Jane Porter's Blog, page 3

Just One Look

I’m not a snowbird or a beach girl. I am, to be quite honest, incredibly unathletic when it comes to skates, skateboards, surfboards, skis, and snowboards. (Even bicycles if there are lots of curves and obstacles.) Anything requiring balance, coordination, speed, and confidence is
pretty much not part of my skill set.

Fortunately, my guy, a surfer and owner of a popular surf school on Oahu, likes nerdy book girls who wear glasses.

Most of you know the backstory. But if you’re new in my world this might be news. Ty and I met when I interviewed him for a future book. The book became Flirting with Forty, a 2006 bestseller, that was turned into a 2008 movie for Lifetime starring Heather Locklear.

Ty and I dated long distance for nearly nine years—he in Hawaii and me in Seattle with my children—and we constantly were asked, ‘How does this end?’

It always puzzled me. How does anything end?

One of the things learning to surf—and I still am not good—taught me was that your surfboard will go in the direction you face.

So, if you look down, you’ll fall off. If you look straight ahead, square your shoulders, and keep your gaze on the beach in front of you, your board will straighten out and go in that direction. Where you look is where you’ll go. So choose your focus.

But that’s not just surfing, that’s life. And so when people asked, ‘where will this go? How will it work? What’s going to happen?’, I truthfully answered, “I don’t know but I’m going with it as far as it will go.” Because why watch the scoreboard while you’re playing the game? Focus on the game. Focus on what’s happening right now—not earlier.

Years later, when Ty and I were expecting a baby of our own, people continued the questions, asking if Ty was going to move to Seattle permanently, and I’d say no, because that wasn’t the plan. It would never be the plan. Instead we were just going to keep doing what we were doing, which was being together and then apart, and then together again, and so on.  We always found a way to get back to the other and sometimes we’d have to wait a month but we were patient, and aware that we had limitations due to work and family. So we learned to make it work—for us. Perhaps it wasn’t ideal for others, but this wasn’t about others. It was him and me.

Why did it work? I think its because I chose to make it work. I liked him that much. I loved him that much. Like Kai and Jackie in my book Flirting with Forty, Ty changed my life. He made it magical and exciting. It was like Mama Mia, the ABBA song,

Just one look and I can hear a bell ring
One more look and I forget everything
Mama Mia, here I go again.
My, my how can I resist you?

I couldn’t resist him that first year.  Or the second, or the third year. I was crazy about him, absolutely head over heels, and I’m still crazy about him and we’ve been together 21 years in April..

Ty’s and my relationship was never the one in Flirting with Forty. That was a novel, a fictional creating where I could control the outcome. But he and I have had an even better story…a bigger adventure, a more passionate love story because its not always easy. Life is complicated. We’re both real people, and thus, complicated. But it’s real. I’ll be sixty one in February, and it’s awesome to look back and realize, that life wasn’t over at forty.  Life was just beginning.

Just one look…

Q&A with Jane: Behind the Scenes of a Writer’s Life—Plotting, Surprises, and What It Really Takes to Succeed

How do you typically write?  Do you plot it all out beforehand or do you just let the story pour out?

I plot big chunks—road signs and what I believe will be the key turning points—and then write, but I definitely end up detouring and rethinking those scenes that I think will be the big scenes.

Do you have a favorite place to write or “must haves” while writing?

I need to be able to control my environment as much as possible—space, lighting, noise, amount of time I have to write.  I don’t do well trying to write in bits and pieces, or with lots of activity going on around me.  I can and do write in coffee houses when in a pinch, but then I try to find the quietest place possible, with a corner or wall table with lots of natural lighting and I add my Bose headphones to block out sound.  But honestly, my home office—clean and clear and free of clutter—is best.  I think I’m getting old.

Is there anything that has surprised you about writing, publishing or touring with your books?

Just how hard it all is!  People assume (and I used to be one of these people, too!) that all you have to do is get published, and you’ve pretty much got it mad because you’re on the ‘inside’ now, but that’s just the start of endless, uphill battles.  And it’s all a battle—the writing, the promoting, the marketing and touring and writing while promoting/touring.   It’s not a fluffy, relaxing career.  

  Was there anything (or anyone) while growing up which helped you decide you wanted to be a writer?

Louisa May Alcott.  I loved that Jo, from Little Women, Little Men, Jo’s Boys, etc, was a writer.  I also loved being inspired by the author of my other favorite series of books, Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls.  Being a writer definitely seemed to be the way to go.  And I tried to get published early….I wrote my first picture book in 2nd grade and my first novel in 4th grade.  I was pretty serious about becoming a novelist!

Do you have a job outside of being an author?  

I started a publishing company in 2013 and as the Editorial Director for Tule Publishing I’m involved with a lot of books–over 2,000 so far.   Its work but its also something I’m really proud of!

5 Life Lessons for the New Year

Happy New Year!

There’s something special about the fresh start of a new year. The past is the past, and we have the chance to learn new things–including how we look at the world and ourselves.

I wasn’t always so hopeful.  I’ve worked hard at becoming positive and focusing on gratitude and the good in my life.  As a teenager I was pretty hard on myself.  I couldn’t figure out how to fit in–socially or in my own skin. Now that I’m in my 6th decade there are things I wish I could tell my younger self. So, as we turn the page to a new year, I wanted to share the five pieces of advice I’d give my teenage self.

1) You Are Not Fat, and You Do Not Have a Big Butt

I know this may sound shallow, but it’s something that consumed me at 16. Looking back, I wish I could have embraced my body as it was. You are not fat, and those thighs and that butt are probably the smallest they will ever be. Instead of obsessing over body image, I’d tell myself to focus on what’s truly important: health and fitness. You’re strong, you’re healthy, and that’s what matters. And please—ditch the flesh-colored Clearasil. It’s obvious, and it doesn’t help. You’re not hiding anything, just making it worse!

2) It’s Okay to Be Unpopular

Teen Jane, you’re not going to be a cheerleader, you’re not going to be a model, and you’re definitely not going to be the most popular girl at school. But guess what? That’s okay! In fact, it might just be the best thing for you. Not fitting in with the popular crowd will push you to work harder, dream bigger, and take risks because you have something to prove. Those stories of being “the underdog” will serve you well in the future—trust me on this one.

3) That “Hot” Guy? He Won’t Always Be So Hot

Those football players that seem so perfect at 16? Well, here’s a little secret: they’re not always going to be the shining stars you think they are. The guys who you don’t even notice—those skinny, nerdy types? They’re the ones who grow up to be the real rockstars: the brainy, creative geniuses who change the world. And just so you know, the love of your life will be a handsome guy who’s 9 years younger than you. Yes, when you’re 16, he’s 8. Crazy, right?

4) You’re Going to Have to Fight for What You Want

Here’s the truth: you’re going to have to work HARD. The road ahead won’t always be smooth—there will be obstacles, setbacks, and people who tell you that you can’t do it. But I know you, Jane. I know how tough you are, and I promise you this: the hits may hurt, but they won’t destroy you. You’re resilient and tenacious, and as long as you get back up after every fall, you can accomplish anything. Your dreams are worth fighting for. So, keep going. Always.

5) Stop Trying to Please Everyone

This is a big one. You don’t have to please anyone, especially not those who don’t have your best interests at heart. The only person you need to make happy is you. It’s okay to be geeky, emotional, and even a little socially awkward. Those quirks are part of your charm, and the people who truly matter will accept you for who you are. Stop searching for answers outside yourself—because you already have them. Your heart and your instincts are your greatest guides. Trust them, protect them, and embrace who you are. When you love yourself, you’ll find the happiness you’ve been searching for, and that’s when everything else will fall into place.

What would you tell your teenage self?  Share with me in the comments below for a special New Year’s giveaway (winner announced January 8th)

Here’s to 2025!  May it be a happy and healthy one.

Jane

Happy New Year!

There’s something special about the fresh start of a new year. The past is the
past, and we have the chance to learn new things–including how we look at
the world and ourselves.

I wasn’t always so hopeful. I’ve worked hard at becoming positive and
focusing on gratitude and the good in my life. As a teenager I was pretty hard
on myself. I couldn’t figure out how to fit in–socially or in my own skin. Now
that I’m in my 6th decade there are things I wish I could tell my younger self.
So, as we turn the page to a new year, I wanted to share the five pieces of
advice I’d give my teenage self.

1) You Are Not Fat, and You Do Not Have a Big Butt

I know this may sound shallow, but it’s something that consumed me at 16. Looking back, I wish I could have embraced my body as it was. You are not fat, and those thighs and that butt are probably the smallest they will ever be. Instead of obsessing over body image, I’d tell myself to focus on what’s truly important: health and fitness. You’re strong, you’re healthy, and that’s what matters. And please—ditch the flesh-colored Clearasil. It’s obvious, and it doesn’t help. You’re not hiding anything, just making it worse!

2) It’s Okay to Be Unpopular

Teen Jane, you’re not going to be a cheerleader, you’re not going to be a model, and you’re definitely not going to be the most popular girl at school. But guess what? That’s okay! In fact, it might just be the best thing for you. Not fitting in with the popular crowd will push you to work harder, dream bigger, and take risks because you have something to prove. Those stories of being “the underdog” will serve you well in the future—trust me on this one.

3) That “Hot” Guy? He Won’t Always Be So Hot

Those football players that seem so perfect at 16? Well, here’s a little secret: they’re not always going to be the shining stars you think they are. The guys who you don’t even notice—those skinny, nerdy types? They’re the ones who grow up to be the real rockstars: the brainy, creative geniuses who change the world. And just so you know, the love of your life will be a handsome guy who’s 9 years younger than you. Yes, when you’re 16, he’s 8. Crazy, right?

4) You’re Going to Have to Fight for What You Want

Here’s the truth: you’re going to have to work HARD. The road ahead won’t always be smooth—there will be obstacles, setbacks, and people who tell you that you can’t do it. But I know you, Jane. I know how tough you are, and I promise you this: the hits may hurt, but they won’t destroy you. You’re resilient and tenacious, and as long as you get back up after every fall, you can accomplish anything. Your dreams are worth fighting for. So, keep going. Always.

5) Stop Trying to Please Everyone

This is a big one. You don’t have to please anyone, especially not those who don’t have your best interests at heart. The only person you need to make happy is you. It’s okay to be geeky, emotional, and even a little socially awkward. Those quirks are part of your charm, and the people who truly matter will accept you for who you are. Stop searching for answers outside yourself—because you already have them. Your heart and your instincts are your greatest guides. Trust them, protect them, and embrace who you are. When you love yourself, you’ll find the happiness you’ve been searching for, and that’s when everything else will fall into place.

What would you tell your teenage self? Share with me in the comments for a special Jane Blog giveaway.

Here’s to 2025! May it be a happy and healthy one.

Christmas with Jane

Like every little girl, I loved Christmas. Christmas was beautiful and festive and full of mystery. It also meant books. Receiving books: books about the ballet, books by favorite authors, biographies and autobiographies of those gifted writers. It was at Christmas my grandmother might hunt down a book missing from my ‘collection’, or my dad would buy me a new novel from an author he thought I might like.

Some people read because it kills time. As a child I read because it slowed time, making it feel rich, full, and mysterious. Reading filled my head with pictures and emotions, emotions so powerful that they made me want more of everything—life, words, stories, ideas. Through books I learned to dream.

Christmas, though, was the one time of year when reality was actually better than fantasy. I come from a Bavarian family and Germans love Christmas. I loved Christmas with the old fashioned colored lights on our tree, and the dozens of antique glass ornaments passed on from my grandmother, ornaments that shimmered and shone, reflecting light. During the holidays, I loved how my dad—an amazing cook—would work in the kitchen, chopping and sautéing while Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Johnny Cash, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, filled the house with traditional carols, and I’d lie on the carpet before the fire, reading by the glow and crackle of the flames.

As a girl, I had thick glasses, so thick they always ended up on the tip of my nose and reading by the fire, I’d find my rhythm—read, turn a page, push up my glasses—all while my dad was chopping and stirring and Bing or Elvis would be crooning, and then there’d be a pause, as record would end, and the next would fall and the little needle made that scratching sound before starting to play.

We didn’t have snow where I grew up, just thick Tule fog that rolled in around November and hung around until March. Sometimes the fog clung to the trees and houses all day, while other times it’d thin out, becoming wisps before burning off. Like kids with snow, we had a foggy day schedule at school, which meant we’d start late, or sometimes not go at all, which was heaven to me, so I could stay in bed all day reading while the fog pressed up against the window glass.

Finally Christmas Eve would arrive, and while curled up reading next to the tree, I’d steal glances at the packages next to me, and the beautifully set table in the dining room waiting for us. With the carols playing on the stereo, I’d wish, how I’d wish, the night wouldn’t end. I never wanted morning to come, as I hated how the season’s warmth and shimmering beauty got tossed out with the torn wrapping paper and flattened boxes.

And yet…if Christmas didn’t come, I wouldn’t be able to open my presents, and among the boring clothes and odd knick knacks I never wanted, would be treasure–books. One, two, perhaps even a boxed set or the new series from my favorite author.

I’m no longer that little girl who stays awake reading beneath the Christmas tree, or stretched out by the fire with a book and a pillow as now I’m the one in the kitchen chopping and sautéing and creating the Christmas magic for my three children.

But one thing hasn’t changed. Every year I still ask for books for Christmas, and I list the ones I want and give the list to my husband and sons who have finally understood that a gift card to a store is not the same thing as an actual book purchased, inscribed, and wrapped in festive paper. Call me old-fashioned. But Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without favorite carols playing, a Noble fir covered with vintage glass ornaments, and a novel or two tucked under the tree in gorgeous paper, waiting for me.

All my love and a very Merry Christmas to you!

Jane

Must-Read Christmas Books to Get You in the Holiday Spirit✨

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than curling up with a good book? Whether you’re looking for heartwarming romance, a touch of magic, or a story full of festive cheer, we’ve got the perfect list of must-read Christmas titles to make your season merry and bright. 

1. Miracle on Chance Avenue

Rory Douglas rarely returns to his home town of Marietta, choosing instead to unleash his demons competing on the American Extreme Bull Riding Tour. But after a particularly bruising season, Rory visits Marietta with the idea of buying an investment property and planning for a future he never imagined or wanted.

After ten years as a flight attendant, Sadie Mann has turned in her wings to focus on her shabby chic business and becoming a single mom. Adjusting to her new life is proving harder than she expected and the last thing she needs is unrequited love, Rory Douglas, home for the holidays.  Everyone knows he avoids Marietta, Christmas, and settling down, so why is he back now?

Rory and Sadie have never had a chance, but maybe this Christmas will bring the miracle they’re looking for.

Perfect for: Fans of feel-good romance and small-town charm.

2. Not Christmas Without You

She’s swearing off men, but the rules don’t apply to him…

Charity Wright has a history of picking the wrong guys and has decided to swear off men for the month of December—no dates, no kisses, no holiday romance—a decision made all that much harder when she meets the man who could be her Mr. Right, Marietta native and professional baseball player, Quinn Douglas.

Just out of a long term relationship, Quinn Douglas isn’t looking for love at the Little Teton Resort, and he certainly isn’t interested in a girl from home, but now that he’s met Charity, he can’t get her out of his mind.  Charity even has him rethinking his career and life on the road.  Is Charity the missing piece he’s been looking for?

Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys stories of personal growth, family reconciliation, and holiday healing.

3. Oh Christmas Night

Overworked California accountant, Rachel Mills, inherits an old bookstore in Marietta, Montana just as she’s offered a huge promotion. The new job means longer hours and more stress when what she really craves is a break. The smart thing to do would be accept the promotion, buckle down, and keep on working. But for the first time in her life, she goes with impulsive and books a flight to Montana to inspect the bookstore, and hopefully have her first white Christmas ever.

Texan lawyer and entrepreneur, Atticus Bowen, has found the perfect location for his next restaurant—the two-story, turn-of-the-century brick building on Marietta’s Main Street. All he has to do is convince the new owner to sell Paradise Books to him. After all, used bookstores aren’t practical or viable businesses, and he’s making Rachel Mills a very generous offer. But instead of jumping on his offer, Rachel decides she’s going to open the bookstore doors for December and ‘explore her options’.

The last thing Rachel expected was to fall in love with the old bookstore, or charming Marietta, Montana. She never expected sparks to fly with handsome, arrogant Atticus Bowen, either. Smart, practical Rachel realizes she just might be falling in love with the sexy, opinionated Texan lawyer—something that could prove to be neither smart, nor practical….or the best decision of her life.

Perfect for: Lovers of unexpected holiday romance and winter wonderlands.

4. Once Upon a Christmas

Can the magic of the Christmas season lead to a fairy tale happy ending?

When Cara Roberts’ family plans an extra special Christmas to support her after her broken engagement, she wants nothing to do with the holiday. After learning her brother and his wife can’t use the cottage vacation they purchased, she impulsively escapes to an English cottage in the bucolic village of Bakewell, despite having no idea where Bakewell is.

Lord Alec Sherbourne of Langley Park is no fan of Christmas, but following in his parents’ footsteps, he annually donates his impressive 19th century country home to be decorated and opened on December weekends as a community fundraiser. This year, Christmas is complicated by the arrival of a pretty American woman who booked a cottage on his estate—only the cottage is occupied. Forced to take her under his vast roof, he’s dismayed when a storm and frozen pipes keep her with him longer than he’d anticipated. Even more worrisome, her presence is making it feel like Christmas for the first time in forever.

As these two holiday housemates become friends, is there something more in the Christmas air?

Perfect for: Fans of fairytales, and swoon-worthy holiday romance.

5.Christmas at Copper Mountain

Widower Brock Sheenan needs things taking care of at the Copper Mountain Ranch over the holidays, and Harley Diekerhoff seems like the ideal hard-working housekeeper. Until she discovers he and his kids have never had a proper Christmas together. Suddenly, the ranch is full of festive cheer—and the passion between Brock and Harley steams like mulled wine! But Harley’s not looking forward to the New Year… because she’ll be saying goodbye to this handsome, taciturn Montana cowboy, who doesn’t know how to open up, or share or love…

Perfect for: Fans of second chances, small-town romance, and a little holiday magic.

Why These Books Make the Perfect Holiday Reads

Each of these titles captures the magic, warmth, and joy that we associate with Christmas. Whether it’s through the transformative power of love, the healing of old wounds, or the charm of a small-town holiday setting, these stories remind us of the importance of family, togetherness, and second chances. As the snow falls outside and the holiday music plays, these books will transport you to a world where anything is possible—and everything feels a little bit brighter.

What’s Your Favorite Holiday Read?

Now that you’ve got some festive recommendations, it’s time to ask: what’s your go-to Christmas read? Do you prefer sweet holiday romances or heartwarming family stories? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your favorite bookish Christmas memories with us! And remember, no matter how busy the season gets, there’s always time to dive into a holiday story and enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Happy reading and Merry Christmas!

 

Thankful for You: The Best Cozy Books to Curl Up With This Thanksgiving

Dear Readers,

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to you—my amazing readers. Your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm have meant the world to me, and I can honestly say that none of the stories I write would have the same meaning without each of you. You are truly the heart of this journey, and for that, I am incredibly thankful.

This season is the perfect time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives, and for me, that includes the wonderful connection I’ve formed with all of you. Whether you’ve been with me since the very first book (back in 2001!) or are just starting this adventure, your feedback, your messages, and your love continue to inspire me every single day. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

Cozy Book Recommendations for Thanksgiving Weekend

As we enjoy the holiday weekend, I know many of you will be unwinding after the festivities with a good book. Whether you’re looking to revisit an old favorite or pick up something new, I’ve put together a list of fan-favorite titles that will bring a little extra warmth to your Thanksgiving weekend.

1. The Frog Prince (20th Anniversary Edition)

Read | Buy

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Frog Prince, I’m excited to share this special edition with all of you. It’s been such a joy to see how this story has resonated over the years, and I can’t wait for new readers to discover it—and for longtime fans to revisit the magic.

2. A Small Town Christmas (Anthology)

Read | Buy

There’s something about the holidays in a small town that makes everything feel a little extra cozy. In this holiday anthology, you’ll find heartwarming stories that capture the spirit of Christmas in the most charming way. Perfect for those looking for a quick and cozy read between holiday meals!

3. Bear’s Heart (Book #2: Calhouns and Campbells of Cold Canyon Ranch)

Read | Buy

If you haven’t already met the Calhouns and Campbells, now’s the perfect time! Bear’s Heart is the second book in this series, set in the rugged and beautiful Cold Canyon Ranch. If you love stories filled with romance, family, and a little bit of adventure, this one is for you. It’s the perfect read to curl up with after a busy Thanksgiving weekend.

Coming Soon: Exciting News for the Holidays

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you for the months ahead. In case you didn’t know, Christmas at Cold Canyon Ranch will be releasing next month, and I can’t wait to share this holiday story with all of you! I’ve poured so much love into this one, and I’m sure it will be the perfect addition to your holiday reading list.

Stay tuned for more details—this holiday season promises to be filled with heartwarming moments, new adventures, and, of course, plenty of surprises!

A Cozy Thanksgiving Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Pies

What better way to enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend than with a cozy treat to go with your book? Here’s a recipe for Mini Pumpkin Pies—a perfect balance of warmth and spice to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee and loads of whipped cream as you curl up with a good read.

Once again, thank you for being such an important part of this amazing journey. I’m incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with warmth, love, and plenty of good books.

All my love,
Jane

 

Take Me Please!

This has been a big week for me—personally and professionally. It’s special because we released Megan Crane’s Tempt Me, Cowboy ten years ago, which kicked off the 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo, launching Montana Born, and what would soon be Tule Publishing.

Montana Born was started with three of my closest author friends: Megan Crane, CJ Carmichael, and Lilian Darcy. I thought it would be fun to write something together and after calling everyone, we booked flights and met in early May 2013 at CJ’s new cottage on Flathead Lake, to brainstorm our individual series and create some connecting threads in our new fictional town, Marietta.

While brainstorming outside on the deck of the cottage with the gorgeous views of the deep blue lake and the Mission Mountains, CJ suggested we come up with four linked stories that would help drive readers from one series to another, and within an hour or two, the rodeo was created, and Marietta was plotted out with a prominent place on the map for the rodeo and fair grounds.

Marietta has grown over the past ten years but it is still a place of my heart and important to readers. To celebrate the 10 year of anniversary of Tule, Montana Born and Marietta, we brought the founding authors back together (with Sinclair subbing for Lilian since Lilian isn’t writing at this time) and created the 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo.

On Tuesday of this week, I kicked off the new series with Take Me Please, Cowboy.  Megan Crane’s rodeo story releases on Tuesday Sept 12th, followed by Sinclair’s on Sept 19th and CJ’s on the 26th.  A character we introduced ten years ago as the town gossip—Carol Bingley—gets her own book on Wednesday Sept 27th.  If you’ve wondered about Carol and why she is the way she is, now you can find out!

If you haven’t yet purchased Take Me Please, Cowboy, do order your copy soon.  Your support means so much to me—and all of Tule.  I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your enthusiasm, encouragement, and love for all things bookish.

Thank you for being part of my world. It’s a much better place with you in it!

All my love,

Jane

PS: For a chance to win a fun prize featuring my book, Take Me Cowboy from the 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo that kicked off the beginning of Montana Born, leave a comment below and tell me what you love most about cowboy romances!

*Flathead Lake and Yellowstone images courtesy Megan Crane.

 

It’s Almost Here! – Once Upon A Christmas

I am having the most wonderful October.  Ty and I have been off enjoying gorgeous fall colors in Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.  We’ve just returned in time for the release of my new,  Once Upon a Christmas.

I’m so excited the book is out tomorrow.  I love starting a new series and this series, Love at Langley Park, is extra fun, featuring successful sexy British heroes with spirited American heroines. The series isn’t spicy, but filled with warm, wonderful characters, great historic English homes, and of course, the Jane Porter happy-ever-after.

If you haven’t already pre-ordered your copy, do it today as the book goes from $4.99 to $5.99 on release day!

I also have a fun giveaway to celebrate the release of Once Upon a Christmas. All my books are available in print and digital and some of them are also available in audio. What’s your favorite format? Leave your answer below in the comments and I’ll be back to pick a winner in a few days!

The Setting for Once Upon a Christmas

Bakewell, England is the setting for Once Upon a Christmas, and the first of a series set in Derbyshire and I thought I should share a few things about Bakewell to introduce you to the wonderful little town, known as “the gem of the Peak District, the treasure in Derbyshire’s chest.”

Bakewell has been a recognized market town since the 14th century, and locals and tourists alike are drawn to its cottages, historic old town, and picturesque setting on the river Wye.  The population today is just under 4,000 which has allowed Bakewell to retain its character and charm, although in the late 17th century determined visionaries built a bath house, tapping the spring water, hoping to turn Bakewell into a spa resort town, but it never took off, not the way other spa towns did.

So what does one do in the Peaks District besides walk and take in the beauty of the UK’s first national park?  Here are the places I would visit if I was visiting:

1 – Chatsworth House

2 – Haddon Hall

3 – Afternoon Tea at Thornbridge Hall & Gardens

4 – Monsal Trail

5 – All Saint’s Church

Want to know more about Bakewell? Have a walk around Bakewell so you’ll be as excited about my new UK series as I am!