Good morning! With the heat of summer making everyone long for cold winter days, why not get lost in a little Christmas romance…
Today my bestselling Christmas romance, Holly Cottage – Where the Magic Begins is on sale for only .99!
The magic of Christmas can melt even the coldest of hearts, and change someones entire of life… When romance author, Heidi Roarke loses her Christmas spirit, her agent suggests that she spends Christmas in a townthat is all about the holiday. With major reservations about this plan, she books a room at the Holly Cottage in Hollyville. From the moment she steps into the Cottage, she feels different. Then she meets Eric Bale, the 3rd generation owner of the bed and breakfast, which changes everything. She falls in love with the community of Hollyville and helps fight the Mayor’s choice to quit funding the orphanage. Eric Bale takes one look at Heidi and decides to give her the best Christmas ever. But what he didn’t expect was to feel the way he does about her. Then he sees her with the children at the local orphanage, and he loses more of his heart. As Christmas Day arrives, neither can deny that there is something happening, but is it just the holidays or something more? But when tragedy strikes, the town pulls together to try to keep things the same. Will Christmas be forever changed for Heidi and Eric, or will they find the love they both need? This is a sweet romance that will help you find your Christmas spirit, so grab a cup of hot chocolate and get lost in Hollyville…
When you get lost in this romance, you can play in the snow, get goosebumps from the cold air, and fall in love again…
As writers, sometimes we forget about our back titles. Well, we don’t exactly forget about them, but sometimes we push them aside for our newer titles. I was cleaning out some files and was thrown back to when I first started publishing my work in 2012. It was an amazing time as well as stressful. But those older titles are what got me to this point. They are not as polished as my newer books, but they are where I started.
So, with that being said, I want to throw it back to my first published book. It was reworked several years ago, but it still holds a place in my heart. Also, it came from a story that I started way back when I was a teenager.
Let me reintroduce you to Ghost Lover.
The dying words of Jess’s mother are for her to find the love of her life. But with an overbearing father, will she have that chance? When he gives her a horse and riding lessons for her 21st birthday, her life changes. Is the cowboy behind the Black Stetson her soul mate? When her father’s partner decides to stake claim on her, who will win the fight? Suspense, tragedy, romance and a stranger in the shadows lead to a dramatic final showdown in Ghost Lover…
And then there’s the letter!
There have been a couple of covers for this one. Let’s go from first to current…
We made! It’s Friday people… As I sit here, sipping my coffee, I’m thinking about how many words I want to get in over the weekend. It’s the first weekend since before the holidays that we don’t have plans. That feels good too!
As for my writing, I’m finishing up Double Take At Mistletoe Ranch and getting ready to buckle down for the new series In Harm’s Way. It makes me excited to start the new series, which if you know me, then you know I’ve already started writing on it. But I’m ready to dig in and get to the roots of the first book, SAFE.
But, for now, I’ll leave you with a little tidbit from the upcoming new release, Double Take at Mistletoe Ranch…
Maddy came out of the hallway bathroom, holding a cool cloth for her forehead. “Baby, you’re making mommy feel rough.” Then she lovingly rubbed her flat abdomen. “Honey, you’re carrying Denver’s baby, so that baby is probably kicking and screaming.” Annie said as she put her arm around Maddy’s shoulders. “I won’t argue with that.” Maddy said, turning on her heel to run back in the bathroom. The door slammed as Denver walked in the front door. “Is she sick again?” Denver’s brows arched in concern. “Annie, something is wrong, I just know it is.” Annie gave him an affectionate shoulder rub. “Denver, this is part of the pregnancy. Just give it a month or two and she’ll be eating you out of house and home.” “I can’t stand seeing her this sick.” Denver leaned against the door frame, lightly knocking. “Maddy, sweetheart, can I get you anything?” Her voice was weak as she called from inside the bathroom. “Some cool water would be good, with a little lemon.” “You got it. I’ll be right back.” Denver turned to go get the water. “Just stay with her, I’ll grab her some water and soda crackers.” Annie went to the kitchen, leaving Denver listening for his bride. Denver couldn’t stand this. He wanted to make things better, but he had no idea of what to do. He’d spent the last two days worrying about her and the baby. There was no way he was losing Maddy. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him. This was supposed to be the happiest time of their life, celebrating the upcoming birth of their first child. But it was turning into a nightmare. The door opened as Maddy came out of the bathroom. Her face was pale and Denver was positive she’d lost some weight. And the fact that Maddy was already too thin, it only made his anxiety heighten. “Let’s go in the den so you can lay down.” Denver put his arm around her shoulders, leading her into the other room. He draped a throw over her lap when she curled up in the corner of the couch. “Annie is getting you something to help.” At that moment, Annie came in with a tray. “Maddy, these crackers may help some with the nausea.” Annie handed Maddy a plate with soda crackers on it. She placed the lemon water beside her on the table. “If you need anything else, just let me know. I’ll be in the kitchen getting lunch ready. “Thank you Annie.” Maddy said in a raspy voice. Annie gave her a motherly pat on her knee. “Don’t worry. The nausea will pass.” “I hope so.” Maddy picked up a cracker and nibbled on it. She’d barely kept anything down for days. It surprised her that she didn’t feel hunger. Denver sat beside her, not talking. He was too worried to talk. She was the love of his life and to see her so pale made him feel horrible for her. In a warped way, he blamed himself for this. She was pregnant and sick because of him. Then he reminded himself that it took two, but he still solely blamed himself.
The last book of the Mistletoe Ranch Series will have you laughing, crying, and wondering if Denver and Maddy will still hold the Mistletoe Ranch by the time I type The End. I love this story and can’t wait to get it out to my wonderful fans. Thanks for all the love that Mistletoe Ranch has received. It releases January 29th! Preorder today!
Argh! Hello me matey’s! NO, I’m not going to continue my pirate talk! I promise! But I am planning to talk about pirates, well, pirate romance to be exact!
My newest book release was released on Saturday. The Pirate of Her Desire is the 3rd book in The Journal Series. It’s my 3rd Pirate Book that I’ve released. I enjoy writing about pirates and the women that love them. They have always been known and dastardly men, but my pirates, they are devastatingly handsome and ruggedly protective of the women that capture their hearts. So, let me introduce you to 3 pirates!
Meet Captain Caleb Tanner. He’s known to be pirate by many, but to Serena, he’s hero and a good man. Although she was a stowaway on his ship, he meant to protect her with everything he had.
Serena’s breath caught in her throat as the white sails came into view. She watched The Lady sail into port grandly. Although it was a known Pirate ship she couldn’t help but admire it. • • • Captain Caleb Tanner wanted to see Serena again. He’d only caught site of her quickly on the docks. Who was she? She’d been like a breath of fresh air. • • • Their fates were entwined. Although he was deemed a pirate by most, those that knew him were aware of the truth. He would protect her… With his life. • • • Their lives were changed forever the moment she stowed away on his ship.
Our 2nd pirate is First Mate – Tom Breckin
Tom Breckin knew the moment he saw the masked woman across the dance floor that he’d lost his heart. Then she disappeared only to reappear as a stowaway on his ship. What would he do with a woman on a pirate ship? Things are about to get interesting, but very dangerous.
And last, but certainly not least, meet the dashing Captain George Drake!
Sometimes when a dream becomes reality things don’t turn out like you imagined.
Since the first romance novel Amber read, she’d always dreamed of living on a pirate ship and capturing the heart of the captain. When the journal sends her to 1750 where she comes face to face with captain George Drake she realizes she might be headed for disaster. Is she prepared for the life on a real pirate ship versus the romanticized versions she’d always read in novels?
Captain George Drake, the most well-known pirate of his time can’t believe his eyes when he sees Amber on his ship. He is filled with anger but one look into her blue eyes and he’s not sure what he is going to do with his beautiful, feisty stowaway. Tensions rise as he struggles to hide this woman from his crew and keep her safe in the midst of a harsh battle. Can he make himself believe a simple journal brought her to his ship?
Will he risk the respect of his crew and everything he has worked toward for the woman that has dropped into his life or will he send her back to her own time? Will he be able to let her go? Will he have a choice?
Their story is action packed but will unfold into a love story to last for all time.
Now, didn’t that make your Thursday! Three handsome pirates to give you something to daydream about.
Good Sunday afternoon! I do hope all of you have been doing well. I’ve been away from here for way too long… With all of the added challenges to my accounting office due to Small Business loans and PPP requirements, I’ve been really busy. Not to mention tax season was extended a little, so I took on some extra returns this year. But, I’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
If you’ve looked at my Amazon author page, you’ll see that I have several preorders up and running. So, I’ll be staying busy through the end of the year.
Here’s a little something from my new release, “Wedding at Mistletoe Ranch”:
Maddy was walking from the barn when Denver pulled his truck up to the front walk of the house. He got out and moved toward her. “Hey, you’re back earlier than I thought you would be.” She said as he put his arm around her shoulders.
“I have a date this evening, so I thought I’d be on time.” Denver whispered against the side of her head as he kissed her hair. “Where’s your sock cap?”
“It’s hanging over the side of one of the stalls. I pulled it off to scratch my head and dropped it on the wet stall floor. So, I was letting it dry. Guess I forgot to grab it.”
“Let’s get you inside where it’s warm.” Denver said, taking her by surprise when he leaned down and picked her up into his strong arms. “I don’t want the love of my life to catch pneumonia.”
Maddy was giggling as they walked through the front door. Annie was coming out of the den when Denver closed the door with his foot. “You two look happy. I’m so glad.” Annie clapped her hands together in front of her. “Now, I have your dinner cooked and warming on the stove. The rest of the rice pudding is in the fridge. Just warm it a little in the microwave.”
“Thank you.” Maddy kissed Annie’s cheek, then gave her a sideways hug.
“You’re most welcome. Now, you two enjoy your dinner and I’ll see you in the morning.” Annie said as she pulled on her jacket and wound the scarf around her neck.
“Goodnight Annie.” Denver kissed the top of Annie’s head, then went into the den to check the fire while Maddy pulled her jacket off.
Annie stopped at the door. “There was a call for you on the main house line.”
Maddy stopped midway of pulling her boots off. “Who was it?” Her mind raced over who would be calling her here.
“I think it was the woman that stayed here a couple of days. She said something about telling you that she’d be coming back through here the second week in February. Then she said that her business was taking longer than she’d thought, so she was staying up there to finish it up.”
“Oh, that was Izzie. Good, maybe she’ll be here in time for the Valentine’s dance that Polly is putting on.” Maddy said with excitement, then she thought about Denver’s dislike of Izzie. “I’m sure Denver will just be thrilled to hear the news.” Then she rolled her eyes.
“I’m sure my dear.” Annie’s face was unreadable as she walked out the door.
Maddy thought it was strange that Annie seemed to feel as Denver did, and she never even met Izzie. She shrugged as she walked into the den to warm up by the fire. “I have some news.”
“Ok, what’s your news.” Denver asked with a smile.
“Izzie will be back through here in February.” Maddy held out her hands to warm them as she waited for Denver’s reaction. She looked around at him, seeing his face turning a little pale.
“Well, alright then.” Denver said in a gruff voice. “Let’s go see what Annie cooked for dinner. I’m starving.”
Maddy frowned, knowing he wasn’t happy with the news. But she was excited about her new friend coming back to stay. Maybe this time she could give her a tour of the town, although she was still learning it herself. And she could use some advice on wedding planning.
Now on to an upcoming release! “The Pirate of Her Desire”
If you’ve enjoyed the first two books in The Journal Series, then you’ll love this one. Our third sister is about to learn that what happens in a romance novel might not be what happens in real life.
Sometimes when a dream becomes reality things don’t turn out like you imagined.
Since the first romance novel Amber read, she’d always dreamed of living on a pirate ship and capturing the heart of the captain. When the journal sends her to 1750 where she comes face to face with captain George Drake she realizes she might be headed for disaster. Is she prepared for the life on a real pirate ship versus the romanticized versions she’d always read in novels?
Captain George Drake, the most well-known pirate of his time can’t believe his eyes when he sees Amber on his ship. He is filled with anger but one look into her blue eyes and he’s not sure what he is going to do with his beautiful, feisty stowaway. Tensions rise as he struggles to hide this woman from his crew and keep her safe in the midst of a harsh battle. Can he make himself believe a simple journal brought her to his ship?
Will he risk the respect of his crew and everything he has worked toward for the woman that has dropped into his life or will he send her back to her own time? Will he be able to let her go? Will he have a choice?
Their story is action packed but will unfold into a love story to last for all time.
As I said, I’ve been a little busy. But keep a watch out for all of my new releases, coming soon.
Good Monday morning! Sorry, I’ve been MIA for the last several weeks. With all of this quarantine stuff and other things related, my accounting office has been crazy busy. We’re considered essential, but we’re not accepting foot traffic. Between stimulus questions and small business loan applications, I’ve been a little overwhelmed, but things are calming down, so I’m back, ready or not!
I’ve been reading some great posts regarding quarantine writing. Most writers, including myself, are introverts, so, we keep to ourselves most of the time anyhow. So, why is it that when we can go out, we don’t want to and when we can’t we’re being tempted at every turn.
For me, I’ve been writing every chance I get. I have managed to publish a new book, which was a miracle in itself as I’ve pushed several projects back some to accommodate the long hours needed in my accounting office. And for those that know me, they know that breaks my heart. I love my writing, but I also have a passion for my accounting. Oh, the choices we make!
So, how is your quarantine writing going? Give us some incite into how you’re doing.
As always, great writing and May God Bless You…
P.S.: Here’s a little tidbit from ‘To Dance With Dragonflies’
Kaity let out a long sigh. “This isn’t going to be my day.” Then she looked up toward the sky. “I know, I know. There’s a reason that I missed the bus and my car wouldn’t crank. So, when are you planning to let me in on this great plan you have for me?” She giggled as a man walking down the sidewalk gave her a crazy look. “And now I look like I’ve lost my mind.”
Just as she turned to start the three mile walk to work, she stumbled, loosing grip on her purse. As the contents spilled onto the sidewalk Kaity cried out, rushing to grab everything. Once she had her stuff back in the purse, she stood up, stumbling again, but a hand grasped her elbow, startling her.
“Are you alright?” The masculine voice came from the most beautiful man she had ever set eyes on.
At first, she couldn’t speak. She only managed to mutter something unintelligible as she gazed into the blue eyes that were looking at her in concern. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. When she regained her senses, she spoke. “I’m fine, just clumsy.” Kaity frowned as he let go of her elbow.
“I saw you running for the bus, do you need a ride somewhere?” The gorgeous man asked as she continued to stare at him.
“Oh… I… well… yes. But I don’t know you.” Kaity responded.
The man stuck out his hand, “I’m Derek Mason. And yourself?”
“Oh, me?” Kaity bit her lower lip, a bought of shyness sweeping over her. “My name is Kaity, Kaity Jordan.”
“Well, Kaity Jordan, it looks like we’re no longer strangers. Now, let me drive you to where you need to go.” Derek said. He had seen her here and there since he’d moved to town. She intrigued him with her shy smile that seemed to light up a room. Then when he’d seen her running up the sidewalk, waving for the bus, he’d stopped to watch her.
Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into the world of Kaity and Derek!
Good morning! It’s been a little while since my last post. I’ve been crazy busy with deadlines, accounting, and starting a new venture with my assistant. So, what’s been up with me?
I’ve released a couple of books since my last post. As I said, it’s been a busy time. During this time I’ve set up my 2020 schedule for book releases and have been working on covers for those releases. It looks to be an exciting year.
With accounting, this is the start of tax season, not to mention closing out the previous year. So, things in the accounting office have been crazy busy, which has given me precious little time to write. But, one of my New Year’s resolutions was to budget my time and stay on a schedule. We will see how that goes.
As for the new business venture, well, it’s not a surprise that I love to create things. And book covers are one of my favorite things to create. So, I started Dragonfly Designs to help authors put their best cover forward. If you have a great looking cover, it will draw a readers eye. Many writers tell me that they just want to write, not sit and figure out the cover details. Drop by my website page for the new business at https://www.stephaniehurtauthor.com/dragonfly-designs
So, with that being said, I’ll say goodbye for now, but I’ll be back soon to announce new releases, writing advice and more…
Wishing you good writing and May God Bless You…
Here’s a look at some of my newest releases and a couple that are coming up!
Wow, I can’t believe it’s already Monday! Where did the weekend go? As a matter of fact, where did this year go? We’re halfway to Thanksgiving already, can you believe it?
Now, as for my writing, I just released one Christmas romance, ‘Christmas at Mistletoe Ranch’, and will be releasing ‘The Christmas Wish’ really soon. As I said before, this year I’m releasing two Christmas romances. Sometimes the Christmas spirit just swoops in and takes over.
So, ‘The Christmas Wish’ is a sweet romance that will leave you wanting to bake cookies or take a visit to the local bakery. Here’s a snippet for you to enjoy:
Sophie turned out the lights of the bakery and locked the door. It had been a good day with many new customers. She was pleasantly surprised. As she climbed in her small car, she sighed. Her dreams were coming through. Slowly she drove through town, looking at the twinkling lights that lined the street and the trees in the windows. As she passed one of the stores she saw Santa waving at the passersby. On a whim, she pulled into a parking place and looked in her wallet for a dollar. Even though her dollars were few, she wanted to give to the Santa. She pulled her coat closer around her as she started across the sidewalk. The sign beside the Santa said it was for the local children’s hospital. “Here you go.” Sophie placed her dollar in his bucket. “Thank you young lady. With each donation, you get to ask for something from Santa for Christmas.” The Santa smiled at her, his eyes glittering in the lights overhead. “Oh, I don’t know what to wish for. It’s been so long since I’ve made a wish with Santa.” Sophie giggled. Then she decided to just go with it. “Alright, do I tell you the wish or do I keep it silent?” “You can tell me. I keep secrets locked in here.” Santa placed a finger on his temple, then laughed with a jolly Santa laugh. “This may sound silly, but I want to find love for Christmas.” Sophie didn’t know where that came from. At first she just stared at the Santa in shock, then a warmth spread through her heart. Yes, she had her business started, so now was the time to find love. “I will place that on my list. You’ve been a good girl this year.” Santa said, making Sophie giggle again. “And you get a candy cane for your wish.” Sophie took the large candy cane, then turned to leave. When she looked back, the Santa winked at her. She got back in her car and for a moment she just sat there. Why had she made a wish with Santa? Maybe it was from her loneliness.
This was a particularly favorite part for me. Keep watching for an update on the release date.
It’s time for a Tuesday Teaser. This week I’m teasing you with a new series that will start releasing this summer. It’s call The Journal.
So, what is the series about you might ask? This series will be a Time Travel Romance series that will take you on many adventures. You will spend time in medieval times with knights, in the old west with handsome cowboys, and many other places in time. You’ll find out in the first book what causes this time warp. It will be fun, exciting and romantic, so keep watching for the cover reveal that will be coming soon for ‘The Knight of Her Heart’, the first book in the series.
In this sweet love story, Lily slips back to a time 100 years earlier and her life takes on a whole new meaning. Can you imagine living in two worlds?
Here’s a snippet:
When
she stepped out of the car the breath left her lungs. The house was an old
Victorian with beautiful, lavender wisteria covering the porch. On the porch
was a swing and there was a red barn to the right of the house. Her legs went
weak as she stood there. This was it. This was the house in her dreams. Was she
dreaming? This couldn’t be real.
“Lily,
are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He lightly touched her
arm.
“I’m
fine. It’s just like I’ve seen this house before. Has this house ever been in a
film or magazine that you know of?” She tried to rationalize all of this.
“Not
that I’m aware of. Could have been in a home magazine, but I don’t think so.”
At that moment a man walked across the front porch and waved at them. “There’s
Anthony. He’s the owner of the house and my nephew.” She heard the pride in his
voice.
When
they walked up on the porch she had the feeling she’d been on this porch. She
walked over to the railing and looked out across the yard toward the barn.
There was the fenced in area that was in her dream. She turned to meet the
owner and almost lost it.
The
man standing in front of her looked like the man in the dream, not exactly, but
it was definitely the same eyes. She was in complete shock. How could this be?
Anthony
held out his hand to her. “I’m Anthony Kennedy.” He noticed the strange look
she gave him. His heart took a somersault as he looked into her eyes. This was
unbelievable. He just knew this was a coincidence.
“I’m
Lily Smith and this is a gorgeous old house. How long have you owned it?” She
had to figure this out.
“Well
Lily this house has been in my family since the mid 1800’s. Old Thomas here is
my uncle. His grandmother was my great grandfather’s sister. It’s a great old
house.” He beamed with pride.
“Lily
said it looked familiar. Has it been featured in a historical magazine or
anything like that? I couldn’t remember.”
“No, but maybe you lived around here in a previous life.” He winked at her and walked over to open the front door.
********
Like I said, things get crazy in this time travel romance. Surprises fill this sweet romance with each new chapter. It is under rewrites even as we speak. It’s crazy how our writing styles change, then we go back and rewrite our previously published books. This is one of my favorite stories.
Here’s one of my favorite quotes from this book:
He bowed his head and shook it from side to side. “I don’t understand how a man that’s been dead for over one hundred years can just take over your heart. How can you even think about going back to him? If you love me, how can you love him too?”
Stephanie Hurt - Romance Author 