New Year's Eve Eve

My opinion is that if you are say over 25, and want to celebrate the new year, it's better to leave your home on December 30th to gather with friends than to go out with the masses on December 31. 

I also think it's a great idea to stay home in pajamas on both days! This is especially true if you live in a cold climate. I've been enjoying my winter break by leaving my house as little as possible. 

I have been working on book stuff, sharing my new book with as many people as possible. I've also begun putting together the outline for my next book. And I should be ready to put some words on paper when January arrives! Wish me luck!

For our New Year's Eve Eve, we are planning to go to a local meadery. So we will enjoy a Viking drink. 

Cheers! Let's hope 2026 brings us some good things.  

 

The Last Sunday Post for 2025!!!!

  

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Here we are, ready to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026. There is plenty of bad stuff to go around, but I'm making the effort to hope for good things for all of us, and my focus for 2026,  I probably mentioned here already, is more joy and less stress. Is it doable?  Yes, of course! All I have to do is try!

Do you have a focus, goal, or resolution for 2026? 

Readingwise, I hope to finish more books. I've got a bunch of partially finished books sitting around begging me to open them back up! 

My husband got me this super cute little Snoopy for Chirstmas. I love his little pjs!

Release Day Is Here!

 

After months of work, Love and the Three of Cups is out in the world. I found so much joy in writing Hannah and Kate's story. One bonus was that I got to introduce new characters, and those characters are clamoring for their own stories—stay tuned! 

Here is a little bit about the book, and a link to add it to your ereader or get a paperback copy!

Hannah's crush on Kate was one-sided…until tonight.

Hannah has never been happier. With her ex in the rearview mirror for two years now, she’d settled into life in Marley Creek—home to her long-time crush. She’s ready to make a bold move when she’s invited to a party at the striking blonde’s pet bakery.

Kate’s successful business is on the brink of something huge. Then, the drop-dead gorgeous redheaded Hannah kisses her, and Kate questions her no-relationships rule.

Hannah’s life is on standby waiting for Kate’s texts. So, when Kate doesn’t invite her to a meaningful event, Hannah must decide if she is going to walk away or fight for her. Kate is falling for Hannah, but will fear from a past experience keep her from committing?

When Hannah’s ex threatens to destroy her new life, will this couple let the past tear them apart, or will Hannah and Kate fight for a fresh start together?

If you’re looking for a steamy, sapphic small-town romance full of holiday vibes, age gap, and found family, Love and the Three of Cups is perfect for you!

https://a.co/d/bBKJ2Qo

Hope You Got What You Wanted

 
I'm writing this at 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve. Soon our annual viewing of  It's a Wonderful Life  will begin. My plan is to make a plate of charcuterie for dinner and enjoy the classic tale of one person realizing what a difference they can make. 

As the year ends, it's a great time to think about what you want from your life. My plans for 2026 are to seek more joy and less stress. A wise woman recently shared these words with me:

What you celebrate expands.

I love that. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! I'll be back tomorrow to share my new book!  It's out tomorrow! 

My holiday pasta salad. Aldi's Christmas pasta with roasted garlic oil, white wine vinegar, grape tomatoes, salami, red onions, and green oilives. I was going for Christmas colors! It's very tasty--I'm super pleased with how it worked out! 

The Sunday Post: Christmas Week is Here

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Friday afternoon at 3:30pm Winter Break began!  I kicked off my break by getting into pajamas as fast as possible when I got home. Then on Saturday, I got a facial. This was my celebration for finishing not only the first semester of school, but also for finishing my latest book! Love and the Three of Cups is uploaded and will be published the day after Christmas! 

You can check it out here: https://a.co/d/89DCasv

I'm also doing a big release party celebration with fellow authors in the Fireside Book Cafe on Facebook. If you'd like to join the party, you'll have lot of chances to win books and bookish prizes during the day on December 30, 2025. 

Here is the group link: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AWaNgk8kh/

Today my plan is to wrap up my present wrapping--LOL

What are your plans for today?

Readingwise, I'm still reading my way through my holiday book stack. I hope to finish three books this week and watch my favorite holiday movies before the big day.

And then once January rolls around...clean eating goals here I come!

The Sunday Post The Ho-Ho-Ho RAT Is Almost Over Already!

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

It was a great day to bake some cookies! I have been doing a crummy job keeping up with my Christmas TBR. But I did have time to bake! I made peanut butter cookies, peanut butter chocolate chex bars, oatmeal scotchies, and a batch of brookies!

 Now I'll need to muster that much energy for the school week! Only 5 days til Winter Break!

How is the Ho-ho-ho Readathon for you? Share below! And here is the link to my cookie recipe exchange challenge!

https://victoria7401.blogspot.com/2025/11/ho-ho-ho-rat-holiday-cookie-recipe.html

Author Spotlight: Emma Wilde and The Second Chance Christmas

Emma Wilde writes heartfelt romances that follow characters discovering love at any age and finding the courage to begin again. Her stories capture the quiet magic of second chances and the tender emotions that rise when the heart is healing. She creates books that make readers laugh, cry, and believe in love with fresh hope.

Pick up her Christmas romance and block off a little time this weekend to read!

The Second Chance Christmas is a tender, small-town, later-in-life holiday romance filled with second chances, forced proximity, and healing love—and it’s short enough to read before bed or on your lunch break. When Maggie returns to Vermont heartbroken and unexpectedly runs into her high school sweetheart, Charlie—a widowed single dad—their old wounds and long-buried tenderness spark to life. A mix-up leaves them sharing a cozy guesthouse, a snowy night nudges them closer, and soon they’re wondering if this unexpected reunion might be the gentle Christmas miracle they both needed.

You can get your copy here: https://a.co/d/fDKi3s8

The best way to keep up with all Emma's books and bookish fun is on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/emmawildeauthor/

 

We had giant icicles on the roof, but it was warm enough today that they melted! I'm hoping we stil have a white Christmas--but the temperatures are going up! 

Black Friday, To Shop or Not To Shop?

 Because we are visiting my mom, we will be shopping at local stores in her small town. No massive big box shopping for us. I'm planning to pick up stone ground cornmeal, local honey, and some books. Hopefully some good loose leaf tea as well. For my daughter I'll pick up a jar of picked okra to give her on Christmas. 

Will you be doing any shopping? Maybe some new book purchases?

photo credit Simply Recipes/Shilpa Iyer

My daughter is a big fan of boiled peanuts, so we always have to stop at a rundown gas station to buy a cup of peanuts. A rundown gas station or a questionable roadside stand are the best places to get your boiled peanuts.

Today through Monday, I'm part of a giant 99-cent book event. For this event, you don't need to sign up for anyone's newsletter; it's just a ton of books on sale for 99-cents! My most recent book Your Mr. Brightside is part of the Black Friday sale! 

Looking to pick up some free books today? Here is a link to a book promo I am part of: https://books.bookfunnel.com/freesizzlinghearomancepromo/xw4qd7y2hk

Ho-Ho-Ho RAT Holiday Cookie Recipe Exchange! Share and be entered to win!

 

I'm super excited to be a blog challenge host this year! Have you signed up to be part of the 2025 Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon? If not, here is the link: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2025/10/13th-annual-ho-ho-ho-readathon-sign-up.html 

I have a stack of Christmas-themed reads I'll be reading during the readathon. 

And when you're taking a little break from your reading, share a cookie recipe you love below, and you will be entered to win a $10 gift card! 

I've got my family's buy-in for a day of cookie baking this December, and I'd love to try some new cookie recipes. Please share a favorite below--and if you don't bake, just search for your favorite cookies to eat and then share that recipe!

Happy reading! I'm going to go make some cocoa now so I'll be ready for some cookies! 

A picture of Christmas past cookies!

The Sunday Post- Almost time for the mountains!

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

I can stay up late tonight because tomorrow we have weird work hours. It's the parent-teacher conference time of year! I should still get up at the regular time because I need to make sure we are all packed to head down to the mountains for Thanksgiving. My goal is to get at least one book read while we are gone. 

Do you have any special plans this week?

I'm planning to get a Buc-ees Christmas shirt.

Ah sunset in the mountains

All the inclines you could ever want!

I'm taking my stack of reads for the Ho-Ho-Ho RAT! Have you signed up to join in the fun? Click here for the scoop! 

Looking for a Historical Romance set at Christmas? I got you!

Lady Jennet Gordon has led a charmed life until rumors about her father’s finances circulate, followed by a tragic but suspicious accident. Two years later, a distant cousin, knicknamed The Hangman, is set to assume the title. Will he throw them out at Christmastide? Barnabus Gordon is the grandson of a pirate and the son of a privateer. Using the cutthroat lessons learned in his childhood, he buys out shipowners in financial distress and accrues his own fleet. The gruff Gordon plans to settle the issue of his newly acquired English estate and return to the sea. Until one kiss ignites a Yule log of passion and holiday magic that refuses to be extinguished.

Add this one to your Chistmas list or pick it up today! https://books2read.com/merrymazes-magicmistletoe

USA Today Bestselling author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series and historical romances have received multiple awards and nominations as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine. Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her sweet Regency spin-off series Once Upon a Widow, and a steamy Scottish Regency series, A MacNaughton Castle Romance. Her Regency detective series, Paddy’s Peelers, launched in 2025. Love’s Curiosities, her upcoming sweet Regency series with a touch of magic, launches in 2026.

 

The Sunday Post -- Mid November!

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Yesterday was my son's birthday, and once it's past, I'm ready for full-on holiday mode. I know, wait til after Thanksgiving and all that--but, I like to have the extra preparation time so I don't get so stressed out. And frankly, with this economy, I started shopping at the end of summer. I need to parcel out the cost of gifts over as many paychecks as possible. 

Speaking of the holiday season, this year I'm participating in the Ho-Ho-Ho Read-a-thon! I'm even hosting a challenge. My challenge is a Holiday Cookie (recipe) Exchange! The official post where you can add your recipe for a chance to win a $10 GC will be up on 11/26. 

But first you should join the Ho-Ho-Ho Read-a-thon here so you are eligible to participate and win prizes! Here is the link: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2025/10/13th-annual-ho-ho-ho-readathon-sign-up.html

I'm currently finished revising my book and it will be ready for ARC readers by next weekend. Would you like an ARC copy of the book?  Fill out my form here: https://forms.gle/jxEp6PEVQ1x4d5Ut7

Last night we watched "A Merry Little Ex-Mas" starring Alicia Silverstone. It was cute. If you like Christmas movies, it's worth the watch! 

My son wanted to carve pumpkins for his birthday!

Have a great week! 

Author Spotlight! Freefalling in the Moonlight

What a beautiful cover! Audrey Lynden books always look so inviting! Read to learn more about it?

A daring love story … facing the past, finding a voice, and falling for the one who never let go. After a high-profile case goes awry, defense attorney Rob Reid escapes Chicago and drives to his easy-going hometown in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Dog sitting for his famous brother and tinkering with his vintage sports car sound like the perfect reprieve…until he crosses paths with his one true love, Maddie Logerquist. Once inseparable, a fateful decision turned to tragedy and tore the two apart.

To safeguard her late mother’s legacy, Maddie has returned home to Baileys Harbor. A New York fashion stylist and influencer for the past decade, Maddie now must brave daddy long-legs, decrepit lighthouses and fundraising fiascos in the tiny lakeside town. Then while reconnecting to her roots, she trips into her first and only love, Rob Reid.

As Rob and Maddie navigate old wounds, fresh sparks fly. But when a high-profile scandal threatens Maddie’s safety and reputation, she must fight back to reclaim her voice. Without a doubt, Rob stands beside her. Except when justice is on the line and gossip battles with truth, a newly mended love might not survive.

Rob and Maddie have another chance… Will they dive in and hang tight or will their love go adrift again?

More about the author:

Tricia Quinnies writes contemporary women’s fiction under the pen name Audrey Lynden. Living in Wisconsin, she’s inspired by her home state’s charming small towns, celebrity residents, the beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan and quirky traditions. Her modern romances will make you laugh, cry and cheer. With her love of British mysteries, jaunty capers find their way into her stories. She favors writing—second chances, hope, empowerment, and satisfying endings. No cliffhangers. Audrey is a mom to three incredible sons and has a Hollywood crush on her husband. He was once told he looked like George Clooney and he’s never forgotten! As a journalism major, she’s inclined to keep up with news but has an affinity for celebrity gossip and pop culture. Every winter, she binges all seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

You can pick up a copy of Freefalling in the Moonlight: https://www.amazon.com/Freefalling-Moonlight-Brothers-Audrey-Lynden/dp/0997340053/

 

Author Spotlight! Samara Reed! Sheltered Hearts

 Bodie Davis has been unsure of love for a long time. Being a local legend will do that to a man. But when he steps into the middle of a domestic dispute and his neighbor needs somewhere to go, he finds himself falling for both her, and the daughter he never knew he wanted.

Trix Harper doesn't have the best track record with men. So when her neighbor Bodie swoops in to stop her boyfriend's rage, yet again, she is reluctant to believe his motive is simply to help. What she doesn't expect is the way his eyes sparkle when he interacts with her daughter, or the way his gentle touch soothes the ache deep inside her. When Bodie and Trix finally admit to the fire burning between them, will it be enough to allow them each to find the love they've thought they were destined to live without? Sheltered Hearts is a story about the way love blossoms from broken things, and the beautiful family that grows in its wake.

I love how the title fits the story. Their hearts are sheltered. He finds himself giving shelter to her. Ready to read the story of Bodie and Trix? You can get it from Amazon: https://a.co/d/3TmUrHB or from Samara's website at https://authorsamarareed.net/products/sheltered-hearts-epub-digital-download

Samara is a mom of two small humans (one that's taller than her), and 3 dogs (2 little ones that think their big and a big that thinks she's a cat!) and a dedicated wife to the most amazing and supportive man she's ever encountered. She lives in a small town in the mid-west and is reading or creating nail polish strips when she's not writing or taking photos. She loves loose leaf tea, music and cozy blankets and loathes cold weather and snow.

The Sunday Post! November Goes Quickly

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

This is probably the last year my school district will be off on Veteran's Day. The school board wants us to be in line with our local high school and they are in session. This year it falls on a Tuesday, so I have work tomorrow and then go back to work on Wednesday. I'll take it. Next year they'll have some sort of special program to address Veteran's Day. Since our school is preK to first grade, I don't know that they will 'get' what Veteran's day is all about. 

We've beem watching a show called "One Cemetary Road" on Apple and it's very good. It stars Emma Thompson and she's fantastic. I'm also watching Hallmark Christmas Movies as they come out. I got the Hallmark+ for a year. It's $80 and you can watch all the movies the day after they premier plus $5 off each month at Hallmark and other good deals. 

I've been listening to The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson. It's facinating, like all of his books. 

What have you been up to? 

View from the Tavern on Woodlake restaurant in Kohler, WI. 

Author Spotlight Rose Adam! Santa and His Magical Mates

I'm Rose Adam and I write sweet with heat, low angst, lots of fluff, out of the box stories!

 If you are in the mood for the Christmas season and sexy Santa stories, Santa and His Magical Mates is now out! 

Santa exists in his magical North Pole home and is racing against time to find his fated mate before the Christmas spirit candle dims. For ages, he focused solely on the naughty list, but his head elf, Bernie, has devised a solution. With a new program for the naughty list, Santa gains free time and realizes his mate is in danger, prompting him to take action. Ella, raised in high society, has become a snobbish socialite, but when a friend leaves for a new life, she yearns for change. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Ella encounters more than she expected, including a cat that leads her into a risky adventure. She unexpectedly meets a legendary figure and seizes the opportunity for a fresh start. Frost, the admittedly handsome Jack Frost, has secretly been attracted to the big guy, Santa, for eons. Thinking he was doomed to his unrequited love until a special someone shows up to the North Pole. Frost is drawn to Ella as much as Santa and it isn't made clear right away that he was meant for both of them. With Christmas approaching and secrets unfolding, an evil force threatens Santa's mission, Frost is called to duty, and Ella is determined to help. Utilizing her resources and the support of North Pole citizens, she fights for the gift of a new life.

Ready to dive in? https://books2read.com/SantasMagicalMates

The audio version of this book is also available! 

#TheSundayPost It's Fall Back Week!

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

The good thing about working school hours is that I always get off work before it's dark outside--even when the days are short. Back when I worked downtown, it would be dark when I left to go to work and dark when I left the office to catch the train. 

I caught a cold this week so I've been drinking lots of tea. My favorite right now is a cinnamon rooibis that I got on my trip to Galena, IL.  Do you drink tea? Do you have a favorite type? I like to add local honey. If it is a mint tea, I like to add a splash of non-dairy milk. 

Exciting author news! I won third place for romance in the Book Fest Fall Awards. for my book It App-ened One Night! Yay! 

Recently, my husband bought a very inexpensive starter kit to make soy candles. Wish us luck as we try our hand at candle-making this week. If the candles work out, I'm going to give some to people for Christmas. We will see! I try to remember to take a picture of the finished result. 

I hope you are having a good weekend. I also hope I get to read, I feel like a good thriller!

The Fireside Book Cafe!

I belong to a reader and author group on Facebook, and we are doing an Advent Calendar game. If you like fun contests and are on Facebook, you can join the "Fireside Book Cafe" and be part of the fun! There are lots of author takeover days where authors in all sorts of genres give away ebooks, audiobooks, and physical books. 

Social media is a dumpster fire most of the time and is getting filled with more and more ads and AI videos. This group is a nice escape from all of that! 

My little bookish ghosty! 

 

Mark Your Calendar! Join me for the Ho-Ho-Ho RAT!

 

Are you ready to do some reading? I'm excited to particpate in the Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon this year. I'm going to host a challenge and give away gift card --I don't know what the challenge will be so stay tuned! 

Since it isn't Halloween yet, I'm still on my morbid reading kick. Currently I'm listening to The Demon of Unrest  and reading Cemetary stories. But I promise by November 26, I'll be in holiday reading mode!

Click here to join the Readathon! https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2025/10/13th-annual-ho-ho-ho-readathon-sign-up.html

What are you reading or watching this month? 

My hub signed up for BritBox so we are currently watching Beyond Paradise and Back to Paradise. There are a ton of cozy mystery shows to watch! 

A New Release in Nicole Craig's Deadman's Tribe Series~Brave Enough

 

If you like your male lead's on the Alpha side, this is a great series for you! 

It’s difficult to be brave when you’ve been running scared your whole life. She’s woken up with no idea who she is. She may not know who she is or how she got here, but she knows that the man guarding her will do so with his life. The bigger question: why does she feel like she needs protection? It’s always been easier to be what others expect him to be. Studious child, man of the house, responsible brother, thief, computer genius. Why not add bodyguard to his list of roles? He’s had so many over the years, he’s completely lost track of who the “real” Midas is anymore. Two lost souls brought together by Fate. It’s instant attraction for Mouse and Midas—an attraction they’re afraid to give in to. When her memories begin returning, the truth of who she is could be the end of much more than just their relationship.

Are you read dive in? Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FPWKBJCZ

This is the fifth book in Nicole's romantic suspense series. 

Nicole Craig writes action packed steamy romance. Strong alpha males, her male main characters will do anything to protect their women. Her female main characters accept their men flaws and all. Her Deadman series is all about bad boys falling for good women. From southeastern Wisconsin, she spends time with her husband and three furry children. If you are on Facebook, you can find her here: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.craig.352527

Darkness is coming #The Sunday Post

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

This week is the last week before we fall back, and night shows up before five p.m. I am not a fan of such early nightfall. How about you? 

Yesterday I attended a very fun event--a brunch with authors and readers! How was your weekend? 

We also watched the movie The Substance It was filled with body horror, but had a very affirming message about life. Then we watched A House of Dynamite, which reaffirmed that if there is an apocalypse, I don't want to be part of the post-apocalypse--just take me in the first round of disaster, please. 

A ghost cloche I made. It was a kit from our local library! 

Book Anniversary for April Decton's "For the Love of Weezie"

If you enjoy reading books that include historical events. This might be a good fit for you. 

 On September 11, 2001, the world watched in horror as the

US was attacked. Four aircraft were hijacked. Two planes were flown into the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City, one crashed at the Pentagon in Washington, DC and one in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Many lives were lost aboard the four aircraft and on the ground. Many more lives were lost in rescue and recovery efforts. This is the story of A man who lost his wife. A toddler who lost her mother. A woman who lost her husband. But together they find life, hope, and love beyond the tragedies.

Get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGPR75CZ

Ready to learn more about April Decton?

April lives in Indiana and is a mother to two, extraordinary daughters and their husbands. She has eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. When not with family, reading, or writing, April enjoys walking, hiking, loves to travel and is most happy with her toes at water’s edge of a beach. April never aspired to be a writer. After fighting her first story for nearly five years, she gave in. April loves attending author events and meeting new readers at her table. https://www.amazon.com/stores/April-Decton/author/B09Z7RY8R3

Author Spotlight --Harper Black!

Harper Black’s love of reading and curiosity about the world was stirred at an early age. That curiosity, a desire to get a college education, and a sense of adventure, led Harper to enlist in the U.S. Navy. Harper’s military career took her to destinations that were both intrepid and romantic, embarking on a journey to achieve her professional goals while navigating the ebbs and flows of international romance.

Her travels included memorable experiences in Scotland, Italy, and England. Her experiences in traveling and dating inspired her to write. In her stories, Harper crafts romantic adventures that reflect diverse cultures and encourages each of us to follow our desire for true love wherever it takes us. Harper is a native of Wisconsin and loves travel, music and romance.

Vanessa Lawrence has never had good luck with men. Her cheating, narcissistic ex-husband was bad enough, but now her boyfriend has suddenly ended their relationship just days before their upcoming trip to Mexico to celebrate her birthday. Buoyed by the support of her family, Vanessa decides to travel solo and unexpectedly meets charming, retired police officer, Bastien Bertrand. A dinner invitation follows, and a romantic dance together changes everything. But back home, trusting their growing feelings is more complicated. Bastien lives miles away in Louisiana running his family’s farming business, while Vanessa is worried about how her college-age son and Bastien’s family will react. When Vanessa’s ex-husband starts making sinister threats, refusing to put the past behind them, it’s not only her hopes for the future that stand to be destroyed, but the reputation of the man she loves. Will their dance of the heart lead to a lasting love… or a bittersweet memory?

If you like a later-in-life story of second chances along with some romantic suspense--pick up A Dance of the Heart here; https://a.co/d/8E4DBUK

The Sunday Post Morbid History

 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Our library has some great programs, and this one was no exception. It was called "Morbid History." And the content lived up to the name. The presenter talked about some of the strange (and gross) history of human burial and cemeteries from around 1830 to the present. 

It was so fascinating, I actually borrowed on of the books on the presenter's recommended books list. I listened to the audiobook Stiff by Mary Roach. It was hard to turn off! The book is all about human cadavers. I actually fell asleep listening to it and had a great night of sleep--don't ask me why! I have no clue--the book is super morbid. I mean, it's literally all about what happens to the body after death. 

In lighter news, I got my manuscript back from my editor and am halfway done revising it. Then it will go to my proofreader, and then I'll revise it some more, and then I'll format it and revise it again! I still need to come up with a cover and the blurb for the back of the book--ugh! So hard!

How was your week? Any fun plans for the upcoming week? 

We are all decorated for Halloween! If it was dark you could see the orange and purple lights as well!