Tag Archives: #smalltownromance

2 week countdown! #holidayromance #smalltownboy #ADickensholidayromance

I love me a good book release countdown, don’t you, hee hee?!

Need the preorder link? Let me help you with that: DMWTM

Leave a comment

Filed under Dickens Holiday Romance

#tuesdayteaser 10.15.2023

In just 2 weeks DON’T MESS WITH MISTLETOE goes live, so, of course, today’s teaser is from that!

(I swear, I’m a marketing genius – LOL Lol LOLOLOLOLO!)

The kitchen light was on as he came through the back door. Since he’d been the last one out the night before with his mother, he knew it had been off.

Had Winston arrived early?

Quietly, he pushed the door open enough to peek beyond it.

Surprise knocked the cautious adrenaline from his body. Even facing away from him, Michael recognized Julia Maryland seated at the table, a cup in one hand, a book on the tabletop in front of her.  Clad in a faded pink, terrycloth robe, her hair spilled around her shoulders in a chaos of untamed waves. He hadn’t seen it down yet, since she’d worn it in a knot on top of her head while she’d waitressed.

Why was she sitting in the diner kitchen at four-thirty in the morning, drinking what he assumed was a cup of coffee, in her robe?

Michael pushed the door open all the way and in a quiet voice, said, “Julia?”

It was as if he’d shouted. She shrieked, jumped up, and dropped the book in her hand all in one jerky motion. Thankfully, she had a better grip on the mug. Swinging around to face him, her free hand flew to her chest.

She hauled in a jagged breath. “You scared the heck out of me.”

“What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

“Amy gave me a key.”

“To the diner? Why?”

Julia placed the mug down on the table, landing it with an audible thud. It was then he noted how fiercely her hands shook.

“Not to the diner,” she managed to say after taking another breath. She lifted her hands to hug them around herself. “To the apartment. You don’t need a key to get in here from there.”

Confusion made him say, “The apartment? Upstairs?” which, he realized as soon as he said it, was a stupid question, because there was no other apartment but the one above the diner. “Why?”

She nodded. “I’m staying there.”

He shook his head. “You’re staying in the apartment?”

Another nod, then a head tick with a question. “You didn’t know?”

“No. I intended to move in tomorrow. I thought it made more sense I be on site if I’m running this place for a few weeks than staying out at the house.”

“Oh, I’m…I didn’t…know. Amy said since it was empty I could…” she flipped her hand in the air.  “I’m sorry.” She bit down on a corner of her lip. “Does your mom know you were planning to stay here?”

“Yeah, she does.” He shoved the keys in his coat pocket then shrugged out of it. He’d told her he was going to be moving in after Thanksgiving. Had she somehow forgotten? With everything going on, it was a distinct possibility. But he didn’t think she had. Amy Charles’ brain was stronger than a computer’s memory board. Once something was input, it was never erased.

The question was, why hadn’t she told him about Julia using the space?  He had a sneaking suspicion and it had nothing to do with it having slipped her mind. With an internal headshake, he chastised his mother for her matchmaking busybody-ness.

“I’m sorry,” Julia said again, twisting her hands together.

With a quick glance at the wall clock, he said, “Don’t be. If she’s letting you use it I’m sure there’s a good reason,” he put his hand up in the air when she opened her mouth again. “One I don’t need to know about.”

Intrigued? I hope so, Hee hee..

Watch the trailer here:

Add it to your Goodreads want to read list here: Goodreads

Preorder your copy here: DMWTM

Enter my Goodreads giveaway here: Giveaway

Leave a comment

Filed under Dickens Holiday Romance

Just a reminder…what #99cents will get ya!

My addition to the 2023 Dickens Holiday books releases on 11.1.2023. If you haven’t read the books in the Dorrit’s Diner series yet, you can catch up with the Charles family for just 99 cents each until release day. And DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE is currently available for preorder for just 99 cents. But that price won’t last after 11.1, so get in on the savings now!

FIXING CHRISTMAS: https://www.amazon.com/Fixing-Christmas…/dp/B09DDG9CQM

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?

SASHA’S SECRET SANTA: https://www.amazon.com/Sashas-Secret-Santa…/dp/B0B7ZHMPBP

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?

DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE([preorder) https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Mess-Mistletoe…/dp/B0CK55HFGD

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Dickens Holiday Romance

5 things to know about…

… Michael Charles, my hero in DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE, A Dickens Holiday Romance ( book 18): Dorrit’s Diner, available for preorder right now.

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.

Watch the trailer:

Add it to your WANT TO READ LIST on GOODREADS

Leave a comment

Filed under Dickens Holiday Romance

#Fridayfive 10.6.2023

Today’s #Fridayfive is all about my upcoming Dickens Holiday Romance release DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE, coming 11.1.2023

  1. it’s a small town romance
  2. it’s a holiday romance
  3. it’s about a pilot
  4. and a widowed mom
  5. adoption features very strongly in the book.

Enjoy!

Leave a comment

Filed under Dickens Holiday Romance

Booksprout #readandreview for DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE

If you’re a Booksprout reader and reviewer, I’ve got a treat for you. DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE, book 18 in the Dickens Holiday Romance series, is up over on Booksprout and available for download. The review needs to go up on release day, so you’ve got a month to read it – it won’t take that long, LOL!

Here’s the link to request to download: DMWTM

If you request and read it, I sincerely hope you enjoy it!!!

Leave a comment

Filed under Dickens Holiday Romance

Cover reveal coming soon for DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE: A DICKENS HOLIDAY ROMANCE (book 18)

It’s that time of year: holiday book release season. I’m part of the Dickens Holiday Romance series once again and this year my contribution is DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE, Michael Charles’ story.

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.

The complete cover will be revealed – along with the preorder link – on October 1st.

7 new stories will be added to the DICKENS HOLIDAY ROMANCE series this year, starting with mine on 11.2.2023.

DON’T MESS WITH THE MISTLETOE by Peggy Jaeger

Pilot Michael Charles is more comfortable up in the skies than on the ground. Waitress Julia Maryland has her feet planted firmly in Dickens.

Will a family emergency make Michael trade his vagabond lifestyle for a permanent one…with Julia?

KRINGLE ALL THE WAY by Judy Kentrus

Freja Sorensen is content baking prize-winning Kringle…until Axel Frost opens a hobby shop in Dickens.

Once a loving couple, they’d both suffered the pain of betrayal and heartbreak.

Is it possible Christmas is a time for forgiveness and maybe a second chance at love?

A SONG FOR CHRISTMAS by Lori DiAnni

Music teacher, Noelle Daniels, needs the perfect song for the annual Christmas fundraiser.

Rising country star, Matthew Carter, needs inspiration to write his next big hit and finds it in the small town of Dickens.

As they co-chair the school’s Christmas play, will they realize they make perfect music together?

A VERY MERRY MONDAY by Gracie Guy

What happens when you force together two competitive co-workers from the metro-New York area by assigning them to an offsite location in a charming New England town just weeks before Christmas? Bets get made, skiing accidents happen, sparks fly, and walls crumble. Is it coincidence or the magic of Dickens?

GAMES OF LOVE by Morgan Malone

It’s been a year of change.

Ruth adopted her best friend’s little girl and moved from Chicago to Dickens needing her family’s support. Bo’s job brought him from Texas, with hope for a new beginning to ease his grief. They’re not looking for love, but Hanukkah is all about miracles.

CHRISTMAS AT NORTH HILL by Jan Scarbrough

Sparks flew from the moment they met, but Joni’s independence has Chris wondering if he’s enough for her. Joni knows God loves her, but is she ready for a different kind of love? Can Joni and Chris discover that, just like Christmas presents, love comes wrapped in many packages?

STAGING CHRISTMAS by Kathryn Hills

A comeback queen with a tarnished tiara. A computer nerd in over his head. All it takes is a car crash, a rescue dog, and a century-old ski lodge to make them believe in holiday magic.

Leave a comment

Filed under Dickens Holiday Romance

#firstlinefriday 3.17.2023

From the third book in the MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Series, BAKED WITH LOVE. I have to admit, this is my fav story in the bunch because my heart just melts for a friends to lovers romance!!!

“Oh, my God, Maureen.” My sister Colleen’s voice rose a good two octaves from its normal sultry timbre. “Are those…penis pops?”

Yes, they are, dear reader. Yes, they are! LOL

BAKED WITH LOVE ( A Match Made in Heaven, book 3)

Innkeeper Maureen O’Dowd lives to cook and bake, spoils her family and friends, and is an expert at keeping secrets, especially about the man who’s held her heart for years.


Police Chief Lucas Alexander is dealing with an aging father and a moody teenage son, and he’s in love with a woman who only wants to be friends.


How can these two fiercely private people reveal their feelings for one another without destroying the friendship they already have? And if they’re successful, will another secret, if revealed, drive a wedge between Maureen and Lucas that can never be repaired?

Get BAKED WITH LOVE here: Universal link

Leave a comment

Filed under A Match Made in Heaven

#FirstlineFriday 3.3.2023

From the first book in my MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN series, DEARLY BELOVED

Now, who exactly in Colleen in this book, why would she respond to a 911 call and what the heck is the BAWL ROOM??? Is that a typo??

LOL. You’ll have to read the book to find out….

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.

And you can find the entire MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN series, here: MMIH

Leave a comment

Filed under Dearly Beloved

The final chapter in the DEERBOURNE INN series from Wild Rose Press #smalltownromance #weekendreads

Yesterday’s #firstlinefriday was from my Deerbourne Inn sweet romance HOPE’S DREAM. Five years ago The Wild Rose Press put out a call to authors to write a series about a small Vermont town called WILLOW SPRINGS. My addition was HOPE’S DREAM, which released on November 5, 2018, and the final book LOVE A LA CARTE by Carol Henry, is releasing on February 20th.

To commemorate this auspicious publishing endeavor, and to celebrate the end of the series, The Wild Rose Press is having a celebration on Tuesday night at our public Chat.

HOPE’S DREAM was the second book in the series and even though I wrote it 5 long years ago, I still think of it as one of my favorite titles.

Here’s a look at Hope’s Dream and then a little about the final book in the series, Love A la Carte.

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?

When Nathan Harte received a review that trashed his restaurant and reputation, he left New York to start over in Willow Springs, Vermont, at the Deerbourne Inn. Pleased with his new life and success, he’s preparing to receive an award for his achievements when trouble steps through his door—Chantel St. Ives, his ex and the author of the bad review. Is she here to repeat history?
Chantel, a food and wine critic, discovers Nate’s location at long last. She’s always wanted to explain what happened with her critique, but he disappeared. Now she’s determined to hash it out with him and hopefully rekindle the love they had, but he’s hostile and suspicious. Can she rebuild his trust?

All the books are stand-alone stories, but you will see many local characters flow between each one since the series is set in a small Vermont town. The books range from sweet to sexy, historical to contemporary, with even a little paranormal thrown in. They span the seasons and holidays, too.

Here are all the glorious covers.

As you can see, there are a host of award-winning and best selling authors who are part of this wonderful series.

You can read each of the books in the series, via ebook, here: DEERBOURNE INN

4 Comments

Filed under Deerbourne Inn, Hope's Dream