Mistletoe Movie Star by Stacey Weeks

 

Mistletoe Movie Star

Stacey Weeks

PBG Christmas Holiday Extravaganza

White Rose Publishing, December 1, 2020, 121 pp

Ebook $3.99

Buy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher store 

About the Book

Mistletoe Meadows is built around the magic of Christmas. As jingling sleighs cart rosy-cheeked lovers around the Mistletoe Mile, Charlene's holiday dream is more complicated than photo-edited perfection. She proposes a compassion ministry initiative called the Gingerbread House but struggles to convince the town that their need for a homeless shelter is real.

Famous for his made for TV holiday movies, Jonas longs for a happily-ever-after that isn't as neat and tidy as his scripted films. Partnering with Char to champion her ministry invigorates him with a new purpose and provides an excuse to spend time with the girl he never forgot. But when they embrace three young sisters fighting to stay together while living on the streets, their project becomes deeply personal.

Together, they must prove to a town reluctant to see anything other than holiday perfection that the greatest gift of the season isn't found under a tree.

 

My Review

When former summertime friends reunite as adults, they rekindle more than friendship.

Char, the town veterinarian is on a mission to save more than critters. The plight of the homeless has touched her soul and she proposes remodeling the unused firehouse into a shelter to the city council which gets immediately voted down.

Jonas, who’s managed to establish himself as a B movie romantic leading man, is in town to settle his late grandparents’ home farm. He rapidly loses any fight against returning to his movie star life when he realizes Char, his long-lost love, has not only settled in town, but has a heart big enough to rescue any kind of stray. Will that also include him?

As they explore their feelings and work to encourage town Grinches to grow their Christmas hearts, the plight of the homeless touches everyone in a uniquely precious way. Told in alternating perspectives, this sweet, short, inspirational holiday romance will boost your spirits.

 

About the Author

Stacey Weeks is the multi-award-winning author of Glorious Surrender (2016), inspirational romances The Builder's Reluctant Bride (2016), Mistletoe Melody (2018), and inspirational romantic suspense novels In Too Deep (2017), and Fatal Homecoming (2019). Stacey lives in Ontario where she speaks at women's conferences, teaches writing and bible study workshops, and writes about the things of the Lord. www.staceyweeks.com

Inspy romance Flowers Can Be Fatal 12

Holly in December, Flowers can be fatal #12

Clare Revell

Pelican Ventures LLC, November 2016

Inspirational romantic novella

$3.99 Ebook

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the Book

She's "Hopeless." When Hope ran away from home at seventeen it was just the start of a downward spiral that led to mistakes that have plagued her since. Now accused of a crime, she's lost her job and housing. With a young daughter to care for, she finds a place at a church-run shelter. Nick Slater is a new assistant pastor at Headley Cross Baptist. His focus should be on his job and volunteering at the shelter, but when the same woman keeps crossing his path, he knows God has orchestrated their meetings and resolves to help her, no matter what it takes. But even while scents of holly and fresh-baked pies fill the air with Christmas joy, and Nick finds himself falling in love with Hope and her little girl, the dark stain of Hope's past threatens to affect Nick's career. Should he ignore the urge to save his reputation, or is God teaching him a Heavenly lesson? 

My review

This twelfth book in the gently linked Flowers Can Be Fatal series of inspirational romantic novellas opens on a dramatic note. Social worker Hope Hargitay is being sent home after a blistering accusation of wrong-doing blows up in her face. She can’t even defend herself, and after five years’ of service, is fired. Not only let go, she and her daughter are tossed out of the apartment that came with the ill-paying job. Now what? Her last resort is moving into a homeless shelter in exchange for work.

A new tenant in a run-down apartment on the seedy side of town, Assistant Pastor Nick Slater helps a young woman move her bags down several flights of stairs. He’s never had time to introduce himself and is startled to meet her again during his volunteer time at the nearby shelter. This time she’s again in desperate need of being rescued and Nick is pulled willingly into her story. Holly has an idea of how and why she’s being victimized but is scared senseless over telling the truth. Already on probation as a pastor, Nick is repeatedly warned by older church members to maintain decorum. Nick understands, but how can he prove his faith practice if he’s told to keep his distance from the very people who need his help? God loves the downtrodden and the redeemed too, and Nick is determined to make sure everyone keeps past sins where they belong—firmly in the past—and that justice and mercy go both ways.

Revell’s series shares a few characters and intertwines storylines gently without needing to be read in any particular order. The stories are laden with contemporary issues and lovingly told through both hero and heroine’s voices. Each is lovingly and well told. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed the Brit-speak. Those who love short intense romances will enjoy Revell’s work.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Inspy romance with Clare Revell

Dark Lake

Clare Revell

Pelican Ventures LLC, September 2018

Inspirational romantic suspense, 320 pp

$5.99 Ebook; $15.99 paperback

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon 

Barnes and Noble 

Publisher

About the Book

Archaeologist Dr. Lou Fitzgerald is used to unexpected happenings, and they don't usually faze her. After surviving a childhood disability, and dealing with an unfair boss, Lou has learned the art of rolling with the punches. But when she arrives at Dark Lake, what was supposed to be a simple archaeological dig is beyond even her wildest imaginations. Landowner Evan Close has his own reasons for keeping the secrets of Dark Lake, and this attractive interloper is a menace. Her precious dig threatens to bring his house of cards tumbling down around him, and he feels helpless to stop it. It soon becomes apparent there are dark forces at work, and Lou's simple assignment turns into a mystery. Solving that mystery comes with a steep price.

My Review

Dark Lake has many eerie layers in name and back story. While Dr. Louise Fitgerald is a renowned archaeologist, she is also strangely vulnerable to the bizarre whimsies of the power-drunk director of the private organization she works for. He constantly pulls the rug out from under her and threatens her and yanks the privileges of name recognition that goes along with her discoveries. He pays well, but seriously, why is she working for this dangerous jerk? Could it be that her self-confidence is in shambles due to the disfigurement she deals with, yet tries to keep quiet?

“Rolling with the punches” has come to the last straw for Dr. Lou as she is shifted from a different archeological site and job just as she proved a long-held and worked-for premise on an important dig to a relatively recent site submerged when a dam was built a century earlier. She’s to dive and check over the remains of the village. But it’s not just the creepy fog that’s all wrong in Dark Lake. The property owner, the mysterious Evan Close who employs a body guard, has enigmas Dr. Lou longs to explore. The two hit it off right away and sparks fly as they’re drawn together through a mutual need to survive the secrets of Dark Lake.

Told through alternating points of view, the suspense builds wonderfully. The mutual tension works well, though I did have a giggle at Colonel Dad reprimanding two thirty-somethings to stay pure until marriage or he’d hand out knuckle sandwiches. Faith-based romance is nice and clean yet real without being preachy and spinsterish.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Inspy romance Flowers Can Be Fatal 11

Mums in November, Flowers can be fatal #11

Clare Revell

Pelican Ventures LLC, October 2016

Inspirational romantic novella, 127 pp

$3.99 Ebook

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Publisher

About the Book

Running into Amber Neville after twenty years wasn’t on Dr. Jackson Parker’s list of things to do. Amber had been head girl to his head boy, and from what he remembers, she was British, stuck up and bossy...But the red-haired beauty she’s grown into leaves him stunned.Newly returned from a job in Canada, Amber remembers Jackson as a brash and rude American--not at all the even-tempered, handsome doctor he's turned out to be. But she can’t get involved, not with the massive burden she bears--a burden that has to remain hidden at all costs.As secrets are revealed, Amber’s life is thrown into danger. As the flowers fade, so does her chance of survival. But Jackson has other plans. After all, doctors are meant to save lives, no matter the cost.

My review

After reading several stories in the series and wondering about the American who seems to be everywhere, saving people and generally being part of the community, we finally get to his story. It’s worth the wait, readers! Jackson Parker is full of surprises. Having been raised as the son of a foreign diplomat, he had a lot to overcome and to prove to his classmates. Although smart, he tended to act up and act out in all the wrong ways. The girl he wanted most to approach back in their school days, Amber Neville, seemed out of reach…and then Jackson and his family moved again.

The two of them receive the surprise of a lifetime when Amber turns up in the small village Jackson returned to after getting his medical education and license. She’s been a nanny to a high-powered family and is looking for another job in this tucked-away place. Jackson wastes no time in letting Amber know that now he’s grown up he’s not repeating his past and letting her get away without even getting to know her. Amber is on edge, and Jackson wants to help her. When a dangerous allergy gives him the opportunity to come to her rescue, Amber’s heart is lost. Jackson unwittingly opens an ugly can of worms when he asks his cop brother to do a background check. Unsure what to believe and how to help, Jackson continues to pry until Amber can’t hide any longer. By then it might be too late for both of them.

Lots of twists and turns make this sweet little suspense a page-turner. Told from both points of view I was often shaking my finger at the mean cops and the horrifying situation these poor people were involved with. Those who love clean romantic suspense will love this story.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Inspy romance Flowers Can Be Fatal 8

Gladioli in August, Flowers can be fatal #8

Clare Revel

Pelican Ventures LLC, July 2016

Inspirational romantic novella

$3.99 Ebook

Also available on Audible

Buy on Amazon

Barnes and Noble

About the Book

The work place is volatile and the volcano is restless… Jael Stevens questions her decisions after she ignores her brother’s warnings and takes a sabbatical to work as a nurse on the volcanic island Tiampu. The position isn’t what she imagined. Long hours, difficult working conditions, and frequent rumblings from the nearby mountain are only made bearable by the joy of helping others and a certain set-in-his-ways pilot. Micah Norris has dedicated his life to God and is more than content with his permanent bachelor status. But after his childhood filled with abuse, could it be that keeping his distance from others is self-preservation? When Jael Stevens shows up, Micah isn't prepared to like her. He sees the new nurse as just another in a long line of caregivers from "civilization" who have no idea what life on a remote island will be like, and he is tired of constantly having to train new professionals who don’t last. But Jael makes a big impression. With her Christ-centered focus and her kind treatment to patients, she may be just what the doctor ordered. His confirmed bachelor status may be in serious trouble. Can he finally let go of his painful past, and will he have enough, time to do so with a volatile workplace and a restless volcano?

My review

Bad things happen with volcanoes in August, Jael Stevens’s brother tells her when she takes leave from her hospital nursing job for a missionary stint in Indonesia. Jael isn’t impressed, since the volcano on Tiampu, where the Red Cross home base is set, has been silent for hundreds of years. She has little idea what she’s truly in for, however, as she attempts to match hospital decorum and uniform, including high heels, with jungle medicine. Scrambling over a log with the help of a smirking smug pilot is a humbling experience. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Pilot Micah Norris has two loves: God and bush flying. In that order. In his world, Micah is the boss, and there’s little room for deviation. Every six months he has to break in a new nurse, and this latest one has a funny name to go with her funny ideas. Didn’t anyone tell her that dresses and pantyhose won’t cut it? And he’s in charge? As the two begin to work out their anything-but-routine schedule, Jael learns confidence in the most unusual circumstances and Micah learns he can bend his strict mindset and closed heart without breaking.

The two face the ultimate sacrificial challenges when Tiampu awakens. Told through intertwining points of view, each of these romantic people share their deepest feelings and fears as they begin to bond. I loved the audio version narrated by Brit Lynne Thompson.

About the Author

Clare is a British author. She lives in a small town just outside Reading, England with her husband, whom she married in 1992, their three children, and unfriendly mini-panther, aka Tilly the black cat. They have recently been joined by Hedwig and Sirius the guinea pigs. Clare is half English and half Welsh, which makes watching rugby interesting at times as it doesn’t matter who wins. Writing from an early childhood and encouraged by her teachers, she graduated from rewriting fairy stories through fan fiction to using her own original characters and enjoys writing an eclectic mix of romance, crime fiction and children's stories. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, crocheting or doing the many piles of laundry the occupants of her house manage to make.

Her books are based in the UK, with a couple of exceptions, thus, although the spelling may be American in some of them, the books contain British language and terminology and the more recent ones are written in UK English.

The first draft of every novel is hand written.
She has been a Christian for more than half her life. She goes to Carey Baptist where she is one of four registrars. She can be found at:
http://www.revell124.plus.com/clarere...
https://www.facebook.com/ClareRevellA...
https://twitter.com/ClareRevell

Clear As Ice holiday novella review and a holiday recipe

Clear As Ice
Penelope Marzec
Holiday Extravaganza novella
Prism Lux, a division of Pelican Book Group
November 20, 2019
$3.99 ebook

Buy on Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Pelican Book Store

About the Book

When Ethan's prayers for his mother's life go unanswered, he abandons his faith, tossing it out with his mother's Christmas ornaments. The loss of his hope leaves him empty and he begins to shy away from relationships, but when his dog Rufus, a rescue from a shelter, develops a fondness for a woman skating on the frozen lake behind his house, he's annoyed. Not only does he resent her using his pond, he doesn't understand her fear of dogs.

Haylie, once an Olympic figure skater, is afraid of more than just Ethan's dog. She lives in constant fear due to threats from a stalker, but one day Ethan's dog chases the danger away, so Haylie decides to try to lose her fear of dogs...But then the stalker's plans expand to include revenge toward Ethan as well. If they are to remain safe and live to see a happily-ever-after, Haylie and Ethan must put aside differences and learn to trust each other. This Christmas season promises to be the most challenging and the most meaningful of their lives.

Penelope, tell us what you love about your new book.

There are two things which gave me endless hours of delight while writing Clear as Ice, my latest release. First, the book brought back all the good times I had when I was young while ice skating on the lake behind the house where I grew up. The cold didn’t bother me as I whirled around on the thin blades. I didn’t worry about falling down. I wound up on my behind hundreds of times—and I laughed. It was a joyful activity. Of course, there were dangers, but even at a young age I was aware of them. I saw kids fall through the ice, which was terrifying. So I always waited until the ice was thick enough before venturing out on it. But when it was good and solid, it was great fun.

The other aspect of Clear as Ice I enjoyed was writing about the antics of Rufus, the hero’s dog, who thinks he’s human—although maybe he’s better than human. In fact, Rufus might be smarter than his owner. Rufus certainly has his own opinions about things. He knows exactly who the hero should date and, of course, he’s right. I thought about my granddog as I wrote about Rufus. My granddog is a genius, of course.

The hero in Clear as Ice decides to skip Christmas. But it is specifically at holiday time when everyone is afforded a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with family traditions. One of the Christmas traditions we always enjoy at our house is Cape Cod Cranberry Pie. It is so easy but so delicious, too. I’ve made it every year since I first discovered the recipe, except for the year the oven died. I originally found the recipe in my New York Times Heritage Cook Book, but the recipe can now be found easily online.

While I enjoy it plain, ice cream or whipped cream on top is nice, too.

CAPE COD CRANBERRY PIE

2 cups cranberries

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup chopped nuts (I use walnuts.)

2 eggs

1 cup flour

1/2 cup melted butter

1/4 cup canola oil

1. Preheat oven to 325F.

2. Spread the cranberries in the bottom of a well-greased ten inch pie plate.

3. Sprinkle with one half cup of the sugar and the nuts.

4. Add the remaining sugar to the eggs, beating well. Beat in the flour, butter, and shortening. Pour over the cranberries.

5. Bake about 1 hour, or until crust is golden brown.

The pie goes fast--so you better make two of them.

Lisa's Review

When a thoroughly traumatized former Olympian must face all of her fears in the space of a few days, it takes an embittered EMT and his dog to bring back the joy of Christmas.

Set in east central New Jersey after Superstorm Sandy, ice skater Hailey revisits the site of her former home which had been destroyed in the storm. She is surprised by a visit from an overly friendly and protective, playful dog, companion to Ethan, the owner of a new house on the lake where she enjoyed ice skating in the winter. Ethan, a former wild teen, now a humbug who’s been disappointed by unanswered prayer, and Hailey, a young woman of great faith, now a physical therapist, continue to run into each other. Ethan’s dog, Rufus, decides Hailey needs him as much as Ethan does and does what he can to take care of her.

Hailey and Ethan team up when Hailey’s past problems terrorize her. Somewhere in their developing relationship, Rufus decides to practice a little matchmaking in between his protection detail. Hailey is willing to take steps toward conquering her fears, but will Ethan crawl out of his well of misery and meet her partway?

Ethan may have thrown over his late mother’s faith when God let him down, but he’s smart enough to realize that Hailey holds the keys to healing grace. He’s not about to let another good thing get away, bah humbug or not. But Hailey’s problems may be more than he wants to deal with. 

Clear as Ice is a sweet and short holiday romance told from both Hailey’s and Ethan’s viewpoints as they maneuver around each other and everything Christmas. Those who enjoy feel-good stories featuring lovable dogs will love Marzec’s inspiration story.

About the Author

Penelope Marzec grew up along the Jersey shore. She started reading romances at a young age and fell hopelessly in love with happy endings. Two of her inspirational romances won EPIC’s eBook Award and another was a finalist in that contest. Her paranormal, Irons in the Fire, was a nominee for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award. Visit her website at penelopemarzec.com for more information.

Johnny Rocker Dead with Lillian Duncan

All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead

Lillian Duncan

Christmas Extravaganza Holiday novella

Pelican Book Group

December 1, 2019

$3.99 ebook

Buy on

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Publisher

About the Book

Johnny Rocker believes he's doesn't need anyone or anything—especially God because after all he is a rock & roll god. When the floor beneath his feet crumbles—literally—he hurtles toward a different truth.

Since the death of Maddie's family, she's run from life and love and become the best bodyguard she can be. But, with God's help, she's ready to step out of her comfort zone and into a different life. When her boss asks—no begs—her to take on one last job, she finds it hard to refuse. Someone is trying to kill mega-star Johnny Rocker. It's Maddie Cotton's job to make sure that doesn't happen.

Even under Maddie's protection the threats continue. As Christmas approaches the danger escalates—someone doesn't want Johnny Rocker to see the new year, and they are willing to kill Maddie as well. Johnny and Maddie will have to set aside their differences and learn to lean on each other and God if they want to see Christmas day.

My Review

Duncan’s contribution to the 2019 Holiday Extravaganza is an inspirational tale of two people with vastly different lifestyles, but at the same place in life. Zeb Walker, aka super rock legend Johnny Rocker, is tired of being constantly “on,” and hounded by a voice he doesn’t understand. Maddie is tired of being on constant alert in her work as a bodyguard. She is retiring from the company, like now…only her boss has one more job. The paycheck is too good to pass up, and she is intrigued by the aspect of investigating a mystery along with the protection detail. She reluctantly agrees to be Johnny Rocker’s temporary bodyguard, especially since her special relationship with Jesus makes it clear Johnny needs more than physical protection.

When Maddie can’t protect Zeb anyplace where his crazed fans can find him, one of whom is obviously trying to kill him, she takes him to her secluded Colorado cabin. As they get to know each other, they become more open to the promptings of the Voice Maddie knows and Zeb longs for. The threats against Johnny’s life escalate until Maddie, too, is drawn into danger.

The story is an exciting and entertaining read with loveable characters at a crossroads. I enjoyed their personalities as both Zeb and Maddie got a kick out of pushing each other’s buttons. Told with enough danger through a light touch to keep the reader turning pages, and through both Zeb and Maddie’s perspectives, readers who enjoy inspirational romantic suspense in short form will find much to love in All I Want for Christmas is Johnny Rocker Dead.

Learn More about the Duncans

Murder, Mayhem & Christmas?

Murder, Mayhem & Christmas? Really?

On the surface, it may seem that murder and mayhem doesn’t necessarily go with Christmas, but I love weaving a Christmas story in with suspense and romance. I have several Christmas stories available—The Christmas Stalking; The Christmas Angel Thief; No Home for the Holidays; and A Christmas Stolen.

My new Christmas novella is ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS JOHNNY ROCKER DEAD! How’s that for a title filled with murder, mayhem, & Christmas?

I won’t tell you the plot but I will tell you the story is about how much God loves each of us—no matter what we’ve done. And isn’t that what Christmas is really all about?

Speaking of Christmas, one of the things my husband and I do every Christmas is to clear out our enclosed porch and then we put up Christmas trees. Yes, I said trees as in many trees.

Last year, we had 15 trees up. In all sizes and shapes— even a snowman tree. We don’t have any young children or grandchildren around, but that doesn’t stop us from celebrating the season and honoring Jesus’s birthday.

Merry Christmas to all!

About the Author

Lillian Duncan…turning faith into fiction.

Even though her books cross genres, they have one thing in common, faith-based stories that show God’s love—and lots of action. OK—that’s two things. She believes in the power of words to change lives, especially God’s Word.

New novella from Robin Densmore Fuson

Restoration

Robin Densmore Fuson

Inspirational holiday novella

$2.99 ebook

Paperback available

Buy on Amazon

About the Book

Restoration is a Christmas novella which tells a twenty-five-year love story. Nurse Rebecca Porter and bush pilot Kyle Warren’s relationship started terrific, tight, memorable and romantic. Kyle swept Rebecca off her feet in a remarkable marriage proposal. Their fantastic wedding day surrounded by beauty, family, words of wisdom and promises made went without a hitch. An unexpected marvelous honeymoon trip took them up in the air to enjoy the rugged landscape of Alaska. Can their storybook relationship go on without a flaw? Do they have what it takes to dig deep into their souls to heal, grow, and change? Through the years, Christmas remained Rebecca’s favorite time of year when peace reigned for a day. Love traveled with Rebecca and Kyle from the snow covered Mountains near Anchorage, Alaska to the vast ocean off Miami, Florida’s coast. Helicopters, small aircraft, speed boats, and vintage cars marked their mode of transportation in this tale of hearts won through love language, prayer, and perseverance.

Lisa’s Review

This latest tale from prolific author Robin Fuson encompasses a fairytale marriage through ups and downs.

As with most marriages, secrets, disillusionment, and shame color the relationship. Some secrets are good but some are simple acts of controlling behavior. Rebecca and Kyle can’t see past their rose-colored glasses as they set up housekeeping and become a family. Kyle’s need to keep up the appearance of perfection and Rebecca’s growing disenchantment with his financial behavior may become a deal breaker unless they get help and remember the source of the faith they both profess.

Set in lush Alaska and moving to Florida, Restoration is a romantic story for readers who are intrigued by the long haul; the reality after the initial passion, and the need to be honest and mindful of the foundation on which we build our lives.

About the Author

Robin recently moved to Tennessee with her husband Jimmy. Together, they celebrate with seventeen grandchildren. An award winner for romance and flash fiction. Robin is multi-published and writes stories on her blog for children. Robin is a member of ACFW, Vice President of ACFW Colorado Western Slope, and member of John316 Marketing Network. She enjoys leading a Bible study group and singing in two community choirs. Robin loves company and challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and hidden nooks and crannies of their home.

Revisit Christmas with Jody Bailey Day

Mistletoe Mix-Up
Jody Day

Christmas Holiday Extravaganza

Pelican Ventures LLC

December 1, 2018

Ebook Novelette

$2.99

Buy on

Amazon

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Publisher

About the Book

Evan Edwards faces another lonely Christmas in the dorm, so when he chances upon a rain-soaked ad for holiday room and board in exchange for decorating, he wastes no time in driving to the empty home, dreaming of a cozy, if lonely, Christmas.

Across the street, Rise' Larkin is also home from school, and has some bad news for her dad. As Evan and Rise’s friendship deepens, and Christmas nears, Evan discovers he’s been decorating the wrong house.

Will this mix-up ruin everything?

My review

I am starting to get hooked on novellas/novelettes, shorter complete books that are longer than short stories but shorter than a full length book. They don’t have time for complicated plots or side stories, yet have nicely developed characters and a problem to solve. For Evan Edwards, it’s what to do with himself. As a student he’s looking the future in the nose, as a musician he knows he needs something else that will push his playing to the next level. As a son he feels like a failure to a mom who is constantly on the lookout for the next man. For Rise Larkin, the problem is how to tell her father her life is a disaster but she’s already started a do-over about which she’s worried he won’t approve.

Mistletoe Mix-Up is a cute story of two lonely hearts finding home and a future and making peace with the present through an odd turn of events one special Christmas.

About the Author

Jody Bailey Day writes inspirational fiction, poems, and devotionals looking through love colored glasses - the love of Christ.

Love is...Racing Hearts with Renee Blare

I Corinthians 13:4-8

Prism Book Group

Inspirational romantic story, novella

eBook: $2.99

Bundled print coming soon

Buy on Amazon

About the book:

Full of hope for the future, a young couple sets off on an adventure and welcome their new home with open arms. The lakes sparkle, the mountains glisten, and deep within, the seed of life grows. But challenges arise in their newfound paradise and soon, their love faces a trial of almost insurmountable odds.

For the two Christians, placing the fate of their unborn child in the hands of God seems rather easy, but trusting each other? Now, that may prove to be the largest challenge of all…as hearts race in the Rocky Mountains.

My review:

Rick and Jordyn Folsen have a lot to overcome, including a potentially problematic pregnancy. When a job on the other side of the state from their families for Rick, a gifted electrician, becomes available, Rick and Jordyn take a leap of faith to make a home for themselves. Meanwhile, Rick has a chip the size of Boulder on his shoulder breathing his Native American culture expectations in one ear, and making a life for himself and his young wife away from her home in the other.

Life is difficult for this young, faith-filled couple, made a little more colorful and joyous by new friends, and a part time bookkeeping job where Jordyn can use her skills. When little Sawyer arrives, more trouble visits…and here’s where Blare’s story cleverly begins and circles around to pick up the pieces. When Rick despairs, Jordyn’s poetry reminds him that love always trusts.

I love you with all my heart,

For always and forever.

To be with you is my prayer,

Walking through life together.

About the Author:

A pharmacist by trade, Renee Blare serves her community in Wyoming by day and writes any chance she can get. While writing’s her first love, well, after the Lord and her husband, she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar.

Nestled in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains with her husband, crazy dogs and ornery cat, she pens her Christian stories, keeping them interesting with action and intrigue. Renee loves to interact with readers and invites you to visit her website, blog, and social media.

http://www.reneeblare.com/

http://reneeblare.blogspot.com/

www.facebook.com/ReneeBlareAuthor/

https://twitter.com/ReneeBlare

Everything About You novella with Lisa Lickel

It's a little weird and awkward promoting myself, but I am proud of this series and tickled to be part of it. 

My novella, Everything About You, is all in good fun, fifth in the Love Is series based on

I Corinthians 13:4-9. The first four books released in February:

Hounded, by Anita Klumpers

Clue Into Kindness, by Gay N Lewis

Greener Grasses, by Julie Cosgrove

A Work in Progress, Nancy Bolton

Check out Lisa’s contribution to Prism Book Group’s new Love Is series…

Everything About You

“Love is not proud…” 1 Corinthians: 13:4

She needs a movie set miracle, he needs cash...can a farmer morph into a movie star in five days? 

If Shelly has her way, Danny will become America’s next heartthrob and she’ll get her own promotions company. He’s already gorgeous, a little naive, and needs to work on that accent. To Danny, Shelly is on the pompous side, but holds the key to his real dreams...if he can figure out all the rules, say the right things for the daily vlog session, keep his heart strings in place, dodge Shelly’s vicious former boyfriend and the movie star diva. 
Shelly’s about to lose a lot more than her heart if she can’t get a handle on her wounded pride and learn who to trust.

http://www.prismbookgroup.com/EverythingAboutYou.html

http://www.amazon.com/Everything-About-You-Lisa-Lickel-ebook/dp/B01BYIUBKA

Love Does Not Boast, read Nancy Bolton's A Work in Progress

Ah, love! Such a topic!

For me, I had a close, loving family growing up, but we hit some rough times when my siblings and I were all teenagers in the 1960s, and the closeness often became strained and rocky, especially with our Dad who felt pretty overwhelmed with his outspoken, stubborn children. How I longed for the uncomplicated days when we were smaller!

 I’d always gotten along well with boys, and often preferred their company. But due to a childhood trauma, as I grew older, I was wary of any romantic relationships, and figured I’d never marry since the whole dating process appeared pretty scary to me. Though I perceived interest from various boys during high school, I kept a friendly distance, protecting myself from the titanic hurts I watched my siblings suffer as they navigated through their dating years.

Then, in my junior year, when I was seventeen, I became re-acquainted with a boy who’d once lived next door to us years back, and who I’d hardly seen in recent years. He had soulful, dark blue eyes, and a marvelous, quirky sense of humor which captivated me. He didn’t show any of the annoying romantic attention that always made me wary, and I delighted in humorous bantering with him, and sharing comic observations about everything. He was such fun to talk to.

Somehow, he snuck through my giant defenses, and I found myself fascinated at the thought of getting to know him as more than a friend. Though I resisted it once I realized he was becoming romantic toward me, it grew more difficult to push away the strong feelings I had for him. To his credit, he waited and maintained our friendship while the attraction deepened. When I finally opened the door to my heart, he rushed in and though we’ve had our rough times, now five sons and 40 plus years later, he still makes me laugh and is my other half.

We also shared our spiritual journey toward new birth in Christ in our twenties, and God has been a huge part of our ongoing relationship. I am well and truly blessed with love, and children and we even have two grandchildren now. We’ve never had a regular sort of life, but I’m comfortable being rather an oddball, and so is my husband, who first taught me to embrace my eccentricities, and enjoy them, just as he’s always enjoyed his and mine.  God makes all kinds of quirky folks, and I’m so happy to share my life with my husband John, though honestly sometimes he drives me nuts!!! I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Check out Nancy’s contribution to Prism Book Group’s new Love Is series…

A Work in Progress

“Love is kind…” 1 Corinthians: 13:4

$2.99

Prism Book Group

February 26, 2016

Buy on Amazon

About the Book:

There’s something cooking outside the kitchen…. 

They’ve worked together for two years, but that’s all they have in common. Like oil and water, they just don’t mix. Julie thinks he’s a shallow flirt, Mark thinks she’s a cold fish. Despite their mutual dislike, they’ve carved out a civil work relationship at the restaurant. But after each of their inner worlds suffer a jolt; the careful, polite kitchen routine becomes a stew of conflicting emotions. Things are about to get interesting. 

My review:

Nancy Shew Bolton, author of other Prism novella favorites of mine, Hidden Storms, and The Right Ingredients (both on sale at 99 cents each), adds another winner to the Love Is line, based on the apostle Paul's famous biblical passage in I Corinthians 13. "Love does not boast" means gifted, talents chefs Julie and Mark, who work at the same steakhouse restaurant, each with their special creative abilities to turn out new special dishes, should not let stress affect their work. When Mark visits a clinic for troubling symptoms, he meets new friends who help him put his life into perspective. But when he learns about Julie's secret outside-of-work life, his sense of duty wars with his curiosity. Used to getting the attention of girls, Julie is a puzzle Mark is determined to unlock. When their lives circle around and a mutual project brings them a fresh purpose, these cooks definitely sizzle.

Told from contrasting viewpoints, A Work in Progress follows two individuals with strong passions as they learn to meld and help each other grow.

Sweet historical holiday novella from Susan Baganz Fragile Blessings

Part of the Love's Christmas PAST collection from Prism Book Group
Novella Kindle ebook 99cents
Collection Print, bundled with Christmas Bells by Jewell Tweedt and A Medieval Christmas by Rachel James $13.99

From the publisher:

In the late 1800s, Grant and Lily have established their farm amongst the bluffs of western Wisconsin. As they anticipate the birth of their first child, tragedy strikes. With shaken faith and grief driving a wedge between them, is it possible for three orphans to heal Grant and Lily’s heart and relationship?

My review:

For a short read, Fragile Blessings packs a lot in, leaving the reader to ponder the events of the story long after the last page. Baganz has the ability to transport readers to the past effortlessly, making you feel as though you’re in the cabin, on the farm, or traveling through the snow with Grant and Lily.

Told from the viewpoint of the main characters, readers will struggle through emotions, tense situations, tragedy, and heartache at both sad and newfound, precious and sweet events in the lives of these settlers. Using real communities and even little facts, like the round barns built there, Fragile Blessings will stroke your heartstrings. Life and love, even faith, is a fragile entity, but the ability to grow, accept that God is in control, and move on without forgetting and through the help of loved ones, is the surest blessing. Recommended for those who like a bite of an historical inspirational story with a lot to think about.

About the author:

Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.

She has been published in Splickety Magazine and in the I Choose You anthology with OakTara Press. Her contemporary inspirational novels form The Orchard Hill Romances and include: Pesto & Potholes (2015),Salsa & Speed Bumps (Jan. 2016). Feta & Freeways (Sept. 2016), Root Beer & Road Blocks, Bratwurst & Bridges and Donuts & Detours.

Susan speaks, teaches and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church. Her favorite pastimes are lazy ones—snuggling with her dog while reading a good book, or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte.

You can learn more by following her twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page,www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz.

Book Review - All's Fair in Love and Arson by Sharon McGregor

All’s Fair in Love and Arson 

Sharon McGregor

Prism Book Group

c. Nov 2015

novella

inspirational holiday romance

.99 ebook

ISBN 9781943104255

Buy on Amazon http://amzn.to/1GNIZ4K

From the publisher: 

Bella is back at her childhood home. When her mother took a fall in the Nuisance Grounds (garbage dump) and broke her leg, Bella came back to help her and run her shop, Izzie's. Soon Bella discovers she's also been handed Izzie's role in the town's Christmas theatre production, a musical version of a well-known mystery that threatens to become more bizarre each day. A serial arsonist is frightening the townspeople, a family feud threatens young romance, and intrigue and rumors are the order of the day. On top of everything, Bella's high school sweetheart Jake, who dumped her for a cheerleader, is now Chief of Police. Poor Bella! Christmas in St. Christopher's is not what it used to be.

My review:

Bella comes home to her small town of St. Christopher to help her mother at the shop while Izzie heals from a broken leg. It’s been twelve years and old wounds have festered. But St. Christopher has some secrets—some good, some not-so-good. One of them is the new chief of police—Jake—Bella’s high school honey she thought cheated on her all those years ago. She can’t decide if that’s a good or not-so-good secret. Another is the amount of nostalgia for a sense of home Bella left behind and never really felt anywhere else.

Izzie has a few secrets of her own—including a romance and a task for Bella to force her into the public through a local theater production role. A definitely not-so-good secret is there’s an arsonist afoot, and no one knows his or her next target. This is not the St. Christopher Bella left behind. In some ways, it’s better.

McGregor’s small town family stories pack a lot into a sweet, easy, quick read that tends to linger with a sense of nostalgia after the last page. Told in a folksy, third person manner from Bella’s point of view, the reader is transported to December in St. Christopher, where the nativity set in the hardware store window reminds Bella and Jake what life is truly all about. A gentle, multi-generational love story with a bit of mystery and lots of fun. For those who enjoy a quick and clean read with forgiveness to go around twice.

About the Author:

Sharon McGregor is a west coast transplant from the Canadian prairies. Her imagination and story weaving got its start when she was an only child living on a farm. She's moved on from cowgirl dreams to romance and mystery, but hasn't lost her love for horses.
When not writing or reading, she's busy with the two shops she shares with her daughter- an ice cream and candy store and a bath boutique.

Review of Deborah Piccurelli's Love Comes Calling

About the Book

The day new Christian, Derek Spencer, shows up on Charlie Parkes’s doorstep to make up for what he’d done, is the very day he falls in love with her. But Charlie’s sister mistakes him for a home improvement contractor, and he decides to play along until he finds a way to tell her who he really is.

Charlie is attracted to Derek, but knows the attention he pays her is only flattery. How could such a great-looking guy fall for someone with a face like hers? Nevertheless, the two form a relationship that brings a joy to Charlie that’s way beyond her wildest dreams.

But what will happen when Derek’s true identity is revealed?

Read the interview with the author here. 

Novella, buy on Amazon
Prism Book Group
March, 2015
Kindle: $2.99

My review:

Sweet story about a man who made a grave error, forever changing a person’s life.

Forgiveness, sure—easy to do from a distance, right? Especially when Charlie didn’t know the person who was responsible for running her off the road and scaring her face. When the person, Derek, shows up two years later, a case of mistaken identity gives him a chance to ease into the apology and offer of restitution he came to make.

Everybody in Charlie’s world made it easy for her to hide after the car accident that cost her career as a dancer. When a handsome remodeler and his partner show up, they’re drawn together and start spending time at lunch and even outside of work. Charlie’s sister Jess is also intrigued by Derek’s partner in business, Greg, a young man who shares many values. But something is fishy about Derek, and it’s not long before Jess figures out that Derek has a secret and gets Greg to spill it.

I enjoyed this very well-told tale of forgiveness, restitution, and genuine love. It’s a double romance as well as both sisters learn that family love doesn’t smother, and romantic love shouldn’t hide behind secrets and lies, especially with faith binding them all. Told from alternating third person viewpoints of the sisters and Derek.