Sharon Wray's Blog, page 26

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Gingerbread Lattes

I love going to fancy coffee shops this time of year. They’re cozy, filled with Christmas music and the scents of coffee, chocolate, and gingerbread. And the drinks are so delicious, I know they have more calories than the cookies I eat along with them. But they’re also super expensive and sometimes they contain syrups and sweeteners that I don’t love. So here’s a recipe for my favorite gingerbread latte that uses inexpensive ingredients that you may even have at home. I make this latte with homemade espresso, but you can also make it with regular drip coffee. The other nice thing is that I can easily make this a decaf latte which isn’t always available at other coffee shops. I hope you enjoy this latte while reading your favorite holiday romance or watching your favorite holiday movies!

PrintGingerbread LatteThis is a great substitute for expensive coffee shop lattes. It's easy to make and you can use your choice of milk.Course DrinksKeyword coffeePrep Time 31 minutes minutesServings 1Calories 250kcalIngredients1 Tablespoon molasses1 Tablespoon honey1/4 teaspoon ground ginger1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/8 teaspoon ground cloves1/3 cup strong brewed coffee1 cup whole milk or milk of choiceMarshmallows for garnishInstructionsIn a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the coffee and milk and heat until the mixture is hot (the coffee might already be hot so heat until both milk and coffee are heated through).In a large mug, stir together the remaining ingredients until it forms a paste.Pour the hot coffee/milk over the gingerbread paste and stir until the paste is dissolved.Garnish with marshmallows and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Serve immediately.

The post The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Gingerbread Lattes first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The End of the Year has no Fear

{This is a heavily edited repost from the deepest recesses of the archives.}

E. B. White (author of Charlotte’s Web) said he admired anyone who “has the guts to write anything at all.”

I’ve always loved this quote because I’m a writer easily paralyzed by fear. Fear of success. Fear of failure. Fear of zombies. I guess you could say I’m afraid of  just about everything. Added to that basket of worries is a horrible propensity for  perfectionism. So it’s not surprising that when I sit down to create something out of nothing that my stress about writing  books my readers will love turns into a paralysis that I have to fight daily.

Fear is a terrible thing. It prevents you from writing the books that’ve been pressed onto your heart (or living the life you want) and steals your joy. Add in the struggle with needing to be perfect, and a writer can send herself into a whirlwind of procrastination and sense-of-failure. And that’s just during the drafting phase!

While I’m not qualified to talk about these things in a professional way, I thought today I’d offer a few of the resources I use ALOT to get myself out of these cycles of fear-perfectionism-procrastination-perceived failure.

All of the resources below available in book, e-book, or podcast format. There are also YouTube videos and websites. Many of these sources are free.

Hopefully one of these resources will help, especially if you’re like author Cynthia Ozick who has to talk herself “. . . into bravery with every sentence, sometimes every syllable.”

I hope if you ever worry about things like fear and failure, or if you’ve ever hoped for the zombies to show up so you don’t need to finish your current WIP, these resources will offer some hope for the coming year. And maybe a few laughs along the way.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

First published over thirty years ago, The Artist’s Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. Perhaps even more vital in today’s cultural climate than when it was first published, The Artist’s Way is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In it, Julia Cameron takes readers on an amazing twelve-week journey to discover the inextricable link between their spiritual and creative selves. This groundbreaking program includes:

–  Introductions to two of Cameron’s most vital tools for creative recovery–The Morning Pages and The Artist Date
–  Hundreds of highly effective exercises and activities
–  Guidance on starting a “Creative Cluster” of fellow artists who will support you in your creative endeavors

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity.

With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives.

Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work,  embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

The Courage to Write {How Writers Transcend Fear} by Ralph Keyes

In The Courage to Write, Ralph Keyes, an author who has taught writing for more than thirty years, assures us that anxiety is felt by writers at every level, especially when they dare to do their best. He describes the sequence of “courage points” through which all writers must pass, from the challenge of identifying a worthwhile project to the mixture of pride and panic they feel when examining a newly published book or article.

Keyes also offers specifics on how to root out dread of public “performance” and of the judgment of family and friends, make the best use of writers’ workshops and conferences, and handle criticism of works in progress. Throughout, he includes the comments of many accomplished writers — Pat Conroy, Amy Tan, Rita Dove, Isabel Allende, and others — on how they transcended their own fears to produce great works.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

What keeps so many of us from doing what we long to do? Why is there a naysayer within? How can we avoid the roadblocks of any creative endeavor—be it starting up a dream business venture, writing a novel, or painting a masterpiece?

Bestselling novelist Steven Pressfield identifies the enemy that every one of us must face, outlines a battle plan to conquer this internal foe, then pinpoints just how to achieve the greatest success. The War of Art emphasizes the resolve needed to recognize and overcome the obstacles of ambition and then effectively shows how to reach the highest level of creative discipline. Think of it as tough love . . . for yourself.

Whether an artist, writer or business person, this simple, personal, and no-nonsense book will inspire you to seize the potential of your life.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

With insight, humor, and practicality, Natalie Goldberg inspires writers and would-be writers to take the leap into writing skillfully and creatively. She offers suggestions, encouragement, and solid advice on many aspects of the writer’s craft: on writing from “first thoughts” (keep your hand moving, don’t cross out, just get it on paper), on listening (writing is ninety percent listening; the deeper you listen, the better you write), on using verbs (verbs provide the energy of the sentence), on overcoming doubts (doubt is torture; don’t listen to it)—even on choosing a restaurant in which to write.

Goldberg sees writing as a practice that helps writers comprehend the value of their lives. The advice in her book, provided in short, easy-to-read chapters with titles that reflect the author’s witty approach (“Writing Is Not a McDonald’s Hamburger,” “Man Eats Car,” “Be an Animal”), will inspire anyone who writes—or who longs to.

Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield

The follow-up to his bestseller The War of Art, Turning Pro navigates the passage from the amateur life to a professional practice. “You don’t need to take a course or buy a product. All you have to do is change your mind.” –Steven Pressfield TURNING PRO IS FREE, BUT IT’S NOT EASY.

When we turn pro, we give up a life that we may have become extremely comfortable with. We give up a self that we have come to identify with and to call our own. TURNING PRO IS FREE, BUT IT DEMANDS SACRIFICE. The passage from amateur to professional is often achieved via an interior odyssey whose trials are survived only at great cost, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. We pass through a membrane when we turn pro. It’s messy and it’s scary.

We tread in blood when we turn pro. WHAT WE GET WHEN WE TURN PRO. What we get when we turn pro is we find our power. We find our will and our voice and we find our self-respect. We become who we always were but had, until then, been afraid to embrace and live out.

Do the Work by Steven Pressfield

“There is an enemy. There is an intelligent, active, malign force working against us. Step one is to recognize this. This recognition alone is enormously powerful. It saved my life, and it will save yours.” — Steven Pressfield Could you be getting in your way of producing great work? Have you started a project but never finished? Would you like to do work that matters, but don’t know where to start?

The answer is Do the Work, a manifesto by bestselling author Steven Pressfield, that will show you that it’s not about better ideas, it’s about actually doing the work. Do the Work is a weapon against Resistance – a tool that will help you take action and successfully ship projects out the door. Picking up where The War of Art and Turning Pro left off, Do The Work takes the reader from the start to the finish of any long-form project—novel, screenplay, album, software piece, you name it.

Do The Work identifies the predictable Resistance Points along the way and walks you through each of them. No, you are not crazy. No, you are not alone. No, you are not the first person to “hit the wall” in Act Two. Do The Work charts the territory. It’s the stage-by-stage road map for taking your project from Page One to THE END.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

Advice on writing and on life from an acclaimed bestselling author:
“Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he’d had three months to write. It was due the next day. We were out at our  family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books on birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him, put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, ‘Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.'”

On Writing by Stephen King

Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King’s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.

“Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.

Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande

Becoming a Writer recaptures the excitement of Dorothea Brande’s creative writing classroom of the 1920s. Decades before brain research “discovered” the role of the right and left brain in all human endeavor, Dorothea Brande was teaching students how to see again, how to hold their minds still, and how to call forth the inner writer.

Author Steven Pressfield’s website offers wonderful daily articles about how to defeat Resistance and finish the book your meant to write.

KM Weiland’s website Writers Helping Other Writers has great articles on everything writing related, including Fear and Resistance.

JK Rowling’s famous Harvard Commencement speech on the benefits of failure:Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED talk on Your Elusive Creative Genius:

(Book covers and blurbs courtesy of Amazon. Photos courtesy of Sharon Wray)

The post The End of the Year has no Fear first appeared on Sharon Wray.

The Legend of the Evergreen Trees

{This story was told to me as a child, and it’s been one of my favorite Christmas legends ever since.}

“Once upon a time, many centuries ago in a forest in what we now call Germany, winter came in hard and fast. The birds who hadn’t fled south yet had to pick up and move quickly. If they didn’t find warmer weather, they’d not survive the winter. But as a flock took off, one of the smallest birds broke its wing and she was left behind. Scared and alone, this tiny bird quickly found herself deep in the forest, in pain, as well as cold and hungry. She was so desperate, she asked the trees to help her by allowing her to hide within their branches.

Unfortunately, during those long-a-ago times, the trees weren’t always kind. The stingy oak tree, the strongest in the forest, was afraid that the tiny bird would stay within its limbs all winter long and would have to eat its acorns to survive. The prideful birch tree refused to help the tiny bird because he was so beautiful, he couldn’t allow the tiny bird to mar his winter beauty. Also, the birch tree was responsible for some of the forest birds, and their well-being had to come before the life of the tiny bird. Even the graceful willow tree, who always appeared gentle and kind, refused to help the tiny bird. In fact, the willow refused to even speak to the tiny bird.

The tiny bird, who was so frightened because her wing didn’t work properly, ended up hopping around the forest floor for two long days and two terrifying nights. Frost and snow covered the forest, leaving icy patterns on the leaves and tree branches so it was too slippery for the tiny bird to even climb or hide beneath. On the third day, the mighty spruce tree noticed the tiny bird fluttering on the icy snow at the base of his trunk.

And the spruce tree asked, “Little bird, why do you seem so sad?”

The tiny bird responded, “I have a broken wing. I’m in pain, I’m cold and hungry, and I’m so terribly alone and afraid.”

The spruce tree was so moved by the tiny bird’s plight, he said, “Climb into my branches to stay warm. My sister, the juniper tree, will provide you berries to fill your tummy.”

So the tiny bird had enough strength to climb into the thickest, softest, and warmest branch where she quickly fell asleep. And, when she awoke, she found juniper berries on another branch to eat. Soon, the tiny bird settled into her new home. She slept warm and safe at night, and during the day she drank from the snow melting off the tree’s branches and ate the juniper berries that were always offered. Slowly, the tiny bird’s wing began to heal.

Meanwhile, the pine trees–who towered over the other trees of the forest–took notice of the tiny bird living within the arms of the spruce tree. After talking it over, the pine trees agreed to protect the spruce tree and the tiny bird from the North Winds for the entire winter. Unbeknownst to the tiny bird, the Frost King, who kept careful watch over all the trees in the forest, sent an order to the North Winds. They winds were not to touch any part of the kind spruce, protective pine, and generous juniper trees. The North Winds obeyed and for the rest of the winter, they blew through the forest. They pulled the shining green leaves off the willow, oak, birch, and all the other trees who refused to help the tiny bird. Within days, all the trees in the forest were bare, except for the pine, spruce, and juniper trees. Now, with no leaves to protect them from the snow, ice, sleet, and rain, they’d have to suffer through the long winter with no protection.

Once springtime came, the tiny bird was reunited with her family. Because of their kindness, the Frost King decreed that the spruce, pine, and juniper trees would stay green all year long, forever known as evergreen trees.

Many centuries later, in the year 700 AD, a young woodsman got lost in the these same woods during a snowstorm on Christmas Eve. He stumbled upon the spruce tree that had sheltered the tiny bird. Scared, cold, and alone, he fell asleep beneath the protective branches of the tree only to wake at midnight. It’d snowed for hours and all the trees, and the forest floor, were covered with ice and snow. But when the moon came out, the evergreen trees–the only ones with with branches that could hold the snow–glittered in the moonlight. Using this light, the woodsman found his way home, to his family and to safety. Every Christmas Eve after that night, the woodsman and his family would thank the trees by covering them with tiny candles so any other living creature could find their way home, to their family and to safety. They called these evergreens Christmas Trees, to honor the Christ Child who promised everlasting kindness and love.”

The post The Legend of the Evergreen Trees first appeared on Sharon Wray.

A Romance Writer’s Favorite Holiday TV Movies: Part 2

A few years ago I wrote a post about my favorite classic holiday movies and my favorite made-for-TV holiday movies. It was a way to catalog the movies my family and I love to watch. But, since a few years have passed and tons of movies have been released, it’s time for an update. And now I have even more channels, other than Hallmark, to choose from. In fact, my current favorite movie is on Netflix. And my second favorite is so old, it’s now streaming free on Roku and Pluto.

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Some of the movies I missed when they first came out, and other have just been released. If I had to pick my top three, they would be Hot Frosty, The Christmas Wedding Planner, and The Christmas Parade. Hot Frosty is ridiculous and charming and remarkably self-aware. The Christmas Wedding Planner is based on one of my favorite romance novels (Once Upon A Wedding by Stacy Connelly). And The Christmas Parade stars a librarian. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday movie-watching season!

The post A Romance Writer’s Favorite Holiday TV Movies: Part 2 first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Sarah Munro’s Peppermint Headache Balm

This is a wonderful time of year, but it’s also a busy time. Add all the festivities with the lack of humidity and colder air, and you have a perfect scenario for a winter headache. One of my favorite herbal remedies for headaches is this peppermint headache balm. The peppermint oil has a cooling effect that can help was tension headaches and the pain from stuffed sinuses.

For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because peppermint oil is one of the oldest known medicinal oils because of its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint oil also relaxes the nasal passages which helps clear out your sinuses.

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon coconut oil5 drops peppermint essential oilDirections for Peppermint Headache BalmIn a small bowl, combine the coconut oil and peppermint essential oil drops. Mix until well blended.Pour into a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dry place.USAGE: At the first sign of a headache, rub a small amount of the balm on your temples and the back of your neck. It takes a few minutes, but the headache symptoms will ease. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING , AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:

I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).

It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.

If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.

Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.

Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.

Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.

Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.

I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!

The post Sarah Munro’s Peppermint Headache Balm first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Finding Forever Cover Reveal

It’s December! And all of us who read and write romances know that that means one thing. It’s time for the summer wedding romance anthologies to go on sale! I’m in very few anthologies next year (maybe 2?) but this is one I’m super excited about. Finding Forever includes weddings, summer flings, and lots and lots of romance. It will release on June 3, 2025, and today is the cover reveal and preorder release. There are 9 authors in this anthology, and each story will be loaded with all the romantic, wedding feels at different heat levels, from mid-to-high heat levels, from sweet-and-sexy to super-steamy.

My story in this collection, Luke’s Last Hot Summer, is another novella in the Kingsmill Courtships Series. It’s the story of a passionate one night stand that changes everything for Luke Mosby and Holly Lin when their forced to sacrifice everything they thought they knew about love in order to find the happiness they never believed they’d find.

A Limited Edition wedding romance collectionFinding Forever

All rise for a sizzling collection of wedding romances that explore what happens when love takes center stage. In Finding Forever, these couples are thrown into whirlwind romances at weddings that range from glamorous affairs to last-minute disasters. Whether it’s a grumpy groomsman falling for a sunshine bride’s maid, or a second chance romance reigniting amidst wedding bells, each story is packed with passion, humor, and heart.

From forced proximity situations that lead to slow-burning chemistry, to mistaken identities that turn into the sweetest surprises, Finding Forever brings the perfect mix of tension, tenderness, and heat. As each couple navigates their happily-ever-afters, readers will be swept away by the charm and chaos that only weddings can inspire.


Including stories by:
Stephanie Morris – USA Today bestselling author
Sharon Wray – USA Today bestselling author
KyAnn Waters
Kris Jayne
Darah Lace
Anne Lange
Cassia Quinn
Laura M. Baird
J. Keely Thrall

Preorder finding forever here for .99!

The post Finding Forever Cover Reveal first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Happy Saint Nicholas Day!

{This is a requested and edited repost from the archives.}

Today, December 6, is the day we celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas. This is the day that the famous saint, also known as Santa Claus, died in 343 AD. Although we’ve all seen the commercialized images of Santa Claus, the real man was actually a hardcore, badass bishop who single-handedly fought against something called the Arian heresy.

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During the 4th century, a persuasive priest named Arius stated that Christ was not fully divine, but instead Christ was a creature created by the Father. Arius tried to prove his point by pointing out a simple spelling issue that had occurred in earlier manuscripts regarding church teachings. The word “homoousios” means “same substance” whereas the word “homoiousios” means “similar substance”. Both had been found in these early writings, but “homoiousios” had been designated a typo. Yet, because of this spelling difference, Arius said that Christ was not of the same substance as the Father, but was simply “similar”. Arius pushed this idea despite the fact the Council of Nicea had recently affirmed that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are of the homoousious (same substance).

Although an obscure argument, Arius’ heresy threatened to schism the early church. So in 325 AD, the First Council of Nicea set up a meeting to debate the issue. Arius arrived to defend his position. While he was speaking, Bishop Nikolaos of Myra (in present-day Turkey) showed up. Nikolaos was so angry at Arius’ heretical argument that he slammed his fist into Arius’ face. Of course everyone was shocked, and Nikolaos was was stripped of his Bishop rank. During that time, the two things identified a man as a bishop: His pallium (a stole) and his personal copy of the Gospels. In those days, the book was a big deal because every copy of the Gospels had to be written by hand on vellum, which also had to be made by hand. Owning a copy of the Gospels offered a man prestige and power. But, after throwing his punch, Nikolaos had to hand over his pallium and his book. Then he was tossed into a dark ages prison aka dungeon.

While in prison, a miracle occurred. Nikolaos received a visit from Christ and the Virgin Mary.

Our Lord asked Nikolaos, “Why are you here?”

Nikolaos replied, “Because I love You, my Lord and my God.”

After he answered, Jesus returned to Nikolaos his copy of the Gospels. Then Mary put his pallium back on. Both of these acts restored Nikolaos to his rank of bishop. Then, the next day, the guards saw Nikolaos sitting in his cell wearing his pallium and reading his Gospels. The same book that the other bishops had hidden far, far away from his cell. Realizing that a miracle had occurred, the bishops released Nikolaos, and he rejoined the Council. With Nikolaos leading the way, the Arian heresy was struck down and reaffirmed in the Nicene Creed which is still recited today. But Nikolaos was forever known as the badass bishop who’d get into a fist fight to defend his faith, and for years after his prison sentence, miracles abounded wherever he preached.

It wasn’t until a few years later that his Santa persona would appear due to the many, many stories of St. Nikolaos’ generosity and compassion. The most popular story is about a man with three daughters couldn’t come up with dowries for them. In those days, no doweries meant the girls were doomed to be sold into slavery. Yet, mysteriously, on three different nights, bags of gold were thrown into the man’s house through an open window thereby saving the girls from a desperate fate. Nikolaos denied any involvement, but everyone knew he was the gift-giver. Today, oranges represent the bags of gold and are often found in more traditional Christmas decor.

Then there was the time, after his death, when the town of Myra (his hometown in Turkey) was celebrating his saint day and Arab pirates from Crete appeared. They sacked the Church of St. Nicholas (the spelling of his name changed). The pirates stole a young boy name Basilios and made him a slave. Basilios became the cup bearer for the emir but was always afraid and lonely since he couldn’t speak the language. The next year, on the feast of St. Nicholas, Basilios’ parents were praying for Basilios’ safety despite not knowing if he was even alive. Meanwhile Basilios, who was far away, serving the emir, was suddenly whisked away by the spirit of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas blessed Basilios and told him not to be afraid and brought him back to his parents in Myra. His parents were overjoyed and shared the story with everyone who would listen. This is one of many stories where St. Nicholas protected children. He was also known for helping people during pandemics and for saving travelers from roadside villains, both during his life and afterwards.

Today, there are almost a thousand churches throughout the world named for St. Nicholas, and his tomb in Myra is a hugely popular pilgrimage site for people of all religions. Stories of his generosity and love of children abound and it’s no wonder that Santa Claus (the dutch name for St. Nicholas) is now the patron saint of gift-giving and compassion during this time of year. But, despite his role as Santa Claus, I love the fact that beneath the red suit and the jolly laugh is a hardcore MMA fighter willing to go to the mat to protect the God he loved.

In some parts of the world, children leave their shoes out on the night of December 6 and St. Nicholas (who rides a donkey) fills them with candy and oranges. And because St. Nicholas loves adults as well, he may leave them special cookies known as Speculaas or Dutch windmill cookies. The recipe (below) originated in Belgium and the Netherlands. These traditional almond and spice cookies are a perfect way to celebrate St. Nicholas Day!

PrintSpeculaasThese cookies aren't hard to make and most bakers use a windmill-styled cookie cutter, as that is the most traditional form of this cookie. But when I'm in a rush, I just use whatever cookie cutter I have. The windmill cutters are more intricate and take more care and time to use. But a simple round cutter works just as well. You can also frost these cookies with your favorite cookie frosting.Course DessertKeyword CookiesPrep Time 30 minutes minutesCook Time 12 minutes minutesChilling time 1 day dayServings 42 cookiesCalories 66kcalIngredients½ cup blanched almonds toasted1½ cups flour½ teaspoon baking soda1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon½ teaspoon ground ginger¼ teaspoon ground cardamom¼ teaspoon ground coriander¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg⅛ teaspoon ground cloves¼ teaspoon salt½ cup unsalted butter softened½ cup light brown sugar½ cup sugar1 eggInstructionsIn a food processor, grind the almonds with 2 Tablespoons of the flour. Then, in a large bowl, whisk together the ground almonds and the remaining flour, baking soda, all of the spices, and the salt. Set the bowl aside.In a large stand mixer, cream the butter and white and brown sugars. Use a medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, just until combined.Slowly beat in the flour mixture, just until combined. Flatted the dough into a disk and wrap it with plastic. Refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is 1/" thick. Cut out the cookies and place on the baking sheets, leaving at least 1" between each cookie and the edges of the baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes.If you're baking more than one tray at a time, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time. Bake until the cookies are firm and the edges are a light golden color. Cool the baking sheets on wire baking racks for 5 minutes. Then remove the cookies from the baking sheets and cool on baking racks for at least 15 minutes.

The post Happy Saint Nicholas Day! first appeared on Sharon Wray.

December Book Fairs & Reading Events

It’s time for December’s holiday book/reader promos and events. Today’s list includes two FREE bookfunnel anthologies and a bunch of fun Facebook events, including one where over 350 authors are giving away books, swag, and gift cards. All of these events offer readers a chance to find new free books and new favorite authors.

1Romance Advent Calendar

The Romance Advent Calendar is a Bookfunnel collection of 35 FREE contemporary romance holiday romance novels. These are sweet and slightly steamy Christmas and holiday romances, and it includes my Kingsmill Courtships novella The Brightest Christmas Star.

2Holly and Heartstrings Free Christmas Romance Anthology

Next we have the FREE Bookfunnel Romance Anthology collection Holly and Heartstrings. Christmas is nigh! Step into a world of romance where the chill of winter is no match for the heat of love. “Holly and Heartstrings: An Anthology of Christmas Romances” brings together a selection of heartwarming and slightly steamy stories that capture the magic of the holiday season. Whether it’s a chance encounter in a snowstorm, a rekindled flame at a Christmas market, or an unexpected kiss under the mistletoe, these tales are sure to melt your heart and warm your soul. Cozy up with your favorite blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, and let these enchanting love stories whisk you away to a winter wonderland where love is always in the air. My story in this FREE collection is my Kingsmill Courtships holiday novella Home for the Honeymoon.

Authors include: Lilah Hart, Sharon Wray, Ella Braeme, Joann Baker & Patricia Mason, and Katherine Moore.

3The Isn’t it Romantic Book Club Group Monthly Livestream

The Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group will be live-streaming on December 13 while we interview Annette Chavez Macias and her newest release When We Were Widows! It’ll be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and we hope you’ll join us there!

4Abbie Roads’ Secret Santa Days

Join Abbie Roads in her Dangerously Dark Darlings FB Group, along with The Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group, to participate in Abbie’s annual Secret Santa Days Book Giveaway. This event begins today, Dec. 5, but the big day is tomorrow, Friday December 6th. There are over 350 authors giving away free books, book swag, gift cards, and more. I can’t wait to see you there. Oh, and it’s totally free!!!

54th Annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party

Join the Coffee, Cupcakes, and Contemporaries Facebook Group for their 4th Annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party on Friday, December 6th. There are over 100 authors giving away free books, book swag, gift cards, and more. I hope to see you there. It’s always a lot of fun!

The post December Book Fairs & Reading Events first appeared on Sharon Wray.

A Saint Nicholas for Advent

Every year I like to choose a book to read during Advent. Many Advent reading lists include multiple books, bible readings, and other study guides. But I rarely had time for all of that. I’m lucky to finish one book in December–and that’s if I stay up reading all night on New Year’s Eve. So this year, I chose The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas by William Bennett. I’d never even heard of this book, but a dear friend recommended it so I thought I’d give it a try. I love history and I enjoy reading about legends, and so far this book is living up to its hype and blurb promise. Even without the part where Saint Nicolas becomes Santa Claus, this man lived a fascinating life during times that were so unsettled they make the current world seem sane. Once I finish it, I’ll leave a full review. In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful December.

{Cover and blurb courtesy of Amazon}

The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas

Beloved writer and speaker William Bennett brings the legendary Saint Nicholas to life in this fascinating and faith-affirming book that will change the way you think about Santa Claus and the meaning of Christmas. Bennett reflects on Saint Nicholas’s storied life, which has spanned seventeen centuries across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and reveals an inspiring tale of devotion to God and an example of eternal goodness.

The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas focuses on three aspects of Saint Nicholas—historical facts from his life, his legacy in the centuries following his death, and the legendary status that transformed his likeness into the present-day jolly, toy-bearing Santa Claus. The book vividly captures the heart and life of someone who lived long ago—and yet whose life remains an inspiration for everyone to aspire to a higher order of generosity, giving, and devotion to others.

Find it here!

The post A Saint Nicholas for Advent first appeared on Sharon Wray.

Holly, Heartstrings, and Honeymoons

Yes, I’m in another Christmas anthology that just released. But while it’s not the last Christmas romance novel promotion I’m in this season, it is the last boxset. This collection, Holly and Heartstrings, is a Free Bookfunnel romantic holiday collection that includes a sexy Christmas Eve novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series. This story, Home for the Honeymoon, is a snowed-in, honeymoon-in-jeopardy love story that requires the hero and heroine, Jacob and Clara Mosby, to make a sacrifice in order to win their happily ever after. I absolutely loved writing this story and it’s the one that landed me on the USA Today Bestseller’s list. I hope you enjoy it as well. And did I mention it’s free?

Holly and HeartstringsAn Anthology of Christmas Romances

Christmas is nigh! Step into a world of romance where the chill of winter is no match for the heat of love. “Holly and Heartstrings: An Anthology of Christmas Romances” brings together a selection of heartwarming and slightly steamy stories that capture the magic of the holiday season.

Whether it’s a chance encounter in a snowstorm, a rekindled flame at a Christmas market, or an unexpected kiss under the mistletoe, these tales are sure to melt your heart and warm your soul. Cozy up with your favorite blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, and let these enchanting love stories whisk you away to a winter wonderland where love is always in the air.

Authors include:

Lilah Hart
Sharon Wray
Ella Braeme
Joann Baker & Patricia Mason
Katherine Moore

Grab it for free now!Home for the Honeymoon

How far will a man go to save his marriage?

Jacob Mosby is getting married the day before Christmas Eve and is desperate to be alone with his bride. Except when a blizzard cancels their flight and closes the mountain roads, they’re forced to honeymoon in their small hometown of Kingsmill, VA. Unfortunately, his house is under renovation, all the rooms at the inn are booked, and Clara, his beautiful wife, is desperate to save their plans. 

Clara is terrified if she doesn’t have the perfect honeymoon their marriage will end before it begins. While it’s a ridiculous thought, past betrayals have made her determined to have a perfect wedding night. Except now that they’re stuck in Kingsmill two days before Christmas, with no place to sleep, her fears may come true. Especially when their friends and family insist on “helping” with the new honeymoon plans, her teenage daughter goes missing, and a dangerous snowstorm puts those she loves in danger.

Now Jacob must convince Clara that true love, especially at Christmas, doesn’t promise a perfect life. It only promises a lifetime of imperfect happiness. A promise that’s worth sacrificing everything for… including the wedding night she’s always dreamed of.

Grab it for free now!

The post Holly, Heartstrings, and Honeymoons first appeared on Sharon Wray.