A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to a Funny Book by Kristin Wallace

As a reader (and an author) I gravitate toward humor in my books. I just can’t do 300+ pages of angst. I mean, my latest series (Palm Cove Tales) features a pampered heiress pig named Matilda, and my March 26^th release (Second Chance Hero) stars a naked cat. Okay, King Tut is a Sphynx so technically he’s hairless, and not “naked”, but it’s still a cat with no fur. Even when my books have serious themes, I still manage to inject humor somehow. 

It makes sense that my favorite authors are masters at writing humor. Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Kristan Higgans, Rachel Gibson, Julie Anne Long, Julia Quinn are all “must reads” for me.

I’ve done this once before, but here are some more recommendations for great romantic comedy novels:

Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

I could read this book a thousand times and always laugh. A therapist and marriage counselor has her life fall spectacularly apart when her own marriage goes bust. She meets an actor known for playing psycho killers who wants to bust out of mold. It’s set in a little Italian village and also involves a mystery surrounding a fertility statue. Very funny. Also check out Natural Born Charmer. 

Best Man by Kristan Higgins

Faith Holland returns to her hometown after being dumped at the altar. Levi Cooper is the best friend of her former fiancé. He helped ruin her wedding. She should hate him but…maybe she was always meant to be with him? One of the best from a great author. Also check out If Only You Knew.

Hot in Hellcat Canyon by Julie Anne Long

Julie Anne Long may be more-well known for her historicals, but this book is the first book in a contemporary series. It’s just perfection. An actor who became famous in a TV over show a decade ago fears he may become washed up. A waitress in a small town who is more than his match. Also check out First Time at Firelight Fallsfrom the same series.

Wild Child by Molly O’Keefe

Molly O’Keefe is another author who really knows how to do humor well. This one features a “bad girl” who’s been trying to outrun her notorious past. Also check out Can’t Buy Me Love. 

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn

This is the first in a spinoff series from Julia’s popular Bridgerton family series. 

The Smythe-Smith quartet is awful. Even the women who are forced to participate in the family ensemble know it, but they can’t escape. You’ll love this one. 

 And…ending with my latest release SECOND CHANCE HERO, part of my Palm Cove Tales series. 

Second Chance Hero is the follow-up to The Heiress Games trilogy, featuring Serena Douglas, who not only lost the Armington fortune, but also managed to escape the competition without falling in love. 

Or so she thought…It all starts with a new challenge…and bald cat named King Tut. Serena has a chance to win a $10 million fortune. All she needs is a job. Too bad the only one willing to “hire” her is the one man she’s been trying to forget since she was a teenager. 

HURRY! Second Chance Hero is on sale right now for just .99 cents! Snap it up quick before the price goes back up!

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Kristin Wallace is a USA Today bestselling author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with “love, laughter and a leap of faith”. 

Celebrating A New Release by Kristin Wallace

I’m excited to give you a glimpse of my new book SECOND CHANCE HERO, which will be out March 26. It’s part of a new trilogy in the Palm Cove Tales.

Second Chance Hero is the follow-up to The Heiress Games trilogy, featuring Serena Douglas, who not only lost the Armington fortune, but also managed to escape the competition without falling in love. Or so she thought…

After losing the Heiress Games, Serena Douglas, has been reduced to living off the largess of a pampered pig and the benevolent graces of her childhood nemesis, Eve Bennett. Then Serena learns she has a chance to win a fortune of her own. Deceased heiress, Victoria Armington, has arranged for the other Armington descendants to secure a $10 million trust, including Serena’s sister Isabella. The catch? In order to gain control of the trusts, they must all be gainfully employed. Serena is determined to get her hands on the trust. Not for herself, but for the sake of Isabella, who needs the money to fight leukemia. All she has to do is convince someone to hire a former heiress with no job skills. Her search leads to Damon Grant, the man she’s been trying to forget since she was a teenager. All she has to do is convince him she can help protect a bald show cat.

Security expert, Damon Grant, nearly lost his life when a bereaved mother tried to take out the participants of the Heiress Games. He’s been stuck in Palm Cove trying to recover. Just when he’s finally ready to escape, Damon finds himself agreeing to protect a Sphynx cat named King Tut, who’s been threatened if his owner doesn’t remove him from a prestigious cat show. Damon never figured on hiring an assistant for the job, and certainly not pampered princess, Serena Douglas. She’s been an enticing thorn in his side since he was a teenager. By rights he should hate her. She’s spoiled, arrogant, and she used to torment his best friend, Eve Bennett. Still, that’s never stopped him from wanting Serena, or saving her, even when it cost him everything.

As Serena and Damon work together to uncover the villain threatening King Tut, they’re also working overtime to resist an attraction that’s been simmering for decades. Can they overcome past pain, and Serena’s past behavior, to find a second chance at love? 

Here's an Excerpt:

Serena grabbed a glass of champagne and swallowed the contents in a few gulps. 

“Easy there, Your Highness,” a deep, masculine voice drawled in her ear.

Serena choked, nearly spitting out the last sip of champagne. Damon Grant smacked her

gently on the back, and she almost jumped out of her skin as his touch burned through her silk top like a cattle brand. 

She took a strategic step back. “What are you doing here?”

“I was invited.”

“Why?” 

Serena knew the question was unforgivably rude, but she was in a pretty unforgiving mood. How dare he show up and make her relive those moments in the grand salon? And how dare he look so delicious? Damon had red hairfor heaven’s sake, which wasn’t supposed to be sexy on a man. Okay, his hair was more of a dark brown burnished with deep auburn. Not like his cousins, Chloe and Mia, who both had flaming red locks. Plus, his eyes were strange. Saved from ordinary brown by a touch of gold, like an Old Spanish coin. 

One rust-colored brow arched as Damon regarded her with barely disguised amusement. “Maybe because I helped save Matilda’s life?”

“I helped save Matilda’s life,” she groused. “I stood between Matilda and Mrs. Palmer’s gun.”

“I know.” Damon gazed at her for a long moment. “You nearly got yourself killed, Your Highness.”

“So did you.” Her eyes automatically swept downward. Somewhere under his black, button-down shirt, a bullet wound marred his chest. 

“I’m okay.” His tone went soft and gentle. Or as gentle as a man like him could be. 

Shuddering, she lifted her gaze back to meet his. Why did he have to look at her like that? Like he saw past the mask she carefully kept in place? “When did you get out of the hospital?”

He seemed willing to go along with the new direction. “Last week.” He looked across the pool deck to where his cousin stood with Eve Bennett. “I’ve been laid up in Chloe’s apartment above the bakery.”

“She’s taking good care of you?” 

“Chloe’s been stuffing me full of pastries.” Damon chuckled, a sound that seemed to sweep right down her spine, like it always had. “If I don’t get out of there soon, I’ll end up weighing three hundred pounds.”

“I don’t think you’ll ever be out of shape,” Serena said, trying to ignore the sizzle that warmed her veins as she took him in. Damon was built like fortress, with muscles decorating his muscles. He towered over just about everyone here, except for Killian, but with even more bulk. Killian had a quarterback’s sleek build. Damon looked like someone who could tear you apart with his bare hands…and smile while he did it.

Still, Damon wasn’t invincible. He hadn’t been immune the effects of a bullet, in the end. He’d almost been killed. Saving her. 

Without thinking, Serena put her hand on the place where the bullet had entered his chest. “Did I ever say thank you?”

Under her palm, his muscles tensed. “For what?”

“If you hadn’t pushed me out of the way—”

“—If you hadn’t jumped in front of Mrs. Palmer’s gun.” Damon placed a hand over hers, trapping her fingers tight against his shirt. The warmth of his skin burned through the cotton fabric. 

For a moment, the sounds of the party receded. She and Damon might have been alone on the patio. “I guess we both did something stupid.”

“Saving you was not stupid.” His words were sharp, firm, and definite.

Her lips curved in a sardonic smile. “There aren’t many people who would agree with you.”

“There aren’t many people who know your true worth, Serena.” He stepped closer, until he was an inch away. “They don’t know what you hide under that glamorous shell.” 

Her entire body seemed to flutter. “What do you think I hide?”

“A heart.”

            “Take that back.” The words came out breathy, rather than resolute, which she blamed entirely on the fact that he was standing so close. Damon had always caused her brain to short circuit, and it was as dangerous now as it had been all those years ago.

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Kristin Wallace is the USA Today Best Selling Author of inspirational and contemporary romance filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. SECOND CHANCE HERO will launch March 26th. 

My New Holiday Romance by Kristin Wallace #NewRelease

Very happy to announce that my latest book has now officially released. It's a Christmas romance that originally launched as part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 box set (which you can download for only 99 cents), but now I am publishing my story as a single title. 

SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS is part of my Palm Cove Tales series. It’s the follow-up to the Heiress Games trilogy, which launched this spring. This tale features desperate single mom, Mia Reynolds, the cousin of security expert Damon Grant (who appeared in the Heiress Games books). Mia has been hiding a very big secret about her daughter and now the truth is about to be revealed. 

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 about what happened, can Mia and Win rediscover the love they once lost and celebrate a Second Chance Christmas with their daughter?



Excerpt:

Chapter Two

            Winthrop Barrington hadn’t been sure how he would feel upon seeing Mia again. Fury had been his first guess. Anger at her betrayal certainly. Regret at what might have been perhaps. Maybe even sadness over the memories that still snuck up on him when he least expected it. Memories that were all wrapped up in Christmas bows and twinkling lights.

            He had not expected the gut-wrenching pain. Just looking at her hurt, but he couldn’t direct his eyes away. He could have gazed at her for centuries and never tired of the view. Her red-gold hair, those glorious golden eyes, the creamy skin, and a figure that had once made him stupid. Stupid enough to believe that a guy from the South-side could love a girl from the North-side. Boy, had Mia proven him wrong.

            Mia’s sister, Chloe Reynolds, was eyeing both of them with suspicion. “Mia, what’s going on?” 

            “I’d say they know each other better than I thought,” Serena Douglas drawled in an arch tone. “Better than you let on the other day, Win.”

Win thoughthe’d known Mia, but as it turned out, she’d been someone else entirely. “We’ve met,” was his only confession. 

What else could he say with Serena Douglas and Mia’s sister standing there, watching with equal parts disbelief, bemusement and suspicion? He couldn’t exactly blurt out the truth. That he’d spent one Christmas ten years ago enthralled with a girl from the proverbial wrong side of the tracks. That he’d lost his head, and heart, and then she’d vanished without a word. She hadn’t gone alone, either, but left town with her old boyfriend, Brock Thompson.

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Kristin Wallace is a USA Today bestselling author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. She is the author of 3 popular series, Covington Falls Chronicles, Shellwater Key Tales and Palm Cove Tales. Look for Serena and Damon's story, Second Chance Hero, coming soon! 

Add these recipes to your Thanksgiving meal by Kristin Wallace

It’s Thanksgiving week here in the U.S. If you’re still deciding on a menu for the big day, I have a couple to share with you that you will love! 

Sweet Potato Casserole 

Ingredients:

3 cups mashed sweet potato

1cup sugar

½ cup milk

1/3 cut butter softened

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

Blend everything together until it is smooth and creamy. Pour into a oven safe baking dish.

Topping:

1 cup chopped nuts (Use pecans or almonds. I prefer pecans.)

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup flour

1/3 cup melted butter

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until it is moist. If it’s too runny or goopy add a little flour to thicken. Crumble the mixture in chunks on top so it covers the entire surface.

Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes

Smashed Potatoes

What is Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes? We make these in my house every year, and they are delicious. 

Ingredients:

1 -1½ lbs. of Yukon Gold potatoes (unpeeled)

½ tsp. of salt

4 Tbsp. heavy cream

2 Tbsp. butter

1 Tbsp. milk

Salt & Pepper

Boil potatoes in a large pot, with a little bit of salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until you can poke them easily with a fork. 

Drain water and let the potatoes sit for a few minutes. Peel the potatoes, leaving some of the skin on as you go. Cut up potatoes and put them in a large bowl. Add the butter, milk and cream and beat until everything is smooth. Use salt and pepper to taste.

Derby Pie

What's Thanksgiving without pie? The last dish is for Kentucky Derby Pie. If you like chocolate you will love this.

Ingredients:

½ cup melted butter

1 cup sugar

½ cup flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp. vanilla

¾ cup chocolate chips

¾ cup nuts (walnuts or pecans)

9 inch unbaked pie crust or shell

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour into the pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the top is browned. DEVOUR!

Hope your holiday is DELICIOUS!

Kristin Wallace is the USA Today Best Selling Author of inspirational and contemporary romance filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. Look for her upcoming release on December 6, a new Christmas romance, SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS.

Second Chance Christmas is delightful holiday romance that continues the Palm Cove Tales, with the appearance of characters from “The Heiress Games” trilogy. This new series focuses on the family of security expert, Damon Grant.

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

Pre-order today!

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Spotlight on Second Chance Christmas by Kristin Wallace

I get to do a special "guest" post this month as we celebrate holiday romances. My latest Christmas romance launched as part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 box set (which you can download for only 99 cents), but now I am publishing my story as a single title. 

SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS is part of my Palm Cove Tales series. It’s the follow-up to the Heiress Games trilogy, which launched this spring. This tale features desperate single mom, Mia Reynolds, the cousin of security expert Damon Grant (who appeared in the Heiress Games books). Mia has been hiding a very big secret about her daughter and now the truth is about to be revealed. 

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 about what happened, can Mia and Win rediscover the love they once lost and celebrate a Second Chance Christmas with their daughter?

Now here’s an excerpt from Chapter 1…

Mia eventually left Damon and Riley, who were hanging up posters in her new room, while she went back to get the last box from her car. 

Serena met her at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh, you haven’t changed yet?”
            Mia frowned. “Why would I change now? I’ve been moving and there’s still a lot to sort out.”

“Yes, but you can’t conduct an interview looking like that.” Serena wrinkled her nose. “Not the best first impression.”

Mia gaped in astonishment. “What interview?”

“For your new job, of course.” Serena smiled as though she’d done the world a favor.

“What new job?” Mia looked over at her sister for an explanation, since Serena seemed to be speaking in code.

Chloe grinned. “She has a great opportunity lined up for you.”

“She does?” Mia swiveled back toward Serena. “You do?”

“An old friend of mine recently moved back to town to take over his family’s company and he’s in need of a new executive assistant,” Serena said. “The previous one who worked for his grandfather retired, too.”

“And he’s willing to hire me, just like that? No interview or anything?” Mia asked, amazed that a job offer was being laid out on the table so easily. Even more amazing, the job offer came courtesy of Serena Douglas. “Why are you so willing to help me anyway?”

“Why shouldn’t I help you?”

Because it was Serena Douglas, and she never went out of her way to do anything nice. 

Her sister seemed to understand what Mia was thinking because Chloe sidled closer. “I know it’s weird, but just go with it.”

Serena looked over at her. “Why is my job offer weird?”

“You’re not exactly known for your charitable nature,” Chloe said, her voice full of sarcasm.

Serena straightened, her “off with their heads” look in full force. “I’m workingon that, all right?”

Chloe grinned and shook her head. “I know, but you’re gonna have to give the rest of us time to catch up to the new you.”

“This is what I get for trying to be nice,” Serena murmured, before turning to Mia. “Listen, the job offer is real, and yes, he’s willing to hire you. Actually, Win said he knew you, and wanted to help out.”

Mia almost fell over. “Win? As in Winthrop Barrington?”

Serena stared at her in confusion. “Yes, that’s right. You know him? Well, of course, you probably do know who he is. The Barringtons are one of the most prominent families in town. His grandmother’s family is just as important.”

Panic gripped her like a vise. Win Barrington was living in Palm Cove again? He was supposed to be working for some big corporation in New York. That was the only reason she’d agreed to move back home. “I can’t work for him!” 

“Well, why not?” Serena began to look insulted. “You have an objection to a regular paycheck?”

Chloe put a hand on Mia’s arm. “Honey, calm down. Win is a pretty decent guy, for a North-sider, and you know Barrington Enterprises is stable. It’s been around forever.”

“No, you don’t understand,” Mia said. “He’s not supposed to be in Palm Cove anymore.”

“Why do you care if Win Barrington lives here?” Chloe asked. 

“Yes, I don’t know why you’re freaking out,” Serena said. “Anyway, it’s a little late to protest now. He’ll be here any minute to discuss the job.”

This could not be happening. In town less than a day and already disaster was striking. “No, no, no, no!”

The bell above the door jingled and a tall, dark-haired man in an expensive-looking suit strolled into the bakery. Familiar blue-green eyes found hers and the room spun.

“You!” she breathed.

He gave a half-smile and a shrug. “Hello Mia.”

Pre-order SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS today! 

AMAZON        ITUNES         BARNES & NOBLE        KOBO

Kristin Wallace is a USA Today bestselling author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. She is the author of 3 popular series, Covington Falls Chronicles, Shellwater Key Tales and Palm Cove Tales. Look for Serena and Damon's story, Second Chance Hero, coming soon! For more info about her books, visit Kristin's Website.

A sneak peak at my upcoming holiday romance by Kristin Wallace

Launching a new book never gets old. There is always a buzz of excitement and nerves with each one, even after more than 15 books. This month will see the launch of my latest release, a sweet contemporary holiday romance. It’s part of a holiday box set, Sweet Christmas Kisses 5, which will be here on September 25^th and it's on sale for only 99 cents!

My contribution is SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS, which is part of a new trilogy in my Palm Cove Tales series. It’s the follow-up to The Heiress Games trilogy, which launched this spring. This tale features desperate single mom, Mia Reynolds, the cousin of security expert Damon Grant (who appeared in the Heiress Games books). Mia has been hiding a very big secret about her daughter and now the truth is about to be revealed. 

Second Chance Christmas

A Palm Cove Tale

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 her daughter Riley on her own. Now, both of them have returned to their hometown of Palm Cove, Florida. Once they uncover the truth about what happened, can Mia and Win rediscover the love they once lost and celebrate a Second Chance Christmas with their daughter?

Here’s a fun excerpt giving you a peak at the moment Mia and Win come face to face for the first time…

Mia eventually left Damon and her daughter Riley, who were hanging up posters in her new room, while she went back to get the last box from her car. 

Serena Douglas met her at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh, you haven’t changed yet?”
            Mia frowned. “Why would I change now? I’ve been moving and there’s still a lot to sort out.”

“Yes, but you can’t conduct an interview looking like that.” Serena wrinkled her nose. “Not the best first impression.”

Mia gaped in astonishment. “What interview?”

“For your new job, of course.” Serena smiled as though she’d done the world a favor.

“What new job?” Mia looked over at her sister for an explanation, since Serena seemed to be speaking in code.

Chloe grinned. “She has a great opportunity lined up for you.”

“She does?” Mia swiveled back toward Serena. “You do?”

“An old friend of mine recently moved back to town to take over his family’s company and he’s in need of a new executive assistant,” Serena said. “The previous one who worked for his grandfather retired, too.”

“And he’s willing to hire me, just like that? No interview or anything?” Mia asked, amazed that a job offer was being laid out on the table so easily. Even more amazing, the job offer came courtesy of Serena Douglas. “Why are you so willing to help me anyway?”

“Why shouldn’t I help you?”

Because it was Serena Douglas, and she never went out of her way to do anything nice. 

Her sister seemed to understand what Mia was thinking because Chloe sidled closer. “I know it’s weird, but just go with it.”

Serena looked over at her. “Why is my job offer weird?”

“You’re not exactly known for your charitable nature,” Chloe said, her voice full of sarcasm.

Serena straightened, her “off with their heads” look in full force. “I’m workingon that, all right?”

Chloe grinned and shook her head. “I know, but you’re gonna have to give the rest of us time to catch up to the new you.”

“This is what I get for trying to be nice,” Serena murmured, before turning to Mia. “Listen, the job offer is real, and yes, he’s willing to hire you. Actually, Win said he knew you, and wanted to help out.”

Mia almost fell over. “Win? As in Winthrop Barrington?”

Serena stared at her in confusion. “Yes, that’s right. You know him? Well, of course, you probably do know who he is. The Barringtons are one of the most prominent families in town. His grandmother’s family is just as important.”

Panic gripped her like a vise. Win Barrington was living in Palm Cove again? He was supposed to be working for some big corporation in New York. That was the only reason she’d agreed to move back home. “I can’t work for him.” 

“Well, why not?” Serena began to look insulted. “You have an objection to a regular paycheck?”

Chloe put a hand on Mia’s arm. “Honey, calm down. Win is a pretty decent guy, for a North-sider, and you know Barrington Enterprises is stable. It’s been around forever.”

“No, you don’t understand,” Mia said. “He’s not supposed to be in Palm Cove anymore.”

“Why do you care if Win Barrington lives here?” Chloe asked. 

“Yes, I don’t know why you’re freaking out,” Serena said. “Anyway, it’s a little late to protest now. He’ll be here any minute to discuss the job.”

This could not be happening. In town less than a day and already disaster was striking. “No, no, no, no!”

The bell above the door jingled and a tall, dark-haired man in an expensive-looking suit strolled into the bakery. Familiar blue-green eyes found hers and the room spun.

“You!” she breathed.

He gave a half-smile and a shrug. “Hello Mia.”

Sweet Christmas Kisses 5…9 holiday tales for only 99 cents!

Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 brings you contemporary romances that celebrate the joy of the season around the world, including snowy Maine and the sun-kissed skies of Florida, the mountains of Colorado to small-town Illinois and Virginia, New York to San Francisco, and even the glittering lights of Paris and the old-world charm of Florence. The Sweet Christmas Kisses 5 bundle features all-new, standalone novellas that will make you smile and warm your heart with the Christmas spirit. 

Pre-order your box set for only 99 cents today!

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Kristin Wallaceis a USA Today bestselling author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. She is the author of 3 popular series, Covington Falls Chronicles, Shellwater Key Tales and The Heiress Games (Palm Cove Tales). For more info on her books visit Kristin Wallace Author.

My Writing Dreams Started with a Dream...by Kristin Wallace

The August topic is “My Writing Dreams”. Ironic since my writing dreams literally started with a dream. It happened in high school. I had been a voracious reader from a young age. The Little Golden Books, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Nancy Drew, the Chronicles of Narnia, Sweet Valley High, you name it, I would read it. 

I eventually found romance novels as a teenager and would read them all the time. Then one night I had a dream. We all have them, of course, but usually we forget it the minute we wake up. This dream was different. It was really vivid and appeared like a scene from a book or movie. The dream stayed with me after I woke up, so I wrote it down on paper (by hand…I didn’t know how to type back then). Then I just kept on writing, sort of like Forrest Gump when he starts running and then doesn’t stop for 2 years. I had no idea what I was doing, of course, and I certainly never thought about making a career in publishing. It was just something I did for fun. 

I started writing a number of stories in the years after that, but I never finished anything. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-20s that I had the "great epiphany" that I was supposed to be a writer. Even then I couldn’t figure out how to make that a reality. It took 10 years before I got my act together enough to join a writer’s organization (Romance Writers of America) and seriously pursue publication. 

The first book

That was in 2005, but I still did not realize the “dream” of publishing a novel until 2013. In between, I experienced A LOT of rejections. There were plenty of “close calls” where editors loved my writing and my story…“but”. As in “but our schedule is full”, “but we don’t know how to market this book”, “but we just signed another author with a series about wedding planners”. Oh there were so many ways to say “but…we’re still rejecting you”. Then I finally got a “yes” from someone, a small digital publisher. That first book was MARRY ME. Then indie publishing came along and I was finally able to make my own publishing dreams come true. (Although I will say that the time I spent getting rejected and revising and learning was not wasted.) 

Five years later, I now have 14 books published with two more on the way this fall. The indie world is tough and I still haven’t achieved the kind of success I want, but every book is a chance to try again.

  

Kristin Wallace is the USA Today Best Selling Author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. She has three series, Covington Falls Chronicles (inspirational romance), Shellwater Key Tales (sweet contemporary romance), and The Heiress Games/Palm Cove Tales, a sweet contemporary series that sees three very different women competing for custody of a pampered pig…and a $120 million fortune. Buy the books individually or download the Complete Heiress Games Box Set.

What turns me on in a book by Kristin Wallace

As I write this, I should be in the throes of getting ready for my trip to Alaska so this post might be short. The theme on RTG this month is “What turns your on or off in a book?” For me it’s humor or the lack of humor. I like a book that makes me laugh. Not that all the drama and emotion should be left out, but a book full of nothing but angst and darkness is something I can’t handle. 

That’s why my favorite authors write humor. They can make me cry, too, but there must be laughs. Actually, if they can pull off BOTH that is a really good book. It’s not easy to write humor, of course. Most people have different ideas about what is funny or not. 

I’m not sure it’s something you can teach, either. I have always just naturally gravitated toward humorous situations in my stories. Like a “true-love-doesn’t-exist” woman who gets roped into taking over a wedding planning business (MARRY ME). Or three women trying to win custody of a pig…and a fortune (The Heiress Games series). Even in my darkest book (Imagine That) where the hero’s mother is dying I managed to inject humor. In fact, I deliberately added more humor because I couldn’t take so much sadness. 

I’ll finish with some of my personal recommendations if you want a romance with humor.

Ain’t She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any SEP book if you’re looking for humor. She’s pretty much the master and the kind of writer I aspire to be. Another great one of hers is Breathing Room. 

Too Good To Be True by Kristan Higgins

Anther author where you really can’t go wrong if you want your stories with some LOLs. In this one, the heroine makes up a fake boyfriend with hilarious results. 

Rescue Me by Rachel Gibson

Really, try any of her books. She’s always funny. 

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

This book is not exactly new, but do yourself a favor and search for it. Jennifer Crusie is amazingly talented. Faking It is also great, as well as Agnes and the Hitman, which she co-authored with Bob Mayer.

Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding

Have you ever read the book on which the movie starring Renee Zellwegger & Colin Firth is based? If not, you really should. 

Here’s a historical romance offering:

10 Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn

This book made me absolutely fall in love…with Julia Quinn. 

Do you have any funny book recommendations? Please share them!

Kristin Wallaceis the USA Today Best Selling Author of inspirational and contemporary romance, and women’s fiction filled with “Love, Laughter and a Leap of Faith”. She has three series, Shellwater Key Tales(sweet contemporary romance) and Covington Falls Chronicles (inspirational romance). Check out her newest series, The Heiress Games, a sweet contemporary that sees three very different women competing for custody of a pampered pig…and a $120 million fortune. Find out more about her books at Kristin Wallace Author.