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Warm your heart with nine enchanting tales of love. From historical winter celebrations to modern sizzling New Year's Eve encounters, this anthology spans sweet to spicy romance across different eras and realms. Whether you prefer gentle courtship or steamy embraces, this collection has something for every romance reader.
Mistletoe Magic by Leah Miles: A holiday romance rekindles when Navy SEAL Michael Rodriguez runs into his old flame, Nora Geller, and invites her to his family gathering. Will they mend old wounds and find love again, or will misunderstandings leave their hearts out in the cold?
Happily Ever After, Take Two by Sara Walker: Will Dino and Hilde's second chance love overcome family doubts and past mistakes for a lifetime of happiness?
Love Under the Cold Moon by Vanessa Kilmer: A headstrong Celtic woman and a reluctant Roman heir clash and connect in an arranged marriage during the Alpine winter festivals of 193 AD.
Finding a Date for Christmas by Vickey Wollan: Joan’s going to a Christmas gala and hires Mack on Rent-A-Date. If he reveals his secret, will he get a second date? Can two lonely hearts find romance in time for Christmas?
Snowbound Hearts by C.L. Hart: When a divorced couple ends up stuck in a snowbound lodge in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it could either be the worst Christmas ever or a second chance to make things right.
A Fluffy White Christmas - A Tail of Love by Sally Murphy: Can a half-starved stray dog help a lonely woman open up her frozen heart to a new love this Christmas?
Maiya’s New Year’s Wish by Marie Morton: Maiya Collins finds herself swept into an unexpected holiday romance in the sun-kissed paradise of St. Croix. Yet, a misunderstanding threatens to shatter her dreams. As the New Year's countdown approaches, she must confront her doubts. Can love prevail, or will her island romance become another broken resolution?
The Naughty List Nightmare by Erika Kilmer Freidly: Love, traditions, and a mythical menace collide as Thea and Bash get involved in a festive fight to save Pittsburgh's children.
Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Edgar: Cinderella made her own gown and found her Prince Charming, but will they get their fairy tale ending?
Don’t miss your chance to purchase this collection while it is available.
Proceeds benefit First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.
As you may or may not know, I love to crochet.
I learned by watching my Oma, not the woman you met in the last newsletter, but her daughter. They shared the name Franziska, which was also my mother's middle name. My Uroma did not knit or crochet. My Oma was a knitting/crocheting fiend. She always had something on the make and carried her projects with her wherever she went.
I don't like to knit. I'm not coordinated enough or attentive enough.
Crocheting is like meditation to me.
Unfortunately, living in Florida now, my useful projects are limited. No mittens, caps, scarves, sweaters, blankets---too hot.
And I like useful because I like natural fibers and they are expensive.
My current project is a strap for a laptop bag. I lost the one that came with it originally, so I've been trying to find something else.
Crochet straps are really stretchy, especially with a little weight. I thought I had the problem solved, but I didn't use the fishing line. I'll have to try weaving it in after the fact.
The yarn is Peaches & Creme Stripey - 17007 Green Stripes - worsted 4-ply, 2 oz, 102 yards, 100% cotton, Mediun 4
Here are the links to the patterns and processes I used"
Spiral Rope used to link the handle to the bag
Tunisian Butterfly applique for the 13 butterflies - these are so cute in person.
The strap itself was made with the Thermal Stitch which is so satisfying. I'll have to think of something else to use this stitch for.
... Ishmael, just don't call me late for dinner.
Yes, I did a mashup of a classic opening line and an old dad joke. That's how my mind works.
Something New
I've been listening to a Baroque playlist on Spotify. There are many to choose from there and on YouTube. One of the things I really like about the Spotify playlists is that they are hours long. The one I link above plays for 24 hours. I can really sink into the music without being aware of it.
And science says it's good for your brain.
Writing
I let myself get distracted on Thursday with the rabbit hole of 'research.' I wrote one sentence but that's okay. One sentence is my goal and I did it.
Friday, I wrote 8,898 words and finished my short story for an upcoming Winter FCRW Anthology.
What was the difference between the days? Friday, I put the writing first and once I started, I didn't want to stop. The starting always stopped me.
Movement
I've been setting my little kitchen timer for 30 minutes. When it buzzes, I get up and walk around. Occasionally, I take a little brain break and do something menial, like the dishes or the laundry.
Links You Should Checkout
First Coast Romance Writers is a great group for aspiring writers and published authors. You don't have to live in Florida to participate in meetings and workshops and they have mentoring programs.
344 Words You Can Spell On a Calculator Does anyone still have calculators? Will these work on a phone calculator?
Shady Characters is all about written marks, punctuation, emojis, etc.
I love to crochet. This Book Worm Pattern is adorable.
Then there's the ultimate SQUIRREL moment, as in squirrel spas.
Any wonder I can't get any writing done.
I'm Reading
The Ever King by LJ Andrews
The Awakening and Selected Stories by Kate Chopin
Broken Protector (Gentle Sinners Book 1) by Amber Warden
