Seasonal Reads and Deluxe Editions with Sprayed Edges
Since autumn has begun, I’ve noticed a slew of autumn-themed romances available. Some are traditionally published and some are indie. Many of the covers have earthy tones such as beige, gold, russet and red.
Do you prefer seasonal reads? Do you prefer reading a book set in autumn, during the autumn season?
What about Christmas books? Do you read these all year long?
I’m asking because when thinking of a season, I tend to prefer Christmas books – probably because didn’t celebrate Christmas while I was growing up. I was thinking of writing some seasonal books in the future and wondered what readers thought of seasonal reads.
On a related note, I had another question about: DELUXE EDITIONS with SPRAYED EDGES:
There are many bestselling books that come out with a deluxe edition with sprayed edges. Do you ever purchase the deluxe edition – as well as the original version? Do you read the deluxe edition, or, is it only for display?
I’ve noticed that there are a lot of deluxe editions, with sprayed edges, for the autumn-themed stories. The edges are usually sprayed gold or orange, and the edges also have cute images of pumpkins, leaves, etc.
Leave your comments! Respond to the bolded questions! Enjoy the rest of your day!
Thanks to all of you for your patience! In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned that I was catching up with mailing out the Christmas Romance Book Bundles! I’m almost caught up. I still have a few that I need to wrap and send out. For those who are wondering, it’s not too late to order a Christmas Book Bundle! The books make great reading any time of the year! Order extra sets to gift to friends and family! It’s best to do this now before the price goes up!
Picnic in the Park
Have you gone on any picnics this summer? If so, what did you pack to eat? Did you pack your food in a picnic basket?
Most of you probably know that I enjoy writing about food. In The Blacksmith’s Bride the hero and heroine (Benjamin and Francine) indulge in a picnic in the woods. On their picnic they eat fried chicken, hard boiled eggs, apples, bread, and fried peach hand pies. As I was writing the picnic scene, I wondered how many people nowadays actually go out on a picnic in a park or a wooded area, with only one (or perhaps a few more) people.
I’m not really referring to a huge cookout/party type of picnic. I’m talking about something that’s much smaller and more intimate. I also wondered if people owned picnic baskets nowadays! I don’t own one. I believe it’s been decades since I’ve been on a small picnic style gathering with one or a few people.
So, have you ever been on a small picnic gathering? If so, I’d love to know the details! What did you pack to eat? Did you put your food into a picnic basket?
The picnic scene in The Blacksmith’s Bride marks an important turning point in the story! If you want to find out more, then you need to order your copy today!
More Trouble on the Homefront – Bathroom
Not much happening with our bathroom remodel. We’ve chosen a contractor. We will be meeting with him shortly! This is an interesting experience for us since we’ve never had a full remodel done before!
Errands
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, I can drive now! I’ve been out running errands and getting my life back on track. Here’s a pic of me while I was out at the store last Saturday!
If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list! After you sign up for my email list, a download link will be provided to you for your FREE eBook!
Raquel’s father died when she was a baby – that’s what she thought…
She receives a mysterious phone call – stating her father is alive and in hospice. He must see her before he dies. Why has her mother lied to her for all these years about her father’s “death”?
She must rely on Patrick, her ex, to help her to make the trip to see her father during a massive snowstorm. Patrick has his own set of problems – he never told Raquel the real reason why he abandoned her three years ago.
If you’ve read, and enjoyed BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, consider leaving a short, sweet review on AMAZON and social media! As mentioned, currently, the eBook version is only available when you join my mailing list. The paperback version is available on Amazon and other sales channels!
Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
Want a nice emotional treat during the last few weeks of summer? Check out my Candy Beach Series! These are heartwarming delicious stories that you can read all summer! All are beach themed! Perfect for reading during your summer vacation!
The Blacksmith’s Bride
As stated previously, I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride – a historical novel set a few years after the Civil War. The Blacksmith’s Bride is the third book in the Romance Bride Series.
I’m enjoying writing The Blacksmith’s Bride as each character goes through an emotional journey of change and faith. Pre-order a copy for yourself and a friend!
Writing Services
As a reminder, I offer writing-related services. I work with writers who may need help with their fiction. Interested in working with me? Details here.
I will be participating in the Eat Local Read Local event at the Cascades Library in Virginia on October 18, 2025. I currently have other events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!
Our Country!
Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does not run smoothly! Also, remember to pray for all that are suffering in our nation! Be sure to check on your friends and loved ones to be sure they are okay!
Have you ever had struggles with your faith? Could you tell me about it?
I know I’ve struggled with my faith plenty of times. Sometimes, I ask myself, God, why did this have to happen?
I believe our faith struggles are part of what makes us human. We question God, but, don’t always receive the answers that we seek. Sometimes, I feel we will never truly understand some things until we get to heaven.
In The Blacksmith’s Bride, Francine struggles with her faith. She was born a socialite. She’s always had a lot of material possessions and she’s had an excellent education. She feels entitled to the benefits that life has granted her.
Her faith is tested when she marries an abusive man who gambles away her entire fortune.
Now, it’s after the Civil War and she’s impoverished. Not only is she poor, but, she has a villain who is after her for scrupulous reasons. She’s fearful, and wonders, why God allowed such things to happen to her.
Her faith is tested as she connects with people who care about her.
I hope you enjoy reading The Blacksmith’s Bride. I’m still hard at work on this wonderful story! The novel is set to be released at the end of October!
So, have you ever had struggles with your faith? Could you tell me about it?
More Trouble on the Homefront – Bathroom
Not much happening with our bathroom remodel. We’ve chosen a contractor. We will be meeting with him shortly! This is an interesting experience for us since we’ve never had a full remodel done before!
Rainy Day
We had a bit of rain over the weekend. Here’s a pic of a tomato growing in my garden!
Broken Foot, Driving and Book Bundles!
Thanks to all of you for your patience! In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned that I’d started driving again. Many of you ordered the $20 Book Bundle – but I was behind in wrapping and mailing the orders! I believe I reached out to all of you about the delay in shipping – due to my broken foot. With the help of a few friends, we have managed to wrap and box up most of the orders! I plan on going to the post office today to ship! Again, thanks for being patient with me!
For those who are wondering, it’s not too late to order a Christmas Book Bundle! The books make great reading any time of the year! Order extra sets to gift to friends and family!
If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list! After you sign up for my email list, a download link will be provided to you for your FREE eBook!
Raquel’s father died when she was a baby – that’s what she thought…
She receives a mysterious phone call – stating her father is alive and in hospice. He must see her before he dies. Why has her mother lied to her for all these years about her father’s “death”?
She must rely on Patrick, her ex, to help her to make the trip to see her father during a massive snowstorm. Patrick has his own set of problems – he never told Raquel the real reason why he abandoned her three years ago.
If you’ve read, and enjoyed BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, consider leaving a short, sweet review on AMAZON and social media! As mentioned, currently, the eBook version is only available when you join my mailing list. The paperback version is available on Amazon and other sales channels!
Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
Want a nice emotional treat during the last few weeks of summer? Check out my Candy Beach Series! These are heartwarming delicious stories that you can read all summer! All are beach themed! Perfect for reading during your summer vacation!
The Blacksmith’s Bride
As stated previously, I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride – a historical novel set a few years after the Civil War. The Blacksmith’s Bride is the third book in the Romance Bride Series.
I’m enjoying writing The Blacksmith’s Bride as each character goes through an emotional journey of change and faith. Pre-order a copy for yourself and a friend!
Writing Services
As a reminder, I offer writing-related services. I work with writers who may need help with their fiction. Interested in working with me? Details here.
I will be participating in the Eat Local Read Local event at the Cascades Library in Virginia on October 18, 2025. I currently have other events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!
Our Country!
Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does not run smoothly! Also, remember to pray for all that are suffering in our nation! Be sure to check on your friends and loved ones to be sure they are okay!
I hope all of you are enjoying your Labor Day weekend! Relax and have a wonderful holiday!
Fizzy Drinks
Do you enjoy carbonated beverages (sodas)? If so, which ones are your favorites?
I love Cherry Coke or Cherry Pepsi with a wedge of lime! I put ice cubes into a glass, squeeze the lime juice over the ice, then add my soda! I then plop the freshly squeezed lime into my drink! So delicious!
I’m still hard at work writing The Blacksmith’s Bride. I have a scene where two of the characters are drinking a soda – in the 1800s it was most likely called soda water. These carbonated beverages were served at the apothecary. The customers would sit at a soda fountain. The druggist or soda fountain operator would serve the drinks cold – usually without ice. The beverage was flavored with syrup – such as root beer, lemon, orange, sarsaparilla (tastes similar to root beer) or ginger. Bottled carbonated beverages were also available back then, especially in cities such as Philadelphia.
I love researching new things as I work on The Blacksmith’s Bride – which is set to be released at the end of October.
So, do you enjoy carbonated beverages (sodas)? If so, which ones are your favorites?
More Trouble on the Homefront – Bathroom
I mentioned in last week’s newsletter that we’re having our bathroom remodeled. Well, we’re still getting estimates. Hopefully, we’ll decide on a contractor before the end of the week! Here’s a pic of some of the damage. We’re anxious to get this done. We’re fortunate that we have another shower to use while we get the master bathroom redone. Thanks to all of you for your wisdom and suggestions about remodeling.
School Days
In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned back to school time! Well, my son has returned to college. Here’s a pic of him on campus!
Broken Foot
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words! During my last doctor visit, she gave me the go-ahead to start driving again! So, I can now put on a regular shoe on my injured foot! I can only wear the shoe if I’m driving or going someplace. While at home, she still wants me to wear my boot! I was so glad! I can also take the stairs now! So, do you know what I did last Saturday? I went to the hairdresser! I really needed to get my hair done! I’d been wearing a scarf for a few weeks, too tired to get my hair to behave!
If you’re reading this newsletter on my blog then you’re probably not signed up for my mailing list! When you sign up, you’ll receive BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS, a free e-book! BUTTERSCOTCH BLISS – the eBook version – is currently only available when you join my mailing list! After you sign up for my email list, a download link will be provided to you for your FREE eBook!
Raquel’s father died when she was a baby – that’s what she thought…
She receives a mysterious phone call – stating her father is alive and in hospice. He must see her before he dies. Why has her mother lied to her for all these years about her father’s “death”?
She must rely on Patrick, her ex, to help her to make the trip to see her father during a massive snowstorm. Patrick has his own set of problems – he never told Raquel the real reason why he abandoned her three years ago.
A Delicious Summer Treat!
Want a late-summer treat? Check out my Christmas Holiday Romance Book Bundle – continental US only! Grab a bunch for yourself and a friend! These are paperback books that make great gifts for yourself and your friends and family!
I’m sure you’ll enjoy these wonderful stories as much as I enjoyed writing them!
Enjoy the rest of your Summer!
Want a nice emotional treat during the last few weeks of summer? Check out my Candy Beach Series! These are heartwarming delicious stories that you can read all summer! All are beach themed! Perfect for reading during your summer vacation!
The Blacksmith’s Bride
As stated previously, I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride – a historical novel set a few years after the Civil War. The Blacksmith’s Bride is the third book in the Romance Bride Series.
I’m enjoying writing The Blacksmith’s Bride as each character goes through an emotional journey of change and faith. Pre-order a copy for yourself and a friend!
Writing Services
As a reminder, I offer writing-related services. I work with writers who may need help with their fiction. Interested in working with me? Details here.
I will be participating in the Eat Local Read Local event at the Cascades Library in Virginia on October 18, 2025. I currently have other events in the works. Once my plans are finalized, I will update you with details!
Our Country!
Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, our country does not run smoothly! Also, remember to pray for all that are suffering in our nation! Be sure to check on your friends and loved ones to be sure they are okay!
I recently changed the covers for my Candy Beach Series. After doing so, I received proofs – just to be sure the covers looked good in print. I can’t sell the proofs in my store so am giving the entire set away to ONE person.
I prefer that you enter ONLY if you’ve not yet read the series. Also, you must agree to leave reviews for these books on Amazon, Goodreads and social media sites – only if you enjoyed the books!
Leave a comment letting me know that you want to enter! YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN ORDER TO BE ENTERED. By entering, you agree to join my email list. I will add your email to mailing list database – if it is not already included.
I found a copy of CARAMEL KISSES (which displays the old book cover) that has a bit of water damage. I can’t sell it, so, I’m going to give it away. If you want to be entered into the drawing – you must follow these instructions: Leave your name and email address on this blog post. When you leave your email address, you’ll automatically be added to my mailing list. I realize most reading this are already on my list – but – just need to make it clear that if the email address that is used is not my email database, then it will be added. Hopefully that makes sense.
If you win, you must agree to leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or social media. CONTINENTAL US ONLY!
I did a Facebook post recently – asking who had read Spare. The post blew up – 506 comments, 317 reactions, and 6 shares. I did a Youtube book review. Watch it and enjoy! #spare #princeharry #meghanmarkle #harryandmeghan #royals
My husband recently commented that we’d not had Krispy Kreme donuts in years. We normally buy them during our North Carolina trips – but had not taken the time to purchase them the last few times. They are also sold at local grocery stores – but we prefer the ones that are freshly made at the Krispy Kreme bakery. We discovered that we could get them delivered from a D.C. location – so we did! They were delicious!
They now have a specialty-themed, limited edition Pac Man donut collection. We wanted to try some of these but they weren’t available for delivery.
Do you have a Krispy Kreme bakery in your area? If so, do you ever indulge?
Hide and Seek
A cool thing about writing historicals is researching. In The Blacksmith’s Bride I have a scene where two people are playing hide and seek. While writing the scene it occurred to me that I wasn’t sure if kids played hide and seek back then – so I had to do some research!
Did you know that hide and seek has been played since ancient times? The method of playing was the same, where one person counts while the others hide. The last person who is found is usually the winner. The first person found is the loser and must be “it” for the next round. If the seeker can’t find everyone, then he/she will call out ” “Olly olly oxen free” and the still-hidden players would then come out. An earlier version of the game was ancient Greek and was called apodidraskinda.
As a child, I often played hide and seek with my friends and with my siblings. How about you? Did you play hide and seek when you were a child?
The Blacksmith’s Bride
I’m still writing The Blacksmith’s Bride – a historical novel set a few years after the Civil War. The Blacksmith’s Bride is the third book in the Romance Bride Series.
I’m enjoying writing The Blacksmith’s Bride as each character goes through an emotional journey of change and faith. Pre-order a copy for yourself and a friend!
Writing Services
As a reminder, I offer services where I work with writers who may need help with their fiction. Interested in working with me? Details here.
Events
I currently have one in-person event – scheduled for June 28th. More information here.
Our Country!
Remember to keep our country in prayer as all/some of these changes take place! At times, transitions do not run smoothly! Also, remember to pray for all that are suffering in our nation! Be sure to check on your friends and loved ones to be sure they are okay!
