Books

It’s Christmas in July–and you could win!

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This post is for romance lovers! Especially readers who enjoy sweet romance novels. And especially for those who enjoy holiday stories. It’s Christmas in July!!

I’m participating in a promotion that you don’t want to miss. One lucky winner will receive more than twenty-five holiday-themed e-books and a new e-reader!! It’s very simple to enter. Just click the link!

pine needles squareFeeling the summer heat? My book, Christmas at Tall Pines, will whisk you away to the snowy mountains of Utah where there’s action, adventure, a surprise encounter, and heartwarming romance. The blizzard, mountains of snow, cozy fireplace and warm cider will have you feeling the frosty air! 🙂

Enter the contest now!

https://booksweeps.com/giveaway/sweet-contemporary-romance-giveaway/

18274004289640717573

Good luck, and happy reading to all!

Darlene

Drum roll please . . . it’s Release Day!!

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Sunsets, wide open spaces, cowboys, and unexpected romance — Sunset Ledge has all the feels!

I’m so excited to share my new novel, a “silver fox” or later-in-life contemporary romance set on the beautiful Armstrong Ranch in Texas. It’s a stand-alone story, but also revisits some of the people and places from my earlier book, The Story Between Us, a sweet contemporary romance.

Release Day!!!Sunset Ledge features Jack Armstrong, the self-assured, widowed loner who owns the ranch . . .

Jack Armstrong lives like a recluse on his Texas ranch. In the difficult years after his wife’s death, he goes through the motions of life and wants to be left alone.

Caroline Tate, a widowed ecology professor, arrives at the ranch for a much-needed break and to take nature photos for her sabbatical project. But relaxing is a challenge when she finds herself at odds with the curmudgeonly cowboy who owns the place.

Jack generally steers clear of the guests, but this time, it’s not so easy. Vivacious Caroline doesn’t fade into the background. This city gal comes with pearls around her neck, a big red flower on her floppy hat, and way too many questions. Her self-assured, adventurous spirit gets under Jack’s skin, and she soon stirs feelings long dormant inside him.

Sunset Ledge is available in ebook and paperback formats from most online retailers! Visit these retailers and my social media links to hear what reviewers are saying about Sunset Ledge!

Happy reading, and thanks for helping me celebrate today!

Darlene

Here’s a sneak peek!

Jack spotted the car first. But as the road curved around the creek, he saw the woman. He watched as she set up a tripod then pulled a bag from her car. No equipment, huh?

She tossed off the hat she’d worn the day they’d met and moved up to the camera, hair blowing around her.

He signaled Charlie, his trusted Appaloosa, to move forward. As far as Jack could tell, she was taking pictures of rocks. He didn’t much care what she was doing, but he wanted her to know he saw her and all the stuff she had strewn about.

As they approached, she turned, shading her eyes with her hand.

Jack tipped his hat. “Afternoon, ma’am. I understood you weren’t bringing equipment.”

“Good afternoon, Jack. It’s Caroline. Do you mean the tripod?”

What else would he mean? He nodded toward her set-up.

“I understood you didn’t want a crew of people and video equipment. All I have is a single tripod for a single camera used by a single person. It helps steady my hand.” She held up a hand and added with a light laugh, “I prefer my pictures to be in focus.” She gestured toward the rock. “These little guys move so fast.”

Jack squinted. “What guys?”

“I’ve got three or four lizards running around here.”

“Ah.” Jack adjusted on the horse, feeling a bit foolish. Probably best to move on and leave her to it.

“I got a great shot of a rattler a while ago.”

Alarm pulsed through him. “You did? A rattlesnake here on the ranch?”

“Yes. It was amazing, but a little…rattling. Pun intended.”

 She let out that soft chuckle again.

“I admit it gave me a scare for a minute, but after a short standoff, we gave each other our space and went our separate ways. Want to see?”

She fiddled with the camera a moment, and Jack was compelled to swing down from the horse. He did want to see.

When she held it toward him, he peered into the back of her camera, and found the cold-blooded face of a rattlesnake staring at him at close range. His heart bounced. He turned his gaze back to the woman beside him—and wondered if the ranch had adequate insurance to keep her on the property.

She’d captured one hell of a shot. The snake, obviously alerted to her presence, sat tensed, partially hidden beneath a rock, but its rattle erect and sending the telltale warning to the intruder.

“What do you think?” Caroline asked.

Jack shook his head. He couldn’t say what he really thought in the presence of a lady. He blew out his breath. “Caroline, we try to keep our guests out of harm’s way on the ranch and would appreciate it if you’d help us out in that regard by not doing something foolish. How close were you?”

The hand she placed on his arm sent unexpected—and unwelcome—jolts of heat through Jack.

“Don’t worry. It’s a long lens. I wasn’t as close as it might seem. Also, if it gives you any comfort, I carry a snake kit in my backpack.”

Disbelief rolled through Jack. That sounded like a line of bull to him. He stared hard. He’d better make sure they had a fresh supply of the kits just in case. It’d been a while since he’d seen a rattlesnake around.

“Remember?” Caroline prompted. “I’m a biologist. I’ve taught college-level biology and ecology for twenty-five years. Technically, I’m ‘Dr.’ Tate.”

She added a saucy smile that crinkled around her warm eyes.

Caught off guard, Jack cleared his throat. “No, I don’t think you mentioned that.” The information explained the hint of arrogance in her attitude. Well, fine. No need for him to worry about her then. “Very good. I should let you get back to your picture taking.”

He put his left foot into the stirrup and swung his right leg over Charlie’s back.

“Hey, Jack.”

He would’ve moved along had she not called to him. Instead, he turned back. She didn’t seem to have any trouble with his first name. In fact, it rolled from her lips as if they were old friends. He squirmed in the saddle. “Yes?”

She dusted her hands against her jeans before meeting his eyes. “I understand you’re all alone in the big house. Would you have dinner with me tonight? I’d love to learn more about the ranch.”

A hot flush crept to Jack’s collar. She had to be kidding. Who had she been talking to? And why would he want to have dinner with her? Sweat rolled down the back of his neck. Because he could use the company? And she was an attractive, interesting woman?

She glanced at her watch. “I’m ready to wrap up here. It’s been a full day, for sure. Want to say around six-thirty?”

He hadn’t said yes.

https://books.apple.com/us/book/sunset-ledge/id6497954022

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/…/sunset…/1145247176…

Amazon

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Sunsets, a nature retreat, and cowboys . . . the perfect set-up for unexpected romance!

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perf5.000x8.000.inddWoo-hoo! We’re only a week away from Release Day! Sunset Ledge is a sequel to my sweet romance The Story Between Us, but can be read as a stand-alone. It’s what we call a silver fox, or seasoned, romance because the primary characters are age 50-plus. They are characters who’ve seen a little of life. They’ve been around the block a time or two, and they might be a little set in their ways. They’ve accepted where they are in life, so when an unexpected attraction and opportunity for a romantic relationship arises, they’re hesitant, cautious and maybe a little nervous . . .

Jack Armstrong lives like a recluse on his Texas ranch. In the difficult years after his wife’s death, he goes through the motions of life and wants to be left alone.

Caroline Tate, a widowed ecology professor, arrives at the ranch for a much-needed break and to take nature photos for her sabbatical project. But relaxing is a challenge when she finds herself at odds with the curmudgeonly cowboy who owns the place.

Jack generally steers clear of the guests, but this time, it’s not so easy. Vivacious Caroline doesn’t fade into the background. This city gal comes with pearls around her neck, a big red flower on her floppy hat, and way too many questions. Her self-assured, adventurous spirit gets under Jack’s skin, and she soon stirs feelings long dormant inside him.

Be one of the first to read Sunset Ledge! The book, published by The Wild Rose Press, is now available to pre-order in digital or paperback formats from your favorite online retailer. Sunsets, cowboys, wide-open spaces, and characters you’ll love await!

Happy reading to all!

Darlene

Sunset pre-order

https://books.apple.com/us/book/sunset-ledge/id6497954022

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/…/sunset…/1145247176…

Amazon

Celebrate all the moms!

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Mother’s Day is right around the corner!  This year is a special one for me because it’s my first Mother’s Day as a grandmother!! So this year, in addition to celebrating me and my own mom, we’ll be celebrating my daughter as a new mom, too!

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While it’s kind of a mind-blowing new life stage for me, I love celebrating moms. Motherhood is a special role. I didn’t grow up thinking I couldn’t wait to be a mom the way some girls do. In fact, the hubs and I waited eight years after we were married. We just weren’t ready in the early years of our marriage. Kids change everything!!!

Becoming a mom to two amazing kids has been a constant source of joy and pride. I know this isn’t the case for everyone. And I don’t think every woman has to become a mom to have a great, rewarding life. Over the years, Mother’s Day has expanded to include people who are like-a-mom, stepmoms, aunts, good friends, caregivers, etc. And that’s awesome. Anyone who cares for kids should be celebrated! As a mom, I value those friends who would step in for me and be good to my kids, the friends who cheer when my kids have an accomplishment or special event, the friends who commiserate when life hands my kids a tough blow. I celebrate those women, too. It really does take a village!

A lot of the books I write include moms — both the women’s fiction and the romances. Most of them are wonderful moms who offer helping hands and support, and are full of love, compassion, and great advice. But, as always, I try to create realistic characters and storylines, so these are relatable women who have their fair share of angst with jobs, kids, and spouses. Some struggle with single parenting, others face challenges with adult children, and some are transitioning to the grandmother role.

Is your mom a reader? Introduce her to some new friends this year! My Women of Whitfield series is a trilogy about three small-town friends who are there for each other through parenting, loss, love and everything life throws at them.

The books are available in digital or paperback formats from most online book retailers. Here are a few “mom” excerpts:

Claire, The Storm Within– When the ice cream arrived, it was topped with whipped cream, covered in multi-colored candy sprinkles, and included a small chocolate-chip cookie tucked along the side. Claire couldn’t decide what was funnier – her daughter’s aghast expression or her grandson’s look of pure delight. The kid’s eyes were as round as his open mouth, and his fists clenched as they shook with excitement.

When Elise started to speak, Claire rested a hand on her daughter’s arm. “Let them have it, Elise. The look on Andy’s face is priceless. Just enjoy their joy this time, okay?”

Dana, Second Wind— “Be back at midnight,” Dana said. “That means no drinking, Chase. You can’t be on the highway if you’ve had even a few beers.”

“I can just spend the night there.”

“No. That’s not what I meant. I want you to come back, and to be sober. Period. You shouldn’t be drinking, anyway. You can’t afford a DUI. Also, I ran into Cameron Wade at the lost and found yesterday. He’s been driving around town picking up things that have landed all over the place. You can help him tomorrow morning. He said nine or ten. What about nine-thirty? That gives you plenty of time to sleep.”

Chase’s grunt was muffled by the closing of the door.

Dana watched her son’s car pull away from the curb and wondered where that adorable kid was who never left the house without saying “I love you.” What happened to the kid who would still allow her to grab his hand for a few moments even in high school? She missed him.

Mary, Barefoot Days– “Mom, you do realize that until two days ago I thought I was in love with someone else, right?” She pulled a top over her head and reached for her jeans.

Mary moved forward and ran a hand down Sara’s shoulder-length hair. “I do. I’m sorry. I’m not making light of that. But…well, maybe the best thing for getting over him is finding the real Mr. Right, hmm?”

“I have no idea what Evan is doing now, Mom. Heck, he could be married. I told you, we don’t talk anymore.”

“You would know, because I would know.”

“Whatever. Give it a rest, okay?”

“Fine, but for the record, I don’t think he’s dating anyone.” She leaned in, meeting Sara’s eyes in the mirror. “And I know he isn’t bringing anyone with him to the wedding.”

Darlene_Deluca_womens fiction

https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Within-Women-Whitfield-novel/dp/1490379231/

https://www.amazon.com/Second-Wind-Women-Whitfield-2/dp/1505681170/

https://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Days-Women-Whitfield-3/dp/1544984553/

Countdown to Valentine’s Day–meet cutes

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What the heck is a “meet cute?” In the world of romance writing, it’s the first meeting of the two main characters who will eventually become a love interest. The meet cute sets up the circumstances, and usually gives the hero and heroine a chance to size each other up, whether the meet starts with intrigue, annoyance, a spike in blood pressure, or a tingle up the spine.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’ll be sharing a few of the meet cute scenes in my romance novels. Here’s the meeting between Kristen and Reed in The Story Between Us. Enjoy!

meet cute TSBU

The sound of clapping filled the room. The manager beamed at Kristen then unhooked the small velvet rope, signaling the event was under way.

For more than an hour, Kristen hardly put down the marker or drank any of the water the store provided. No awkward gaps appeared in the line. While she visited with the customer in front of her, movement in her periphery vision caught Kristen’s attention.

A young boy bounced in line waiting for his turn.

Kristen smiled but kept focused on the customer at the table.

“Christmas gifts.” The woman presented three copies of the new book.

Kristen mentally pinched herself. Three copies to a single customer had to be a first. “Thank you so much. I sure hope they enjoy the books.” Turning back toward the line, Kristen was surprised to find the fidgeting boy already standing at the table.

With both hands, he placed a copy of What Will You Be? on the table and shoved it forward with a lopsided grin, his bright blue eyes shining.

“Hello there,” Kristen said. “What’s your name, my friend?”

He put his chin in a hand and leaned in close.

The bill of his Rangers baseball cap pushed into Kristen’s personal space.

“Dylan.”

“Pleased to meet you, Dylan.” She flicked her glance to the man standing beside the boy, who she assumed was Dylan’s dad. Wow. No wonder the kid was such a cutie. With a tall, solid build and unruly curls, the man looked as if he’d come straight off a professional soccer field—except for the suit and marigold-yellow tie that dangled around his neck. At seven forty-five. Had he just come from work?

Beneath raised brows, his slate-blue eyes stared.

Oops. She might have lingered a bit too long with her assessment.

“Dylan wanted to get his book signed.”

His deep voice reminded Kristen why she was there, and heat rushed to her face. She grabbed for the orange pen. “Yes, of course.”

“You’re coming to my class tomorrow.” Dylan said.

“Oh, my gosh. “Mrs. Baxter is your teacher?”

Dylan bobbed his head vigorously.”

“I sure am looking forward to being there.” Her schedule included an appearance in the classroom of her longtime friend Jana Baxter the following afternoon. School visits were always a fun time. While Kristen appreciated parents bringing kids to the bookstore—and buying her books—she preferred the low-key time with the kids in a classroom setting.

Kristen glanced at the boy’s dad, surprised to see a hint of impatience in his otherwise gorgeous eyes. Apparently, he wasn’t excited about being dragged out tonight. From the looks of things, he’d only gone home long enough to pick up Dylan. Maybe he hadn’t eaten dinner and felt a little grumpy.

Turning to the inside title page of the book, she wrote, “For Dylan, a very special book buddy.” She signed her name then stood and extended a hand. “I’m Kristen. You must be Dylan’s father. Thanks so much for coming this evening.”

With a slight nod, he grasped her hand. “Good to meet you, Kristen. I’m Reed Armstrong, Dylan’s uncle.”

Ah. He must’ve promised the kid some kind of outing, thinking it’d be baseball or ice cream, not a trip to the bookstore. Kristen stifled a laugh, not sure whether to feel sorry for him or annoyed he didn’t seem to appreciate time spent in a bookstore. Pulling away her gaze, Kristen turned back to her young fan. She lifted the book and held it toward Dylan. “Have fun reading that with your mom and dad or your uncle,” she told him.

Dylan’s smile disappeared, and he looked down. “Thank you,” he mumbled.

His uncle leaned forward, clearing his throat. “I’m Dylan’s guardian.”

The Story Between Us is a sweet romance that takes place primarily in Texas. It’s available in ebook and paperback formats from most online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple.

Happy reading! And Happy Valentine’s Day to all, whether you’re celebrating with friends, a spouse or significant other!

Darlene

The Story Between Us:

Her agent warned her not to get attached to a fan. But children’s book author Kristen Hanover is about to break the rules. Kristen meets a young boy who is a victim of a tragic accident and is drawn into the heartbreaking situation.

Six years ago, Reed Armstrong never imagined he’d actually become guardian of his sister’s boy. Now he is, and most days he’s not sure he’s up to the task.

When he and Dylan meet Kristen, Reed downplays his nephew’s crush on the author. But as their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, he finds himself captivated as well. Trouble is, she sells stories for a living. Does she truly care about Dylan…and Reed, or is she using them for her own career advancement?

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-story-between-us-darlene-deluca/1137387092?ean=2940162985785

https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-story-between-us/id1525107147

Going Home and Finding Love

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Hello, friends! Today I continue a series of holiday guest posts featuring talented authors who will share a little about themselves and their books. I asked them each to answer some holiday-related questions. Let’s get to know author Maria Imbalzano. Welcome, Maria!

–What’s your favorite holiday movie and why? I love “The Holiday” with Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black. It’s a “swapping homes” story where two women, one a wealthy California producer who lives in a mansion and one an English journalist who lives in the countryside, find each other through a house exchange website. Each of them is nursing a heartbreak and want to get away for the Christmas holiday. And of course, each of them finds love in their home away from home. This movie has just the right amount of conflict, humor, tenderness, and spirit without being the normal fare we usually see around the holidays.

–What’s your holiday “specialty?”  I’m not much of a cook, but I do like to bake—probably because I’m addicted to sugar. Christmas cookies are my favorite, so I guess that’s my specialty, although I want to be clear that I really don’t belong in the kitchen. I always baked these treats with my mom, and now I do it with my daughters and granddaughters. Of course, they don’t come out as good as when my mom was involved.  The problem with my baking in general is that I’m a little casual with quantities. My mother, daughters and husband have all commented on my methods of measuring water, flour, sugar etc. My response: Is there really a difference between dry measuring cups and wet? And do the measurements actually have to be exact?

Despite my shortcomings, we make butterballs, kiefli, chocolate walnut, and recently added red velvet crinkles (in honor of my book). In my opinion, they are all delicious.

Maria Imbalzano is an award-winning contemporary author who writes about strong, independent women and the men who fall in love with them. She recently retired from the practice of law, but legal issues have a way of showing up in many of her novels.

Maria is a member of New Jersey Romance Writers and has received many honors and awards for her work including the Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award, the Write Touch Readers Award, The NEST (National Excellence In Story Telling) Award, the Carolyn Award, The Stiletto Reader’s Choice Award, Book Buyers Best Award, Long & Short Reviews Book of the Month Award, and Still Moments Magazine Reader’s Choice Award.

When not writing, she loves to travel both abroad and in the states.  Maria lives in Lawrenceville with her husband–not far from her two daughters and granddaughters.

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Book blurb:

Competitive, work-obsessed Bella Simonetti has just been fired from her high-paying job at a Manhattan law firm. At an all-time low, she returns home and helps her parents at their small-town gift shop, but the business is failing and may not make it past the Christmas holidays.

Successful landscape architect Dean Jackson is like a son to Bella’s parents. But he’s a persistent annoyance to her—he seems to have forgotten his unforgivable blunder thirteen years earlier.

When Bella transforms her parents’ gift shop into a cookie cottage, Dean’s generosity and magnetic smile are hard to resist, and those feelings of unrequited adolescent love come rushing back. But can Bella let go of the past and accept Dean for the man he is today?

A favorite line from the book: Some women fear the fire. Some simply become it.

Connect with Maria:  http://www.mariaimbalzano.com

https://books2read.com/u/38d09r

Thanks for joining us today, Maria! I also enjoy The Holiday and have already seen it a couple of times this season! And I love your quote from the book! Readers, what’s your favorite holiday movie?

Darlene

A Santa in need of a Gift

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Hello, friends! Today I continue a series of holiday guest posts featuring talented authors who will share a little about themselves and their books. I asked them each to answer some holiday-related questions. Let’s get to know author Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy. Welcome, Lee Ann!

–What’s your favorite holiday tradition and why? I love all the traditions but one of my favorites is choosing an ornament each year. Over the years, thanks to my mom’s idea the year I was born, I have a lovely collection of unique and special Christmas ornaments. I’ve continued the tradition with my children as well.

–What’s your holiday “specialty?” Cookies! I always bake several flavors of cookies. The tradition began one year when my mom was at a loss what to get my grandfather, Pop, for Christmas. She decided I could help bake cookies, including sugar cookie cutouts. Snickerdoodles are another favorite!

Food always figures into my novels. In The Scarred Santa, Rafe’s mom bakes snickerdoodles, one of my favorite cookies. Here’s the recipe to enjoy!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

2 eggs

2 3/4 cups All Purpose Flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

 

Heat oven to 400°F.

Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs in large bowl.

Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.

Mix 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon.

Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy, author bio: I am a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, the former frontier town where the Pony Express began and outlaw Jesse James met his end. I grew up in a blue-collar neighborhood as a third-generation American in a close-knit family. I am a widow with three grown children and spent much of my career in media, first in broadcast media (radio) and then newspapers. My first novel appeared in 2010 . I write primarily romance in all flavors from sweet to heat, from paranormal to suspense, from contemporary to historical.

scarred santa cover

Book blurb: Once handsome Rafe Sullivan is left scarred, injured, and with PTSD from his Marine Corps service in Afghanistan, returning to civilian life is far from smooth, and the burn scars on his right side are extensive. Although he lives close to family, he lives a solitary life and changes jobs more often than most people change their socks. A temporary job as Santa at the mall is presented, but Rafe first rebels, then relents. His Santa gig affects his PTSD. Then he meets Sheena Dunmore. When she doesn’t run from his scars or issues, she intrigues him. An unmasking by some rowdy children is a test of his stamina and spirit. His greatest fear is fire. Will Rafe conquer the fear so he can move forward into the new life he desires?

A favorite quote from the book: “You’re my hero and I love you, Angel Face,” Mike said when he released Rafe.

As soon as Mike spoke the nickname, the one their dad had put an end to long ago, his expression changed as he realized his error.

“Oh, man. I shouldn’t have used the old nickname. Rafe, I’m so sorry. I know it’s a sore spot now and…”

Rafe laughed. “It’s fine, Mike. I probably look more like a singed devil.”

Connect with Lee Ann: https://leeannsontheimer.blogspot.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Santa-Lee-Sontheimer-Murphy-ebook/dp/B0CHG2JPKX

Thanks for being here, Lee Ann! Your book sounds heartwarming and the cookies sound amazing! I love snickerdoodles, but frosted sugar cookies are my specialty. Readers, what foods or desserts do you make for the holidays?

Darlene 

A Ghostly Christmas Honeymoon

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Hello, friends! Today please welcome author Randy Overbeck as part of my holiday guest series featuring talented authors who will share a little about themselves and their books. I asked them each to answer a few holiday-related questions. Let’s meet Randy!

–What’s your favorite holiday tradition and why? When I was in grade school, I attended a special “choir school” where we would prepare music for the church service as part of every school day. We sang at every holiday including Christmas, especially the Midnight Mass service. Even decades later, I still remember being in the choir loft, singing beautiful Christmas hymns with the church looking and smelling like Christmas. A few of my favorite Christmas carols we sang back then can still bring tears to my eyes even today.

–What’s your favorite holiday movie and why? I enjoy several of the classic movies, but I love Christmas on 42th Street, with its unbelieving child and Thanksgiving parade Santa. I’ve seen several versions of the movie and have enjoyed them all, just the child in me, I guess.

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades. He has turned this experience into captivating fiction, authoring the bestselling series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries, winner of nine national awards. This past fall, the Wild Rose Press released his newest work, an atmospheric amateur sleuth mystery, CRUEL LESSONS, the first installment in a new series set in schools, “Lessons in Peril.” He is the host of the podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is also a speaker in much demand, sharing his multi-media presentations, “Things Still Go Bump in the Night,” “A Few Favorite Haunts,” and “Everything You Wanted to Know About Publishing” with audiences all over the country.

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Book blurb: All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help.

When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids get their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.

A favorite line from the book:  “Remember Christmas is for the children…especially the two who need your help.”

Connect with Randy: http://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com

https://www.amazon.com/Scarlet-Crystal-Haunted-Shores-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B09B5Q2GQS

Thanks for sharing with us today, Randy! I’ve been known to get teary over Christmas tunes, too! Happy reading, everyone! Hope you’re enjoying my author guests! How is your holiday prep going?

Darlene

Discover winter charm in a Crystal Castle!

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Hello, friends! Today kicks off a series of holiday guest posts featuring talented authors who will share a little about themselves and their books. I asked them each to answer a few holiday-related questions. Let’s get started with author Jennifer Ivy Walker. Welcome, Jennifer!

–What’s your favorite holiday tradition and why? I love making homemade Christmas Spice Cookies with my children—and now my grandchildren. I love sharing my own grandmother’s recipe and have been passing down this tradition for over thirty years now.

–What’s your favorite holiday movie and why? I love “It’s A Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. It’s poignant and emphasizes the value of love, family, and friendship, especially during the holidays.

–What’s your holiday “specialty?”  My holiday specialty is homemade pecan pie!

–A favorite holiday travel story to share? It’s always fun when out of state family members come to Florida for Christmas. We wear tank tops and go to the beach to enjoy the balmy weather!

    Enthralled with legends of medieval knights and ladies, dark fairy tales and fantasies about Druids, wizards and magic, Jennifer Ivy Walker always dreamed of becoming a writer. She fell in love with French in junior high school, continuing her study of the language throughout college, eventually becoming a high school teacher and college professor of French.
     Her new release, “Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle,” is a steamy medieval romance between a flame-haired, fire-hearted French princess descended from Viking Valkyrie and the solitary, sullen knight who suffers an impossible love for her. Readers who enjoyed The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy will recognize several of the main characters in this new novel as well.
     Explore her realm of Medieval French Fantasy. She hopes her novels will enchant you.

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Book blurb:

Gabrielle is a flame haired, fire hearted French princess who dreams of becoming a Valkyrie warrior queen like her Viking ancestors from Normandy. Sent to Paris to learn the proper etiquette for a future French queen, she is called home to le Château de Beaufort for a forced marriage to a man she loathes when her father the king’s precarious health takes a sudden turn for the worse.

Chivalrous, solitary knight Sir Bastien de Landuc suffers an impossible love for Gabrielle, the unattainable princess he can never have. Without a title of nobility, he is ineligible to compete in the tournament for her hand in marriage, despite his unparalleled equestrian skills and inimitable swordsmanship.

Yet, Yuletide wishes for a wondrous winter solstice in the glorious Crystal Castle might make impossible dreams come true.

Can the valiant knight win the coveted hand of his Viking Valkyrie?

A favorite quote from the book:

“I shall be a warrior queen,” she’d told him, emerald eyes ablaze with fierce pride as she’d blocked and parried his blows. “A Valkyrie shield maiden, like my ancestor, Brunnhild.” Agile and graceful as a dancer, she’d spun with stunning elegance and surprising force, disarming him with a glorious, gloating grin. “And I shall defend this kingdom with my sword… thanks to you.”

Connect with Jennifer at https://jenniferivywalker.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Winter-Solstice-Crystal-Castle-Christmas-ebook/dp/B0CHG3ZQ8J/

Sounds enchanting, right? Tell us about your holiday traditions or books!

Happy reading, everyone!

Darlene

Make it a merry month!

darlenedeluca A Writer's Life, Books, Guests , , , , , ,

Hello to all and happy December! It’s officially holiday season! And I’m kicking it off with some guest bloggers talking about holiday traditions, recipes, books and more! Hope you’ll join us over the next couple of weeks and share your thoughts! We love to chat with readers!

On Dec. 21, I’ll draw a prize winner from everyone who’s commented or shared the holiday guest posts on this page! But first, I’m visiting author Liz Flaherty’s Kitchen Window blog today. Link is below. Stop on over and say hello!

Darlene DeLuca (1)

https://windowoverthesink.blogspot.com/2023/12/snow-magic-or-havoc-by-darlene-deluca.html

It’s such a fun season. And whatever holidays you celebrate, I hope you are surrounded by festivities and people you love! Hope to see you throughout this merriest month!

Darlene