Thankful for Romance by Kathy Coatney

             What do I have to be thankful for? This is a frequent theme in my books, especially my Christmas books. Most of my characters face difficult challenges—some painful and some more of an annoyance, but they always have plenty to be thankful for by the end of the book. 

This stems from the secondary characters. They're the ones who advise and encourage the hero/heroine. These are the characters who are always there for my h/h when the going gets tough. It could be a husband, parent, children, siblings, grandchildren, or friends. Just having these people in their corner is the best gift in the world. Kids, in particular, have such a unique way of making someone feel special and needed, and that is an incredible gift, in my opinion.

 What I love most about romance is that connection between the h/h and the secondary characters. Even if the h/h don't have that special someone in their lives—yet—they still have a lot to be thankful for.

 I also think romances get us through the hard times. I've heard of so many readers that say an author's book has helped them through serious illness and death. Sure there's a happily-ever-after in the end, but when real life is unbearably hard, it's nice to read something uplifting with a guaranteed happy ending. 

I write small-town romances, and I’ve always preferred to set my books in winter, but 

I’ve never written Christmas books—until last year. I've discovered I really, really like writing holiday romances. I think a major reason for that is the thankful theme fits so well with Christmas since the holiday is all about being grateful and helping others. That theme really resonates with me.

          Last year I wrote the Crooked Halo Christmas Chronicles—The Murphy Clan. Each story is about 100 pages and they have guardian angels watching over the couple in need of assistance on their journey to finding true love. The angels sent to guide them are also attracted to each other, so there is a dual romance going on in each story. 

          Last year there were three stories in the Crooked Halo Christmas Chronicles—The Murphy Clan that concluded with a happily-ever-after for the angels, too. I’m currently working on a new Christmas chronicle with two new angels helping bring about a Christmas romance while fighting an attraction to each other.

          I just finished Santa Comes to Snowside, a full-length holiday romance that is with my editor right now, with a November release date. After I lost a dear friend last spring, it motivated me to write this book. She loved Christmas and every year her house was a Christmas wonderland. She was one of my biggest supporters—my critiquer, my beta reader, my everything for writing and friendship. 

          I was so thankful to have known her, and that's part of what drove me to write this book and start a new Christmas series (series title pending) that gives her a recurring role as Jody Claws, and her husband, Nick. Every Christmas they help bring a couple together and spread the Christmas spirit. I hope Jody loves these characters and the story as much I’ve enjoyed creating and writing them.

I look around at my life, and I truly have so much to be thankful for. My husband, children, and grandchildren have all made my life deeper and more meaningful, filling it with joy and happiness. I'm also grateful for the readers here today—for all my readers, in fact, because I love sharing what comes from my heart.

Here is a sneak peek of Santa Comes to Snowside:

Prologue

Snowside, Vermont

When humor exists, love isn’t far behind

          “Well Nicky, where are we off to this Christmas holiday?” 

          Nicholas Claws arched busy brows as he glanced at his wife, Jody, seated beside him in their candy cane red Mini Cooper convertible. He shifted into high gear and punched the gas just enough to throw her head back. The wind tossed her silver curls, producing the tinkling laugh he loved.

          “One of our worker bees found a place I think you’ll love. It’s called WorkForce, and Jack Davidson, the man who started the nonprofit has the kind of giving nature that’s right up your alley. He helps the low income and unemployed find work by providing them with work clothes, write resumes, and even has a hair salon onsite.”

 Jody’s smile warmed him through and through. “I love it! Tell me more.” 

          “Well, our visionary, Mr. Davidson, saw a need in the community, gave up a lucrative career and swanky high-rise apartment on the eastside of Snowside, invested his savings and retirement to buy a rundown warehouse in the industrial section. He’s currently living above it to save money.”

          Jody’s blue eyes rounded beneath wire-rimmed glasses. “And he’s doing this all on his own?”

“Not totally. Mickey Roberts, his uncle, supported his vision from the start, and he manages the hair salon at WorkForce. The downturn in the economy several years ago started Jack on his path to enlightenment. White collar workers were laid off, including his best friend who almost lost everything. Then Mickey struggled after returning from Iraq, and if not for family support he could have ended up on the street three Christmas’s ago.”

          Jody stroked Prancer, the miniature poodle asleep on her lap. “Well, color me intrigued. This sounds like a perfect Christmas project for us, but will we be able to make it home in time to finish our Christmas village?”

          “It might be tight, but we’ve always made it home for Christmas, and WorkForce could definitely use some volunteer support to keep it up and running. I don’t see how we can pass this up, do you?” He flipped the blinker to the left and pulled onto the freeway, heading south.

          “No, we can’t. This project is just what we’ve been looking for. We’ve got a nonprofit that needs a bit of assistance, and we can’t walk away from that, but you haven’t told me much about Jack.”

          Nick might have found the perfect nonprofit for them, but Jody always wanted to know about the people—in particular their relationship status. “Jack’s single, estranged from his parents, and at the moment unattached, but I think there’s a prospect that with your special touch could bring about a holiday romance.”

          Jody lifted her face to the unseasonably warm sunshine, the bare trees marking the beginning of the holiday season.

          “Then we not only need to work on the romance but also bring Jack back together with his parents.”

          “There’s also a teenager named Tony who needs our help, too. He’s a non-believer.”

“Oh my, we can’t have that. We’ll have to come up with a Christmas miracle or two to get him back on track.”

          “You read my mind.”

          “Oh, I do love the challenge of a new project. It’s like the first flush of love. Do you remember when we first met?” 

          His wife looked over at him, rosy cheeks and blue eyes twinkling as bright as the silver bells dangling from her earlobes.

          “How could I forget? You bring it up every year when we start a new project.”

          “So what attracted you to me? My cookies or hot chocolate?”

          A loaded question that he wasn’t about to debate again. There was only one correct answer. “Both.”

          Jody winked at him. “Good answer.”

          Nick pressed down on the accelerator and headed toward Vermont, where they would spend the duration of the Christmas holiday.

#

          Thank you all for being here today. As a special thank you, you can get the first book Be My Santa Tonight, The Crooked Halo Christmas Chronicles—The Murphy Clan, for free at https://tinyurl.com/3t84zp86.

          You can find me at my webpage and sign up for my newsletter to get more free reads at: https://www.kathycoatney.com.

I’m also on Facebook and Twitter at: https://www.facebook.com/kathycoatneyauthor

 and https://twitter.com/kathycoatneykat.

If you want the latest on my writing and fun posts join my Facebook group, The Beauty Bowl at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kathycoatneythebeautybowl.

 

It's beginning to feel a lot like the holidays!

By Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

It’s that time of year again. The holidays are upon us, and excitement is in the air. The older I get, the faster the years seem to go by. For those of you living in cooler climates amid changing leaves and snow flurries, I envy you.

Here in sunny Florida, we’re experiencing a chill, meaning it‘s no longer in the nineties. My air conditioning bill could use a break so I’m very grateful.  For us Floridians, it’s the time of year to start looking forward to the annual boat parade. This is quite a treat as it’s usually a night of serious partying as the decorated boats float by.

Usually the Grand Marshall is famous. This year its Big & Rich. I’m told they are popular country music artists. Boats of every size and type compete, and if you’re fortunate enough to live on the intracoastal, it’s an awesome sight with lots of music, lights and dancing. Think of the Rose Parade, except this is on the water.  

For me, ‘tis the season to cuddle up with a wonderful, feel good story, of which there are many, including the ones I write.  

Last year, author Bettye Griffin and I penned the Holiday Sparkle series, fondly dubbed, Get Your Sparkle on? My contributions were Naughty in New York and Loose in Las Vegas. We later boxed all 4 novellas. You can get them as a package here:   http://a.co/cenb83G

These stories all focus on a red dress that changes a woman’s life forever. Naturally, she’s wearing the dress when she meets her prince.

Naughty in New York, http://a.co/eUjuuSO, the second in the series, is a reunion story of love lost and hearts on the mend.  Here’s an excerpt below:

Theodora Johnston has worked all her life to get to where she is; Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Beau Visage; a major cosmetic house. She’s sacrificed having a personal life, and given up on finding love. Now she is seriously considering having a baby on her own.

Anderson MacDonald is the newly appointed COO, and her boss. Two decades ago they had a love affair that didn’t end well. There is unfinished business between them, and a love that remains. Can they get past the hurt created by a huge misunderstanding?

  Here’s what one reader had to say about Naughty in New York:

“Naughty In New York" was probably one of the best novellas that I have had the pleasure of reading in quite some time! What a fast paced, endearing romance that truly set the mood for the season! I loved it and can't wait for the next in the holiday sequel!!!”

Rounding out the anthologies last year, was Loose in Las Vegas, http://a.co/4nGcqKf,  a fun story about an Internet romance set in Sin City. It’s a story that has an unusual twist when the love interest turns out to be completely different than the person my heroine has been chatting with. Sound familiar?

Struggling dress designer, Lana Hunter finds herself at loose ends on New Years Eve. On a whim, she decides to head for Las Vegas to meet the guy she's been chatting with on an internet dating site. What happens in Las Vegas is supposed to stay in Las Vegas. But Lana gets far more than she bargained for when she meets Cato Tennille a successful software developer. 

Here’s what another reader had to say about Loose in Las Vegas:

“Another great Red Dress read!! Like the other 2 books; this one also takes you on a wonderful romantic journey via the red dress. Plus, the back story of finding a parent. Really great read!”

This season a fifth novella is about to be added to the Holiday Sparkle Series. Bettye Griffin and I are excited to present “Rockin’ the Rockies.”  This story starts off in Aspen, but is set in Denver, and told from two different points of view. The only thing I can tell you right now is that our couples switch partners. We are still in the writing and refining stages of this novella.

If that isn’t enough, I’m working on another joint venture with bestselling author Sandra Kitt. Our story is titled By Design and the storyline will be revealed on November 30th when I’m blogging again about holiday stories. I can then give you a sneak peek of the cover, which by the way I love.  

Be sure to join me on November 30^th when I ‘m going to introduce more holiday reads. I’ll be revealing book covers, sharing links, and telling tales out of school. Your choice whether you want me to be naughty or nice.

One holiday book that’s already released and available for purchase is that of fellow Generista, Kristin Wallace. It’s titled Loving you at Christmas. Here’s the link http://a.co/j3AVw9V

 

Happy Reading, happy fall, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving  all!

Romantically Yours,

Marcia King-Gamble

About Marcia King-Gamble

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This former travel industry executive and current world traveler has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for her animal family.

Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Making Spirits Bright

by Diana McCollum

You can’t beat the price of .99 cents for "Making Spirits Bright", a wonderful Christmas anthology. Four beautiful never before released novellas. The stories range from cozy mystery to romance. All are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit.

The following are the stories included in the anthology along with their blurbs.

Multi-published author Chautona Havig says: “Dreams are beautiful things, though; they never quite disappear. I began writing again, editing, writing, editing…more editing… and now I have over a hundred books in progress and a few dozen published. I write the stories of fictional people who have real problems, weaknesses, and triumphs. Through their stories, I try to share the Hope that is within me." (from Amazon bio)

Merri’s Christmas Mission by ChautonaHavig  

“Merri Zeiger is on a mission--create a fabulous Christmas for her three children on a dime. Well, that is if she can spare one. After six months of unemployment, her benefits have run out and so has her Christmas fund. 
But when she meets her rival in a giveaway for a pool table, things start to look a bit brighter.
"Barney" Barnett isn't supposed to have to do fundraising for The Mission, but until they replace the last guy, he's stuck on a daily trek to enter a giveaway for a pool table. Meeting Merri and hearing her story gives him a solution to both of their problems. Merri's Christmas Mission--one woman's quest to conquer Christmas.”

Author April Hayman  Amazon bio: “April Hayman lives in the high desert of California with her husband and their three sons. During the day, she focuses on homeschooling the boys and working on client projects. She writes at night when the temperature outside is only somewhat cooler than during the day.”

Lead a Merry Dance by April Hayman  

“FBI Agent Trip Devereaux' s time has run out: take his new wife, Libby, on a honeymoon (finally) or find out what it's like to live in the dog house. His solution? A Christmas Caribbean cruise! But when a jewelry thief strikes and Libby is - literally - left holding the bag, Trip's vacation is put on hold so he can prove his wife's innocence. Can he find the real thief in time? Or will their first shore excursion be a one-way trip to jail for Libby?”

Amazon author page: “Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.”

A Sidelined Christmas by ToniShiloh        

“Sidelined with a career-ending injury, wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia to heal. Nothing shocks him more than running into his high-school sweetheart, Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.
Bebe Gordon returned to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter, Hope. When Jahleel returns, all the memories of the past come rushing back. She can’t decide if he’s changed or if her heart is holding onto past hurts.
Will Jahleel and Bebe take a chance on love or let life sideline them at Christmas?”

Author Cathe Swanson Amazon bio: The long Wisconsin winters are perfect for writing and reading books! Cathe enjoys writing stories with eccentric characters of all ages. Her books will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again.

Hope for the Holidays by CatheSwanson   

Newly arrived from her home in the Congo and armed with a brand-new degree in nonprofit management, Carrie Strough is eager to organize and improve the Unity Plenkiss Community Center. Unfortunately, no one wants to be organized, and only Micah Neresen, the charming and handsome pastor of the local church, is interested in her plans. Or is he just interested in Carrie?
With a cast of lively and eccentric characters including a homeless vet with PTSD, a con man, an elderly couple with an over-the-top Christmas display, a feisty committeewoman with a past of her own, and a police investigation, Micah and Carrie wonder if there is any hope for the holidays this year!”

I hope you will give this wonderful anthology a try! You won't be disappointed!

What do you prefer in a Christmas story? Sweet or Spicey?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Get Your Sparkle on!

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

One dress, four festive occasions…each with an enchanting hero!

Get your Sparkle on with this uplifting holiday series!

The concept for this holiday quartet (4 novellas) came about when author, Bettye Griffin reached out to me with an idea for a holiday series.  Bettye’s initial idea centered on a scarecrow who had inherited an overcoat; an overcoat with history. I countered by saying why not make these novellas about a very special rental dress that has the power to change the heroine’s life. And so the magic began.

We came up with four different holiday scenarios each of which one author would write. Unfortunately due to personal circumstances, two of the four authors dropped out of the project, leaving me and Bettye to write two novellas each.

The holidays/events chosen were a Thanksgiving Wedding, an Office Party, a Snow Ball Gala, and a New Year’s Eve, black tie event.

First up, and soon to be released, November 18^th, is Bettye Griffin’s Love on Lake Shore drive.  Available for pre-order on Amazon:  http://a.co/09gGBKD.    Also available at Barnes and Noble.

Set in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Reine Robinson settles in for a long wait when a sudden November snowstorm brings traffic to a halt.   

The tenants of luxury high rises lining Lake Shore Drive, brave the elements to offer refreshments to stranded motorists. This includes Chase Benedict, stuck at his parents' co-op. 

Chase takes one look at the beautiful driver with the weather-like name, and is smitten. He just has to see her again and asks her to be his date for an elegant family wedding.

Reine is stunned by the invitation. She's black and from Chicago Heights, and he's white and comes from wealth. But she does have that stunning red dress rented to wear to her class reunion the very next night...and Chase is soooo sexy...

Next up, and second in the series, is Naughty in New York, (my contribution to this collection,) and scheduled for release no later than December 6^th, 2016.

Theodora Johnston has worked all her life to get to where she is; Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Beau Visage; a major cosmetic house. Theo has sacrificed having a personal life, and given up on finding love. Now she is seriously considering having a baby on her own.

Theo hates the holiday season. She associates it with a difficult time of life when both parents were killed in a plane crash. Still, she’s obligated to attend the executive party on Long Island, New York, hosted by her CEO.  Important announcements regarding upcoming promotions will be made that night.

Enter, Anderson Macdonald, the newly appointed COO, and her new boss; a man Theo has had a love affair with almost two decades ago. There is unfinished business between them and a love that clearly remains.

Third on the docket is Bettye Griffin’s Holiday in Houston.  

Larissa Carvalho and her mother Valentina, are grateful to the McGee family of Texas for getting them out of slums of Rio. Larissa, just four years old at the time, grew up idolizing Devin, the eldest of the McGee’s two sons. And even though Devin left for college and she hasn’t seen him in 17 years she hasn't forgotten him.

Devin McGee is disappointed when his planned date for the Snow Ball, (Houston’s premier African American charity event) falls through.  He considers not going when his mother suggests he take Larissa, the daughter of her housekeeper. Devin remembers Larissa as a cute pigtailed kid and can’t imagine them having anything in common. He’s totally unprepared for the stunning woman Larissa has become.

And finally, number four, a New Year’s Eve story, my contribution, Loose in Las Vegas.

Lana Hunter, recovering from a broken engagement, has spent the last four months conversing online with software developer, Russ Connell, whom she meets on a dating site.  Discovering they are both at loose ends on New Year’s Eve, they decide to meet up in Las Vegas. Russ is invited to a black tie event and asks Lana to come along.

But surprise, surprise, it’s not Russ who wants to meet Lana, but his boss, Cato  Tennille, entrepreneur extraordinaire and  technical genius -  The new “Wonder Boy.”

What is Cato doing on a dating site when he could have anyone he curves his finger at? He says he’s looking for something serious. Lana is not. Their agreement was ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.’  But Lana needs to keep an open mind.  After all, they do share something else in common.

Please “Get your Sparkle on,” by bringing in this joyful season with our holiday quartet!  We enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your reviews  

Have a great Thanksgiving and  a wonderful holiday all! 

 

Warmly,

Marcia

 http://amzn.to/2fS50Vf

p.s. 
My gift to the first two people contacting me at mkinggambl@aol.com is a code to get one of my Audible books free!

About:

 Marcia King-Gamble hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue.

She is a former travel industry executive and a self proclaimed globetrotter. 

A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned 31 books and 6 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling, and with her animal family.

She loves hearing from you. E mail her at mkinggambl@aol.com or like her on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marcia-King-Gamble/12364168212