HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to the talented Rebecca Amiss. I had the pleasure of reading this beautiful short story and interviewing the talented author. See our fun Q & A below. Also,don't forget to pick up your copy of this perfect holiday read ASAP!
www.amazon.com/First-Snowfall-Christmas-Eve-ebook/dp/B08186XLFG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+first+snowfall+of+christmas+eve&qid=1574704208&sr=8-1 Q & A WITH REBECCA AMISS Q: What age were you when you started writing and completed for your first piece? A: I used to write little stories as a young child, but wrote my first complete short story at 16. Q: How many published works do you have? A:My short story "Down by the Bay" is published in the September issue of The Write Launch in the Long Short Story category Q: Do you work with a outline or just let the creative mind go with it? A: I like to do a rough outline but also go with the flow a bit. I guess I'm a bit of a "plotser" haha! Q: What is your one writing quirk? A: My one writing quirk is I like to listen to the A Star is Born soundtrack when I'm writing emotional stories because I feel the music puts me in the right frame of mind. Q: Do you feel like its more interesting to have A. a epic setting B. mind blowing plot C. strong characters? A: That's a hard one! I think having strong characters because they can enhance the setting and drive the plot along. Q:.Do you feel like if you wore sparkly socks/hat you would write better? A: Haha, definitely!! I think sparkly socks and hats make everything better! Q:What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers? A: Advice I have for a young, aspiring writer is write what you love and are passionate about. Don't feel like you have to write what everyone else wants you to. Only you know what story you want to tell. You can do anything!
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A Blind Date for Christmas by Jo-Ann Carson is a short but sweet romance read. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a story with love and magic.
In Mystic Keep we meet the magical and very handsome barista, Oscar. He is a kind and generous soul but lives with a curse sentenced down on him by an evil sorceress. Annabelle starts working at the magical brew house and is instantly charmed by Oscar. When she can’t get him to take a second look at her or ask her on a date, she is determined to find out why he isn't falling at her feet like all the other men in town. Belle is fixed on finding out what Oscar is hiding so she sets him up on three blind dates. Her being the final date. She has no doubt that by that time she will have the answers she is looking for and that her and Oscar will fall in love. Sounds easy enough right? I enjoyed this story by Jo-Ann Carson, but it would have been better fit for October. There were a few references to Christmas, but it could have been deleted all together and still been a good story. I kept waiting for more Christmas and it never came. I was a bit disappointed. Not to say the story wasn't well written. I enjoyed the overall plot and the characters were likable. The authors description of the characters and places were well written, especially Oscar. I just know in my mind he is HOT! The enchanted coffee house was adorable. I loved the subject of the magically spiked coffee. Very cute and imaginative idea from the author! I would give this story 4 out of 5 stars. I was pleased with the overall story and enjoyed the romance between the characters. Again, I would have rather read it during the Halloween/Fall season. For me, it is more a story about magical beings in a quaint little town, which more fits my reading mood in October. Check out the link below to purchase this story! www.amazon.com/Blind-Date-Christmas-Mystic-Universe-ebook/dp/B07ZG33SP3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24SQ6QZIBZGGT&keywords=a+blind+date+for+christmas+jo-ann+carson&qid=1574357908&sprefix=a+blind+date+for%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1 * I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* Wishes Under A Starlit Sky by Lucy Knott is a wonderful, heartwarming read. Perfect for the holiday season!
Harper Hayes looks like she has it all. But when life throws a wrench in her seemingly perfect life she must rebuild and start anew. This was my first read by Lucy Knott, but I can wholeheartedly say it won’t be my last. Harper is a relatable character and I loved the realism with this novel. Marriages do fail and you must pick yourself up and move on. I appreciated Lucy's take on the subject. I enjoyed following this time in Harper's life and watching her gain back her self-confidence. A very inspiring story overall! There is no better time to feel love, inspiration and true friendships than at Christmastime. This story has it all! I would give this novel 5 out of 5 stars. It was a lovely read and I can’t wait to read other novels by Lucy Knott. Check out the link to purchase below. www.amazon.com/Wishes-Under-Starlit-Sky-uplifting-ebook/dp/B07QSD1QXF * I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* One Week 'Til Christmas by Belinda Missen, is a story that meets every requirement on my reading wish list! Sweet, Sexy, Romantic, Funny, Christmas and well written.
While away on holiday in London, Isobel falls (literally) into Tom and let the beautiful romance begin. There is only seven days left until Christmas and with Isobels impending departure home they waste no time in getting to know each other. They spend the entire week indulging in all things Christmas. And sometimes indulging in each other. With both of their jobs taking them in different directions they must decide before Christmas Day, if their newfound love could survive being millions of miles away from each other. And is it worth the risk? All I can say is WOW! I have read many books.....I mean thousands. I have never been wrapped up in a story like I was in this one. I read great books all the time but if I had to choose a novel that quite literally sums up my reading wish list, this is it. Belinda does a wonderful job writing the characters BUT the descriptions of the places around the city at Christmastime have me wanting to get on a plane to London. Like yesterday! If you enjoy characters that banter back and forth and do so it in the sweetest way possible, this book is for you. I need some tips on that asap from Belinda because it is adorable and hilarious! And here comes the dreaded negative. But have no fear, it is only one minor detail. I am in the US so reading a story with different words and spellings can be difficult. There was a lot of references to places and things that I wasn't sure what they were. The good news is we have the web for that and if anything, it’s good to learn about other places and cultures. If possible, I would give this novel more than 5 stars. Seriously! Belinda Missen has a reader for life, and I can’t wait to check out her other novels! Check out the link to buy the book below. www.amazon.com/One-Week-Til-Christmas-perfect-ebook/dp/B07VXLVLJW * I received a complementary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* Christmas Once Again by D.K Deters, is about a young woman who, after some unfortunate events and a mystical painting, travels back in time and finds the hero she has been looking for. This story is a quick read but the author does a fantastic job at pulling you after the first paragraph. I don't read much time- travel romance stories, but D.K did a wonderful job at switching the story from past to present and not leaving the reader confused. I found the characters were charming, especially Gran. The mystery behind the painting left me wanting more and I believe if the author wanted, they could expand on the short story and turn it into a novella. I just want to know more. But maybe that was the authors intentions. I would give this story 4 stars. The plot of the story was enjoyable. I really think if it had been longer, with more information about the magical power of this painting, I would have given 5 stars. Check out the authors website and a link to purchase. www.amazon.com/Christmas-Once-Again-D-Deters-ebook/dp/B07HDG1GRC/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=christmas+once+again&qid=1573241587&sr=8-2 www.dkdeters.com/ * I received a complementary copy for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* My Billionaire Fake Fiancé by Linda West was a heartwarming, friends to lovers read I couldn't put down! I read it in two nights AND the only reason I didn't finish night one was because of a family gathering! Two archrivals from a completely different social class find love at Christmastime, due to an angry ex fiancé and chauffeur's daughter. Allie is tasked to chauffeur Devlin and his fiancé to his family’s estate for Christmas. Little does she know that by the end of the trip she will be his leading lady. Well, that's at least what they will be telling his family. It was my first read from author Linda West, but I enjoyed her style of writing from the very beginning. I don't always enjoy a story written in first person, but she did it effortlessly. I felt like I was taking the journey along with the main characters. I appreciated that the author didn't take the billionaire cliché too far. Yes, I knew that was part of the story but her ability to make Devlin seem "normal" was welcomed. She didn't have Devlin whisking Allie away in his private jet or making the windows in his office turn cloudy for privacy with a click of a button. I have read a novel where the glass does that in some hot rich guys office. That's just WAY too much for me! The banter between the main characters is downright funny. A novel that can make me laugh and pulls at the heartstrings is a win-win in my eyes. This novel gets 5 stars from me and I guarantee this will not be the last novel I read by this author. Check out her website and a link to buy the book below. www.amazon.com/Billionaire-Fake-Fiance-Enchanting-Small-Town-ebook/dp/B07XPBPLSR/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=my+billionaire+fake+fiance&qid=1573180202&sr=8-3 www.lindawestauthor.com * I received a complementary copy for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* The Magic of Christmas by Alyssa Montgomery was my first read by this author. But I can tell you it won’t be my last. Rich and gorgeous, Jack, hates everything Christmas. I am talking Christmas trees make him physically ill. His troubled past at Christmastime is to thank for that so he usually takes an exotic trip to get as far away from the mistletoe and twinkling lights as he can. Except this year, his trip is cancelled, and he is stuck in London. When Jack returns home early and hears his cleaning lady playing the piano, enter sweet and strong-willed Grace. Although not his usual "type", Jack is drawn to her and the beautiful music she is playing on his piano. I cannot say enough good things about this book. It may seem like a typical "Billionaire" romance story BUT I am here to tell you it is much more! The plot was perfect and reminded me a little of Cinderella. Which is not a bad thing. To be honest, I read it in one night because I couldn't put it down. The author, Alyssa, does a wonderful job at intertwining the lives of the characters and making them both realistic and likable. She describes the settings and characters wonderfully. I just know in my mind Jack is super-HOT! and the book cover helps :-) I especially loved the ending when the story went almost a year in the future. I will say I would have liked to know a bit more about the months in between and have her further explain how the characters grew or even a few more interactions with each other. Maybe splitting the time jump in a 6-month interval for more context? Just a thought. All and all I would check this book out as soon as you can. Trust me.... you need Jack and Grace, at Christmastime, in your life! Check out the publisher’s website below to buy this one. TODAY. https://www.romance.com.au/9781489295019/the-magic-of-christmas/ * I received a complementary copy for a honest review. All opinions are mine.* A woman tells the tale of her magical Christmas Eve miracle to her young grandson.
The First Snowfall of Christmas Eve by Rebecca Amiss, is one short read you need in your life this holiday season! Rebecca draws you in to her story within the first few sentences. When the story takes you back in time, Rebecca perfectly describes the emotions of the young girl missing her father at Christmastime. I loved the concept of this short story! Honestly, if I see snow fall on Christmas Eve the first thing I will think is "There is a miracle happening somewhere in the world". That is powerful and so is this story. This story pulls at your heartstrings and you may even shed a tear. I know I did. If you are looking for a quick holiday read that pulls out all the feels.... this one is for you! Wrapped Up In Christmas, by Janice Lynn, is a perfect Christmas read for soooooooo many reasons!
Sarah Smith knows heartbreak. To mend her heart, she submerges herself in Church functions, charities and making quilts for soldiers. Bodie Lewis is trying to find his place in the world after the war. All he has ever wanted is to serve his country. When he must leave his mission due to injury, Bodie seeks refuge back to his hometown. On Bodie's journey home, he makes a stop in Pine Hill, Kentucky, to thank the elderly woman who sent him a quilt and wrote him a lovely note while at war. When he arrives, he meets Sarah, who is not at all elderly but the exact opposite. Bodie doesn't immediately tell her the reason he came to Pine Hill, so she assumes he is the latest contractor to help fix up her Bed and Breakfast. As Bodie helps Sarah transform her B & B, sparks fly, and both of their wounds start to heal. Okay, now that you have the synopsis, lets break down the soooooooo many reasons this is a perfect Christmas story. One, all Hallmarkies LOVE a good romance and there is no better time than at Christmas. Especially, a small-town Christmas story! Two, Janice Lynn knows how to write. The way she combines serious plots with the funny older ladies at Sarah's Church, you may laugh reading one paragraph but cry at the next. This book will touch all your emotions! I personally wish I could visit Pine Hill, KY and stay at the B&B. It sounds beautiful which Janice did a great job of putting us readers right in the center of it all thanks to her descriptive writing. Three, the characters are so likable. Each new character I was introduced to made me smile. I enjoyed the different dynamics and depth to each of them. Even Bodie's dog is a charmer! Okay, I could continue on, but you will just have to go buy it yourselves. Trust me, you won’t regret the purchase. If you love small town Christmas, military, dogs, and kooky humor, then this one is for you! |