#SaturdaySpotlight is on Annette M Irby & Christmas on the Islands!

Good Morning and Welcome to this week's edition of All Christmas thru Christmas. 

Our guest visited in 2011 so it is my pleasure to have Annette M. Irby back on our blog. Good to have you here again, Annette. Please tell us about your Christmas on the Islands box set...

It's good to be back on your blog, Pam. Thank you for having me!

I remember a couple of decades ago when I spent the entire Christmas season reading Barbour Publishing’s four-in-one Christmas novella collections. They inspired me. Reading them helped introduce me to various Christian authors. I thought, I’d like to write Christmas novellas one day.

Another piece of this puzzle was that as I wandered through a brick-and-mortar bookstore well over a decade ago, I wanted a collection set in the Pacific Northwest, something beachy. But there was nothing like that on the shelves.

So, why not write Christmas novellas, set in the PNW? And voilà! A series idea was born: Washington Island Christmas. With this boxed set, they’re all combined in one place.

These books are sequels to my full-length summertime novels set on Puget Sound. That series is called Washington Island Romance.

My hope is that readers feel transported to Christmas in the Northwest where they can enjoy the scent of conifers, delight in the sea views, and smell the snowy Cascades or Olympics. We might have rain, but that’s all the better for curling up with hot cider or cocoa and diving into a holiday story!

OH how wonderful! I bet Christmas is lovely on the Sound and Islands. Can you share a blurb of each story with us?

Sure...

Visit Puget Sound and the Salish Sea islands in this series of holiday novellas! Enjoy getting to know new characters, with some cameo visits from previous friends. Here you'll find heart-warming scenes, layered family dynamics, romance, and hope in Jesus.

A Christmas Duet

An uninspired composer.

A distressed pianist.

And the duet that brings them together.

Sequel to Cascade Award-finalist novel, Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington.

Following a breakup, professional cellist Kate Fleming’s well of inspiration has run dry. Her musical ensemble is counting on her to write several cello and piano compositions for their next album. She’s rented a beautiful beach house on Whidbey Island for the Christmas season. But the atmosphere may not be inspiring enough.

Church music director Zach Tillmon would love to book a professional musician for the upcoming Christmas program. His number-one choice is out of reach. But perhaps the newcomer wouldn’t mind sharing her talents with the congregation.

When these two perform together, sparks fly. But their lives aren’t settled, so a romance is out of the question. Or is it?

Join them near picturesque Puget Sound at Christmastime for a delightfully musical love story.

A Christmas Romance

A wannabe novelist with writer's block.

A best-selling children’s book author with a knack for story.

And the romance they brainstorm together.

Sequel to the Selah Award-winning novel, Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Bookshop owner Peyton McKinley lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington. An inspired reader, she writes wholesome romance novels, dreaming of publication. Unfortunately, a past breakup has soured her on relationships. When a literary agent wants to see her manuscript as soon as she can finish it, writer’s block stalls her progress.

Best-selling picture book author and illustrator Eli Jaxon has relocated to Puget Sound to be nearer to his family. He’s on deadline for his next Prescott the Proper Peacock volume, but worry for his niece distracts him. Past mistakes keep him closed off to dating.

When Peyton needs help with her story, previously married Eli volunteers to help her brainstorm. Can they deny their attraction, or will they live their own Christmas romance?

Join them near picturesque Puget Sound at Christmastime for a delightfully bookish love story.

A Christmas Gift

A stateside farmer.

An international boy-next-door model.

And the Christmas reunion that brings them back together.

Seven years after Finding Love in Friday Harbor, Washington.

Aurora “Rori” Teagan can’t escape her genes. Though she’d be in demand, following her mother’s modeling career path is unthinkable. Instead, she works her family’s farm with her father on San Juan Island, determined to build her own life. But change is in the air this holiday season.

Jonah Cahill hasn’t been home for Christmas since his dad died years ago. When the opportunity arises, he joins his best friend and returns to Friday Harbor, where he grew up. He’ll have to face what he’s avoided in the States, while a challenging situation in Europe remains. Anxious to see Rori, he’s worried that old feelings will reemerge. Problem is, he hasn’t resolved everything from his last overseas relationship.

Her brother’s best friend has changed a lot since he left the island. The wonder of Christmas inspires connection and romance, but their lives are on two different continents. Will Rori and Jonah find love before the Christmas lights come down?

Revisit Friday Harbor and some familiar characters in this Christmas novella set in the Salish Sea.

AND And here’s an Excerpt from the Chapter One of A Christmas Duet:

The evening’s chilled, salty wind brushed Kate Fleming’s hair away from her face. Leaving her cello wedged under blankets inside her sporty station wagon, she locked the doors and headed toward the stairs. She’d rather cross Puget Sound on the Whidbey Island ferry’s upper deck.

Lights from the terminal and other vehicles shimmered off the water as she found a spot on the main level. Salty air blew in whenever someone opened the outward doors. But here, inside, as people spilled into the space from the vehicle levels below, heat. Faint Christmas carols played overhead, and Kate tried not to flinch at how tinny the music sounded. Her best friend, Haley, accused her of being a music snob. So be it. Her compositions now garnered national attention. The Piano Guys had opened doors for instrumental musicians to find a larger audience.

Fellow passengers milled around, choosing their own nooks for the sail across Puget Sound to Clinton, Washington, from Mukilteo.

A passenger walked by with a paper cup piled high with whipped cream, and Kate caught a whiff of chocolate steam. Just what she needed. Her fingers were still frozen from waiting in her car for the second ferry to arrive. She’d turned off her engine like everyone around her, forgoing heat to protect waiting passengers from breathing exhaust fumes.

She slipped from the vinyl bench seat and made her way to the concessions area. The café was one large square, near the center of the boat, with space to walk around and choose snacks or beverages. The aroma of popcorn and the odor of coffee were the strongest. But she found a banana muffin in the case and waited her turn to pump cocoa into a cup. Then, she squirted a dollop of whipped cream and got into the cashier line.

The scent of leather wafted off the man in front of her. His sherpa-lined brown leather jacket shone in the ferry’s interior lighting. He stood a few inches taller than herself, cell phone in hand and plastic, wireless earbuds jutting straight down about an inch from his ears. They were about five people back in line and Kate sipped her cocoa, knowing the risks of whipped topping decorating her nose. She reached for a napkin, glancing over at leather-jacket guy. His phone tilted, and she caught a glimpse of the screen.

The MP3 player app displayed an oh-so-familiar album cover—hers. Well, her ensemble’s. Whoa, this guy who looked a bit like a lumberjack, with his jeans—and was that plaid flannel under his jacket?—listened to her music? Instrumental? She’d peg him for country or classic rock but not cello with piano. She tucked herself behind him in line again, unable to squelch a smile. She wanted to ask his opinion. Did he like the melodies she’d invented? Which instrument did he favor? Her ensemble included a guitarist, pianist, and a vocalist who rarely sang words. And of course her cello, the lead instrument on several tracks of their latest record.

Lumberjack Guy hummed a familiar refrain, and she caught her breath. Plenty of background noise droned on the boat. But this guy’s baritone voice carried easily. Clear and smooth. She could listen to him all evening. Was he a musician as well?

~*~  ~*~ ~*~

Perfect. Now tell us about yourself and where we can find you and this lovely collection.

Of course. Here is my "official" bio... 

Award-winning author Annette M. Irby has enjoyed writing stories since her teen years. If she’s not writing, she’s reading for review, or editing. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and has worked as a freelance editor nearly twenty years. Her book, Finding Love on Bainbridge Island, Washington, won a Selah Award in the contemporary romance category. More recently, her book Finding Love on Whidbey Island, Washington, finaled in the Cascade Award Contest. Married over thirty years, she makes her home with her family in the Northwest.

You can connect with me and sign up to receive my Newsletter via my Website. Find and follow me on Facebook, Amazon, BookBub and X: @AnnetteMIrby

Christmas on the Islands can be found at Amazon for only $3.99 or FREE in KU!

THANKS again, Annette for visiting with us and sharing your lovely Christmas collection. We wish you the Best of luck and God's Blessings on these and all of your books!

Well Friends, only one more Christmas book to share with you after today and it's all over until next year. 

Until next time, I pray your New Year celebration is blessed, happy and safe!

PamT

Merry Christmas!

The Gift

© 2006

No gift ever given, great or small

can compare to greatest Treasure of all.

Born in a manger in the town of Bethlehem

Christ the Lord, who died for all men.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of Great Price’

God so loved the world that He sent His Son to die

- the perfect sacrifice.

So please remember in this season of cheer

God is to be honored and praised

each day of the year.

This simple poem is my humble gift

to wish you Merry Christmas!

 

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Winona Bennett Cross & Winter at Journey's End!

Good Morning and Welcome to another edition of All Christmas thru Christmas on Saturday Spotlight. The last time Winona was here, she shared with us her Oregon Trail novel, Rebecca's Journey. Today, she's going to give us the scoop on Winter at Journey's End, a companion novella to Rebecca's Journey.

Welcome back Nona! Tell us why you wrote Winter at Journey's End and share your blurb and an excerpt...

Thanks for having me in the spotlight again, Pam. Winter at Journey’s End is an 82-page novelette and is about the first winter the characters from Rebecca’s Journey spend in the new community. I wrote it because I wanted the characters and readers to get a glimpse of life for emigrants who traveled the Oregon Trail in a wagon train for six months.

This book was as important to me as Rebecca’s Journey. Historically, the Westward Expansion and Oregon Trail is one of my favorite periods of American History. 

Blurb: Will Rebecca and Zachary’s dreams and plans come to fruition despite the struggles they face in a new land?

Rebecca Pierce and Zachary Miller began the arduous journey on the Oregon Trail from Independence, Missouri as strangers but wound up in Journey’s End, Oregon Territory betrothed. Snow and ice, rumors of a threat from their past, and miscommunication separate the couple, nearly ending their relationship and Rebecca’s life. Plans for Christmas festivities and their wedding celebration are jeopardized by what could be an immovable wedge.

Will Rebecca and Zachary overcome the obstacles, move forward with their marriage and settle in the cabin they built overlooking a flowing stream and pine forest?

If you love Historical romance stories filled with trials, tribulations and triumph, get Winter at Journey’s End, a companion novella in Winona Bennett Cross’s The Journey Series, and celebrate life with these characters all over again!

Excerpt: Zachary and Rebecca stood near a small patch of land near the stream on the south side of their property.

“This would be the perfect place for us to have a garden. The soil seems fertile, it gets good sunlight, and it would be easy to divert water from the stream to keep it watered.” Zachary walked the plot from side to side measuring it. “We can plant tomatoes, potatoes, squash, onions, and pole beans on the south side. Maybe a fruit tree ot two would do well on the west side. What do you think?”

Rebecca hugged him from the side. “I think you’re right. But I want flowers. Maybe climbing roses near the cabin, honeysuckle by Aaron’s hut, and sunflowers like we found on the trail along the west.”

Zachary laughed and bowed. “As you wish, my love.”

Rebecca giggled, squatted down, and hugged her lifelong companion. “Get down, dog. I’m happy to see you but where is Aaron?”

Patriot, Glory, and Misty whinnied. Rebecca and Zachary turned as Aaron urged Misty into a trot. He stopped next to them.

“Morning. It’s good to be home. Even better to know my little house will be warm. The bigger fence will be appreciated by the horses and the cow. How are you? Everyone in town sends their love. Of courses, Emma and Sarah sent food.”

We’re fine. Perfect. We were just planning a spring garden over by the stream. We’ll have food and flowers. Let’s get the animals settled and get you inside where it’s warm.” Zachary looked over his shoulder and winked at Rebecca.

“Remember those climbing bears I made? Some of the town folks asked me to make some for their children. They’ll pay five cents each. I’ll make some of my own money to help around here. Geroge said he would stock the whittled animals in the the store for me. Isn’t that something?” Aaron opened the door to his home, stopped at the threshold, and gasped.

“What’s got your attention?” Zachary asked.

“A bed. I have a bed! And a rocking chair. Where did it come from? I’ve never had a real be before. Just pallets on the floor.”

“Go on in. George built the bed and chair for you. The ladies made the bedding. Sarah got the cookware and a few dishes for your home.”

Zachary looked at Rebecca. Tears streamed down her face. “You deserve every gift. You are our brother in every way.”

Aaron sat in the rocking chair and rocked for a moment then lay on the bed. “Nice. This is nice.”

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

What a sweet scene! Most of us can't imagine not having a "real" bed to sleep in! How about giving us your bio and how we can connect with you and where to find Winter at Journey's End...

Winona Bennett Cross (Nona) lives in Wichita Falls, Texas. She recently moved from Durant, Oklahoma. She has two sons and two granddaughters. Angus, a finicky and nosy gray tabby cat, shares her home.

Nona's heart lies in the desert and oilfields of west Texas and New Mexico where she was raised. In 1969 she graduated from Lovington High School, New Mexico.

Nursing was the lifelong dream Nona achieved in 1985 from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. A fall in the hospital ended her career. She specialized in Labor and Delivery, Women' Health, Community Education, Perinatal Bereavement, and Nursing Education at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Nona is a member of the Central Region Oklahoma Writers (CROW), the Oklahoma Romance Writer's Guild (OKRWG), the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. (OWFI) and Women Writing the West (WWW). Find and connect with her on her Website, Facebook, FB Author Page, X, and Instagram.

Winter at Journey's End can be found at Amazon for Kindle and in Paperback and other online retailers HERE.

Thank You SO Much, Nona!

That's it for this week friends, Until next week, I'm Wishing You and Yours a Merry Christmas & Blessed & Prosperous New Year.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Hilltop Reunion by Kathleen D. Bailey

Good Mornig,

Before I get into today's spotlight I have GOT to brag on my Alma Mater... The Iowa (Louisiana) YellowJackets made school history yesterday when they brought home the LHSAA State Championship title in a 50-43 win against the N. Desoto Griffins. I am SO proud and excited and happy for our little hometown I can hardly stand it LOL!

GEAUX Jackets 💜💛💜💛💜💛 

Now, on to our regularly scheduled post...

Welcome to another installment in our All Christmas thru Christmas Saturday Spotlight feature! Today's guest is not new to our blog but her novel, Hilltop Reunion is a 2025 release from Elk Lake Publishing.

Thanks for joining us, Kathleen. Please share your book with us...

“Hilltop Reunion” is the sequel to “Hilltop Christmas,” published in 2023. The books take place in tiny Hilltop, New Hampshire, around a three-day Christmas festival meant to emphasize the birth of Christ. Miracles happen at “Festival” – marriages healed, estranged families reunited, faith born or strengthened. Welcome to Hilltop, the Town That Heals. 

Jillian Despres left Hilltop, and Paul McKee’s love, to follow a dream that had no foundation. Can an old love become new again, and can it happen in time for Christmas?

Jillian Despres never wanted to come back to Hilltop, New Hampshire, at the best of times. She’s put every mile she can between the ragged girl receiving the town’s charity and the polished Boston television anchor she’s become. But when the town authorities call her grandfather on his hoarding, Jill has no choice. She lands in Hilltop in time for the renowned Hilltop Christmas Festival, and in the arms of a man she knew was too good for her.

Police Chief Paul McKee has more reason than most to distrust Jillian, and to wish she’d stayed in Boston. But his vow to preserve and protect his community gives him no wiggle room. Whatever his personal feelings, he must champion the woman’s return to Hilltop, at least until she has her grandfather settled and his house put to rights.

When the ugly past threatens to invade this year’s festival, can Paul and Jill depend on the risen Lord to make things right?

Excerpt: Police Chief Paul McKee didn’t deal in “what ifs.” The nature of his job, even in tiny Hilltop, New Hampshire, demanded a certain amount of black-and-white. But at the end of that November day, he couldn’t help wondering. What if Officer Jimmy McGuire hadn’t had the flu and Paul hadn’t taken his shift? What if Paul had raided the overtime budget instead and called in an off-duty officer? What if he’d gotten to that parking space a half hour earlier or a half hour later?

At the end of the day, it might have been better for everyone. But that’s not what happened.

Chapter One

Paul’s long legs moved over the snowy sidewalk as he headed toward the cherry-red Mercedes coupe. He had his citation pad out, his pen poised for the chore he’d done hundreds of times, when he heard light footsteps moving over the packed snow.

A woman stopped beside him, and he caught a peripheral glimpse of a green coat, tall leather boots and a flash of auburn hair. A tourist? It wasn’t really the season.

“Since when does Hilltop have parking fines?”

He was bent over, scribbling the ticket, but he stilled. He knew that voice—sweet but husky, older now, exasperated. No way. Never mind Jimmy, he should have called in sick himself. But Paul McKee didn’t call in sick.

He straightened and looked down into a heart-shaped face and blue eyes framed by long lashes. Great. Just great. “We started giving fines when out-of-towners started thinking they could ignore the handicapped signs.”

“What sign?” Hands on her hips, Jillian Despres dug in for an argument.

“You’re parked on top—”

“If there’s a sign there, it’s covered with ice.”

“The markings on the pavement, fine.” Eyebrows raised, Paul gestured to the small freestanding sign on the sidewalk, its white wheelchair clear against the blue background. “But anyone could have seen that one.”

She flinched, and he saw her begin to shut down, just as she’d done when they were kids.

He willed the compassion away. Jillian wouldn’t know what to do with it anyway. And this wasn’t personal. Was it? It wasn’t, but then she hadn’t made any attempt to smooth things over after she’d publicly thrown the town matriarch under the proverbial bus two years ago.

Paul pretended to concentrate on the ticket he was writing, but failed. “So what brings you back to Hilltop?”

Jillian met his gaze head-on. “You know what.”

He did. But he had to wonder if there was more to her return than the pressing need at her grandfather’s homestead. Half the town watched the Boston wake-up television show she’d anchored, and when she’d suddenly disappeared from it a few months ago, she’d become a topic of speculation again.

Sure, Hilltop stood by its own and took back its fallen, but there had to be better places for Jillian Depres to lick her wounds. Anywhere but here.

He looked down into her exquisite face and told himself he felt nothing. Then he pulled the ticket from his book and handed it to her. “You’ve got thirty days, but I’d get on it sooner. District Court gets real busy around the holidays, and Marcia doesn’t cut any more slack than she ever did.”

~*~ Wonderful! Now give us some information on you and where we can find you and Hilltop Reunion...

Kathleen Bailey is a journalist and novelist with 40 years’ experience in the nonfiction, newspaper and inspirational fields. Born in 1951, she was a child in the 50s, a teen in the 60s, a young adult in the 70s and a young mom in the 80s. It’s been a turbulent, colorful time to grow up, and she’s enjoyed every minute of it and written about most of it. She publishes historical Western fiction with Pelican/White Rose Publishing and contemporary Christmas stories with Elk Lake Publishing. She’s also the co-author of four nonfiction local history books with Arcadia Publishing.

Connect with Kathleen through her Website, on FaceBook, LinkedIn, GoodReads or Amazon. 

Find Hilltop Reunion at Amazon in KU or Paperback

Oh and find my previous visits on this blog Here, Here, Here and Here!

Thank You, Kathleen!

I hope you enjoyed today's spotlight friends and that you'll check back weekly for more great authors and their books.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Judythe Morgan & Christmas Prom Rerun!

Good Morning and Welcome to another edition of our All Christmas thru Christmas Saturday spotlight feature. Our guest today is brand new to our blog so let's roll out the carpet for... Judythe Morgan and her book, Christmas Prom Rerun.

SO happy you could join us, Judythe! Please tell us about yourself and why you wrote, Christmas Prom Rerun...

Thanks for having me, Pam. Proms were always the highlight of my high school years. I loved everything about them—the weeks of planning with the decorating committees, the thrill of transforming a gym into something magical, and the pure excitement of dancing the night away to DJs and live bands. Those nights were night filled with promise and possibility.

Christmas has always been my favorite season, too. The lights, the music, the sense of nostalgia and hope—it all inspires me. So, when I started thinking about a new holiday story, I blended those two joyful worlds together in Christmas Prom Rerun. 

A prom wrapped in holiday sparkle gave me the perfect backdrop for a second-chance romance filled with warmth, memories, and just a little bit of small-town magic.

OH, I hear you! I LOVE the magic of the holiday season! Please share your blurb and excerpt and where we can find Christmas Prom Rerun...

Sure! Here you go...

Blurb: 

Her dreams pulled her to the big city.

His dreams kept him in their small town.

They walked away years ago…

But did their story ever truly end?

Broke, divorced, and back where she started, Shannon O’Leary is quietly rebuilding her life. But her high-school sweetheart, now famous artist Tyler Evans, never left their hometown. Coordinating the Christmas Prom decorations together forces a challenging walk down Memory Lane. As they untangle old lights and tinsel, old feelings sparkle. Will Shannon risk her fragile heart on a second chance with the man she once walked away from?

Excerpt: The next song ended with Holly and Brock standing in front of their table. “I bet Mr. Evans would dance if you asked him, Ms. O’Leary.” Holly gave an exaggerated wink. 

“Or you could dance with me.” Brock held out his hand.

“I’d love to, Brock. Thanks for asking.” Anything to get away from Tyler and the memories. 

“This is an oldie special for all you alumni here tonight. Debbie Gibson’s “Lost in Your Eyes,” the DJ announced. 

The first couple of notes sent a chill down Shannon’s spine. Of all the songs. 

Before she and Brock took a step, Tyler tapped on Brock’s shoulder. “Mind if I cut in? This song’s an old favorite of ours.” 

“No, sir, not at all. I’d hate to waste a slow one on a teacher.” Brock answered.

Tyler tugged Shannon into his embrace. “I’m glad they’ve patched up their differences.” 

His hand tightened around her waist. How could he make small talk while her world just shifted on its axis? 

She had to get a grip on her emotions. 

“They do make a handsome couple, but does anyone truly know what they want at seventeen or eighteen?”

“I did,” he whispered and executed a perfect dip then pulled her even closer.

Her cheeks flamed. She couldn’t see them, but her face sure burned with fire. Without thinking, she burrowed her nose into his chest so no one could see. 

Tyler slid his hand to the middle of her back, squeezing her even tighter. That sent another rush of unwelcome heat. 

What was he doing? No way could he still have feelings for her after all that she’d put him through. Not wanting to make a scene, she pushed away slowly, gently. “I don’t think this sets a very good example,” she said in her best teacher’s voice.

“I’m not doing anything that half the guys on the floor aren’t doing.” He flashed a lethal smile that made her nearly swallow her tongue. 

Shannon looked around. He was right. “Well, we all need a cool down.” She straightened her shoulders and arched to face him. “Isn’t it time to announce the Winter King and Queen? You ready to MC?” 

Anything so he wasn’t touching her.

“Ready.” His cheeks rose in the proverbial cat swallowed the canary grin. She could almost see the yellow feather between his lips. 

What was he up to? 

Christmas Prom Rerun is available at AmazonUS for Kindle (also in KU!) and in Paperback, AmazonUK, AmazonCA, AmazonAU, GoodReads and BookBub

BEAUTIFUL! Now please give us the 'low down' on you 😊

Of course, LOL! Here you go again...

Judythe Morgan is an award-winning, multi-published author who believes stories should offer escape from real life, with strong characters and engaging plots, and satisfying endings, without explicit content.

A lifelong wanderer as an Air Force daughter then an Army wife, Judythe now lives in a small Texas town north of Houston with her husband and their Old English Sheepdog, Finnegan MacCool. They enjoy a busy life with three grown children, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and nine granddogs who keep their lives filled with fun and laughter. 

When she isn’t writing, you’ll likely find her on the porch swing with a glass of sweet tea, reading a book.

Stay connected by subscribing to her free newsletter with subscriber-only sneak peeks at https://judythemorgan.com/contact/ or her blog at https://judythewriter.com 

Follow Judythe at: Amazon, Facebook, BookBub and GoodReads.

Wonderful! Thanks again, Judythe for visiting us and sharing your book in our All Christmas thru Christmas feature here on Saturday Spotlight. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on ALL of your work!

Hope you enjoyed Judythe's visit as much as I did, friends and that you'll check back every week for another episode of Satuday Spotlight.

Until then, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on M.E. Bakos & The Perfect Match!

Good Morning and welcome to the last Saturday Spotlight in November but the first of our "All Christmas thru Christmas" featured books.

I hope your Thanksgiving was Blessed and Happy.

Today's guest, M.E. Bakos hasn't visited in a while. She shared Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight with us back in 2019 so it is my pleasure to bring her back today with her debut romance book, The Perfect Match!

So happy you could join us today, M.E. please tell us why you wrote, The Perfect Match and share your blurb and an excerpt with us...

Thanks, Pam. It's great to be back on your blog. I wrote The Perfect Match after a cousin suggested I write a romance. Why not? I asked myself. I had written and published several short romances for the Trues magazines back in the day, but had found cozy mystery novels to be my niche. My bucket list had always included writing a romance and now seemed to be the right time after publishing my last mystery. 

With the encouragement of my BFF and many beta readers, The Perfect Match is the result. There is mystery and angst and a Hallmark happily-ever-after for everyone. I believe holiday romance readers will agree.

Here's the Blurb: Love, Pickleball, and a Dog Despiser

When Merry returns to her quaint hometown of Reindeer Falls, Minnesota, with a broken heart and adopts a fiercely loyal dog, she never expected her Aunt Liz to play matchmaker. But with a promise to her late mother to see Merry happily married by 30, Aunt Liz is determined to find her a perfect mate through her Nifty Knitters club, yoga class, and pickleball players. As Merry reluctantly goes on a series of disastrous blind dates, she finds herself drawn to her grumpy building super, Joel Connor, and his feline companion, Tom Kat. But with Joel's strict no-dog policy and the threat of eviction looming, Merry's chances at finding love seem slim. Will she be able to overcome the obstacles and find her happily ever after, or will she be left alone and homeless?

For fans of heartwarming small-town romances, “The Perfect Match” is a must-read. Buy now for a feel-good romance this holiday season!

And an Excerpt: Chapter 1

Merry 

“It’s time for you to get out there and find a real Mr. Right,” Aunt Liz announced. “I promised your mother I would look out for you after she died. I vowed you would be married to a good man by the time you turned thirty. Time’s a-wasting.”

We were sitting on her deck and watching the ripples on Reindeer River as we talked. Two months earlier, I had settled into the pet-friendly apartment that she had found which was about six blocks from her house. I visited often with Fido; a small terrier rescue I had adopted. In my mind, his name was short for Fidelity. I wanted a male that would be faithful and loyal. Fido was true to his name by lunging at people or larger dogs who dared come near while we strolled the river walk. I loved it.

“Aunt Liz, that is old-fashioned. Women have more freedom now; they don’t have to be married.”

“Do you want a family?” She crossed her arms and fixed her gaze on me.

“A child would be nice.” I smiled.

“Do you want to raise a child on your own?”

“Well, no. I would want a male role model.”

“Then you want a husband.”

“The last one didn’t work out so well,” I grumbled. I was leery of getting married again. When I came by to leave my set of keys the day after moving out of the apartment Derrick and I shared, Sarah, my replacement, had answered the door. With Derrick watching in the background, I let loose a string of vile words, threw the keys over her shoulder at him, and followed with my wedding ring. It wasn’t my most mature moment. But it felt good.

“He was an ass,” she said.

“Yes. He was,” I admitted. 

“It’s time you got out,” she stated. “Did the work, found a mate. You’re twenty-six, fast approaching thirty. After thirty-five, you’re a geriatric mother in the medical field.”

“That sounds dismal.” I frowned.

“It is. Let’s get started. I promised your mother.” She was firm and jutted her chin for emphasis. “Even if we weren’t close. Family takes care of family.”

“How?” I hadn’t dated for five years. On a lark, my college best friend and I had set up online profiles. We were far from our small-town high schools. That was where I met Derrick. We married, and I dropped out of full-time school while he finished his degree. I supported us and planned to go back to school, after he got a good job. Then he’d taken up with the hussy, as I now called her. That was probably unfair. It takes two. He was more to blame than she was. He had made the commitment.

“I don’t get it. People who go online,” Aunt Liz said. “Dating sites.” She sniffed. “That’s how you met that last clunker,” as she referred to my ex. “You could join a group.”

“I hate groups. I’m an introvert.”

“Yes, you are. We’ll work on it.” She arched one eyebrow and pursed her lips. “I’ll ask my knitting club. One of my friends should have an eligible candidate.”

I left her preoccupied with her mission to find me a husband and drove home with Fido. Upstairs, in my second-floor apartment in a funky 1920’s brownstone, I unpacked her care package and stowed the food, then took Fido out for a stroll. The weather was turning towards a long, glorious fall, with deep red oak and yellow maple leaves. The air was crisp, and I inhaled, and admired the bounty of colors. Gazing at the scenery, we strolled back. Fido strained at his leash on the sidewalk below the steps to the building and barked furiously at a man in the glassed entry wearing a brown jacket, and a baseball cap pulled low over his forehead. 

It was Joel Connor, the maintenance man. The day I moved in, he had stuck out his hand and introduced himself, his deep dimples and kind blue eyes impressive. Charmed, I smiled at him. Since then, we had exchanged a nod and a hello as we passed each other while he worked. This day, a sleek black cat perched on his right shoulder and rode nonchalantly. The cat stiffened, and glared at Fido with luminous green eyes. 

I hoisted Fido, who continued his frenzied barking and tucked him under my arm. He was portable, not quite a pocket pooch, but not too much bigger than the cat staring us down. 

“Fido! Hush!” I kept my grip on him and stepped around Joel, who had opened the door for us.

“Your dog’s name is Fido? Not very imaginative for a dog.” Joel laughed.

“It’s a nickname.” I was defensive.

“This is Tom Kat,” he said, nodding towards the cat. “Kat with a K; that is as far as I got with a name. He was a stray, but friendly, and adopted me.” He chuckled. “I couldn’t find an owner, so I made Tom Kat the next in charge of the building.”

“Tom Kat,” I repeated. My brows rose, and Joel’s mouth stretched into a broad smile that crinkled from the corner of his twinkling eyes.

“That’s it.” He grinned as he held the cat while the animal burrowed into his neck. “He showed up one night. I fed him. He gulped the chow and took off. But then he knew he could get a free meal, and now he comes by every night. He sits on the fire escape outside my kitchen window and waits for his handout.” 

Fido had quieted and stared at the cat. Tom Kat twisted and met his gaze, unblinking, ready to do battle. My grip tight, I shifted, and said, “I was happy to find a pet-friendly building in town.” The place was ideal, with its proximity to a walking path close to the riverfront and shopping a few blocks away. I could walk to my office. Fido had adapted to his new surroundings, and after eating and a stroll outside, slept on the sofa with the television tuned to cartoons. I was sure he was human, with four paws and a fur coat. 

“A building that takes cats and dogs is rare.” He shrugged, placing a hand on the cat.

“Yes, I suppose it is.” I studied his expression and tilted my head. His tone had set off an alarm bell in my mind. 

“Dogs are more vocal and need to be taken out. Sometimes they bark when they get lonely,” he remarked, stroking the cat. He sniffed, and his eyes became hooded as he surveyed the dog.

“If Fido barks a lot when I’m gone, call or text me. I can usually slip out. I work about five minutes away, at the real estate management company on Main Street.”

“Sure. The office has your number.” He shot me a brief smile. “I have to get back to work. There’s a plugged pipe in Apartment 105.”

“Of course. Is that fur on your jacket?” 

“Yes.” He brushed the front of his coat and shrugged. 

“My dog comes from a non-shedding breed of dogs.” I smiled and raised my brows. “No fur left on clothes or anywhere in the apartment.”

“Uh, huh. I have a pipe to fix,” he said, and turned toward the problem unit. Tom Kat still rode his shoulder, which I noticed was nicely squared. 

My apartment was wedged in the corner of the second floor of the three-story building. Built before central air conditioning, the windows were long and narrow, with radiators that hissed and gurgled with hot water that spewed heat. He often toted a toolbox for repairs in the aging building. 

“Sure.” I nodded and trekked the worn carpeted stairs to my place, and went inside, mulling over Joel’s odd tone when he said dogs were more trouble than cats. I gave Fido a treat and said, “Please don’t bark while I’m away. Joel doesn’t like dogs, and we both know that black cat isn’t a fan.” 

At least, I had gotten in a dig about cat fur. Any pet could have problems. The little dog raced away with the treat, ate it happily, then jumped on the couch and burrowed into the throw for a nap. 

How sweet! Thanks for sharing. Now tell us more about yourself and where we can find, The Perfect Match.

Sure! Here you go...

The Perfect Match is the first romance novel penned by M. E. Bakos. She hopes you will enjoy celebrating the holiday season with Joel, Merry, Tom Kat, and Fido in quaint Reindeer Falls. 

Her cozy mystery series: Fatal, Deadly, Lethal, Killer, and Mortal Flip feature a house flipper turned sleuth in fictional Crocus Heights, Minnesota. The series has light romantic entanglement in every book. Mary lives in Minnesota with her husband, Joe, and a spoiled pooch named Chipper.  

You can reach her at mebakos@yahoo.com

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mebakos/ AND https://www.facebook.com/mary.sebesta.90/ 

Website: https://mebakos.wixsite.com/author

She loves hearing from readers!

The Perfect Match can be found at Amazon, B&N and Other Online Retailers HERE.

Perfect (no pun intended LOL!) Thank you, again for sharing your book in our All Christmas thru Christmas feature here on Saturday Spotlight. We wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and good luck, God's blessings and lot's of book sales!

Thank you for this opportunity, Pam! Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays as well.

That wraps it up for today, Friends. 

Until next week, take care, God Bless and remember to keep the holidays, holy days.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Hywela Lyn & The Matchmakers Mare!

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! I absolutely LOVE books about horses and today's guest has a doozy for us!

Good Morning, Friends and welcome to the last edition of Saturday Spotlight before we get into our "All Christmas thru Christmas" Feature beginning next weekend. 

Hwyela Lyn is brand new to our blog (don't know how that happened as I've known her for years!) with her book, The Matchmaker's Mare, so tighten your cinch and let's get a peek into this novel.

Thanks for joining us Hywela, tell us why you wrote The Matchmaker's Mare and what makes it special...

My previous books for the Wild Rose Press, who have published all my books to date, are fantasy and futuristic romances, so this story, set in my native Wales, mainly in the present time, is a little different. As a Christian, I try to incorporate Christian values into my stories, hopefully without being ‘preachy’, but I do think love and marriage, honesty and fidelity are qualities to be valued in an ever-changing world, and I’ve tried to incorporate all these in this little tale of friendship, love and second chances. 

I’ve had a passion for horses for as long as I can remember. The Matchmaker’s Mare evolved from a short story I wrote years ago, although it has changed considerably from the original. I usually manage to sneak a horse or pony into all my stories somewhere, and this one allowed me to indulge my love of horses more fully.

When I left school, I saved up for five years to purchase Flicka, my first horse, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge several years ago and is also featured in The Matchmaker’s Mare, along with Flying T’pau (aka TipTop) although the actual ‘Star’ (Seren) was a gentle 15.2 hands high bay mare I bred myself from Flicka, rather than a feisty little chestnut pony, but she did have a perfect star in the middle of her face! Although horses are important in this story, I hope it will appeal not only to horse lovers, but to anyone who enjoys a gentle, uplifting  romance with a touch of mystery – not to mention a couple of friendly ‘otherworldly’ spirits.

Oh wow, what a beautiful reason to write this one, Hywela. Give us more please...

Here you go...

Blurb: When Megan Johnson inherits an old cottage in the Welsh countryside, she seizes the opportunity to cut ties with her past life, after a broken romance. Her nearest neighbour, a horse trainer, is also something of an enigma. Single dad Glyn Phillips does his best to balance his love of horses and hard work, with his devotion to his son. When he meets his new neighbour, he knows he should resist any attraction. A feisty pony mare which mysteriously appears on his land adds to his problems, but another, larger problem lies ahead. Two matchmaking spirits find their carefully laid plans may not go as smoothly as they hope.

Excerpt: The memory of Glyn Phillips’ smile stayed with Megan all the way home. The handsome, quietly spoken horse trainer she’d just met was so charismatic. He obviously doted on his son, and she could understand him being worried about him handling the wild little mare, even though she’d seemed to calm down for the boy. 

She could not help wondering about the boy’s mother. The village shopkeeper had informed her Glyn Phillips and his son moved into the farm about three years ago, but made no mention of anyone else. Well, it wasn’t really any of her business. She would hate to be thought of as a typical ‘nosy neighbour.’ Still, it was difficult not to feel a bit curious. 

By the time she drew up outside Ty Gwyn, the daylight had faded, and a young moon filtered through the grove of trees next to the cottage. The newly whitewashed walls which gave the cottage its name, reflected back the gentle moonlight. She couldn’t help a little rush of pride. All the time and effort she’d spent on the cottage over the last weeks had been worth it! 

She gave a sudden start. Was that a shadow moving in the darkened window of the kitchen? She left the car and fumbled in her bag for her keys, her hands shaking a little.  She needed to invest in a sensor light. Apart from the practicality of having such a light, she always felt a little nervous in the dark. Of course the moonlight played funny tricks sometimes, but she couldn’t shake off the feeling of someone watching her.

THANK YOU! Now tell us more about yourself and where we can find you AND get a copy of The Matchmaker's Mare...

Sure, Pam, below are my official bio and social media links...

Award-winning U.K. author, Hywela Lyn spent most of her life in Wales, whose beautiful landscapes and wealth of myths and legends inspired her to write. A horse and dog lover, she weaves fantasy romances set in her native Wales, and romantic Science Fiction adventures set in the future. She loves dreaming up characters who overcome the odds, and go on to find deep and enduring love. However difficult the journey, in the end love will always win. She hopes her stories will truly take you 'out of this world' and beyond. 

She is a member of The Romantic Novelists' Association and her local writing group, Chiltern Writers. Beloved Enemy, the third book in the Destiny Trilogy, was shortlisted in the Paranormal category of the prestigious Romantic Novelists Association RoNA awards and was a Runner up in the U.S. RONE Awards in 2017. Circumstances prevented her writing since the Release of Beloved Enemy and she is excited to now be able to announce the release of her new novel The Matchmaker’s Mare, featuring her other great love, horses, and the area in Wales where she grew up.

When she is not writing or reading, she can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with her rescue dog Choccy, who rules the house and keeps her sane (nearly) anything involving horses or dogs, or just eating chocolate!

Website:   https://Hywelalyn.co.uk

Blog:         https://Hywelalyn.blogspot.com

Blue Sky:  https://bsky.app/profile/hywela-lyn.bsky.social

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HywelaLynAuthor/

‘X’:            https://x.com/Hywela_Lyn

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1422651.Hywela_Lyn

You can get The Matchmaker's Mare at Amazon UK and US and through other online retailers HERE.

Hope you enjoyed today's spotlight as much as I do, Friends! This book is definitely on my wish list! 

Until next week, take care, God Bless and...

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Kris Spisak and her Baba Yaga books!

Good Morning and Welcome, 

Today's guest is brand new to our blog so please give Kris Spisak a huge SW Louisiana... 

... W-E-L-C-O-M-E!

Hey there, Kris, please give us a little background on why you write and then tell us about your books.

Thanks, Pam.

The words we use and the words we digest have a profound impact. Ergo, I've made it my mission to empower voices and perspectives, writing books both to sharpen storytelling and communication skills and to introduce lesser-known histories and perspectives that have something to say about the moment we live in today. Emboldening others, as writers or as thoughtful readers, is my favorite part of what I do.

In my debut novel — dual timeline, multigenerational fiction, The Baba Yaga Mask (Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, 2022; Tantor Audio, 2023) — I had the opportunity to tell the story of my Ukrainian roots, a country's fight for independence, and a World War II perspective I had always sought but never found in fiction prior. When I signed my publishing deal in 2021, I had no idea how timely this book would be upon its launch only weeks after Russia's invasion in 2022. Now, more than ever, its backdrop focused upon the many ways women can be strong, amid war and amid motherhood, is one I'm proud to share.

When their grandmother is lost after a trans-Atlantic flight, two Ukrainian-American sisters are swept into a quest across Eastern Europe to find the woman who always told more tales than truths. From Poland to Slovakia to Hungary and beyond, Larissa and Ira navigate the steps of Ukrainian folk dance, the cliff-side paths of Slovak Paradise National Park, and the stark realities of love and war. Larissa and Ira’s journey is cross-stitched with their grandmother’s narrative of survival within the epic panorama of World War II in Western Ukraine, where her coming of age echoes a country’s fight for identity and independence. For teenage Vira in 1941 and her modern-day granddaughters, understanding their family’s roots means everything. Their grandmother’s obsession with the wisdom and ferocity of Baba Yaga folktales is only the beginning of what they uncover. 

As I spoke with (and continue to speak with) book clubs, at libraries, and other events around this novel, I've been honored to shape humanitarian aid donation drives around these book talks, speaking not only about Ukrainian art, culture, folklore, and history, but helping collect winter socks, diapers, and more for people in need today. Please connect with me if you'd like to be a part of this effort: https://kris-spisak.com/humanitarian-aid-ukraine/

Following The Baba Yaga Mask's publication, I realized that more needed to be said about the Slavic folklore "witch" at the core of my novel. I was overjoyed to return to nonfiction with Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods (Red Wheel / Weiser, 2024; Tantor Audio, 2024), which has been described as Yuval Noah Harari meets Brené Brown, with a touch of the macabre. 

Book Summary: 

Darkness, fear, and instability sometimes inundate our daily lives, but folktale figures like Baba Yaga speak to the dichotomy of our existence—the hope and the horror, the magic and the mundane. Stories that linger have something to teach us, and Baba Yaga’s tales don’t disappoint. Understanding ourselves, our complex world, and our place within history are only a matter of turning to a boney-legged old woman who lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs deep in the Eastern European woods.

My publications are varied but always return to the simple idea that well-written words and well-told stories have the ability to change the world. 

How wonderful, Kris! Thanks for sharing. You have a few more books don't you?

Yes, I do! 

The Novel Editing Workbook is designed for new and established writers alike. This step-by-step guide to self-editing will help you transform your story into the book you want it to be.

Written for those who hate grammar, Get a Grip on Your Grammar is a writing resource filled with quick answers and a playful style—not endless, indecipherable grammar jargon. 

And, The Family Story Workbook contains 105 prompts and pointers for writing your family history that is sure to bring pleasure for those who read it!

NICE, Kris! Now please give us the lowdown on you and tell us where your books can be found...

LOL! Pam, here is my bio and links...

Author Kris Spisak, a graduate of the College of William and Mary (B.A.) and the University of Richmond (M.L.A.), wrote her first three books—Get a Grip on Your Grammar, The Novel Editing Workbook, and The Family Story Workbook—to help writers of all kinds sharpen their storytelling and empower their communications. Her award-winning debut novel, The Baba Yaga Mask, was inspired by her family’s experience in the post-WWII Ukrainian diaspora and has been called “A complex, poetic tale” by Kirkus Reviews and “edu-tainment at its best” by the Historical Novel Society. Her fifth book, Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods, described as “A delicious read” by Atlas Obscura, is a nonfiction exploration of the complex origins of this Slavic folktale character and her lingering lessons for empowering us all. Kris is an active speaker, workshop leader, and literary historian.

All of the books can be found at Amazon and other online retailers listed on my Website (linked in bio).

Thank You, So Much, Kris for sharing with us today! We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on all of your work.

Hope you enjoyed Kris's visit as much as I did friends, and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Saturday Spotlight where I bring you great authors and their books.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Winona Bennett Cross & Rebecca's Journey

Good Morning and Welcome back to another edition of Saturday Spotlight!

It is my pleasure to have Winona Bennett Cross return with her Oregon Trail Historical Romance, Rebecca's Journey.

Tell us, Nona, why you wrote this book and what makes it special to you...

Thanks for having me back in the spotlight, Pam. As with Dianne's Destiny, the reason behind Rebecca's Journey is very personal. You see, I never thought about writing until I became disabled from a fall. When the fog of not being able to work as a nurse again lifted, I found myself thinking about writing. I always enjoyed writing assignments in school and college. One morning I was "surfing" and came across a free writing course. I registered. I wrote some really bad stuff. But I learned bit by bit.

The idea for an Oregon Trail came into my head. Why? Because in 1968 during American History class my teacher, Mr. Haynes, taught about the Oregon Trail and Westward Expansion in such a way that I loved it. I didn't know that interest in, and love of, the Oregon Trail had settled in my heart until I needed it.

So, I started scribbling notes, doing research, and prepared to write. After many years, stops, and starts Rebecca's Journey finally came to fruition. I wrote about her, the emigrants, the hardships, and the perseverance it took to walk for six months among danger, changing landscape, hunger, fatigue, illness, and unseen challenges to reach an unknown land. The dream was there for the emigrants. 

Rebecca Pierce is an 18-year-old girl traveling with her mother. She's stubborn, knows what she wants, becomes a leader, and falls in love despite vowing never to do so. She's set in her ways, independent, and confident. Almost a girl out of time in 1845. 

By the way, I posthumously dedicated Rebecca's Journey to Coach Jerald Haynes. 

Oh how wonderful! Give us more please...

Sure!

Here's the Blurb: Determined to keep a vow made to her dying father, independent eighteen-year-old Rebecca Pierce sets out on a wagon train on the Oregon Trail in 1845 with her mother. Rebecca is strong and takes on a leadership role.

Zachary Miller is traveling alone with nothing more than what he can carry and his horse. He is assigned to help Rebecca and her mother from the first day on the trail. Zachary falls fast for Rebecca but she is conflicted about her growing feelings.

When Rebecca is kidnapped by an obsessive man, she is left injured, in pain, depressed, and losing the belief she had in herself.

Zachary is angry and wants revenge. He feels like there is nothing he can do to help Rebecca although he tries to do all he can.

Will their newly developed relationship recover and allow them to regain their growing love?

And an Excerpt: Rebecca allowed him to pull her so close she could feel his heartbeat. She wanted to close every gap between them. 

“Have you ever been kissed, Rebecca?” 

Zachary’s fingers on her cheek tingled in a pleasant, but different, way, leaving unexpected warmth. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. Shaking her head, she confirmed that she had never been kissed. 

Zachary chuckled. “Let me fix that.” 

When Rebecca first felt the soft, tentative touch of his lips she knew kissing him was the right thing to do. He kissed her lips, her cheeks, her eyelids, and her lips again. The kiss deepened yet remained soft. She kissed him back without worry, shame, or guilt. Everything about Zachary felt comfortable. She didn’t know what to do or say when the kiss ended, so she got her shawl from the saddle and spread it on the grass.

Aww...Everyone LOVES that first kiss. How sweet! Please share your bio and links to connect with you...

Winona Bennett Cross (Nona) lives in Wichita Falls, Texas. She recently moved from Durant, Oklahoma. She has two sons and two granddaughters. Angus, a finicky and nosy gray tabby cat, shares her home.

Nona's heart lies in the desert and oilfields of west Texas and New Mexico where she was raised. In 1969 she graduated from Lovington High School, New Mexico.

Nursing was the lifelong dream Nona achieved in 1985 from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. A fall in the hospital ended her career. She specialized in Labor and Delivery, Women' Health, Community Education, Perinatal Bereavement, and Nursing Education at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Nona is a member of the Central Region Oklahoma Writers (CROW), the Oklahoma Romance Writer's Guild (OKRWG), the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. (OWFI) and Women Writing the West (WWW). Find and connect with her on her Website, Facebook, FB Author Page and Instagram.

Thank you SO much, Nona, for sharing with us today! We wish you the Best of luck and God's blessings with Rebecca's Journey and all of your work!

Hope you enjoyed Nona's visit as much as I did, Friends. Rebecca's Journey is available at Amazon for Kindle and in Paperback AND at B&N.

Check out Nona's previous visit and the story behind her book, Dianne's Destiny, HERE.

Until next time take care and God bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Me!

Good Morning Friends,

Every now and then I like to share what's going on with my books and career with you. I normally do this through my newsletter, but since my scheduled guest could not be here, I thought this would be a good time and place to catch you up with what's going on with me.

Let's start with the fact that A Hint of Romance is now available in audio and right now, you can get an Audible subscription for only $0.99 cents for the first 3 months! Offer ends Dec. 16th and you can cancel anytime.

What better way to try something new, right?

Speaking of trying new things, Kindle Unlimited has a free 30 day trial OR 2 months for only $0.99cents! Great deals for book lovers, don't'cha think? Sign up HERE.

I also have a few codes for a free audiobook in exchange for a review. Leave a comment if you want one. Be sure and give me your email address in the request!

A Hint of Holiday Romance is in production and will be available in audio early next year. 

Next up on the book front, I'm participating with NN Light's Book Heaven's Holiday Gift Guide. 

This feature runs from today through December 31st.With nearly 100 books in every genre and format, you're sure to find something for every reader on your Christmas list. Check it out HERE!

Speaking of Christmas gift lists, if you're in the mood for something handmade with love, check out The Kozy Knot!

The other news I'd like to share with you is that I've set up 2 YouTube channels.

CoachingInPJs ™ where I'll be sharing tips, tricks and hacks that, when implemented, can help you live a more fulfilled life. AND A Novel Lunch ™ where I'll be sharing everything I know and have experienced as a professional writer and published author. I also plan to interview other life coaches and authors on these channels. Please like and subscribe to both. TIA!

Next week we'll resume with our Saturday Spotlight guests and on November 29th, we'll begin our "All Christmas thru Christmas" feature.

Guess that's about all for now, Friends. Please be sure to check out our new Featured Author this month as well as the promotional opportunites here on this blog as well as those offered in my collaboration with Keuka Roots.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT

#SaturdaySpotlight is on Michele Abshire & Letters from the Heart!

Good Morning Friends and Welcome to another edtion of Saturday Spotlight. Fall has come to SW Louisiana and I'm loving it. Cool nights/mornings and warm days make my heart happy. Another thing that makes my heart happy is sharing lovely authors and their books with you and today is no exception!

I met Michele Abshire years (decades?) ago when she joined Bayou Writers Group. Since, we've become good friends so it is my pleasure to present her today with her debut creative nonfiction book, Letters from the Heart.

Welcome, Michele! Please tell us how Letters from the Heart came about...

Thank you, Pam, I am SO excited to visit your blog today and talk about my book!

I started writing short stories sometime in 2004 to encourage and bless people in my church, family and friends. The first story I ever wrote, very short and simple, was called Thorns. From there I continued to write short stories and started giving them out to more and more people.  Eventually some of the stories were even published in some local and online magazines which included writing a column, “Michele’s Musings” for The Wordsmith Journal of which YOU had a great part. Through the years I had many readers saying I should compile the writings into a book, but the concerns and business of life prevented me from doing this for a long time. The dream was finally realized in late 2024 when “the some 106” stories written were finally compiled and published into Letters from the Heart. I believe the book is special because the stories are like “Love Letters” from God to the reader. They can bless, encourage, lift-up the hurting, reminding ever reader that they are beloved of God and special beyond measure to Him. 

 

I agree, Michele! You write beautifully and I've always been uplifted when I read your work. Please give us more...

Sure, here is the Blurb: 

The letters I write were born out of a desire to encourage and bless others. Though I wrote a few articles for our church bulletin back in 1999 I didn’t really start writing until I was about 44 years old (2004). Sometime around 2003-2004 our church was hosting ladies’ meetings and at the suggestion of my Pastor’s wife, Ann Mann, the ladies attending the meetings would take turns either calling, visiting or writing little notes of encouragement to the ladies in our church that were unable to come to church or going through various hard times. I am basically shy, so for me it was easier to write than to call or visit. Thus, I took up “Pen & Paper” and began to write notes of encouragement. I found that I really loved writing these little notes to our ladies and found that it was fast becoming one of the greatest joys of my heart. In time, I also learned the notes were a great source of blessing, often bringing much needed hope and encouragement to the reader.

Initially I only wrote encouraging notes in cards, and I was only writing to a select few in our church that were going through difficult times and/or not able to come to church for one reason or another. However, I had a great desire to reach more people once I realized how much it blessed the few. I remember praying and asking God to help me encourage everyone in our church, I wanted to reach out to more. The first story I ever wrote, very short and simple, was called Thorns. Our youth group had purchased a couple dozen roses the day before Mother’s Day 2004. We drove to all the homebound ladies’ homes to give them each a single red rose wishing them Mother’s Day Blessings. But the roses were “dangerous,” so we decided to snap off the thorns before handing them out. For unclear reasons I absently put the thorns in the middle console of my little gold Kia instead of discarding them. Thereafter, I would periodically look down at those little thorns and I would think two things, “I need to do something with those thorns” and “There is a story in those thorns.” But predictably, I would drive on forgetting about them. Then, one hot summer morning, after the umpteenth time of looking at them and having my usual thoughts, new reflections began to fully take shape in my mind, and the story was born. I ended up taking the thorns and wrapping each individual one in a little piece of clear cellophane tied with a pretty little ribbon and then taping them to the “Thorns” letter which I gave out to all our church family one Sunday service.

Until that fateful day, I really had no idea that I could actually write a story that someone would actually read! Now, in hindsight, I am of the firm belief that the ladies’ meeting request coupled with my shyness, the Mother’s Day gifting and the thorns sitting in my console for a few months was no accident. God was at the helm, gently leading, guiding, and answering my prayers so that I could reach more people. Even now, the stories are written as the Lord gives the ideas. And, as with the thorns, many of the stories are often sparked with the same “there’s a story in that” thought. Sometimes I write one a month and sometimes I have gone as long as six or more months without writing another one. I first I gave the letters out at church, a small congregation, about 30 or so families. More and more people started asking for them and the mail/email list continued to grow. Through a string of what I believe to be “God-incidence” meetings with magazine owners and publishers I was invited to publish the letters in local magazines and an online magazine. Through the years so many have come to me and said, Michele, you really should make a book with all your letters. Though I have always wanted to do just that, it is only now that dream is coming to fruition and this book is a realization of that dream. May the letters herein bless and encourage you.

Love in Christ, Michele

Beautiful! Now tell us a little more about yourself, and how readers can find you & Letters from the Heart...

Of Course! 

A legal assistant by day and a writer when there are moments in time, Michele loves to write with the hope of bringing encouragement to others. Over the years she has been published in local and online magazines. She has recently compiled and published her short stories into a book, “Letters from the Heart.” 

 The writings are classified as “Creative Non-Fiction.” Most of the short stories are analogies. A story is told and then comparisons are made to God, His character, His Word, His promises, etc… 

Michele truly believes, that in reality, the writings are thoughts straight from God’s heart. Divinely inspired from the throne of God to uplift spirits, bring hope to hurting hearts and needed encouragement to the reader. 

Copies of Letters from the Heart can be purchased through Amazon in Ebook and Print, directly from me via email to: micheles.musings@gmail.com and we will make arrengements for payment and pickup OR at The Charmed Page bookstore 2927 Hodges St., Suite 2, Lake Charles, LA.

You can read an Excerpt from the book HERE.

Thank You SO much Michele for sharing your beautiful body of work with us. We certainly wish you the best of luck and God's blessings on this and in every area of your life.

Hope you enjoyed meeting Michele and learning about her book as much as I enjoyed spotlighting her, friends and that you'll check back weekly for another episode of Saturday Spotlight.

Until next time, take care and God Bless.

PamT