So I'm Finally Starting a Readers' Group by Cheryl Bolen

I’ve never had a readers’ group. I sold the first of my 41 published books 23 years ago.  I’ve frequently been asked about my readers’ group, but I always said I didn’t have one.

I was afraid it would be a big time suck. I don’t need one more thing on my busy author/publisher plate. I’d already minimized other things that took my attention away from writing. I have never done a tweet, never been on Instagram, never listened to a podcast, shy away from videos. The only social media I’ve done since I transitioned from New York publishing to indie publishing nine years ago (Gee, has it really been that long?) is Facebook and Pinterest, and those only minimally. I am one of those authors who really believe the best way to spend her time and to build her career is by putting out new books. Quality books. 

Some of my books

I must confess that another reason I didn’t start a readers’ group is because I am afraid that no one would join. I realize now that’s sort of silly, given that I’ve sold hundreds of thousands of books. That must mean there are some people out there who like my books and who would join a reader group—if there was one.

Other authors have convinced me that readers’ groups are worthwhile. And given that I personally answer every single email I get from my readers, I figured answering these questions in a Facebook group might actually take less time. I have always enjoyed communicating with my readers. I enjoy establishing relationships with them, becoming friends with them. Having one big Facebook family of people who read my books would be awesome.

So I’ve taken the leap. I started a group called Lady Cheryl’s Ladies of the Ton where we can meet and discuss Regency England (because my books are set in Regency England).

A huge bonus will be getting a review group out of this. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of these ladies will be willing to download digital copies of my books for early reviews.

On Sunday I sent out a special mailing to my 14,000 newsletter subscribers to announce my new group. At this writing, we’ve got 240 members of my Ladies of the Ton. I’m getting really excited about this endeavor.

It’s kind of like what President Franklin Roosevelt meant when he said, “We’ve nothing to fear but fear itself.” I was afraid of forming a readers’ group. And now I’m thrilled to have one. Being an author involves taking lots of leaps. But most of them are worth it.—Cheryl Bolen is currently at work on the seventh installment in her Brides of Bath series. Her most recent release was His Lady Deceived. 

Visit our contest page here.

Visit my:
Website           Facebook Page      Blog     Pinterest 

Download The Free Prequel by Judith Hudson

It's been a year since I joined the Romance Gems and I thought it was time to take a step back and welcome you to the world of Fortune Bay, my contemporary small town romance series!

I feel lucky to live on Vancouver Island, a tree-hugger's paradise, and the real location of Fortune Bay. I know the books say the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, it's really based just across the Juan de Fuca Strait in the physical village of Honeymoon Bay on Vancouver Island, where I lived for a number of years and close to where I live now.

The books are about friendships, family and, of course, a happily-ever-after for the couple who  star in each story.

In every book, someone new moves into the Murphy family's ramshackle cabin on the lake which proves to be a haven for people at the crossroads of their lives, as the tag line says.

They share the cabin with Aunt Augusta, the meddling matchmaking ghost of the great-aunt of our first  heroes, Colleen and Jake while they stumble through the laughter and tears that make a good romance so compelling.

If this sounds like something you think you'd like, click  HERE to receive a free ecopy  of  Lake of Dreams, the first book in the series, and I'll add you to my readers group and send that free copy right away.

Welcome to Fortune Bay!

Judith Hudson

Light Magic by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

Candlelight, in all its glorious forms, is something we rarely think about. Unless it's February with Valentine's Day. Or, if you’re a romance author like me. I imagine romantic candlelight is present in many of our Gem’s books. I know it’s in all of mine. Because candles, and what I call "light magic," play vital roles in our everyday lives.

Think about it for a moment. How many important life events are marked by candlelight? You count the candles on birthday cakes and make special wishes. Set a mood for romance. Light symbolic unity candles at weddings. Mark passing, offer prayers, invoke ritual, meditate, and celebrate both religious and secular holidays. The list goes on. From living places to sacred spaces around the globe, candles light our way through darkness.

Winter months are when most use candles. According to the National Candle Association, approximately 35% of all candle sales occur during the holiday season. It’s no coincidence. Those are the shortest days of the year when many long for comfort and hope. This goes back to ancient times and seasonal celebrations, when the need to light the darkest of nights was great.

The dawn of electric lighting relegated candles to the realm of “special occasions,” but not always. Experience one prolonged power outage and tell me candles have no place in modern times, aside from being pretty. We burned through every candle we owned as a result of one New England ice storm! However, I use candles year-round, because I love the ambiance they create. My family continues the holiday tradition of lighting battery operated/electric candles in our home's windows, right on through the year. It makes me happy to see those flickering lights each night, even in summer. And, don't get me started on the importance of candles at Halloween!

If you worry about fires (I do sometimes with three rambunctious dogs, or maybe you have young children) there are wonderful flameless alternatives. High-end flameless candles employ moving “flames” and can be made of genuine wax. They also come with remotes and scent options. Fantastic! I use them often and find it fun to watch the reaction if someone discovers, “Hey, they’re not real!”

Here are some links if you also enjoy candlelight:

Visit my author Pinterest board titled “Light Magic” for more visuals.

Did you know the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles was sometimes lit by as many as 20,000 candles? Can you imagine what that was like? The light movement and shadows? The heat they generated? The scents from all that burning wax and the smoke? Amazing! According to Just for Fun Facts, on special occasions that legendary space was transformed into a “corridor of light.” There’s stunning YouTube video of Versailles lit by LED lights to simulate such candlelight events. Check it out for a gimps of what that may have looked like!

So, flame on, people! I know I will. Thanks for reading!

~ Kathryn

Something special this February!

We're having a party—a ginormous party—to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Romance Gems! We're also celebrating Valentine's Day all month long. After all, we are romance authors.

Our celebration features a Rafflecopter with Amazon Gift Cards. Plus, don't miss our Valentine's Day Book Fair filled with the kinds of books you love best. Open every day in February!

10 Things I'm Kicking by @JoanReeves #RomanceGems

Image by Harmony Lawrence from Pixabay

An author friend posted a few weeks ago on another blog that she'd already given up on her New Year Resolutions.

Giveaway Alert: Check the end of the post for my Giveaway.

I've thought a lot about her bold confession because there are a few things I'd like to kick.

Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who usually refuses to admit defeat.

However, this week I reached the point where I'm ready to kick a few things out of my life.

In fact, I'm making an entire list of things I'm kicking. Ready? Here we go.

1. Kale

Yep. I absolutely refuse to eat any more kale. I don't care how good it's supposed to be for the human body. I don't like it. I eat plenty of other green veggies so I'm okay with giving up on kale which is showing up in far too many convenience foods and restaurant items.

2. Cauliflower posing as rice or pizza crust.

Who thought this one up? I like raw cauliflower in salads, but I do not like cauliflower that pretends to be rice. It's not. In fact, it's an insult to rice. And as a pizza crust? Gag! If I can't have a real pizza crust, I won't eat pizza. (I wish people would warn me in advance when I'm invited to a casual dinner with pizza as the main item only to discover it's cauliflower crust.)

3. Books labeled romance that have an unhappy ending.

Don't get me started! Not naming any names, but, come on! A romance has to have at least a happy for now ending—which I really don't like but will grudgingly accept if the rest of the book was a really good read. I'm going to become one of those readers who flips to the end of the book.

4. Getting upset over media talking heads who demean the romance genre.

Why? Because it's written mostly by women, for women? Get lost you who describe stories of love, relationships, and commitment as bodice rippers, housewife porn, smutty books, sleazy novels, or "those" books *wink, wink*.

Image by Nancy Mure from Pixabay

5. Weighing myself every day.

Yep. I've always done it. Why? Because I wanted to keep a watchful eye on that magic number so I'd always be that weight.

What a silly habit. After all this time, that number isn't important. What's important is feeling good and eating well which I do. So I gain a few pounds? So what?

6. Writing until late at night.

When I do this, my brain is so full of the plot and character that I can't sleep, yet I'm too tired to continue. I hereby quit that.

7. Doritos Nacho Cheese chips

*Sob* I'll miss those orange-tinted fingertips. Doritos is the first of many food guilty pleasures I'm quitting this year.

8. Making unrealistic daily to-do lists.

I'll still make a list, but I'll make sure the number of items on it is in touch with reality.

9. Postponing my writing until I "feel better."

There are so many demands on my time—volunteer work, Romance Gems, 2 other group blogs to which I belong, my chronic-pain daughter, my sick brothers, my hubby, 2 houses,  etc.—that I'm tired all the time.

Too many days a week, I look at my office and say, "I'll write first thing in the morning." Unfortunately, morning usually brings the crisis of the day before 8am.

I'm now setting my bedtime alarm/wake up alarm so I have 8 hours of sleep and get to my office  shortly after I awake in the morning.

10. The clothes in my closet that I'll never wear again.

Yep. Cleaned out my closet this week and donated several suits, blazers, dressy clothes, etc. for which I have no use.

What's In Your List?

I could list a bunch of other things I'm quitting, but I want to hear what you're quitting.

What's on your list of things to quit or give up?

Giveaway

Leave a comment with your email addy, and you'll be entered in a random drawing giveaway for the writing journal shown at left.

Drawing open until midnight, Feb. 28, 2020. If the winner lives outside the continental U.S., an ebook will be given instead of this gold-edged journal.

February Rafflecopter Still Open

Romance Gems is celebrating our first year with some awesome Amazon Gift Cards up for grabs.

Click here to enter the February Rafflecopter, and you might win.

For two dozen wonderful romance novels at bargain prices, shop our Valentine Book Fair. It's open until the last day of the month.

Oops UPS by Karen Kelley

Our daughter-in-law, son, and grandson sent us the prettiest flowers and box of goodies for Valentines Day. Apparently, UPS was swamped because we got a new driver that was not familiar with our area. One of the neighbors at the top of the hill got the first package (maybe). All I know is we never saw it. Bummer.

But what fun to get it today! A brand new package with exotic tulips that will bloom in a few days (I hope. I don't have a green thumb), a box of specialty candy, candle, pen and pretty notebook and other fun stuff. I love boxes with goodies.

Speaking of goodies, my brand new, first Romantic Suspense in a while, is available. I always get nervous when I have a new book out, but so far the feedback has been really good. The story features a hot sheriff and a sassy FBI agent, and she definitely invades his territory. Check out the excerpt:

Broken Justice:
 

Makala sat a little straighter in her chair as Gage nodded to Landry, then came inside. She wasn't up to seeing the sheriff again. She'd wanted to unwind a little, then maybe she would be able to get a few hours of shut-eye. She said a silent prayer he wouldn’t notice her. Yeah, right. The restaurant wasn't that big. Even if it was dimly lit, he would notice her sooner or later.

He didn’t look in her direction as he made his way to the bar, so she was able to study him. His stride was purposeful, as if he didn’t take unnecessary steps without a reason. As he walked, he pushed his Stetson a little higher on his forehead.

He needed a shave—or not. The slight bristle of hairs on his face gave him a ruggedness that suited him. His dark hair was a little too long as well. Just brushing his collar. He had broad shoulders. She’d bet there were plenty of muscles under his beige uniform shirt. He didn’t strike her as the type who sat behind a desk all day. She guessed him at six feet one, maybe an inch or so more.

Her gaze lowered. She liked the way his jeans fit. Snug, low on the waist. She sighed. And there was just something about a man who wore a holstered gun on his hip — damned sexy.

He spoke with the bartender, then took the glass of Coke the man handed him, dropping bills on the counter. He turned and scanned the room, his gaze stopping on her. One thing she could be sure of, Gage didn't look any more pleased to see her than she was to see him.

Great, he was walking right toward her. Maybe she could down her beer and then rush out. No, she wasn’t about to let him think she was running away. She watched as he walked toward her. He definitely had a nice easy stroll. As if he owned the bar.

“Mind if I sit?” he asked, his voice just a little gravelly.

She liked the way he sounded, rough, with just that little bit of an edge. Wow, she must be more tired than she’d thought. She was not going to get caught up in the way Gage walked or talked. She had a feeling this man was going to be trouble. Who the hell was she kidding? She knew damn well he was going to be trouble.

“Be my guest.” She picked up her bottle of beer and took a long, slow drink. It didn’t stop the heat from beginning to build inside her.

The legs of the chair scraped across the floor as he pulled it out. He sat, leaning slightly back, and stared at her for a moment before speaking. "Have you ever been to the mountains, Miss Madigan?"

Was he looking for a fight? “No, is that a pre-requisite for going after the fugitive?”

“It’s not necessary, but it would sure help,” he drawled. “There’s all kinds of bad things in the woods.”

“Are you going to be one of them?” She raised an eyebrow and watched him silently for a moment. If he even thought for one minute that she would walk away from going after his cousin, then he was going to be sadly mistaken. She never had, and never would, back down from anything or anyone.

Gage grinned. Her heart fluttered again. Why the hell did he have to grin? It changed his whole face. He seemed more relaxed, easier to talk to. The next thing she knew, she’d be telling him all of her dark secrets. That damn sure wasn’t going to happen.

“I won’t be your problem, Miss Madigan. Nope, it’ll be the grizzly bears and wolves that you’ll have to watch out for.”

Yeah, she was afraid there was a wolf sitting right in front of her. A wolf in sheriffs clothing.

                                                                

                                                              Click to order or read

                                                                for free in KU

And don't forget to enter our monthly contest!

Romance Gems is celebrating a year of romance. We have a love-ly giveaway for the month of love. (Pardon the pun.) Our February Giveaway includes:

First Prize - $20

Second Prize - $15

Third Prize - $10

Fourth Prize - $5

Enter at the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the blog page here.

 

Best Wishes,

Karen Kelley

www.authorkarenkelley.com

ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR!

By Caroline Clemmons

February is the anniversary of Romance Gems blog. Time flies when you’re immersed in romance as we who write and read romance are. Traditionally, February is the month of love. 

This year, it’s also Leap Year. The movie “Leap Year” starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode is one of my favorites. Partly, I’m sure, because it’s set mostly in Ireland. I love that country and would enjoy living there part of the year. Sigh, that’s not to be. 

You are aware that Leap Year is when, on February 29, the women can propose to the man of her choice. Perhaps this isn’t as novel today as it was back when I was young mumble-mumble years ago.

I’m excited to let you know about a new romance release, A BRIDE FOR LUKE, the Proxy Brides Series Book #36. This series is a big hit with readers. The comments from beta readers on this book have been very positive. Each of these sweet western historical romances is stand-alone. The premise is a couple marries by proxy rather than the heroine being a mail-order bride. Still, they must cope with adjusting to one another while overcoming obstacles in their path.

Here’s some information about the book:

The universal Amazon link is http://mybook.to/Maeve

A BRIDE FOR LUKE is available in e-book and print and is free in KU.

The blurb:

Each is struggling to build a better life . . .

Two strong-willed people are bound to clash . . .

Danger forces them to focus on what is at stake . . .

Maeve Kelly came to America for a better life but found only signs that said No Irish Need Apply. When the cousin with whom she is staying leaves Boston, Maeve is left desperate. Her job at the laundry doesn’t pay enough for her to survive alone. Her friend suggests a way out, Maeve resists a proxy marriage but finally accepts. What else can she do?

Sheriff Luke Sullivan is proud of his accomplishments. Known for his strong principles, he is admired and well-respected in the community. When he learns his mother and aunt have schemed to get him a proxy bride he’s furious. If he’d wanted a wife he would have found one. He respects and loves his mother and finally agrees to the marriage. Before he and his bride can adjust to one another, Luke is caught in the middle of an explosive situation between striking miners and the railroad. 

Threats against Luke by each side have him fearing for the safety of his wife, mother, and aunt. He must resolve the strike to protect his family and many others. Will he succeed in time to save lives?

Excerpt:

He pushed back from the table. “How can I keep you safe if you don’t follow orders? Do you understand?”

She put her hands on her hips. “Oh, so it’s orders you’re giving me, is it? Weel, Lucas Brady Sullivan, I take orders from no man. Do you understand?”

“Mae, you’re making something from nothing.” He tapped his chest. “I’m your husband. You promised to obey me when we wed.”

That brought her temper down a notch. She had promised and Father Patrick had lectured her on the husband being the head of the household. “Mayhap I did, but not high handed orders.”

“And what would you consider obeying? You want a written invitation to remain home? Shall I show you the other wanted poster and suggest you avoid that man? You’ve no idea what these other men look like so how would you know if they were walking down the street or shopping in the Mercantile? How can you know who’s an upstanding citizen and who’s a stranger in town? You were in front of the Mercantile when Higgins accosted you.”  

She turned toward the sink, hands on her face to hide her shame. “Aye, ‘tis sorry I am. The worry of what’s going to happen has me in bits. I can’t get out of my mind the fact someone may shoot at you from an ambush.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t fret, honey. I’m doing my best to keep this situation from becoming violent. I can’t focus on my job if I’m worried about where you are and what you’re doing and who’s around you.”

She leaned her head against his broad chest. His strong heartbeat reassured her. “I see the way I was wrong. ‘Twas my mistake and ‘tis sorry I am.”

She looked up at him. “But, for us to have a peaceful marriage you’d best consider making requests instead of giving orders.”

Romance Gems is celebrating a year of romance. We have a love-ly giveaway for the month of love. (Pardon the pun.) Our February Giveaway includes:

First Prize - $20

Second Prize - $15

Third Prize - $10

Fourth Prize - $5

Enter at the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the blog page here.

The Month of Romance and Love...

February is the month of love.  As much as I love Valentine’s Day, February 11 is a very special day for hubby and me. Eight years ago, on a bitterly cold wind-swept afternoon he dropped to one knee and popped the question. We had gone away for the weekend to Newport Rhode Island and during the drive he was very quiet. I wasn’t sure if he was concerned with the weather or what was wrong. But after he pulled the small box from his pocket and spoke four little words I answered with one. It was then he grinned and life was great. Four months later we got married in that same park overlooking the ocean. 

I’m a softie when it comes to all things romance. But often times, people only use February 14^th to tell the person they love, how they truly feel. Flowers, candy and a special evening out is wonderful but there are 364 other days in the year to express how you feel. Gestures don’t need to be grand, but come from the heart. A simple wildflower picked from a field can mean more than a dozen long stemmed roses. One year, hubby bought me yellow roses instead of red. I loved them. It told me not only that he thought of me for Valentine’s but I was more than his love, we started as friends and our love grew from that foundation. I was his best friend. How could that not be romantic? 

In most of my novels I steer clear of holidays for those magic moments but in Borrowed, book 2 of The MacLellan Sisters, Valentine’s Day actually was the catalyst for Kenzie and Robbie to acknowledge their feelings for each other. It fit perfectly with the storyline.

Kenzie carefully hung the dress on the closet door and smoothed down the skirt. She picked up Gran’s picture from her dresser. “Gran, what should I do? I’m fighting for love and my future.” 

She slipped into her coat, wanting to keep her dress a surprise until they got to the inn. The bell rang and she hurried to the door. Kenzie pulled it open and Robbie was standing on the step holding a deep red vase with the biggest bouquet of mixed roses she had ever seen. 

“Happy Valentine’s Day.” He took a step forward and lightly kissed her lips. “I think it’s time I bought you roses, and there is every color to cover every aspect of our relationship. Dark pink is for enchantment, yellow is for friendship, light pink is for grace, orange for fascination and of course red is for love.” 

She accepted the bouquet and buried her nose in the petals. “They are lovely and very unexpected.” Even in heels she had to stand on her tiptoes as her kiss lingered on his mouth, savoring the moment. 

Color flushed his cheeks. “Are you ready?” 

Setting the vase on the table, she took his outstretched hand. “Yes, I am.” They strolled under the stars to the car. “It’s a beautiful night. The night sky is incredible.” 

“They’re dim when compared to your eyes.” 

Kenzie’s eyes locked with his. “My goodness, you’re the romantic tonight.” She clasped his hand tighter. 

I hope you have a wonderful month. Don’t forget to enter the raffle copter for this month’s giveaway.

Until next time, 

I wish you happiness and love. 

Lucinda