Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 162

Book Giveaway x10!

Gabrielle here: I'm running a fun giveaway and I wanted to share it here at Coffee Cups & Camisoles. I've always felt it's more fun to share a book with friends, so here's your opportunity! (You don't need to belong to a book club to enter.)   My newest novel, A Family Arrangement , releases in December with Harlequin's Love Inspired Historical and I'd love to share the story with your book club.*  Here's what the package will include:Up to 10 free copies of A Family Arrangement$50 Visa gift card for your favorite book club treatsDiscussion questionsBehind the scenes look at the history that inspired the storyAnd a chance to chat with me in person or via Skype during the meetingHere's how to enter:

1. Sign up for my newsletter (you can find it here)
2. Fill out the Rafflecopter below

That's it! To increase your chances to win, have each book club member enter the drawing.

*If you don't have a book club, but you'd like to get some of your friends together to read and discuss A Family Arrangement, that's fine, too! Just let me know in the comments.

I'll pick a winner on Tuesday, November 1st and announce it on my personal blog.

About the Book:

Makeshift Family  

Abram Cooper has ten months to turn rough Minnesota country into a vibrant town, or his sister-in-law will take his three sons back to Iowa with his blessing. Until then, Charlotte Lee has agreed to keep house and help raise his children as part of their bargain. But can the single father fulfill Charlotte's requirements in time to make sure that she and his boys don't leave—and take his heart with them?

Charlotte is convinced that the wilderness is no place to raise her nephews. But as she watches the community slowly develop, she sees that Abram just might be able to make it blossom. With three little matchmakers bringing her and Abram together, Little Falls could become not just a flourishing town, but the perfect home for their patchwork family.

About the Author:

 Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people and events. Other books by Gabrielle The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection The Convenient Bride Collection A Mother in the Making  Coming Soon Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection *US Citizens only, please. a Rafflecopter giveaway

To Speak or Not to Speak

Erica here: If you're like me, you are so, so, so ready for this presidential race to be over. It seems to have dragged on for YEARS! 
And the rancor has ratcheted up to the point that I can hardly take it in anymore. The division in this country is wide, vast, and deep. 
I feel it. I see it. I hear it.
It's all over the mainstream media, all over social media. My Facebook news feed is FULL of people's opinions about the candidates...and opinions about the idiocy of those who don't support their candidate. There are memes and polls and clips and quotes. There are 'facts' and 'jokes' and 'statistics' to bash or support. 
It makes my heart hurt.
Recently, the question was asked in a FB group to which I belong, whether as an author , "Should you speak up online? Or is it better to remain silent on your political views?"

There are lots of responses to this question:
"I don't want to risk alienating readers who don't share my political views."
"I would rather lose all my readers than not exercise my right to free speech."
"It depends on whether you are a fiction or non-fiction author. Non-fiction authors' readers EXPECT to hear the author's opinions on such topics."
"I am non-confrontational. I don't want to start a flame-war."
 All of these responses are valid. Each one is personal. None of them are wrong. 
So, where do I fall on this spectrum? What are my views?
I don't post political opinions on social media. 
It's not that I don't HAVE political opinions. Anyone who has met me would know I have opinions on a lot of things, but just because I have them doesn't mean I need to spread them all over Facebook. And I have a few reasons why:
1. I am not stupid. I am going to assume you're not stupid. Therefore, I will assume you have researched the candidates, examined the issues, and come to a conclusion as to your choice. You don't need my Facebook posts to persuade or dissuade you from your choice.
2. I have never yet heard of anyone who changed their minds based upon an internet rant, meme, or shouting match. I HAVE known of people unfriending, being offended, lashing out, and/or causing deep rifts in relationships because of political posts. Why would I want to do that to my friends? We can have differing opinions on candidates and still be cordial. Really.
3. My political opinions are mine alone. I express them by going to the voting booth and making my marks by the candidates I choose. I caucus in the state of Minnesota. I vote in the primaries. I am not obligated to tell anyone, not even my Facebook friends, the candidate who will receive my vote.
4. I believe that political discussions are best done one on one, in person, with respect toward the other individual. This is the venue to share ideas, feelings, and opinions about the issues, the candidates, the process, and your hopes and fears for the future. This is the venue to both LISTEN and TALK. It's two-way communication where you can both see and hear the speaker's intent and inflection and body language, where you can ask for clarification, and where you have to look them in the eye when you say potentially-inflammatory things.
Are you a fan of political posts on social media?

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Praying for the Enemy

I was chatting with my sister last night. Moments like that are treasures for me, even though Facebook Messenger makes it often and throughout the day. Growing up adopted, I always longed for a sister even though I thought my brother was pretty darn cool. It wasn't until I was an adult that I finally found her. My biological sister? No. But someone who grabbed hold of a piece of me and through all my emotional tsunamis, my blunt and tactless opinions, my conversational whiplash, and my oddities and quirks, she hangs in there. Every day, every night, every moment. It's hard when people ask me, "Is she really your sister?" What am I supposed to say? "No"? "Not by blood"? Bloodlines never really meant all that much to this adoptee, so qualifying someone who's burrowed into my soul as "not really my sister" seems strange. 
But the beauty of family struck me as we chatted. We were having a fairly passive conversation about the elections, and agreeing that people--namely Christians--need to be cautious they don't point out their perception of evil with the hatred and mudslinging that they despise in the candidates. I realized I've been guilty of a bit of harsh words myself lately, mostly in private, but does it really make a difference? 
My last word to her before I fell asleep was "#convicted".
Family and friends, relationships, are what Christ created. It was precious to Him. Did He, God, need us? No. I firmly believe He would have been quite well off without humanity, and yet He chose to create us. He chose to design relationships that can span ancestry and become family. 
Two verses popped into my mind (and that's a miracle in itself, because I have the retention of a goldfish). "Love one another-the greatest of these is love" (Jaime paraphrase), and "Pray for your enemies". 
Pray for my enemies? Why? Isn't it crucial, especially in this month, to point out the wrong, the anti-truth, and the blasphemy in our political standards? Truth is truth, after all, and someone needs to zealously stand for it in a time when lines don't seem to exist any longer. Even Jesus called the Pharisees a "brood of vipers", so He wasn't above calling people out either. 
...but He still died for the brood of vipers......He still loved even as He spoke truth ...
Relationships are an integral part of God's design for humanity. They become pictures of the unity we were meant to experience with God until Eve messed things up and Adam was oh so fast to follow. (My daughter frequently blames them when she "sins"). Relationships are also not limited to the family you were born into, the church you've always attended, the core group you couldn't live without ... or even your sister (by blood or by adoption).
Relationships extend to the mystery lurker in the shadows on Facebook who is reading your words, your "truth-speaking", your opinions, bias, or beliefs. Relationships reach the old friend you connected with on social media with joy but questions whether they should unfriend you since their own Christianity is up for grabs considering they support a different candidate--who's obviously not the "going Christian candidate". Relationships span across the lunch table as you eat a taco with a co-worker and share your ideas and thoughts. Relationships are in the readers who see your words and your passions splayed for the world to see.
I went to sleep last night praying for the candidate I most abhor. It was a very uncomfortable feeling, I must admit, but something strange happened. When I woke this morning, I was filled with immense gratefulness for my sister who isn't afraid to call things the way she's sees them, but laces her opinions with love and empathy. But, I was also filled with something else. A deep passion to continue to pray for my enemy--or the candidate I most abhor. In fact, while I still am 150% sure we'd agree on very little, I care for them this morning. I care for their heart, their soul, their spirit. I want to see them through the eyes of Christ ... who died for them, and would die only for them, if needed. 
Because when honesty is laced with love it becomes something far less abrasive and infinitesimally more effective. 
Relationships should be guarded, treasured, and above all, rooted in the love we're commanded to have. Because in the end, when it all drifts away and we stand in eternity and look around to see who stands beside us, I want to see my enemies there. Stripped to our soul-core, we are really all the same after all.
Failures. In need of grace. In need of family. In need of Christ.
________________________________________________________

Professional coffee drinker & ECPA/Publisher's Weekly best-selling author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy TinkerBell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.
Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures atjaimejowright.com.

Web site: www.jaimejowright.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowright
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Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright
Periscope: @jaimejowright

Research Road Trip: Up North

Anne here.
In case you've forgotten, Jaime, Erica, Gabrielle, and I have been busy writing our Gilded Age novella stories for the Rags and Riches collection because our first draft deadline is looming in December. I was able to jam a quick family reunion-research trip into my schedule two days before I left for ACFW with Jaime in August--a trip to the place that stirred my novella idea.

Michiganders, or anyone who has ever vacationed in Michigan will tell you, the phrase "Up North" evokes an instant transport to Northern Michigan. The terms "North Woods" or "Back Woods" evoke similar memories from anywhere in the midwest north of the 48th parallel. Memories of thick woods, ferns, rolling hills, and tall pines complete with "two track" trails left by forgotten lumber companies have imprinted the hearts of visitors living south of there for decades--actually for a century or more.

I've spent my lifetime making the six-hour trek straight up the hand of Michigan's mitten-shaped back woods to visit my grandparents near the very tip of the mitten. An 1875 Act of Congress opened Emmett County for settlement and my great-great grandpa Gehman first settled there about 1888, while my great-great grandpa Gregory settled there about 1910.

 Gehman Homestead
Gregory Homestead
Newswanger Homestead
The earlier ancestors had come north for the fertile farm land and clear air. Years later in 1914 my grandfather made the move with his family from Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Brutus, Michigan to the small Mennonite settlement there.

Mennonites weren't the only ones during the early years who recognized the riches northern Michigan had to offer those willing to make the trek into the undeveloped forrest--as early as 1875, the Methodist church had purchased 316 acres north of Petosky from the Odawa and Ojibwa Indians for their week-long summer camps, later named Bay View Association. The railroads soon brokered deals with the resorters and land agents to run passenger tracks northward for summer-long vacations away from the coal-filled air of cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and further south. Even the steamboats delivered travelers to the northern paradise.




















While my ancestors were busy pulling out tree stumps, turning sod for farm ground, and building barns, the Methodist church had grown from a week-long summer camp in 1875 to establishing summer cottages for summer-long occupation by 1885. Cottagers came north for the entire summer, and soon the activities caught wind of the educational Chautauqua movement that had swept the nation. Soon the movement drew well-known lecturers and circuit speakers such as Hellen Keller, Booker T. Washington, and William Jennings Bryan. As you can imagine, such speakers and topics of politics, prison reform, child labor, and women's suffrage, as well as popular preachers soon brought crowds upwards of five to ten thousand--all housed in Victorian cottages and resort hotels of the times.

Bay View holds 450 unique summer homes that still stand today--the same homes that I recall being enchanted by every time we drove past them to grandpa and grandma's house. My grandfather was a carpenter for decades and often did paint and repair jobs for cottagers there. The cottages were uninsulated and closed up for the winter months. My mother recalled as we drove around that he would go to the key-keeper's cottage in the spring and get the keys to unlock the cottages. He would open all the wooden shudders, fix any broken steps or hand rails, and touch up peeling paint before the owners arrived for the summer.

I rode along with my parents for the weekend family reunion and we took a drive around Bay View...








Evelyn Hall

 The cottage view over Little Traverse Bay...
Then we headed back to the Gregory homestead for a lunch that reminded me of how my great grandmother Susie Gregory had a large garden. She would take her vegetables and butchered chickens to sell to summer cottagers and "townies". 

Though some may have considered our ancestor's humble beginnings less than the opulent cottager life, we never did. Life along the Maple River was lush and rich in many ways.

 Still, the contrast of these settings are what stirred the ideas for my upcoming novella story that hope will give my readers a flavor of "Up North".
Readers:Have you been "Up North"?What is your favorite Michigan vacation spot?
Click to read post: Rags and Riches Collection Novella-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.

Find me at: www.anneloveauthor.com


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#Interview & #Giveaway with Sarah Varland

I (Jaime) am Super SUPER SUPER excited to have Sarah Varland on the blog today! She is my writer sister--my SISTER--I love her to pieces. I've also read this novel and fully endorse it as a super great read that you all simply must take advantage of. So without further adieu, I bring you Sarah!

____________________________________
Thank you so much for visiting us today here at the CCC blog! Can you tell us about your latest release and what inspired you to write the story?
Hi! Thanks so much for having me! I’m excited to be here. My latest release, Cold Case Witness, came about because I wanted to set a series in Treasure Point, Georgia, the fictional town where my debut novel Treasure Point Secrets was set. Once I knew where I was setting it, I started brainstorming for the novel and the first thing I thought about was the characters. I knew Matt O’Dell needed a story—I’d known that since he showed up in the first book all sweet and lovable—but I also knew he needed a special kind of woman. Rather than figure out someone who fit him well in an obvious way, I set out to create a heroine who wouldn’t be at all what Matt expected, but who would be perfect for him anyway. That’s how Gemma came about, and the rest was developed from there.
What was the most difficult scene for you to write? Yes. Hahahaha. But seriously, for awhile I referred to Cold Case Witness as “The Book that Tried to Kill Me.” Not that I’m overdramatic (um, yes, yes, I am) but it was a tough book to write. This was the first book I wrote after a miscarriage that was difficult to work through, and the first few drafts of the first three chapters were atrocious because of my own internal struggles. When I finally got a contract for it and wrote the book itself, the writing was going better and it “sounded” like me again, but there was still some emotional depth missing in my characters, especially in my heroine. My husband helped me find it by telling me to go figure out what it was that I wasn’t ready to learn yet, and implied that when I did that, I’d know what Gemma needed. He was right, and everything came together from there. I’m really happy with how it turned out, and I’m also really happy with how I changed through the writing of it. This is a really special book to me because of how much it helped me to work through my own emotions (even though on the surface Gemma’s story is nothing like mine).


How did you choose the location for this novel, and why did you pick this particular place?
Treasure Point is a fictional town in Georgia near Savannah and Darien. I chose it initially as the setting for my debut novel because coastal Georgia has such a mysterious feel to it that makes it fun to set a suspense novel there. Around the time when I was thinking of writing suspense again (I’d written it when I started writing, then shifted to chick lit, and then came back to suspense.) I took a trip to St. Simons Island and on the drive down the trees and the entire landscape just really intrigued me and I thought something along the lines of “I could totally set a story here.” So I did! Four of them, total.
Tell us about your favorite secondary-character, and why you love them? In this novel, it’s definitely Clay Hitchcock. Much like the hero, Matt O’Dell, Clay is such a typical southern good ol’ boy. He’s dependable, cares deeply about anyone who matters to him, and he’s one of those friends who is always there for you when you need them. I couldn’t believe it when I reached the end of this Treasure Point series and realized I hadn’t given Clay a story. So I had to move him to another location, but I’m working on Clay’s story now. Hoping for a contract on that one—we will see! But I love Clay so I’m 99% sure I’m writing it either way. ;)

If you could have your readers pick out one critical scene, truth, or storyline from your novel, what would it be and why?
I love everything about this question. In this story Gemma is adopted and wrestled with who she is partially because of that and partially because she’s just one of those people pleasers. If readers could take away one thing from this story, it would be to remember who you are in Christ. And once you’ve done that, to remember that you can be braver than you think you are because of who He is and because He is with you.


Time to learn some more about you! Here at the CCC Blog we’ve had a running war for some time between coffee and tea drinkers J. To shake things up a bit, if you had to choose between a cup of hot cider or pumpkin spice latte, which would you pick to warm up to this Autumn? I’d go with a pumpkin spice latte. They taste like fall, and change, and new beginnings to me, and they’re also delicious.
The holidays will be upon us soon enough. Tell us a favorite holiday memory: 
I don’t have one huge holiday memory that sticks out, but what I love are the little things we do almost every Christmas. On Christmas Eve we watch Donovan’s Reef, a John Wayne movie that I promise does have a Christmas tie-in. On Christmas morning after we’ve done stockings and had breakfast we sit and open presents together one at at time and it’s just nice. It’s the little parts of it, I guess, that make it special.

We know you love to write (obviously!) and read, but what other hobbies do you find yourself gravitating toward?
I love being with my family and I love being outside. Hiking mountains is one of my very favorite things to do—I love the view from the top of a mountain and the perspective it gives me that we are so small and God is so big. I also love kayaking and also camping. Basically Alaska in the summer is my dream life.


Tell us about one odd item you can find in the bottom of your purse, book bag, or computer bag?
I have a pencil sharpener in my purse right now because I love taking colored pencils and a coloring book to church. It helps me listen and focus better.

What’s your favorite app on your smartphone and why? J
Whatever Thomas the Train app I have, because it lets me drink Starbucks in peace sometimes when my kids play it. Hahaha.


Now’s your chance to brag on your pet, if you have one! And include a picture! We love pets around here. Erica and Jaime are cat lovers, Anne too! And Gabe recently got a dog! So what furry, reptilian, or amphibious character lives in your house?
Awwwww, I love my dogs! Leif is a…no one is sure. We were told terrier but he’s 35 pounds and looks like either a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd. He follows me around and is completely adorable. My other dog is Dixie, a German Shepherd with a little bit of Chow. She’s a sweetheart who is convinced that I had kids so she’d have some small people to take care of.



What three books grace the top of your To-Be-Read pile? (because we know you HAVE to have more than one book on that stack)
I am a such a re-reader that my stack is enormous because at any given time I could be adding an old book back to it! I’m currently reading A Girl’s Best Friend—classic fabulous chick lit from Kristin Billerbeck. I’m waiting for Kara Isaac’s latest, Can’t Help Falling, to come in the mail and planning to buy Colleen Coble’s Twilight at Blueberry Barrens soon.

To close, will you share with us a favorite snippet from your upcoming novel to whet our appetite? And be sure to include the links where we can buy a copy!
I like the excerpt they chose for the front of the book teaser…
“Cold?” He raised his eyebrows.“No, really, I’m okay.”
She accidentally looked in the direction of the crime scene, and shivered again. Matt jogged to his car, retrieved a jacket and returned. Gemma thanked him and slid her arms into it, reminding her skittering heart that this wasn’t high school, wearing his jacket didn’t mean anything, and he was just being chivalrous—Southern, really—to make sure she wasn’t cold.
“Ready now?”

Technically, she could only answer yes. Gemma had run out of reasons to delay this walk. So she nodded slowly, followed Matt as he started off down a path that she knew from experience would lead them from the clearing into a thick forest, dense with love oaks and Spanish moss whose shadows choked out the sunlight.
No, she wasn’t ready. She never would be.
But someone was out there, someone who knew what she’d seen, and they wanted her dead. Sometimes people had to do things they weren’t ready for.
So Gemma took a deep breath and stepped farther into the dark woods. Out of the light.
And back into the place that haunted her very worst dreams.

 Enter to win a copy!

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Or buy a copy here! 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01765RL8U/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

What is that?

I'm always amazed when I go to a museum, or historic site, and find an object that would have been common to people from a by-gone era, but looks completely foreign now. Some items remain timeless (think toilet or bicycle), but many come and go.

I worked at the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site for ten years and we had quite a few of those unique objects. One of my favorite things to do was stump our visitors. I'd hold up an item that someone could have easily identified in 1910--and would receive hundreds of guesses.

Here are two items that were common in the early 1900's. Can you guess what they are?

Item #1
Item #2
Item #2 comes apart...Your Turn: I'd love to hear your guesses!

Also, be sure to check out this fun giveaway on my personal website.

Gabrielle Meyer
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Birthday!!!!!!

Erica here:

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband, Peter. He's the Big 5-Oh!!!!!


Isn't he the cutest ever??? I am a blessed woman. I've known him for almost 30 years, been married to him for almost 27 years, and am totally in love. :)


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October #NewReleases in #Inspirational #Fiction

Nothing thrills me more than NEW BOOKS! :) I'm sure you all agree with me on that one :). I'm super excited to announce that the first week of every month, we'll be posting here a list of new releases to Inspirational Fiction! The ones I'm personally most excited about have the book cover next to them too. That way you'll know what Jaime's most-anticipated are ;)

So without further adieu, I bring you OCTOBER NEW RELEASES for everything readerly! :)
(More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website).

Biblical Fiction: 

  Providence: Hannah's Journey by Barbara M. Britton -- When the prophet of Israel refuses to heal her, Hannah flees Jerusalem and is captured by an enemy with a curse all his own. (Biblical from Harbourlight [Pelican])

Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette -- In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife. When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is? (Biblical from Bethany House [Baker])








Christmas Novella:

  Christmas Lights by Chautona Havig, Vikki Kestell, Cathe Swanson, and April Hayman -- From historical romance to contemporary cozy mysteries and Christmas wonder, these four "light" reads will warm your heart and ignite your Christmas spirit! (Christmas Novella, Mixed Genres, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance: 

Risking Love by Brenda S. Anderson -- Can cautious bank employee Lissa Morgan risk falling in love with a former thrill-seeker, a widowed single dad, when she may have to foreclose on his house? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

A Mom for Christmas by Lorraine Beatty -- Noah's dream of a happy family and Beth's dream of a continuing ballet career are both dashed, but when they come together they discover that the Lord might have a new dream for both of them. (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Sleigh Bells Ring by Sandra D. Bricker, Barbara J. Scott, Lynette Sowell, and Lenora Worth -- Santa Claus is coming to town, and so are the Tucker sisters. The girls have inherited their father's run-down horse farm for Christmas. It needs some serious TLC in order to make it sell-ready. Joanna knows that by recruiting her sisters and one handsome ranch hand they can fix up the place and even celebrate one last Christmas while they're at it. However, to Isabella, returning to their home in Kentucky bluegrass country for Christmas seems like an impossible hurdle. Can her Chicago boyfriend make life merry and bright again? One thing's for sure: nothing is peace on earth for Sophia as a new beau brings up old wounds. And when the fate of the horse farm is put in jeopardy because Amy accidentally fraternizes with the enemy, tensions rise. But it's not like the land developer stole Christmas . . . just her heart. Can the Tucker sisters have themselves a merry little Christmas? (Contemporary Romance from Gilead Publishing)


Do You Hear What I Hear? by Margaret Brownley -- Stranded at the old Star Inn until the road back to his cabin reopens, lumber mill owner Rick Talbot suddenly comes face to face with the past. The only woman he's ever loved is standing in front of the inn's blazing fire trying to get warm. Both Rick and Sally regret what happened between them years ago, but his family lumberyard clashes with her tree-hugging ways and neither is willing to try again. It will take the storm of the century, one stage-struck young boy, a certain meddling "angel"--and even a cranky cat--to convince them that in matters of the heart, sometimes the second time around is best. (Contemporary Romance from St. Martin Press)

More Than a Tiara by Valerie Comer -- Marisa Hiller abandoned her modeling career to nurse a broken heart in Montana, far from the photographer who ruined everything. Her family farm is now part of a CSA program teaching gardening and cooking to single moms, but when the coordinator begs her to represent the program in the Miss Snowflake Pageant, Marisa balks. God has forgiven Jase Mackie but hasn't answered his prayer to bring Marisa back into his life… until Jase finds himself out West as the official photographer for a beauty pageant, face to face with the woman he's never forgotten. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Room at the Inn for Christmas by Mary Connealy -- Ambitious hotel executive Amanda Star's has got her sights set on the CEO job at the multi-national Halston hotel chain. But then she inherits the Star Inn, a place her father had always wanted her to run alongside him. With no time to be away from her job, she rushes home to put the inn up for sale. Once there, she's struggles against keen regret, sweet memories, and the longing to return, which grows stronger when she is reunited with an old classmate: Anthony Carter, a handyman with a guarded heart. (Contemporary Romance from St. Martin Press)

Can't Help Falling by Kara Isaac -- A funny, heartfelt romance about how an antique shop, a wardrobe, and a mysterious tea cup bring two C.S. Lewis fans together in a snowy and picturesque Oxford, England. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])


A Christmas Homecoming by Kimberly Rose Johnson -- Interior design assistant Bailey Calderwood suspects the mysterious admirer sending her cards and flowers is none other than the son of her unpleasable, bed-ridden boss. When Stephen Belafonte's mom demands he fire Bailey, can he find a way to heal the rift in his family as well his own heart, or will he be forced to let Bailey go? (Contemporary Romance from Mountain Brook Ink)

Where Two Hearts Meet by Liz Johnson -- When Caden Holt's boss asks her to show off their own beautiful Prince Edward Island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the Red Door Inn, the reclusive executive chef is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful. (Contemporary Romance from Revell [A Division of Baker Publishing Group])

Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post -- Grant McAllister, a jaded big-city lawyer and small-town reporter Jami Carlisle have no hope for finding true love--except for a zany old matchmaker who won't give up. In the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there's healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what's needed to finally guide him home. (Contemporary Romance from Waterfall Press)

Insight by Deborah Raney -- She's having a baby. It's a blessing that brings comfort to newly widowed Olivia Cline. Yet with no insurance, no job and precious little money, how will Olivia care for herself and her child? The answer is a handsome and brooding artist seeking an assistant. Reed Vincent has recently regained his eyesight thanks to a donor. And through his eyes, Olivia begins to see all the possibilities before her. Before them. Until, in a flash of insight, she knows why his signature is so hauntingly familiar. (Contemporary Romance from Raney Day Press)

Silver Bells by Deborah Raney -- As Elvis croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon a small Kansas town, two people find the miracle of love. (Contemporary Romance from Raney Day Press)

A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed -- In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog--but first they must learn to set aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship bloom. (Contemporary Romance from Howard [Simon & Schuster])

Third Strand of the Cord by Catherine Richmond -- Caroline will do anything to keep her ex-husband from putting her son with Down syndrome in an institution--even enroll the boy in a class taught by a know-it-all karate instructor. Lee Marivaux is an expert at reading people. He knows his feisty new student will thrive with firm guidance - and he's right. He pegs the boy's mother as a clueless socialite who loafs at the country club - and he's never been so wrong. When Caroline's abusive ex shows up, demanding custody, Lee and Caroline must join forces to keep the boy safe. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Buying Love by Toni Shiloh -- Impatient for marriage, Nina Warrenton places an ad in the newspaper for a husband--attaching a monetary reward. But when she begins to fall for the small-town chef who answers her add, she realizes how much she wants him to love her and not her money. Dwight Williams needs fast cash to save the family restaurant, but can he let it go to prove his love for Nina? (Contemporary Romance from Celebrate Lit)

Moonlight Over Manahttan by Carrie Turansky -- Professional organizer Sarah Montgomery is hired to organize her elderly neighbor's cluttered apartment by Justin Latimer, her neighbor's grandson. Sarah believes free-spirited Justin is a lazy, unemployed poet who is taking advantage of his grandmother's generosity. Though attracted to him, she guards her heart against her growing feelings. As Sarah and Justin work together to help his grandmother and enjoy Christmas events in NYC, romantic sparks fly. When Sarah discovers who Justin really is, she must decide if she will continue to hide behind her protective wall or open her heart and embrace love. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Love Bears All Things by Beth Wiseman -- Charlotte Dolinsky needs time to recover after breaking up with her boyfriend, Ryan. But when a surprise visitor shows up on her doorstep in Texas, she's forced to put aside her own worries to help her Amish friends in Lancaster County. Daniel Byler struggles each day in his Amish community to heal from his fiancée's betrayal. When he discovers that a member of his family is in danger of being shunned, his pain turns to fear. His only way to help is by partnering with Charlotte, a woman he barely knows who has already deceived them all before. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

General Contemporary (includes Women's Fiction): 

Paint The Storm by Dawn V. Cahill -- When Meg is challenged to love her lesbian daughter as Christ would, she struggles to live out God's command, and when her daughter goes missing, she finds herself joined with the unlikeliest of allies in her search for Linzee, and finally learns of God's unconditional grace for sinners. (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Spring Mountain Publishing)  
Restoration Road by Elise Phillips -- Mallory Andrews's short trip back to Texas for her mother's funeral quickly becomes a move home to help her grieving father with his contracting business. When her old crush, Tres, hires them for a restoration project Mallory falls in love with the crumbling old house. And when feelings bloom between her and Tres, she finds herself on the road to a brand new, unexpected life filled with faith, sweet tea, and fresh paint. (General Contemporary from Desert Breeze Publishing)

Above All Things by Deborah Raney -- Expecting their first baby, Judd and Evette McGlin are thrilled to become parents. But the couple faces the ultimate test when Judd learns he already has a child: a six-year-old mixed-race girl born amid secrets and lies. Now, Evette must decide if she can accept the child. She thought she was open-minded--until hidden prejudices threaten the future of an innocent little girl, Evette's marriage and the very notion of who she thinks she is. (Contemporary Women's Fiction from Raney Day Press)

Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti -- Alexis set out to restore a fieldstone farmhouse in need of repair. She didn't expect to restore a life in the process. (General Contemporary from Worthy Inspired)

Strings of Faith by Terry Stafford -- Darcy is a classically trained violinist who dreams of playing bluegrass and winning The National Oldtime Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho. When tragedy strikes, Darcy lays her gift aside for her family and faces unimaginable pain and loss, leading to dissension with her husband, disappointing judgment from her church, and anger with God Himself. Can her gift of music survive when her life is turned upside down? (General Contemporary, Independently Published)

Historical: 

The Lost Generation by Erica Marie Hogan -- On August 5th 1914, the world changed forever. For John and Beth Young, it meant the happiness they finally achieved was snatched out from under them. For Emma Cote, it meant that her husband Jared would do his duty, despite her feelings. For Christy Simmons it meant an uncertain future with the boy she loved. The lives of six people, spread across the British Empire to America were changed forever. (Historical from Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)

Aboard Providence by Keely Brooke Keith -- When an accident forces Jonah Ashton to serve as a ship's physician, he boards the Providence with the plan to escort a group of families to their new settlement in South America and then return to Pennsylvania to finish medical school before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. What he doesn't count on is getting lost at sea... and Marian Foster. When the settlers finally reach land, Jonah makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart? (Historical from Crossriver Media Group)

Historical Romance: 

The Rails to Love Romance Collection by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Lisa Carter, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Susanne Dietze, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Connie Stevens, and Liz Tolsma -- Journey the Transcontinental Railroad along with nine unlikely couples who encounter all the dangers and disappointments of traveling the rails in the late 1800s. From sight-seeing excursions to transports toward new lives, from orphan trains to circus trains, can romances develop into blazing love in a world of cold, hard steel? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Cowboy Christmas Homecoming by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Julie Lessman, and Anna Schmidt -- For widow June Harper, another cold front is about to hit. Most call him Hugh. She'd call him Scrooge, except as the man ensures her needs are met, June can't help but wonder how to meet the needs of his heart. Netty Lewis can take care of herself, has for a while now. And even if Roy, her hired help for the holidays, does take care of her, that doesn't mean he cares for her or that he'll stay past Christmas. Pastor Colton McCabe is not sure he'll make it through the holidays with his new housekeeper. Grace can't seem to do anything right but love. Perhaps being a homekeeper will earn her a permanent residence in his heart. Connie Lancaster is determined to return to St. Louis, and no cowboy can change her mind. But if Isaac can change her heart, maybe Connie will see the homecoming she's been longing for isn't to a place but a person. (Historical Romance from Gilead Publishing)

The Captive Heart by Michelle Griep -- Stranded in a strange land, Eleanor Morgan faces starvation or marriage . . . but who wants to marry a murderer? (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Rightful Heir by Angel Moore -- Cowboy Jared Ivy must work with stranger Mary Lou Ellison until a judge comes to town and determines which one of them is the rightful heir to his family's Texas newspaper. Intrepid reporter Mary Lou won't lose the Pine Haven Record--the legacy he left her--without a fight. But when she and Jared stop sparring long enough to investigate a story together, they become a force to be reckoned with. Will they let their battle over the Record get in the way of something even more newsworthy: true love? (Historical Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

  Christmas at Stoney Creek by Martha Rogers -- When newspaper reporter Tom Whiteman befriends a homeless man named Joe, Tom decides to bring him home to Stoney Creek, Texas for Christmas. As Tom and his childhood friend Faith Delmont set out to learn the truth about the mysterious old man with the kind, sad eyes, they discover that God's love can turn tragedy and loss to triumph, and that true love comes to those who wait. (Historical Romance from Realms [Charisma Media])

Mystery: 

Another Day, Another Dali by Sandra Orchard -- In order to regain her grandmother's favor FBI Special Agent Serena Jones agrees to investigate a missing Salvador Dali painting. But when the evidence points to members of the owner's own household, it becomes clear that Serena won't be winning any popularity contests. Then Serena stumbles upon links to her grandfather's unsolved murder. (Mystery from Revell [A Division of Baker Publishing Group])

Romantic Suspense: 

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon -- After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime in the woods. But when someone threatens his neighbor, publishing executive Dana Lewis, Finn and Dana must work together to discover who wants her to leave her lakeside cabin before it costs both their lives. (Romantic Suspense from Revell [A Division of Baker Publishing Group])

Identity Unknown by Terri Reed -- When a John Doe washes up on the shores of Calico Bay, no one knows who he is—including him. But one thing's instantly clear to deputy sheriff Audrey Martin: the man's marked for murder. And she's the only one who can protect him from the assassins who lurk at every turn. The arrival of a team of men claiming he's Canadian Border Services officer Nathanial Longhorn only further complicates the matter. As his memories slowly start drifting back, Nathanial and Audrey work to uncover who wants him dead and why. If they don't, this Christmas might be their last. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative: 

A Time to Rise by Nadine Brandes -- What more can you sacrifice than your life? Parvin Blackwater is dead. At least that's what the Council and the world thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world? (Speculative Young Adult from Enclave Publishing)

Unblemished by Sara Ella -- Eliyana can't bear to look at her own reflection. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world exists where her blemish could become her strength? (Speculative Young Adult from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Beast by Chawna Schroeder -- For as long as Beast can remember, she has lived among her master's dogs. With them she sleeps. With them she eats. With them she fights and struggles to survive. But through hunger and cold she dreams of one day becoming her master's favorite, earning bones with meat and a place beside the fire. When her pack scatters after a surprise raid, Beast must defend herself against slavers, hunting down the loners. They are so strong, and she is only a beast . . . or is she? (Speculative Allegory from Enclave Publishing)

Accelerant by Ronie Kendig -- He'll destroy the world. But he must save it first. As the only able-bodied heir to the Fire Throne, Haegan, Prince of Seultrie must return to the Nine Kingdoms and fight for his people. But there are insidious forces at work. When reality itself falls into question, Haegan struggles to know where to fight, who to trust. Caught between duty to his country and duty to the world, Haegan must see clearly enough to choose the right path to save his devastated world. (Speculative High Fantasy from Enclave Publishing)

Thriller/Suspense: 

Death in the Mind's Eye by Rick Acker -- It knows what you're thinking. It knows when you're lying. Does it know how to kill? San Francisco attorney Mike Webster and Dr. Johanna Anderson, a brilliant and beautiful psychologist, must clear Jo's name of a malpractice case before the controversial, technologically-assisted Mind's Eye therapy is seized by a shadowy finance firm and used as a weapon. (Thriller/Suspense from Waterfall Press)

The Warrior's Seal by Ronie Kendig -- A Special Forces team is thrust into a war with the past to save the president after an artifact unleashes a deadly toxin. Special Forces operative Cole "Tox" Russell and his team are tasked in a search-and-rescue--the U.S. president has been kidnapped during a goodwill tour. The mission nosedives when an ancient biblical artifact and a deadly toxin wipe out villages. Tox must stop the terrorists and the toxin to save the president. This is a free e-novella prequel! (Thriller/Suspense from Bethany House [Baker])

Deadly Infiltration by W. Richard Lawrence -- Infiltrators inside the American government are betraying undercover agents while helping sneak weapons of mass destruction across our borders. To keep their work hidden, they are willing to murder anyone who gets in their way. Sara, a brilliant computer expert working for the FBI, finds herself caught in the middle. Sara's young faith in God is gravely tested when she is framed for the murder of an FBI agent, forcing her to go into hiding. Meanwhile, Sara's fiancé Derry lives up to a promise he made to her, and gives up his future to save her and hopefully the country. (Thriller/Suspense from Boarding House Publishing)

 Western Historical: 

Refining Fire by Carol Cox -- Meet the Arizona Territory Brides. Four strong, independent women--each determined to stand on her own two feet, and not one of them looking for romance. But sometimes love shows up when you least expect it... (Western, Pioneer/Prairie, Independently Published)


Happy reading this October! A ton to choose from! :)
_______________________________________
Professional coffee drinker & ECPA/Publisher's Weekly best-selling author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited turn-of-the-century romance stained with suspense. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy TinkerBell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue.
Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com.
Web site: www.jaimejowright.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowright
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaimejowright 
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Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright
Periscope: @jaimejowright

Rainy October Saturdays

Anne here.
What do you do when...
...when your college grad daughter is missing her Irish boyfriend?
...when it's the first day of October and it's raining all day?
...and she can't teleport or time hop to Ireland?

First, you feed her chocolate!


 And have some coffee & tea together!

But when she's bumming that she can't be at her favorite Greystones, Ireland restaurant having soup with Simon...


...we bring The Happy Pear home and cook up some of our own Irish potato soup!
We made soup from the Avoca Cafe Cookbook where Simon worked:Sweet Potato Lemongrass Soup! Mmmmm!



...and it was ready just in time for a Skype call from Simon....and it was raining all day there too, and he said he'd just gone to the Happy Pear for soup that day!Somehow soup seemed to span the miles.
Readers: do your loved ones live long distance?What do you do to span the miles?-------------Blog post by Anne Love-




Writer of Historical Romance inspired by her family roots. 



Nurse Practitioner by day. 



Wife, mother, writer by night. 



Coffee drinker--any time.

Find me at: www.anneloveauthor.com


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@KaraIsaac Giveaway

We're super excited here at the CCC blog to continue to celebrate the upcoming release from our dear friend Kara Isaac!
Hop over to Laurie Tomlinson's blog today for a chance to win a copy of Kara's first release and an Amazon gift card!!! 
http://laurietomlinson.com/