A FREE Christmas Gift for YOU! @karilemor #RomanceGems

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…or is it?

Several years ago, I wrote a story that was originally published in the WORST HOLIDAY EVER anthology. A bunch of us authors put together stories of terrible holidays, distressing situations, and ridiculous relatives. The result was amusing, to say the least.  

Because this year has been extremely stressful, today I'm sharing this story FREE. It's not on every retailer, but you should be able to download it to most devices.

Here's where you can get this cute little story.

Prolific Works  (your choice of mobi, pdf, or epub)

 Kobo

Google

Barnes & Noble

Books2Read

You don't need to sign up for anything to get this FREE story. I'm happy to give it to you just for coming here today to join the Romance Gems. 

Just FYI, the characters in this, Dave and Tina, are secondary characters in my romantic suspense novel, Wild Card Undercover. You'll hear more about that soon!

I wish everyone the most Merry Christmas ever and nothing but great and fabulous things in the New Year! 

Love 

Kari

OUR CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS @RomanceGems

 By Caroline Clemmons

Our theme this month is the gift of romance—what better could fit Romance Gems? Our days are spent dreaming and writing romance. Using our “gift” or talent to create a gift to you is our goal. 

Today, I’m writing to you about the romance of Christmas. How many Christmas stories have you read? How many Christmas movies have you watched? All month I've binged on the Hallmark channel and that style movie elsewhere.

After releasing two new holiday romances, I have been reminiscing about past celebrations and family traditions. I’ve always wished for a large extended family, especially at holidays. Mine has dwindled and is a small family of just Hero, our two daughters, and me. However, we still have our traditions and celebrations.

Of course, one is a tree. Due to allergies, our tree is artificial.  Actually, we have two trees—a tall, pre-lit one in the family room and the main tree in the living room. Our Darling Daughter 2 decorated the larger tree while Hero and I chatted with her about the ornaments and a variety of other things. We are excellent observers while someone else works. This year, we decided against using all of our ornaments.

This year's tree

Last year, she had decorated the tree and it looked lovelier than it ever had. A perfect tree! She and I had stepped to the table end of the living-dining room when we heard a loud crash. You guessed it, the tree fainted. The base of the tree suffered metal fatigue and broke. So did many of my favorite ornaments.  

Hero came to the rescue and repaired and reinforced the base. He also secured the tree to the wall. DD2 repaired the damage and disposed of the broken ornaments. As you can imagine, I was distraught. So, I concentrated on setting up my little village and train on the dining table.

The village is a tradition begun by DD2.  She gave me several of the buildings, starting when she was in high school. She and I added each year until I had a little town. Hero provided the train and track. With Hero’s help, I painted and modeled a sheet of plywood for the base, complete with a “mountain” and a tunnel. When we downsized seven years ago, the plywood went the way of other things for which we have no room. Instead, I cover the dining table with a layer of batting for faux snow.

My tiny village and train

Our family room mantle is where we hang our stockings. Yes, Hero and I have stockings, too. When DD2 learned that I filled the stockings, she said that wasn’t fair because I knew what was in mine. That year, she used her allowance and purchased a set of tea bag holders which she sneaked into my stocking. Of course, I still have them saved in my “treasures”. Soon, each of us was doing the same thing for the others.

Our mantle with angel stocking holders

On Christmas Eve, our tradition is for Hero to read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke. Then we open presents. This is after we have supper of tamales, chips, guacamole, and other Southwestern-style snacks.  In the past, we attended a Christmas Eve late-night church service.  

Christmas morning is when find our filled stockings waiting for us. Then we concentrate on our Christmas dinner. Some years that is lasagna. This year, our menu is traditional turkey and dressing.

(By the way, Darling Daughter 1 enjoys seeing the decorations, but not participating in arranging them. That’s especially true the past few years as she’s recovering from numerous surgeries for broken legs and knee injuries.)

If reading Christmas stories is something you enjoy, please take note of my new release, MEG, book 20 in the Angel Creek Christmas Brides Series on Amazon. The Universal link is https://mybook.to/McClain

This series has been popular with readers. I’m pleased to be included in these books set in Angel Creek, Montana Territory. The 2020 books are set in 1870. Here’s the blurb:

Margaret “Meg” Todd is tired of putting her happiness on hold. When she learns her bullying brother-in-law has horrifying plans for her future, she asks an attorney family friend for help escaping. Meg wants her own husband and home and is willing to move over halfway across the country to achieve her goal. Along the way she agrees to take two children for their dying mother? Is she too impulsive? Will Curtis and the children become the happy family of Meg’s dreams?

Curtis McClain has to be careful with his small savings or it won’t fund his dream of his own newspaper. He wants a wife—and he needs someone to help him with the newspaper. If he can combine the two, then he’ll be all right. In a few years, they can start a family. But, will a woman want to move to the middle of nowhere on those terms? Will she grow to care for him in spite of his reserved nature?

He is slightly annoyed when his wife shows up with two orphaned children. When he learns the amount of her inheritance, he decides she won’t be content to stay with him. The boy and girl are well-behaved but he still isn’t certain of his reaction to them. That is, until a terrifying event occurs that forces him to make a decision and take quick action.

My wish for you is a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!

The Magic of… #lucindarace on #Romancegems

 Hello Again, 

 

This month I’ve been wearing my Christmas socks, from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day. We are watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channels, singing along to the Christmas songs, sorry Alexa, and doing a small amount of baking. And here we are on the cusp of the new year. I can hardly wait, 2021 will be a better year for us all.

 

I’m a sentimental sort of girl. I love hanging every ornament on the tree the girls have made me over the years and hubby swears they’re in exactly the same spot every year. When traveling we always pick up an ornament or two that somehow finds the perfect place on our tree. Not that we traveled this year but it will still a nice walk down memory lane as we shared the story where each ornament was purchased. Each night the tree’s soft, warm glow is how I feel on the inside, aglow with happiness that my family are close and I’m able to spend time with them. 

 

Some people say the holidays have become commercialized, and I’ll agree for some folks it is all about stuff. For me, it’s about the people who stop in for a bite of good food and share holiday cheer. But this year it’s different I won’t host Christmas Eve for my family, daughter #1 isn’t coming home but I will be able to see daughter #2 wearing masks, and Christmas Day will be very quiet but our home will be filled with love for those near and far. There isn’t one thing about the holidays I don’t treasure, well except that they’re over far too quickly. From making the menus, to writing out the grocery list, to cooking the meals this year that will be for delivery for my parents. It will still be a special day since for the first time in almost twenty years my parents are local and I’ll see them even though we’ll be masked and socially distanced.

 

With the normal hustle and bustle of daily life, the holidays have given us the excuse to come out of hyper drive and spend quality time with family and friends, and a reason to indulge in special recipes that are handed down from generation to generation. This year we’ve skipped the hyper drive but dealing with other stressors and need to take the time to treasure what we have, the people we love.

 

In closing today I’d like to leave you with this thought. Treasure the people you love
as they have given you the best present; their presence in your life and you in theirs. 

 

Happy New Year. 

 

Until next time, 

I wish you happiness.

 

Lucinda

The Most Wonderful Gift by @karilemor #RomanceGems

 

It was thirty-four years ago, Christmas Day, when I drove to see my then boyfriend, and we went to church where he lived. After, we strolled around his neighborhood just walking and talking, and he seemed kind of distracted. Walking around his neighborhood wasn't something we ever did, so it was strange (and because it was near Boston, kind of chilly). 

Shortly after, we drove back to my place where I lived with my mom (I was only 23 at the time). As I pulled off the highway, he instructed me to go down this side street to a little place near the river. Occasionally, we would go walking through the fields down to see the water.

At this point, I had a pretty good idea what was going on. We’d been dating for a few years and had spoken now and then about getting married. Nothing had been discussed further than that.  I’d been waiting patiently (well, kind of patiently) for him to officially pop the question. But I’d only been out of college for a little over a year and he’d graduated just a year before me. Still young. But we had good jobs and I certainly was ready for the next step.

We got out of the car and walked around a bit, but I was wearing a skirt and nice shoes and there was snow in the field. He didn’t say much, and I wondered what was going on in his mind. When we got back in the car, I was so disappointed. I thought for sure he’d be proposing.

I was about to start the car up again, when he pulled out a small gift-wrapped box. “I wanted to give you your Christmas present.”

I took a deep breath, possibly relieved. But what if it wasn’t a ring? I’d been waiting for what seemed like forever (I know it wasn’t, but when you’re young, time doesn’t mean as much). The thought running through my head was ‘If those are earrings, they’re going up your nose.’

Lucky for him, it was a diamond solitaire. I actually made him say the words and then told him, yes, I’d marry him. Within six months we were wed. (Did I mention the impatient part?) He’d been trying to get up the courage all morning to ask me, and it had taken hours. I’m not sure why. I can’t imagine he thought I’d say no.

This Christmas, we are in our little southern home, enjoying the warmer weather, while our three children and two grandchildren are ensconced inside their New England homes. With technology, seeing them is possible any time we want. But the hub and I are still together, still making it work.

What was one of the best presents you’ve ever gotten at Christmastime?

 

I love writing proposals in my books and the one in Broken Dreams is a favorite. Nathaniel screwed up the first time, asking Darcy as a business arrangement. The second time was slightly better. Here’s a little peek of Nathaniel telling his family what he’d done:

~~

 

“Um…so I proposed to Darcy on Friday.” Yup, rip that Band-Aid off.

All eyes flipped to him.

“Darcy,” Tanner yelled and banged his fork on the table

Amy was the first to speak. “You guys are getting married?”

“She didn’t say yes.” His voice was rough.

Kevin made a face. “She turned you down? That’s cold.”

“She said she needed to think about it.”

His dad looked perplexed. “It’s kind of sudden, isn’t it?”

His mom, Amy, and Kevin all gave Dad the side eye.

Kevin smirked. “You never noticed the looks Nathaniel gives Darcy.”

Amy chuckled. “It’s pretty obvious you’re hung up on her.”

Had he been that transparent?

“How did you propose?” His mom asked. “Roses? Champagne? Down on one knee in a romantic setting?”

Amy’s eyes opened wide. “What’s the ring look like? Is it huge?”

“Uh, I didn’t get a ring. I just told her I thought we should get married.”

His mother’s mouth hung open, and Amy made a face. “God, you suck at proposals.”

His sister had a point. Even Darcy had mentioned it.

~~

I currently have 4 Storms of New England novels available with a Christmas novella (that's only 99c just until the end of the month). More Storms will be released next year!

If you'd like information on any of my books, check out my website. You can also sign up for my newsletter that goes out about once a month or so. 

karilemor.com

The Storms are available at most retailers in digital and print!

THE STORMS OF NEW ENGLAND 

And here's my reader group. Join the fun!

The Lit Lounge

I'm wishing all of you an absolutely merry and bright holiday season!

Kari

Christmas, Only Different by @MaddieJames #RomanceGems

As I write this, thinking about family gatherings in this holiday season, I wonder if our current ways of getting together is our new norm.

This past Thanksgiving, we introduced Dad to Zoom. While I finished dinner preparations, he sat with my laptop and chatted with my son and daughter, and their children (his great-grandchildren), for nearly two hours. When it was all over, he asked, "Do I need internet for that?"

He cut off internet in his house not longer after my mom passed. She was the computer person of the duo. Now, he's contemplating putting it back in. I fired up Mom's old laptop the other day to see how it was running (just fine) so perhaps by Christmas we will have Dad zoomed up into the 21st century again.

We'll see.

When you think about it, why do we have to wait for a holiday to have those virtual family gatherings? My children/grandchildren live a state away. We should be doing this more often.

Same thing with gift-giving.

This year, I decided to tackle the 12 Days of Christmas gift idea. Now, I know there are many beliefs that surround the 12 Days of Christmas, religious ones that put the 12 days starting December 25--but in my world, I decided to lead up to the holiday. I'd box up and mail a package a day--one to my son's family and one to my daughter's--that represented each of the days. You know, partridge in a tree and all that. But what to send? Just ask Google.

Seriously. There are so many ideas out there! Like this one, that gives you ideas with direct links for each day. Or this Pinterest board, with ideas aplenty. My gifts weren't super elaborate. Some where even silly. Candy was added occasionally and some home-made cookies. And every box, of course, had the appropriate day Christmas tree ornament. If you decide to tackle this idea, have fun shopping! 

But then there is the downside. Before I knew it, Amazon had delivered and my dining room was full of boxes! Only good thing about all those deliveries were the actual shipping boxes they came in. It took me about a week to organize, wrap, rebox, and line them all up, ready to ship. And then came the secondary expense I hadn't really thought about--shipping! (consider this, please, in your holiday gift-giving budget, if you choose to do this!)

But all in all, the gifts are mostly on their way now. The grandchildren have started receiving and opening. I get pictures from my son with this four girls digging into the boxes. Lots of smiles there. My fourteen-year-old grandson, in the other family, lamented, "Is this really what we are getting for Christmas this year from Mimi?" His older sisters (15 and 16) thought it was cute and fun. My daughter is already making plans to do this when her kids all move out.

To be honest, this all cost way more than what I normally would spend for Christmas gifts for my family--but it was worth every penny. I needed it as much as they did. Just as I needed to fix a traditional Thanksgiving meal, even if it was only for my Dad and me, I needed to do something "normal." Needed the tradition, and maybe the excitement, of starting a new one.

Yeah. Maybe, the new norm. Again, we will see. 

I hope your holiday celebrations are safe, happy--however you decided to celebrate them! Snuggle up by the fire (if you have one) but just make sure to give your loved ones a (maybe virtual) hug and spend some (Zoom) time together. 

***

Speaking of the holidays--my holiday romance box set special is still available! Get all four of my Harbor Falls Holiday stories right now, for only $0.99 through the end of the month. Not This Christmas is one of those stories. In this set, you'll find bonus content not found anywhere else! 

Enjoy. And Happy Holidays! 

~ Maddie

Warm Slippers and a Mug of Hot Cocoa By Connie Vines

 It's the holiday season and my house seems a bit empty; some days a bit too quiet.

My sons are grown with children of their own. So, there is no need for me to bake dozens and dozens of cookies and candy goodies.  Nor am I semi-overwhelmed because I'm working full-time, shopping and prepping to entertain a group of twenty on Christmas day.

I do miss the sound of scampering feet and the laughter which filled the house before day-break each Christmas morning.  The general chaos of torn wrapping paper, scattered bows, and then searching through the debris for the missing parts to a brand-new toy. 

A bit of Christmas humor! 

But with time and dedication to family, laurels are gathered and there is time to enjoy a new chapter of ones life.  Time to listen and enjoy the Christmas carols, or the silence of the house.  Time to sit in front of a fireplace and enjoy the crackling of a fire.  Or watch the "Yule Log" the cable station will stream to your television set or computer.

I have discovered that a pair of warm slippers, a mug of hot cocoa, and a warm fleece blanket make me happy.  My two pups cuddle up on my Lazy Boy couch with me to watch a Hallmark movie, and for two hours, there is bliss.  

Slippers from the Grand Canyon (gingerbread boys and candy embroidery) from youngest grandson. 

I have also discovered that when we are able to spend time with loved ones and friends again, I will host a hot cocoa bar.  I will bake my cookies, gingerbread cake, and all the goodies everyone enjoys.  There will be laughter, music, and candid photos being taken and shared via emailed to each other. 

credit: Party City

I have also learned (which was a difficult concept for me to grasp.):

Is anyone able to provide an answer to this question?

I hope you enjoy your winter holidays and your 2021 is filled with joy and good health.

Warm Wishes and Gingerbread Kisses,

Connie

bookbub

My Publisher's Website/buy link

A widowed rancher and his young daughter rediscover the joy of the holidays from an unlikely source.
A beautiful woman with a mysterious past who's gingerbread cookies and kind heart bring
comfort and joy and can melt the most hardened-of-hearts.

 

Hygge by Laura Hunsaker

I love being cozy. I mean who doesn't, right? Well the other day I saw a post on Instagram by my local library talking about swinging by and picking up a Hygge Pack. A what pack? That's what I said too! Some of you may be ahead of the game and know all about "Hygge Life" (my sister knew! I guess I'm not cool lol). 

Hyggye is "Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment." Well shoot, a mood that is all about being cozy? I am in.

I'd already bought a soft throw blanket, and some very soft slipper-socks now that I'm working from home, and I think I'm ready to level-up to Hygge. I started with fluffy socks, my soft throw blanket, my comfiest yoga pants, a cardigan since my upper half needs to be presentable on Google Meets, my writing gloves, and grabbed a scarf. Not just any scarf...but the softest merino wool scarf ever! It's lovely and warm and I was so cozy it was ridiculous! I grabbed my coffee and dogs and went to work.

I don't know if I'm doing it right, but I don't even care. Coziness for all!

I think I'm going to really enjoy living the Hygge Life...

So what do you think? Hygge for Life? Do you have a cozy fave? A blanket? A candle? Fuzzy socks? What's your cozy must have?

In January, my story from the Last Chance Beach box set will go live. I've added a scene and freshened up the covers in the series...stay tuned for the new cover!

Dreams of the Past

Pre-Order now!

The story Alexandra Ivy called,"A story filled with charm, heartache and the promise of love that will bring a smile your face. Jenny and Scott are the perfect couple."

She needs rest, he needs relaxation… 

 Jenny Travers wants a fresh start. Leaving the nightmares of her past behind her, she heads to Last Chance Beach. Renting the Sea Glass Cottage sounds peaceful and relaxing, which is exactly what she needs. 

What she doesn’t need is a man. 

 Lieutenant Commander Scott Gordon was injured by an IED on his last mission, and while his leg has healed, it’ll never be strong enough to stay on his SEAL team. Renting the Sea Glass Cottage sounds like the perfect place to figure out how he’s going to handle his new normal. 

 He never expected to find a woman in his bed. 

 A mix-up at the rental agency means Jenny and Scott are both renting the small cottage. Sharing a space with a stranger should be hard, yet they both feel more at peace than they have in months. 

 Will their summer romance last, or is the magic of Sea Glass Cottage all they’ll have…