Laura Chapman's Blog, page 16
December 11, 2015
12 days of reading: 'out of my league' by brea brown
As 2015 comes to a close, I'm looking back at and celebrating some of my favorites reads from the year via the 12 Days of Reading. Enjoy!
Day 5: Out of My League by Brea Brown
Technically I read an early version of this book in 2014, but having recently re-read it to see the changes, I figure I can still count this on my 2015 list. :) Brea Brown is back on my best of list with her latest release, Out of My League, a book about love, decisions, and football.
About the Book
If you're a fan of football--or more specifically, a fan who sometimes fantasizes about running away with your favorite player--this is a great read for you.
The characters in this story are what makes it so fun. You have Maura--who I could totally relate to with her indecisiveness and inability to commit--and her quirky cast of friends and family, who are too opinionated for their own good. And then there's Jet: the hot shot quarterback with a heart of gold.
With lots of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is a fun escape and pleasure read.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
Day 5: Out of My League by Brea Brown
Technically I read an early version of this book in 2014, but having recently re-read it to see the changes, I figure I can still count this on my 2015 list. :) Brea Brown is back on my best of list with her latest release, Out of My League, a book about love, decisions, and football.
About the Book
Maura Richards has a plan for her life—it involves not having a plan. From biding her time at a long-term temp job to ending relationships before they get too serious, Maura’s only commitment is to being noncommittal.
When she meets Jet Knox, the starting quarterback of her beloved hometown football team, she dismisses their encounter as a thrilling brush with celebrity she can drag out at parties for a few years, and nothing more. Jet has other ideas. He’s someone who’s made a living setting—and scoring—goals. Wooing Maura is his latest objective.
Everyone in Maura’s life seems to have a take on her relationship with the All-Pro QB, but with so many swirling opinions, rumors, and doubts, Maura must rely on the judgment of the very last person she feels she can trust: herself.
If you're a fan of football--or more specifically, a fan who sometimes fantasizes about running away with your favorite player--this is a great read for you.
The characters in this story are what makes it so fun. You have Maura--who I could totally relate to with her indecisiveness and inability to commit--and her quirky cast of friends and family, who are too opinionated for their own good. And then there's Jet: the hot shot quarterback with a heart of gold.
With lots of laugh-out-loud moments, this book is a fun escape and pleasure read.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
December 10, 2015
12 days of reading: 'the end game' by kate mccarthy
As 2015 comes to a close, I'm looking back at and celebrating some of my favorites reads from the year via the 12 Days of Reading. Enjoy!
Day 4: The End Game by Kate McCarthy
This was the year of football for me. And when I heard about this book, I knew I had to check it out. This romantic and angst-filled new adult fiction was a fast read that was hard to put down (Translation: I took it with me wherever I went, and I read it during every second of downtime I could find--during NaNoWriMo no less.)
About the Book
Filled with a steamy, yet often sweet, romance, this story had a lot going for it if you're a fan of romance. There were laugh (and gasp) out loud moments when you couldn't get through and flip the pages fast enough to find out what happened next.
The new adult work did a great job of capturing the hectic schedule and crazy demands of college athletes along with what it's like to be in that last year of college and the first year post-college. This is often a time already filled with a lot of anxiety about the future while grappling with the present.
The characters were easy to cheer for and support. Both were flawed in intriguing ways, but at their core they were trying to do and be their best under the pressure they faced. Brody and Jordan were well-developed and each carried their own burdens from the past that made their presents and futures extra complicated.
The sports factor in the book was a plus for me, but there wasn't so much of it that you wouldn't be able to follow if you don't know much about football (or in my case, soccer). It worked well, because the author did such a great job of world-building.
If you're looking for a toe-curling romantic escape, I'd highly recommend this one.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
Day 4: The End Game by Kate McCarthy
This was the year of football for me. And when I heard about this book, I knew I had to check it out. This romantic and angst-filled new adult fiction was a fast read that was hard to put down (Translation: I took it with me wherever I went, and I read it during every second of downtime I could find--during NaNoWriMo no less.)
About the Book
“Professional athletes are pillars of their respective communities. They are heroes in the eyes of boys and girls and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents their community.”
The public loves a good scandal. Seeing someone fall from the pinnacle of success makes a great headline. No one knows that better than I do. What started out as a promising career in college football, spiraled into scandal and shame.
But being a hero is easier said then done. Especially when there are those who expected to see the great Brody Madden fail. I craved nothing except being the best—willing to do anything to prove them wrong. But I went too far, and I tried too hard, and it broke me.
“At the time of going to print, Jordan Elliott was unavailable for comment.”
I met Brody Madden in my senior year of college. An Australian native on an international scholarship, I was the female soccer sensation with stars in her eyes and no room for a hotshot wide receiver with a chip on his shoulder.
But a heart bursting with ambition and a driving fire to succeed isn’t made of stone. I became his strength, his obsession, and the greatest love of his life. Only I wasn’t there when he needed me most.
This is a story about love and a game that takes everything. Where the path to glory is paved with sacrifice. Where pressure makes you, or breaks you, and triumph is born in the ashes of failure. Where two people’s end game will change everything.
Filled with a steamy, yet often sweet, romance, this story had a lot going for it if you're a fan of romance. There were laugh (and gasp) out loud moments when you couldn't get through and flip the pages fast enough to find out what happened next.
The new adult work did a great job of capturing the hectic schedule and crazy demands of college athletes along with what it's like to be in that last year of college and the first year post-college. This is often a time already filled with a lot of anxiety about the future while grappling with the present.
The characters were easy to cheer for and support. Both were flawed in intriguing ways, but at their core they were trying to do and be their best under the pressure they faced. Brody and Jordan were well-developed and each carried their own burdens from the past that made their presents and futures extra complicated.
The sports factor in the book was a plus for me, but there wasn't so much of it that you wouldn't be able to follow if you don't know much about football (or in my case, soccer). It worked well, because the author did such a great job of world-building.
If you're looking for a toe-curling romantic escape, I'd highly recommend this one.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
December 9, 2015
12 days of reading: 'peri in progress' by cat lavoie
As 2015 comes to a close, I'm looking back at and celebrating some of my favorites reads from the year via the 12 Days of Reading. Enjoy!
Day 3: Peri in Progress by Cat Lavoie
I was honored to be asked to beta read my friend Cat Lavoie's latest novel earlier this year, and I was seriously hooked on Peri in Progress from the first sentence.
About the Book
This is a lovely story. It was fun, fast-paced, and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. As a woman approaching 30, I found this totally relatable, but I would have even if I was a kid or older. We're all works in progress, right?
This story is clever and witty. It had me laughing out loud, cringing, and even getting the clutch in my chest thingy where I wondered how those two crazy kids were going to work it out.
If you're looking for a light, fun, and flirty escape--filled with mouth-watering food descriptions--this one is for you.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
Day 3: Peri in Progress by Cat Lavoie
I was honored to be asked to beta read my friend Cat Lavoie's latest novel earlier this year, and I was seriously hooked on Peri in Progress from the first sentence.
About the Book
After a disastrous thirty-first birthday party where she gets stood-up by a man she isn’t supposed to be dating, Peri McKenna decides it’s time to change what hasn’t been working—which is pretty much everything. Her love life is going nowhere fast, she’s bored to tears by a job that makes her the office pariah, and the lifelong junk food addiction that used to be somewhat quirky is now positively problematic. To top it all off, her newly-purchased home is falling apart and wishful thinking hasn’t done much to fix the leaky roof.
It’s time be an adult now that she’s officially ‘thirty-something.’
But when the first step of Peri’s self-improvement plan backfires, she starts to wonder if change might be overrated.
Enter Milo Preston, an up-and-coming chef who’s in town to take over a local restaurant. When Peri and Milo begin working together, she finds it hard to ignore his easy charm and captivating emerald-green eyes. Since Milo is her best friend’s estranged brother, Peri has to keep reminding herself that he is completely off-limits. As they grow closer, Milo introduces Peri to new foods, the joy (and pain) of jogging, and makes her think her luck might finally be turning.
But when the past catches up with them, Peri finds herself back at square one. Will she be able to sort herself out—or will the roof cave in on her once and for all?
This is a lovely story. It was fun, fast-paced, and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. As a woman approaching 30, I found this totally relatable, but I would have even if I was a kid or older. We're all works in progress, right?
This story is clever and witty. It had me laughing out loud, cringing, and even getting the clutch in my chest thingy where I wondered how those two crazy kids were going to work it out.
If you're looking for a light, fun, and flirty escape--filled with mouth-watering food descriptions--this one is for you.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
December 8, 2015
12 days of reading: 'why not me?' by mindy kaling
As 2015 comes to a close, I'm looking back at and celebrating some of my favorites reads from the year via the 12 Days of Reading. Enjoy!
Day 2: Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
If I could have but one wish this Christmas season, it would be for Mindy Kaling and I to have a fun and inventive bestie meet-cute and become a dynamic duo so clever and brilliant that even JLaw and Amy Schumer can't resist thinking about us in terms of #squadgoals. That's the thing about Mindy Kaling--she's so funny, so creative, and so damn relateable that you want to be her BFF.
And while it's highly improbable my Christmas wish will ever come true, at least I have her latest book, Why Not Me?, to ease the disappointment.
About the Book
Like her first offering, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and Other Concerns, Why Not Me? has the potential to make you laugh out loud and also fight back tears with a sniffle and "No, I'm cool, bro." We get insight into what her life has been like since leaving The Office to create and run The Mindy Project, and we see how her life has changed.
Her brutal honesty packaged in glossy humor is particularly evident in passages that mirror her first book--like how she is similar to and different from Mindy on TV and a list of her fears--and show how much determination and hard work it takes to survive and thrive in the pursuit of living the dream.
There's also a chapter toward the end which is so fantastic--and so perfectly like a love letter to fans of chick lit and romantic comedies--that I would have been a happy reader if it had been the only contents in the book. I want to talk about it more, but I also don't want to spoil it if you haven't gotten around to reading this. (So please go and read this and then message me so we can talk about the scene. You'll know it when you get there.)
My future best friend Mindy Kaling didn't disappoint with this latest update on her life. I can't wait to read her next humorous memoir in a few more years.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
Day 2: Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling
If I could have but one wish this Christmas season, it would be for Mindy Kaling and I to have a fun and inventive bestie meet-cute and become a dynamic duo so clever and brilliant that even JLaw and Amy Schumer can't resist thinking about us in terms of #squadgoals. That's the thing about Mindy Kaling--she's so funny, so creative, and so damn relateable that you want to be her BFF.
And while it's highly improbable my Christmas wish will ever come true, at least I have her latest book, Why Not Me?, to ease the disappointment.
About the Book
From the author of the beloved New York Times bestselling book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and the creator and star of The Mindy Project comes a collection of essays that are as hilarious and insightful as they are deeply personal.
In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it’s falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever, or most important, believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you’re constantly reminded that no one looks like you.
In “How to Look Spectacular: A Starlet’s Confessions,” Kaling gives her tongue-in-cheek secrets for surefire on-camera beauty, (“Your natural hair color may be appropriate for your skin tone, but this isn’t the land of appropriate–this is Hollywood, baby. Out here, a dark-skinned woman’s traditional hair color is honey blonde.”) “Player” tells the story of Kaling being seduced and dumped by a female friend in L.A. (“I had been replaced by a younger model. And now they had matching bangs.”) In “Unlikely Leading Lady,” she muses on America’s fixation with the weight of actresses, (“Most women we see onscreen are either so thin that they’re walking clavicles or so huge that their only scenes involve them breaking furniture.”) And in “Soup Snakes,” Kaling spills some secrets on her relationship with her ex-boyfriend and close friend, B.J. Novak (“I will freely admit: my relationship with B.J. Novak is weird as hell.”)
Mindy turns the anxieties, the glamour, and the celebrations of her second coming-of-age into a laugh-out-loud funny collection of essays that anyone who’s ever been at a turning point in their life or career can relate to. And those who’ve never been at a turning point can skip to the parts where she talks about meeting Bradley Cooper.
Like her first offering, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and Other Concerns, Why Not Me? has the potential to make you laugh out loud and also fight back tears with a sniffle and "No, I'm cool, bro." We get insight into what her life has been like since leaving The Office to create and run The Mindy Project, and we see how her life has changed.
Her brutal honesty packaged in glossy humor is particularly evident in passages that mirror her first book--like how she is similar to and different from Mindy on TV and a list of her fears--and show how much determination and hard work it takes to survive and thrive in the pursuit of living the dream.
There's also a chapter toward the end which is so fantastic--and so perfectly like a love letter to fans of chick lit and romantic comedies--that I would have been a happy reader if it had been the only contents in the book. I want to talk about it more, but I also don't want to spoil it if you haven't gotten around to reading this. (So please go and read this and then message me so we can talk about the scene. You'll know it when you get there.)
My future best friend Mindy Kaling didn't disappoint with this latest update on her life. I can't wait to read her next humorous memoir in a few more years.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
December 7, 2015
12 days of reading: 'maybe someday' by colleen hoover
As 2015 comes to a close, I'm looking back at and celebrating some of my favorites reads from the year via the 12 Days of Reading. Enjoy!
Day 1: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
Haven't you always wondered what it would be like to fall for the boy next (ish) door? Especially if he was a totally adorable musician, who created tunes that turned your heart and soul into mush?
About the Book
After a couple of years of following (i.e. stalking) Colleen Hoover on Facebook and adding her books to my to-read list, I finally committed myself to reading Maybe Someday during my summer vacation. Not to brag, but this turned out to be a really smart decision on my part for a couple of reasons: 1) It was really good. 2) Because I didn't have to worry about waking up early for work, I could stay up late flipping the pages on this one guilt-free.
Without giving away too much--which is hard, because I desperately want to talk to all of you about a pretty crucial twist that happens early on, but it would spoil everything if I bring it up now--this story quickly surpassed my expectations. It offered up some rather clever story elements while also producing characters that were both relatable and unique.
Hoover masterfully writes from both male and female points of view while crafting a compelling story that left me hardcore crushing on Ridge.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
Day 1: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
Haven't you always wondered what it would be like to fall for the boy next (ish) door? Especially if he was a totally adorable musician, who created tunes that turned your heart and soul into mush?
About the Book
At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her—and she’s forced to decide what her next move should be.
Soon, Sydney finds herself captivated by her mysterious and attractive neighbor, Ridge. She can't take her eyes off him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either. They soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one.
A passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance, Maybe Someday will immerse readers in Sydney’s tumultuous world from the very first page.
After a couple of years of following (i.e. stalking) Colleen Hoover on Facebook and adding her books to my to-read list, I finally committed myself to reading Maybe Someday during my summer vacation. Not to brag, but this turned out to be a really smart decision on my part for a couple of reasons: 1) It was really good. 2) Because I didn't have to worry about waking up early for work, I could stay up late flipping the pages on this one guilt-free.
Without giving away too much--which is hard, because I desperately want to talk to all of you about a pretty crucial twist that happens early on, but it would spoil everything if I bring it up now--this story quickly surpassed my expectations. It offered up some rather clever story elements while also producing characters that were both relatable and unique.
Hoover masterfully writes from both male and female points of view while crafting a compelling story that left me hardcore crushing on Ridge.
Find the Book on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
View other books from this year's 12 Days of Reading list--
and my previous 12 Days of series--here.
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
December 4, 2015
becky monson shares her favorite holiday traditions
Bloggers Note: The traditions surrounding the holiday season are part of what make it so special. In Making Christmas and What Happens at Midnight--my novellas featured in All I Want For Christmas--both celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve traditions. To spread the merriment of the season, I have invited five writers to share their favorite holiday traditions on the blog this week. Enjoy!
By Becky Monson
Author of Thirty-Two Going on Spinster, Thirty-Three Going on Girlfriend and Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
Growing up, my favorite Christmas tradition was my mom’s homemade cinnamon rolls. Actually, it still is my favorite tradition. And she still makes them every year. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill cinnamon rolls. She makes the dough on Christmas Eve, watches it all day – letting the dough rise and kneading it down, only to let it rise again. Christmas Eve night, she rolls the dough out and covers it with loads of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then rolls it all up, slices it, and once they are placed into generously buttered pans, she lets them rise again.
Christmas morning the cinnamon rolls go into the oven and bake while we open presents. Once baked to a light brown perfection, she dumps them onto wax paper and then takes a spatula and scrapes all of the brown-sugar-cinnamon-buttery-goodness on top of the rolls.
I’m literally drooling right now just thinking about it.
Not an actual picture of the cinnamon rolls,
but this is basically what they look like.
The first time I was away from home for Christmas, after I started adult-ing (what a stupid idea that was), I decided I was going to carry on the cinnamon roll tradition. So I called my mom and had her send me the recipe.
I set out Christmas Eve to not just make my mom’s cinnamon rolls, but to make them even better than she did. What can I say, I’ve always been an over-achiever. She never added frosting to her rolls and I thought that would make them even more amazing.
I did everything like she did. Watched the dough like a hawk all day, letting it rise a few times. Rolled it out and added just a bit more butter, sugar, and cinnamon then she usually does, because what doesn’t taste better with even more of that stuff? Seriously, put butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on anything and tell me it doesn’t taste better. Okay, maybe not broccoli. Or maybe I just invented the best broccoli ever. Hmm…
The next morning, as they baked in the oven, making my apartment smell like heaven and my roommates drool with the thought, I was so proud of myself for having carried on this tradition and dreamed of the day I would share this with my future children. With my added addition of frosting along with my extra butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon – these were bound to be the best cinnamon rolls ever.
Only they weren’t.
While my finished product looked quite amazing, it was basically dough on the inside and the extra innards and frosting only proved to make them taste like the sweetest thing I had ever eaten. One would assume too much sweetness is never a bad thing, and I am here to tell you that notion is wrong. Very wrong. Too much sugar is, in fact, a bad thing.
From then on out, I decided to leave the cinnamon rolls to the expert – my mother. And when I did finally have children of my own, we traveled to see Nana so she could make us cinnamon rolls for Christmas. When we don’t get to visit Nana over the holidays, then I keep it simple and make Monkey Bread (also delicious, but definitely more fool-proof). Lesson learned.
About the Author
By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.
Connect with BeckyFacebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Goodreads
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
By Becky Monson
Author of Thirty-Two Going on Spinster, Thirty-Three Going on Girlfriend and Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace
Growing up, my favorite Christmas tradition was my mom’s homemade cinnamon rolls. Actually, it still is my favorite tradition. And she still makes them every year. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill cinnamon rolls. She makes the dough on Christmas Eve, watches it all day – letting the dough rise and kneading it down, only to let it rise again. Christmas Eve night, she rolls the dough out and covers it with loads of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then rolls it all up, slices it, and once they are placed into generously buttered pans, she lets them rise again.
Christmas morning the cinnamon rolls go into the oven and bake while we open presents. Once baked to a light brown perfection, she dumps them onto wax paper and then takes a spatula and scrapes all of the brown-sugar-cinnamon-buttery-goodness on top of the rolls.
I’m literally drooling right now just thinking about it.
Not an actual picture of the cinnamon rolls, but this is basically what they look like.
The first time I was away from home for Christmas, after I started adult-ing (what a stupid idea that was), I decided I was going to carry on the cinnamon roll tradition. So I called my mom and had her send me the recipe.
I set out Christmas Eve to not just make my mom’s cinnamon rolls, but to make them even better than she did. What can I say, I’ve always been an over-achiever. She never added frosting to her rolls and I thought that would make them even more amazing.
I did everything like she did. Watched the dough like a hawk all day, letting it rise a few times. Rolled it out and added just a bit more butter, sugar, and cinnamon then she usually does, because what doesn’t taste better with even more of that stuff? Seriously, put butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on anything and tell me it doesn’t taste better. Okay, maybe not broccoli. Or maybe I just invented the best broccoli ever. Hmm…
The next morning, as they baked in the oven, making my apartment smell like heaven and my roommates drool with the thought, I was so proud of myself for having carried on this tradition and dreamed of the day I would share this with my future children. With my added addition of frosting along with my extra butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon – these were bound to be the best cinnamon rolls ever.
Only they weren’t.
While my finished product looked quite amazing, it was basically dough on the inside and the extra innards and frosting only proved to make them taste like the sweetest thing I had ever eaten. One would assume too much sweetness is never a bad thing, and I am here to tell you that notion is wrong. Very wrong. Too much sugar is, in fact, a bad thing.
From then on out, I decided to leave the cinnamon rolls to the expert – my mother. And when I did finally have children of my own, we traveled to see Nana so she could make us cinnamon rolls for Christmas. When we don’t get to visit Nana over the holidays, then I keep it simple and make Monkey Bread (also delicious, but definitely more fool-proof). Lesson learned.
About the Author
By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last... but it probably won't.
Connect with BeckyFacebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Goodreads
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura ChapmanWhile settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
December 3, 2015
stacey wiedower shares her favorite holiday traditions
Bloggers Note: The traditions surrounding the holiday season are part of what make it so special. In Making Christmas and What Happens at Midnight--my novellas featured in All I Want For Christmas--both celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve traditions. To spread the merriment of the season, I have invited five writers to share their favorite holiday traditions on the blog this week. Enjoy!
By Stacey Wiedower
Author of 30 First Dates, Now a Major Motion Picture, Santa’s Little Mistake (a holiday short story), and How to Look Happy (coming January 7, 2016!)
My favorite holiday tradition is one my husband and I have been doing for years—I’m not even sure how many years! We started it before we had our son, who’s now 9, so more than a decade. On Christmas Eve, we make appetizers for dinner, pour glasses of wine and then pop “Love, Actually” into the DVD player. In the pre-kid era, it was a romantic night to ourselves before the Christmas day family craziness. Now that we’re parents, the tradition has evolved. We have our dinner of apps as a threesome, and once our son is tucked into bed with visions of sugarplums dancing in his head, we turn into Santa and Mrs. Claus and wrap presents while “Love, Actually” plays in the background. I swear I will never tire of that movie … probably in part because we only watch it during the holidays.
We’ve also developed a new, similar tradition in the past couple of years—we did it two nights ago, in fact. While we decorate the Christmas tree, we watch “Christmas Vacation.” That used to be one we’d pop in after the kiddo was in bed, but now that he’s a little older we let him watch it with us. He loves it as much as we do, and no, I don’t feel like a bad mom for letting him watch it—not even during the scene where Chevy Chase screams “Hallelujah! Holy s**t. Where’s the Tylenol?” It’s a classic!
Also during the holidays, we watch our “Charlie Brown Christmas” DVD, along with “Elf,” “White Christmas,” “The Polar Express,” and “Home Alone.” It’s funny how most of our holiday traditions revolve around movie watching, but it’s the one time of year we really take the time to watch movies together. The rest of the year we don’t ever seem to slow down long enough to make it happen. In fact, typing this right now makes me want to pour some Bailey’s into my hot chocolate, turn on the TV and watch a Christmas movie. Cheers, and happy holidays!
About the Author
Stacey Wiedower started her career as a reporter at a daily newspaper before following her passion to interior design school. She spent three years at a firm with bizarre similarities to "Designing Women," and now she funnels all of those experiences into her work as a full-time writer. Along with magazine articles, website copy and a weekly feature called My New Home, she writes romantic comedies, and the zany characters she's met poke their heads into her stories from time to time. Stacey lives in Tennessee with her husband, also a writer, and a son who's inherited their overactive imaginations.
Connect with StaceyFacebook | Twitter | Website
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
By Stacey Wiedower
Author of 30 First Dates, Now a Major Motion Picture, Santa’s Little Mistake (a holiday short story), and How to Look Happy (coming January 7, 2016!)
My favorite holiday tradition is one my husband and I have been doing for years—I’m not even sure how many years! We started it before we had our son, who’s now 9, so more than a decade. On Christmas Eve, we make appetizers for dinner, pour glasses of wine and then pop “Love, Actually” into the DVD player. In the pre-kid era, it was a romantic night to ourselves before the Christmas day family craziness. Now that we’re parents, the tradition has evolved. We have our dinner of apps as a threesome, and once our son is tucked into bed with visions of sugarplums dancing in his head, we turn into Santa and Mrs. Claus and wrap presents while “Love, Actually” plays in the background. I swear I will never tire of that movie … probably in part because we only watch it during the holidays.
We’ve also developed a new, similar tradition in the past couple of years—we did it two nights ago, in fact. While we decorate the Christmas tree, we watch “Christmas Vacation.” That used to be one we’d pop in after the kiddo was in bed, but now that he’s a little older we let him watch it with us. He loves it as much as we do, and no, I don’t feel like a bad mom for letting him watch it—not even during the scene where Chevy Chase screams “Hallelujah! Holy s**t. Where’s the Tylenol?” It’s a classic!
Also during the holidays, we watch our “Charlie Brown Christmas” DVD, along with “Elf,” “White Christmas,” “The Polar Express,” and “Home Alone.” It’s funny how most of our holiday traditions revolve around movie watching, but it’s the one time of year we really take the time to watch movies together. The rest of the year we don’t ever seem to slow down long enough to make it happen. In fact, typing this right now makes me want to pour some Bailey’s into my hot chocolate, turn on the TV and watch a Christmas movie. Cheers, and happy holidays!
About the Author
Stacey Wiedower started her career as a reporter at a daily newspaper before following her passion to interior design school. She spent three years at a firm with bizarre similarities to "Designing Women," and now she funnels all of those experiences into her work as a full-time writer. Along with magazine articles, website copy and a weekly feature called My New Home, she writes romantic comedies, and the zany characters she's met poke their heads into her stories from time to time. Stacey lives in Tennessee with her husband, also a writer, and a son who's inherited their overactive imaginations.Connect with StaceyFacebook | Twitter | Website
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura ChapmanWhile settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
December 2, 2015
kasey ferris shares her favorite holiday traditions
Bloggers Note: The traditions surrounding the holiday season are part of what make it so special. In Making Christmas and What Happens at Midnight--my novellas featured in All I Want For Christmas--both celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve traditions. To spread the merriment of the season, I have invited five writers to share their favorite holiday traditions on the blog this week. Enjoy!
By Kasey Ferris
Huffington Post and The Good Men Project contributor
I love the holidays.
I’m not one of those people who walks around bah-humbugging Christmas carols, nor the person who calls snow, “That dirty four-letter word.” (I’m really good at dirty four-letter words, you guys – I’ve got much better options for you.)
I love the smell of cookies baking, I love Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas," I love sitting on the couch with a glass of wine and admiring our tree all lit up after the kids go to bed.
Most importantly, I love the outpouring of love and kindness this time of year because, at the end of the day, that’s what this season is supposed to be about. It’s important to me that my kiddos see this love and kindness. It’s important to me that they get the message that Christmas isn’t about the presents under the tree.
So this year I’ve decided to start a new holiday tradition with my family. Starting on November 30, we’re spending 25 days spreading random acts of kindness.
When I came to my kids with this idea, I was frank. We talked about the terrible things going on in the world. We talked about how, while we’re on a strict budget, we are so incredibly blessed to have what we do – a home to come to at the end of the day, food in our bellies, warm blankets on our beds. We’re together, safe, happy, healthy...and these are things that many people in the world unfortunately do not have this holiday season. So instead of going all-out with presents we don’t necessarily need, we’ve decided to put some time, money, and energy into spreading kindness in our own corner of the world.
The idea caught fire around my kitchen table and, before the evening was over, the kids and I had come up with all 25 acts we’d like to perform. Before the evening was over, they were already getting started on some of their ideas. Before the evening was over, they were individually naming many of the things they’re grateful for, saying nice things to each other, and coming up with even more ways to spread joy.
Because that’s the thing about kindness – the more you give, the more it grows.
I’m excited to start this tradition with my kids, and I’m ready for it to restore my own faith in humanity. I’m excited, too, to spend the season doing something meaningful with my children in lieu of being grumpy about shipping costs and winter storms. Sometimes the most rewarding things in life are the things we do for others. Sometimes, those things we do for others end up helping us more than we could’ve ever imagined.
About the Author
Kasey Ferris is a freelance writer currently querying her first novel, One Step Forward, and "writing" (read: eating Oreos, downing coffee, and re-evaluating her life's choices) her second. She's a mother of five and can frequently be found writing about her crazy adventures. She is a regular contributor at Huffington Post and The Good Men Project. You can catch her on facebook.com/KaseyFerrisWrites.
Connect with KaseyFacebook | Twitter
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
By Kasey Ferris
Huffington Post and The Good Men Project contributor
I love the holidays.
I’m not one of those people who walks around bah-humbugging Christmas carols, nor the person who calls snow, “That dirty four-letter word.” (I’m really good at dirty four-letter words, you guys – I’ve got much better options for you.)
I love the smell of cookies baking, I love Bing Crosby singing "White Christmas," I love sitting on the couch with a glass of wine and admiring our tree all lit up after the kids go to bed.
Most importantly, I love the outpouring of love and kindness this time of year because, at the end of the day, that’s what this season is supposed to be about. It’s important to me that my kiddos see this love and kindness. It’s important to me that they get the message that Christmas isn’t about the presents under the tree.
So this year I’ve decided to start a new holiday tradition with my family. Starting on November 30, we’re spending 25 days spreading random acts of kindness.
When I came to my kids with this idea, I was frank. We talked about the terrible things going on in the world. We talked about how, while we’re on a strict budget, we are so incredibly blessed to have what we do – a home to come to at the end of the day, food in our bellies, warm blankets on our beds. We’re together, safe, happy, healthy...and these are things that many people in the world unfortunately do not have this holiday season. So instead of going all-out with presents we don’t necessarily need, we’ve decided to put some time, money, and energy into spreading kindness in our own corner of the world.
The idea caught fire around my kitchen table and, before the evening was over, the kids and I had come up with all 25 acts we’d like to perform. Before the evening was over, they were already getting started on some of their ideas. Before the evening was over, they were individually naming many of the things they’re grateful for, saying nice things to each other, and coming up with even more ways to spread joy.
Because that’s the thing about kindness – the more you give, the more it grows.
I’m excited to start this tradition with my kids, and I’m ready for it to restore my own faith in humanity. I’m excited, too, to spend the season doing something meaningful with my children in lieu of being grumpy about shipping costs and winter storms. Sometimes the most rewarding things in life are the things we do for others. Sometimes, those things we do for others end up helping us more than we could’ve ever imagined.
About the Author
Kasey Ferris is a freelance writer currently querying her first novel, One Step Forward, and "writing" (read: eating Oreos, downing coffee, and re-evaluating her life's choices) her second. She's a mother of five and can frequently be found writing about her crazy adventures. She is a regular contributor at Huffington Post and The Good Men Project. You can catch her on facebook.com/KaseyFerrisWrites.
Connect with KaseyFacebook | Twitter
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura ChapmanWhile settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
December 1, 2015
whitney dineen shares her favorite holiday traditions
Bloggers Note: The traditions surrounding the holiday season are part of what make it so special. In Making Christmas and What Happens at Midnight--my novellas featured in All I Want For Christmas--both celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve traditions. To spread the merriment of the season, I have invited five writers to share their favorite holiday traditions on the blog this week. Enjoy!
By Whitney Dineen
Author of She Sins at Midnight and The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan
I love the idea of holiday traditions. The Slovak side of my family has been celebrating the same traditions since long before my great grandmother became a goose girl in the tiny village of Blatnitcă. For those of you wondering what in the heck a goose girl is, it is a girl that actually tends geese, not one known for pinching the backsides of others.
On Christmas Eve, my family always sets an extra place at the dinner table for the unseen guest. This place honors a loved one who is with us in spirit and is also available to the stranger who might show up at our door seeking food and shelter. We’ve never physically filled this seat, but I like to think it’s a metaphor for something a bit greater than offering one meal to a stranger.
My other favorite Christmas tradition is the Christmas apple. We take an apple and cut it into as many pieces as we have people sharing our dinner. The person cutting the apple explains if anyone at the table should lose their way mentally, physically or spiritually in the coming year, all they need to do is think back to with whom they shared their Christmas apple and they will find their way. A bit fanciful, perhaps. But it symbolizes hope and possibility and offers comfort for unforeseen strife. I find great comfort in that. To me, Christmas is meaningful beyond the gifts under the tree. It is about offering hope and gratitude for all of my blessings which is why I find both of these traditions so meaningful.
This year, we hope to begin a new tradition. My six-year-old daughter has shown a real interest in the plight of the homeless. She’s only in the first grade so I can’t give her all the reasons that might leave a person without a home. But I can teach her we have a duty to help those less fortunate. In this spirit, we have amassed a total of fifty purses and backpacks that we are filling with things like snacks, water, warm socks, mittens, wet wipes, sanitary supplies, lip balm etc. in hopes of making a small difference to a few in need. We are not solving the homeless problem but we are doing something. My daughter said, “Mommy, if everyone does something, I bet there wouldn’t be any homeless people.” And while that thought is perhaps a bit naïve, I don’t think she’s too far off the mark.
About the Author
While attending the University of Illinois in Chicago, Whitney Dineen was discovered by a local modeling agent and began an unexpected career as a plus-size Ford model. She modeled in New York City before moving to Los Angeles with her husband.
When she wasn’t modeling, she was in the kitchen, baking delights to share with friends. Soon, her friends began asking her to send baskets of her wonderful candies and cookies to business associates, agents and production studios. Word spread like wildfire, and the rest, as they say, is history. Whitney’s sensational creations are still in great demand by her loyal celebrity clientele (www.WhitneysGoodies.com).
During “The Hollywood Years,” Whitney was bitten by the writing bug and started creating characters that are inspired by strong women with a great sense of humor.
In addition to her love of chick-lit, Whitney has also written a series of adventure books for middle readers, the first of which, Wilhelmina and the Willamette Wig Factory.
Whitney and her husband, Jimmy, have recently relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to raise their children, chickens and organic vegetables.
Connect with WhitneyFacebook | Twitter | Website
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
By Whitney Dineen
Author of She Sins at Midnight and The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan
I love the idea of holiday traditions. The Slovak side of my family has been celebrating the same traditions since long before my great grandmother became a goose girl in the tiny village of Blatnitcă. For those of you wondering what in the heck a goose girl is, it is a girl that actually tends geese, not one known for pinching the backsides of others.
On Christmas Eve, my family always sets an extra place at the dinner table for the unseen guest. This place honors a loved one who is with us in spirit and is also available to the stranger who might show up at our door seeking food and shelter. We’ve never physically filled this seat, but I like to think it’s a metaphor for something a bit greater than offering one meal to a stranger.
My other favorite Christmas tradition is the Christmas apple. We take an apple and cut it into as many pieces as we have people sharing our dinner. The person cutting the apple explains if anyone at the table should lose their way mentally, physically or spiritually in the coming year, all they need to do is think back to with whom they shared their Christmas apple and they will find their way. A bit fanciful, perhaps. But it symbolizes hope and possibility and offers comfort for unforeseen strife. I find great comfort in that. To me, Christmas is meaningful beyond the gifts under the tree. It is about offering hope and gratitude for all of my blessings which is why I find both of these traditions so meaningful.
This year, we hope to begin a new tradition. My six-year-old daughter has shown a real interest in the plight of the homeless. She’s only in the first grade so I can’t give her all the reasons that might leave a person without a home. But I can teach her we have a duty to help those less fortunate. In this spirit, we have amassed a total of fifty purses and backpacks that we are filling with things like snacks, water, warm socks, mittens, wet wipes, sanitary supplies, lip balm etc. in hopes of making a small difference to a few in need. We are not solving the homeless problem but we are doing something. My daughter said, “Mommy, if everyone does something, I bet there wouldn’t be any homeless people.” And while that thought is perhaps a bit naïve, I don’t think she’s too far off the mark.
About the Author
While attending the University of Illinois in Chicago, Whitney Dineen was discovered by a local modeling agent and began an unexpected career as a plus-size Ford model. She modeled in New York City before moving to Los Angeles with her husband.
When she wasn’t modeling, she was in the kitchen, baking delights to share with friends. Soon, her friends began asking her to send baskets of her wonderful candies and cookies to business associates, agents and production studios. Word spread like wildfire, and the rest, as they say, is history. Whitney’s sensational creations are still in great demand by her loyal celebrity clientele (www.WhitneysGoodies.com).
During “The Hollywood Years,” Whitney was bitten by the writing bug and started creating characters that are inspired by strong women with a great sense of humor.
In addition to her love of chick-lit, Whitney has also written a series of adventure books for middle readers, the first of which, Wilhelmina and the Willamette Wig Factory.
Whitney and her husband, Jimmy, have recently relocated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest to raise their children, chickens and organic vegetables.
Connect with WhitneyFacebook | Twitter | Website
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura ChapmanWhile settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
November 30, 2015
samantha march shares her favorite holiday traditions
Bloggers Note: The traditions surrounding the holiday season are part of what make it so special. In Making Christmas and What Happens at Midnight--my novellas featured in All I Want For Christmas--both celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve traditions. To spread the merriment of the season, I have invited five writers to share their favorite holiday traditions on the blog this week. Enjoy!
By Samantha March
Author of The Christmas Surprise in All I Want For Christmas and Up To I Do
When I was thinking about favorite holiday traditions, the same memories kept popping up. Unfortunately, the tradition I’m going to share is no longer, which sticks with me each holiday season.
My favorite tradition as a child around the holidays was simply going to my grandmother’s house on Christmas Eve. Before we arrived my mom, stepdad, myself and my brother would slowly drive around the blocks, looking at the beautiful Christmas lights, which continues to awe me into adulthood. Something about those lights just make me believe, you know? Then the whole family gathered at Grams, and we had a big present-opening ordeal. The kids went first and we got gifts from Grams, our godparents, and the children also had like a Secret Santa theme too (though usually not very secret). The adults went after, and I know they had a White Elephant gift exchange and things could get rowdy, but I was usually too busy playing with my new dolls or trying on new shoes at that point to pay much attention.
We stayed well into the night, making sure all the food was eaten, all the gifts were good and played with, and all us kids were tuckered out. I usually didn’t even remember being carried out to our vehicle and driven home. My memories from the end of the night blended easily into the next morning, where I would spring out of bed and my brother and I would run to the tree and see even more presents waiting for us.
As I got older, and my Grams got older, and then eventually sick with breast cancer, the tradition slowly started to slip away. I no longer live near any of my family, which does make me homesick around the holidays, but I do count myself as lucky, because I married into a great family who lives close by us. We’ve been able to start our own new traditions – Find the Pickle, for one – and I’m sure once I have children of my own even more traditions will start around our house. But I truly feel blessed to be able to look back on my childhood and know each year I felt the magic of Christmas and the love of my family. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season.
About the Author
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all-around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up-to-date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and beauty related. In 2011, she launched her independent publishing company, Marching Ink, and has four published novels—Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket, A Questionable Friendship, and Up To I Do. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.
Connect with SamanthaFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura Chapman
While settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
By Samantha March
Author of The Christmas Surprise in All I Want For Christmas and Up To I Do
When I was thinking about favorite holiday traditions, the same memories kept popping up. Unfortunately, the tradition I’m going to share is no longer, which sticks with me each holiday season.
My favorite tradition as a child around the holidays was simply going to my grandmother’s house on Christmas Eve. Before we arrived my mom, stepdad, myself and my brother would slowly drive around the blocks, looking at the beautiful Christmas lights, which continues to awe me into adulthood. Something about those lights just make me believe, you know? Then the whole family gathered at Grams, and we had a big present-opening ordeal. The kids went first and we got gifts from Grams, our godparents, and the children also had like a Secret Santa theme too (though usually not very secret). The adults went after, and I know they had a White Elephant gift exchange and things could get rowdy, but I was usually too busy playing with my new dolls or trying on new shoes at that point to pay much attention.
We stayed well into the night, making sure all the food was eaten, all the gifts were good and played with, and all us kids were tuckered out. I usually didn’t even remember being carried out to our vehicle and driven home. My memories from the end of the night blended easily into the next morning, where I would spring out of bed and my brother and I would run to the tree and see even more presents waiting for us.
As I got older, and my Grams got older, and then eventually sick with breast cancer, the tradition slowly started to slip away. I no longer live near any of my family, which does make me homesick around the holidays, but I do count myself as lucky, because I married into a great family who lives close by us. We’ve been able to start our own new traditions – Find the Pickle, for one – and I’m sure once I have children of my own even more traditions will start around our house. But I truly feel blessed to be able to look back on my childhood and know each year I felt the magic of Christmas and the love of my family. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season.
About the Author
Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all-around book lover. She runs the popular book/women’s lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up-to-date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and beauty related. In 2011, she launched her independent publishing company, Marching Ink, and has four published novels—Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket, A Questionable Friendship, and Up To I Do. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy.
Connect with SamanthaFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon
About All I Want For Christmas
Making Christmas by Laura ChapmanWhile settling into a new career in a new community, Ivy is determined not to let the holiday season pass her by. Enter the grownup advent calendar: twenty-four days of festivities to celebrate Christmas. What begins as a bit of fun turns into a mission to spread cheer when she meets Everett. After learning about his bad Christmas attitude, she invites him to join her quest. Despite his initial reservations, Everett quickly gets caught up in the spirit of the calendar. But when new feelings surface and are impossible to ignore, Everett’s inner curmudgeon threatens to put a damper on the whole experience.
Nine Ladies Dancing by Cat Lavoie
Casey Ellis is the last person who should be planning her office’s holiday party. Convinced she’s plagued with chronic Christmas bad luck, Casey isn’t interested in tempting fate. But when putting on a party planner hat seems like a good way to get closer to her longtime crush, Casey takes charge—and braces for impact.
When things start to fall apart—just like Casey knew they would—will she run and hide, or will she learn that bad luck can sometimes turn out to be Christmas magic in disguise?
The Christmas Surprise by Samantha March
Juliette Mabry is a happily married stay-at-home wife and mother...until there appears to be trouble brewing in her nearly ten-year marriage. Juliette takes it upon herself to find out if her husband is up to no good, but does she want to know the truth? Everything is revealed on Christmas, and Juliette is in for her biggest Christmas surprise.
What Happens at Midnight by Laura Chapman
Romantic comedy junkie Natalie lives out those fantasies in real life three New Year's Eves in a row when fate throws her together with the same handsome stranger. A heartbreaking turn of events leaves her swearing off of love, forevers, and the holidays (bah humbug). That is until the mystery man from her past reappears years later. Over a holiday season, Natalie struggles to reconcile the whimsical notions of her past with the practical sensibilities she has worked so hard to develop. With the countdown to a new year looming, she must decide whether or not she is willing to give happily ever after another shot.
All I Want For Christmas is Now AvailableAmazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Goodreads
Stay connected. "Like" Change the Word on Facebook. Follow my other adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Receive news updates via my e-newsletter.
