dreams come true.

While you're here, don't forget to check our our Monthly Giveaway page for full details on our February Rafflecopter Draw. In addition to the list of prizes, the full form is there. Or you can find the form by clicking HERE.

Until next month ... hibernate if you can! You can accomplish so much more if you do!

Nancy