Wednesday Writers—Coastal Christmas Charade by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

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Beach Reads, book excerpt, Christian romance, Christmas Anthology, Christmas romance, Shannon Taylor Vannatter, Sweet romance, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author is Shannon Taylor Vannatter. Shannon will be talking about her Inspirational Contemporary Romance novella Coastal Christmas Charade, which is part of the Christmas anthology Candy Cane Wishes & Saltwater Dreams. She’ll be sharing a bit of background on the book, an excerpt, and a chance to win a copy of Candy Cane Wishes & Saltwater Dreams to a lucky commenter who follows her blog tour. Information on the tour and the giveaway are at the bottom of the post. So, keep reading to learn more about this beach read Christmas extravaganza. Welcome, Shannon!

Thanks, Catherine.

This year, I wrote my first novella, which is also my first beach read. The novella collection, Candy Cane Wishes & Saltwater Dreams, includes 5 different authors with stories set on 5 different beaches at Christmas. I chose Surfside Beach, Texas as my setting, since it has the best shelling in the Lonestar state. My characters knew each other as kids. But the heroine was a rich girl whose grandparents owned the fancy inn where all the snobby kids spent their summers. The hero was a local, the handyman’s son, who never felt like he measured up. In this excerpt, she’s back to spruce up her grandparent’s inn and sell it. She hires the hero to hang Christmas lights and a massive chandelier crashes down, like Phantom of the Opera. Of course, right after that, the bride/heroine’s high school nemesis arrives.

Do you like pretend romances? Leave me a comment and tell me, why or why not?

Coastal Christmas Charade by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Lark Pendleton is banking on a high-society wedding to make her grandparent’s inn at Surfside Beach, Texas the venue to attract buyers. Tasked with sprucing up the inn, she hires Jace Wilder, whose heart she once broke. When the bride and groom turn out to be Lark’s high school nemesis and ex-boyfriend, she and Jace embark on a pretend romance to save the wedding. But when real feelings emerge, can they overcome past hurts?

(Included in Candy Cane Wishes & Saltwater Dreams – Five novellas, five authors, five beaches)

Excerpt:

Ever so, gently, he dabbed his thumb over her cheek.

The front door opened, and a brunette stepped inside behind Lark. Hillarie Chambers. Her mouth dropped open, then closed, and opened again.

Lark spun around. “Hillarie, what are you doing here?” She went to work trying to brush herself off. “I didn’t expect you until Friday.”

“What happened?” Hillarie’s high-pitched whine echoed through the massive space. “What about my wedding?”

“Don’t worry. We had a little chandelier mishap, but it’s a good thing we discovered the problem now. This could have happened in the middle of the wedding. Death by chandelier.”

Lark laughed.

But Hillarie didn’t. “Look at this mess. And there aren’t even any Christmas lights up outside.” She wailed in full meltdown mode. “You always did try to sabotage me, and now you’re after my wedding.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Hillarie. I hired Jace to have the lights done by Friday. He’s fixing this too. By Friday, right, Jace?” 

“Jace?” Hillarie focused on him, then squinted. “Tool Face Jace?”

“At your service.” Hillarie recognized him. But Lark hadn’t.

“Why are you here two days early?” Lark leaned on the staircase.

Hillarie tore her gaze away from the destruction. “Your grandmother said we could come early. I said no. But I’ve been stressed, so my fiancé talked me into it.”

“Technically, we’re closed.” Lark smiled. “To prepare for the wedding.”

The brunette splayed her hands. “I left a message on the machine late last night.”

“Is he with you?”

“Oh.” Hillarie’s eyes went wide. “I didn’t know you’d be here.” She grimaced. “Why are you here?”

Lark’s eyes narrowed. “Gran and Gramps had their name on a waiting list for a condo in Dallas. One became available. If they hadn’t jumped on it, they’d have had to wait at least six

months, so I offered to handle the wedding.”

“Great.” Hillarie’s fake smile looked more like a cringe. “Do you know who I’m marrying?”

The door opened again and a blond man with a suitcase in each hand entered. Familiar. One of the summer rich kids.

Lark’s ex-boyfriend. Thanks to Hillarie.

“Warren?” Lark frowned. “What are you doing here?” Her voice went up an octave. “Oh, you must be in the wedding party.”

“Right.” He shot her a million-watt smile, but it faded as he scanned the room. “What happened?”

“Just a little sprucing up before Hillarie’s big day.” Lark’s smile looked as fake as her nemesis’s. “Jace promised we’d be in ship shape by Friday.”

“Look, darling.” Hillarie sidled up against Warren. “It’s Tool Face Jace.”

“Nobody calls him that anymore.” Lark frowned. “They never should have.”

Lark defending him?

Her gaze narrowed, pinged back and forth between Hillarie and Warren. “Darling?”

“Um.” Hillarie’s baby blues bounced to the floor. “That’s what I wanted to tell you. Warren is my fiancé.”

Want to read more? You can find Candy Cane Wishes & Saltwater Dreams – Amazon

About the Author:

Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does.

She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. Shannon is Scrivenings Press Acquisitions/Content Editor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.

Social Media:

Shannon’s Website           Shannon’s Facebook           Shannon’s Bookbub

Sign up for Shannon’s Newsletter to get a free e-book, recipes, behind-the-scenes info, & enter exclusive giveaways!

Giveaway details:

Follow my blog tour to enter the drawing for a copy of Candy Cane Wishes & Saltwater Dreams:

Sept 28th – https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/shannon-taylor-vannatter-story-behind-the-story-part-1-of-1/

Oct 1st – https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/

Oct 2nd – https://www.inspyromance.com/

Oct 5th – https://jenniferheeren.com/blog/

Oct 5th – https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/

Oct 6th – https://pattishene.com/theover50writer

Oct 6th – https://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com/blog/

Oct 8th – https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/

Oct 12th – https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/

I’ll pick a winner from blog tour comments and announce the winner on my blog on Oct 19th.

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Wednesday Writers–All Your Heart by LeighAnne Clifton

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All Your Heart, Christian romance, excerpt from All Your Heart, LeighAnne Clifton, Sweet romance, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today’s guest author is LeighAnne Clifton with an excerpt from her book All Your Heart and the story behind the book. Welcome, LeighAnne!

The idea behind the Together for Good series has simmered in my head and heart for decades. When I heard about or experienced tragic, funny, or unusual events, I stored them away, never realizing I’d one day weave them together, heavily embellish them, and create the story of the first book in the series, All Your Heart.

I believe most authors’ first novels, especially first drafts of first novels, rarely see the light of day in their original form. My original manuscript, written many years ago, was organized differently, abounded in shifting point of view, and contained the word “that” about a thousand times. Much of the writing advice I devoured in those early days recommended scrapping the first novel. I was advised to learn from that failed attempt and try again.

When I considered doing this, though, I felt a stirring in my heart. I truly believe God intends to use the words He’s inspired by my life experiences to help someone. With that in mind, I forged ahead. Polishing. Reorganizing. Polishing some more. I learned how to query a book. And I learned how to accept rejection. Not an easy lesson! God grew me immensely in the birth of this book.

The series, and the pregnancy care home featured in the book, take their name Together for Good from Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” (KJV) Recognizing His sovereignty, His undeniable desire to use us in His marvelous plan is a key aspect of the book. I want this truth to resonate with readers, inviting them to consider how He has and will use their lives to His glory.

The next book in the series, Ready to Forgive, is under contract, release date unknown at this time. The story continues to follow Alex in her journey with God toward emotional healing. There’s joy, sorrow, a wedding, a death, and a whole lot of ups and downs along the way!

All Your Heart

by LeighAnne Clifton

Alex is determined to use college on the other coast to escape her small Southern town and workaholic mother. However, a prom-night assault and the resulting pregnancy require a drastic change of plans. Alex flees with every intention of ending her cross-country trek at an abortion clinic. Instead, finding herself stranded and scared after wrecking her car, Miss Matilda welcomes Alex to town with love and open doors. It just happens that Matilda runs a crisis pregnancy home.

When Alex strikes a deal with Chad, the handsome mechanic with secrets of his own, the citizens of Burton discover Alex’s artistry, prompting a business partnership with Matilda’s nephew. Alex soon discovers the life-altering sweetness of trusting Jesus, but her past hurts make it difficult to trust Chad with her heart. Then, secrets within the pages of an old diary discovered at the home threaten to tear families apart. Can the people of Burton learn to heal the hurts of the past by trusting the Lord with all their hearts?

All Your Heart, a Christian romance, presents the love of God, His undeniable Sovereignty, and His love for the unborn, all woven into a story that will leave the reader surprised and wanting more.

Excerpt

Alex has been assaulted by her step-father. Scared and confused, she hasn’t told anyone. Not even her best friend Brittany. However, when she begins to suspect the attack has left her with more to deal with than emotions, she purchases a pregnancy test, eventually confiding in her friend.

Later, as they waited in Alex’s room for the little stick to reveal its answer, Alex told Brittany the whole story, starting with J.T.’s apology for her mother’s absence on prom night. The girls took turns snatching a tissue from the box on the bed whenever a T-shirt sleeve no longer controlled the tears. Being able to talk about the whole ordeal unburdened Alex in a way she’d not expected, and she admitted for the first time how ashamed she felt.

“Alex,” Brittany’s jaw dropped as she shook her head, “you have nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing, do you understand? I can’t believe you haven’t already told somebody about this. Should you go to the police?”

Mortified, Alex answered, “Of course not. Do you know what kind of scandal that would cause? My mother would freak out! And besides, Britt, do you think anyone would believe me?”

Alex launched into her theory about the party being J.T.’s attempt to protect his reputation around Woodvale. She reminded Brittany how attentive J.T. had been to his clients at the party. And why had his clients been invited to a party for Alex anyway? Sure, they all knew Alex through her position in J.T.’s business, but Alex stressed how odd to invite a bunch of adults to an eighteenth birthday party. With each finger Alex raised to count off the reasons her theory was sound, she watched Brittany grow angrier.

…

They sat cross-legged on the bed facing each other. Alex reached into the nightstand drawer, wrapped her hand around the piece of plastic that would determine her life’s path, and pulled it out without looking. She told Brittany to close her eyes, and she did the same. They agreed that on the count of three, Alex would open her hand and they would open their eyes and find out together.

“One, two, three.”

Alex turned her hand palm up and opened her fingers, clearly exposing the plus sign in the test stick window for both girls to see. They stared in disbelief. Brittany hazarded a cautious glance at her friend. But instead of tears or anger, quite the opposite met Britt’s gaze. Stoic and quiet, Alex drew in a deep breath and exhaled through pursed lips.

“Now what?” Brittany whispered. She looked scared, and this wasn’t even her trial to face. Alex knew she had Britt’s unwavering support.

“I don’t know yet, Britt. I’ve got a whole lot of thinking to do. This isn’t how I planned for things to go.”

On this last word, Alex lost her voice and her composure, collapsing in sobs into her friend’s arms. Brittany whispered soothing words and stroked Alex’s long brown hair, giving her the time she needed to process the news.

The two of them had always supported each other during times of boyfriend breakups, test stress, mean girl bullying, or any other normal girl drama. They’d planned their future to include each other. But this current scenario had never even crossed their minds.

Pragmatic almost to a fault but reeling from the shock, Alex dried her tears, blew her nose and issued orders to Brittany.

“My hands are shaking too much to take notes, so I’m going to need some help making a list of the pros and cons of my alternatives. I can search for stuff on the Internet, but if you can write things down, I’d really appreciate it. I know we’ve had a busy day, but do you mind staying up a little bit later?”

“I’m here for you. Just tell me what you need me to do.” Alex knew she’d never forget the depth of sadness in her friend’s voice as she pledged her assistance.

“Okay,” Alex said, taking another deep breath and attempting to regain some control over her circumstances. “Here are my options as I see them.”

Thus, their all-night research, discussion, and planning began. By dawn, Alex felt more informed, even if the uncertain future ahead still terrified her. Now, she just had to put her elaborate plan into action. Still, she felt confident she could pull it off.

Buy Links

Pen It! Publications Amazon Books A Million.com

About the Author:

LeighAnne Clifton and her husband Bill call South Carolina home. After meeting while both earning their degrees in chemical engineering at the University of South Carolina, the pair married and settled in Aiken. They have two grown children, a son-in-law, and a pair of spoiled cats. Before writing All Your Heart, LeighAnne wrote The Little Vessel, a modern-day parable for all who need reminding that God has a unique purpose for their lives.

LeighAnne, like her main character, loves to upcycle old junk into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. She shares her thoughts on Christian living, easy DIY projects, and the latest book news on her blog: A Live-Leigh Journey

Connect with LeighAnne on her Social Media Links Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:  

Musings from a Writer’s Brain–The Valley of Life—From Promise to Fulfillment by Linda Wood Rondeau

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books, Christian Mystery, Christian romance, devotion, God’s intervention, God’s lessons for us, LInda Wood Rondeau, Musings from a Writer’s Brain, Suspence, Wolf Mountain Legacy

Variations of the same theme:

God doesn’t close a door, but that He opens a window

Failure is God’s opportunity.

When man’s hope is gone, God’s Grace is only beginning.

These sayings all teach us failure and disappointment are not the end, merely God’s redirection.  

Another release and more months of poor results despite dollars and time poured into marketing … wondering if God truly called me to write or is this just my imagination on steroids? Though I remember all these above sayings, I wonder sometimes if they aren’t another form of sour grapes.

Then I recall God’s many interventions, and I feel pricked at how soon I have forgotten them. The twists and turns, bruises and bleeding, I mistake for abandonment are merely speed bumps along the way … lessons God has yet to teach. Perhaps the pain is not from pricks but from pruning … not for success as the world or even Christian publishing interprets but rather for deeper purposes not yet evident.

The works of my hands are not what matters most to God. His quest is not my profession as defined by man. More so, His quest is my heart and my unwavering love.

A valley often stretches between God’s desires for my life and the fulfillment of his promise—in that valley God reveals himself and chases after my whole heart. This valley is called Life, the terrain by which the Lord fulfills his true purpose for me. He permits me to write, but his call is for something greater … fellowship with him.

Abraham looked forward to God’s promise of a son, though the fulfillment seemed as if God had forgotten. As the valley from promise to fulfillment grew wider with each year, the far distant fulfillment stretched his faith. At the right time, after decades of pruning, Isaac was born. Yet, Abraham’s journey did not end. God still had much more to teach him, as well as Isaac and Jacob and all who followed Father Abraham.

Perhaps Abraham’s frustration of delayed answered prayer stemmed from only hearing part of God’s promise, his sights set on the tangible rather than the intangible elements of God’s call, “They will be my people and I will be their God.”

Therein is the valley from promise to fulfilment—the place where God teaches me how much he wants to be my God and how much he desires for me to be his child. “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children” (Revelation 21:7).

WOLF MOUNTAIN LEGACY

by Linda Wood Rondeau

How do you prove you’re not crazy?

What about the 150-year-old ruins atop Wolf Mountain keeps drawing Marci Henderson to the site? Village legend says the beautiful wife of the older railroad tycoon, after setting fire to their mansion, ran away with his accountant. Was there no way to prove Felicity’s innocence? First, Marci must prove she had the right to walk among the sane.  

Dr. Blake Montgomery, a college professor, has come to Collins Bend to work on his book, Adirondack Railroad Development. To aid in his research, Blake hires Marci Henderson, his former student, one he never stopped loving, who is now a widow. When Marci is insistent people are following the two of them, Blake wonders if she is headed for another psychotic episode.

Old emotions surface as the two embark on a suspenseful journey leading them closer to solving the age-old mystery of Wolf Mountain, a journey fraught with suspicion and murder. Along the way, Blake’s faith is challenged, and Marci searches for spiritual truth about the God she had never known.

BUY LINK Also available in print

About the Author:

Linda Wood Rondeau has been fascinated with the beauty, history, and mysteries encompassed in the Adirondack region, the perfect backdrop for Wolf Mountain Legacy. Find out more about the author on her website, www.lindarondeau.com, and signup for her newsletter to stay informed. The author is available to speak to groups, in person or online.

Visit her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, MeWe, Bookbub and Pinterest.   

Signup for her newsletter from her website

Wednesday Writers–Snowbound in Winterberry Falls by Ann Brodeur

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Ann Brodeur, book excerpt, Christian romance, Christmas Read, Snowbound in Winterberry Falls, sweet Christmas romance, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today it’s Christmas in June as I welcome author Ann Brodeur and her debut novel Snowbound in Winterberry Falls to the blog. In addition to talking about characters, Ann has an excerpt from her book.

Welcome, Ann!

When I started writing what would turn out to be my publishing debut novel, Snowbound in Winterberry Falls, I looked to friends and acquaintances for inspiration in developing characters.

My heroine, Stephanie is a Type 1 diabetic. Diabetes is a disease that many members of my extended family have so it was natural to write about. Tilly Miller is the cousin of the hero, and quite outspoken when it comes to caring about Jason. She is fashioned after my best friend – the salt of the earth and someone I can trust completely.

One character I had fun creating was Mrs. Sweeney. She’s a culmination of several women in my life, many of whom have passed. She’s a refreshing character who speaks her mind without being confrontational.

Have fictional characters reminded you of someone you know in real life?

 

Snowbound in Winterberry Falls

by Ann Brodeur

Unwrapping their past – one secret at a time.

Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into knots. A last minute vacation road trip to focus and seek God’s direction for her life ends up in disaster when she gets caught in the worst snowstorm to hit Vermont in over a decade, crashing her into a small town and the one person she’d rather forget.

Former photojournalist Jason Miller hadn’t planned on being solely responsible for saving his family business from financial ruin. He’s barely keeping the newspaper in print, his News Editor has gone AWOL during the town’s most celebrated holiday festival, and reports of missing Christmas decorations have everyone on edge.

When a desperate knock at the newsroom door brings a ghost from Christmas past back into his life, can Jason make up for his prior behavior without breaking his promise to Stephanie’s father? Will Stephanie’s quest to solve the town’s Christmas caper—and uncover the truth about Jason’s disappearance—cost her everything she’s ever wanted?

EXCERPT

Here’s a fun scene starring Mrs. Sweeney during her first visit with Stephanie:

 “Oh, dear. I fear I’ve made you uncomfortable.” She clicked her tongue and patted the back of Stephanie’s hand. The older woman reclined in her rocking chair, the rhythmic sway of the chair squeaking with every push of her feet. A walking cane clattered to the floor nearby, and Stephanie righted it again, earning a beaming smile.

“Like you, dear, I love a good story.” Her mouth relaxed, her clear blue eyes seeming to focus on a distant memory. “Do you know I was in love with a newspaper man once?” Her eyes twinkled. She rested her gray head against the back of the chair. “Of course, Mother didn’t approve. He was a nosy busybody who made it his business to report on every Tom, Dick, and Harry’s escapades and then charged people to read it.” The girlish laugh brought an image to Stephanie’s mind of a much younger woman.

“What happened?” Stephanie shifted on the edge of the bed where she sat.

“I listened to Mother. I didn’t marry Charlie. I married Matthias.” Her expression softened at the mention of her husband’s name. “Matthias was a good and kind man. He owned the bank, so Mother was pleased with the match.” Her face moved through a series of emotions Stephanie couldn’t quite decipher.

“Matthias and I had some good times together, but sometimes I wondered what my life would have been if I’d married Charlie.” Tenderness infused her voice at the mention of her long-gone newspaper man.

“Ach. Look at me. I’m such a ninny when it comes to sappy romance. Charlie could woo a pig.” Mrs. Sweeney paused her rocking and sipped from her cup once more. “God’s plan was for me to marry Matthias, not Charlie. God gave us such a beautiful life.”

She replaced her tea things on the small, round table next to her and leaned on her cane, wobbling to her feet. Stephanie stood and braced the older woman’s feeble arms and waited for her to steady. Mrs. Sweeney squeezed Stephanie’s arm and hobbled to the door. She shut it, clicked the lock, and stood with her back to Stephanie for a moment before shuffling around on her heel. Stephanie raised an eyebrow and focused on the curious woman.

“I’ve read your article, Ms. Clark, and there are some details missing that are essential to getting your story right.” Her face grew stern, the picture of a school Marm. “I have a confession to make, but you must promise to help me achieve my ends and to not print a word of truth until after Christmas Day.”

Want to read more?

You can find SNOWBOUND IN WINTERBERRY FALLS in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon

About the Author:

ANN BRODEUR is an award-winning novelist who writes inspirational and contemporary romances offering sweet hope and happy endings.

When she’s not reading, writing, chasing after her kids or enjoying long chats with her husband, Ann can be found drinking coffee. That’s been reheated several times throughout the day. She aspires to drink a hot beverage in one sitting.

Connect with Ann on  her BLOG/WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  BOOKBUB

Wednesday Writers–The Mistletoe Contract by Jennifer Chastain

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book excerpt from The Mistletoe Contract, Christian romance, Christmas romance, clean romance, Jennifer Chastain, The Mistletoe Contract, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers! Today we have another holiday book. A Contemporary Christian Christmas romance by Jennifer Chastain, entitled The Mistletoe Contract. Now that’s an intriguing title. Read on to discover the story behind Jennifer’s Christmas book and an excerpt from The Mistletoe Contract. Welcome, Jennifer!

            What is your favorite holiday? Mine? Hands down, it would have to be Christmas. I love a cheery fire in the fireplace, turning off all the lights in the house, except the lights on the Christmas tree, and watching a Christmas movie. The scents of pine and cinnamon permeate the house.

            After I attended a writing camp three years ago, I had an idea for a Christmas book. I like to read marriage of convenience stories and I’m a fan of Married at First Sight, a reality show where couples are matched and don’t meet each other until their wedding day. The participants go through a rigorous vetting process and are matched on compatibilities as well as temperament and life goals.

            After coming up with the general story idea, I knew I wanted to write a sweet, marriage of convenience, second chance romance that took place during the Christmas holidays. As I delved into Nate and Meredith’s stories, their hopes and dreams slowly came into focus. But for my couple, I added the element of faith, since God is the only one who can heal our hurts. I spoke with my writing friend a couple of times and once we hammered out the details for the story outline, I sat down to write. As I wrote, I noticed that there is a little bit of myself in both Nate and Meredith. I even included a real town in the story, McAdenville, NC. This small town is nestled close to the NC/SC line and used to be an old mill town. After the mills closed, McAdenville had to reinvent itself. So, the town became known as “Christmas Town USA”. The entire town is decorated in Christmas lights, homes have elaborate displays in their front yards, and carols are played over the loudspeakers in the center of town. The lights are so bright, the entire town is seen from miles away. Now, people drive from hundreds of miles away, just to walk through the town, look at the lights, and spend time with their families. This town evokes a slower pace that seems to have gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays.

            Christmas is a time of rebirth and renewal. After all, Christ was born to give us new life. I wanted these same themes of redemption, renewal and second chances to be evidenced not only in this sweet, contemporary romance but in all my stories. My prayer for all my readers is that they (and you) will experience the love, peace, and joy that only faith in Jesus can bring. Merry Christmas!

The Mistletoe Contract

By Jennifer Chastain 

Confirmed bachelor, Nathan Rutledge shut his heart to romance when he was forced to break the heart of the only woman he loved. Now, with his father’s retirement from the family conglomerate, the torch has been passed to him. But there are two problems—first, he needs a wife in order to take over the family business. Second, someone has been embezzling company funds. With the pressure mounting, and time expiring to find both a wife he can trust and the thief, Nate needs a Christmas miracle.

Forensic Accountant, Meredith Mitchell’s life is in a shambles. Her mother needs a lifesaving transplant, Mom’s medical bills have bankrupted Meredith’s meager savings, and she’s sold everything of value, but it’s still not enough. Worse, she’s now tasked with discovering accounting errors for a new client—none other than Nathan Rutledge—the same man who gave her a broken heart for Christmas eight years ago.

Meredith wants to run. Nate wants the chance to right his wrongs. When he proposes a modern-day marriage of convenience, she balks at the idea. But he desperately needs a wife, and she really needs the money he offers. Is this the answer to her prayers? Or will this mutually beneficial arrangement re-open old wounds that can’t be healed?

EXCERPT:

Meredith closed the door with a soft click and propped herself against the wall. Tilting her head up, she released a huge sigh. She hated lying to her mother. Weariness settled deep in her bones. Her to-do list for the wedding grew with each passing hour. She had a lot to accomplish between now and Friday morning.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Meredith’s eyes popped open. “Nate! You scared me!” Facing off with her fiancé, she straightened her spine. “What’re you doing here?”

His back against the wall, he crossed his ankles. Even after working all day, Nate still appeared fresh. When she glanced at her gray dress pants, the red sauce stain from her rushed dinner glared at her. She was wrinkly… and frumpy.

Nate frowned, his gaze roving over her.

Meredith moved her purse from her shoulder and held it in front of the stain. “I’m sorry. That was unkind.”

“I didn’t mean to intrude.”

She pulled herself up to her full height. “You didn’t. It’s… I didn’t expect to see you.” At least, not until their wedding day, giving her a couple of days to steel her emotions against his all-American boy-next-door charm. Why did he have to ruin her well-thought-out plan? His nearness sent her pulse into overdrive.

Nate turned toward her and rested one hand on the wall above her head. He was so close she saw the golden flecks ringing his pupils. “Can’t a guy see his fiancée before the wedding?” The low timbre of Nate’s voice raised goose bumps on her arms, and her heart rate kicked up another notch.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and she licked her dry lips before her gaze settled on his mouth. “Yeah, sure.”

Nate’s free hand came up and traced a line down her cheek. Meredith closed her eyes. She had to stop this flood of emotion. Why was he doing this to her? His spicy cologne wafted between them. Comforted her. Shoot. Nate smelled good.

“Nate… please… someone will see us.” Meredith swallowed hard, and her breaths came in short gasps.

“So?”

“This is supposed to be a business relationship. No funny business. You promised.” Meredith scooted out from under his arm and hurried down the tiled hallway, her steps echoing in the empty space. She needed air. And personal space. “Is there a reason you stopped by?”

Nate fell in step beside Meredith. She scampered down the hall to the elevator bank.

Nate touched her arm, and they stood facing each other in front of the elevator. “Have a cup of coffee with me?” His blue eyes held a glimmer of amusement.

Shock or maybe desire rooted Meredith’s feet to the floor.

The elevator door opened, and two nurses in scrubs emerged. Meredith entered and jabbed the first-floor button. When she looked up into the polished steel doors, she met Nate’s steady gaze. Turning to face him, she crossed her arms. “Why, Nate? What are you trying to do to me? We have an agreement.”

Nate matched her stance, a smirk on his face. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

Meredith snorted, and her lips stretched into a sneer. “Oh, come on. You cannot seriously be this clueless.”

He stepped closer, his hands in his pockets, causing her to back up a couple of steps. “This attraction—you’re not immune to it, either, are you?”

Shaking her head, Meredith braced her back against the elevator car. “No, you’re wrong. This isn’t the type of relationship you’re thinking about.” She bit her lower lip.

Nate’s warm breath whispered against her ear, and chill bumps raced up and down her arms. “But it could be. Think of how much fun we’d have.”

His nearness muddled her mind. But she was older now. Wiser. Fool me once and all that. She’d be doggoned if he’d fool her again with his sweet talk. Before she answered, the elevator doors opened with a whoosh. Saved by the bell.

Meredith darted into the parking deck. “I don’t think so,” she said over her shoulder. “I’ll

see you tomorrow at 4:00 to finalize the details.”

Want to read more? You can find The Mistletoe Contract at

Amazon

About the Author:

Ever since she was a little girl, living in her small town in New York State, Jennifer has been a voracious reader. During the summer months, she would ride her bike to their library and return with a basketful of books. Her dad’s job moved them to Charlotte, NC in her teen years, but the memories of growing up in a small community have stayed with her. A Yankee transplant, she has grown to love the grace and charm of the South. In fact, she even married a native Charlottean.

For the past five years, she and her husband have been host parents to several

international high school students. They have experienced the joy of seeing these students blossom into young adulthood.

Jennifer is a member of ACFW, ACFW-NC, and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. Several of her other stories were finalists in the Blue Ridge Mountains Foundations contest and she was a finalist in the Touched by Love contest, sponsored by the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of RWA. Her contemporary romance stories contain the themes of redemption, grace, forgiveness, and second chances.

A hopeful romantic, Jennifer loves dark chocolate, Diet Coke, old movies, and a good romantic movie. She loves to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen, and when not cooking, she’s reading. Growing up in the snowy North, Christmas has always been her favorite holiday, with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and pine scenting the air.

She and her husband have been married for over 25 years, and they are permitted to coexist with their black rescue cat.

Connect with Jennifer on Facebook: Instagram: www.jenniferchastain.com

 

Musings from a Writer’s Brain—A Southern Slang Lesson from Mary Ball

Tags

Christian romance, essay, Mary L. Ball, Musings from a Writer's Brain, Southern Joy-Book 1, Southern slang

I’m thankful to my publisher (Winged Publications) for allowing me to write a series based on characters in their autumn years. Southern – Joy book 1 is a Christian romance. I also enjoyed added a little southern slang to the story.

As a lifetime southern gal I had fun introducing my heroine Robin, from my Southern Joy – book 1, to a little bit of the south.

Tucker (her love interest) and Robin’s her new friend Edith, uses some good old southern slang. 

Robin, being from Ohio, had a bit of difficulty with this language.

To quote her friend Edith, “Not everyone speaks with slang, but all southerners know the sayings. We hear it from our parents or grandparents.”

No matter where you’re from slang can be humorous. Here’s some of the common jargon.

• In many places people use a shopping/grocery cart at the store, but in the south it’s a buggy.
• Any dark carbonated drink is a coke, not a soft drink or pop.
• I’m fixin’ to, simply means I’m going to do something.
• Where I’m from having a mind too, means you’re thinking about doing something
• If you’re as slow as molasses, then you’re very slow.
• You’re preachin’ to the choir when you say something that is obvious to the listener.
• Y’all, yes, that’s you all!
• If you’re being ugly in North Carolina, then you’re misbehaving.
• Britches are the pants you’re wearing and a clicker is the remote.
• When someone in the south can’t do a task anymore then, they used to could.
• We don’t crave food in the south, we hanker for it.
• Are you fit as a fiddle? If soyou’re healthy.
• Everything is honkey dorey. (great)
• When we get upset in the south we throw a hissy fit or pitch a fit.
• Nearabout is almost.
• After a long day’s work you’ll either tuckered out, or wore slap out.
• There are no snobby people in the southern states, all those folks are uppity.
• If you’re from my town, you’ll never assume anything, but you’ll reckon so.
• If something tastes delicious we say, “It’ll make you want to slap your mama,” and Heaven forbid, that is something we’d never do!

These are only a few of the many slang sayings throughout the beautiful southern states.

The last one I want to mention is Bless your heart. This phrase has different meanings and depends on the tone used or the facial expression. If a southern gal thinks you’re pitiful she’ll say, “Bless your heart!”

If you don’t understand what we’re telling you, then, bless your heart.

Also “Bless your heart” means, I’m hurting for you and wish I could help.

I guess you can say I’m GRITS (girl raised in the south) proud. We care for each other, call one another honey as a term of endearment and like to hug.

Southern Joy – book 1

By Mary L. Ball

Robin Young has worked for one of the largest audit and assurance firms’ in Ohio for thirty years. Her career has left little time for relationships. After receiving an urgent call from her sister’s neighbor, she hurries to the small southern town of Fairhope, Alabama.

The ambiance of Alabama has Robin contemplating life and meeting Tucker Ray, the quintessential “good ole boy” of the south, adds to the charm.

Her stay in Fairhope uncovers a secret, and a chance for love, but the Buckeye state is where she belongs.

Can Robin accept change and unravel matters of the heart?

Look for Southern Joy on Amazon:

About the Author:

Mary L. Ball is a multi-published Christian author. She lives in North Carolina and enjoys fishing, reading, and ministering in song with her hubby at functions. Her books are about small-town romance, suspense, and mystery, influenced by the grace of Jesus Christ.

Connect with Mary at her Web Page: Facebook or Twitter @inspires4mary

Wednesday Writers–Restoring Christmas by Julie Arduini

Tags

book excerpt from Restoring Christmas, Christian romance, Christmas romance, clean romance, Julie Arduini, Restoring Christmas, Sweet romance, Wednesday Writers

Welcome to Wednesday Writers and welcome to my guest author Julie Arduini! Christmas, which is only—dare I even say it?—58 days away, is in the air today as Julie brings us and excerpt from her very special Christmas book Restoring Christmas, whose theme is about  

Highlighting the Misunderstood World of Special Needs Students

Thanks, Catherine.

        One of the most exciting aspects of this time of year is the release of Christmas romances. Hallmark knows their popularity; they are now showing movies outside of December. I love losing myself in a love story surrounded by snow and sleigh bells.

        In 2018 I was honored to participate in a Christmas box set. Although it is no longer available, my novella, Restoring Christmas, has been re-released in both print and Kindle format. I had so much fun writing this story using another Upstate NY area and characters who need to surrender their issues and come together to save a beloved tourist attraction in fictional Geneseo Valley.

        One element I used in Restoring Christmas was having the hero, Kevin Holt, bring his students with special needs to help at the failing Christmas mansion. These young teens wanted to make a difference, and Holly Christmas had to decide if she would let go of her pride and allow the community to come in for help. What I enjoyed about Holly was she approached the special needs class with love and a little anxiety, and I think that’s normal.

        I have volunteered with ministries that involve families with special needs and in Restoring Christmas, I was intentional in not giving specific diagnoses because sometimes an issue isn’t visible, and people are misunderstood. Sometimes touch is very important, and in other cases, even a pat on the shoulder can be scary. Changes to schedules are a big deal sometimes, and so are different noises we might take for granted. For Holly, she wants to be understanding, but the mansion her parents worked on for years as the premiere Christmas stop each year holds a lot of valuable items. Will the students break things? Will there be tantrums that interrupt her deadlines? How will Holly handle it all and how involved will Kevin be in the process?

        Answering those questions truly were a delight. There is so much I love about Restoring Christmas, and one was that I was able to bring awareness to the special needs community. I also gave a nod to my hometown, Corning, with the mention of glass ornaments. More than anything, I believe there’s a sweet romance readers can escape with.

        Do you have a connection with the special needs community? If so, you are in the presence of the most amazing group God created.

Restoring Christmas

 By Julie Arduini

Filled with grief and regret, Holly Christmas returns to Geneseo Valley and the family business, The Christmas Mansion. Can Kevin Holt restore her love for the season and the memories she left behind?

Excerpt:

Chapter One

If Holly Christmas’ heart was in charge, returning to Geneseo Valley never would have happened. She slowed her Subaru Forester and blinked away fresh tears. The car shook as Holly wavered between the brake and accelerator. If memories alone could steer, the car would be parked in the lot she had played in since she could walk.

With her uncle expecting her, she cruised into the parking area adjacent to the family business. Holly found a space to stop thanks to faded yellow lines. Dabbing her eyes and cheeks with a tissue, she grabbed her planner, slung her purse over her shoulder, and got out. With a deep breath, she faced the historic mansion ahead of her.

The crunch of late September leaves marked her tentative steps toward the main entrance. Glancing ahead, she noted the overgrown weeds and bushes out front in desperate need of a pruning. The once red and white striped pole showed rust spots and the red faded to pink. The sign that once proudly displayed the tourist destination was now a rotted piece of splinter. The engraving was more of a petri dish for moss and algae, making it barely readable.

Welcome to Christmas Mansion.

Holly stopped, a shudder zigzagged from head to toe. Re-gaining her balance, she kept her focus on the cement steps as she sidestepped a jagged chunk in the path. The porch still featured the wooden soldier she stood next to every year to mark how much she’d grown. The stiff greeter was a shell of his former holiday glory, nearly as faded as everything else. She opened the almost pink colored door and sighed at the sound of a sinister squeak. This isn’t the Christmas Mansion. It’s a Halloween spook house.

Fighting the urge to run back to her car and her life in Ohio, Holly cleared her throat. “Uncle Nick? It’s Holly. Are you here?”

She glanced around the lobby, the same register with a bell sound she pushed as a teen after a customer purchase. Dusty shelves housed a potpourri of holiday items—candles, snow globes, and ornaments thrown together in complete chaos.

Before she could investigate further, a shuffle echoed from the hallway and her uncle entered. “Holly? I can’t believe it, right here in Upstate New York. What an answer to prayer.” The cobalt blue glint in his eyes reminded her of her father.

She stepped into her uncle’s hug, surprised by his emotion as he held onto her arms and gazed into her eyes. “I don’t know about answer to prayer, but things changed with my job, and I thought it was a good time to help out.” She waved her hands with animation. “Here I am!”

The younger Christmas brother nodded. “I’ve tried to keep things going after your father passed, but I can’t even fit into his Santa suit.”

Holly smiled as she glanced at his thin frame. “A few cookies from Mrs. Olson will take care of that.” The volunteer greeter was a Geneseo Valley legend for her sugar cookies.

His smile disappeared. “You didn’t hear? Mrs. Olson passed in July. That’s one of the many things I need to do—find a new greeter. Then there’s a landscaping team. I know it’s September, but it won’t be long until school kids visit.” He scratched his balding head. “I did take care of one thing. I arranged for a group from a local school to get the gift shop back in order. Your father was so beloved as Chris Christmas that everyone seemed to overlook the haphazard way he organized the shop.”

Holly attempted to tame the rolling waves in her stomach. Mrs. Olson was a Christmas Mansion staple as much as her father was all about dressing up as Santa and entertaining. Her grin didn’t last long. She didn’t need to tour the mansion to know the entire place was a mess. The financial state most likely wasn’t much better. “Great. The students will have their work cut out for them. I still have unpacking to do at the house, but the place still opens at eight on weekdays, right?”

Uncle Nick hesitated. “Yes, but…”

She fished the keys out of her purse. “Great. I’ll be ready to start tomorrow.” Before she could find her sunglasses, the front door burst open and a choir of adolescent chatter filled the lobby. Kids who looked to be around junior high age swarmed the area, pointing at the shelves and leaning on the glass case that housed the register. “Uncle Nick?”

Before he could speak, among the chaos emerged a man with a red and black plaid flannel shirt. His wavy black locks bobbed as he whistled. All the students froze and focused on him with the same intensity Holly gave. The mesmerizing stranger pulled out his phone, opened a screen, and traced his finger down the screen before looking up. “Hi. I’m supposed to meet with a Nick Christmas?”

Want to read more?

You can find Restoring Christmas at Amazon

About the Author:

Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and —maybe one day—the chocolate. She’s the author of the contemporary romance series SURRENDERING TIME, (Entrusted, Entangled, Engaged,) as well as the stand-alone novellas, MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN and RESTORING CHRISTMAS. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. Her other latest release, YOU’RE BRILLIANT, is for girls ages 10-100, written with her teenaged daughter, Hannah, and is book 3 in their SURRENDERING STINKIN’ THINKIN’ series. She blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read, as well as monthly with Inspy Romance. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com, where she invites readers to opt in to her content full of resources and giveaway opportunities.

Connect with Julie on her Social Media Website: Facebook: GoodReads:

Wednesday Writers –Interview with Meghann Whistler author of Falling for the Innkeeper

Tags

author interview, book excerpt from Falling for the Innkeeper, Christian romance, Meghann Whistler, Sweet romance, Wednesday Writers

Today’s Wednesday Writers is interviewing author Meghann Whistler. In addition to her interview Meghann is sharing an excerpt from her book Falling for the Innkeeper.  Welcome, Meghann!

 

Catherine: Please tell the readers about the release that is being showcased today.

Meghann: Falling for the Innkeeper is a sweet Christian romance novel set at a charming beachside inn on Cape Cod. It’s about a wary single mother who meets a workaholic lawyer intent on buying the only home she’s ever known.

Catherine: I love stories set in beachside communities. How did you come up with the concept for this book?

Meghann: I started with the hero—what drove him to put so much of himself into his work? And what would it take to make him reassess his values and priorities?

I’ll also admit that my grandparents owned an inn that’s a lot like the one in the book, and I wanted to visit it again on paper. So, the setting was another key piece of the puzzle when I first started thinking about this story.

Catherine: What a great way to honor your grandparents. Are you a pantser or a plotter? Linear or non-linear writer?

Meghann: I have a rough idea of where my stories are going when I start writing, but I lean heavily on the “pantser” side of the equation. I enjoy the process of discovery as I write. I’m usually a linear writer, but if I get stuck, I will occasionally jump ahead and then fill in the earlier scenes later.

Catherine: What does your revision process look like?

Meghann: I edit as I write. I know a lot of people who suggest writing straight through without stopping to revise until the first draft is done, but I can’t write forward if I know there’s a problem with an earlier scene. I have to correct it before I can move on.

Catherine: I always edit as I write, too. It gives me a chance to get back into the story. On to the next question:  What’s the first book, in the genre you write in, that you remember reading?

Meghann: I didn’t start reading Christian fiction until about three years ago. The first Christian romance novel I remember reading is Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight, which was eye-opening for me. I’d always thought romance novels were racy and poorly written, but Finding Her Way Home was sweet rather than sexy, and I was so invested in the characters I couldn’t put it down!

Catherine: Do you have a day job? If so, what is it?

Meghann: I’m a full-time, stay-at-home mom to three little boys, and my job duties got way more intense this past spring when COVID-19 hit!

Catherine: I can’t imagine going through COVID with children. I’ll bet you’ll be ready for a vacation when this is over. Speaking of vacations, what is the farthest place from home that you’ve traveled?

Meghann: Hong Kong! What a great city! Part of the reason my heroine’s parents live in Hong Kong is because I couldn’t pass up a chance to write about what a fabulous place it is.

Catherine: It’s been a pleasure having you here today, Meghann. As you say goodbye, can you leave the readers with an encapsulation of your life’s philosophy?

Meghann: I find a lot of comfort in Philippians 1:6, which reminds me that I don’t have to be perfect. As long as I’m willing to show up and do the best I can each day, God will continue to work in me and through me.

 

Thanks for joining us today. Keep reading for a peek at Meghann’s book.

 

FALLING FOR THE INNKEEPER

By Meghann Whistler

A battle for a charming Cape Cod inn… But what happens when romance checks in?

Single mom Laura Lessoway won’t accept her mother’s plan of selling her late grandmother’s inn without a fight. But when big-city attorney Jonathan Masters arrives to arrange an offer from a client, she’s drawn to him. And working together as he helps with repairs only brings them closer. With his career and her home on the line, can they ever find common ground?

 

EXCERPT

Jonathan had always had this idea that if he could just reach that brass ring, if he could just grab it and hold on, that would be the thing that would make everything in his life work the way it was supposed to, the thing that would make everything okay.

But would it? Would it really?

Making partner at the law firm wouldn’t magically fix his father’s illness. Making partner wouldn’t change the fact that he’d been a scared, bullied kid. Making partner wouldn’t mean that his father, who’d gone missing when Jonathan was just seventeen, would ever come home.

He gave his head a little shake. He knew his mentor, Mike Roe, wouldn’t like this train of thought.

But then he thought about Mike’s life: the penthouse apartment and the fancy sports cars, the top-rated restaurants and the best-tailored suits. Jonathan used to think Mike’s life was what success looked like—and maybe, for some people, it did—but what about Mike’s high-maintenance ex-wife? What about the kid he never saw? What about the fact that he had more money than he could spend in a lifetime and he still spent every waking moment at work?

Was this some kind of early midlife crisis? Jonathan wondered. What would he even do with himself if he didn’t have this job?

He drummed his fingers on the bedside table. What was with him tonight? He was wildly unfocused, and it was messing with his head.

It was the woman—Laura. She’d thrown him off balance with her beauty and her wit and her kind, gentle smile. Just thinking about her emerald green eyes—which could, by turns, be sharp, or playful, or kind—made him feel…strange. Whimsical.

And Jonathan never felt whimsical about women. He was more practical than romantic. Back when he’d started at Harvard Law, he’d made a decision not to get distracted by a serious relationship until he made partner, and he’d stuck to his resolution all these years.

He always kept his promises—to others and to himself. After growing up with his unpredictable father, he was very disciplined that way.

 

BUY LINKS

 AMAZON   CHRISTIANBOOK   TARGET   WALMART   BARNES & NOBLE

GOOGLE PLAY   APPLE BOOKS   INDIGO (Canada   AMAZON.CA (Canada)

BOOK DEPOSITORY (Free International Shipping)

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won’t make your grandmother blush. A hopeless romantic who met her husband on a blind date, Meghann recently left her marketing career to pursue her lifelong passion of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace. She loves to hear from her readers, who can reach her at www.meghannwhistler.com.

Meghann’s Social Media Links

Facebook:  Twitter: Instagram

 

Tasty Tuesdays—Pink Stuff and a Book Giveaway from Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Tags

asty Tuesdays, book giveaway, Christian romance, clean romance, cowboy romance, food blog, fruit salad, Jello, recipe, Shannon Taylor Vannatter, summer recipe, The Cowboy’s Missing Memory

Today Author Shannon Taylor Vannatter takes over the kitchen. In addition to her tasty summer recipes, she’s offering several  book giveaways so be sure to answer her question about your favorite summer recipe to be entered in the drawing.

Pink Stuff

 

1 24 oz Low Fat Cottage Cheese

1 16 oz Cool Whip

1 large box Cherry Jello (can use sugar free)

1 10 oz can Pineapple

1 10 oz can Mandarin Oranges

1 10 oz can Pears

Seedless green Grapes sliced in half

 

Mix cottage cheese and cool whip with mixer until curds are smoother. Stir in Jello with spoon. Drain all fruits and stir in.

Note: You can substitute different fruits and even different Jello flavors. I’m not a fan of cottage cheese, so I use cherry Jello because it has a strong flavor.

 

Question for Readers: What’s your favorite summertime recipe? All answers or comments will go in the drawing.

Giveaway

I’m giving away five copies of The Cowboy’s Missing Memory and five copies of my Western Collection two in one with Jill Lynn – Counting on the Cowboy and Her Texas Cowboy will be split among commentors. Winner’s will be revealed on Shannon’s Blog on July 15th. 

Follow my blog tour to enter:

June 2: Jennifer Heeren’s Blog: https://jenniferheeren.com/blog/

June 11: Joy Avery Melville’s Blog: https://www.journeystojoy.net/

June 13: Patti Shene’s Blog: https://pattishene.com/pattisporch

June 25: Laurie Wood’s Blog: https://www.lauriewoodauthor.com/author-my-blog

June 25: Reading is My Superpower Blog: https://readingismysuperpower.org

June 30: Catherine Castle’s Blog: https://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com/blog/

July 3: Inkslinger Blog: https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/

July 6: Amy Anguish’s Blog: https://abitofanguish.weebly.com/blog

July 7: Inkslinger Blog: https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/inkslinger-blog/

July 10: Linda Rondeau’s Blog: https://lindarondeau.com/snarksensibility

While you’re waiting for you Pink Stuff to cool check out Shannon’s book The Cowboy’s Missing Memory. And don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaways.

The Cowboy’s Missing Memory

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Can he reclaim his past…and build a future?

He needs to remember.

She’s his best hope…

After a rodeo accident took away Clint Rawlins’s mobility and two years’ worth of memories, occupational therapist Lexie Parker is his only shot at recovering and regaining independence. Lexie is drawn to Clint…but she’s wary of the amnesiac’s all-too-vulnerable feelings. And with the possibility of him returning to his dangerous bull-riding side job, she refuses to risk her heart. But resisting her charming patient may be harder than she expected…

(Available in Walmart mid-June through mid-July)

The Cowboy’s Missing Memory – Amazon

The Cowboy’s Missing Memory – Christian Book

About the Author:

Award winning author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter writes contemporary Christian cowboy romance and has over a dozen published titles. A romance reader since her teens, she hopes to entertain Christian women and plant seeds in the non-believer’s heart as she demonstrates that love doesn’t conquer all—Jesus does.

She gleans fodder for her fiction in rural Arkansas where she spent her teenage summers working the concession stand with her rodeo announcing dad and married a Texan who morphed into a pastor. In her spare time, she loves hanging out with her husband and son, flea marketing, and doing craft projects.

Connect with her: Shannon’s Website, Shannon’s Blog, Shannon’s Facebook, Shannon’s Goodreads, Shannon’s Pinterest, Shannon’s Twitter, Newsletter Archives, Shannon’s Amazon Author Page and Shannon’s Bookbub. Sign up for her Newsletter to get a free e-book, recipes, behind the scenes info, & enter exclusive giveaways: Shannon’s Newsletter

 

 

Tasty Tuesdays–Sweet and Sassy California Chicken Salad from Jennifer Slattery

Tags

Building a Family, Chicken salad, Christian romance, food, Jennifer Slattery, recipe, Sweet romance, Tasty Tuesdays

I love experimenting with different flavors and tweaking old recipes to make them new. I also love inspecting whatever my husband orders at a restaurant, if he enjoys it, and trying to make that menu item at home. The results can be awesome or incredibly frustrating.

This salad, which I’ll call the Sweet and Sassy California Chicken Salad, turned out to be awesome. It arose, initially, from a Chinese salad my husband had when we were in California but soon morphed into the Sweet and Sassy version when I learned our daughter, who’s not a fan of soy sauce but loves anything citrusy, was coming home from college for the weekend.

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

¼ C orange juice concentrate (do not dilute)

¼ C olive oil

¼ C lemon juice

2 large cloves minced garlic

¼ C balsamic vinegar (or white rice vinegar)

5 basil leaves, chopped

½ teaspoon sage

½ teaspoon salt

 

Directions:

Mix the above ingredients together and marinade chicken in it for at least three hours. I used four chicken breasts, though there’s enough marinade for six, maybe more.

 

For salad:

¼ head of green cabbage

½ head of red cabbage

1 beet, peeled and grated

2 oranges, peeled and sliced (or substitute with mandarin orange slices)

1 red pepper, julienned

¼ to ½ C slivered almonds

 

For dressing:

¼ C orange juice from concentrate

¼ C olive oil

¼ lemon juice

¼ C vinegar of choice (I like balsamic)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp sage

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Grill the chicken. We prefer a charcoal grill, and really enjoyed the smoky flavor. While chicken is grilling, mix the salad ingredients together, and then serve onto individual plates. Mix the dressing ingredients together and set aside. When the chicken is done, slice each breast into bite sized pieces and place it one breast worth on top of each salad. Drizzle with the dressing. And dig in!

 

Can you think of any other ingredients I could’ve added? Share your ideas with me in the comments below!

 

While you’re waiting for the chicken to marinade, check out Jennifer’s book

Building a Family

 

Can love for two little matchmakers unite their reluctant hearts?

Worried that Noah Williams is still the reckless bull rider she remembers, Kayla Fisher is convinced he isn’t the right person to care for their orphaned niece and nephew. Now she’s back home, determined to fight for custody. But Noah is a changed man, and he intends to prove it. When Noah and Kayla start falling for each other, could raising the children together be the perfect solution?

Buy it HERE

 

 

About the Author:

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and national speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She hosts Life Audio’s Faith Over Fear Podcast and maintains devotional blogs found at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud and on Crosswalk. As the founder of Wholly Love Ministries, she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband. Contact her HERE to book her for your next women’s event.