Tangled Memories—Even books have history by Jan Scarbrough

We all have a history, don’t we? Good times and bad times. Happy times and sad. Well, books have a history too. Updates, new names, re-edits, new covers are some of the ways self-published authors can change their books. But before the advent of self-publishing, we had to go the traditional route (as some authors still prefer). 

Tangled Memories, a book of my heart, was originally called Window of My Heart. It had a good run in RWA’s contest circuit in the 90’s, culminating as a 1994 Golden Heart finalist in Romantic Suspense/Gothic. Before that happened, a fellow author pulled me aside after I failed so terribly in 1993 and taught me about plotting. (This was one of my first books, after all. I was still learning.) I swear after I got into the groove of this book, it wrote itself.

After being a finalist in the Golden Heart, I couldn’t sell the book to a traditional publisher. You know, the dreaded rejection letters. I did “sell” it to a brand-new e-book publisher. What? In 1999, there weren’t any e-book readers to speak of. So, of course, my book, now called Tangled Memories, didn’t go far.

Over the years, Tangled Memories hopped from publisher to publisher: Imajinn, Wild Rose Press, Turquoise Morning Press. By this time, e-books were in style and readers could read e-books on their phones! Finally, in 2016, I got my rights back and self-published Tangled Memories after a re-edit, update, new blurb, and new cover.

Tangled Memories remains one of my favorites. In it, I switched my heroine from present day to Medieval times. Today, I see this done by many writers—the dual-timeline novels. I don’t know if I was ahead of my time, or if it simply worked for the story I had to tell.

You can grab a copy for your summer reading pleasure for 99 cents at most e-book stores. Sadly, the paperback is not on sale.

Amazon Kindle

Amazon UK

Paperback

Apple Books

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B&N Nook

After losing his wife, Dr. Alexander Dominican is determined his infant daughter will not grow up motherless as he did. Offering sensible, kind kindergarten teacher Mary Adams a marriage of convenience seems like the perfect solution. The widow’s husband left her with a mountain of debt. For Alex, paying it off is a small price to pay for his daughter’s happiness. Until his sensible new wife begins to lose her mind.

On the day of their marriage, Mary starts having frightening hallucinations of medieval England—visions that feel more like the memories of woman who lived centuries before. More terrifying, someone—or something—is stalking the new mistress of Marchbrook Manor. Could it be one of the sinister servants? Or Alex himself? Alex is reawakening hidden desires and longings in Mary, but until she can untangle the web of nightmares and secrets, she can trust no one. Not even Alex.

Alex has no idea he’s unleashing a destiny that’s taken him seven hundred years to fulfill.

If Alex and Mary are to salvage their future, they must first unravel centuries of…Tangled Memories.

What's Your Romance Catnip? by Laura Hunsaker

What do you love in a book that you would never like in real life?

Sometimes when I read a book, there's a scene that happens that I absolutely love, but in my real life? I would hate.

Here's a great example: I love when a hero rips off the heroine's panties. Like seriously, yes. I want that! But in real life? I do not want that. Holy cow my undies are expensive, and you had better not be ripping off my clothes. Buttons flying, panties ripping, just no. 

Another is when they are so wrapped up in each other that they forget about everything they are doing and just have to have the sexytimes right now. In real life? If I were making my husband dinner and he tried to start stuff with me, I would smack his hand with a spatula lol. No one wants a burnt lasagna, babe.

Or gosh, even a singer singing to his heroine...I had that happen once in real life and it was awkward and uncomfortable for me. But in a book? I eat that up. 

Or pirates! Oh my goodness I love a good pirate romance, but in real life? No thank you. Obviously I won't ever meet one, but I feel safe in saying they wouldn't be my jam. 

Time travel! My goodness, I would love to time travel back to the Highlands of Scotland several hundred years ago, however...realistically? If that could happen? Yeah I'd probably die. Whether I was burnt as a witch, or stung by a bee and didn't have my epi pen, I'm under no illusions that time travel would be as sexy as books make it out to be.

Alpha males, jocks, nerds, hackers, celebrities...what's your catnip in fiction, but in your real life you would absolutely hate?

Check out my Time Travel Highland Warriors. This is a duology with both Highland Destiny and Highland Games in one!

Amazon Exclusive

Highland Destiny--Mackenzie Stewart’s in Scotland for a much-needed vacation. During the castle tour, Mackenzie becomes completely enamored with a painting of one of the previous lairds. Two gentlemen come up behind her and, begging her pardon, they kidnap her, dragging her through time.


Highland Games--Malcolm “Colm” MacRobert is ordered by his chief to travel through time and return with a woman. Not just any woman, the daughter of Laird and Lady Grant. There’s one problem, though. Everyone knows the Grants never had a daughter. Who is he bringing back? And why is she so important that his laird using the village witch to send Colm over 200 years into the future?

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

You've Been Booed! by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

 

Ahh, autumn. It’s my favorite season. I love the warm days and cold nights. Sweaters, pumpkins, scary fun. Plus, living in northern New England, Mother Nature is all about showing off her vibrant fall colors here. But what would life at Camp Hills be without some humor? Sit back and let me tell you a story.

It was a dark and stormy night. Kidding. I just love it when a story starts like that. It all began when Darling Daughter was a tween...

For as long as I can remember—and certainly for her entire quarter of a century life—we’ve celebrated Halloween. In a BIG way! Hayrides to pumpkin patches where you pick your own. Trips to Salem and theme parks with haunted events. Parties, decorations, festive foods, you name it. Don’t even get me started on the shows and movies we watch every October. So, when a neighbor introduced us to “Booing”, we wholeheartedly embraced the fun experience as a family.

Are you familiar with Booing? For those who aren’t, it’s when you assemble a bunch of fun Halloween-themed treats (candy and trinkets) and deliver them to an unsuspecting neighbor. I say “unsuspecting”, because you pull a “ding-dong-dash” maneuver. Ring the doorbell, leave the goodies, and dash away before you’re seen. Your “Boo” is a surprise for the occupants of the house, an anonymous gift of Halloween cheer, typically for the children. (Although, I have heard of adults partaking, delivering alcoholic beverages along with chocolate. Totally onboard with this idea if anyone wants to play!)

Once you’ve been “Booed”, you place a sign on your door so participating neighbors will know to skip your house and go to someone new. Then you Boo two other households, and the fun grows.

Charming, you might think, and it is! Super-fun, too, since you get to shop for someone else with the sole intention of delighting them. Plus, you get to speculate who Booed you.

So…where did we go astray? Because you KNOW we did. Darling Daughter, being the sweetheart that she is, didn’t just want to leave treats for her close friends. She knew there were two kids, living only part time in our neighborhood because their parents were divorced. No one really knew them; they came and went so often. “Why not Boo them?” she asked. “Make them feel welcome.” I was a proud mama when she shared her idea.

It was a real crock-pot bubbling, wood stove crackling, frosty fall evening when Mr. H volunteered to help our girl with the ding-dong-dash part of the plan. They bundled up, took the gifts and the corresponding “You’ve been Booed!” printed message that explains it all, grabbed a couple of flashlights, and headed out into the spooky darkness.

Time went by as I prepared our supper and fed the dogs. I glanced at the clock several times, wondering why they were gone so long. Just ring the bell and run. It’s easy. Half an hour later, they finally came home, laughing so hard they were crying. Apparently, the neighbor Darling Daughter decided to Boo was home alone with his wife. No kids that night. When the doorbell rang and no one was there, the dad whipped on all the spotlights, thinking he’d been pranked. My two hid behind the neighbor’s car, trying not to be discovered. The man inside began yelling, “It’s a package. What the hell? It’s a God damned package. Who did this?”

“I don’t know,” the wife said, obviously concerned. According to my two hooligans.

What's the moral of this story? I suppose it’s…sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty to be nice. Santa definitely will understand.

And the neighbors who initially Booed us? The dad in that family eventually admitted he took out our fence when he tried to dash away in the dark. Ouch! We were wondering how that happened. We live in a fun place. What else can I say? 😊

If you’d like to Boo your neighbors, family members, or friends this Halloween season, head to Pinterest for some great ideas and free printable signs for the gift bag message and for your front door. Just don’t mention me, okay? We Hills are notorious troublemakers. *wink*

If you enjoyed this story and would like to learn more about my books, know that Halloween is exciting for my characters as well. Whether they're attending a costume ball in the past—as in the late Victorian era—or they're on the streets of Boston in modern times, thrills and chills are just the beginning. Visit my Amazon Author's Page to embark on A Time Traveler's Journey!

 Until next time, thanks for reading. Stay safe and go spread some magic!

~ Kathryn

Is Romance Dead? by Laura Hunsaker

I just read an article by the L.A. Times that asked "Will Kissing Ever Make a Comeback" and had the image of two metal figures wearing masks and kissing. (link to article here).

Is this a thing? How would that work?

He inhaled the scent of her hand sanitizer, mmm...lemon. She placed her gloved hand against his cheek. They gently pressed their masks together...

Okay obviously I'm being facetious here, but as a romance writer, I can't help but think about how I would write a romance and incorporate it.

I like escapism, so in my stories, I don't address it, but maybe I should? What say you all? Should our Romances being written right now reflect everything going on?

While I may have used a wee bit of snark at first, I wonder if I could make it work?

Lucy walked in the door from her first day back at work, instantly took off her mask and tossed it in the laundry pile. Washing her hands she called for her dog. Bruce, her lab, was ready to go.

"Who wants a walk? Who's a good boy who wants a walk?" She stuffed her mini hand sanitizer in her pocket, and grabbing his leash, she took Bruce out for his evening walk.

Once out on the trail, Lucy saw her neighbor Van out with his dog. Every day for a couple months now, they'd wave at each other and smile. But not today. She was prepared to finally talk to him. With restaurants being closed to inside dining, she was planning to grab a to go order and hope he wouldn't mind sitting on her porch. The weather was beautiful and she was excited to talk to someone after being cooped up for so long.

"Hi Lucy!"

His mask was his favorite hockey team and she thought that it was cute how every one of his masks she had seen had all been different masks for the same team. Hers had cupcakes on them, because she just really thought it was cute.

"Hi Van! Hey, I don't know if you're up to it, but I was thinking of grabbing some dinner from Apple Garden tonight, and thought maybe you would want to join me? We could eat on my porch and you can bring your dog."

He smiled, she could tell because his eyes crinkled above his mask. "That sounds like a lot more fun than my night of streaming that new movie everyone is talking about and some leftovers."

"It's a date."

***

I guess it wouldn't be that difficult to add in some of today's happenings without it taking over the story. What do you think? Would you prefer escapism? Would you mind seeing a tiny bit of reality mixed in? Will kissing ever make a comeback ;)

 If you're in the mood for something you can really escape into, my Time Travel Romance Highland Eclipse is only $.99

Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Kobo  |  Google Play  |  Smashwords  |  Goodreads

A member of an elite Time Ops team called the Eclipse Agents, Declan Wallace’s job is to jump through time. He maintains order in the timeline, he hunts down those who would time jump for their own purposes. But sometime Fate intervenes.

After a lifetime of living with illness, Lady Fiona McClure is proving to herself that she is finally healthy in an attempt to swim across the loch. If she makes it, maybe then her overprotective father won’t treat her as a child anymore. When she is snatched and dragged ashore by a man who thought she was drowning, her heart races for reasons that have nothing to do with the swim and everything to do with the man standing before her.

With a mission to finish, Declan can’t allow distractions, and Lady Fiona is definitely a distraction. But he’s discovering that living for the next mission isn’t as exciting as it used to be. Staying in the past is forbidden, but Fiona McClure is his destiny.


Don't forget to enter the June Giveaway!

Romance, Pirates, and Summer Vacations by @MaddieJames

Have you ever been haunted by something? Felt a pull so strong you had to give into it? 

Years ago, when the children were young, probably about six- and eight-years-old, I insisted we take a family vacation. It was spring break and truly, I needed the departure from my students, and well, just from life. Bonus, the ocean was calling. Haunting me, perhaps. Odd thing because I’d never been to the east coast. That didn’t slow me down though or stop the melancholy feeling about going there.

Credit: digidreamgrafix.com (Deposit Photos) 

I chose Nags Head in the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina because the name of the town had always intrigued me. I stumbled across an ad for a reality company in an issue of Southern Living and called for details. Soon, we were set, and off we went.

Once there, I was entranced by the area, the people, the food, and the laid-back atmosphere. That was our first trip of many. Even after my husband and I divorced, I found ways to get there, be it spring, summer, or fall. The kids and I went one summer when they were teenagers. We had a yard sale to pay for a motel room and pooled all our dollars for other expenses. It was a quick, cheap trip but one of my most memorable. We ate sandwiches out of a cooler all week, swam in the ocean and the motel pool, and just chilled.

There have been other trips. We have stayed up and down the OBX from Corolla to Ocracoke Island and pretty much everywhere in between. A couple of times I went solo, which was fun, but I missed my people; other trips included extended family where we would rent a big beach house oceanside and just play all week. There was always one night of family putt-putt golf competition, and every family took a turn at making dinner for the entire crew. We always reserved at least one evening meal for the local seafood buffet.

Copyright credit: Jorg Hackemann (Deposit Photos)

A few times we went with my parents and my sister’s family. Once, we stayed just down the beach from the infamous Inn at Rodanthe, the house featured in the movie, Nights in Rodanthe. A more recent trip was with my offspring and their significant others and families, and one set of in-laws. My grown children and I also took another trip to OBX about ten years after the first cheap trip—but this time we rented a big old oceanfront Nags Header on the historic register. We had more money to spend, and if I remember correctly, we consumed quite a few rum popsicles. Adult children are fun! We also may or may not have encountered a ghost that week—fodder for a story perhaps?

And yes, this haunting of the ocean, this lure to the sea, and the OBX has been a source of writer inspiration for me and has influenced my stories and my muse. One cannot visit these barrier islands and not leave with a sense of the past, of pirates, of the colonies, of escape and intrigue, and perhaps even treasure hunting….

Cover Art: Jacobs Ink, LLC

I’ve set one romantic suspense novel, A Perfect Escape, in the barrier islands, and a time-travel trilogy, The Forever Trilogy.

Let’s talk about the trilogy. Edward Teach aka Blackbeard called Ocracoke Island in the OBX home for some time. Around 1718 he wreaked havoc over the eastern coastline and then finally was beheaded in a battle at sea. The Governor of Virginia had ordered him stopped. Losing his head was the thing that stopped him. On the islands you can find many references to the infamous pirate and I found the pirate folklore fascinating. I dug in, read and researched a lot, and wrote my own version of the pirates that lived there.

That research turned into a trilogy of stories surrounding some legend and lore of Blackbeard’s missing head after he was decapitated—actually, the lore has more to do with a silver-plated cup that was supposedly created from his skull. Fun, huh?

I began writing this trilogy years ago, not long after my first trip to OBX, and I can say these characters haunted and consumed me for some time. The stories were originally crafted when I was still learning how to write—before I was a published author and nearly two decades before Indie publishing became a thing. A small publisher picked them up years ago, and I’ve since had the rights reverted to me.

Cover Art: Jacobs Ink, LLC; template by Covervault 

Over the years—just as I kept returning to OBX—I have returned to these books and reworked and polished them. They have been reconfigured and retitled. I’m sure they are still not perfect—and that is okay with me. Most of my vacation trips to OBX were not “perfect” either, by some people’s standards, but they were memorable all the same.

I can only hope for that with any of the books I write—that readers think they are memorable.

The Forever Trilogy is this series centered around pirate lore. If you like history, pirates, suspense, time travel, paranormal elements, soul mates, and happily-ever-after endings, you might like these books. They are available at my online bookstore as well as all ebook retail outlets.

And while I have you, Jan Scarbrough and I write a western romance series and for ten days in June, we are offering the box set for 99 cents. I hope you check it out! Click for universal buy links—this one goes off sale on June 17.

Cover Art: Jacobs Ink, LLC; template by Covervault

Lastly, please don’t forget about our Summer Nights Rafflecopter Giveaway! Go HERE for details. Signup and I hope you win!

****

Maddie James writes to silence the people in her head—if only they wouldn’t all talk at once! 

Whether writing traditional contemporary romance or building paranormal worlds, bestselling romance author, Maddie James, pens stories that frequently cross a variety of romantic sub-genres. Sweet or spicy, suspense or comedy, western or time-travel, her heroes and heroines are always chasing one thing—the happily-ever-after. 

Affaire de Coeur says, “James shows a special talent for traditional romance,” and RT Book Reviews claims, “James deftly combines romance and suspense.” Visit her at www.maddiejames.com.

Her books are available at ALL RETAILERS and she also sells direct from her own online bookstore, SAND DUNE BOOKS (which is where you can find the deals and discounts!)

Origins of a Time Traveler by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

Time Traveler #1

Time travel. It’s the stuff of science fiction and fantasy, and I love it! So much that my first romance series is titled A Time Traveler’s Journey.

The idea such travel could be “real” was introduced to me at paranormal events. Researchers have theorized for years that certain hauntings could be “slips in time” or “time glitches.” I began to think…. Wouldn’t it be fun to drop one of my modern-day characters into the past? Or, the reverse! It’s the narrative of some truly entertaining movies and books. Think Kate and Leopold and Lost in Austen. And, dare we forget Outlander? How about we add some ghosts? A Christmas Carol is the most famous that comes to mind.

Time Travelers #2

I gain inspiration for my time-traveling characters from a variety of sources - people I know and meet, those I read about, historic places, grand hotels, and especially haunted locations. Names often come from gravestones and old census records. Like most authors, I try to stay true to the time period of the book. It’s fun and interesting to research such history. It’s even a bit spooky, how many of my story ideas and characters fall neatly into place like puzzle pieces.

Time Travelers #3

Developing such characters also requires visual inspiration for me. One of my favorite sources is old photographs. I find them in antique shops and second-hand stores from New York to Maine. It is utterly amazing what you can learn from such visual history. Besides, I have a special place in my heart for all-things-older than me. Hahaha Maybe I’m the time traveler? Actually, I believe we ALL are in some ways.

I’ve scattered a few of my antique photos throughout this post. They are a fascinating mix of people, places, and things. So, tell me, what do these characters "say" to you? They are not connected in any way, so you can choose just one or comment on each.

Time Traveler #4

Psst…I’ll tell you a secret. The first photo—the one at the top of this post, Time Traveler #1—she IS a character in my next Time Traveler’s Journey Series novel. Isn’t she magnificent with that chatelaine about her neck and waist? If you're unfamiliar with the chatelaine, visit Collector’s Weekly - “It’s the killer mobile device for Victorian women.”

I'm sharing more of my antique photographs over on Facebook. Stop by and take a peek.

Until next time... Thank you for reading. I hope you're doing okay during these challenging times. Be safe, stay well. I am thinking of you often.

~ Kathryn

Time Travelers #5

Don't forget our April Giveaway!

Details here - Monthly Giveaway

I'm also participating in the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. I've hidden an Easter Egg in one of these three places. 

Website       Facebook       Pinterest

Find the egg and then return to the Rafflecopter Form to enter the date, my name, and where you found my egg to claim your entry.

Happy Hunting!

April Prizes 

1st Prize: $20.00 Amazon Gift Card 

2nd Prize: $15.00 Amazon Gift Card 

3rd Prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

Best of luck to everyone!

Our Leprechaun by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

I’m at a loss for words these days. THAT never happens. Staring at a blank screen I wondered… What shall I talk about on my blog day? With St. Patrick’s Day and the first day of spring behind us—unremarkable, and rightly so with this awful virus—and so many people home with kids, I thought… Maybe I could tell you a family story? So, pull up a chair.

We have one child, an incredible daughter, who is now in her mid-twenties. When she was young, she set our home “on its ear”. It all began when she was maybe four, in preschool, and she had a lovely teacher named Mrs. Connelley. As you may surmise, Mrs. Connelley was of Irish descent, and she brought her love of the Emerald Isle to her tiny students. That’s charming, you might say. And it truly was! The children made shamrock crafts, colored rainbows and pots of gold, made Leprechauns hats and shoes, all in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day. On the actual day, everyone was excited to enter the classrooms and enchanted find green glittery Leprechaun footprints on the floors and up the walls. Even on the ceilings! MAGIC had come to their little corner of the world, and our daughter was overjoyed.

Fast forward to March of first or second grade. (It’s a long time ago, so I’m not exactly certain which) Ever since Mrs. Connelley introduced our daughter to the leprechaun back in preschool, the wee sprite visited our home on St. Patrick’s Day. Poof! Like fairy magic, chocolate coins appeared, mostly around decorations our daughter still crafted with great care. This leprechaun didn’t walk on walls or ceilings. However, he was generous with his chocolate coins. Thoughtful, too, because he hid them in high places since we had dogs. And, it didn’t matter to him our family hailed from countries other than Ireland. Our daughter’s enthusiasm had helped him find us. She was certain.

I was always happily “surprised” by the chocolate treasure our girl hauled in each St. Patrick’s Day morning. Being of Swedish and German ancestry, I’d never experienced the joy of a leprechaun visit. Mr. H’s family is French-Canadian/British and Italian, so no leprechauns there either. Yet Mrs. Connelley’s and our daughter’s hopeful magic was strong stuff, and that made it super-fun for all of us.

The trouble… or rather the setting on the ear part… came when other children questioned, “Why did a leprechaun come to your house and not mine?” Some found chocolate coins or little treasures, but most didn’t. It appeared the leprechaun magic only worked for a select few. “That’s not fair,” our daughter decreed, adding, “Why would he leave someone out and make them sad?”

I’ve drawn a blank as to what my answer was. I think I blacked out. Parental fear is a real thing, people! I DO remember the angry mother who stopped me at the entrance to school the next day. “Why the HELL did you do the leprechaun? We’re Irish, and we don’t even do the leprechaun! Now I have to…*grumble*grumble*grumble grumble*…As if the damn bunny isn’t enough…*grumble*grumble*grumble*grumble*…” Thankfully, the woman huffed and stomped away without further incident.

You see, the Hills women have been stirring up mischief for a very long time. Innocently, but still…*wink* For the record, my daughter’s leprechaun is ALWAYS welcome in our home! Any reason to find joy and celebrate childhood, springtime, and fairy magic.

Thanks for reading. Perhaps someday I’ll tell you the story of “the citizens.” Another day. Until next time… I wish you, and all those you love, good health, lasting peace, and real hope during these trying times.

~ Kathryn

BIG NEWS! My Time Traveler's Journey Series is on SALE!

Book One - Haunting Highland House - is available now for $0.99 in digital formats. Hellfire and Handbaskets - Book Two - will go on sale in two weeks. 

That gives you time to begin your journey! 

Here's a link for Amazon, but both books will also be available at the same price 

from Barnes & Noble and iBooks.

Please join us in celebrating our March promotion
- Lucky in Love!

Enter our Contest!

March Prizes

1st Prize: $20.00 Amazon Gift Card

2nd Prize: $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

Best of luck to everyone!

Adventuring – A Timeless Victorian On Cape Cod by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

Highfield Hall and Gardens, Falmouth, Massachusetts, Jan. 2020

I get around. *chuckle* Ask anyone who knows me, and they’ll tell you I’m always crying, “Road trip!” Big cities, tiny towns, especially historic locations. One of my favorite things about being a writer is the inspiration I gather from the many places I explore. Is it Wanderlust, a popular term, meaning a strong longing for or impulse toward wandering? That’s exactly what it is. But I say, “adventuring.” And whether I’m alone, with friends, or with family, I LOVE adventuring! I reside in New England and hitting the road in my old Honda CRV is my favorite way to see this diverse and beautiful region. So, come along. First stop, Cape Cod, Massachusetts!

Nearby Woods Hole Harbor

Simply called “The Cape” by locals, the famous hook-shaped peninsula is home to quaint towns, stalwart lighthouses, great seafood, and quintessential New England views. (The Cape is 65 miles from Woods Hole to Provincetown, including Upper Cape, Mid-Cape, Lower Cape, and Outer Cape) We’re heading to Highfield Hall and Gardens in Falmouth, (Upper Cape) and the setting for my first book, Haunting Highland House.

Even in winter, Highfield Hall and Gardens is an enchanting and inspiring location. The mansion itself - a Queen Anne stick-style Victorian built in 1878 - so sparked my imagination it launched my debut novel and a book series. I discovered it by chance over a decade ago, yet one visit changed the course of my life.

Highfield Hall seen through the Stickwork sculpture
of artist Patrick Dougherty, Jan. 2020

Want some backstory? Once the summer home of wealthy Bostonians, the estate passed from owner to owner, serving as everything from a hotel to a school for theater students. Eventually, it fell to ruin and became the town’s derelict or haunted house. Right there. First clue why this place piqued my interest. A group of concerned citizens stepped in just before the historic mansion was set to be demolished and the property developed for housing. Today, the old house stands beautifully restored, transformed into a cultural center for the community, including a summer stock theater, gardens, walking trails, and conservation land. It’s a restoration success story. I’m a sucker for a happy ending!

Upper Cape beach in winter

During my first visit to Highfield in 2008, I couldn’t help but wonder… What would it be like to live in this place, now and during its heyday back in the late 1800’s? Wouldn’t it be amazing to experience both times? Maybe as the caretaker? If you’ve read my Time Traveler’s Journey Series, you know where my vivid imagination ran with this idea. The house I dubbed Highland House plays an active roll throughout my books. Learn more about how the real mansion became a central character by visiting my Author Notes.

Stickwork by artist Patrick Dougherty
Front lawn, Highfield Hall, Jan. 2020

Visit Highfield Hall and Gardens to find upcoming events, programs, and to explore additional history. You can plan your own adventure and fall in love with this timeless place.

See Falmouth’s Chamber of Commerce for ideas on visiting the Upper Cape any time of the year.




Thanks for reading! Until our next adventure,

~ Kathryn 

Enter our January GIVEAWAY HERE!

Or visit our Monthly Giveaway Page for the most current contest

Grand Prize: $20.00

Amazon Gift Card 2nd Prize: $15.00

Amazon Gift Card 3rd Prize: $10.00

Amazon Gift Card 4th Prize: $5.00 Amazon Gift Card

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Advice from A Fictional Character by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

"Mother says girls can't be doctors,
but I intend to prove her wrong."

She’s my favorite character to date. A young woman from a privileged background, trying to navigate her way in a difficult world. Emphasis on “her way.” You first meet Amelia Pennington as a rambunctious child in Haunting Highland House, romping through the woods with her brother, Charlie. Much to the dismay of their ever-proper, ever-watchful mother. It’s the late-Victorian era, you see, and society has clear expectations of how women and girls must behave.

Yet, like many women of the time, Amelia is challenging the notion of who she must be. For as long as she can remember she’s dreamed of becoming a doctor, not a wife or homemaker. A scandalous notion, according to Mother and most of society. But Amelia has big dreams, and she’s not willing to give them up.

Male Dominated Medicine

I love writing about this period in American history because women’s rolls changed and evolved rapidly. They discover there is much more to life than pretty gowns and husbands. Technology advanced alongside their movements. The “New Woman” was emerging – well educated, strong, independent, even athletic. It wasn’t so far-fetched for Amelia Pennington to challenge herself and the male dominated medical community to capture her dream.

I won’t give away her story. I will say she’s my heroine in book two of the Time Traveler’s Journey Series – Hellfire and Handbaskets. Just by the title you can presume Amelia hasn’t lost any of her pluck. In fact, she’s taking on more challenges.

What does this feisty heroine teach us? Never give up on dreams. Amelia may be the product of my imagination, but she’s based on strong woman I’m blessed to know. Whatever your dreams—and they can change, don’t get stuck in that rut—go for it! There’s only one surefire way to fail. Don’t try.

If you’d like to meet Amelia Pennington in person, check out my books HERE.

Thanks for reading! Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!

~ Kathryn

November is the month for Gratitude, Appreciation, and counting your Blessings. Grateful, Thankful, Blessed—that's what we Romance Gems Authors feel.

Join us this month in celebrating the Life Lessons we all learn.

Enter our November Rafflecopter now for a chance to win 1 of 5 Amazon Gift Cards.

You can also enter by going to the Monthly Giveaway Page

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 ~

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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!

Besties by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

I’ve spent a great deal of time this month thinking about wonderful people as we celebrate heroes and she-roes here at Romance Gems. All very inspiring! And I must say, I’m truly blessed by the number of great people I know and have loved. But it got me thinking about how our relationships and friends change over time.

As a kid growing up in a suburban neighborhood, my best friend was Diane, the spunky little red-headed girl down the street. We attended the same elementary school, walked there together every day. Goofy kids that played for hours until someone’s mom called us home. She was my first sleepover (I didn’t make it through that first night; my dad had to pick me up) and my first business partner.
(Our lemonade stand rocked because our street was busy) There were many best friend firsts for us, so I was heartbroken when her family moved away.

Eileen was my next close friend. We swore allegiance, drawn together by an undying love for David Cassidy and Donny Osmond, and our hatred of dodgeball. (Hey, that was important stuff back then) Yet Eileen moved on to one school and I to another, and we grew apart.

Fast forward to when Karin was my soulmate. We loved all animals—dogs, rabbits, (Karin had two bunnies she walked on leashes!) and especially horses. It was alongside her I became an avid rider. Together we faced Jr. High and High School and stuck like glue, surviving boyfriends, proms, Driver’s Ed, and graduation. College led to our first jobs, careers, houses, kids... Until long distance and life took their toll on our “glue.”

Yet special friends and relationships found me again in the most wonderful ways. I met a dear friend on a business trip to California. (We bonded over chocolate and wine) I gained a great friend through my daughter’s school when our kids shared a cookie. (I’m sensing a trend here 😊) Later, things I love led to friendships. My writing, for example, led me to a community of outstanding people. Same with the paranormal community. From road trips, conferences, and weird encounters in NYC elevators to discovering history’s mysteries, calling aliens, and exploring haunted locations—we’ve shared some wild adventures!

It’s no surprise friendships play an important role in my novels. Amelia Pennington and Rose Bartlett from Hellfire and Handbaskets are a great example. These best friends confront the challenges of medical school in 1895 Boston—a daunting task for any woman of that time period. All society—even their loving family members—have a distinct notion of how women should behave, and these two defy all of it. Or, do they? Plus, talk about a long-distance friendship! Amelia and Rose become separated by the most unforgiving of all obstacles. Time. Here’s a link if you’d like to read more: Hellfire and Handbaskets – A Time Traveler’s Journey 

So, here’s to best friends, our inner circle, our soulmates. Those “like-family” folk we choose to hang out with. Our tribes and kindred spirits. Schoolmates, workmates, alter egos, partners-in-crime… Whoever you call your BESTIES. Let’s raise a glass (or two) in their honor. Friends truly are awesome Heroes and She-roes worth celebrating!

~Kathryn~

Don’t forget to enter our Monthly Giveaway. This month it's a Heroes & She-Roes Contest for a chance to win a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card and Bundles of Ebooks. Click to enter our RAFFLECOPTER But hurry! There's less than one week left to enter.