Amy R. Anguish's Blog, page 15

And the Stack Grows

My first book will officially be 6 years old in two weeks. November 1, 2017 was when An Unexpected Legacy was "birthed." If you had told me back then that I would be able to have 12 more books release over the next six years, I would've thought you were crazy. That's an average of two books a year. And when I got started, they were coming out about every year and a half.
But whether I'd believe it or not, number 13 releases tomorrow. Not only that, but it's my first full-length Christmas novel. A trope I didn't think I'd ever want to write.
Come to think of it, I've done several things I didn't think I would write a series. But I enjoyed my roadtrip trilogy and have another series in my head. Just need to find time to write three more novels to go with the first.
​And now, a Christmas novel.
This isn't the first Christmas story I've written. I had a novella come out several years ago in the Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams collection. That was my first taste of setting a story solely at the holidays. And I discovered how fun that was.
But a whole novel? How would that work?
Well, good news. I don't know if you noticed, but the Christmas season seems to get longer every year. Needless to say, starting it at Black Friday would be considered Christmas, but also give me a whole month to fit a story. Perfect.
Much can happen in a month. Especially when the characters are forced to be together while revitalizing a toy store. I had a lot of fun with this one, and I hope you're going to love it just as much. I can't wait for you to dive into Nick and Trudy's romance.
What do you think? Are you glad I broke my promise to never write a Christmas novel? How many of my 13 novels have you read so far?
Today is the last day to be able to pre-order my kindle version for a dollar less. The price goes up tomorrow! Have you already pre-ordered?
Also, my publisher has shared the first three chapters of my novel so you can get a sneak peek before buying. Can't wait to dive in? Here's your chance to read ahead!
​Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.
Can two holiday-haters renew their love for the season … and more?

Behind the Story: Toy Story

A toy store at Christmas. Sounds frenetic, doesn't it? Definitely busy and chaotic.
But not Russo's Toy Emporium. Not at the beginning of Mama Dated Santa , anyway. Instead, it's suffering the fate of many brick-and-mortar stores today, losing business and unable to keep up.
That's why, when Trudy walks in on Black Friday, she's blown away by the lack of customers ... and the poor dilapidated Christmas tree in the Santa section. But it's not her responsibility to help such a mess.
Not until her Mom gets her involved, that is.
Paul Russo, along with his two brothers, are the owners of the Emporium. They've inherited it from their dad, but they also decided they're at an age where they'd like to step back. Enter Nick. He's Paul's nephew, and now manager of the store.
But he hates Christmas-time. To him, it's all about the numbers. And none of the kids in the store seem happy. How can anyone like this time of year?
Then Paul hires Trudy to spruce things up (see what I did there? Spruce? Christmas-time?). She comes in like a tornado, brightening up the place and giving it new life, right before Nick's eyes. But can she convince him that Christmas-time at a toy store isn't as bad as he thinks it is?
​How do you feel about toy stores? Would you venture into one at Christmas-time?
Just a few more days until you can explore Russo's Toy Emporium. Have you pre-ordered your copy? The ebook is a $1 cheaper until 10/17. ​Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.

Can two holiday-haters renew their love for the season … and more?

Behind the Story: Temple, TX

When you think Christmas story, you probably think somewhere up north, where there's at least a chance of snow. Why would anyone set a Christmas story smackdab in the middle of Texas? If they get any cold precipitation, it's more likely than not going to be ice.
And yet, that's where my story, Mama Dated Santa, is set. Why?
Well, I have several reasons. The first is, I didn't set it in Temple to begin with.
Are you confused?
Hang with me. I'll explain. When I first wrote it, I set it in Waco. Thanks to some famous HGTV stars, that town has become quite known over the last few years. And I love how they're revamping their downtown area. It was perfect. Except it was just a bit bigger than I needed. My editor recommended I make up a town instead. But I had a different idea. You see, I've been to Temple way more times than I've been to Waco. I happen to have a sweet aunt there. And it's slightly smaller than Waco, just down the interstate. Perfect.
It's still probably not going to snow around Christmas-time, though. Can you have a Christmas story without snow? Well, you can have cold and wet. And I even worked in a sleigh ride, despite there being no snow. Want to know how? You'll have to read the book. ;)
Central Texas is full of charm. Temple is between Austin and Dallas/Fort Worth, so you can do a day trip either way. And, I think you're going to enjoy your visit.
What do you think? Is it okay to set a Christmas story in the middle of Texas?
Just over a week until you can visit central Texas with my characters Nick and Trudy. Are you ready? Pre-order pricing is good through 10/16.  ​Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.
Can two holiday-haters renew their love for the season … and more?

Behind the Story: Nick

Nick Russo grew up in his family's toy store. And now it's where he works. He's the manager to be exact. Not that it seems to be helping him improve the numbers.
With Christmas on the horizon, he ought to be more excited. After all, this is the last chance of the year to improve things and save the Emporium. But Christmas honestly stresses him out more than anything. The whiny kids, the holiday music on repeat, and the stress of making more sales before the year ends ... Good thing there's a confectionary just down the road from the store. Although, considering how much extra stress has been added to his life since Trudy was hired to refresh the store, he might need a lot more peppermint hot chocolate truffles.
He's not good with change. Or creativity. Or marketing. Or girls who come in and take over part of his office ... and maybe part of his heart too.
How is he going to survive this holiday season?
Ready to read Nick's story? The ebook is on pre-order now and you can save a dollar by ordering it before 10/17. ​Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
 
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.
 
Can two holiday-haters renew their love of the season … and more?

Author Interview: Heather Wood

Can you imagine wearing a corset? Which side of history do you think you'd land on? Author Heather Wood is here with us today, chatting about these things and more. Her books sound so good, so be sure to read all the way to the bottom to find out more! Heather, you weave your love of history into your beautiful Christian stories. What is it about history that draws you to it?

I love history because I love sociology and learning about where the ideas and customs of our culture came from. Everything had an origin, from the ways we think about ourselves to the ways our cities are laid out to the words we use. Who started it? Did they know that the choices they made would be an influential part of culture a hundred or four hundred years later?
Another reason is because the complexity of human history helps me to appreciate the complexity of our own times better. People 180 years ago were as concerned about the direction of their culture as we are, and oftentimes two now-revered leaders "back then" had opposing ideas and good people followed each of them. Those kinds of things bring me perspective and comfort in navigating the era where God has placed me.

Your stories are all woven into one family saga, right? How hard was it for you to keep track of all the characters and plotlines after writing several books?
​
Yes, I have one published series, and it's all about one family and their friends. There were times when I was plotting the later books when I realized something I'd said in a previous book had written me into a hole, or the situations I wanted to write for my characters were going to be impossible. It actually made my writing more creative and my plots less expected. Since I now had a puzzle to figure out to get the timelines to line up just so or have a character at a place I hadn't planned, I was able to take the stories directions that even I hadn't seen coming.  Do you have a character who is more like you than another? In what way?

I wrote Mary Pierce in Until We All Run Free with my personality but with a vastly different life experience.  You'll see pieces of me in her though, from the way she loves birthdays to the way she says what she means to the way she wants to be seen as competent.
I also have a lot in common with Jack, and writing his story had me digging deeper into my own junk than I wanted to. 

What drew you to the Civil War and the Chicago fire as the settings for some of your books?

I'm from Chicago and have been a Civil War buff since around the seventh grade, so that one was easy. In fact, Until We All Find Home was a story I made up as a teenager and never wrote down until I was in my thirties. To this day, I've never read another Civil War novel set in Chicago. The Great Chicago Fire happened six years after the war ended, so if I was going to write a sequel, I was going to have to figure out how my characters were going to respond to the devastation of their city. 

If you lived during the Civil War, do you think it would be hard to pick a side? Which side do you think you'd end up on?

Most people who lived during the war didn't want a war at all. It couldn't be anything but heart-wrenching to go to war against your own countrymen. The side I picked would most likely depend on where I lived and what narrative I'd been told my whole life. Since I'm from Chicago, I imagine I would end up siding with the Union. My stories talk about the fact that people fought for a lot of different reasons and can't be put in a box. There were, after all, Union soldiers who brought their slaves with them to serve them in the army camps. Again, we have a tendency to want to simplify history when it is in fact as complex and diverse as each of the individuals who lived then.

Your books all have siblings. Do you base that on siblings in your own life? Any real sibling rivalries or stories pop into your fiction?

I want to make it clear that all my characters are entirely figments of my imagination and none of them are based on people I know (except for myself, as I mentioned). With that said, I have six siblings, so siblings are a big part of my life. I love sibling stories myself, because it's fascinating how people raised in the same environment with the same parents can grow up to be so different from each other - and yet have random peculiarities in common. The siblings in my books, however, did not grow up together, and their differences are even greater.

What's something coming up for you in the future? Can you give us a sneak peek?

I'm working on the Young siblings' origin story now! Right now I'm in 1827 Baltimore with their father, ten-year-old Henry Young. The Young children didn't know their father, since he died when his oldest was seven, but I think they would appreciate knowing that he would have been able to sympathize with the struggles and experiences of each of his four kids. Their mother, Sinead, is still in Ireland and hasn't arrived on the page yet, but she'll make an appearance by the end of this three-book series.

Last but not least, please leave us with one fact about yourself that very few people know.
​
 I'll tell you a secret: if I had two lifetimes, I 100% would still be Civil War reenacting. My priorities have changed (and I'm writing now!) but I miss having the time and budget to make myself beautiful things, put on a corset, and go hang out around a campfire while teaching visitors about 1860s fashion and culture. I suppose I do that with my pen now instead, but I absolutely miss it.
  Heather Wood grew up in the Chicago suburbs, loving history, classic literature, writing stories, and Civil War reenacting. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in Bible/Theology from Appalachian Bible College, she settled in Virginia with her husband David. Her early passions fuel her writing today, although she spends most of her days now working to infuse her love for God and good literature into the hearts of her four small children.

www.heatherwoodauthor.com
https://www.instagram.com/heather.wood.author/

​When Justin Young is reunited with his orphaned siblings during the American Civil War, he decides to bring his widowed sister and younger brothers to live with him in Chicago, desiring to give them a home and a family. But he soon discovers that sometimes love is more painful than it is healing as he faces his own inadequacies. Along their journey towards reconciliation with God and each other, the siblings and their friends learn that real love often looks like the hard work of granting grace and second chances to other hurting, imperfect people with whom they have nothing in common. In the end, they each find that when they come home to God, He gives them the courage, freedom and grace to come home to the people they've come to love.
Heather's Christmas novella, Until We All Share Joy, is releasing on audiobook on Nov. 7 and is available for preorder now. Be sure to check it out!   

https://www.audible.com/pd/Until-We-All-Share-Joy-Audiobook/B0CGRYS97D

Behind the Story: Trudy

All Trudy McNamara meant to do was help her mom get settled in her new house. She agreed to take her nephew to see Santa because she loved him--not because of the season. Christmas was dead to her. It died the same night her Christmas-loving Dad did.
Problem was, no one around her wanted to give up Christmas. And when she runs into Santa, aka Paul Russo, who used to date her mom, everything starts to change. She gets roped into helping revitalize the toy store, helping her nephew make cookies, and spending an awful lot of time with Nick Russo, a fellow Christmas curmudgeon. Though for some reason, she doesn't like that he doesn't like the holiday. Which doesn't make any sense at all. She hasn't given up EVERYTHING Christmas, of course. This time of year has her favorite flavor. Here's to peppermint coffee, peppermint hot chocolate, peppermint candy, and straight-up peppermints. Any chance she gets, she's going to enjoy it.
The rest of the season, well, she wasn't expecting to enjoy the holiday ever again. But apparently Nick Russo has other ideas. Not to mention his nosy uncle. How did revamping a toy store turn into rejuvenating her joy?
Can she allow herself to fall back in love with Christmas? And maybe someone else?
Ready to get to know Trudy? Good news! We're under three weeks away from her story's release. Pre-order your e-book now and save a dollar! ​Seems Santa has a bit of Christmas magic … and romance … up his sleeve.
 
 
Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.
Can two holiday-haters renew their love of the season … and more?

Behind the Story: Paul (aka Santa)

If you're going to write a novel called Mama Dated Santa, then you better have a Santa to go with it, right? Well, good news. My story definitely has a santa.
Santa is played by Paul Russo, one of the brothers who owns Russos' Toy Emporium. All three brothers are now semi-retired, but Paul loves to come back each holiday season and keep the Santa tradition his dad started alive. And he's good at it.
Paul has this intrinsic way of seeing beyond what people portray to those around them. Now, he's not perfect and sometimes makes mistakes, just like all of us, but he's also pretty good at getting people to do what he thinks is in their best interest, whether they agree or not.
Paul has been particularly worried about his nephew Nick. You see, Nick took over as manager of the Emporium right out of school, but it's now taken over his life. He doesn't date, doesn't have fun, and doesn't seem to enjoy the store either. Good thing Paul has a trick up his sleeve ... not to mention some Christmas magic.
When Trudy breezes into the store with Paul's old college flame, he decides she's exactly what the store ... and Nick ... need. And seeing more of Connie, Trudy's mom, isn't a bad thing, either.
After all, they're both widowed. Wouldn't it be nice to catch up? I think you can guess where this is going. ;)
I had a lot of fun writing Paul, and yes. He is loosely based on a sweet Santa I know in real life who did actually date my mother-in-law in college before they both found their forever love. I hope I did him justice, and I think he'll approve. 
What do you think? Are you ready to meet Santa? I mean, Paul?
The e-book of Mama Dated Santa is now available for pre-order. Paperback coming soon. Snag your e-book now and save $1.  ​Seems Santa has a bit of Christmas magic … and romance … up his sleeve.
 
 
Trudy McNamara doesn’t do Christmas anymore. But she will do anything for her nephew Mark, even take him to visit Santa. After Dad died and the holiday bucket lists stopped, December hasn’t been the same. But Trudy finds herself tangled up with the toy store Santa and Christmas when she discovers her mom … dated Santa.
Nick Russo, manager of Russos’ Toy Emporium, is at a loss as to how to save his family’s store. When Uncle Paul, the Santa and part-owner, hires Trudy to revamp their store, Nick’s life turns upside down. He’s been so focused on the numbers, the Christmas season has become nothing more than one last drive for sales. But Trudy makes him re-evaluate his attitude as well as want to help hers.
Can two holiday-haters renew their love of the season … and more?

Author Interview: Mary Pat Johns

Y'all, I seriously can't say enough good things about my publisher, Scrivenings Press. And one of my favorite parts is how much we feel like a family. We support each other, cheer each other, answer questions, and get to know each other through monthly meetings even though we live all over the US. One of the newer authors I've been getting to know lately is Mary Pat Tedder. Her first book looks like a lot of fun, just like she is. Read on to find out more. Mary Pat, congratulations on your first release. I know it's set at a gym, so I'm curious. What made you choose that as your setting?
 
Hi, Amy! I’ve had a gym habit for a long time…it really helps with this “sittin’ on my rear” writing job. So one day when I was at the gym, praying about where to get started, I felt like the Lord whispered into my spirit that I could use a gym as the backdrop for my story. I guess it fell into that “write what you know” philosophy. But it helped with the fear factor—I knew about gyms, so writing about one seemed like a doable step.     
 
All three of the books in your new series will feature a brave veteran re-entering civilian life, right? What made you choose that theme?
 
Two of the books and a novella feature veterans. In the fourth and last book of the series, the main character is a policeman who had a difficult adjustment from civilian to police life. Overall, my inspiration came from my son, who deployed during the war with Afghanistan. When he returned, his re-entry into civilian life wasn’t easy. While his PTSD was not severe as some, it was still traumatic for him and those who loved him. It took a while, but he recovered and is doing well. He even helped me write a short story about Afghanistan to use as a prequel for the series. 

That's amazing. I'm so appreciative for his service and glad you could turn that bad experience into good.
​As a former speech and writing teacher, how much of your past teaching career has helped as you transitioned to writing?
 
When I taught, I learned organizational skills and discipline. After all, with classes of students, I had to teach whether I felt like it or not. No taking the day off if the muse didn’t show up. And teaching speech was a huge help with the marketing part of writing. I know that speaking is one of the number one fears, but that one doesn’t bother me. I was a lot more afraid that my writing wouldn’t be good enough to “make it” as a writer.    
 
Your series is set in Valiant, Texas. Is this a real town or one you've made up? If made up, did you base it on any real places in Texas?
 
I currently live in Victoria, Texas. Even though Valiant is a product of my imagination, it has some similarities to Victoria. Same size, same juxtaposition between country and city living. I kept the bigger surrounding cities as is, like Houston and San Antonio.
 
I know you love your dachshunds. Will we run across any animals in your books based on them?
 
In Book 2, there’s a short scene with a black dachshund who just had a litter of pups, but dogs often appear in my stories. Also in Book 2, Cyrus is a beautiful black German Shepherd who has just lost his master. Cats and kittens show up too…just because.
 
Can you give us a sneak peek into your second book that you're working on now?
 
In Book 1, Jesse is the main character, and his best friend is Rory. In the prequel, they agree to be accountability partners about the women they date. That decision leads to several conversations ranging from hilarious to all-up-in-your face serious. Book 2 is Rory’s story. His dream has always been to have a big family, but as an amputee, he needs to find the woman who sees beyond his disability. And Vi, his love interest, has secrets of her own.   
 
Are any of your characters more like you than another? In what way?
 
Most of my characters are composites of people I know. I had an especially hard time with Brenna, the female lead in Book 1, because she’s not like me. She’s whip smart and into numbers and running. None of that describes me.  
 
You compare your writing career to a sea turtle. Can you tell us more about that?

The writer’s trek to publication is perilous, like a sea turtle hatchling’s trek to the sea. The path is fraught with natural enemies. Like the tiny sea turtles, writers are vulnerable and affected by doubt and outside circumstances. Many don’t make it. They fall by the wayside, injured or become so distracted, they can’t focus enough to move forward. It took me a long time to get past the fear of failure and outside distractions.      
 
 Last but not least, can you leave us with one thing very few people know about you?
 
Surprisingly enough, most people don’t know I’m a die-hard romantic. Since I also write a column for the local newspaper, people are used to reading about my faith and my grandchildren, but nobody ever suspects I write sweet, clean love stories as well. Only my small circle of writers, friends, and family are aware that I write romance.

 I think there's a lot more romantics out there than we expect. We're glad to have gotten to know you today, Mary Pat! Thanks for letting me interview you. ​Can Brenna count on Jesse when trouble strikes?
Accountant Brenna McKinley only wants what’s best for Peeps, the wildly popular gym in Valiant, Texas. But when money goes missing, and she’s the obvious suspect, will she be able to clear her name or face criminal charges? Keeping her dream job matters, but falling in love with her boss isn’t part of the plan. Neither is the creepy guy stalking her.
Young veteran Jesse Jacobs manages and co-owns Peeps. He needs help to gain accreditation for the exercise facility, and his new accountant is all in. But is she who she seems? Too bad he’s falling for her like a man with no parachute. When the pressure builds, PTSD renders him moody and volatile, risking everything he loves.
Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a biweekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse is her debut novel, and she’s hard at work on the rest of the Valiant series. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war. As she kept writing, her focus generalized to include ordinary people who learn how to move forward after devastating events. Her writing has a strong spiritual thread since she considers a return to faith in God the solution for what ails the civilized world. She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book. Countin’ On Jesse placed second in inspirational contemporary romance in the TARA contest. It was also a finalist in the Crown and the Maggie contests for unpublished authors.


Website: http://www.marypatjohns.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marypatjohnsauthor/
Instagram: @marypatjohnsauthor

Back-to-School Scavenger Hunt

​Welcome to the inaugural Back to School Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt. We hope that throughout this hunt, you discover some new books and get to know a little more about us.
A few things before you begin:
This hunt is a blog hop. Collect the “clues” (pieces to the longer phrase) at each stop. Enter the individual giveaways along the way, then click on the link to the next stop and repeat until you reach #28, where you will input the full phrase as your entry to the grand prize drawing.
The hunt begins August 30, 2023, at noon EST and ends September 4, 2023, so you have plenty of time to visit each stop. If you need to step away and come back later, make a note of the last stop you visited, and go to this post with the list of all stops on the hunt.
If you are having trouble viewing the posts, you may need to switch browsers. Chrome and Firefox sometimes work better than Microsoft Explorer or Edge.
I don't know about your house, but in mine, from the moment school starts to the end of the school year, we run busy. With my husband teaching high school, my kids in elementary, and me teaching preschool, we're headed all the directions at once. It's still one of my favorite times of year, though.
For one thing, my birthday is this month, as is my son's. We get back into a rhythm and schedule, which is something I tend to thrive on. I love hearing about my family's experiences at school and stories about friends. And it's almost fall!
Okay, so I live in the South, and that means fall won't really start for a few months. But my heart is ready. After all, the stores have their pumpkins and black cats and colored leaves and long sleeves out already. Doesn't that mean the weather is right behind?
I ask that like we weren't enjoying weather in the 100s last week. Ugh.
Maybe I just need to read a book ... or several ... set in the time of year I love most. One with crisp leaves, yummy foods, boots and pumpkins and hayrides. Yes, please! Good thing I have several books that encompass that season, huh? An Unexpected Legacy is set from fall to Christmas and enjoys all of the above-mentioned goodies. Writing Home actually starts in the fall and goes all the way around to early summer of the next year. And my newest book, Window of the Heart, starts in the Spring and ends in the fall. And, even better, it ends with a fall wedding!
Obviously, I need to write a few more fall books, because that is not nearly enough. Still, it's a good start. ;)
Do you love reading about one season more than another? Do you prefer to read about certain seasons during certain times of the year?
​My newest book is one of the ones up for grabs in this giveaway, so be sure to collect all the clues!  ​Here is your next clue: are when
Next stop: Stop #4 Jill Mai https://www.jillannmai.com/scavenger-hunt-giveaway

Short Story-Office Surprise-Day 5

Welcome back to my annual birthday story. Ready to find out what happens next with David and Macy? Read on. Or, if you missed Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, or Day 4, follow those links to catch up! Macy hadn’t been able to get a good read on David this afternoon. Had he been pleased with his party? Was he upset? Was that why he wanted to talk to her?

He had mentioned to his mom that he didn’t want a party. And that’s exactly what she’d thrown. Maybe she’d ruined her chances for an office friendship before it could even start. Her own mom often chided her for eavesdropping. This exact situation was the reason.

“Macy?” David’s voice in her doorway startled her from her brooding.

“David. Hi.” She set her pens straight on her blotter for the next day.

“I have a question for you.” David leaned against her desk.

“Oh?”

“Why did you think today was my birthday?”
​
Her hands stilled and she slowly lifted her gaze to him. “What?”
“Today isn’t my birthday. But it was pretty obvious you were in charge of the surprise party. I’m just curious what triggered it.”

Her mouth opened wide.

He grinned, obviously enjoying this conversation more than she was. How had she misunderstood so badly?

“But you told your mom you didn’t want a celebration even though it had been three-hundred and sixty-five days.”

A snort burst from him. His eyes moved to the cubicle wall, as if remembering it didn’t go all the way up.

“My birthday is actually in March. But you’re right about what I told my mom.”

“So, it’s not your birthday?”

He shook his head. “But I won’t tell anyone, if it makes you feel better.”

“I’m so embarrassed.” She covered her cheeks. “What was your mom wanting to celebrate?” She shook her head. “No. Never mind. I’ve already snooped too much into your personal life today.”

“Actually,” He squatted before her where they were closer to eye level, “Mom wanted to celebrate the rumor that I was finally going to ask someone on a date again. It’s … been a while. I think Mom’s about given up on me.”

“A … date.”

He pulled her hands into his. “I was going to ask you, actually. I’ve been wanting to get to know you better ever since the first day, but we never have time at work. I hoped maybe if we had dinner or something, it would work better.”

“Me?” She blinked again. So the attraction was two-sided? Or had been. “And you’re still telling me this even after I totally threw you a party when it wasn’t your birthday?”

“It only made me like you more.” He winked. “No one else has ever surprised me four months early.”

Her laughter rang out and she gave his fingers a squeeze. “I’d be honored to go to dinner with you. But you have plans tonight, right?”

“Right. And something tells me my mom will celebrate anyway. At least now I have a reason for it.”

“Glad I could give you a reason to celebrate.”

“So, Friday?”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

“Me too.” He stood and lingered another minute. “Guess I better head to Mom’s.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow.” He saluted and walked away.
​
Macy leaned back in her seat. This day was full of surprises. And they all turned out better than expected.
So, what did you think? Did it end how you expected? 

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And thanks to all who have already blessed me that way. I'm glad I could share this week leading up to my birthday with you!