As the holiday season draws near, it’s impossible not to get wrapped up in the magic and nostalgia that comes with it. For me, now at the grand age of 83, Christmas always holds a special place in my heart, reminiscent of simpler times and heartfelt traditions. I recall the Christmases of my youth with a fondness that warms my soul. Those were the days when decorations were not just adornments but a family ritual, where every ornament told a story, and the twinkling lights were a beacon of joy and togetherness. Our Christmas tree, often a humble, fragrant pine, would stand proudly in the corner of our living room, draped with homemade garlands and tinsel that shimmered like a winter wonderland. The kitchen was the heart of our home during the holiday season. The aroma of baking pies, the sizzling of the turkey, and the laughter that echoed off the walls as we all pitched in with the preparations are memories that I hold dear. Christmas was never about the grandeur; it was about the love shared, the stories told, and the family gathered around the dinner table. Gift-giving was always modest, yet it felt like the richest of treasures. The excitement of finding the perfect, often handcrafted, gift for a loved one and seeing their face light up in joy is a feeling unmatched. It wasn't about the price tag; it was about the thought and love poured into each gift. Fast forward to today, and while times have changed, the essence of Christmas remains the same. It's about bringing joy, sharing love, and creating memories. Speaking of which, I’d like to share a piece of my heart with you this Christmas through A Mother for Christmas. Set against the backdrop of a Victorian house in St. Augustine, this heartwarming story is dear to my heart, as are the characters, especially Sophie. A Mother for Christmas is a story of love, mystery, and the magic of Christmas, reminding us of the power of connection and the surprises life can hold. So, as you prepare for your holiday season, whether it be with grand plans or a simple, cozy gathering, remember the true essence of Christmas. It’s not about the grandeur or the gifts; it’s about the love, the memories, and the magic that binds us all. And if you’re looking for a little extra warmth this season, A Mother for Christmas is a story to curl up with and let the magic of the season fill your heart. Merry Christmas and Warm Wishes to You and Yours! Jackie XoXo Grab the entire collection of Dear Santa themed stories... And read your way through the holidays! Also, available as Audiobooks!
0 Comments
The ultimate battle starts with Creatus Unyielding and a twist, we assure you, you did NOT see coming. But, as you know by now, this series is about the myths surrounding the creatus species, so get ready for an explosive end, leading to Creatus Sovereign!
Follow Carmen's newsletter or author pages to be the first to know about new releases, specials, and writing posts!
Newsletter - BookBub - Amazon
Embarking on the journey of writing my first novel was a tumultuous adventure filled with trepidation and excitement. Armed with nothing but passion, and driven by my Muse, the process started. The choice was clear - I would create a narrative where love blossoms beyond the barriers of race and color, echoing my personal belief that love knows no bounds.
Ebony Campbell, my heroine, is a strong, goal-oriented black woman. A twist of fate throws her into an unexpected whirlpool of emotions, making her question the path she meticulously planned for herself. As an African-American author, the obvious choice for a hero would seem to be a black man, but creativity took the reins, leading me to envision a different, captivating romantic interest.
During the narrative's inception, I stumbled upon the character of Brian Young - a charismatic, white man with blue eyes that seemed to see right through Ebony's strong exterior. Brian, defying stereotypes with his compassionate nature, became the pillar Ebony didn’t know she needed.
Determined to infuse authenticity into the interracial relationship of Ebony and Brian, extensive research became my ally. Exploring stories of real-life interracial couples, delving into statistics, and absorbing the nuanced experiences of people in such relationships, became stepping stones in crafting a story that resonated with realism and heartfelt emotions.
A Heart Not Easily Broken focuses not just on the racial aspect but also navigates through the couple’s individual journeys and collective experiences. It shines a light on love’s ability to triumph over societal norms and personal insecurities, painting a canvas where colors blend seamlessly, fostering a beautiful relationship.
Even today, the world behind closed doors whispers judgments, and skepticism looms around interracial relationships. However, my story encourages embracing love beyond color lines, emphasizing that happiness blossoms where love is nurtured, irrespective of societal norms.
The positive reception and heartwarming reviews from readers, including those who found a piece of their truth in Ebony and Brian’s journey, remain the treasures of this writing adventure. A Heart Not Easily Broken is not merely a tale of love but a reflection of life’s ability to surprise us with the beauty found in unexpected places.
Discover this journey of love, overcoming societal judgments and personal fears, in the vivid pages of A Heart Not Easily Broken - where love knows no color. Learn More on Amazon.com, or Read an Excerpt.
Paranormal romance is a subgenre of romance that combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, and horror with romantic relationships. These books often feature supernatural creatures such as vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, shape-shifters, and/or magical powers, alternate worlds, and mythological beings. They can range from light and playful to dark and intense, and appeal to a wide audience of readers. We enjoy paranormal romance novels, both as a form of escapism and as a way to explore our own emotions and desires. First, paranormal romance novels offer a chance to escape from the mundane and the ordinary. These books provide a rich and imaginative world where anything is possible, and readers can experience adventures and encounters that are beyond their everyday lives. Whether it's fighting against evil forces, discovering hidden abilities, or falling in love with a mysterious and enigmatic hero/heroine, paranormal romance novels provide a sense of excitement and wonder that can be hard to find in the real world. Second, paranormal romance novels often feature strong and complex characters who are capable, independent, and confident. These characters are often the main protagonists and the driving force behind the story, and they are portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and determined. They may have to overcome challenges and adversity, but they are always resilient and brave, and they never give up on their goals or their loved ones. Through these characters, readers can see themselves reflected and empowered, and they can find role models and inspiration for their own lives. Third, paranormal romance novels often deal with themes and issues that are relevant and relatable. These books can explore relationships, family, friendships, self-discovery, identity, and personal growth in a way that is meaningful and poignant. They can also delve into social and cultural issues such as gender roles, sexism, racism, and discrimination, and offer a commentary on these issues through the lens of the supernatural. By reading paranormal stories, we can not only get lost in a different world, but also gain insights and perspectives on our own lives and the world around us. Fourth, paranormal romance novels can provide a sense of emotional satisfaction and fulfillment. These books often focus on the development of romantic relationships, and they usually have a happy ending where the main characters find love and happiness. While the romance may be unconventional and may involve obstacles and conflicts, it is always passionate, intense, and genuine. Through these stories, we can experience the thrill and the joy of falling in love and feel a sense of emotional connection and validation. Finally, paranormal romance novels can offer a sense of community and belonging. These books have a large and dedicated fan base, and many readers enjoy discussing and debating their favorite books and characters with others. There are also many online groups, forums, and blogs where readers can share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences, and find like-minded people who share their interests and passions. By joining this community, we can feel a sense of belonging and support, and we can find a place where we can be ourselves and express ourselves freely. So what do you say? What do you like or not like about paranormal romance? Personally, I want to believe, the reason I set my paranormal stories in our world. They could be your neighbor or the employee sitting across from you. When you read my paranormal books, I want you to wonder: "What if?" If you haven't discovered the mysteries of the Creatus series. Start now with a FREE 2-Book Set! If you're all caught up, the ultimate battle starts now with the release of Creatus Unyielding! Pre-order now for only $0.99! Follow my newsletter or author pages to be the first to know about new releases, specials, and writing posts!
After I came up with that (and it’s a doozie), I knew I had to put her in the worst possible position to push her to be more courageous than she thought she could be. You see, Olivia Howe was kidnapped as a child. I didn’t want to write about a molester, so the kidnapper’s reasons had to do with a mad ceremony he thinks he has to do to tamp down his rage when it rears up.
While Detective Max Callahan is skeptical, he’s also mysteriously drawn to her…so sticking close seems like a good idea. And that's when things get really hairy. But dear romantic suspense readers, you know that an HEA is guaranteed, so don’t worry—no children are murdered in this book. I found some really interesting reads as I dove into blind-sightedness. One was The Phantoms in the Brain by neuroscientist V.S. Ramachandran, and the other was The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks. I highly recommend these books for fascinating stories about how the brain can misfire and, well, pretty much go whack-a-doodle sometimes. My story also has some special connections for me. One is the name Phaedra, the girl who gets kidnapped in my story and is psychically connected to my heroine, Olivia. One of my childhood friends was named Phaedra, and I’ve never since heard of anyone with that name. Although we lost touch decades ago, her name stuck in my head, ready to pop out when I needed a name for the girl.
She had a seizure disorder, so her Australian shepherd was trained to alert her when one was coming. Watching Denise and Stasia interact and her dog’s diligence was so touching. That’s why it was such a delight to write a story with a blind woman and her guide dog. When this book came out originally, Denise and Stasia came to one of my book signings. We bought some food-grade “ink” and had Stasia sign the books with me. It was so adorable! Although Denise has passed on, I’ll always remember her sweet smile, and her cute pup. I’m excited that Blindsight was chosen for a special $0.99 promotion so you can give it a try—or GIFT it to a friend if you've already read it. Until next time, Happy Reading! Tina Find links to download Blindsight from your favorite retailer! Who I am... I'm Melinda Colt, an award-winning and bestselling author. I hope to become your next favorite crime fiction writer. From a young age, my parents instilled in me a love for the written word, and I've been hooked ever since. As a reader, I'm always searching for those stories that capture my heart and mind, and as a writer I strive to create them. When I'm not crafting thrilling tales, I'm working as a graphic designer or watching true crime documentaries. Come explore the depths of my stories and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
What I like to read... Crime fiction, of course! Here are some of my all-time favorite picks!
I hope you enjoyed my picks!
For more posts from me, book specials, and new release alerts follow my Newsletter or one of my author pages on BookBub or Amazon.
Romantic Suspense, Women's Fiction
Second-Chance Romance, Chick Lit
Women's Fiction, Multicultural Romantic
Romantic Suspense, Supernatural Thriller
She's out of time! Will she run out of luck?
Destiny takes Wendy back in time to save her soulmate from being blackmailed into marriage by a darkly obsessed woman. With each trip to the past, Wendy draws closer to the truth that can set the man she loves free . . . or end their dreams forever. READ MORE
Destiny takes Wendy back in time to save her soulmate from being blackmailed into marriage by a darkly obsessed woman. With each trip to the past, Wendy draws closer to the truth that can set the man she loves free . . . or end their dreams forever. READ MORE
|
Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
|