When I first started out in my writing career 11 years ago, I was a traditionally published author, meaning that a publishing house, WILD ROSE PRESS, published my first books. After that, I signed with Kensington/Lyrical Press, Limitless Press, and Magnolia Press at varying times. In all that time I felt safe and secure, knowing a publishing house had my back with editing, copyrighting, and distribution.
But there were and are drawbacks to being a traditionally published author without a big name in the industry. No advertising dollars get thrown toward your book, so you have to do all the marketing by yourself. The bigger names get the advertising bucks. You don’t get any kind of advance on your work, so you can go years with no royalty income. You have no say in your cover art. You can’t pick your editor and have to hope they have the same vision as you do for the book. Many times this is not the case. The biggest drawback to me is the time it takes from first view by an editor to actually getting your book into print and into the hands of readers. With some houses, it can take up to two years.
A lot can happen to a person in two years, no? So that time frame started proving prohibitive for me, and I made the brave ( foolish?) decision to go the indie author route and began self-publishing my books.
Drawbacks: same as with trad pubbing in the marketing department: I have to do everything and pay for everything. I have to pay for editing, cover design, and formatting. I’ll tell the truth and say I learned to do all those things myself so I could cut down on costs.
Better outcome: Independent publishing schedule means I can get my books in front of readers faster.
Best outcome: all the royalites ( such as they are) are mine. I don’t have to split with agents, publishers, ect.
One of the things my publishers never did was put my books in Kindle Unlimited, the subscription service of KDP/Amazon. The reason is because so little money is made for the publishers, even less for the author, with most of the money going directly to Amazon in the way of subscriptions from readers. So when I went indie, I put all my indie books into this service. I figured it was a good way to get my books and name in front of readers who ordinarily wouldn’t know who I was, what I wrote, or in what genre. If they didn’t have to pay, independently for my book, they just might want to read it more since I was an unknown author to them. This was the entire premise behind the KU subscription platform for me: get my books in front of readers who didn’t go searching for my books or name, independently.
It is safe to say I never made a killing in KU. I never even got to 100,000 page reads in total for all my books, which is a benchmark for writers. I had my books in KU for almost 6 years and never picked up any traction. Then, Amazon decided to change the rules of KU and allow readers to share digital copies among themselves with no reimbursement to the author.
So people could now read our book with no financial recompense to the author.
Can you say: HELL TO THE NO??!
Before this rule went into effect, I pulled all my books out of KU and did what we writers call “Go wide,” which in effect means I put all my books into Draft 2 Digital, where the service published them to Barnes and Nobel, Kobo, Smashwords, a few other divisions and libraries, like Hoopla and Overlook.
The amount of money I now make by going wide isn’t even comparable to what I was ( or wasn’t!) making in KU, so it was a wise publishing decision for me.
Is it a pain the neck to have to manage all these different publishing divisions all by myself? Yup.
Is it a time suck to get all the books formatted correctly and uploaded into the system without problems? Yup.
One of the drawbacks to D2D is that once you upload you can only make changes to your manuscript every 30 days. So if you find a typo and submit a new manuscript and then find another one, you have to wait 3 months. In KDp you can do it endlessly.
Is it worth it in the end to be a discoverable author on more than just amazon? YUPYUPYUPYUPYUP!
So, for me, pulling out of KU was the right thing to do. Maybe it isn’t for every author, and that’s okay. But for me? It was totally the right thing to do and I have zero regrets having done it.
If you are an author, I would like to hear your thoughts about KU and whether or not you utilize the service. Or if you don’t, why you don’t.
If you are a reader, I would like to know if you subscribe to KU, why, and if you feel it is worth the expense to you – or if it isn’t.
I don’t regret my decision to pull out of KU in the least.
“Cathy, don’t forget you’ve got the historical society luncheon today,” my secretary-slash-office-manager-be-all-end-all Martha told me as she placed a client brief on my desk.
Lawyer Cathleen O’Dowd wants to break free from her boring image. Widowed young, she’s toed the good-girl line but now wants a little fun and laughter in her days…and nights. Living in a small town, though, she can’t do anything that would tarnish her professional reputation.
Mac Frayne’s tragic past has turned him into a sullen loner. In town to write a book on the city’s founder, his plan is to get it done, then head home to his solitary existence.
When circumstances force them to work together, their opposing personalities clash, but the sexual attraction between them is palpable.
Can a simple affair with an end date be just the thing to brighten up their lives?
THIS book earned a BEST BOOK RATING from Long and Short magazine.
So, are you looking for a little sweetness this Valentine’s Day that doesn’t involve thousands of calories in chocolate or allergy-inducing floral arrangements? If so, I’ve got a deal for you.
3 WISHES is my Valentine’s Day romance and it’s the first book featuring the San Valentino family.
Valentine’s Day is chocolatier Chloe San Valentino’s favorite day of the year. Not only is it the busiest day in her candy shop, Caramelle de Chloe, but it’s also her birthday.
Chloe’s got a birthday wish list for the perfect man she pulls out every year: he’d fall in love with her in a heartbeat, he’d be someone who cares about people, and he’d have one blue eye and one green eye, just like her. So far, Chloe’s fantasy man hasn’t materialized, despite the matchmaking efforts of her big, close-knit Italian family.
But this year for her 30th birthday, she just might get her three wishes.
The ecopy is just 99cents, or if you prefer print, 5.99
Either way you read it, it’s a nice way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without and excess calories! Heehee
I’m so excited to announce my first official reader meet/greet/booksigning is coming up in 2 short months.
THE NEW ENGLAND BOOK BALL willo take place in the beautiful Mountain View Grand Resort and spa from April 25-26.
There will be over 55 authors, 3 narrators, and a few vendors all pariticipating in the weekend.
Multiple author panels on topics important to the book community are scheduled throughout the two days, in addition to a huge Ball planned for the night of Saturday, April 26th.
All in all, this weekend is sounding like it’s going to be, well, A BALL! lol.
So, I told you the other day that A CHEF’S KISS CHRISTMAS was a finalist in the New Jersey Golden leaf 2025 contest.
I’ve already ordered stickers for the front of the books from Vistaprint!
But I wanted to share the entire finalist list because I have some friends who are very talented writers who are also finalists.
Congrats to Jennifer Wilck, Clair Marti, Gracie Guy and Diana Rock and to all the other finalists in this great contest. You are all winners in my book! ( See what I did there, LOL?)
Right now I am participating in another chapter writing challenge to motivate me to finish the two books I’m currently writing. I need more motivation than just 1 month, though, so I am participating the NHRWA MARCH WINDS writing challenge to keep me going!
If you’re in a writing slump, or need to finish or start your next book project, please consider joining us for the challenge. Here’s the link to do so:
“9-1-1 Colleen! I’ve got a 9-1-1 in the Bawl room!”
(Why not start off with a bang, right? LOL
DEARLY BELOVED
Colleen O’Dowd manages a thriving bridal business with her sisters in Heaven, New Hampshire. After fleeing Manhattan and her cheating ex-fiancé, Colleen still believes in happily ever afters. But with a demanding business to run, her sisters to look after, and their 93-year-old grandmother to keep out of trouble, she’s worried she’ll never find Mr. Right.
Playboy Slade Harrington doesn’t believe in marriage. His father’s six weddings have taught him life is better as an unencumbered single guy. But Slade loves his little sister. He’ll do anything for her, including footing the bill for her dream wedding. He doesn’t plan on losing his heart to a smart-mouthed, gorgeous wedding planner, though.
When her ex-fiancé comes back into the picture, Colleen must choose between Mr. Right and Mr. Right Now.
DEARLY BELOVED was voted a 2019 TOP PICK in the BBB – the Book Buyers Best – contest.
Here a just a few of the 5 star reviews for the book:
See that big black dot? It’s next to my name as a finalist in the 2025 New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf contest! The finalist book is A CHEF’S KISS CHRISTMAS, my very last Dickens Holiday romance book.
To say I’m honored it too small a statement. I’m thrilled to be a finalist in this prestigious contest.
Even after 11 years of writing full-time, and over 70 books in print, entering writing contests is still a way for me to offset the horrible imposter syndrome that cripples me on certain days. And it’s a real thing. There are some mornings I worry that the words I put down that day are going to be trite, cliches, and worst of all – boring.
But then something like this happens and serves to validate that I can still tell a good story – so good, it’s a finalist in a writing contest.
So…yeah, I’m gonna keep entering contests, keep writing my books, and keep hoping someone, somewhere, is moved by my words.
Many of you know that several months ago I obtained the rights back to the first book in the NYC Socialites series, DIRTY DAMSELS. This was the book that started it all for me writing my female billionaire series, the tag line of which is: books about women who had it all, lost it all, then got it back – all on their own – finding love along the way.
Well, I took DIRTY DAMSELS, updated it, added an epilogue that I’d had to remove the first time around ( don’t ask) and today it went out into the book-reading world!
You can get your updated version on AMAZON or through my website for a reduced price.
DIRTY DAMSELS :THE BEGINNING
What happens when a modern day Cinderella has a one night stand with a man named Prince?
Cynderella Jones, Ella to her friends and family, owns a thriving and successful cleaning service called Dirty Damsels. 32, single and a self imposed recycled-virgin, Ella is looking to keep her company private. But when her business manager tells her he’s heard scuttlebutt about a takeover, she realizes she needs a plan to protect her business. Before she can, she has to navigate through a week where sick calls and marriages lighten her workforce. When she goes out on a cleaning call for a very influential client, she meets a man so hot, so exciting, she literally comes out of her exiled celibate-state and has a one-night fling with him.
But when Cynderella discovers he’s the frontman for the supposed takeover, she scrambles to protect her company…and her heart.
Dylan Keane knew if he hadn’t been forced to walk the straight and narrow by his parents he would have had a lucrative career as a con man insteadof a private investigator.
Cyber-security specialist Dylan Keane is working undercover to suss out a corporate thief. When he zeroes in on Harper Vale, he thinks he’s found his mole.
Harper has a reputation as a coding savant and an introvert. Dylan’s interest is flattering, but after she’s implicated in the theft of the company’s protected software, she doubts everything he’s told her.
When a series of potentially deadly accidents occur involving Harper, Dylan wonders if she is being set up to take the fall. One thing is certain: the more time they spend together, the more Dylan realizes he’s the one who’s falling—for Harper.
On a previous social media post, I mentioned that someone I’ve admired greatly turned out to be a magahole Because of this, I no longer admire them.
Let me be clear on a few points I believe, wholeheartedly.
~ Love is love is love is love. I don’t care what color you are, religion, creed, nationality, or who you identify as. You deserve to be seen, loved, honored, and revered as a child of God.
~ you love your children unconditionally no matter what pronouns they have and use. There’s no argument to be made here; it’s an absolute.
~my body is mine and the choices I make or don’t make concern no one but me, my family, and my doctors.
~ if you think people who don’t look just like you don’t belong in this country, but you’re not of Native American heritage, then look in a mirror, because you don’t belong here, either.
~ I believe what I see with my own eyes. I am not hypnotized into believing what a gaggle of corrupt, lying, power-hungry assholes think is what I should see. The Emperor is naked, kids. Believe your own eyes and the evidence you see with them.
~ Release the Epstein files if there is nothing embarrassing in them to Orangina.
~It was always about attaining power and money, never about any kind of love or support of the American people.
~ ICE is Orangina’s American Gestapo. Don’t believe that? Ask the families of Renne Good and Alex Perretti and the other people this murderous enclave have murdered recently.
~ absolute power corrupts, absolutely.
~ silence is cowardice and complicity.
~calling yourself a Christian and condoning what is happening in our country right now is not what the definition of Christianity or being Christ-like is.
Now, I write books, and as such I have an expectation to sell them. This is how I make a living.
But if I never sell another book because of my beliefs, then so be it.
If you think I’m delusional, have my head in my ass, and am a flaming lib-tard, so be it. I’m not. I’m actually an Independent, and have always been a strong fiscal conservative and a social liberal, plus a believer in the right to bear arms legally under strong gun laws, but you won’t believe that.
If you believe it’s okay to murder people in the streets of this country, or arrest them without due process, or deport them without legal representation, so be it. That’s on your soul, not mine.
I know with my whole heart that when I go to meet the Lord, he’ll know I was on the right side of history, humanity, and morality.
And I know it, too.
So if you disagree with any of the bullet points I’ve made, or you think I am wrong on any and every point, then go ahead and unfollow me on all platforms and don’t buy any future books of mine. We will both sleep better for it.
One more thing. I have no remorse for deleting negative comments, blocking magahole lies and rhetoric, and reporting abusive posts/comments/quotes/threats. And I’m an excellent researcher. Remember that lady who drove 3 hours to confront someone who posted hate-filled speech on her TikTok post? Yeah, that chick’s got nothing on my research and deep-dive skills. So, like Liam Neeson says, “I will find you.”
Today’s first line comes from my the second book in my Pride of Brothers series, Aiden.
“Here you go, sir.” The waitress dropped Aiden’s order next to his beer and placed the billfold alongside it. “I’ll take this when you’re ready.”
Lexi Buckley wants answers about her younger sister’s death. The police have labeled it a suicide, but Lexi doesn’t believe it. Stymied in her investigation, she doesn’t know where to turn next. After a chance encounter with a private investigator, she thinks her prayers have been answered.
Aiden Keane has never been an answer to a prayer before, but he agrees to help Lexi. A quirky combo of brains and beauty, the pixie blonde makes him feel things no professional ever should for a client.
When their investigation puts Lexi’s life in jeopardy, her safety becomes his number one priority. The hard part is not falling for her.
A high-speed car accident and the bombing of his wife’s car convince FBI SSA Tucker Petrie that he is the target of a killer. Discovering who the person is before another attempt is made becomes the focus of Tucker’s life. With his former partner and best friend, Kella Calloway, by his side, Tucker and his team form a shadow investigation into a series of FBI agent killings no one in power has connected the dots to yet.
With the clock ticking, and another agent killed, Tucker, Kella, and the team do everything in their power to put an end to the killer’s plan of revenge.
“Maybe you want to slow down the champagne chugging, Abs,” Gemma Laine said, her tone more suggestive of a parent than a sibling, as she lowered her camera and regarded her older sister.
Elite bodyguard and P.I. Rick Bannerman’s job is to protect. He doesn’t get emotional with his clients, but when a woman from his past is threatened, his next job becomes personal.
Family lawyer Abigail Laine is the target of a client’s vengeful husband, but refuses Rick’s offer of protection. He walked away from her four years ago, and she swore to forget him.
Now her reluctance to accept his help could cost Abby her life.
Today’s first line friday entry comes from my very first non-romance book, RETRIBUTION.
“How does it feel to know you’re dying, Agent O’Brian?”
6 teenage girls have been kidnapped, brutalized, and murdered in the Washington DC area and the FBI’s SPCD Unit – the Sexual Predators of Children Profilers – are nowhere close to finding the monster responsible. How are the victims chosen? How does the killer find them, contact them, lure them into his sick web? Questions the team has no answers for.
When a high-ranking US Senator’s daughter is the next victim, SPCD team leader, Tucker Petrie, is forced to call upon retired profiler — and his last partner — Kella O’Brien for help. Kella’s been out of the game for 10 years, but her expertise and insights into a serial killer’s mind are unparalleled. If anyone can discover who this madman is, it’s Kella.
But as the team rushes to prevent another young girl’s death, clues the killer leaves behind have Kella wondering if his endgame is all about…her.
Book 2 in my FBI Profilers series, VENDETTA, drops on 3.31.26. It’s up for preorder across all digital media and is also available in print.
Here are 5 things to know about the book to whet your appetite.
Tucker Petrie and Kella Calloway are back working together again.
FBI agents are being murdered but no one in authority has figured this out yet because the deaths look random.
Anna and Tucker are married and Anna is pregnant with their first child
A family annihilator is executed.
Tucker is involved in a car crash that almost kills him.
Here’s the blurb:
A high speed car accident and the bombing of his wife’s car convinces FBI SSA Tucker Petrie that he is the target of a killer. Discovering who the person is before another attempt is made becomes the focus of Tucker’s life. With his former partner and best friend, Kella Calloway, by his side, Tucker and his team form a shadow investigation into a series of FBI agent killings no one in power has connected the dots to yet. With the clock ticking, and another agent killed, Tucker, Kella, and the team do everything in their power to put an end to the killer’s plan of revenge.
Calling all readers! It’s a new year and I’m ringing in 2026 with N. N. Light’s Book Heaven New Year New Books Fete. 16 books from multiple genres featured plus a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, Retribution,is featured on today! I even talk about my resolutions/goals for 2026. You won’t want to miss it.
Bookmark this bookish get-together and tell your friends:
Did you make a resolution to read more books in 2026? Join in the festivities at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven New Year, New Books Fete. Fill your e-reader with 16 books plus enter the huge giveaway. https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/new-year-new-books-fete
SO for 2026, I am re-charging my #firstlinefriday blog post, where every Friday I will post the first line from one of my books.
Today’s book is the soon-to-be-released book VENDETTA, coming 3.31.26
“The relief was orgasmic.”
VENDETTA: The FBI Profilers
A high speed car accident and the bombing of his wife’s car convince FBI SSA Tucker Petrie that he is the target of a killer. Discovering who the person is before another attempt is made becomes the focus of Tucker’s life. With his former partner and best friend, Kella Calloway, by his side, Tucker and his team form a shadow investigation into a series of FBI agent killings no one in power has connected the dots to yet.
With the clock ticking, and another agent killed, Tucker, Kella, and the team do everything in their power to put an end to the killer’s plan of revenge.
Here’s hoping this year is better than 2025 because that one was a s**t-show if ever there was a year.
Now, every January 1st I choose a word for the year that will define, shape, and guide me through my career, life, and health. This year the word is: DISCIPLINE.
discipline | ˈdisəplən | noun 1 the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience: a lack of proper parental and school discipline. • the controlled behavior resulting from discipline: he was able to maintain discipline among his men. • activity or experience that provides mental or physical training: the tariqa offered spiritual discipline | Kung fu is a discipline open to old and young. • a system of rules of conduct: he doesn’t have to submit to normal disciplines.
2 a branch of knowledge, typically one studied in higher education: sociology is a fairly new discipline. verb [with object] train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience: many parents have been afraid to discipline their children. • punish or rebuke (someone) formally for an offense: a member of the staff was to be disciplined by management. • (discipline oneself to do something) train oneself to do something in a controlled and habitual way: every month discipline yourself to go through the file.
For 2026 I have specific goals that I want to meet – and will – by being disciplined in my daily life with regards to my career, personal relationships, and health. By staying focused and performing disciplined actions daily, I will meet them, that is assured.
Come along on this journey with me. And tell me…do you have a word of the year that you want to define the next 365 days of your life?
I’ve never done this publicly before, but since joining Booktok, I felt like I wanted to. This year I read over 100 books and every month I picked a favorite in my reading journal. These are the top 12, one for each month, that I chose. They were all 5 stars and amazing books. They were all pretty eclectic, too. An autobiography, a few suspense books, some women’s fiction and some romance. All were by authors I love – and a few new ones that have turned into one-click authors for me.
Death of a Spouse Alcoholism One-Night Stand Reverse Age-gap Gender Sexuality The emotional price of fame and celebrity
All of these topics are dealt with humorously and tenderly in the newest book by one of my one-click authors, Elissa Sussman, TOTALLY AND COMPLETE FINE.
The title is a misnomer because none of the main characters in this book are fine. Either totally, completely, or any other way.
The Parker family has known tragedy in spades. Lauren and Gabe lost their father at a young age; Lauren lost her husband Spencer, who was Gabe’s best friend, and now she is dealing with a confused, frightened, and moody teenager as a single mom. She lives in a small town and we all know how vicious and gossipy those can be.
Gabe is a mega movie star and invites them both to a movie shoot where Lauren meets his much younger bisexual costar, Ben Walsh. Sparks fly and the two (Lauren and Ben) enjoy a very hot interlude. Just once.
That’s enough for Lauren. Or so she thinks.
I don’t want to give out any spoilers, but this book was an emotional rollercoaster after that one-night stand that was so filled with drama balanced with humor that I had to finish it in one sitting.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and Random House for a sneak peek at this wonderful book. 5 stars from me. I highly recommend this author’s works and this book.
It is really a relationship if it’s based just on sex? Or kinky sex, really? That’s about at much of the plot as I a will to give away. Suffice it to say this was quintessential Hazelwood. Strong Stem character, this one a college diver. Quiet, reserved hero. Lots of sex. Kinky sex. Oh, my.
Bless her heart, this woman in everything! If you haven’t heard any of her Netflix specials, then read this book. If you HAVE watched any of her Netflix specials, then read this book! Just read this book. I listened to it via audio and Leanne narrates it, which is a blessing in itself. Her voice is her trademark and her life story is a woman’s anthem! 5 stars – which I could give it more!
Book three in this delightful series did not disappoint. There are many secrets woven into this story – for the main characters, the secondary characters, even the house they are all rehabbing. The ending, where everything is displayed, is perfection. Harper and Reid’s love story is a rocky one. Physical attraction is one this and they have it in spades. But for a relationship to foster they need to trust one another and for a large percent of the book they do not. But when they do, when they both finally let go of the fear, it’s a perfect union. 5 stars for this end of the series. Thankyou to Netgally and Lexi Blake for a sneak peek. The entire series was fab but this one was the best.
It’s no secret I am a huge Ali Hazelwood fan. I would probably read her version of the phone book if she wrote it. This latest work, PROBLEMATIC SUMMER ROMANCE is one of the reasons I adore her writing. Let’s be honest: it’s not just her writing. Hazelwood has the ability to make me forget I have work to do, dinner to cook, the dog to walk. Her stories are simply put: unputdownable. I inhaled this book. Read it in one sitting. And would do it again. Maya and Conor’s love story is so filled with angest, even I got nervous reading some parts that they would never find their hea. not to worry, though. A contemporary age gap romance that is not ick or cringe-y is rare, but this book is that rarity! I hate spoilers, so none here about the story, just a few highlights; Sicily Erupting Volcano Kickass/STEM heroine/witty and fun A doomed wedding that really isn’t…doomed Dogs Friends Lots of wine! 5 stars – wish I could give it more! Brava. Ms. Hazelwood.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s press for an advanced peek at JDRobb’s next In Death series book, FRAMED IN DEATH. The saying ‘art imitating life’ is turned on its ear in September of 2061. Someone is killing LCs ( Licensed Companions), dressing them up as famous paintings and depositing them on gallery-adjacent properties. The reader learns pretty fast the killer artist is a trust fund baby with ego and narcissism issues who thinks he’s the next best thing ever. Eve Dallas and her team are called in to investigate the first death, which rapidly accelerates to three victims in three days. Through non-stop investigative work and with everyone on the team from ME Morris down to New Detective Truheart, with ADA Reo and even Nadine Furst thrown in, the story quickly unfolds until a name is assigned to the killer. For the first time that I can remember in an IN DEATH book, the story doesn’t end with the typical “get themin the box and get a confession” scene. For the first time, we are taken into the arraignment hearing. I admit, I liked this. I liked Eve not getting a slam dunk out of the box. IYKYK that she will eventually, but the trip toward it is perfection. As always, these books just keep getting better and better and everytime a new one is released I am thrilled to revisit old friends. The shared house of Mavis/Leonardo and Peabody./McNab is finally finished and getting to visit with Bella is just perfection. Since Summerset was such a big facto in the previous book, Bonded in Death, he is only featured in one scene in this book and that was fine. The full story surrounded the police team and I’m glad we got to spend so much time with them. Another 5 star story from the Queen of Fiction.
What happens when two people who don’t think they’re worthy of love actually find it? With each other? HE FALLS FIRST, the newest fabulous book from Jill Shalvis, answers that question! Both Penny Rose and Ryder Colburn are the “responsible” people in their family’s lives. Penny helps support her grandmother and her little brother, while Ryder runs a family business. Neither have time for romantic love, and in fact, neither is looking for anything in that realm. Penny’s just come out of a physically and emotionally abusive relationship and Ryder has too many other responsibilities to add a woman to the mix. Now, if you believe in legends, the 3 shooting star legend of Star Falls, the town they live in, states that if you see 3 falling stars in a row, you’ll get your HEA. And guess what? One of them sees the stars. I hate spoilers so I’m not going to tell you who sees them, but when it happens, a lot of things fall into place in the story. Told with the wit and great banter that is common to a Shalvis story, the heavy themes of spousal death, grief, and domestic violence are interwoven into a very often laugh-out-loud narrative. Penny is awkward and feels she has a black cloud following her around, which may be true. An errant Cheeto tells a tale of this awkwardness ( IYKYK!) Thanks to Netgalley, Ms. Shalvis, and Sourcebooks Casablanca for a sneak peek at this soon to be released romance, the first in a new series – I can’t wait for the rest of the Colburn kids to get their HEAs!!! 5 stars for an emotional and fun read!
Brilliant. Simply…brilliant. Brilliant characters. Brilliant plot. Brilliant writing. There’s nothing I can say that comes close to describing how fabulous this book was. I simply adore Rory Moore and this story – her story is one of the best books i’ve read in quite a long time. Bravo, Mr. Donlea. Bravo.
Another 5 star story from the Queen of the futuristic police procedural! The death of a tech company nepo baby leads to the discovery of a vault filled with stolen priceless art pieces and jewelry decades in the hording. Eve Dallas is cited to solve the murder, but the discovery of the vault and what it houses poses problems in a very personal way. Her beloved Roarke was the thief of many of the items in the vault during his misspent youth. Keeping his name out of the investigation proves one of her biggest work challenges to date. When the current thief is identified by Eve, and proves to be an old nemesis of both she and her husband, the story takes a decided turn. Protect Roarke, recover the stolen items, solve the murder AND make sure the person responsible is sent away forever. No easy feat. One part of this story that I especially liked is the way Robb is softening up the relationship between Summerset and Eve. They will never be friends, but their animosity is definitely cooling and he respects the hell out of her, something he didn’t always feel. Twists, turns, suspects, and an international inquiry finally allow Eve to get her person – or in this case, persons – responsible for the murder and theft. I hate spoilers so you wont get any from me, but suffice it to say, the ending is pure Robb gold. 5 stars-wish_i-could-give-it-more from me.
The Colburn Bros. Book 2 , FREE FALLING is as wonderful a read as book 1 was. Maybe…even better. There’s Caleb, the middle brother in the trio. Former college hockey star. Charming, Witty. Sexy as all you know what. And for me the best part…he wears glasses! Swoon. But he has to wear them to ward off the migraines that cripple him from a devastating career-ending fall during a hockey game. Caleb works with his brothers in their rehabbing/construction business and has been put in charge of a new project. The lead architect of that project? Emma Sumner, a girl he knew in college and who was immune to his wit, charm, and celebrity status. Or so he thought… Emma is at a crossroads in her difficult life. She has no real job – she is just subbing for an architect out on maternity leave right now – her apartment building recently burned down so she has nowhere to live but her car, and she has no touchstone family like Caleb does. In college, she was the smartest girl int he room, the one that did 99 percent of the work and took no credit while Caleb got 100% of the adoration. To say she’s not his biggest fan is to downplay her feelings. But…the more these two work together, the more they each realize they were wrong about the other. Caleb comes to see her as someone so worthy of the love she’s never gotten from anyone, and Emma learns that the man she thought was shallow and narcissist is anything but. He’s adopted two boxers he found abandoned; his once abusive father now lives with him. He cares for his niece and nephew and his siblings as if his life depends on. Is it any wonder Emma falls for him, hard? Is it any wonder I did, too? LOL Thank you to Jill Shalvis for an advanced reader copy of what is sure to be one of my top 5 books of 2026! 5 stars- why can’t I give it more??
Any story by Annabel Monaghan is a must read for me. DOLLY ALL THE TIME has everything I love about her writing. Witty dialogue, a strong female character, a quiet love story that develops naturally and without and ridiculous plot clichés.
This is a fake dating, later in life romance between two people who are absolutely perfect together.
Dolly Brick, single mom, never married, comes back to her hometown for the summer to help her father with his business after a fire at her childhood home. If Dolly were a man she’d be called a factotum – someone who can do everything from plastering to changing a tire, to installing drywall, to managing a business. She is wired for leadership.
Stewert Whitfield, scion to the Whitfield family real estate business, is her polar opposite. He does business stuff. That’s all. He can’t even change a blown tire, which is how these two meet on one of the worst days of his life. His fiancée has been seen canoodling with another man and now Stewert feels his family will not be able to trust his judgement with running the family business and will choose his horrible cousin Grant to run it instead. Grant is everything Stewert is not, most of all, married.
Fiance-less he offers Dolly a proposition: Pretend to be his girlfriend and he’ll make it worth her while, financially.
This deal can’t come at a more opportune time for Dolly because the roof on her family home needs to be replaced. A bargain is struck, and the two begin a fake dating relationship.
Of course, this turns out to be more than either of them expected, and through the lovely telling of their fall into love, Monaghan gives us insight into how two opposites can make a whole.
I adored this book and just know it’s going to be another bestseller for this talented author. 5 stars – wish I could rate it more!
There’s nothing I love more to read than a heroine I can get behind one million percent, and in Katherine Center’s new romcom, THE SHIPPERS, I found that person in Josephine “JoJo Burton. Wicked smart – hey, she’s a STEM math gal, ridiculously funny and quick witted, she is also gloriously flawed in the love and relationship department. She’s dumped every guy she’s ever dated, and now she’s leaving her fiancé at the altar. The reason she can’t commit to one guy? Well, she thinks it’s because none of them have ever given her the heart-stopping kiss she received when she was 10 years old ( yeah, you read that right!) from her heartthrob, neighborhood boy Finn. But now she’s going to be on a wedding cruise with him for 8 days while her sister gets married, so JoJo’s determined to make Finn fall in love with her because she really thinks he’s the one. JoJo’s best friend-for-life, Cooper Watts, doesn’t agree. But he’ll do anything to make his bestie happy, including buying into her plan to make a guy who’s so wrong for her fall in love with her. What ensues is a tale of miscommunication, missed timed, and everlasting love. Before the story begins, the author tells us that she loves a romance story because you always get the happily ever after, and that’s what we’re all searching for. It’s the journey to that HEA that matters, the growth, the longing, the commitment. In THE SHIPPERS, Ms. Center has given us an HEA that was decades in the making and so satisfying, I re-read the last two chapters three times because I was so happy. Brava for an amazing story of love, longing, forgiveness, and humor. 5 stars-wish-I-could-give-it-more
And my absolute favorite book of the year was… THE SHIPPERS. Everything I want in a book and a FMC was in this story!! Everything.
Can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for me!!!
While the plot of this tale was good – really good! – it took forever for something to happen. Sop much telling, rehashing, and backstory told out of sequence. I struggled to finish it, glad I did because the payoff was nice. But still… not the best thing I’ve read, to be sure …more
MY 2025 BOOKS
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My last review of the year
it was amazing
this book was way too short!!! I Want more Vero and Victor!!!! So good. So good!!!
If you’re looking to stuff that kindle/ nook or however you read digitally, now is the time. Midnight, January 1, starts a new year and the end of this amazing sale.
On a very cold and windy December 26, 1987, I got married.
Yeah…it surprised me, too! Lol
From those first seven years in Wisconsin, which saw us buy our first home, experience parenthood, and sit on too many hospital and community boards to remember…
To our move to New Hampshire and the new life we started.
From all the family vacations and visits…
and my ever-changing weight and hair…
To our daughter’s marriage…
and becoming grandparents ( which we both agree is just the best thing ever!)
From the good times, the bad, the illnesses, the family deaths; our first dog, cat, and rabbit, and now our present “baby”
We’ve weathered every storm, every hiccup, every setback, every difference of opinion, by remembering the three tenets we always agreed on: Family, Faith and Finances.
Here’s to the next 38 years…still dancing through life together.
Since I’ve been working so diligently these past few months on a few new projects for 2026, I figured now was a good time to start promoting them – which in itself is a shameless plug for my work, but…hee hee.
First…new books.
March brings VENDETTA, the second book in the FBI Profiler series.
A high-speed car accident and the bombing of his wife’s car convince FBI SSA Tucker Petrie that he is the target of a killer. Discovering who the person is before another attempt is made becomes the focus of Tucker’s life. With his former partner and best friend, Kella Calloway, by his side, Tucker and his team form a shadow investigation into a series of FBI agent killings no one in power has connected the dots to yet. With the clock ticking, and another agent killed, Tucker, Kella, and the team do everything in their power to put an end to the killer’s plan of revenge.
In May, I’m releasing a book about the grieving process I went through when my mother died, suddenly, in 2023, titled, “My love to you all.”: A daughter’s journey through grief.
“Grief comes in waves, tsunamis, and droplets.”
When her mother died unexpectedly, Peggy Jaeger used her writing blog to help her navigate through her grief. Detailing her mother’s tortured life – and their oftentimes contentious relationship – allowed her to understand the decisions and events that comprised her mother’s 87 years and made her the woman she’d grown to be. With brutal and, at times painful honesty, Peggy details her mother’s life; one that knew suffering, heartache, supreme loss, mental illness and paranoia.
This is the story of how two women – mother and daughter – learned the power behind the gift of forgiveness and helped Peggy come out on the other side of her grief a stronger, wiser, and more understanding person.
No date is set for this book yet, but another suspense, CHILDREN OF THE PROPHET, will hopefully becoming to you sometime in the early fall.
I don’t have the blurb officially written for this yet, but the premise came to me a few years ago when the 25th anniversary of Waco occurred. I watched a documentary about it and started wondering what in the world happened to all the kids who’d survived the tragedy. That’s when an idea sparked about 2 girls, members of a religious cult, and a similar tragedy occurs and they are left as the only survivors. What happened to their lives as they grew up? This one is a suspense and there have been times when I’ve been writing it I’ve had to step away because it’s…too much.
As far as reprints go, I got the rights back to Dirty Damsels and am going to release it under my own brand, independently, probably in July 2026. Here’s the new cover – and I’ve added an epilogue and changed a few things inside, so if you’ve already read it, there are some new parts you might want to explore.
What happens when a modern day Cinderella has a one-night stand with a man named Prince?
Cynderella Jones, Ella to her friends and family, owns a thriving and successful cleaning service called Dirty Damsels. 32, single and a self-imposed recycled-virgin, Ella is looking to keep her company private and her bed empty of going-nowhere relationships, But when her business manager tells her he’s heard scuttlebutt about a takeover, she realizes she needs a plan to protect her business. Before she can, she has to navigate through a week where sick calls and marriages lighten her workforce. When she goes out on a cleaning call for a very influential client, she meets a man so hot, so exciting, she literally comes out of her exiled celibate-state and has one hot night of passion with him.
But when Cynderella discovers he’s the front man for the supposed takeover, she scrambles to protect her company…and her heart.
That’s it for now. I have a new series in the works but want to keep it on the down low for a while because I want to get at least two of the books written before I start promoting it…but it’ll be a goodie!
Every year I make a new vision board for the year ahead of me.
Why, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you…
A Vision Board allows me to see, visually, what I want to manifest in my life for the year ahead. Whether it’s financially, career-wise, or in personal relationships, defining and actually seeing every day what I want my life to look like is something I believe in, wholeheartedly. I truthfully feel if you speak what you want into the universe, and make a visualization of those wants, they will come true for you.
This is my 2026 vision board: (ignore my feet at the bottom of the photo!)
There are some key elements I want to point out.
My word of the year, 2026, is DISCIPLINE. ( more on that in another blog to come)
my mantra of the year, 2026 is SUCCESS IS MY DESTINY
I am dreaming BIG for this year and manifesting an increase in book sales, personal wealth and in my relationships.
I am going to be FOCUSED and FEARLESS in my undertakings as I try several new things to elevate my writing career, gain new readers, and increase sales of my books.
This board sits on the windowsill in front of my desk ( as do all my vision boards each year) so that I can look at it several times a day while working and remember the goals I have for the year. I will speak into the universe over and over the things I want to happen to my life, and while I am speaking them, I am performing tasks to ensure they happen.
You may think this sounds like a lot of hooey, nonsense, and extra work that isn’t needed. If you think that, fine. I won’t try to change your mind. I’ll just tell you two facts.
11 years ago, I wrote a story and entered it in a contest. My vision board that year (2014) had a picture that said, “Get published this year.” I won the contest, and my first traditionally published book was contracted and published in 2015.
5 years ago ( 2020) while in the middle of lockdown, my vision board had a picture that said, “I want to teach.” I did 4 writing lectures via zoom that year when I had never done any before, and since then have gone on to do dozens in person and via zoom.
Still believe it doesn’t work? Okay. But for those of you who see this as a tool to change your views on what you want in life and how to get it, a vision board just may be the thing that takes you there, or at least to the next level.
If you have questions, or if you are in a writing chapter and need a guest speaker, I actually have an entire class on vision boards. Just hit me up and we can discuss.
Saturday, 12.13.25, I attended the premier A VERY MERRY BOOKMAS FAIRE in Manchester, NH. When I say premier, it was because this was the first time this event has been put on. Billed as a holiday book fair, it was meant to draw romance readers and encourage a little book holiday shopping. As a first time event, I had some hopes it would go well, but my expectations weren’t too high because it was, after all, a first time event.
I lovelovelove when I am wrong. And I was…SO WRONG!
Not only was this the most organized event I have been at in years ( YEARS!) it was also unbelievably well attended by the romance book reading community. I spoke with two women who drove 4 hours to attend that morning. Several had stayed over in hotels the night before, having traveled from up to six and seven hours away!!
MINDBOGGLING, I tell you. And so very heart-warming.
Lila Gray and her incredibly well-trained crew of volunteers, were what made this event the absolute success it was. I have never been to an event where the authors and readers were so well taken care of and seen to. This is what a reader event should be. I even told Lila at the end that I think she should do this full time – be an event organizer, because she is brilliant at it!! She is also a brilliant writer, so I don’t think she’s going to take me up on my suggestion, lol!
I met so many wonderful readers and influencers that I actually follow on Instagram and TIktok! And guess what? They follow me, too! Again…mindboggling.
I am a horrible picture taker when I am at these events because I am always so busy talking to people, selling my books, and generally having a great time that I forget to use my phone and snap away. These are the only ones I took before the event started of my table:
Whenever I go to one of these events I am hopeful I will sell a few books to new readers. This event? I sold out of 4 titles ( a first for me!) and did some serious sell-damage to the rest. Everyone was in the mood for holiday romance books, and these are the titles I brought with me.
I came home exhausted because the drive was 1.5 hours for me, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but my sciatica says it’s too much, lol, but so elated emotionally, spiritually, and career-wise that I had trouble sleeping Saturday night because my excitement level was still so high.
I saw old, treasured author friends and readers, and made some new reader friends as well.
In all, it was day I am not going to soon forget. I can’t do the event in 2026 ( and yes, it’s already booked solid with authors) but I am hopeful Lila Gray, the organizer, will let me know when the 2027 sign up form comes out because I am definitely going to move hell and high water to be at that one! Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers. I seriously don’t know how you will surpass this event next year, but you know what? I have a feeling you will.
Happy holidays, everyone. And don’t forget: Books make great gifts!
So, today’s book isn’t a romance or holiday love story, but a love story about…food.
The DICKENS HOLIDAY ROMANCE COOKBOOK, titled IT’S A DICKENS OF A COOKIE is chockful of delicious and festive sweet recipes you can serve your guests (and yourself!) during the holiday season- or really any time of the year.
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Dickens … the Dickens kitchens that is!
The authors of the Dickens Holiday Romance Series are baking up a storm to make your holiday perfect. Look for new recipes this year. Plus, many, many more from previous years.
The series authors wish you and your loved one a joyous holiday season!
No tropes in this one, kids…just fun food to savor and die for!
So this book is in another series, not the Dickens, but the HEAVEN’S MATCHMAKER one. I’m including it because LOVE MATCH takes place during the holiday season. You can tell just from the cover flower arrangement it’s a holiday book!
Running away from a public scandal may be cowardly, but to Layla Warton, it’s her best option.
After her politically connected fiancé is indicted for a laundry list of crimes, Layla wants to put the public ridicule and shame of her guilty-by-association status behind her. Not easy to do when all her supposed friends and supporters lose her number and the taint of scandal-adjacent destroys the successful design business and life she’s built for herself.
Happy childhood memories and the blessing of a local friend push her toward the tiny New England town of Heaven where she spent summers with her loving grandparents. Hiding out in the town until the scandal dies down is the perfect plan.
With the paparazzi hot on her tail, an ancient family home she needs to get livable, and a contractor too hot for her sanity, Layla worries she’ll never be able to get her old life back.
But would that really be such a bad thing?
Tropes: small town, matchmaker, starting over, public scandal, surviving celebrity, later in life, divorce, and second chances at happiness
So the next book on my list isn’t necessarily a Christmas book, but a Thanksgiving one. Since the holidays around this time of year all get lumped together, I figured why not include it. It’s only available if E-copy, so you’ll need an ereader to get it.
Hope Kildaire gave up her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner when a car accident killed her father and left her mother an invalid. Working two jobs and caring for her mother leaves the twenty-seven-year-old with no time for fun or relationships. When a law firm representing her paternal grandparents sends her several letters, Hope ignores them. She despises the family who disowned her father and wants nothing to do with them.
Lawyer Tyler Coleman’s job is simply to obtain Hope’s signature on a legal document. Getting it is harder than planned, though, when an unexpected attraction blossoms between them. If Ty is honest with Hope about why he’s in Willow Springs, he’ll fulfill his assignment but may risk hurting her.
The opportunity to have everything she’s ever desired is at Hope’s fingertips. Will her dream come true at the expense of Tyler’s love?
Tropes for this little gem include: smalltown, holiday vibe, surviving loss, independent woman, inheritance, bettering yourself, family strife and secrets, and past tragedy
Just a reminder, kids, I have a bunch of my books for sale on the SMASHWORDS end of 2025 sale – some are half price, some are dropped by 75%!!! this would be a good time to take a stroll over to the site and see for yourself. There are thousands of books on sale this year, so have fun choosing ( and I hope you choose mine! LOL) When you get to my page, scroll all the way down, don’t just stop at the top. Many of the books are listed way down the page. I wouldn’t want you to miss any of the sale prices.
Back to Dickens for my final addition to the series. A CHEF’S KISS CHRISTMAS. This story was difficult for me to write because the underlying theme was death of a spouse from Covid. But I felt the story needed to be told no matter how upsetting it was to me to write it. I was able to inject some humor into the tale so that helped. And of course the ending didn’t hurt!!!
Successful Chef Anton Saparosa had the perfect life. Great marriage; beautiful and adoring wife; trendy, SoCal restaurant frequented by celebrities – many of them his friends. Then Covid hit. Anton’s perfect life dissolved before his eyes. With nothing left to keep him in California he starts an itinerant cross-country journey searching for something to give his life meaning again. Happenstance lands him in the tiny town of Dickens just as Dorrit’s Diner is thrown into chaos. Literary Agent Portia Avon needs a rest. A messy divorce has her craving quiet and the company of her friend and client A.B. Cards, nee Abra Bree. She comes from the western heat of California to the eastern cold of Dickens and plans to do nothing but rest, relax, and read during her holiday stay. When Portia spots a familiar face in Dorrit’s, she’s confused. Why is Anton Saparosa, one of the most recognizable chefs in California, working as a fry cook in Abra’s mom’s diner, and going by the name Tony Smith?
A question Portia wants an answer to, but one Tony isn’t willing to share, especially with a woman he can’t stop thinking about.
Here ya go, you trope peeps:
small town, christmas vibe, celebrity chef, cooking, surviving loss, loss of a spouse, Post-Covid, mental illness, depression, finding oneself after tragedy,
Today’s story is Michael Charles. A terrible, horrific past as a child lead him to be nonverbal and fearful. Amy Charles’ love helped him heal and grown to a successful man. He comes home for Christmas never expecting to find something he didn’t even know was missing in his life. DON”T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE is a heartwarming sweet romance that will make you believe in miracles – and not just for the holidays!
It’s the holiday season in the tiny town of Dickens and pilot Michael Charles is home for his annual visit. His wanderlust has him itching to get back up in the skies as soon as possible, especially since he’s got a full schedule of rich and famous clients waiting to be transported to warm, exotic locales for the winter.
When his heavily pregnant sisters present him with a plan to give their workaholic mother some time off from managing the family diner, he balks. But one look at how tired the woman who took him into her home and heart is, and Michael agrees to run Dorrit’s Diner for a month so Amy Charles can get some well-deserved rest.
He’ll be back in the skies by the New Year.
The diner staff functions like a well-oiled machine, most of them long-term employees. The exception is new waitress Julia Maryland. The beautiful blonde has a past filled with heartache, a charming six-year-old daughter, and a smile Michael could spend the day getting lost in. But starting a relationship with her wouldn’t be wise because his visit is temporary and Julia seems like a permanent kind of girl.
When a family emergency requires him to rethink and reassess his life, Michael wonders if it’s time he becomes a permanent kind of man.
Tropes abound in this one:
small town, holiday vibe, coming home, divorce, found family, alcoholism, friendship, adoption, losing your way, surviving loss.
For those of you who know, in November I did a book sales fundraiser for one of my favorite local food banks, FEEDING TINY TUMMIES.
For every book I sold in digital or print, I donated 20% of the royalties to the organization. But then I remembered I had a new release in November, YOU’RE MY MATCH, so I decided to donate 100% of all the royalties on sales of that book to the pot.
When all was said and done, I was able to send a check to the organization for $200.00. Not as much as I’d have liked, but here’s the thing most non-writers don’t know. When I sell an ecopy of my book ( kindle, nook, kobo, ) i make .35 cents a sale. When I sell a print copy of the book, I make $2.10. So you can see why most writers have a day job – we’re never going to get rich off our royalties.
The majority of the sales I made in November were kindle, but some readers, knowing about the fundraiser, went all out and ordered print copies either directly from me or from retailers, so that helped me up the donation a bit.
To everyone who took the time to go on the fundraising journey with me I say a profound and heartfelt THANKYOU! As someone who dealt with food insecurity and working-class poverty as a child, organizations such as TINY TUMMIES do so much good for so many families.
But the need for funds to help them isn’t only relegated to the holiday season. These types of organization need funds all year long, so if you can find it in your heart to donate to the ones of your preference throughout the year, and not just during the Christmas donation-ask rush, you’d be doing a great service to others.
I’m not usually big on Bible verses or quotes, but these two speak to me all the time:
Isaiah 58:7 says “Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless.”
Matthew 25.35 says,” For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
We’re a week into it already and today’s book is one of my favorites because it’s about a nurse.
SASHA’S SECRET SANTA tells the story of Amy Dorrit Charles’ second adopted daughter, Sasha. Her love interest is one of my favorite guys because he’s caring and works hard. Plus, there’s a whole secret santa game in the book that has a nice twist at the end!! ( At least, I think it’s a nice twist, lol.)
After a terrifying incident derails Sasha Charles’ career and confidence, she moves back to her hometown of Dickens to heal, reorganize, and start over.
The only problem? The paralyzing panic attacks that plague her whenever she thinks about going back to nursing. Sasha is mentally, and emotionally stuck, and has no idea how to move forward.
Steve Caldwell is the new Director of Services at Dickens Memorial Hospital. After witnessing her save the life of a local resident in Dorrit’s Diner, he knows Sasha would be perfect for the new trauma center he’s planning. When she refuses his job offer outright, he sets out to change her mind.
But Sasha has thick, protective walls erected around her so Steve must first break through them. With patience and kindness, he does. As the two grow closer, each begin to have second thoughts on what their futures should look like, until idle, small town gossip threatens to derail their budding relationship.
With the imminent arrival of Christmas, will Steve be able to convince Sasha he has her best interests at heart?
For the trope lovers: small town, holiday vibe, PTSD, coming home, surviving tragedy, secrets, moving on, divorce, adoption, found family.
Friday you read the origin story for Amy Dorrit and her discovery of an abandoned baby on Christmas eve. Today’s book, FIXING CHRISTMAS, tells the story of that grown up baby, Abracadabra Charles.
Christmas has never filled writer Abra Charles with undiluted pleasure.
If you’d been left on a doorstep on Christmas Eve morning, you might have a few issues with the holiday as well.
Abra’s avoided her hometown of Dickens for the past twenty Christmas seasons, but now she’s returned in an attempt to get her writing mojo back. Twice-divorced and with her third engagement ending in heartbreak, anger, and blackmail, Abra is now six months behind on submitting her current book. She hopes renting Copperfield House and immersing herself in solitude will cure her writer’s block and get her life back on track. The house she rents isn’t helping her achieve her goal, though, as one thing after another breaks, collapses, or floods.
Colton Bree, Dickens’ very own Mr. FixIt, can’t help but wonder if the new resident of Copperfield House is cursed. After being called to repair a broken window, he’s then needed to fix an exploding coffeepot, an overrunning toilet, and a washing machine that has a mind of its own. Bree doesn’t mind all the unexpected repair jobs, though, because the sexy renter is something to look at despite being a little neurotic and a whole lot of snarky.
Can Abra get her book done with all the distractions and craziness of her life, the biggest distraction being the flannelled hunk with the bedroom eyes and scowling yet oh-so-kissable mouth? Or will Dickens’ Mr FixIt have to step in and save the day and in so doing, fix Christmas for Abra forever?
For you trope girlies, this one has: A grumpy/sunshine theme with the roles reversed; abandonment and trust issues; death of a spouse; adoption issues, and a small town holiday vibe
The second addition to the DICKENS HOLIDAY ROMANCE series from me was another novella, this time an origin story. In my first book I’d had a character appear that I just fell in love with and wanted to tell her story. the only issue? She was in her sixties, maybe even 70s when I introduced her. So…I did an origin backstory for Amy Dorrit of DORRIT’S DINER.
It’s Christmas Eve morning in the tiny New England town of Dickens. Santa’s arrival is imminent, and a hint of snow is in the air.
Amy Dorrit is just about to open her popular diner for the breakfast rush when she discovers an abandoned baby on her back doorstep.Amy knows she should call the authorities and turn the infant over to them, but she just can’t. Thoughts of her own abandonment as a baby flood through her and she wants to keep the little one out of the hands of the authorities until the mother – hopefully –returns.
But will the mom come back? And if she doesn’t, what is Amy prepared to do about the baby who has, already, claimed her heart?
If you’re a trope person, this one has abandoned baby; friends to lovers; small town vibes and a holiday miracle.
For those of you who don’t know, the DICKENS HOLIDAY ROMANCE series is a book community of authors who collectively write holiday romances centering around the fictional town of Dickens. The original series was 10 authors who each wrote a novella that was placed into an anthology. After the amazing response we garnered the first holiday season, we decided to branch out and write full-length books for the next year. And the next. And it’s still going strong. I have 6 books in the seires and for the next 6 days I’m going to be showing them to you, starting with that first novella.
ANGEL KISSES AND HOLIDAY WISHES.
Can a first love be rekindled when the past is filled with heartache?
After a personal tragedy, Sage Hamilton left the town she’d grown up in and the boy she’d given her heart to. With a vow never to return, Sage forged on with her life in order to forget the sadness of her past.
Keith Mills loved Sage from the first moment he spotted her ambling down the hallway of their middle school. And she’d felt the same about him. Or so he’d thought until she’d walked away from everything they’d meant to one another with a tearful and rushed goodbye.
But now, eighteen years later, she’s back and, as the town’s new doctor, it looks like she’s staying. Can Keith put the hurt of Sage’s dismissal to bed for good? And will she want to rekindle the love that had burnt so bright all those years ago?
And now we come to the one San Valentino book that wasn’t published by the Wild Rose Press, but by me, independently, MISTLETOE, MOBSTERS, & MOZZARELLA.
I can assure you, nothing about that title was left to chance! I had a specific image for the book, and a plotline that was part funny, part heartwarming, and a little bit dangerous in mind, so the title is perfect for the story between the covers.
Finding a body in the freezer of the family deli isn’t the way Madonna San Valentino planned to start her day.
Adding insult to injury, the investigating detective is the one guy she’s never been able to forget. After seven minutes of heaven in the back seat of his car when they were teenagers, Tony Roma skipped town without so much as a thanks for the memory.
Just when Madonna thinks the present situation can’t get any worse, Tony is ordered to go undercover at the deli to ferret out a killer. Forced to work together, she vows to keep their relationship cool and professional. But with the sexy, longing looks he tosses her at every turn, Madonna’s resolve is weakening.
With Christmas drawing closer and Tony’s investigation taking an unexpected turn, Madonna is at her wit’s end. Can she really be falling for him again? And will he wind up leaving her brokenhearted and alone like the last time?
Many of you know I am a member of my local New Hampshire chapter of Romance Writers of America ( RWA). We are always brainstorming ideas on how to get more members, fundraise for the chapter, and discover ways to encourage one another with our writing, plus cheer on writing in others.
Well… March 2026, we’re trying something new: a writing challenge.
What better excuse do you need to stay inside and write than to keep away from those wicked winds?? Even if you live somewhere that’s warm ( I’m jealous!!) you can still join us!!
And I really hope you do join us!! You’ll be getting daily encouragement from our members plus a sense of community that’s supportive and caring while you create away.
Today, the second book in the San Valentino Christmas romances, CHRISTMAS AND CANNOLIS is highlighted.
For this book, I wanted my heroine to have a sad past. Why? Because I think triumphing over tragedy to find joy after heartache is such a worthwhile trope, don’t you? But how to do it, and still have the story filled with the essence of the crazy San Valentinos? Well, since the heroine, Regina, is Uncle Sonny’s daughter, the humor kinda wrote itself!
With Christmas season in full swing, baker Regina San Valentino is up to her elbows in cake batter and cookie dough. Between running her own business, filling her bursting holiday order book, and managing her crazy Italian family, she’s got no time to relax, no room for more custom cake orders, and no desire to find love. A failed marriage and a personal tragedy have convinced her she’s better off alone. Then a handsome stranger enters her bakery begging for help. Regina can’t find it in her heart to refuse him.
Connor Gilhooly is in a bind. He needs a specialty cake for an upcoming fundraiser and puts himself—and his company’s reputation—in Regina’s capable hands. What he doesn’t plan on is falling for a woman with heartbreak in her eyes or dealing with a wise-guy father and a disapproving family.
Can Regina lay her past to rest and trust the man who’s awoken her heart?
I am super stoked for my last author/reader event of 2025 – A VERY MERRY BOOKMAS taking place in Machester, NH.
Take a look at all the wonderful authors who are taking part in this Holiday Book event! In addition, there are some fabulous Book Influencers and Vendors who will be there as well.
Since this is a HOLIDAY book Event, I’m bringing ALL – yes ALL – my holiday books. The entire DICKENS HOLIDAY ROMANCE line, including the 2025 Cookie cookbook, and all my Christmas SAN VALENTINO family holiday rom-coms as well. Plus, I’ve got extra copies of the anthology, LOVE, LATTES, and Holiday tales, which is no longer in print!!
If you want to preorder any of the books – including any that I’m not bringing – you can do so by using this order form to ensure you get the books you want. PEGGY BOOKSTORE
If you’re looking for a fun event that’s book related with the added special ingredient of ROMANCE – this event is for you!
By now you all know that for the entire month of November, since the last government shutdown and the suspension of the SNAP benefits to families and children, I have been trying to do my part to help my local family food organization, TINY TUMMIES, raise funds to help them help others.
If you purchase any book in my catalog this month, I am donating 20% of each sale to Tiny Tummies. If you purchase my newest book, YOU’RE MY MATCH, I am donating 100% of the royalties for this month to the organization. I am trying to do my part to help and give back.
I was a victim of food insecurity as a child, and many times we had nothing but mayonnaise and bread for dinner. Not the most nutritious meal in the world, and something, which, I feel contributed to my 40+ year eating disorder. If I can make one child feel more secure by giving them a few meals to eat that are nutritious and will help them grow, I feel it is my duty to do so.
So…won’t you help me help them? And if you don’t want to buy one of my books to do this, no worries. Maybe you’d like to donate to them directly with a cash gift. If so, here is their information. FEEDING TINY TUMMIES
Peggy Jaeger, Author 