Surprise by Pat Simmons

A secret is hard to keep. Actually, it's burdensome, but depending on the occasion, it can be thrilling if it brings joy to someone's life. Such was the case this past weekend in Dallas. My longtime friend's daughter, Hilary, threw a 60th birthday party for her mother. And Hilary is nine months pregnant! Talk about commitment.

Can you imagine how hard it was not to mention "so what are you doing for your birthday?" around her. Was she surprised? Judging from the raw emotions, yes. Her sons and daughter couldn't be satisfied until they saw tears.

Angella didn't disappoint. Her eyes were real.

My husband and I travelled from St. Louis, with stops along the way to OKC and Ft. Worth before coming to Dallas. I'm so glad we were able to attend to see the shock on Angella's face in the presence of family: aunt, cousins, mother, sister-in-law, brothers, and friends from out of town--and all her grandbabies--some by birth, others by love. Besides the artistically decorated two-tiered cake, the abundance of food selections for every palate, and a bouquet of flowers, there were the tributes from family that testified that her life and her sacrifices mattered.

 

It was truly Angella (AJ)'s moment. What I witnessed had nothing to do with age, but with legacy. This legacy will continue for generations to come, because she embodied the principle of paying it forward with little money but a lot of love so that no child would be left behind, long before it became a slogan. 

Happy birthday, AJ. 

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Check out the latest release in the Intercessors series: 

One reviewer:

"This book was so relevant for me! Prayer is so important, especially for others! I became so convicted about praying for people in my family as well as others we don’t know! We need more intercessors and churches that believe that we always need to be ready to pray and lead others to salvation! Thank you for this book!"

Visit https://www.patsimmons.net/theintercessors-1

The Pathenon: From Greece to Nashville by Janice Lynn

I have a new book coming out in August. yay! Falling for his Nashville Nurse. It's a Harlequin Medical Romance and the setting is in...drum roll, please...Nashville! LOL. Real life experiences often influence the stories I write, so having a story set in Tennessee was fun. So, let's talk Nashville. Most people think of country music when they think of Nashville. If you've ever walked Broad Street, then that makes perfect sense as every venue has amazing live music. But did you know that Nashville also has a life sized replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece? 

Okay, there are some differences besides the obvious one of their locations. For instance, the one in Athens is made of marble and is over 2000 years old. You can't go inside it and it's more missing than there thanks to the passage of time, battle attacks, and an explosion of gun powder that blew out a major portion of the west side during an attack by the Venetians in 1687. The Nashville parthenon is made of concrete. Originally, it was built as a temporary structure for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition in 1897. You can go inside and there's a replica of a statue of Athena that once resided inside the original Parthenon in Greece.  

In Falling for His Nashville Nurse, Wryn and Everleigh have some fun Nashville dates. Are there any cool replicas or things to do that are reminiscent of times gone by near where you live? Have you ever visited the Parthenon in Greece or the one in Nashville? 

Amazon

Can a guarded doc take a chance on love with a sunny single mom nurse? Find out in the latest Harlequin Medical Romance by Janice Lynn!

FROM A FLING…TO FOREVER?

Dr. Wryn appears happy-go-lucky, but past pain bubbles beneath the surface. So it’s a surprise when Nashville Medical Clinic’s captivating new nurse, Everleigh, has his traitorous heart racing…which only worsens as he gets to know the single mom and her adorable son. Wryn should keep his distance—Everleigh swore off romance following her divorce. But when she admits to feeling the same, his restraint shatters. If a fling is all they can have, he’ll treasure every moment. Falling for Everleigh was never part of the plan…

USA Today, Wall Street Journal, & Publishers Weekly Bestselling author JANICE LYNN lives in Tennessee with her Prince Charming and their princes and princesses, her vivid imagination, an adorable Maltese named Halo who's the true royalty of the house, and bunches of unnamed dust bunnies that moved in after Janice started her writing career. In addition to writing romance, Janice is a nurse practitioner, a quilter, a military mama, and an avid supporter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. www.janicelynn.com  

Wrapped Up in Christmas https://amzn.to/4gvI1wP

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy https://amzn.to/47wB8qW

Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope https://amzn.to/3Twuye

And the newest, WRAPPED UP IN CHRISTMAS LOVE. Order your copy today. Amazon Barnes & Noble

A Book and a Moment to Breathe By Merri Maywether

There’s something magical about summer reading. Maybe it’s the slower pace, the longer days, or the way the sunlight filters through the window just right. Every summer, I find myself reaching for stories that feel like a soft place to land—full of warmth, laughter, and love that shows up in unexpected ways.

Lately, I’ve been reading a Scottish folk tale to my husband every night. The language is a little more formal, and the plots feel familiar—but what’s most fun is our reactions.

Last night, we read Gold Tree and Silver Tree. By the end, we realized it was their version of Sleeping Beauty.

This morning, we talked through the plot over coffee.

And that’s the magic of reading, isn’t it? The delight. The conversation. The joy of sharing a story—even a short one—with someone you love.

Speaking of stories…

Last month, I released Rules for Dating A Single Dad—Play to Win, Easton and Grace’s story.

It’s about second chances—the kind that sneak up on you just when you think the door is closed. Easton’s a single dad with a big heart and a complicated past. Grace is quirky, sweet, and full of surprises. Together, they’re learning that love doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be real.

Whether you’re stretched out in a hammock, cooling off by the fan, or sneaking a few minutes in the school pickup line, I hope you’ve found a story that makes your heart sigh in the very best way.

💛 What kind of books do you love to read during the summer?
I’d love to hear what’s on your TBR list!

Vacation Books by Merrillee Whren

 

 

This time of year in the United States, many people are on vacation. I like to take books to read when I travel. Vacation time is reading time to me, especially on long plane or car rides. It used to be a pain to bring books on vacation because they were heavy and took up too much room in my suitcase like the top picture. Now with the convenience of an ereader or an app on a tablet, I can take hundreds of books with me. There is never a problem running out of something to read. These days when hubby and I travel, we travel light. A roller bag and a backpack with suffice for weeks of travel. We learned the hard way that taking big suitcases can be a drawback if you are using multiple modes of transportation, changing from planes to cars to train or buses. It is much easier to travel light. 

 

How do you like to travel?  

 

Merrillee Whren is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of American. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty-plus years, and has two grown daughters. Connect with her on her Facebook page and sign up for her newsletter.

Mutiny of the Heart, Windswept Weddings book 1 by Vickie McDonough

 

The first release in an exciting series:

Mutiny of the Heart

Windswept Weddings 1

A proud Loyalist and a jaded patriot are bound by a child and a shared loss—but as sparks fly, they must decide if love is worth trusting the enemy.

Heather has no reason to like Lucas Reed. He is an American, who's fight for liberty from England led to Heather's family's financial ruin and the death of her father. But her cousin's dying wish was that Heather take little Jamie to his father in Charleston, and she's determined to honor that wish, even if it breaks her heart to do so.

Lucas Reed knows the boy at his door cannot possibly be his, but there's no denying that Jamie has the trademark Reed blue eyes, black hair, and dimples. Still, Lucas is ready to close the door to the boy and his escort until Miss Hawthorne presents him with a letter. He instantly recognizes the writing he thought he'd never see again. The contents of the letter shatter his resolve, forcing him to open his door—and his carefully guarded heart—to the boy and his steadfast guardian.

As Heather and Lucas work together to create a new life for Jamie, can they resist their growing attraction? Or will mutinous hearts finally admit their love when an enemy's desperate plot threatens their lives?

What a reviewer says:

This kind of historical romance is perfect, it has all you desire. A cast of characters, political and international intrigue, conflicting romance and heartwarming feelings evoked with the relationship that developed that between Heather, Lucas and little Jamie. A must read for historical bluffs. Accuracy was key and this book delivered. I look forward to reading all of this authors books. Crysmisty

Release August 5th. Pre-order here:

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Books to Read

The 10-Minute Summer Dessert That Tastes Like Christmas (Plus a Free Holiday Romance!) by Josie Riviera

July might bring hot and humid temperatures here in the Carolinas, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a taste of holiday cheer! This month, I'm sharing my favorite no-bake peppermint icebox cake. It's refreshing, festive, and perfect for those "Christmas in July" moments when you need a midyear dose of holiday spirit.

Recipe for Quick Peppermint Icebox Cake:

• 1 package chocolate graham crackers
• 2 cups whipped topping
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies or peppermint baking chips (available in the baking aisle year-round!)

Layer graham crackers with the peppermint-infused whipped topping in a small dish, refrigerate for two hours, and enjoy! It's simple enough to make with grandchildren on hot afternoons and festive enough to bring holiday magic to summer days.

Speaking of holiday magic, I'm celebrating Christmas in July by giving away my sweet holiday romance Candleglow and Mistletoe completely FREE for the next few days. In this story, talented pianist Noelle Wentworth finds unexpected love with charming stuntman Gabe Waters in the picturesque, fictional town of Snowing Rock. I am a pianist, though not as talented as Noelle! :)

Grab your free ebook copy here.

Do you celebrate Christmas in July? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

P.S. The newest bird to visit my backyard bird feeder is Brewer's Blackbird.

If you're looking for your next great read, the complete Sweetwater Springs series is my newest release and now available in a boxed set. These three sweet romances will transport you to a charming small town filled with hope, heart, and the kind of community we'd all love to find.

The three books in the boxed set include:

WHISPERS OF LOVE IN SWEETWATER SPRINGS
One mysterious letter. Two childhood friends. A love story decades in the making.

WHISPERS OF MAPLE MEMORIES IN SWEETWATER SPRINGS
A century-old secret. A stolen chronicle. Could unearthing their past cost them their future?

WHISPERS OF HOLIDAY MAGIC IN SWEETWATER SPRINGS
A struggling baker, a determined financier, and a small-town mystery where secrets spark holiday magic.

Grab your copy of Whispers of Sweetwater Springs today.

Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and inspirational romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully support husband. They share their home with an adorable Shih Tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovation.

Sign up for her newsletter and get a FREE ebook on her website: josieriviera.com

It's 2017 ~ Jean C. Gordon

The year 2017 marked the last of my Love Inspired books and my decision to concentrate on writing sweet, rather than inspirational, stories. Reuniting His Family released in summer 2017 and A Mom for His Daughter in December.

Writing/Publishing Tidbits

When I later got the rights back to these two books, I decided not o reissue them from Upstate NY Romance. BUT, when I looked at the books to write this blog, I was reminded of how much I like the stories. So, I'm reissuing them with A Mom for His Daughter renamed Sharing His Daughter, one of my original title suggestions submitted to Love Inspired.

~~~~~~~~~~

A Father's Dream

Rhys Maddox wants nothing more than custody of his two sons. Released from prison after a wrongful charge, the widowed dad will do anything to bring his boys home where they belong. But that doesn’t include falling for their former social worker. Now leading an outreach program for families in transition, Renee Delacroix can’t escape the tall, dark and intriguing single dad…or his adorable little boys. But Rhys is determined to go it alone. Until one incident that may cost him what he wants the most. Now it’s up to Renee to save him…if she can make him see she’s just what he needs to complete their forever family.

PREORDER NOW or BUY July 15: Kindle | Apple | B&N, Kobo, and Other Vendors

Finding Her Family

Widowed single dad Marc Delacroix doesn’t have time for surprises—especially one like Fiona Bryce. Finding out that she’s the biological aunt of his adopted daughter, Stella, is a big shock. While Fiona’s commitment to the little girl appears to be genuine, Marc wonders if he can truly trust her—or his own heart, which he vowed never to risk again. Fiona’s eager to connect with the sweet young niece she never knew she had, but Marc seems determined to keep her at arm’s length. Could Marc and Fiona’s shared love of Stella be the bond that transforms their fragile connection into a real family?

PREORDER NOW or BUY July 15: Kindle | Apple | B&N, Kobo, and Other Vendors

Welcome to Paradox Lake

Any fan of sweet romance will love the stories of small-town love in the Paradox Lake Sweet Romance series. Grab your tea or coffee, settle into your favorite chair, and be swept away into the cozy Adirondack town, where complex characters navigate challenging situations as they find their way to love. Whether it’s love at first blush, old flames reuniting, or second chance romance, you’ll find pure reading enjoyment and satisfy your craving for sweet, wholesome romance.

Part of an ongoing series full of familiar faces, each story will stand on its own. With novel and novella lengths available, there’s something for everyone. Paradox Lake is written by USA Today Bestselling sweet romance author Jean Gordon, who’s penned stories for the Hopeless Romantics of Willow Ridge, No Brides Clubs, and Indigo Bay multi-author sweet romance series—as well as her own series and Harlequin Love Inspired.