Sunscreen and Ice Cream by @KaraONealAuthor #RomanceGems

My mother grew up in a small town in south Texas. It's about thirty minutes from the border. My god-sister affectionately called this town "the armpit of the south". (She grew up there, too.)

It has a working drawbridge, one stoplight, and it used to have the best ice cream parlor anywhere. (They served Blue Bell.)

My great-grandfather was the owner and operator of this quaint little parlor, and his sons kept it open until the 90s.

We would visit my grandparents every summer, and fortunately, not only were they close to Mexico, they were close to South Padre Island. We went to the beach faithfully and enjoyed the white sand and the clear water. I loved every minute, despite the slather of sunscreen I had to put on.

And while I mastered riding the waves, I never could get the hang of building the perfect sandcastle. And believe me, I tried.


After we wore ourselves out, my uncle and grandparents ALWAYS took us to get ice cream. It was tradition. And a good one, too, if you ask me.

When I look back on my life, I realize everything I have and everything I am, is because of my family. They are my rocks, the heart and soul of me.

And this makes them the foundation of my books. The one thing my fans always mention after reading one of my books is their delight with the family aspect of the stories. If I don't have enough scenes that feature family moments, my editor makes sure I put them in. When a book club discusses one of my books, we talk about the family events sometimes as much as the love story.


My romances are absolutely a tribute to one of God's greatest gifts, but they are also a love story to the family. My family. It's a joy I can't describe, and I'm grateful I get to say thank you in books.

The Texas Brides of Pike's Run series is here for you to treasure! There are 19 books in the series, and I am self-publishing. The prelude, book 1 and 2 are ready! Book 3 is available for pre-order.

Prelude: Saving Sarah
When Sarah breaks their budding courtship for reasons unknown, Michael will stop at nothing to find out why.

Book 1: Welcome Home
Emma is everything Kyle has ever wanted, but she betrayed him.

Book 2: The Sheriff's Gift
Forbidden kisses with the sheriff weren't part of the schoolteacher's plans.

Book 3: The Cowboy's Charms
She's his enemy's daughter, but this cowboy can't help falling for her.

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Our giveaway for July is still going on! Y'all be sure to enter here!