To Re-read or Not to Read by Laura Hunsaker

I've noticed that with everything going on in the world, I've had a hard time focusing on new books/TV shows/movies that I typically would love. I took to Twitter and was shocked to see people already talking about that. It's not just me! 

But I was even more shocked to see an article floating around that basically said when people are stressed out, they tend to go for something they've already read or watched because they already know how it ends, therefore the stakes are a bit lower (article is linked here). They go for old favorites because it's comforting (and I definitely love a good comfort read). It's like a warm blanket. 

I have three books on my ereader that I can think of off-hand that I should be devouring. And yet...I keep going back to old faves. Then I feel guilty that I'm spending my precious reading time with something I've already read. I should be reading something new and shiny!

But...my faves are shiny too. I figure since they make me happy, isn't the the important part? I read because it makes me happy. I have a friend however who never re-reads anything. Once the book has been read, that's that. (no judgement! Just different ways of reading!)

Comment to enter our August giveaway

So how about you? Are you a fan of the re-read? Or do you read the book once and move on? There's no right or wrong answer here, it's all about you and what sparks joy for you. For me? I want that warm blanket of a comfort read. 

If you want something happy, comforting, and light, check out our Last Chance Beach box set!

14 happy beach reads and summer romances all for $.99!

My story is Dreams of the Past. In it, Jenny needs some rest, Scott needs some relaxation...but will they get what they want when they both wind up booking the same beach cottage?

And don't forget there's a free companion book called Cocktails on Last Chance Beach

AWAY TO LAST CHANCE BEACH by Hannah Rowan

I don’t remember learning to swim.  It’s something I’ve done as long as I can remember.  As a small child I lived in the big city of Newark, NJ, where chances to swim were pretty slim.  We drove out to the wilds of New Jersey to swim in a small lake, and I can still remember my mother frantically trying to convince me to come out of the water as thunder and lightning crashed over my head.

Fast forward a few years and I had moved to the country, where we went even further west to swim in a man-made lake fed by a mountain spring.  Bones chilled, teeth chattering, and lips turning blue—I refused to get out of the water unless it was to climb up the high dive to take a leap.  I did my own version of water ballet, stood on my head, trying to hold my breath for a world record, and swam back and forth to the raft in the center endless times.

When my sister got a boat she sailed on New Jersey’s largest lake, we’d motor out to the deep water and jump off the side to swim.  Even when my brother told me about the giant snapping turtles lurking below, who loved to munch on little girls’ toes, I jumped in anyway.  Only the promise of an ice cream sandwich at a nearby amusement park---a slice of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream between two toasted waffles—lured me from the water.

In high school I earned my life-saving certificate, though to date I’ve never had the need to use the lessons.  The one I remember best was that I could save even a man much larger than me by swimming up behind him and grabbing hold of the hair under his arms.  Apparently the pain was supposed to distract him from struggling and potentially pulling me under. I’ve never had the occasion to try that one out and probably don’t want to.

The first college I attended sported a beautiful Olympic-sized pool, and in order to graduate a student was required to pass a swim test.  (I think they were trying to justify spending so much money on a pool.)  I could have tested out of swim class, but I was busy drinking coffee and eating glazed donuts in the student café.  We shared ugly, ugly, ugly swimsuits made of t-shirt material, bleached and stretched beyond recognition.  Not an attractive option.  In winter, with my hair almost to my waist, the thought of rushing to the next class in another building with hair that took forever to dry was just too much!  Those glazed donuts in the café again!

As newlyweds and apartment dwellers, my husband and I searched for places to swim all summer.  We were finally fortunate enough to buy a house with a pool, and not only have a place to swim, but a place to toss our children in the water so they could swim, too.

Just about every vacation we take involves a beach, though.  From our honeymoon in Kennebunkport, Maine, to a post-retirement cruise stop in Cozumel where I learned how to snorkel, from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland to a glacial river in Alaska, and so many beaches in between, I guess you could say our romance also includes a love affair with the water.

After all, what’s more romantic than the scent of the ocean and the sound of waves crashing on the shore, whether enjoying hot sun or cozying up with a blanket and a hot drink on a cold day?  Something about the water brings a sense of peace I can’t find any place else, especially in these difficult days
.

It’s quite possible a person could find the same serenity, or even romance, in a place called Last Chance Beach.  The legend begins here… The Legend of Last Chance Beach

Why don’t you join us there?  Come on in, the water’s fine!

And don't forget your chance to win an Amazon Gift Card!

It's All About The Characters by @KaraONealAuthor #RomanceGems

Summer has arrived! I'm a teacher, and this season brings much needed rest and fun. Summer is also when I can read and write to my heart's content. My children are older, so I get to spend more time with books and the characters within them.

I -- much to my family's affectionate frustration -- form attachments to the people in the stories I read. I can't help it. I worry, I laugh, I cheer, and I cry right along with them. I bet a lot of you are the same.



It's hard for me to let go when I finish a book. If it makes me feel something, I think about it for several days. And, of course, I re-read my favorite parts.



As the years have gone by, I have collected books I love, which can be found here, and books I enjoyed reading, which can be found here.

My attachment to characters extends to the one's I've created, as well. It's so hard to let them go, and I have discovered their lives have continued in my mind. So....I started a blog called, "The Story Continues". Here, I will be posting extra scenes and short stories that allow these people to live on.


Isn't that wonderful? I never have to leave them! (My family will probably shake their heads at me -- fondly, of course.)

Right now, I'm posting a three part story about Elinor, a feisty and rule-breaking debutante, and Trap, a rowdy cowboy. These two formed an attachment with each other in The Cowboy's Embrace, and I had a lot of fun learning about them. I felt their story wasn't over and had to delve further into their relationship. Come visit "The Story Continues" to see how everything goes for them!

Do you have a character, or characters, who have stayed with you? Answer in the comments and two people will win a free copy of Saving Sarah or Welcome Home!

In other news, y'all might remember that I was orphaned by my publisher in March. I have two books back up with the third coming next week.

If you would like to sign up for my monthly newsletter, click here.

Saving Sarah
Historical Romance

Sarah Kerry's world is shattered when a man from her past, Liam Devlin, shows up with proof that, if shared, would send her father to the noose. In order to keep Liam quiet, she must break her young courtship with Michael Lonnigan and marry Liam instead.

Michael is crushed and angry when Sarah abruptly ends their courtship, but he knows something isn't right. He's seen the new man hanging around the Kerry family and believes the man is blackmailing the woman Michael loves. Unwilling to let her go, Michael will do whatever it takes to save Sarah and make her his own.

Welcome Home
Historical Romance

Emma Prescott, determined and selfless, flees from wealth and her murderous father, wanting the love and forgiveness of poor cotton farmer, Kyle Lonnigan.

Although Kyle refuses to forgive her for her part in his father's death, Emma stays and works her own farm. Over the next several months, Emma proves to Kyle she is not the spoiled girl he remembers.

Emma's sudden re-entrance into Kyle's life only conjures long-buried painful memories. Kyle does his best to avoid her, needing to keep the pain at bay, and stopping her from reminding him of their last moments together before bullets shattered their world. But, he is unsuccessful. The love he denies is too strong, and soon Emma and Kyle are tumbling headlong into the past and passion.



I hope y'all have a wonderful start to your summer! And remember our giveaway!


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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 are your plans for Summer 2020?

It’s officially summer here in the northern hemisphere! That typically means vacation-time and/or warm weather fun. But this is 2020, and lots of things are different. So, tell me… What are your plans for this summer? Is it a road trip in an RV, or maybe a visit to family? Are you traveling as usual or enjoying a staycation? The beach/pool with a good book? Or, fun in the backyard with the kids, grand kids, or pets? Let’s talk!

“Since my youngest was born, we have been spending a week or more with my in-laws camping, or "cabining" in the great state and wilds of Texas. We haven't exhausted all the vacation spots in Texas, but we've decided to venture out. We'll be heading to Arkansas this year, and we're VERY excited! Can't wait!” ~ Kara O'Neal

“My Summer plan is to survive my deadlines! What was I thinking? No vacation until September when I hope Covid19 is a thing of the past so I can go on a cruise and be pampered. Imagine! Food you don't have to cook? Lazing around and doing nothing but reading and drinking pretty cocktails with cute little umbrellas. If the cruise doesn't work out, I'll recreate that at home. Restaurant meals delivered for a week. There's even a place that delivers frozen margaritas and daiquiris! Unbelievable. So I'll happily write away the summer days, waiting for September.” ~ Joan Reeves

“I love the beach. Salty air, jetty’s and sand count me in and it doesn’t matter the season. Each summer hubby and I like to get away and camp. My dream is to set up right on the beach where I can wake up to the smell of the crisp air and stick my toes in the water before breakfast. These campgrounds are booked a year in advanced. I’m tenacious and I will be victorious. Until then, we’ll be a mile away, but in my mind, the ocean is just outside my front door.” ~ Lucinda Race 

Kathleen Lawless' Airstream Getaway

“Steel and I have a standing reservation, same-time-next–year-style at a rustic west coast resort, and we are always there for Summer Solstice. Except this year, as the place has yet to reopen. At first I was bummed—my time there pre-dates Steel, and over the years my son and daughter have secured their own reservations. Then I realized Steel and I could go some place different, some place we wouldn’t normally explore. So we took a chance and checked out a new resort with totally private restored Airstream trailers on a wooded acreage. We had a blast. And next year we’ll be back to the old favorite. But what a great opportunity to shake off the comfort zone. Other than that, we stay home in the summer. We love it here!” ~ Kathleen Lawless

“I plan to spend my summer at home, reading, basket weaving and working on my diamond painting kits. My publisher is battling cancer right now, so my new book release has been put on hold and I'm currently not writing as I work through the issues of being blind in one eye and working with some program to help me with writing. Alabama is really hot during the summer so it is best to stay indoors with central air and work on projects that I enjoy doing.”
~ Constance Bretes

Liz Flaherty's Sunrises/Sunsets

“Summer vacation of 2020 is destined to be the season of moments. We saw part of our family on Father's Day. We'll see a grandson walk for high school graduation in July. We've stared in awe at sunrises and sunsets. There has been new pleasure in cooking and contests with ourselves to keep from gaining weight from said cooking. I've read three books in the last week. We're experiencing leisure in a new way. As we speak of new normal, we also enjoy new happy. One moment at a time.”
~ Liz Flaherty

“The summer of 2020 for me will be filled with mostly one thing: WRITING I have BROKEN DREAMS, Book 4 of my Storms of New England series coming out in August and have all the prep work to get it there. I am also planning to rerelease my first series, Love on the Line, early next year. We've got new covers, tweaked stories, and books 4, 5, and 6 added to the mix. Work, work, work! But I may (yeah I will) take a little time to visit my kids and snuggle my adorable grandbabies!”
~ Kari Lemor 

“What Are My Summer Plans? We’re supposed to have summer plans? To tell the truth, I’ve been ensconced in this house for so long, I forgot we used to do things, go places. I will, however, go to the family cottage at the lake and get in some quality cool breezes. If they ever lift the restrictions on traveling between Provinces, I might even drive my grandchildren to Cape Breton Island to see their grandfather. Other than that ... I’ll be working on the next story in my Lusty Liaison's Series. At least I have air conditioning!” ~ Nancy Fraser

“Oh, the best laid plans of mice and men. Summer of 2020 is a total gamechanger. On the positive side of things, lockdown gave me time to get things done I've been putting off for years. I've cleaned closets, decluttered tabletops, and donated clothing not worn in years. I've injected new life into old manuscripts. What I value most is reconnecting with old friends. I finally have time to talk and not text. I can send those delayed handwritten notes. I have the time to really be a friend. Best of all, staying home means more time to write.” ~ Marcia King-Gamble

“This summer we’re planning a road trip with 2 little boys to a Gold Rush town in the mountains in the interior of British Columbia. A ferry trip and 8 hour drive. Sounds easy, right? But not in the time of Covid-19. There’s a lot more to do to prepare: checking for hotels that’ll take us, places to eat that’ll take us and even whether the roadside rest areas have open washrooms. No promises made to those little boys, but we’ll try! Everyone needs something to look forward to, now more than ever. Wish us luck…” ~ Bonnie Edwards

“This summer is all about the “staycation” for our family. Mr. H and Darling Daughter, plus the three crazy hounds. LOL Everyone together, which is simply fine by me. I’m super-busy writing now. And we have a new vegetable garden! Lots to keep me busy through the long hot days.” ~ Kathryn Hills

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!

 ~ The Romance Gems ~

HURRY! There's still time to enter our June Contest!

Details Here or Go Directly to the Rafflecopter

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!

Writing and Weather by Karen Whiddon

As I write this, it's the middle of the hottest month of the year in Texas - August.  Temps are routinely 100 degrees or more, with heat index 105-109.  It's stifling and awful.  You'd think I'd be used to it, since I've lived in this state 41 years.  But I never have adapted to summer here and at this point, it's clear I never will.

My writing time for my contracted books is 2-5 pm.  I sit in my comfy recliner, usually with one of my dogs curled into my side, laptop on my legs.  This time of the year, I struggle to stay awake.  Even with AC and the ceiling fan on, the heat makes me drowsy.

My favorite season for writing (for anything really) is winter.  Fire in the fireplace, mug of hot apple cider or cocoa, a light blanket over my legs... ahhh, heaven.

Though a good thunderstorm is always nice.    There's nothing better than the sound of rain hitting the room, thunder booming in the distance.

Ah, but most of the time a writer writes inside.  Whether at home or in a coffee shop.  Sometimes, in the spring or fall, I'll sit outside in my yard swing and write there.

However, this is a busy time for me.  I have a synopsis due 9-1, edits on a book due 9-9, and a book that's due 9-15.  I love when it gets like this!  A busy writer is a happy writer!

Don't forget to enter our September Rafflecopter Giveaway – Back to School ... Back to You!
The prizes are listed on our GIVEAWAY TAB above, along with the entry form. You can also click HERE to go straight to the entry form!

Kids are back to school. Now it’s time to pamper yourself a little. September’s Giveaway features Winner’s Choice of Amazon Gift Cards or Gifts for Reading and Pampering.
Dates: Sept. 4 through 27^th. Winner chooses from gift item or Amazon Gift Card.

Impressions of Summer by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

Close your eyes. Now, imagine you’re at the beach. What do you perceive? Sounds of surf or lapping lake water? Seagulls, a nearby radio, children playing? Classic sounds of summer. How about what you smell? Salty air or sunscreen? Perhaps even a specific type of sunscreen – Hawaiian Tropic vs. Coppertone?

As writers, we spend a great deal of time describing settings. If we’re any good at stringing words together, what we “see” in our mind’s eye is only part of the grand picture when world building. And, maybe it’s because we are writers that we pay attention to all our senses. We feel a setting, immerse ourselves, right down to the smallest details.

I recently traveled to Orlando for vacation, something my family does often since we once lived in Central Florida. As I waited for my flight in the crowded Delta terminal, my mind meandered through the past week. Sights in “The City Beautiful” are astonishing, but the sounds and scents are unique as well. The grass and earth in Florida smell different than they do in New England. So does the tap water. My family calls it “Florida Water,” and it makes us happy because it means we’re on vacation.

How about scents anyone who has visited Disney World will recognize? "Disney Water," as in that distinct smell of rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Small World, and that smoky smell of Rome burning in Epcot’s Spaceship Earth. How about the sounds at Disney World? Laughter and crying – those are non-stop. LOL Roller-coaster screams, the ferry’s toot, fireworks, and happy music. Lest we forget the all-time classic, “Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.” Visitors to the Magic Kingdom know it’s the monorail’s safety message to riders.

If we leave out our vision and taste senses, what are some other impressions of summer? How about the aromas of popcorn, hot dogs, and beer coupled with the crack of a bat? A man I met at that same Orlando airport was traveling to Boston to visit Fenway Park. He told me he dreams of those things since he has happy memories of growing up near the ballpark. For him, it’s a every-few-years pilgrimage to immerse himself in his favorite place, including those special sounds and scents. “It’s that Boston city smell," he admitted with a silly grin. “Every city has a smell, but I like Boston’s best.”

Here are a few more that likely set a scene in your mind… The scent of damp earth and pine. Soft chirps of birds or crickets, and the slow crackling of a fire. Camping! Aah…peaceful, right? Until there’s a rustling noise… Eek! Or, perhaps it’s pool chlorine or freshly mowed lawns. Maybe grandma’s berry pie, smores, or a charcoal grill loaded with burgers that speaks to you. I know someone who loves the smell of gasoline because it reminds her of summers on her brother’s boat.

So, tell me…what are your favorite impression of summer? Using only your senses of smell and hearing, tell me what says “SUMMER” to you? If not that, do you have a favorite scent or sound? For some it’s coffee or cinnamon. Cats purring or baby belly laughs? You never know, maybe the image you conjure up in this writer’s head will end up in a book. 😊



To learn more about me and my books visit www.kathrynhills.com
or find me on Facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorKathrynHills

~ Kathryn ~

Don't forget our July Giveaway!

Starts at 12:01am CDT, July 5, Friday. 

Ends at 12:01am CDT, July 25, Thursday. 

You can click Rafflecopter here at any time, or scroll to the bottom and find the form. Remember, it opens July 5 so enter often and tell your friends. There are some great prizes up for grabs.

July Prizes 

Grand Prize: a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card 

Second Prize: a $15.00 Amazon Gift Card

Third Prize: a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card

Fourth Prize: 2 print books, each autographed and mailed by the author

5th, 6th, and 7th Prizes: Eboook bundles of 3 Ebooks each 

 Beach Book Bonanza

What's better than a Beach Book in the summer? Not much, especially when you're talking about these beach books by these bestselling authors!

Some are sweet; some are spicy; some are downright sizzling hot!

There's definitely something for everyone.

Romance Gems July Rafflecopter Giveaway

WHO IS YOUR BEST BOOK BOYFRIEND? @kathleenlawless #romancegems

Isn’t it fun to have a book boyfriend?  

You know, the guy who never disappoints, always says and does the right thing and is there for you no matter what.


My literary love affairs started early with Nancy Drew’s boyfriend Ned, even though I was puzzled by his constantly changing personality.  Decades later I learned there was no one author named Carolyn Keene, but a stable of different writers who penned the series.  Which explained the lack of continuity with Ned.  Around the same time, I was intrigued by Trixie Beldon’s adopted brother, Jim.  I so wanted those two to get together and drop the friendship act, but the writers shied away from anything romantic between them. 

As I matured, so did my reading tastes.  I still remember my crush on Connan TreMellynn in Victoria Holt’s Mistress of Meylynn, which I read shortly before Harlequin Presents burst onto the scene, with their SSB heroes. Sneering, Sardonic Bastards, for readers who are too young to remember that era.

  

Written entirely from the female POV, our erstwhile heroine was always shocked and delighted to learn, in the last chapter, the SSB had secretly loved her from the beginning, but was fighting those feelings for mysterious reasons which may or may not be revealed as they ride off into the sunset.

Then Kathleen Woodiwiss gave us the unforgettable Ruark!  There was a swoon-worthy hero, willing to do anything, make any sacrifice for Shanna.  Pant, pant.  Flutter, flutter.  His was a tough act to follow although many authors tried, and brought us a wide variety of men we loved to love.  Even if Fabio did grace many a cover. 

Fantasies and magic also wielded a big influence on romance readers, fueled by Harry Potter and Cedric.  Why have an ordinary book boyfriend when you can have one with extraordinary powers?  And haven’t Vampires always been sexy?  Thank you Twilight! 

Book boyfriends today wear many hats and are every bit as likely to be a single dad, a nerd, a cowboy, a navy seal, a billionaire, or the boy-next-door. Who… wait for it…. just might not be exactly who he seems.

In keeping with this month’s Beaches and Book Boyfriends contest, I offer up my hot hero, Jesse Quantrill in Anora’s Pride, “a hero who steams into every woman’s heart with his bad-boy-turned-hero machismo.” RT Reviews.

Please comment below with a few of your most beloved Book Boyfriends. Knowing what readers enjoy in a hero is great intel for authors.

If you’ve been following my new series, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, BRODY'S BRIDE is available now,   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SRHCQK8

soon to be joined by BRADLEY'S BRIDE   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TQ488XC

and BRAYDON'S BRIDE.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TM3RGYG
both at a special pre-order price of only 99 cents.

Better yet, join my VIP Reader’s Group and download the free Prequel, Before the Brides  .http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

Please take a minute to like us and follow our Facebook page. It’s a great place to connect with like-minded readers.

And we have a brand new contest for you to enter here.

Click Rafflecopter to enter BEACHES and BOOK BOYFRIENDS, our July Giveaway. Visit the Monthly Giveaway page to see all the prizes. Enter often and tell your friends. There are some great prizes up for grabs.