REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Mistletoe Puppy

 Good morning!

There's nothing like a good Christmas story to make a 101* day seem less miserable. We didn't stay that high very long and I spent most of the day watching storm trackers as tornado warnings were all around my daughter in Kentucky. Everyone is safe thanks to trackers like Chris Hall, Jordan Hall, and Ryan Hall (though not related, as far as I know)

AMAZON

BLURB:

Two wounded people, no longer able to risk love, plus one little girl and her puppy. Can she bring them together in time for Christmas?

Kate Larssen lives in Mistletoe Falls, a small, charming town in northern Minnesota, and runs a no-kill animal rescue, a cause dear to her warm and loving heart. After too many romantic disappointments, she has far more important things to focus on: The abandoned and abused animals she wants to save. And the return of an angry ex-con she helped send to prison.

Deputy Brad Bailey recently left big city life and moved to Mistletoe Falls with his six-year-old daughter. His wife died just before Christmas last year, and his only goal is to raise his grieving six-year-old daughter and help her heal. While on duty, he brings a stray dog and her puppies to the animal shelter, and meets Kate, the pretty manager. He hopes taking Janie to visit the puppies will lift her spirits, though soon realizes his mistake when she begs to adopt them all. Kate tries to help fill the void in Janie's life, though she's determined to keep things on a friendship-only basis.

When Kate's house is set on fire, Brad desperately tried to track down the arsonist before anything terrible happens to her. And suddenly, a friendship teeters on something more...

I found The Mistletoe Puppy to be a great read. Roxanne Rustand knows how to build the base of a sugar cookie, adding sprinkles of information when they are needed most. An example in this story is how we learn about Brad and Janie's story out when we need to know something specific about their pain and heartache. Kids may be resilient but nothing prepares them at any age for the loss of a parent. Even as adults we can't always comprehend why something had to happen. 

The setting for this family coming together is perfect. Bright colorful lights or the softer white lights all tell the story. Add fairytales from a little girl's perspective, a Princess puppy, and two people finding their way after relationship problems and you have the perfect sweet romance. But no romance is complete without stumbles along the way. A Hollywood actor once said "If the apple is on the table, there is a reason the apple is there." In this case, the 'apple' was represented in the carvings throughout Kate's home. Not only were they a sign of protection, but of the evil that lurks in her kingdom, and that a knight in shining armor (or badge) will protect her. 

Roxanne Rustand brought all the elements of a true fairytale together to form a heartwarming read in the confines of one hundred pages. That, my readers, is pure talent. 

The Mistletoe Puppy is Book 1 in a four-book series. I'm linking all of the books below, and when I take a break in December, I plan to curl up on the sofa enjoying the Christmas lights and reading every one. 

#1 The Mistletoe Puppy

#2 A Christmas in Montana

#3 An Irish ChristmasBlessing

#4 A London Christmas

#5 A Scottish Christmas

#6 Christmas in Paris

I'm giving, The Mistletoe Puppy...

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

Another year is coming to a close. I hope you'll take the time to look back on this year to help you better step in to 2026. Open your hearts to new possibilities.

All my best!

~ Angela

Thoughtful Monday

 Good morning, friends!

I'm super busy this week but I've scheduled the rest of the posts through the end of the year. 

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - An Orphan For Christmas

 Good morning, readers.

I don't know about you but I'm enjoying short reads this month. This one is only ninety-one pages. You could almost read this from start to finish while dinner is in the oven.

AMAZON

BLURB:

When a desperate young mother leaves her newborn on Anna Stoltzfus’s doorstep, the quiet Amish woman’s carefully ordered life begins to unravel. The note she finds reveals a truth she never expected to face—the baby is the son of Samuel Miller, the man who once broke her heart and left their community behind.

Every time Anna looks at the child, she sees Samuel’s face. Keeping him would mean living with a reminder of the love she lost. But when Samuel’s brother, Jacob, steps in to help, the reminders multiply. Jacob has his brother’s eyes, his voice, even his smile—but where Samuel was restless, Jacob is steadfast and kind. And soon Anna begins to wonder if her heart can tell the difference.

As Christmas draws near and English authorities threaten to take the baby away, Anna faces an impossible choice. What if keeping him means opening her heart to love again—and risking the pain she’s fought so hard to forget?

I think it's safe to say that many of us have been hurt at some point in our life, making trusting again can be a difficult step to take. Anna was destroyed when Samuel didn't come back from his Rumspringa. Side-eyes and whispers in her beloved Amish community didn't help. Daniel did. Who can resist baby blue eyes in the face of a tiny, innocent bundle. Eyes that look upon you with such trust like no other. I loved how Jacob stepped up to help Anna, whatever she needed. Unmarried and no children of his own, he was a natural caregiver and helpmate. Deadlines can force people to step out of their comfort zone and make critical decisions. Sometimes they get it right.

I'll be reading more from this author and am giving AN ORPHAN FOR CHRISTMAS...

All my best!

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Ruby Hill

 Good morning, readers!

Thank you for your patience. I enjoyed my holiday last week and I hope you did too.

Lets get to know Ruby:

Ruby Hill loves writing heartwarming small-town romances. Her stories often revolve around the magic of Christmas, capturing the essence of community, love, and holiday cheer. With a talent for creating charming characters and cozy settings, Ruby invites readers to escape into worlds where romance blossoms amid twinkling lights and falling snow.

She sounds like my kind of author. We just experienced our first 'dusting' of snow this season. I'm ready for more so I can curl up with a cup of bouchée hot chocolate and the rest of her series. You'll see why tomorrow.  Hint:  11 books of Christmas!

In the mean time, check out Ruby Hill's links below:

FACEBOOK  AUDIBLE   GOOD READS   BOOK BUB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

Let the Christmas season begin!

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Billionaire's Christmas Wish

 Good morning, readers.

I have a great read for you this week. There is a caveat I'll share later in the review. Overall, tempting em to read the next book in the series.

AMAZON

BLURB:

A grumpy billionaire. A determined single mom. And a little boy who believes in Christmas magic....

All Marley wants is to give her five-year-old son Cooper the perfect Christmas at Snow Fox Lodge. But when she arrives at the snow-covered mountain retreat, she discovers they'll be sharing a cabin with Preston Wells—the notoriously cold-hearted CEO who hates everything about the holidays.

Preston didn't get to where he is by believing in fairy tales. He's at the lodge for one reason: to close the biggest deal of his career. He doesn't have time for Christmas cookies, face painting, or the way his heart warms every time Cooper calls his name.

But there's magic in the mountain air at Snow Fox Lodge. As cookie-baking sessions turn into snowball fights and bedtime stories, Preston finds himself falling for both mother and son. When a dangerous blizzard forces him to face his deepest fears to save them, Preston discovers that the greatest acquisition of his life might not be a business deal after all.

Legend says that whoever spots the mythical Snow Fox will have their Christmas wish come true. But sometimes the greatest Christmas magic isn't what you wish for—it's what your heart needed all along...

As I said earlier, I really enjoyed this story. Cooper is such a delight and Marley is a great mom. She's a parent when she needs to be but also her son's best friend. She finds her footing in this story as she navigates trying to trust a man again.

Preston may be rich and handsome but he's really out of touch with people on a common basis. He's a get in, get the job done, then move on to the next challenge. Forced to attend a corporate Christmas retreat, organized by his brother who has to stay behind, Preston finds himself in an unprecedented situation. He doesn't count on a five-year-old with pointed questions and a matter-of-fact attitude beyond his years, or the woman who mesmerizes him at every turn. I will be honest. I shed a few tears near the end. Happy Ever After tears. 

This is Book 1 in a 5-book series. Marley's sister, Charlotte, gets her chance with her boss, Pierce (Preston's brother). The only issue I had were several word/ typo mistakes that would have been easily corrected. As they say, it's all in the details. For what I viewed as attention to detail in the editing process, I'm giving THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHRISTMAS WISH...

You will find more about Nala Henkel-Aisllinn and her books by clicking on any of the links below. 

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Nala Henkel-Aislinn

 Good morning, readers!

I'm shining the spotlight on Nala Henkel-Aislinn, today.

Let's get to know, Nala:

Nala Henkel-Aislinn fell hard for love stories and mysteries back in school, when she read her first Harlequin Romance and the entire Encyclopedia Brown series in a month. Now she writes warm, emotional happily ever afters and hilarious whodunits in cozy, quirky small town settings. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, where finding the perfect cinnamon bun is a legitimate life goal!

She is the author of the contemporary sweet romance series Cranberry Hill and the Maple Cove Dog Lovers' Society, as well as the Christmas-themed series, Magic at Snow Fox Lodge. Her cozy crime comedies are written in The Hitman's Daughter series.

I'll be reviewing her Christmas book, The Billionaire's Christmas Wish, which is Book 1 of 5 in the Snow Fox Lodge series.

You can find out more about Nala Henkel-Aislinn by following any of the links below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - The Christmas Fib

Good morning, readers!

Every one of Beth Carter's books is a fun read so when she asked if I could give a quick review of The Christmas Fib, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to kick off our December Christmas reads with this one. 

AMAZON

BLURB:

A tiny fib. A snowy holiday. A shocking twist. 

A tiny fib at Christmastime won’t be an issue, right? Executive recruiter Brooke Hamilton decides she must stop being such a workhorse and enjoy the holidays…alone. Well, alone except for complete strangers at an inn. Brooke changes up the festivities by traveling to the snow-capped mountains of Colorado to soothe her grief after her beloved dad passed. Excited to create new memories in Breckenridge, Brooke hopes reliving sentimental moments will bring back her spark, and maybe she’ll actually learn to ski this time. 

Brooke reserves a snowy getaway at The Snowflake Inn where the guests are eclectic, the innkeeper is delightful, and the food is delectable. After smoothing over her absence with her mother, she is shocked to learn her mom has met someone. What? So soon? Will this discovery, not to mention their mutual white lies, eventually lead to healing?

And who is the handsome lumberjack-type guy who blows into town like a blizzard? Naturally, the newcomer decides to stay at the inn, but is Hudson Prescott really who he says he is? When a mysterious woman enters the picture, will Brooke and Hudson be torn apart before they have a chance? Oh, and Brooke’s boss didn’t get the memo that he shouldn’t contact her while she’s on vacation. Rude.

I loved this story. Being born in Colorado and having family in Breckenridge, Beth took me home to the mountains I miss. While I've never had any desire to get on skis, put me in the lodge by a crackling fire and a cup of hot cocoa and I'm a happy woman. 

The Christmas Fib is a well-crafted holiday story with characters you will love, and maybe even relate with them. Whether you work from home or have a boss always wanting more from you, I think most everyone can identify with Brooke. She just needed to get away for some peace and quiet, even if it did mean fibbing to her mom. Little did she know she wasn't the only one holding a secret.

While all the characters are well written, Tate was my favorite. I think teen characters can be tough to write into contemporary romance. Most authors bring in the 'tots' but Beth kept everyone real and relatable.

If you're looking for a quick holiday read amongst the hustle and bustle of the busiest time of year, THE CHRISTMAS FIB is perfect!

I look forward to more entertaining reads from this author.

I'm giving The Christmas Fib...

All my best!

~ Angela

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

 

Hi everyone!

A quick catch-up. 

I planned to be in here before this but between trying to get my studio in order before the holidays, spending time with my MSP (Most Supportive Person), work on my Nano project, and not feeling up to my usual Go Go Go energy, it's been a bit... tiring. 

Things are getting back on course.

One of my blogging problems this past year was that I didn't have the social media planner I normally work with. I thought I could muddle through with a different planner - as in keeping everything in one. As you can see, that hasn't worked.  I'll be doing a video and blog post soon on my 2024 planner line-up and how I've found planner peace. Planner Peace, like the Santa and M & Ms commercial touts, really does exist. 

I hoped to be back several weeks ago with the Author Spotlight and book reviews. Those will officially be returning next week when I kick off the Christmas season with a new book from Kit Morgan and a surprise for you on Wednesday.  I hope you'll join me.

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT & REview - Jill Shalvis

Good afternoon, friends.

I get a later start to my day when Bob is home. Once we wake up in the morning, we sit and enjoy coffee and each other's company until after we've eaten a light breakfast - somewhere around 10:30 - before starting our individual days.

This morning, my individual project was all about moving 105 roma tomato plants to a new watering station before the temps became too HOT to want to be outside. So here I am.

Today, I'm shining the spotlight on NY Times Bestselling author, Jill Shalvis.  I checked my shelves and I believe the only books I have by her are all Christmas books so I wasn't surprised when I snatched up this anthology of three of her Christmas novellas on Netgalley.

Before we get into the review, let's find out a bit about Jill:

Multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is … mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning heartwarming and full of humor novels wherever books are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures. 

AMAZON

If you've not read one of Jill Shalvis' books in awhile (or perish the thought - ever!), plan to grab this appetizer. HOLIDAY EVER AFTER will release October 26th. 

Holiday Ever After is a trio of previously released Christmas novellas tied up in one neat little gift for your reading pleasure... and I enjoyed every one.

One Snowy Night is all about the past coming together for two High School classmates who'd each gone their separate ways due to a combination of circumstance. Hunky Max Stranton always thought Rory Andrews was the key to his scholarship demise yet he never stopped thinking about her and now she has blossomed from the meek lab partner into a beautiful woman he feels the need to protect.

Rory wants to dislike Max, but he is her best option for proving to her family she isn't a flake. She needs his ride to Tahoe. Blinding snowstorm, dead truck battery and closed roads have them spending the night together. These two could melt any snow bank without touching one another! Add in a huge, loveable canine and this first story is a winner!

There's something about 'second chances'. I love them and it's why I write them so I knew I was in for a treat with Holiday Wishes. 

Sean O'Riley and Lotti Hartford have a past, one Sean thought he could leave there until Lotti shows up where his brother's bachelor weekend is being held.  It's true, you never forget who you lose your virginity to... and some things, as well as people, are meant to be a part of your life forever. 

What do you do when you go on the annual joint family holiday vacay with the guy you once did the jingle bell rock with only to find out - you're the only two on the yacht on the high seas... for days?! Close quarters is the perfect opportunity to find that love truly is sweeter the second time around in Mistletoe in Paradise.

Hallmark isn't the only place for me to enjoy a little Christmas in July! I loved getting into the Holiday spirit without being choked in Christmas tinsel. I'm giving Holiday Ever After:

    

Holiday Ever After will be available through the following links on October 26, 2021 but you may also pre-order now!

AMAZON   B & N   GOOGLE PLAY   APPLE BOOKS   KOBO   

You can connect with Jill Shalvis on the following social media links:

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS   PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best

~Angela

 

 

MONDAY MOTIVATION

 

Good morning, everyone!

Busy week in the office this week... and almost nothing having to do with writing. I have a visit with my in-laws coming up on the weekend. Mom said this will probably be the last trip they'll make up from S. Texas and going to visit them really isn't an option so we'll be making the most of our time with them.

So what do you do when your GOALS as an author are not about writing?

For me, I want to get the book finished for tomorrow's Spotlight Author - Jill Shalvis. I'll also be reviewing her newest Christmas book due out in September (?)

I'm also finishing the filming area of my studio. Until that is finished, my day job is going to continue to drag. 

I'm not even going to pretend I'll have any writing time during their visit. That just means I'll have to push harder - force myself to do more writing sprints once they've gone back to Texas. 

As to An Ozarks Homecoming - I found a MAJOR plot hole with my character last week. I've since fixed that but it's really mess with the whole background timeline. I think once that's fixed, things will move at a quicker pace. 

That's all I have for this week. LOL

I know I skipped the Christmas theme last week but that was due to the Writer's Nest guest. Christmas resumes tomorrow with Jill Shalvis and her upcoming release - Holiday Ever After.  I have two more Christmas stories from NetGalley to share in future spotlights. 

Remember to come back on Wednesday's as well as I take you through some of the history of the Korean War that I've discovered through my research. I'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below - What have you found to be the most interesting about my info on the Korean War so far?

All my best!

~Angela

TOP 3 - October 12, 2020

 Good morning, everyone!

Busy week here in the studio. Bob leaves tomorrow morning so I'm not doing much today other than get the blog posts for the week scheduled.

The rest of the week (through Friday) is dedicated to finishing two baby albums for shower gifts (Saturday) Then the weekend is all about catching up on Plannerthon videos. They're only live til the 20th or so and I've not watched any since Bob got home. Maybe by then my hard copy of the 2021 PlannerThon Planner will have arrived. (positive vibes to the postal service appreciated)

So here's my week:

I still need to read and post a review of Jodi Thomas' new Christmas book but Netflix and Kindle are not playing nice so I can get my review copy. I've already pre-ordered my print copy. I believe the release is this week.

The holiday books are hitting the shelves. My print copy of June Faver's THE BEST COWBOY CHRISTMAS EVER released on the 29th. This is the first of two books added to the Garret Family saga we've come to love. 

What are you reading? 

All my best

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Jodi Thomas

 

I am pleased to Shine the Author Spotlight on Jodi Thomas again on my blog. Jodi and I've gotten to know one another over the past several years. I am a big fan of her writing style and she has graciously autographed her books for me. (over a period of years, of course lol)

When Jodi approached me about showing off her latest release I was thrilled to help out.

Last year, I bought Jodi's Christmas book - A Texas Kind of Christmas. In a recent email, Jodi informed me that A TEXAS KIND OF CHRISTMAS recently won first place at the National Federation of Press Women's Communications Contest and her publisher is going to re-release it September 29.  

I will be reviewing the book on September 23rd AND giving away a copy to one lucky person leaving a comment on THIS post or the 23rd! (Pstt.. if you comment on both posts you'll double your chances of winning!)

On top of this fabulous news, Jodi headlines a new anthology coming out on October 27th

AMAZON LINK

You can PRE-ORDER your copy now!

All of the stories are set in Texas post Civil War...

The Lone Star State doesn't have to be lonely during Christmas time!  The Civil War is over, Christmas is coming—and it's time for three rugged cowboys to hang-up their spurs and settle down. These authors combine their talents and excel at creating atmosphere and complex characters which infuse these stories with Texas history and evoke the grandeur of a bygone era and the indomitable pioneer spirit of the region. Prepare to be swept off your feet by these heroic cowboys who will stop at nothing to make sure this Christmas is one to remember. Ideal for gift giving, 

Jodi's story - FATHER GOOSE

Dispirited by war, when Trapper Morgan accepts a job hauling five little rich girls to Dallas, all he cares about is the money. He doesn't expect they'll awaken his spirit - or that their intriguing nursemaid, Carolina, will awaken his heart. And when danger strikes as Christmas Eve nears, he definitely doens't expect Carolina and the girls to risk their lives - for him. 

If you're new to Jodi Thomas, here's a bit of info:

Jodi Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and fifth-generation Texan who sets many of her award-winning stories in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A multi-RITA Award winner and member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s written over 50 novels with millions of copies in print. Her most recent releases are The Little Tea Shop on Main and the first book in her new Honey Creek series, Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café is out now.  

You'll find Jodi at the following Social Media streams:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    INSTAGRAM    PINTEREST   BOOKBUB

AMAZON

AN OZARKS CHRISTMAS - Cover Reveal!

I am so proud of this cover. Jaycee from Sweet 'N Spicy Designs did an amazing job! If you are looking for a cover artist, I highly recommend her. She is Affordable, Fast, Detailed.

I also can't say enough about my mentor, Sharon Holmes of Paperback-Press. She helped me get through my first upload to Kindle and KOPD. Okay, she did more than help last Friday. I was so hung over from lack of sleep trying to make sure everything was ready when I got to her place. She is NOT a small publisher.  She is a 'service provider'. That means she will help you with whatever stages of publication you might need for a fee. I know several authors working with her on both new and back-list projects. She is the most patient woman.  LOL

As some of you may know, AN OZARKS CHRISTMAS began as Ozark Angel, eons ago. Inspired by the Garth Brooks song, That Ol Wind, I knew there was a story. Here's a cover of the song by Richard Monaei:

I won't give all the details here because I want to save some secrets for the blogs I'll be visiting over the next two months. Here is the original mock of the back cover:

Note: the print is much more clear on the actual copy. 

I am just waiting on the results of my proof reader then I'm ready to hit the 'Publish' button. When I do, I hope to set Pre-Orders for October 1 then full launch on October 12th.

If you have any questions, have a blog and you'd like to host me, or just want to say hello, please leave your comment below or use the contact form on my side bar.

Happy Reading!

~Angela