Amazing Holiday Romance Reads from San Diego. Part Deux!

More peace, love and sandy feet! –Jillian Stone

Okay, we're back again with more amazing reads from San Diego romance writers. And remember to leave a holiday survival tip.  When you comment, you have a chance to win one of the novels featured in this holiday promotion (winner's choice). For details scroll to the end of this blog.

Kathy Aarons

Death is Like a Box of Chocolates

Buy link: Amazon

Whether it’s to satisfy a craving for chocolate or pick up the hottest new bestseller, the locals in charming West Riverdale, Maryland, are heading to Chocolates and Chapters, where everything sold is to die for…



Best friends Michelle Serrano and Erica Russell are celebrating the sweet rewards of their combined bookstore and chocolate shop by hosting the Great Fudge Cook-off during the town’s Memorial Day weekend Arts Festival. But success turns bittersweet when Main Street’s portrait photographer is found dead in their store, poisoned by Michelle’s signature truffles.



As suspicion mounts against Michelle, her sales begin to crumble and her career seems whipped. With Erica by her side, Michelle must pick through an assortment of suspects before the future of their dream store melts away…

Judy Duarte

The Soldier's Holiday Homecoming

Buy links:  Amazon   Barnes & Noble

A holiday to remember…

Only an urgent mission could bring Sergeant Joe Wilcox back to his Texas town—and the past he’s been trying to forget.  The marine gets his wish when an accident robs him of his memory.  The beautiful blonde who offers to nurse him back to health on a ranch that’s hauntingly familiar is a bonus he didn’t expect…except Chloe Dawson is strictly off-limits.

The letter the wounded G.I. “Doe” is carrying—addressed to Chloe—only deepens the mystery of who he is and why he came to Brighton Valley.  With desire sizzling between them, Chloe’s in danger of falling for the sexy soldier.  But what happens when his memory returns?  Can she help him face his past and, together, find their future—a place where they can both belong?

Sally Orr

The Rake's Handbook 

Season’s Greetings Begin When You Catch a Rake Under The Mistletoe.

Buy links: Amazon  B&N  iBooks

The Rake’s Handbook was written on a dare, and soon took the ton by storm. Now its author, Ross Thornbury, is publicly reviled by the ladies, but privately revered by the gentlemen. Unfortunately, Ross’s notoriety is working against him and he flees London painfully aware of his own jaded heart.

Spirited widow Elinor Colton lives next to Ross’s country estate. She’s appalled not only by his rakish reputation, but also by his progressive industrial plans. Elinor is sure she is immune to Ross’s seductive ways. But he keeps coming around…impressing her with his vision for England’s future and stunning her with his smiles.

Melissa Cutler

The Mistletoe Effect

Happy Holidays! ~ Melissa Cutler

Buy links: Amazon  B&N   iTunes  Kobo

I hope your holiday season is off to a marvelous start. Mine has been particularly fun because I have a Christmas-themed romance out this year, titled THE MISTLETOE EFFECT. It's a fun, red-hot sexy contemporary romance about a “marriage of convenience” between a hotel heiress and the bad boy cowboy who manages the stables at her family’s resort. I had a blast writing it and I guarantee it’ll put a smile on your face. (and don’t you just love that cover???)  You can read Chapter One on my website (pdf): or on Goodreads.

Gina Conkle

Meet the Earl at Midnight 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ~ Gina Conkle

Buy Links: Amazon US   Amazon UK

The Enigma Earl. The Lord Phantom. That's what the gossip pages call Lord Greenwich, a mysterious nobleman who doesn't show his face in London Society. With a reputation like that, it's no wonder that Lydia Montgomery is horrified to be dragged from bed and packed off to live with him to save her mother from penury.

While Lydia has received all of the training a lady should endure, she's decidedly un-ladylike. She despises her corset and isn't interested in marriage; in fact, she would prefer to remain unmarried so that she can spend her time improving her art. But if she wants a chance at happiness, she'll have to set aside her fear of Lord Greenwich and discover the man hiding behind the beast.

If you need an audiobook to warm your commute or while you exercise, why not try Meet the Earl at Midnight? Audio excerpts are available on the purchase links (above).

Leave a comment for a chance to win one of these
 fabulous reads! 

After a long day of Christmas shopping or the obligatory office Christmas party, how do you unwind? Share one of your holiday survival secrets/tips for a chance to win one of the ebooks featured in this two-day blog (winners choice). Continue scrolling for a look at the books featured on Monday.  And don't forget to leave your contact information along with your comment to be entered into the randomizer.  Good luck and  have a great holiday! 

Get Lost in The Soldier's Holiday Homecoming.

Buy links: Amazon   Barnes & Noble

Only an urgent mission could bring Sergeant Joe Wilcox back to his Texas town—and the past he’s been trying to forget.  The marine gets his wish when an accident robs him of his memory.  The beautiful blonde who offers to nurse him back to health on a ranch that’s hauntingly familiar is a bonus he didn’t expect…except Chloe Dawson is strictly off-limits.

The letter the wounded G.I. “Doe” is carrying—addressed to Chloe—only deepens the mystery of who he is and why he came to Brighton Valley.  With desire sizzling between them, Chloe’s in danger of falling for the sexy soldier.  But what happens when his memory returns?  Can she help him face his past and, together, find their future—a place where they can both belong?

USA Today Bestselling Author, Judy Duarte always knew there was a book inside her, but since English was her least favorite subject in school, she never considered herself a writer. An avid reader who enjoys a happy ending, Judy couldn’t shake the dream of creating a book of her own.

That dream became a reality in 2002, when Silhouette released her first Special Edition. Since then, more than thirty of her books have hit the shelves, including three women’s fiction novels and two novellas.

Judy, a two-time RITA® finalist with Mulberry Park (2009) and Entertaining Angels (2010), was awarded two Maggies and a National Reader’s Choice Award for her heartwarming stories.

When she’s not cooped up in her writing cave, Judy spends time with her family in Southern California.

On the Season of Wonder and Miracles

This time of year, I love to curl up on the sofa with a cup of hot cocoa or tea and watch timeless classics on television, like Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life.   

There are so many to choose from.  You can even turn to the Hallmark Channel, where some great, made-for-TV movies are sure to warm your heart and put you in the holiday spirit.

I especially enjoy the romances, like Holiday Inn, White Christmas and The Shop Around the Corner.  My all-time favorite is Christmas in Connecticut—both the original with Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan (1945), as well as the remake with Dyan Cannon and Kris Kristofferson (1992).  

There’s just something special about those heartfelt holiday stories—either the ones on we see on television or those we read.

In fact, for that reason, I’ve written several Christmas stories over the years, including Her Best Christmas Ever, Under the Mistletoe with John Doe ,and A Baby Under the Tree, and my latest, The Soldier’s Holiday Homecoming, a November 2014 Special Edition.  

If you’re a fan of my Brighton Valley series and like amnesia stories, you’ll probably enjoy this one, which is the last book in the Return to Brighton Valley series.  


Jillian has a question for Judy: You write wonderful stories that incorporate the holiday season. What is it about Christmas that makes it so magical and romantic?

Judy: I think the holidays are a special time for people to come together as a family, to count their blessings, and to relive warm memories and make new ones.  But we all know that not everyone has Norman Rockwell type families.  

However, writing stories about wounded characters, some of whom have had painful pasts and come from broken homes, allows me to show readers that a family doesn’t have to be one made up of blood relatives.  I hope they see that the holidays are a perfect time to forgive one another and to start afresh.  This truly is a season of love and joy, as well as one of wonder and miracles. 

Judy has a question for commenters: What are your favorite holiday movies or books?  And why do those stories hold such an amazing and timeless appeal? Two lucky people who comment on that appeal today—either books or movies.  One will win an autographed copy of Christmas on Nutcracker Court. And another will win all three books in the Return to Brighton Valley series, including this month’s release, The Soldier’s Holiday Homecoming.  
  
For more about Judy and her books go to: Website: http://www.judyduarte.com/
Twitter: @JudyDuarte

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America  addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Judy Duarte

Judy Duarte returns with a story full of good cheer, Christmas Spirit, and romance!

This Christmas, come home to Fairbrook.

The charming setting for Judy Duarte's uplifting, heartwarming novels, where friendship, faith, and some extra-special providence will make it a holiday to remember.

Christmas on Nutcracker Court

Judy Duarte

Dafina Kensington

Fairbrook is a town tailor-made for Christmas where beautiful old houses line quaintly named streets like Sugar Plum Lane and Nutcracker Court. But not everyone is eager for the holidays to arrive. Cash-strapped single mom Carly Westbrook worries about providing a merry Christmas for her boys. It doesn't help that they've been having run-ins with neighbor Max Tolliver, an aspiring novelist stricken with writer's block. Then there's Grant Barrows, a formerly wealthy businessman whose heart seems to have shrunk along with his bank balance.

Some folks are still determined to make the season sparkle--like the Diamond Lils, a ladies' group that meets weekly to play poker and socialize. This year, they're looking to do some good deeds--and wealthy widow Lynette thinks that a little matchmaking between Grant and Carly would be a perfect place to start.

Get Lost in a Story welcomes back Judy Duarte

Judy always knew there was a book inside her, but since English was her least favorite subject in school, she never considered herself a writer. An avid reader who enjoys a happy ending, Judy couldn’t shake the dream of creating a book of her own.

That dream became a reality in 2002, when Silhouette released her first Special Edition. Since then, more than thirty of her books have hit the shelves, including three women’s fiction novels and two novellas.

Judy, a two-time RITA® finalist with Mulberry Park (2009) and Entertaining Angels (2010), was awarded two Maggies and a National Reader’s Choice Award for her heartwarming stories.

When she’s not cooped up in her writing cave, Judy spends time with her family near the beach in Southern California.

Judy has some great thoughts to share, check out her interview.

Jillian: Where do you read and how often?

Judy: I read at night, while I’m lying in bed. I also love to read when I’m on vacation, especially on planes. A good book makes the flight time pass quickly. I don’t get to read nearly as often as I used to—or as often as I’d like. My family and my writing schedule take up a lot of my free time. However, I recently started reading historical romances with an inspirational thread—something I’d enjoyed years ago and have recently come back to. So my nightlight has been getting a little more use lately.

Jillian: Describe your favorite kind of hero to read/write?

Judy: I generally like darker, tortured heroes—men who are loners because of something that happened to them in the past. I enjoy creating a plot and conflicts that help those men find redemption and healing through the love of a good woman.

Jillian: What was the first story you remember writing?

Judy: A girlfriend and I wrote a romantic short story when we were juniors in high school. In fact, at our high school reunion last August, we talked about it. She still has the story!It was a western, but it wasn’t a romance. We killed off both the hero and heroine at the end. But we received an A+ on that story.

Jillian: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Judy: You know, that changes with time. When I was in high school, I loved GONE WITH THE WIND with Clark Gable and Vivian Lee. Yesterday, while talking to two writing friends, we talked about an old classic—THE QUIET MAN with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. I also like SIXTEEN CANDLES, with Molly Ringwald. And all the Star Wars movies. But that’s just off the top of my head. I know I’m missing some—like WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING and SLEEPING IN SEATTLE…

Jillian: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Judy: I can usually get lost in a historical romance. Recently I read REDEEMING LOVE by Francine Rivers and HEART OF STONE BY Jill Marie Landis and really enjoyed them. But I also loved THE HELP by Katheryn Stockett and HER SISTER’S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult.

Jillian: If you were given a chance to travel to the past where would you go and specifically why?

Judy: I would enjoy traveling back to the 1880s. I’m a big fan of westerns, although I think the life was tougher back then than the movies make them look. So maybe I’d choose a smaller town in the Midwest. Hmm. Maybe someplace like Walnut Grove, Minnesota.

Jillian: If you couldn’t be a writer anymore, what profession would you take up?

Judy: I’d probably be a social worker. I’m good at encouraging people and helping them find options. A wise woman once told me that the essence of mental health is knowing that you have options. It made a lot of sense, and I’ve made it a point to always have a Plan B—and even a C or D. Doors are often closed, but look for the open window.

Jillian: Do you read reviews of your books? If so, do you pay any attention to them, or let them influence your writing?

Judy: Yes, I do read the reviews. I try hard to tell myself that it’s all subjective, so I don’t pay a lot of attention to them. Okay, so I do favor the glowing reviews and put more stock in them than I should. One review mentioned that my Mulberry Park stories tied up a little too nicely. And I let that influence me when I wrapped up CHRISTMAS ON NUTCRACKER COURT.

Jill's Gotta Ask. Judy's Gotta Answer:

Jillian: When you first get an inkling for a story, which character comes first? The hero or heroine? Do you jot down the idea right away or do you let the story percolate for a while?

Judy: This is really an interesting question, and you might find my answer even more so. All of my characters have some kind of flaw or something to overcome. And for that reason, I usually create the more damaged character first. After that character comes to life in my mind, a plot begins to form. When writing a romance, I then create the perfect romantic nemesis for the first character—a man or a woman who is the worst person for them to be attracted to when the story begins, but who will be perfect by the end of the book. Even in my women’s fiction novels, each character will grow and change and become stronger during the course of the story.

Question for Judy's commenters: Judy loves to read at night. In bed. With a nightlight. She also likes to read on vacation and on plane flights. Where and when do you read? GIVEAWAY! Judy would love to offer a copy of CHRISTMAS ON NUTCRACKER COURT to one of today's commenters.

For more about Judy's novels, here's a link: http://JudyDuarte.com

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.

Judy Duarte

When this two time RITA finalist isn't

entertaining angels, she's prescribing a love cure for Dr. Fortune!

Judy Duarte always knew there was a book inside her, but since English was her least favorite subject in school, she never considered herself a writer. An avid reader who enjoys a happy ending, Judy couldn’t shake the dream of creating a book of her own.

That dream became a reality in 2002, when Silhouette released her first Special Edition. Since then, more than thirty of her books have hit the shelves, including three women’s fiction novels and two novellas.

Judy, a two-time RITA® finalist with Mulberry Park (2009) and Entertaining Angels (2010), was awarded two Maggies and a National Reader’s Choice Award for her heartwarming stories.

When she’s not cooped up in her writing cave, Judy spends time with her family near the beach in Southern California.

Healing Dr. Fortune

Is she his perfect cure?

Healing people was Jeremy Fortune’s specialty—not coming to the rescue of beautiful women with infants in their arms! The California surgeon was in Texas to locate his missing father. Instead, he might have found the woman of his dreams.

Kirsten Allen was only trying to look out for her brother’s son. And now the Red Rock accountant was worried about holding onto her heart! Jeremy had the most irresistible bedside manner, and the dedicated doc was filling her head with the sweet domestic fantasy of becoming Mrs. Dr. Fortune! But only if he planned to stick around long enough to fulfill both their dreams…

And from Entertaining Angels:

As a teen, Kristy Smith spent her nights dreaming of a college scholarship—dreams that ended abruptly when she became pregnant. Now Kristy works hard to support her young son, Jason, and her ailing grandmother, staving off regrets about the chances that slipped away. But one person will open Kristy’s eyes to the fact that she’s been selling herself short. For she has much to offer to the residents of Fairbrook, who are all about to learn that the

future can surprise and redeem us, especially when there’s courage and friendship in abundance, as well as a little help from an unexpected source…

Jillian: So, tell me Judy, how often to you get lost in a story?

Judy: I love to read, but I don’t have the opportunity to get lost in a story as often as I’d like. My critique partners are prolific, and we read over each other’s manuscripts before they’re sent to the publisher.

My critique partners are talented authors, but when I’m reading their work, I’m looking for problems or typos. (Of course, they’re such good writers that I sometimes get lost in their stories and have to go back and start over to make sure I didn’t miss anything!)

I also love to read while I travel, which is a real treat. (Hmm. I wonder if that’s why I agree to speak at so many RWA meetings and conferences… )

While flying, I don’t like to chat with the person in the seat beside me. I’d much rather disappear into another world until the plane lands again.

Jillian: What’s the first book you remember reading?

Judy: As a child, I remember reading King of the Wind. I loved horse stories and always dreamed of having one of my own. (I think that’s why I write so many cowboy heroes and often have ranch settings in my stories.)

In high school, I read Gwen Bristow and loved her work. I think that’s probably the first time I wondered if I could create stories of my own. I also read Gone with the Wind around the same time and loved it.

I had friends of mine refuse to read a 1000-page book because of its size, but I was sorry when it ended. (I also read it a second time!)

Jillian: What’s the first thing you do when you finish writing a book?

Judy: I schedule a massage! I’m usually under a tight deadline, so I spend hours each day bent over the keyboard, which leaves me with a lot of kinks and knots that need to be worked out. A massage is also a way to reward myself for staying on track and finishing the story.

Jillian: What do you do to unwind and relax?

Judy: Besides getting a massage? In the evening, I enjoy a cup of chamomile tea or a glass of wine, as well as a little television or a pay-per-view movie.

Reading is a great way to relax, but since I work at a computer and read so much during the day, I’d rather lose myself in a movie or sitcom at night.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to exercise more often. So I think that will prove to be helpful, too. I’ll let you know how that’s working the next time I visit Get Lost in a Story.

Jillian: What is your favorite tradition from your childhood that you would love to pass on or did pass on to your children?

Judy: This isn’t my favorite tradition, but it’s one that’s unusual and fun. When my mother was a child, she and her siblings used to shred newspaper and make a nest for the Easter Bunny. Then, while they slept, the “bunny” would leave the usual pieces of candy and colored eggs. But they’d also get new hair ribbons, socks, a book, a puzzle—little goodies like that.

My mom didn’t practice that tradition for me, but when I heard about it, I decided it was something I wanted to do for my children—and they loved it. They’d make their nests the night before Easter, then they’d decorate name tags so the “bunny” would know where to leave the goodies.

Over the years, I saved money on buying baskets and that colored grass—which just made a mess all over the house anyway.

And now my daughter has started the tradition at her house.

Jillian: Which of your characters would you most/least like to invite to dinner, and why?

Judy: Without a doubt, it would be Jesse, a homeless man who made his first real appearance in Entertaining Angels. He also shows up at times in the other Mulberry Park books.

Jesse has a way of asking questions that makes a person think. He also seems to know things that haven’t been revealed to him. And he sometimes shares modern day parables with the people he meets.

Rumor has it that he might be an angel, but either way, he’s one of the most interesting characters I’ve created, and I’d love to meet him.

Jillian: What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?

Judy: Writing a book and holding it in my hand was a dream in itself. In fact, just seeing one of my stories in print reminds me of a very important lesson I’ve learned.

And that lesson is: God doesn’t put a dream on someone’s heart without also giving them what it takes to make it come true.

Jillian: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

Judy: Both. I usually have 2 cups of coffee in the morning—with cream and sweetener.

I also like a cup of tea in the afternoon or evening. Green tea or chamomile used to be my first choice, but I have a new favorite now.

When I was at a hotel in Hawaii last November, I tried a cup of white ambrosia, which was the most delicious tea I’d ever tasted. It’s made of white tea leaves, toasted coconut, and pineapple.

I marveled at the taste, and the woman who’d served it to me asked if I’d used the sugar. I told her I had, and she explained that the “lavender sugar” made the tea even more special. They borrowed it from the hotel pastry chef, who used it for all his desserts.

I purchased tea from the hotel and the sugar from a lavender farm on Maui. It’s not something I have every day, but when I do, it’s a real treat.

Jillian: What’s your favorite kid joke?

Judy: How do you catch a unique rabbit? You ‘neak up on it.

NOW FOR Jillian's GOTTA ASK, Judy's GOTTA ANSWER QUESTION:

Jillian: Judy, whether the story is set in Red Rock, Texas or Mulberry Park your novels incorporate both the trials and joys of family and community. What draws you to these kinds of tales?

Judy: I’ve always loved cowboys. In fact, I really enjoy a good western, whether it’s a book, a TV show or a movie. So I often have a ranch or Texas setting in my books.

As for Mulberry Park? I created the fictitious town of Fairbrook, which could be AnyTown, USA. But there’s something special about Fairbrook. It’s a place where miracles happen.

If you like my Mulberry Park books, Christmas on Nutcracker Court will be coming out in October.

There won’t be any cowboys in that story, but you can count on some kids, a big, goofy dog, and more than a couple of people who desperately need a Christmas miracle.

WOW! Judy has got some great giveaways!

• An autographed copy of Healing Dr. Fortune • An autographed copy of Mulberry Park (RITA finalist 2009) • An autographed copy of Entertaining Angels (RITA finalist 2010) • A Willow Tree angel ornament

Check out the list of books and prizes above! From the comments section Judy will draw four winners! And for those romance readers in foreign countries, an online Barnes and Noble gift certificate.***

Thanks for joining us today Judy, and we look forward to having you back in October!

Readers and fans can contact Judy at: http://www.JudyDuarte.com

***Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only. If an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) is available, the author may utilize that option for International participants. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants.