Celebrating Christmas in July By Kathy Coatney

 

A fun fact about me is—I'm a big fan of winter. I love snow. I love cuddling up by the fire. I love to cross country skiing. I don’t even mind shoveling snow, so winter is my jam. When I first started writing the Falling in Love series I set the story in winter. Christmas stories were really popular, but for some reason I resisted writing them. Finally, I thought this is silly. I love Christmas. I love winter. Why wasn’t I writing some Christmas themed stories?

I finally started the Crooked Halo Christmas Chronicles. They are short Christmas stories with matchmaking angels. I had a lot of fun with the angels, and I still write that series, but I’ve moved on to writing the Vermont Christmas Romance series. These are full-length books, and the inspiration for these books was bittersweet.

Several years ago I attended the Emerald City Romance conference in Seattle. My roommate invited me to join her for dinner with a group of authors and readers, and I was thrilled. We went to dinner that evening, and I met a woman named Jody Sherin—a tiny whirlwind of energy and an avid reader.

Jody introduced herself to me, then proceeded to tell me when she found out I was coming she bought my book and read it overnight. For the next ten minutes she raved about my book and my writing. Needless to say we became fast friends, and as our friendship evolved over the years, she was not only my avid reader, but she critiqued my books for me.

Jody adored Christmas and started decorating early in November. She had numerous trees and her holiday decorations that were a sight to behold. In April 2021, Jody died unexpectedly. For anyone who knew her, Jody made friends everywhere she went. I always envied her that as I am much more reserved.

I missed her so much, and in June of 2021 I came up with Santa Comes to Snowside, the first book in the Vermont Christmas series with a matchmaking Jody and Nick Claws, actually Santa and Mrs. Claus. As I wrote that first book, I felt Jody’s presence as I typed every word. It gave me comfort and joy to feel her with me. And if I headed in a wrong direction, you can bet she was at my shoulder guiding me back on track!

In the book, Jody and Nick Claws arrive in Snowside, Vermont to bring together Annie Murphy, a transit bus driver raising her teenage nephew on her own, and Jack Davidson, a man on the road to enlightenment and owner of a local charity that helps people get back into the working world. I had so much fun writing this book. At the same time, it constantly brought me to tears because it reminded me of Jody, and what a wonderful person she was, and how the world was a little less bright without her presence.

Santa Comes to Snowside is dedicated to Jody. As I finished the book and shared it with her husband, I took on another project. In collaboration with two other authors that are friends of mine and Jody's, Wendy Delaney and Dana Delmar, we put together a memoir of Jody with contributions from her family and friends. We took on the project with great joy, but it was hard. Every time we read the heartfelt comments about our friend it tore at our hearts, but it was worth it because now we have a beautiful memory of her with Jody Burchinal Sherin: A Celebration. 

There are two books in The Vermont Christmas series, and I have plans for book three, but I haven't started it yet. I think I'm waiting for Jody to give me inspiration, but knowing Jody she’s busy decorating heaven and will get back to me when she has time to show me the next couple in need of her assistance.

What do you like most about Christmas stories?

Santa Comes to Snowside
What music do Santa’s elves like the best? Wrap music!

Annie Murphy, a transit bus driver in Snowside, Vermont, loves scavenger hunts and the corny jokes her riders share. She has a heart as big as the city and gave up college to raise her orphaned nephew without a second thought. But so far true love has eluded her.

A downturn in the economy five years ago sent Jack Davidson down a path to enlightenment. Giving up a lucrative career in finance and his swanky high-rise apartment, he invested all his savings to start Job Hunters 4 You, a nonprofit that helps the unemployed find work. The only thing missing is that special someone in his life.

Jody and Nick Claws arrive on Jack’s doorstep in matching red and green plaid flannel shirts, the spitting image of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. The pair are on a mission to work their Christmas magic on two lonely hearts—Annie and Jack.

Grab your copy today because nothing kicks off the holidays like a match made in heaven. 

https://www.kathycoatney.com/coming-in-november/

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How I Started Writing a Christmas Novel by Dora Bramden

It all began when I decided to participate in a Melbourne Romance Writers Guild online writing challenge. The first consideration was, what can I realistically commit to? I hadn’t written any new words for a long time because I’d been reworking a book I wrote earlier. To fire up my creative spark, I needed the excitement of a fresh story. Also, I craved trying to write something unlike anything I had ever done before.

What would give me joy? What would be a pleasure to immerse myself in? Christmas in July came to mind. I love Christmas shops, the ones that are stuffed full with happiness decor. Elves and Santas, fairies and angels, nativity scenes and forest animals, I love them all. Anyone who knows me can tell you how much I love Christmas decorating. I have posts about it on my blog: Dora’s Romantic Lifestyle.

It wasn’t long after I started imagining a cute Christmas shop that Samantha Bell, the shop’s owner, made her appearance behind a counter tucked into a corner. She turned and looked at a staircase that led to a mezzanine area full of boxes crammed to the ancient oak beams. Then she looked out the shop’s front glass door. The street outside was in an English village that was paved in brick and lined with  Tudor style shops. I have my heroine and the setting. I have the beginnings of a Christmas novel.

Samantha Bell has been struggling to keep up Jingle Bells, her father’s Christmas shop, since he passed away five years ago. I wondered, in author style, what is the worst thing that could happen to her? I imagined her arriving at the shop one morning, coffee in hand, ready to open up and start her day. It’s the first of October and the official start to her Christmas season. New stock will start arriving today, and the town’s people will be calling in to see the new displays she’s setting up.

But someone has put a piece of paper on the front door with a big red X on it. On closer inspection, the fine print declares that her building has been condemned. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Jingle Bells. Her life, as she’d always known it, would be finished too. How would she provide for herself without the shop?

Samantha heads straight to the council offices to sort out what must be a terrible mistake. It’s here she meets Nicholas Grant, the super organized and efficient manager of the building department. He excels in administering the department codes. Following the guidelines suits him perfectly. Oh, and he doesn’t do birthdays, anniversaries or Christmas. He spends those days with his model railway, which he’s very proud of.

But there’s something about blond curls and red cheeks and tears in blue eyes that make Nicholas look a little closer into Miss Bell’s situation. It seems a fire report has been the cause, strange that it hadn’t been flagged until now. Then he remembers how her father, always came to the orphanage where Nicholas lived for six years, dressed up as Santa Clause to give presents to the orphans. Miss Bell had accompanied him, dressed as an elf. She was all grown up now at five feet tall, but she still has blue eyes, bouncing blond curls, and red cheeks.

Before Nicholas knows it he’s up to his armpits in helping Miss Bell to unravel the council’s building codes that apply to her shop

I have an idea where the story will go from here, and I’ve been uncovering a lot of this lovely couple’s back-story. I’m enjoying my time in the Christmas shop world of Samantha and Nicholas and I’m getting to know the villagers who are their friends and supporters.

I hope to have it finished and ready to release in time for this Christmas, but it could end up being a Christmas in July story for next year. I plan on including that kind of information in my newsletter that I'll have up and running soon so if you'd like to be on the list, email me at dora@dorabramden.com and I'll pop you on it.

 

Don’t forget to check out my Christmas decor posts on my blog. Just follow the link below and choose the Christmas Category to see them all.

Dora Bramden writes heart-melting, passionate, romance.

http://www.dorabramden.com

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Dora’s Romantic Life Blog

 

Christmas in July Bargain Reads by Kristin Wallace

Even though temps are in the 90s (at least where I live) we have this fun tradition of celebrating  Christmas In July. Hallmark Channel runs their Christmas movies. Stores have holiday specials. I thought I'd get in on the act by putting a couple of my Christmas-themed books on sale for $.99 cents. This month you can download the Christmas In Shellwater Key and Second Chance Christmas.


You can get them both for 99 cents on Amazon. HOWEVER, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can get them for free.


Christmas in Shellwater Key (Boxset) - Now on sale for .99 cents!
Shellwater Key Tales

This boxset contains 3 Shellwater Key Christmas novellas. The main stories in the series center around three childhood friends who revive the old Paradise Dinner Theatre. The holiday novellas venture beyond the theatre.

Finding You At Christmas

After years of looking out for everyone else, preacher’s daughter Janie Worthy is ready to get a life of her own. But on the way to her first date, her car decides to quit, and a stranger on a motorcycle becomes her savior. The short time she spends with Caleb Montgomery on the side of the road might be the most romantic interlude Janie can remember. Of course, it’s all a fantasy, and soon Caleb is riding off into the night.

Until he shows up again in Shellwater Key. When Caleb decides to stay in town for Christmas, Janie can’t help but wonder if she is the reason. Except people don’t fall in love in one night…Right?

Falling For You At Christmas

Pregnant and alone at Christmas, Cassie Stevens decides to take a holiday vacation in Shellwater Key before her baby girl is born. Then she discovers her reservation is lost and there is literally no room left at the inn. Thankfully, single inkeeper, Jared Lathem, offers to let Cassie stay with him and his young daughter. She won't have to sleep in a manger, but being in close poximity to the gorgeous Jared might be dangerous t her piece of mind...and heart.

But the magic of the season can change everything. Cassie is suddenly surrounded by a group of friends, who all seem to have names relating to another important birth long ago. And when Christmas Eve brings an unexpected delivery, Cassie will discover that miracles are still possible even in modern times. 

Loving You At Christmas

Annaliese Matheson once had a perfect life, with a successful career on Broadway and a loving husband. Then her husband died. Devastated, she left the stage behind and only returned when her best friend, Grayson Kendall, asked her to perform at The Paradise Dinner Theatre in tiny Shellwater Key, Florida.

Annaliese is convinced she’ll never love again, but when she steps in to direct to Middle School Christmas Show, nothing will ever be the same. A man unlike any she’s known awakens her buried heart, giving her a second chance at forever with the last person she would have expected. It will take a miracle for Annaliese to let someone else in and embrace happiness again...but then it is Christmas.

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Second Chance Christmas - Now on sale for .99 cents!

Palm Cove Tales

This book is part of my Palm Cove Tales series. It’s the follow-up to the Heiress Games trilogy. It features desperate single mom, Mia Reynolds, the cousin of security expert Damon Grant (who appeared in the Heiress Games books).

Ten years ago, Mia Reynolds and Winthrop Barrington spent one magical Christmas together. Until lies and manipulation at the hands of Win’s wealthy family tore them apart and left Mia to raise a daughter on her own. Now, both of them have returned to their hometown of Palm Cove, Florida. Once they uncover the truth, can Mia and Win rediscover the love they lost and celebrate a Second Chance Christmas with their daughter?

BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Kristin Wallace is the USA Today Best Selling Author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. 

Book Giveaway and Interview with Debbie Mason

by Madelle Morgan

It will take a Christmas miracle to melt her heart.

RT Book Reviews had this to say about The Trouble with Christmas, bestselling author Debbie Mason’s new contemporary release: “... A wonderful story to read this holiday season, and a timeless romance. This is one of those novels readers will enjoy each and every page of and tell friends about.”

Resort developer Madison Lane is about to lose the one thing she loves most in the world—her job. Dubbed “The Grinch Who Killed Christmas,” Madison spoiled a deal that would turn quaint Christmas, Colorado, into a tourist’s winter wonderland. Now the citizens want her fired but the company gives her one last chance, sending Madison to the small town to restore the holiday cheer.

For Sheriff Gage McBride, no hotshot executive from New York City is going to destroy the dreams of the people he loves. But one look at this beautiful woman and it’s his heart that may be broken. In just a few days, Madison causes more trouble than he’s had to deal with all year. He can’t decide if she’s naughty or nice, but one thing is for certain—Christmas will never be the same again...

Read an excerpt of The Trouble with Christmas. 

The beautiful and talented Debbie Mason kindly took time out of her busy writing schedule to answer my questions:

Did a real-life resort community provide the inspiration for Christmas, Colorado? Can you describe how you came up with the idea for the series setting?

Debbie: A few years ago my husband and I wrote our bucket list. Colorado was one of our top ten must-see destinations and the perfect setting for my series. So while I'm doing my research, I'm also planning our itinerary. The first place we'll visit is Breckenridge, the inspiration for my fictional town of Christmas. Breckenridge was discovered in 1859 during the Colorado gold rush. It's a gorgeous little town nestled in the Colorado Rockies.

What is your favorite aspect of Christmas (the season, not the fictional community)?

Debbie: Spending time with family. Christmas is the one time of year we have all three of our children home. And now that we have an adorable granddaughter to celebrate with, the holidays are even more special.

Debbie Mason also writes historical romance as Debbie Mazzuca. See them at her website. I asked Debbie if she plans to continue writing Scottish historicals?

Debbie: I'm having a lot of fun writing the contemporaries, but yes, I do want to continue writing historicals. In the next couple of months I hope to carve out some time to write book four in the MacLeod series. Poor Iain is tired of waiting for his happy ending.

Anything else you’d like to share with readers?

Debbie: I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at the cover for Christmas in July. The Trouble with Christmas became a national bestseller, so when Christmas in July releases next June, I'm happy to say there'll be a couple of words added to this cover under my name: bestselling author !

Thank you so much, Debbie! I'm sure someone will be thrilled to win a copy of The Trouble with Christmas. 

To enter the draw, please provide a comment below with an email address. The winner will be announced here on Friday, November 15.