It's Spooky Time for This Author! by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

It may be the heart of summer, but it sure feels like Halloween to me! Great, since I LOVE all things mysterious and spooky. This year I’m getting back to my paranormal romance roots with two new releases.

First up GHOSTS OF NEW ENGLAND: SKULLERY BAY - Releasing August 16, 2021

An anthology unlike any other, it features...

4 Different Centuries

4 To-Die-For Romances

The Same 2 Ghosts! 

Widow’s Walk (1737)

RITA nominee & Best Selling Author, Lisa A. Olech

He’s the infamous pirate, Captain John Jacob Wilder.

She’s the daughter of his fiercest enemy.

Their love is the beginning of the legend.

Cast to the Wind and Waves (1837)

Best Selling & Award-Winning Author, Kathryn Hills

She’s the heiress determined to restore Fairwinds to its former glory.

He’s the solicitor working as a caretaker because of the deadly curse.

Their love will rebuild the legend.

The Bootlegger’s Daughter (1924)

Best Selling & Award Winning Author, Nancy Fraser

She’s the daughter of one of the FBI’s most wanted criminals.

He’s her bodyguard, and not at all what he seems.

Their love will return dignity to the legend.

Jilly’s Dilemma (Present Day)

Best Selling & Award-Winning Author, Nancy Fraser

She’s the new owner of Fairwinds, a flaky artist who talks to ghosts. Repeatedly.

He’s the staid, young professor there to document Fairwinds' history.

Their love will make you believe in the legend.

Watch the Trailer for Ghosts of New England: Skullery Bay

Next, I'm headed back to the beach with SAND, SALT, AND SPIRITS - A LAST CHANCE BEACH ROMANCE - Releasing November 2, 2021

Can a weekend visit to Last Chance Beach undo decades of brokenhearted memories? Conjuring up some island magic might just be the trick. Or treat!

Kyle Worthington hasn’t returned to Last Chance Beach in years. He’s worked hard to prove himself to his overbearing father and the rest of the world. Now it’s October, and the vacation island paradise is celebrating the season with an island-wide Fall Festival. Family obligation demands he participate. Everyone will be there, including the ghost that haunts his grandparents’ B&B.

The running joke that Kyle never sticks with anything—not a career or a woman—will continue to plague him. Unless he brings a knockout of a date to the weekend-long event. Cassandra Corwin fits the bill perfectly. Kyle’s had his eye on his brilliant, beautiful coworker since day one. But Cassie is an enigma, a loner. There’s no room in her life for anyone except Odin, her goofball of a Great Dane.

Will this woman of mystery agree to Kyle’s scheme to impress his family? Can two near strangers from opposite worlds survive family gatherings and back-to-back Halloween events while pretending to be a couple? Kyle’s father seems hell-bent on derailing everything before they even shout “Boo!”

Or will the island’s magic prove too powerful for them to resist?

***

I hope you'll join me for some sexy, spooky fun later this summer and autumn. You can find all my book news at the links below!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon Author Page ~ BookBub

THANK YOU for reading!

~ Kathryn

Making Magic by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

 

It’s no secret. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Halloween. Not just because I enjoy scary things or buckets full of candy. (Um…we’ll talk about that later) The thing that truly gets me, right in my pumpkin-spiced-loving heart, is the excitement and mystery of the weeks leading up to the 31st. It’s that unsettled feeling, those goosebumps and shivers, which hint that something unexpected—even magical—is about to happen.

For me, these feelings began in childhood. I grew up in a time that heartily embraced Halloween. No rules about when or how you could Trick-Or-Treat. If the light was on, you rang the bell! I even went with friends on the way home from school. After the big costume parade and party, of course. Does anyone remember making orange and black paper chains to decorate your classroom? Scary decorations, pumpkins, running in the dark. We laughed until our sides hurt and ate way too much candy. My best friend and I would tremble and lock arms when we passed “the haunted house.” You know the place. Every town has one.

Throughout the years, I added many more special Halloween magic memories. College events, my first apartment gathering with Mr. H. and our friends, and later introducing our own daughter to the things we love. The best of times as we dressed up, decorated, baked, and watched fun, spooky shows, and movies together. The magic—all there, only different.

This year at Camp Hills, we dug out our decorations and even added some new ones. Darling Daughter put up a Halloween Tree for the first time. It’s black with purple lights and fabulous Halloween ornaments. FANTASTIC! (You can find many great options on Etsy) DD’s are Tim Burton-themed…Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride. We grew our own pumpkins and supported a favorite local farm by buying the BIGGEST ones we could find there. 30 lbs.+ each - no kidding! We needed wagons to get them to the car. You know they'll be outstanding Jack-o'-Lanterns providing yummy seeds aplenty! 

The spirit of the season is also alive and well on the pages my books. My Time Traveler’s Journey Series books (Haunting Highland House & Hellfire and Handbaskets) are on sale for 99 cents each as a Halloween treat for romance readers. Characters in both the past and present experience the magic along with ghostly surprises.

My advice? Eat the candy, bake the goodies, light candles, read hauntingly romantic novels, and watch your favorite shows. That's what I'll be doing!

I’d love to hear what you’re up to this year, so please share.

Happy Halloween, ALL!

~ Kathryn

SOMETHING NEW COMING SOON!

Join me and 9 of my favorite author in the small New England town of Dickens!

Pre-Order the CHRISTMAS COMES TO DICKENS romance anthology now

for delivery on 10/26/20 (That's next week - YAY!)

Just 99 cents!

And don't forget your FREE companion cookie recipe book!

Download IT'S A DICKENS OF A COOKIE! today

St. Augustine Spooktacular! by @karilemor #RomanceGems

 

From October to May, I’m like the migratory birds and fly south for the winter. Only in the past two years have I called St. Augustine, Florida home. The first time we visited, we instantly fell in love with the historic “Oldest City” and its beautiful and varied architecture and scenery.

Even though it has a few million tourists pass through every year, St. A still has a small-town feel. No building can be over four stories high  (though a few older ones have been grandfathered in) and most of the buildings, especially in the downtown area, are built with a historic flare.

I’m lucky enough to live in the Historic District in a hundred and twenty-year-old building that was previously the National Guard Hospital. Word from our upstairs neighbors is a woman in a white dress has been seen around the building. The little boy on the second floor apparently talks to her often and calls her Kiki. The dogs in the back apartment have a tendency to bark at the same corner of the room often. And we’re right next to the National Cemetery, which makes it even more colorful.

Around the corner from us is ‘The Oldest House’, for St. Augustine, that is. It’s only had four families live in it and is now used for tours. The bottom floor has been stripped to the original walls and decorated sparsely as it would have been a few hundred years ago. I’ve heard there’s a spirit that wanders this place at times.

Head downtown where the gates of the original city still stand and walk down St. George Street. You’ll be greeted by shops and restaurants housing a variety of goods and food. But a few streets over are both the Huguenot Cemetery and the Tolomato Cemetery.  If you take the Ghost Tour that spirits you around the city, you’ll hear tales of spine-chilling spirits who still roam the grounds. A bride in her white gown and a little boy who likes to climb the trees that overshadow the graves.

I’ve even been in the old Jail. I didn’t see any ghosts but was surprised at the gusts of chilly air that roamed in spots. I figured I was walking past an A/C vent. Um, but I was told there isn’t any A/C inside the building. Hmm, where was the cold air coming from on a steamy, warm night?

From my back yard on the Matanzas River, I can see across to the St. Augustine Lighthouse. It’s said to be one of the most haunted places in this part of the country. I love watching the light as it makes it circular route around, warning boats of land.

When the craziness of the world finally dwindles, and you feel the need to travel, I’d highly suggest St. Augustine if you love hearing about history and the people who founded this country. Maybe if you’re lucky (or not) you’ll even get a chance to talk to one of them.

 

 

In my book, ELUSIVE DREAMS, Erik and Tessa take a little time while snuggling to discuss what the kids will be for Halloween. This is the first book in the Storms of New England series and is a marriage of convenience so Erik can adopt two children he rescued from a bombing in Kandahar.

 This book is currently on sale for only 99c!!  (So is Book 2 so scoop them up now!)

~~

  “Your mom called today.”

He paused but only for half a second. “Everything okay? You didn’t mention it at supper.”

“Sorry, I forgot. The kids keep my mind busy. Nothing major. She wants to make Halloween costumes for Matty and Kiki and was looking for suggestions.”

“What’d you tell her?” The kissing hadn’t stopped, and she had to remember what they’d been talking about.

“I asked Matty what he wanted to be. The kids have been talking about it at preschool. He said a pirate so he could sail on the ship in his room.”

Pushing aside some of her hair that had fallen over her shoulder, he caressed her cheek. Taking his hand in hers, she kissed the palm. It had been a few weeks and the deep cut had healed, though it was still pink and tender. Thankfully, he’d never let the injury or the bandages get in the way of exploring each night.

“Sounds good. And Kiki? Did she tell you what she wanted to be?”

His hands ran up her torso and cupped her breasts. She sucked in a deep breath and adjusted so he could fully touch her. This was such a sensitive area for her and it made her head swim when his fingers roamed and kneaded her flesh.

“Well, I’m still trying to interpret the gurgles, but I figured if Matty was going with the theme of his room, then Kiki should too. She’ll be a fairy.”

Make sure to check out my Storms of New England series. Three of the books are at 99c each so you can get all FIVE of them for under $11. That’s a bargain!! 

https://www.karilemor.com/storms-of-new-england

Hope you enjoy lots of candy and spookiness this October. Stay safe and happy reading!

Kari

 

 

 

Coffee and Conversation with the #RomanceGems

It's time for Coffee and Conversation with the Romance Gems! So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for some fun. This month's topic is: What’s your favorite thing about Halloween? 

Is it a childhood memory, trick or treat, a super-cool costume? Maybe it’s something you do, or did, with your kids or grand kids? Do you dress up the dog or cat? (ouch!) Decorate, host your own haunted house, or watch scary movies? Tell us!

"My mother always saved old sheets. I can’t remember being anything other than a ghost. Every year I’d fill a grocery sack almost full of candy. What fun!"
~ Karen Kelley

"As someone who spent 20 years working at a children's hospital, we were encouraged to wear costumes on Halloween. I've been everything from a clown, to a crayon, to a fully-lit Christmas tree. My favorite still remains my ode to McDonalds french fries!"
~ Nancy Fraser

Nancy Fraser at the children's hospital

"As a young girl, my favorite part of Halloween was always the sparklers. I would write in the air with them. (Guess I wanted to write even then, tee hee) Fast forward to today. My girlfriend lives directly behind a house that goes all out for Halloween including a fireworks display that frequently puts to shame fireworks funded by local politicians for civic and federal holidays. We sit on her deck with some nice mulled wine or cider and gaze skyward in awe." ~ Kathleen Lawless

"My favorite thing about Halloween is Trick or Treat. As a kid, back in the day, we were allowed to go on our own through the neighborhood. All the kids were out. No one was afraid to let us Trick or Treat by ourselves. When I grew up, I took my own children out, and now my grandchildren. My son lives in a “safe” neighborhood that reminds me of Trick or Treat of old. Following the kids and watching them have fun like I used to do makes Trick or Treat fun today." ~ Jan Scarbrough

Jan Scarbrough's Trick or Treaters

"I grew up in a small town in the South in an era when little old ladies made popcorn balls, caramel apples, cookies, and fudge to give to Trick or Treaters. Everyone knew the houses where they could get those goodies that were better than any store-bought candy. I'm on the petite side, and I'll reluctantly confess to going Trick or Treating until I was 14!" *LOL* ~ Joan Reeves

"My favorite thing about Halloween has always been giving out candy to the trick or treaters. I loved opening the door to a group of ghosts, witches, princesses, and pirates. I loved seeing their faces when I held out the large black cauldron I kept the candy in (and I always made sure I had tons). The most special thing was when one of my students (past or present) showed up. Some of them knew I lived there, but if they didn't, the surprise on their faces was the best!" ~ Kari Lemor

Connie Vines' grandson Logan

"My Halloween Event is my Spook-tacular Dinner Party for my children and grandchildren. Each year the theme changes.

"My first dinner featured “Deadman over Worms” (meatloaf in person-form with a fork in the chest) served over wheat pasta with snips of parsley, bleeding cemetery cake, and eyeball, witches-fingers appetizers.

"The next year it was hot-dogs carved to look like bloody fingers served in a hot dog bun, punch with ice-cube eyeballs, dip that looked like slime, veggies arranged to look like a skeleton, chocolates shaped like mice served over cake topped with crushed candy graveyard dirt. For photos and inspiration visit my Zombie Nite Café on Pinterest. Happy Halloween my lovelies." ~ Connie Vines

"My favorite thing about Halloween has nothing to do with scary and everything to do with family fun. I love decorating with my daughter! Pumpkins, cornstalk, scarecrows, mums, and vintage Halloween decorations. Plus, our Halloween/fall village collection. We carve pumpkins - Mr. H. enjoys the seed most. Lots of candy, despite getting few trick-or-treaters. (That’s something I miss about living in suburbs) Baking and watching our favorite movies. It’s the kickoff to the holidays in Camp Hills, and it’s ALL about being together. Check out my Pinterest for some fun images of autumn and Halloween!" ~ Kathryn Hills

Kathryn Hills' Halloween decorations

Okay, it's your turn to join the conversation! Add your comments below or send via email through the "contact us” link on the bottom of the left sidebar. You can also make suggestions on what you'd like to discuss here in the future.

Thanks for joining us. Happy Halloween!

~ The Romance Gems ~

Don't forget our October Giveaways! 

Enter our No Tricks—Just Treats Rafflecopter today
for a chance to win Amazon Gift Cards. Enter often and tell your friends!

You can also click Monthly Giveaways on the Menu Bar of the blog

to see details of the current month’s Rafflecopter and to enter it.

The Tale of the Polite Ghost by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

It was a dark and stormy night…

Kidding! It was a beautiful spring day back in 2011, and I was visiting Salem, MA for a writer's conference - NECRWA’s (New England Chapter Romance Writers of America) “Let Your Imagination Take Flight.” The lobby of the historic Hawthorne Hotel was overflowing with writers, all checking in via one small, seriously overwhelmed front desk.

I stood in line with everyone else, checking our watches, sweating a wee bit. It was 3:00 PM. Most days that wouldn’t be a problem. It’s a standard check-in time. But on this day, many of us had tickets to attend Donald Maass’ bonus workshop, beginning in thirty short minutes.

When it was my turn, I watched the desk clerk activate my plastic room key. Twitching, I glanced at my watch again and stifled a groan. 3:15 – Fifteen minutes. Yikes! Sign-in complete, I spun with my luggage to encounter the epic line for two tiny elevators. They were lovely with brass trimmings and red velvet interior back then. However, they were not lovely when you have only minutes to heave your bags into a room on the fifth floor, change, and be back downstairs to learn things, and be social. I’ll step back here and add I was a VERY NEW WRITER, and I was pitching my first book to an editor that weekend. I needed all the help Mr. Maass could give me!

Hawthorne Hotel, Salem, MA

Out of the elevator in a flash, I schlepped my stuff to the designated door, inserted the plastic key, and… Nothing. (cursing) I tried again. Nothing. (more cursing) One final failed attempt more sent me rushing back to the elevators to make the long trek to the lobby for another key. I fidgeted in place as I waited. Then...a hunch! I raced back to my door. Perspiration dampened my face as I stood before it. With that plastic key in hand, I muttered, “Please, can I get into my room?” I inserted the key, the door unlocked, and I was in.
Yay! That was super-weird. Now hurry!

Fast forward to later that night. I DID make it to the extra workshop and learned lots of great things from Mr. Maass. My friends and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner out, making a night of it. Everyone said their good-byes and went their separate ways. I returned to the fifth floor, slid my plastic key into the lock, and, you guessed it…… Nothing. Several tries later, I had an idea. “Please, may I get into my room?” I asked sweetly of whoever or whatever might be listening. Lo and behold…the door opened.

Each day—Friday through Sunday—those magic words were required to open the door. Without exception. The addition of “may I” ensured a speedy entrance. “Let me in!” left me standing in the hallway like a jerk. I know, because I tested this bizarre ritual throughout the weekend. Not once did that door open without a well-mannered request.

So, there you have it, a polite ghost. Or a manners-obsessed ghost? Perhaps someone’s mother, grandmother, or governess? Or just a busting ghost that laughed and laughed at the dummy in the hallway. Take your pick. I share this story because it’s a fun ghost story—not a scary one. Ghosts, spirits, whatever you call "them," are often NOT scary, in my opinion.

I’ve stayed at The Hawthorne many times since and haven’t encounter that spirit again. Maybe you will if you visit. But remember to brush up on your manners first, and “please” tell me if you do. I love a good ghost story!

What does any of this have to do with my books? Paranormal experiences spark my imagination and serve as inspiration. Visit my website to learn more.

Thanks for reading. Happy Halloween!

~ Kathryn

Don't forget our October Giveaways!

Every Day is Treat Day in October, and I'm giving away a signed copy of Haunting Highland House - A Time Traveler's Journey. I'll even include a surprise spooky treat! To be entered in my random drawing, leave a comment with your email address written out (not as a hot link). The deadline for doing this is Halloween. I’ll draw the winner's name on October 31st by 12:00 PM CDT and notify that person by email and by leaving a comment on this post soon after.

Please note: This signed book and treat can only be sent to winners within the continental U.S. If the selected winner is outside that area, the prize will be an ebook.

Wait! There's more!

Click here to enter our No Tricks—Just Treats Rafflecopter today for a chance to win Amazon Gift Cards. Enter often and tell your friends! (You can also click Monthly Giveaways on the Menu Bar of the blog to see details of the current month’s Rafflecopter and to enter it.)

Timeless: A Ghostly Adventure by Jan Scarbrough #RomanceGems

With Halloween approaching, I thought I’d tell you about my one and only ghost story. It started with a cover for inspiration. The original cover showed a man and a woman, probably in love, and a little girl in the background. Of course, I thought, the child must be a ghost!

I needed a character who could communicate with my little girl ghost. Enter Jeff Halstead, the hero and my reluctant medium. I call him reluctant because he’s not sure of his spiritual gifts.

When Beth Abbott receives a surprise inheritance from her birth mother, she travels to the family’s nineteenth century mansion in Old Louisville, now a bed and breakfast and run by Jeff. And guess what? They have a history together that they know nothing about, but our ghost does!

Writing the story was an adventure, because I needed to do a bunch of research to make it all come together.

I pulled out a couple of books from my library: Haunts of Old Louisville by David Domine, and The Great Louisville Tornado of 1890 by Keven McQueen. I wanted to use information from both books as inspiration and background for my story.

I went to the Internet for other research. It’s strange what a novelist needs when writing, and the Internet is a handy place to find that information. Some of the things I researched were Baxter Square Park (Louisville’s first park), a party game called Flip Cup, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the events of September 11, 2001. I also researched a hill in Louisville’s Cherokee Park where people sled in the winter. It is called “dog hill.” I investigated carriages from the 1890’s and period clothing.

After all that, I put the book together, making it a Gothic romance with ghostly elements!

Dale Epley, my friend who is also a medium, said this about my book: Timeless is a beautiful love story that intertwines two different lifetimes, and Jan has done an incredible job of introducing reincarnation and numerous other “Spiritual gifts” that we all possess in a clear and concise way that will help you to understand the possibilities, even if they are not in your reality yet.

So, if you want a non-scary ghost story for Halloween, take a look at Timeless!

Amazon Kindle

Apple Books

Kobo

B&N Nook

*****

Every Day is Treat Day in October. To be entered in the random drawing for Timeless leave a comment with your email address written out (not as a hot link). The deadline for doing this is 2 days from now. I’ll draw the winners name on October 24, 2019 and notify the winner by email and by leaving a comment on this post.

By the way, in case you wonder why Authors give away books, it’s simple. We give away books to introduce new Readers to our writing. The best way to thank an Author who gives you a book is to post a review of the book. Just a few sentences saying why you liked the book is all that is needed! Do this, and we’ll adore you!

Click here to enter our No Tricks—Just Treats Rafflecopter today for a chance to win Amazon Gift Cards. Enter often and tell your friends! (You can also click Monthly Giveaways on the Menu Bar of the blog to see details of the current month’s Rafflecopter and to enter it.)

Out With the Old Contest and In With the New by Nancy Fraser

The Romance Gems have sponsored yet another great contest. During our September, Back to School ... Back to You contest, we had a total of 1477 entries and gave away Amazon Gift Cards to the first three names drawn.

Congratulations go out to:

1st Place: Madonna Fridley Dolan

2nd Place:  Alan Saxon

3rd Place: Karin Hagin

Now it's time for some Spooktacular fun ... and more great prizes!

We'll be running our No Tricks - Just Treats contest for the entire month from midnight October 1st through 11:59 p.m. the night of the 31st!

Not only are there the one-time-only tasks of following our 23 wonderful authors on Twitter, liking this blog, and joining our Facebook group, you can also do daily tasks like sending out a Tweet to celebrate that day's post. Or, watch and like our You Tube video every day!


First place prize is a $20 Amazon Gift Card
Second place prize is a $15 Amazon Gift Card
Third place prize is a $10 Amazon Gift Card
Fourth place prize is a $5 Amazon Gift Card

Please refer to our Monthly Giveaway page for further details about the contest, along with the full length entry form. Our blog rules for entering and how prizes are awarded can be found on our Policies page.

Finally, throughout the month, our authors will be giving away e-book prizes when it's their day to post. All you have to do to win is to comment on that days blog post and include your email address in the comment. Please spell out your email (e.g., susiereader at gmail dot com) to keep the spammers at bay!

How about I keep the giveaway ball rolling with an opportunity to win a copy of my Halloween-themed, vintage romance, Bewitched! Just to make it interesting, I'll give away an autographed print copy for anyone within the U.S. or Canada. Outside those parameters, I will award an ebook copy.

About the Book:

Chicago, Fall 1964

Allison Stiles is the epitome of responsibility. Guardian to her two rambunctious younger brothers, she also runs a home daycare. While she doesn't have time for a vacation, she really needs a diversion.

Enter Eric Thomas, her new neighbor. Tall, dark and handsome and just what she needs to get her mind off her responsibilities, even if only for a short time.

Moving into the house he inherited from his uncle was not part of Eric Thomas' plan. Yet, starting a new business ties up a good portion of his capital, so he forgoes the fancy downtown apartment for the quaint Rogers Park neighborhood.

Now if he could just get his mind off his sexy neighbor and back on the business at hand.

~ ~ ~

I'll be back again tomorrow for my regular posting day and another giveaway.

Nancy

Salem, MA – Not Just A Bunch of Hocus Pocus by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

The first day of autumn, my favorite time of year! And the unofficial kickoff of the Halloween season for many. The epicenter of Halloween in New England is Salem, Massachusetts. However, you might be surprised to learn this paranormal/fantasy romance author doesn’t only visit when October rolls around. Why? Because Salem has much more to offer, and it’s year-round.

Historic Homes - Salem, MA

First and foremost, the beauty and history of the city draws me there. Nestled on the rocky coast north of Boston, Salem is sadly most famous for the witch trials of 1692. Yet there’s a rich seafaring history, museums, historic mansions, literary notables, even a pioneer village. Everything from pirate lore to America’s oldest candy company—things most don’t expect to find.

The Friendship - Historic Salem Harbor

I’ve been fortunate to be there on glorious summer days when kids are playing on Salem Common and families are enjoying the Friendship—a tall ship in the harbor. Dogs are everywhere since it’s a pet-friendly city. I’ve attended conferences and events at the lovely Hawthorne Hotel—one of my favorite haunts—waking on Sunday mornings to the sound of church bells. The hush of snow brings a blanket of white to the twisty turny old streets. (The holidays are an excellent time to visit Salem!) From interactive theater and fine dining to shopping, and historic house tours. And, YES, there’s a bunch of spooky fun to be had! Something for everyone and all ages in Salem, MA.

I LOVE Halloween, and Witch City is a blast in October! But don’t hesitate to visit other times of the year. You’ll be missing out.

I asked some friends to share their favorite things about the city. Here's what they said...

Meet Macey Jennings, a Massachusetts-based actor, writer, and historical interpreter who has always been fascinated with the educational power of storytelling. She’s been a company member of History Alive, Inc. for four years as an actor and tour guide; “Homestead” marks her debut as a playwright.

Visit www.historyalivesalem.com for shows & times

“My favorite thing about Salem is the community and how passionate they are about what they do. So many who live and/or work here (not just in tourism) have a passion, and they're dedicated to spreading their wealth of knowledge, whether it relates to art, local history, modern witchcraft, social advocacy, etc. It's part of the reason I originally wrote "Homestead;" I spent three years gathering information on the traditions and folk beliefs that contributed to the Salem Witch Hysteria. By creating this 17th-century time capsule for audiences to explore, I combine my love for theatre with Salem's history.”

The Witch House - Salem, MA

Judith Sterling is a tour guide at The Witch House (the 17th-century home of witch trials judge Jonathan Corwin) and an author of medieval romance, young adult paranormal fantasy, and metaphysical nonfiction. She’s traveled the world yet chooses to live and work in Salem. “I felt drawn to this place—even as a little girl living in Florida—and somehow knew I’d end up here. I adore The Witch House and The House of the Seven Gables, where my husband works. We and our twin boys live right by the Common, and every day as I walk through it, I relish the fact I’m treading the same ground as centuries’ worth of Salem residents, including Nathaniel Hawthorne. The past is alive here. You can see it in the architecture and feel it in the air, for the energy is both eclectic and electric. And yes, many of my experiences are supernatural.” Check out Judith's blog post about paranormal activity in The Witch House and learn more about Judith Sterling's Books.

Historical actress and writer Jennifer Emerson is newly arrived in Salem. “It’s the perfect city for adventure. Very walkable with stunning architecture. The culture of acceptance here is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Though interest in my family connections to the Witchcraft Hysteria of 1692 led me here to do research, there is so much more astounding history to be discovered. And, any Foodie will find their fill in Salem.

Presented by Intramersive Media

“Of course, many do come here because they are drawn to 1692, the world of the unseen, or the macabre. Long after the trials, Salem broke ground on helping occult matters come out into the light of day. Whatever folks come for, many seek an immersive experience. One of the shows I am currently in rehearsals for will deliver just that. Daemonologie: Smoke & Mirrors (presented by Intramersive Media and produced by Creative Collective with the generous support of the Peabody-Essex Museum) is set in 1849 at the dawn of the Spiritualist Movement. The audience are honored guests for a séance in the home of Monsieur Rene Levesque (the gorgeous Cotting-Smith Assembly House!). But all is not what it seems…"

So, there you have it. Time to plan your next trip!

None of my books are set in Salem, but I think that needs to change. They were, however, inspired by other historic locations in New England. Places you can visit!
Learn more about my books HERE

Thanks for reading!
~ Kathryn 

Kathryn Hills - A Time Traveler's Journey Series

For more on visiting Salem check out Things to do in Salem

Things to do in Salem

HURRY! Our September Giveaway ends Sept. 27th!

September Giveaway

ENTER GIVEAWAY

Kids are back to school. Now it’s time to pamper yourself a little.

Winner’s Choice of Amazon Gift Cards or Gifts for Reading and Pampering.

Grand Prize: $25.00 AMZ Gift Card or Echo Dot

2nd Prize: $15.00 AMZ GC or Reader's Journal

3rd Prize: $5.00 AMZ GC or Lavender Bath Bomb

Dress Me Up and Take Me Everywhere! by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

Do you remember the thrill of dressing up when you were a kid? Whether it was for Halloween, a birthday party, or simply playtime, you revved up your imagination and donned something special. Pretty dresses, bat wings, tiger ears, or a cape? Didn’t matter. What mattered was you could be exactly who or what you wanted in that moment IF you let yourself. Rock star, cowgirl, vampire, vet—those were some of my favorite costumes growing up. But, lucky me, I never outgrew my imagination or my love for dressing up. And I enjoy surrounding myself with like-minded people. After all, it’s fun to pretend, and the magic of imagination doesn’t have an expiration date. Especially for this paranormal romance author. Want to join the fun? Good, come on!

First stop… Fall in Love with New England. A one of a kind reader/writer conference held in…you guessed it…New England! This year’s event is in Nashua, NH, October 18-19th. Several Romance Gems authors are attending, including me!

Kathryn Hills, Lisa Olech, Peggy Jaeger, Kari Lemor
Fall in Love with New England 2017

Get ready to party as attendees don costumes for Friday night’s gala dinner. There’s even Trick-or-Treat with the authors afterwards. We decorate our room doors and meet readers in the hotel’s hallways. “Treats” include everything from books to reading swag, and tasty delights. It’s a blast! Not ready to dress up or go all out? No worries—costumes are optional. Fun is not! But, sign up soon. There are only a few reader spots remaining. The book signing is open to the public - Saturday, 10/19 from 2-5pm.

Next up on our tour… King Richard’s Faire. It’s the largest Renaissance event in New England, running from August 31st to October 20th. Step back in time to meet everyone from handsome knights to royals, fairies, pirates, tavern wenches, and more. (Yes, I am the proud owner of an awesome wench costume WITH a dragon 😊) There are even special themed weekends, so check their site. Not in New England? It’s likely there are events like this in your home state or region, a mere Google search away.

Last stop… I could go on and on, but… Halloween is just around the corner. (I know...I love summer, too, but Halloween and fall are my jam!) Pretend is coming right to our doorsteps! I’ve seen costume stores opening and the catalogs are in the mail. Grab your buddies, and let your imagination run wild. Kids, no kids, dress up the dog. (Not the cat, that’s bad haha) You are one silly hat, handlebar mustache, eye patch, or wizard’s robe away from a good time. I give you permission to have fun!

Do you like to dress up for Halloween, host costume parties, or visit events like King Richard’s Faire? Do you have a favorite persona? Or maybe you had a favorite costume growing up? Here’s your chance to share.

~ Kathryn ~

DON'T WAIT!
Our Dog Days of Summer Giveaway ends Monday
August 26th, 12:01am CDT 

You could win my book, Hellfire and Handbaskets, with a heroine most think is dressed for Halloween. Psst... She's a time-traveler. *wink*wink* Plus, there are more great books and prizes to win.

Dog Days of Summer Rafflecopter Giveaway

Romance Gems are celebrating summer with great prizes as well as free books. Check out our Giveaway Tab above for complete information. You can also reach the entry form by clicking HERE.

Till Death Do Us Part – Halloween I Do’s by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

Halloween-themed table decorations by Julie & Albert Cook
Photo Credit: David Dougwillo

It’s YOUR big day! Aside from the date, the theme is likely your next big decision. Will it be casual or formal? Vintage or modern? Traditional or somewhere out-there? Local, destination? Humm… What if it falls on a holiday? And what if that holiday is HALLOWEEN?!! Oh, be still, my heart, now we’re talking fun! Yet, it can be so much more.

Here in New England—where Salem is considered the epicenter of Halloween—the question for some becomes, what better way to spend our special day than hosting a killer costume party with frightfully fun food and decorations? From light-hearted entertainment to downright freaky, couples are embracing Halloween and Gothic weddings with drop-dead gorgeous results.

According to many bridal publications, autumn is considered prime wedding season. Colorful leaves, cooler temps, dramatic sunsets—great stuff! (A bride very near and dear to my heart is planning a fall wedding for 2020, and it promises to be stunning) Yet some specifically choose to marry on October 31st. Here’s why…

Julie & Albert Cook's wedding dance
Photo Credit: David Dougwillo

Meet Julie and Albert Cook! They own and operate Raven Wolf Enchantments, an online Metaphysical shop, selling Gemstones, Jewelry, Tarot/Oracle readings, and various other magical curios.

Q. "Albert, you and Julie were married on Halloween?"

A. “Yes, Halloween 2015! In a little ceremony with our closest family and friends. It was small-scale, and we did it all ourselves in a few weeks, but it was everything we wanted in a wedding. Our theme stemmed from a mutual love of Halloween and Love. From the invitations, to the favors, decorations, cake, and guests (who all came in costume) it was a day we will never forget. Sharing it with my love made it the best day of my life.”

Q. "What was the reaction of friends and family to your plans?"

A. "They LOVED it! Some may have felt a little weird at first, but once they were there and having a great time… Everyone dressed up in costumes, some more elaborate than others. They knew ours wasn’t going to be a traditional ceremony, and I think they liked the fact that it was not the 'same old thing.' I mean, it was on Halloween, after all."

Julie & Albert Cook's lovely attendants
Photo Credit: David Dougwillo

Q. "Julie, you’ve shared some amazing photos and ceremony details with me. Yours was a very romantic event, something that might surprise those who think it’s all about the spooky."

A. "Aside from Halloween, Timeless Love played a big part. The poem ‘Key to Love’ was central. Our favors were little antique keys with tags and quotes. The poem was written in China by an anonymous writer during the first century. To us the words represent how true love transcends differences in time and culture to speak to the souls of humans. We were making the most sacred of promises to one another.”

Q. "What was your favorite part of that day?"

A. From Julie: "The 'reveal moment' at our home in Rockport, MA. Everyone had left to go to the hall. Al waited in the front yard for me to walk out of the house. The only other person there was our photographer. I got to see his expression, seeing me in my dress for the first time. It was magic!”

The Cook's Halloween-themed cake
Photo Credit: David Dougwillo

Albert and Julie’s special day was intimate and came together rather quickly, but some Halloween-themed weddings, engagements, and vow renewals require significant preparation. Get an early start, especially if you want a popular date or destination, and search for tips and inspiration online. If you'd like to learn more about weddings in Salem, MA (Anytime of the year is lovely!) visit Things to do in Salem. It's a fun site for planning any visit to one of my favorite cities.

So, by now I’m guessing you know I LOVE HALLOWEEN! The holiday even plays a role in my Time Traveler’s Journey Series. Sometimes during modern days, other times it's the late Victorian era, but it's always in New England. Visit my website to learn more.

Thanks for reading!

~ Kathryn ~

Don't forget our Monthly Giveaway!

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED to the ROMANCE GEMS June Wedding celebration. Enter our RAFFLECOPTER for a chance to win jewelry designed for Readers, or Amazon Gift Cards, or romance ebooks about love & weddings.

Hint, hint... My book, Hellfire and Handbaskets, is one of many you can win.
But HURRY - This giveaway ends soon.

Good luck, and thank you for visiting #RomanceGems!