Sharon Wray's Blog, page 7

Mistletoe for Holly Cover Reveal

This coming holiday season, I’m collaborating with a wonderful group of authors in a holiday-themed Bookfunnel anthology called Holly and Heartstrings Vol. 2. Since this is a Bookfunnel anthology it will be free beginning November 15, 2025. But that means there is no preorder link. The best way to be notified about this anthology is to sign up for my newsletter as that’s how I’ll send out the link.

Anyway, today I want to share the cover and blurb for my story within this anthology. It’s a new novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series called Mistletoe for Holly. This story is a continuation of the love story between Luke Mosby and Dr. Holly Wythe which began in Luke’s Last Hot Summer, a novella that is still available in the Finding Forever Anthology (at least for a few more days as it comes down from all vendors later this week). This Christmas novella follows Luke and Holly’s love story as they navigate their new lives in Kingsmill and are faced with the existential question of whether or not they belong–in their hometown, their new jobs, and together forever and ever. This novella has a hard-won happily ever after with all of the holiday and Christmas feels. I can’t wait for you all to read it!

Mistletoe for Holly

Can a mistletoe kiss hold a promise that lasts forever?

Holly Wythe never planned to find home in a snow-dusted mountain town or in the steady arms of Luke Mosby. Yet somehow, Kingsmill has given her both. She loves the work she’s doing at the small hospital, loves the man who sees her like no one else ever has… but when an invitation to speak at a prestigious Boston conference stirs up old dreams, she begins to wonder if she’s ready to give up the life she thought she wanted for the one she’s building here.

Luke knows Holly’s heart is as wild and bright as the mountains they call home. He’s ready to build a future with her. He’s got a ring in his pocket, and a proposal planned under the Christmas Eve bonfire lights. But as a snowstorm sweeps in and the distance between them grows, he begins to fear she might slip away.

On the most magical night of the year, Holly and Luke must face the truth neither has dared to speak aloud: love isn’t about waiting until you’re certain. It’s about choosing each other, every single day.

This novella will be included in the Holly and Heartstrings Anthology Vol. 2 coming 11/15/2025! More info coming soon.

Holly and Heartstrings Vol. 2An 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 Vol. 2: An Anthology of Christmas Romances brings together a selection of heartwarming and sweet-to-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.

This is an exclusive FREE Bookfunnel Anthology so there’s no preorder button. If you want to be notified within it’s available, subscribe to my newsletter. The link is below!

Sign up for my newsletter here!

Lessons from a Long Hot Summer

As August slips quietly into memory, I find myself lingering in the long shadows of summer evenings. The light hangs a little lower, the air cools more quickly, and even the cicadas sound like they know their song is ending. It’s always around this time that I wonder about not just what I’ve written or made during these months, but what summer itself has taught me.

Summer is rarely gentle. It blazes with too much heat and humidity, overwhelms with noise, and insists on fullness. It pulls us into gardens and oceans, toward festivals and fireworks, into moments that are too bright, too fleeting, too much. And yet, tucked inside the frenzy is a quiet truth. Creativity, like summer, thrives in cycles of abundance and rest.

For me, this summer has been a reminder that the creative life is not about relentless forward motion. It is about letting ourselves soak in experience, like the scents of blooming flowers, the sticky sweetness of peaches, the echo of laughter at twilight. Then trusting that these small sensory impressions will surface later in our work. Summer gives us permission to step away from the desk and fill the well.

It also teaches us impermanence. No matter how much we want to hold onto the warmth, the light, the endless days, summer slips away. And in that loss, we remember why we create. To capture what can’t last, to honor the fleeting, to pin moments of joy and longing onto the page (or canvas, or photograph, or song).

As creatives, we live in the tension between savoring the present and shaping it into something lasting. Summer, with its ripe fruit and sudden storms, shows us that beauty is often temporary. Yet that temporary status doesn’t diminish it. Instead, it makes us more attentive, more willing to notice, more determined to create.

So as August folds itself into September, I carry with me not just memories of summer, but its lessons to rest as deeply as I work, to let impermanence sharpen my attention, and to trust that every fleeting moment—whether dazzling or ordinary—has a place in my creative life.
And maybe that’s the real gift of summer. It reminds us that art, like life, is not about holding on forever. It’s about noticing deeply, savoring fully, and then letting go—with the faith that something new will rise in the changing light.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Summer is almost over. I think I’m in shock. And the weekends still keep getting busier and busier. But at least this weekend I’ll have time to cook for my husband and myself (all the kids are gone), so I’m making an easy dinner. My favorite Cole Slaw, corn on the cob, and Rosemary Pork Tenderloin. This is a delicious meal that doesn’t take long to make and, if you can get the meat on sale, won’t break the household food budget. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

KINGSMILL REHEARSAL DINNER MENU SERIES

Welcome to my Kingsmill Rehearsal Dinner Menu series inspired by the fictional wedding celebration in my two new stories, A Room with a Groom (from Save the Date Anthology) and Luke’s Last Love Kiss (from Finding Forever Anthology). This blog series brings the charm of small-town Kingsmill to your summer table. 

Both love stories unfold in the heart of the Virginia mountains, and each features a rehearsal dinner held near the town’s historic 18th-century mill, along the Shenandoah River. Until mid-September, I’ll be sharing the seasonal recipes from that riverside celebration and today’s recipe is Rosemary Pork Tenderloin.

PrintRosemary Pork TenderloinI love this simple, easy-to-make recipe. It's almost fool-proof and the leftover meat is perfect for sandwiches or for tossing over a green salad. I hope you enjoy it!Course Main CourseKeyword PorkPrep Time 15 minutes minutesCook Time 20 minutes minutesResting Time 15 minutes minutesServings 6Calories 388kcalIngredients2 pork tenderloins3 Tablespoons olive oil2 ½ Tablespoons chopped rosemary leaves fresh, if possible2 ½ Tablespoons brown mustard with seeds8 cloves garlic minced½ teaspoon Kosher salt¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepperDash dried sageInstructionsPreheat the oven to 450℉. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spray with a cooking spray (I use an avocado spray). Rinse off the pork loins and remove the silver membrane and any extra fat you don't want. Dry the meat with paper towels and place on the baking sheet. In a bowl, stir together the olive oil, rosemary leaves, mustard, garlic, Kosher salt, black pepper, and sage. Rub this mixture over both pork loins. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes and check the internal temperature. The meat needs to reach 155 degrees ℉. Once the meat is cooked all the way through, remove the tray from the oven. Cover the meat with more tin foil and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Slice and serve.

August Book Fairs and Reading Events: Part 2

I’m so excited because in a few weeks I’m being interviewed on the Isn’t it Romantic Book Club! We’ll be discussing my novella A Room with a Groom in the wedding romance anthology Save the Date. The details are below, and I’ve also included a number of other reading events and free books to help get you through the end of August. There’s also a free reading event coming up to celebrate the beginning of fall!

1The Isn’t it Romantic Book Club Group Monthly Livestream

There’s been a change in the date… The Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group will be live-streaming Thursday, September 18th at 3 pm EST, while we interview Sharon Wray (me!) and my new Kingsmill Courtships novella A Room with a Groom that is currently for sale in the Save the Date wedding romance anthology. It’ll be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and we hope you’ll join us there!

2The Isn’t it Romantic Book Club Group Fall into a Book Giveaway

It’s time for the The Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group‘s annual Fall into a Book Giveaway event on Facebook beginning on September 18th! We have over 300 authors joining us this year, and there will be lots of prizes, free books, and tons of swag. We are looking forward to meeting you there!

Free Books for August Blind Sided by Gwen Hernandez

A hacker framed for espionage. A sniper hot on her trail. Enemies who can’t resist falling in love.

Framed for divulging state secrets, reformed hacker Valerie Sanchez has no choice but to run. Worse, when the proof of her innocence is destroyed, things turn fatal. She must decide if the sexy special operator who mysteriously turns up to protect her is an ally or the real threat.

Scott Kramer’s job was supposed to be easy. Follow the hot computer geek who stole plans for classified weapons until she meets her buyer, then let law enforcement take over. But when Valerie becomes an assassin’s target, Scott’s gut says she’s innocent. Now, he must risk his life—and his heart—to keep her safe.

Get it for free now! Challenge My Heart by Diane Wiggs

Hotdish isn’t the only thing heating up in Ashwood.

Restaurant owner Bel Holloway’s nana passed down her cat and café to her granddaughter when she died, along with two rules. #1- Don’t share the award-winning recipes. #2- Never share the secret catering client list.

Detective Tanner Malone strolled into Miss Mabel’s thinking this would be a typical attempted smash-and-grab, but it soon becomes apparent that someone wants more than delicious food from the savory café owner.

Bel might be sweet as pie, but is reluctant to share her client list, even if it’s vital to the case. Can Tanner protect her when she starves his investigation for details?

Get it for free now! In Paradise with Someone Like Him by Susanna Eastman

Floral designer Anna is desperate to break the bonds of her loving but smothering family, her boss’s empty promises, and the humiliation of a broken engagement months before the wedding. Except she has no idea how to change her life until she discovers a Caribbean sex club called Fantasy. Fantasy, a luxurious realm shrouded in secrecy, promises anonymous, consensual ecstasy and a chance for Anna to redefine herself. Amidst this newfound-yet-unsettling freedom, Anna encounters Jacob, a handsome man with secrets of his own.  

Jacob, a charismatic billionaire who owns the lavish Caribbean resort hosting Fantasy, has doubts. While his wealth and power have allowed him to create a haven for those seeking clandestine desires and untamed passion, he’s not sure if this is the right direction to take his company. Things become complicated when he meets Anna, a beautiful woman seeking to change her life, and he experiences a connection that challenges the foundation of his controlled, unforgiving world. Although Fantasy requires anonymity, Jacob knows his secrets could ruin his future with Anna. A future he didn’t know he wanted. A future he’s desperate to save, even if he has to break his own rules.

Will Anna and Jacob’s rendezvous of passion and discovery lead them on separate paths? Or will their powerful connection offer them a chance at love that transcends the bounds of Fantasy?

Get it for free now! It’s All in the Hips by Diana Munoz Stewart

Winning the Fit for The World prize money is Yolanda Vasquez’s last chance at saving her family business. But to win it, she’ll have to face show creator Easton Blake––a steamy one-night stand she’s never forgotten––while also taking on the big kids of fitness. One of whom isn’t playing fair.

Yolanda Vasquez

Ten-plus years ago, I spent one glorious night with a hot stranger visiting Puerto Rico. Today, that heartthrob is a global health icon giving away millions on a reality fitness show. I really need that money to rescue my family business, am pretty sure I can win, and mostly sure he won’t remember me.

Easton Blake

I spent a decade building Fit for The World gym franchises, but after a reputation-ruining mistake, my board wants me out. Vowing to repair my image on a groundbreaking reality show is a huge gamble. One that turns dicey when the hottest hookup of my life makes the competition, and the other contestants quickly see her as a threat. Yeah. This can’t be what my board meant by reviving my public persona.

Knowing the disaster any romance would bring, Easton and Yolanda struggle to ignore their flaming-hot chemistry, but when someone schemes to drive Yolanda from the show, they join forces to stop them. Will their undeniable heat catch fire and burn down their worlds before they can eliminate the threat?

Get it for free now! Alaska Wild by Lolo Paige

What happens before that fateful day where Tara and Ryan collide on the Montana fire that leads them both to Alaska, in Alaska Spark? Read their origin story to find out!

Read what happens before Tara and Ryan meet up in Alaska Spark!

Ryan O’Connor’s hotshot fire crew pulls out all the stops to save a trapped family in a Southern California firestorm. But when his crew is unable to reach them in time, Ryan considers the loss a personal failure. He decides to apply and train with the Delta Force of wildland fire—the Alaska Smokejumpers. If Ryan can survive the ball-busting training, his life will be on a new trajectory…one that could lead him to the woman of his dreams. Tara Waters loves being a wildland firefighter and has worked hard to prove herself capable. But when a hunky Missoula smokejumper aims his parachute at Tara, her worlds collide when her father dooms the relationship to fail. The path she then chooses will set a new course..toward a wildfire with searing flames she’s powerless to fight.

Get it for free now! How to Unbreak a Heart by Jennie Marts

Solitary cowboy, Trip Turner walked out on the love of his life twelve years ago, breaking her heart and landing in juvenile detention. Now he’s back in Saddle Creek, Montana, at the dude ranch for wayward teens, where his mentor, John Stone, taught him the rules of how to become a man. But a tragedy has reminded Trip he failed to follow one of those rules. And it could have been the most important one of all.

Bre Wilson had moved on with her life—she has a successful veterinary practice, and she’s put all thoughts of Trip Turner, the boy she’d planned to spend the rest of her life with, behind her. Or so she thought. Because he’s back, and no longer a boy. Now he’s a hot-as-hell man, and she has to spend the next two weeks working by his side without either kissing him or killing him. Trip let Bre go once, he won’t do it again. He has a second chance to fix the mistakes he made all of those years ago, and this time he’s following the rules. He just needs to figure out how to unbreak her heart. 

Get it for free now! Risking Trust by Adrienne Giordano

Michael Taylor is cooler than ice. As CEO of a private security company, his job means protecting those at risk. But now Michael is the one in trouble—he’s the prime suspect in his ex-wife’s murder. To prove his innocence, he needs not just a few good men, but one smart woman.

Get it for free now!

Finding Forever is Leaving Soon

I can’t believe how fast the summer has gone. Finding Forever, a wedding romance anthology I’m in, came out in early June and it leaves forever on September 3. It seems like just last week that I was celebrating a release week, and now it’s almost time for pumpkin lattes and bonfires. But there are still a few more days to grab this anthology before it disappears, so now is the time! This anthology includes my Kingsmill Courtships series novella Luke’s Last Hot Summer, a romance about Holly Wythe and Luke Mosby, two lost people who are each running away from their pasts… in different directions… until they discover that they are each others’ future. I hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it. Now let’s ring those wedding bells!

It’s almost gone!Finding ForeverA Limited Edition Wedding Romance Collection 

You are cordially invited…

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.

Authors include:

Stephanie Morris 
Sharon Wray 
KyAnn Waters
Kris Jayne
Darah Lace
Laura M. Baird

J. Keely Thrall
Cora Lyle
Michelle Rose
Tamsin Cross
Brielle West
Taliyah Rose

Available now! ↦Almost Gone!Luke’s Last Hot Summer

He’s running from his past while she’s racing toward her future… but love is about to change everything.

Luke Mosby has always been the black sheep of his family. While his five brothers settled down in Kingsmill, Virginia, Luke gave up practicing law to open a surf shop in Miami and seek out adventure. From fighting forest fires to riding bulls in rodeos, he’s built a life far from home, avoiding the feeling that he doesn’t quite belong. But now, for the first time in years, he’s heading back to Kingsmill for his cousin’s wedding—a reunion he dreads with his now-married brothers who seem to have it all figured out.

Dr. Holly Wythe thought she was ready for a change of pace. After leaving Boston’s busy hospitals behind, she’s taken a job in small-town Kingsmill, hoping to find the peace that’s eluded her. But her journey takes an unexpected turn when she’s forced to share a ride with Luke Mosby—a man who is everything she isn’t: free-spirited, spontaneous, and determined to live life by his own rules.

As they drive to Kingsmill and they hit unexpected delays, sparks fly between the wandering adventurer and the structured doctor. Can they find common ground in a place they both want to call home, or will Luke’s fear of being an outcast keep him from the love he never saw coming?

Available now! ↦

Writing the Last Days of Summer

As writers, we know the end of summer holds a particular kind of magic. The long golden evenings, the hum of cicadas, the bittersweet shift toward cooler days. This season brims with both nostalgia and anticipation. It’s no accident that small-town romances and women’s fiction novels often return to these late-summer traditions. They’re not just charming backdrops, they’re fertile ground for conflict, connection, and character growth.

Small-Town Traditions That Spark Story Ideas

I use a lot of these traditions–dare I say tropes–in my contemporary romance Kingsmill Courtships Series. This novella series, which is currently being rewritten to be longer novels, showcases a lot of the traditions below. Not only do these traditions evoke emotions, they are perfect writer tools for enhancing settings and building/exploring conflict. So here are some of my favorite, beloved traditions—drawn from real life and fiction alike—that you can weave into your stories to capture that tender end-of-summer feeling. And because I’m not above some shameless self-promotion, I’ve also included links below this post to a few of the books in my Kingsmill Courtships series that highlight some of these traditions.

County Fairs & Harvest Festivals
Story Potential: The fairground offers natural opportunities for drama and delight: a Ferris wheel kiss, a pie contest rivalry, a character facing a fear of heights, or a surprise reunion under carnival lights. Fairs bring together the whole town, making them ideal for showcasing community ties.

Orchard Days & Early Harvests
Story Potential: Apple picking, peach festivals, or pumpkin patches ground your story in the rhythm of the land. These settings can symbolize abundance, growth, or change. A character might return home to work the family orchard, bump into an old flame in the cider line, or finally share a secret while gathering apples in the golden light.

End-of-Summer Concerts & Dances & Weddings
Story Potential: Whether it’s a local band in the park or a dance on the town green or a wedding set in a mountain meadow, music sets the stage for intimacy. A slow dance under the stars can spark romance, while a missed step on the dance floor can create lighthearted tension. These events are also natural crossroads for bringing multiple plot threads together.

Beach/Mountain Bonfires & Lake Parties
Story Potential: Bonfires lend themselves to nostalgia, truth-telling, and quiet moments of vulnerability. Picture characters roasting marshmallows while sparks fly in more ways than one. Or two estranged friends reunited on the dock, with the firelight illuminating everything they’ve left unsaid.

Friday Night Lights & Back-to-School Moments
Story Potential: The first football game or pep rally signals transition, including summer giving way to fall and youth giving way to adulthood. These scenes can highlight generational dynamics (parents, teens, coaches) or put characters in situations that force confrontation with the past (old rivals in the stands, former sweethearts under the stadium lights).

Pie Contests & Cookouts
Story Potential: Food-centered events provide built-in stakes, whether it’s a competition (whose pie will win?), a family feud at the grill, or the vulnerability of sharing a treasured recipe. These are playful, sensory-rich opportunities to show how characters navigate pride, tradition, and belonging.

Fireworks & Farewell Gatherings
Story Potential: Fireworks are inherently dramatic with a sky full of color that lasts only a few moments. They make an excellent backdrop for climaxes or turning points, such as a confession, a kiss, or even a goodbye. The symbolism of fleeting beauty deepens the emotional impact.

Motorcycle Rides & Summer’s Edge Story Potential: For some towns, the end of summer isn’t marked by pie contests or fairs but by the roar of motorcycles gathering for one last ride. These events can be festive—rallies, charity runs, or scenic group rides through country roads—or they can bring trouble, especially if an outlaw motorcycle club rolls into town. In fiction, motorcycles often symbolize freedom, rebellion, or danger. A late-summer ride might be a chance for a hero to show his adventurous side, for a heroine to take a risk, or for long-simmering conflicts to surface when a motorcycle club disrupts the peace. Whether it’s a romantic night ride under the stars or a clash that threatens the harmony of the town, motorcycles add an edge of unpredictability to the otherwise nostalgic close of summer.

Why End-of-Summer Traditions Work in Fiction
Built-in Conflict: Competitions, reunions, and community gatherings all create tension.
Emotional Resonance: The season’s natural bittersweetness mirrors the inner journeys of characters at crossroads.
Symbolic Backdrops: Harvests, bonfires, and fireworks carry metaphorical weight that elevates simple scenes.
Community & Belonging: These traditions remind us of why small-town settings resonate. They’re always about people showing up for each other.

When you’re sketching your next story, consider anchoring a pivotal scene in one of these rituals. Not only will it root your narrative in a beloved tradition, but it will also give your readers that irresistible sense of nostalgia. The feeling that they, too, are saying goodbye to summer in the company of friends, family, and maybe even new love.

Kingsmill Courtships Books with Midsummer/End of Summer TraditionsHis Wildest Sunflower

Sunflower Festival
Bonfires
Summer Concert
Outlaw MC
Baking Contest

One Night by Firelight

Bonfires
Riverside Picnic
Summer Wedding
Outlaw MC
Town Parade

Luke’s Last Hot Summer

Riverside Picnic
Summer Wedding
Bonfires
Outlaw MC
Fairgrounds

A Room with a Groom

Summer Wedding
Forced Proximity
Outlaw MC
Wildfires (TW)
Remote Campsite

The Summer Promise

Fireworks
Town Picnic
Riverside Picnic
Outlaw MC
Fairgrounds

A Bonfire Night to Remember

Golden Summer
Bonfires
Town Party
Hidden Identity

Harvesting Summer’s Muse

From the reflective midpoint of Midsummer Reflections, through the creative invitations of the Survival Guide and Magical Story Ideas, into the delicate symbolism of Florals, and through the very real Slump and the soothing Quiet Days of Summer, this series has carried us across the full arc of midsummer’s creative life.

Now, as summer begins its slow fade, the question becomes: how do we bring this energy forward without falling into burnout? The answer may lie in routine, not rigid schedules. In gentle rituals that support creativity no matter your discipline. Now is the moment to harvest what remains vibrant—ideas, energy, whimsy—and let go of the pressure, the slump, the “must-dos.

Quietly Stepping Toward Fall Seasonal Shift: From Fire to Harvest

Summer creativity often burns hot. Ideas burst, projects race ahead, and slumps arrive in equal measure. Fall, though, invites us into harvest with a slower gathering of what’s grown, a sorting of seeds for later, and a grounding rhythm that helps us prepare for winter’s quiet.

Instead of sprinting forward, fall is about leaning into cycles: energy + rest, work + reflection, creativity + replenishment.

Gentle Routines for Creatives

Whether you’re a writer, painter, musician, crafter, or any kind of dreamer, here are some small, seasonal rituals to nurture your work as we head into fall:

Morning Pages or SketchesWriters: a page of freewriting.Artists: a 5-minute doodle or color study.Musicians: a scale run or improvisation.Goal: not a product, but a warm-up—loosening the mind like stretching before a run.Weekly Harvest JournalEvery Sunday, jot down (or sketch/record) what you created, what inspired you, and one moment of rest you allowed yourself.This reframes productivity as harvesting progress, not just output.Creative WalksA walk with intention. No phone, no agenda. Collect images, sounds, colors, or words that feel like “fall.”Back home, translate one of those observations into your medium: a poem, a quick sketch, a melody, a scene.Seasonal PlaytimeOnce a week, engage in a playful act of creativity unrelated to your main project: bake bread, arrange flowers, collage with magazine clippings.This replenishes joy and keeps burnout at bay.Closing RitualEnd each creative day with a brief ritual: light a candle, stretch, or write down tomorrow’s first step. This signals closure and prevents the creative energy from bleeding into exhaustion. A Gentle Invitation

As we step into fall, let’s not race ahead with deadlines and endless lists. Instead, let’s carry with us the magic of midsummer’s muse, the honesty of our slumps, and the calm of quiet days.

Fall is not about starting over. It’s about tending what we’ve grown, grounding in ritual, and making space for inspiration to arrive without force. So, here’s to a season of creative harvest that’s steady, kind, and full of small rituals that keep the spark alive.

The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs

I can’t believe it’s Friday already. And this weekend is a quiet one for us, one of the few we’ve had all summer, and tonight I’m making Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs. This is an easy recipe that requires little prep time, but it does need at least two hours to marinate in the refrigerator. It goes well with a simple salad or coleslaw, but I love to serve it with cornbread salad.

KINGSMILL REHEARSAL DINNER MENU SERIES

Welcome to my Kingsmill Rehearsal Dinner Menu series inspired by the fictional wedding celebration in my two new stories, A Room with a Groom (from Save the Date Anthology) and Luke’s Last Love Kiss (from Finding Forever Anthology). This blog series brings the charm of small-town Kingsmill to your summer table. 

Both love stories unfold in the heart of the Virginia mountains, and each features a rehearsal dinner held near the town’s historic 18th-century mill, along the Shenandoah River. For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the seasonal recipes from that riverside celebration and today’s recipe is Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs.

PrintBourbon Glazed Chicken ThighsCourse Main CourseKeyword ChickenPrep Time 10 minutes minutesCook Time 16 minutes minutesMarinating Time 2 hours hoursServings 4IngredientsGlaze1/3 cup bourbon1/3 cup soy sauce1/4 cup olive oil1 Tablespoon grated ginger2 cloves garlic mincedChicken2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmedsalt and pepper to tasteInstructionsGlazeIn a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, and garlic.ChickenTrim as much fat from the chicken thighs as possible. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the thighs, to taste.Using an 11" x 9" casserole dish with a lid, arrange the chicken thighs so they're not touching and pour the bourbon glaze until they are covered with the sauce. Cover and put in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Remove from the refrigerator and let the chicken sit on the counter for 20 minutes. Heat the grill and once it's at 350 ℉, cook the thighs on medium-high heat. Cook the thighs for 6-8 minutes per side. The internal temp of the thighs should be at least 165℉. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Prepping for Hurricanes

A few months ago we discussed building a Family Emergency Binder and a Family Emergency Plan. Then, a few weeks ago, I wrote about what to do in case of power outages , wildfires, heatwaves, and tornadoes. Those posts discuss about how to protect your family from disasters and how to rebuild your life after an emergency. But now we’re entering the most dangerous hurricane months and it’s time to prepare for that threat.

When a hurricane is on the horizon, every hour counts. Preparation can mean the difference between staying safe and facing serious risk. Hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding, and their impacts can last long after the storm has passed. Whether you live in a coastal area or hundreds of miles inland, having a plan and a kit ready ahead of time ensures you’re ready for the worst and can recover more quickly afterward.

How to Prepare for and Deal with HurricanesThe Basics: What Is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm system with sustained winds of at least 74 mph, capable of producing heavy rain, dangerous storm surge, flooding, and tornadoes. While they most often make landfall along coastlines, their impacts can reach far inland. As Hurricane Helene showed when it brought destructive flooding and wind to the mountains of North Carolina, hurricanes can maintain strength for hundreds of miles, causing damage well beyond the shore.

Hurricanes are measured using the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranks storms from Category 1 (74–95 mph winds, minimal damage) to Category 5 (157+ mph winds, catastrophic damage). The higher the category, the more dangerous the winds, but it’s important to remember that even lower-category hurricanes can cause deadly flooding, storm surge, and tornadoes, especially in areas far from the coast.

Before Hurricane Season (sources mentioned are linked below)

Know your evacuation routes — Learn the routes and have multiple options. Local emergency management websites often provide maps.

Sign up for alerts — Use FEMA’s app, NOAA Weather Radio, and local alert systems for real-time updates.

Review your insurance coverage — Flood damage is typically not covered under standard homeowner’s insurance.

Prepare an emergency kit — Include food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights, and important documents in waterproof containers.

Make a family communication plan — Decide where to meet if you get separated and how to contact each other without cell service.

When a Hurricane Watch is Issued

(Possible hurricane conditions within 48 hours)

Fill your car’s gas tank and check tires.Stock up on water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days).Charge phones, portable chargers, and other essential electronics.Refill prescriptions and grab extra medical supplies.Bring inside anything that could blow away (patio furniture, lawn tools, etc.).

Build Your Emergency Kit

Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio.Flashlight & extra batteries.First-aid kit.Non-perishable food & water (at least 3 days per person).Sturdy shoes.Personal documents (IDs, insurance, medical records) in a waterproof bag.Medications, baby supplies, and pet essentials.Prepare for power outages.

Prepare Your Home

Remove loose items from your yard (lawn furniture, grills, etc.).Reinforce windows and doors if possible.Keep your car fueled in case evacuation is needed.Prepare for power outages.When a Hurricane Watch is Issued

(Possible hurricane conditions within 48 hours)

Fill your car’s gas tank and check tires.Stock up on water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days).Charge phones, portable chargers, and other essential electronics.Refill prescriptions and grab extra medical supplies.Bring inside anything that could blow away (patio furniture, lawn tools, etc.).Prepare for power outages.When a Hurricane Warning is Issued

(Expected hurricane conditions within 36 hours)

Follow evacuation orders immediately.If sheltering in place, stay away from windows and glass doors.Set your refrigerator/freezer to the coldest setting and keep doors closed.Have your emergency kit, cash, and IDs ready to grab at a moment’s notice.Prepare for power outages.After the Storm PassesStay tuned to official alerts before leaving shelter.Avoid floodwaters as they may be electrically charged or contain debris and contaminants.Use generators outside, at least 20 feet from windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.Document property damage with photos for insurance claims.Trusted Tornado Preparedness Resources National Hurricane Center (NOAA)  – Forecasts, maps, and real-time updates. Ready.gov Hurricanes  – Step-by-step planning guidance.American Red Cross Hurricane Safety – Safety checklists and recovery tips. FEMA Hurricane Preparedness  – Federal disaster planning and response information. NOAA Weather Radio  – Info on getting real-time weather warnings. Storm Prediction Center (SPC)  – Daily severe weather outlooks and tornado threat levels.

The Quiet Power of Generosity

Generosity isn’t always about grand gestures or expensive gifts. Often, it’s the small, thoughtful acts that ripple out the farthest—an encouraging word, a moment of patience, a willingness to listen. These simple offerings cost little, yet they can change the course of someone’s day, or even their life. When we practice generosity, we’re not just giving to others, we’re shaping ourselves. We become more attentive, more open, and more aware of the needs and joys around us. In a world that often celebrates speed, self-interest, and scarcity, generosity reminds us there’s always enough to share: enough kindness, enough time, enough of ourselves to go around.

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Generosity also has a quiet, practical magic because it creates connection. One small act can inspire another, and before you know it, you’ve sparked a chain reaction of goodwill. That’s the kind of influence no amount of hustle or competition can match. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. Generosity is a habit you can build one small step at a time. In fact, I’ve gathered 25 easy, mostly free ways to be generous because every act, no matter how small, can matter more than we realize.

25 Easy Ways to be Generous1. Donate a book to little free library2. Leave a review for your favorite author… or a new-to-you author.3. Smile at everyone you meet today.4. Send an actual card (with a stamp!) to someone for their birthday.5. Create, make, or bake something and give it away to a friend or a neighbor.6. Make or buy a meal for a neighbor/friend/family member who is sick, recovering from surgery, had a new baby, etc.7. Donate clothes and household items you no longer need.8. Volunteer at a thrift shop, food bank, emergency kitchen, etc. (even an hour of time helps!)9. Pay for something for the person behind you (coffee, ice cream, etc)10. Purchase extra groceries and donate them to a local food bank or church food box.11. Give someone flowers, just because.12. Say something nice about someone, to someone else, without being asked.13. Leave a kind comment on a social media post14. Compliment a stranger on something today.15. Let someone in your life know that you love them.16. Pick a random person on a donation site (like GoFundMe, etc) and donate $5.16. Hold the door open for a stranger.17. Pick up litter you see in a parking lot, in front of stores, on a walking trail, etc.18. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while and catch up.19. Next time you go shopping or eat out, tell one of the workers that they’re doing a great job.20. Encourage someone in your life who’s starting something new that may be scary: a job, a new baby, a new venture, etc.21. Take a friend, or someone who needs cheering up, to lunch or coffee.22. Offer to drive someone to a doctor’s appointment, especially if the news may not be happy.23. Forgive someone for a past hurt and let go of the anger and resentment.24. Buy some school supplies and donate them to the local elementary school for under-privileged children.25. Forgive yourself for making a mistake and for not being perfect. Give yourself grace.