GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WITH COOKIES!

 By Caroline Clemmons

Creating my story, HOLIDAY HEARTS, was such fun work. I usually write historical romance but enjoy the occasional venture into contemporary. I’ve never enjoyed writing anything contemporary as much as this novella. I was actually sorry when the story ended and I had to leave my friends, the characters. I hope readers love them as much as I do—oh, except for mean girl Celia, of course.

Here’s the link https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Hearts-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B09K4M291F/   

The story takes place in Dickens, a quaint New England town bustling with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday. Events include the annual tree lighting in the town square, a snowman building competition, ice skating on Grosvenor’s Pond, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. You’re welcome to cut down your own Christmas tree at Gridley Meadows Tree Farm, or join in the caroling on the Common. You can find numerous other stories of Christmas time in Dickens by other authors at the Romance Gems Facebook group.

In my story, Laura “Birdie” Jordan serves Snickerdoodle cookies. Growing up, our daughters loved helping make Snickerdoodles. They’re definitely a hands-on baking project. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love this cookie—they’re family favorites at our house.

 

Snickerdoodles

 

Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 ½ cups sugar

2 eggs

2 ¾ cups presifted flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. cream of tartar

½ tsp. salt

Mixture of sugar and cinnamon

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Grease baking sheets.

Cream butter and 1 ½ cups sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat in eggs.

Add flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Mix to make a firm dough.

Shape dough into balls about ¾ inch in diameter. Roll in sugar/cinnamon mixture.  Arrange on baking sheets. Flatten with bottom of glass dipped in sugar mixture.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Serves: 4 dozen cookies

 

You can also download IT’S A DICKENS OF A COOKIE recipe book FREE! (my favorite price) The book includes 20 cookie recipes with a little about each author and her book. All of the recipes sound delicious! In fact, I know my two are. I may have, um, tested them before submitting the recipe. Ahem, that was only fair, right?

Here is the link https://www.amazon.com/Its-Dickens-Cookie-Companion-Christmas-ebook/dp/B08KFQXCJ3/

Stay safe and keep reading—and baking!

LIMITED TIME 99¢ SALE

By Caroline Clemmons

Merry Christmas to you and your family! That includes fur babies, too. So much has happened recently that realizing this is Christmas week surprises me. No one will know what I meant to get done but didn’t. The members of our household are recovering from that bad respiratory flu that is making the rounds in our area. In spite of that, our Darling Daughter 2 managed to accomplish decorating, and included several new surprises for us to enjoy. The house looks festive inside and out—even though someone stole the candy cane lights we had lighting the walk from the driveway to the front porch. The culprits didn’t steal our Christmas spirit, though.

A lot of people tell me they want to write a book… someday. Or, that they started one but only have a chapter or two written. Writing is hard work, taxing on the back, neck, arms, hands, and mind. In spite of the hours and hours each book represents, writing gives me pleasure, creating a story that takes the reader to a different time and/or place for a few hours. My aim is to provide a pleasant time for the reader. I’m grateful for those of you who read my books.

As a Christmas treat, I have several Christmas books on sale for 99¢:

MAIL ORDER GLORIA: AN IMPOSTOR FOR CHRISTMAS, is on sale for 99¢ only for a limited time from December 21^st through December 28^th. This is the perfect book for you to read to escape into during the holidays.

A desperate woman…

A distrustful rancher with a secret…

And a boy in need of a family.

Orphaned at an early age and sent to live with her relatives, Gloria Tabor is fed up with the treatment she receives from her aunt, uncle, and spiteful cousin. In a moment of desperation, she leaves her only relatives’ home. With only a small savings, where is she to go? The question is sobering, but she is determined she will not return to her kin’s home.

While deliberating her lack of choice, she overhears a young man comforting a sobbing woman. After a few minutes of conversation with them, the young woman offers Gloria the chance to escape town to a ranch in Texas as a mail order bride. In exchange, Gloria must promise not to divulge her real identity until the couple has eloped and had a honeymoon. Elated at the opportunity, Gloria agrees. She vows she will never let herself be told what to do or think again.

On the way to her prospective groom, Gloria rescues a ten-year-old boy from a policeman who wants to take the boy to the local orphanage. Heart filled with sympathy for the homeless child, she intercedes. Later, she wonders how her prospective groom will react to her bringing a ward with her.

 Texas rancher Dwight Price is a stickler for honesty. Once someone has lost his confidence, he won’t ever fully trust the person again. He strives to live up to his beliefs. On the one hand, he isn’t certain he wants to wed the daughter of his father’s oldest friend. On the other hand, he looks forward to a life of quiet harmony with his mail order bride and the boy he rescued from renegades eight years ago.

 On December 23, Gloria is relieved to receive a telegram releasing her from her promise. Dwight wants to know who sent the wire and why. Her explanation destroys the faith he had in her—but then his own secret crops up.

 How will these two overcome the damage to their relationship or will each be alone again?

 

Here’s the link to order MAIL ORDER GLORIA.

https://www.amazon.com/Mail-Order-Gloria-Impostor-Christmas-ebook/dp/B09GQLXMVL/

 

As we approach the end of 2022, let me express my gratitude for you! Thank you to everyone who read my books, joined my Facebook group (Caroline’s Cuties), and reads my newsletter. I wish you the very best holiday possible.

  

WHY I WROTE A CHRISTMAS STORY

 By Caroline Clemmons

Hooray! It’s officially the holiday season! This is my favorite time of the year. After a delicious meal prepared by our youngest daughter, I’ve retreated to my office for a couple of hours. Sadly, our eldest daughter is ill and couldn’t join us.

We watched the Thanksgiving parade. My mom loved watching Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving morning and the Rose parade on New Year’s Day. Seeing these parades reminds us of her, and that’s one of the reasons we enjoy them.

Years ago, my daughters each asked why I hadn’t written a Christmas story, since I loved Christmas so much. So, I wrote my first one, STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS. This is set in Texas, not in Georgia. The mountain is named after a family named Stone. I was pleased at the result of this novella. If you haven’t read it, please join me for a sweet Christmas novella in my Stone Mountain Texas Series of western historical romance.

Christmas has been Celia Dubois’s favorite time of year as long as she can remember. When she moves in with her parents a year after the death of her husband, the young widow is appalled at the town’s lack of Christmas spirit. Two months earlier, bandits had burned the church and crushed the townspeople’s will and determination. Celia vows to return holiday joy to the town. Perhaps doing so might help mend her aching heart.

Rancher Eduardo Montoya knows Celia is the woman for him from the first moment he sees her. She enchants him with her winning smile and vivacious nature. When her father warns Eduardo away from Celia, Eduardo is both angry and frustrated.

Will Celia’s plan work magic? How will Eduardo change the minds of Celia’s parents about him?

USA https://www.amazon.com/Stone-Mountain-Christmas-Novella/dp/1502948001/

CA https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=Caroline+Clemmons%2C+Stone+Mountain+Christmas&i=digital-text&crid=HY2BM0O2SZN9&sprefix=caroline+clemmons%2C+stone+mountain+christmas%2Cdigital-text%2C87&ref=nb_sb_noss

UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Mountain-Christmas-Texas-Novella-ebook/dp/B00OQUTDXA/

AU https://www.amazon.com.au/Stone-Mountain-Christmas-Texas-Novella-ebook/dp/B00OQUTDXA/

 

Enjoy an excerpt from a welcome party given Celia by Rosalyn and Joel Stone:

On the evening of the party, Celia wore her favorite dark green silk faille gown. The color flattered her skin and red hair. She stood where Rosalyn suggested and was introduced to each person or couple who arrived. She lost count of the number, but she suspected at least a couple of dozen attended. Little dinner party, my eye.

The handsome man who’d watched her a few days earlier showed up with an older couple who could only be his parents. The father was dressed much like the son. Mrs. Montoya wore a lovely dress of burgundy taffeta trimmed in black lace. In her ebony hair she wore beautiful combs of ivory and silver.

“Sofia and Jorge Montoya, may I present Mrs. Celia Dubois, daughter of Harriett and George Sturdivant? And this is their son, Eduardo.”

The senior Montoyas offered the standard greetings and stepped back to await their son.

Eduardo took her fingers in his, bowed low, and kissed her hand. “Enchanted, Señora Dubois. Welcome to our town.  I look forward to becoming acquainted.”

When their gazes met, his smoldering eyes surprised then paralyzed her. You’re not a schoolgirl, say something. Anything. “T-Thank you, Señor Montoya. I’m pleased for this opportunity to meet so many leading citizens at once.

The Montoyas moved into the spacious parlor to make way for other guests. Celia sensed the heat of Eduardo’s stare. Whenever she glanced his way, he watched her no matter to whom he spoke. His scrutiny was in no way menacing, but as if he found her fascinating. Still, the attention added to her discomfort.

Too many people filled the space. The room closed in around her. Air, she desperately needed more air. Rising dread threatened to cut off her breathing.

Fortunately, Rosalyn diffused the panic when she clapped her hands for attention. “Please go on in and have a seat where you find your place card.”

Eduardo appeared at Celia’s side. “May I escort you?”

She laid her hand on the arm he proffered. “Thank you, Señor Montoya.”

He guided her straight to where her place card assigned her.

She looked up at him. “You knew where I would be seated?”

His smile flashed beneath sparkling brown eyes. “But of course. You are the guest of honor, are you not? You will be at your host’s right.”

She was being a suspicious ninny. After hundreds of dinner parties in her lifetime, how could she have forgotten where she would be seated? When he’d held her chair, she spotted his place next to hers but she said nothing.

 

Stay safe and keep reading!

MEG, NEW RELEASE!

 I’m excited to share with you that MEG, book 20 in the Angel Creek Christmas Brides Series, released today! I hope you’re one of the many who had it preordered so that you already have the book on your e-reader.  It’s also available in print and is free in Kindle Unlimited. 

I admit I'm pleased at how this book turned out. Beta reader reports have been very favorable. I hope you will read and enjoy Meg and Curtis' story. 

Having children as secondary characters is something I enjoy. How an adult reacts to a child tells a lot about the person. You’ll see what I mean in MEG when Curtis McClain has to adjust to two surprise orphans Meg brings with her to Angel Creek in Montana Territory.

Curtis grew up in a cold-mannered family and doesn’t know how to show affection. Meg has to teach him what being a family means. She’s just the feisty female for the job.

When Meg Todd learns her bullying brother-in-law has horrifying plans for her future, she asks an attorney family friend for help escaping. Meg wants her own husband and home and is willing to move over halfway across the country to achieve her goal. Along the way she agrees to take two children for their dying mother. Is she too impulsive? Will Curtis and the children become the happy family of Meg’s dreams?

Curtis McClain has to be careful with his small savings or it won’t fund his dream of his own newspaper. He wants a wife—and he needs someone to help him with the newspaper. If he can combine the two, then he’ll be all right. In a few years, they can start a family. But, will a woman want to move to the middle of nowhere on those terms? Will she grow to care for him in spite of his reserved nature?

He is slightly annoyed when his wife shows up with two orphaned children. When he learns the amount of her inheritance, he decides she won’t be content to stay with him. What does she need with an almost penniless newspaper owner when she has two children and the money to live wherever she chooses? The boy and girl are well-behaved but he still isn’t certain he could accept them as his own. That is, until a terrifying event occurs that forces him to make a decision and take quick action.

 

When he stepped forward, he was wearing a frown. “I’m expecting Meg McClain.”

He was tall with dark brown hair and startling bright blue eyes. Not Greek god handsome, he was ruggedly attractive. His posture gave her the impression he was ill at ease.

“Hello, Curtis. I’m Meg and these are now our children. Penny is four and Tom is six. How they came to be ours is a long story. Perhaps it can wait until we’re somewhere warm.”

Poor little Tom’s face clouded with worry. “I sure hope you’re not gonna be mad at us or our new Mama, sir.”

“New Mama?” Curtis’ eyebrows raised.

Before she could add anything, Tom added, “We’ll be real good and I’ll do all kinds of chores and help you. I reckon I look small but I’m strong.” He raised his little arm as if he expected Curtis to test it.

Curtis’ gaze turned to Tom and his frown softened. “You’re a hard worker, are you? I can probably find things that need your help.”

“You won’t be sorry, sir.”

Meg cuddled Penny’s head on her shoulder while she repeated her request. “I wonder if we can get inside? I’m sure we’ll be able to tolerate the weather, but we’re not yet used to the cold.”

He handed Tom the valise and then picked up the two suitcases that belonged to the children. “I’ll arrange to get the trunks later. Looks as if there are several.”

Carrying Penny, she followed, glancing at Tom to make sure he could keep pace. “I brought as much as I could. I didn’t know how much in the way of household supplies a bachelor would have. Plus, many are family things I wanted to save.”

“The answer to the first is not much. I only brought a few personal items and the rest was newspaper equipment. It’s heavy and cost a lot to ship.”

“I imagine getting it here safely was complicated as well. Is it far to your house?”

He actually chuckled. “Across town, or what there is of Angel Creek. I recently bought the house from folks who were moving to the southwest.”

The Universal Buy Link is https://mybook.to/McClain  

 The following recipe is included in my newsletter which went out this morning. In the book, Meg gets the recipe for an Apple cake to publish in the newspaper. Although the following recipe uses cooking oil instead of lard or butter, this is the type cake served.

FRESH APPLE CAKE

 

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups cooking oil

2 eggs

3 cups flour

1 teaspoon soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped raw apples

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1 cup pecans, chopped

             Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs and then dry ingredients. Mix and add fruits and nuts. Mix again. Cooked in greased and floured pan. Makes 2 large loaves or 1 Bundt cake or 4 small loaves. Bake at 350° F for 1 hour and 15 minutes for Bundt cake. Adjust baking time for loaf pans. Cool in pan. Serve warm or cold.

 VARIATIONS

            Add 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries to batter for color (and flavor) for a holiday cake.

            This cake is also very good served warm with hot spiced apple cider for an afternoon tea or winter evening treat.

Small loaves make great token gifts for friends (especially if accompanied by cookies and perhaps a few pieces of candy).  

My mom used caramel icing on her Bundt apple cake. She made wonderful caramel. I didn’t get that DNA because I have trouble not scorching the sugar.

 

Please remember that CHRISTMAS COMES TO DICKENS is only available for a short time now. My novella in the contemporary anthology is HOLIDAY HEARTS. I love this anthology and hope you will too. Only 99 cents for ten original stories set in a perfect town. The universal buy link is at https://books2read.com/DickensChristmas

 

Also still on sale are the Yours Truly: The Lovelorn historical romances. Mine is DESPERATE IN DELAWARE. They’re 99 cents each through the end of December. It’s at https://mybook.to/Mina

Do you have social-distancing (new 2020 phrase) plans to celebrate the season? Our youngest daughter took me to look at Christmas lights yesterday evening. So many gorgeous displays! One area of a nearby city has a contest and traffic-stopping yard displays. We try to go each year.

Don’t miss the aligning of planets on December 21 on the Winter Solstice. We plan to view them. I expect to get an idea of what drew the wise men to Bethlehem when Christ was born.

As the year draws to a close, I tend to take stock of my year as well as make plans for the upcoming months. I have books scheduled for 2021 and a couple already planned for 2022.

Whether you’re Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Moslem, or any other religion, I hope you receive peace in your heart. No matter how you’re coping now, my hope is the coming year brings you joy, peace, good health, and prosperity. 

This has been a stressful year, but also one filled with blessings. I’m grateful for many things—my faith, my family, my pets (who are part of the family), and for you!

 

SIMPLE GIFTS!

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Anna DeForest will award a randomly drawn commenter a $20 Amazon/BN GC. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

 

Christmas promises to be anything but merry for Robin Matthews who is waging a losing battle to keep her ranch and her family together. So when rugged ex-Marshal Nathaniel Hollister grudgingly agrees to help her run the Rocking M temporarily, he appears to be the answer to her prayers. But with Christmas fast approaching, Robin is going to need a miracle to keep from losing everything, including her heart to this kind but bitter man.

Though his attraction to her is growing by the day, Nathaniel knows he is too world-weary for a decent young woman like Robin. Once the most infamous lawman in the West, he turned in his badge after a tragedy left him guilt stricken and disillusioned. And yet Nathaniel is about to discover that the magic of Christmas has a way of making the impossible possible… and turning wishes into simple gifts that can last a lifetime.

* Simple Gifts was originally published as A Cowboy for Christmas from Kensington (2000)

Read an Excerpt

His hands on her shoulders were warm and pleasantly heavy. His lips were surprisingly soft. The feel of them against her own was just heavenly. She thought standing this close to him, having him touch her like this might make her panic, but he did nothing to frighten her. For such a hard man, she was amazed he could be so gentle. He coaxed and smoothed his lips over hers, cajoling a response from her.

He tasted like apple pie. He smelled like the world out-of-doors—fresh, clean, and wild. Hesitantly, she kissed him back. She wondered if her relative inexperience showed. Somehow she had a feeling Nathaniel Dawson had kissed plenty of women in his time. Deciding she ought to do something bold, she reached her hands up and placed them on the top of his shoulders. She discovered instantly that they were hard and broad, the material of his worn shirt soft beneath her fingers. He was so big and male and vital, he made her head swim.

His lips left hers. She stood absolutely still as he kissed her cheekbones, her eyebrows, the line of her jaw. It was the most wonderful sensation. When he kissed the skin beneath the base of her ear, he sent little shivers racing down her spine. She could feel the roughness of the stubble on his cheek against her own, and she gloried in the sensation.

About the Author

Anna DeForest wrote her first book-length piece of fiction in fifth grade. She taught history at the Colorado Heritage Center and a Denver private school. She was thrilled when Leisure Books bought her first historical romance, Golden Dreams. She was actually watching Sesame Street with her four-year-old when she received the good news call from her agent, but she managed to tear herself away from Big Bird long enough to listen to the terms of her new contract.

Growing up in Colorado gave Anna a lifelong taste for outdoor activities such as hiking, riding and skiing. She also enjoys gardening, which is currently quite a challenge because armadillos keep rooting around in her garden in Dallas.

Anna has always tried to write the kind of romances she likes to read—stories about warm, caring people who pursue their lives and loves with passion. These days, Anna is excited about offering four of her previously published romances to her new readers, along with three romances that have never been published before. You can learn more about Anna and her books at http://www.annadeforest.com.

The book will be on sale for only $0.99.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Gifts-High-Country-Marshals-ebook/dp/B08MHY3V79

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1052552

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

MARY & BRIGHT!

 

Don't miss the Rafflecopter giveaway at the end of the post!

Mary & Bright

by 

Katharine E. Hamilton

Genre: Sweet and Clean Holiday Romance

Mary Rutherford dreads Christmas time. Having grown up in one of the most influential families in town, her Christmas holidays are spent attending her father’s company Christmas party and silently blending into the background. This year, however, her parents insist she plan the party, and with little help from her mother, Mary reaches out to an old friend for help: Brighten Smith.

Brighten Smith recently moved back to his hometown to escape California and the disappointment of a failed relationship. Helping his grandmother at her local bakery provides him the opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances and friends. When he finds Mary Rutherford needs a caterer for her family’s grand Christmas party, he volunteers for the job, though he has zero experience. As he learns more about Mary, he finds he wants to do more than cater her party; he wants to give her the best Christmas ever.

Can he and Mary pull off a successful Christmas partnership?

And can Brighten give Mary an unforgettable Christmas?

**Only 99 cents!**

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Books2Read

Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author? 

Sure! My name is Katharine E. Hamilton. I’ve been an indie author for 11 years now… I think. Ha! I have dappled in various genres, but you can find me mostly in the Sweet Contemporary Romance/Clean and Wholesome Genres on Amazon. I’m a born and raised Texan and currently live along the Texas coast with my husband and two boys. I have a 4-year-old and a 5 month old. They keep me pretty busy these days. I started writing in 2009 and published children’s books (3). 

In 2015 I branched out and wrote an epic fantasy series called The Unfading Lands Series. In writing that series, I found myself loving the process of writing some of the side romances that take place throughout and decided in 2017 to write clean romances. I’ve been camped out in Sweet Romance ever since and I love it. Though I am working on a historical fiction novel right now that might pop up in the next year or so, I will mainly plant myself in Sweet Romance. I love it. 

What do you do to unwind and relax? 

I’m an avid reader and crocheter. Yes, I said crochet. Haha. I am in the middle of an intense blanket project that keeps me busy in the evenings. I can’t sit and relax without keeping my hands busy, so it’s a nice hobby. I also tell my husband it helps keep me sane. Much like Rumpelstiltskin spins gold to stay sane, I crochet. It relaxes me. I’m able to think through some book ideas, go over my mental to-do list, or enjoy a show on television while being productive. 

How to find time to write as a parent? I am an early bird. I'd rather work in the mornings and go to bed at a decent hour. I just can’t hang passed 10 PM… if I do, I’m a zombie the next day. So lately my routine has been waking up about 4 AM to give the baby his first morning bottle and I just stay up and work while the house is quiet, which is usually until about 6-7 AM. I’m able to knock out a lot of work in the mornings. And if I’m feeling inspired or trying to hit a deadline, I’ll incorporate some naptime work as well. It’s definitely a juggling act some days, but I also love being an independent author for the flexibility. I can always pause and step away without stressing too much about keeping a schedule. 

What inspired you to write this book? 

I’ve wanted to write a Christmas story for a while… a couple of years at least. And this year, well, 2020 hasn’t exactly been the easiest year for anyone, and I just wanted to make the holiday season a little more exciting and special. So I went for it. 

What can we expect from you in the future? 

I’ve got lots of projects going on right now. For 2020, I have Mary & Bright (11/1/2020), and my Lighthearted Collection will receive a new release on 11/30/2020 called McCarthy Road. And then I’m currently writing a cowboy romance series called The Brothers of Hastings Ranch. Book Four, Lawrence, is scheduled for release on December 30th. And then January and February have a couple of books and audiobooks lined up as well. It’s a busy time for me right now. 

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book? 

I love the name Mary. And I have yet to use that name in any of my other books because I KNEW I wanted to use it for a Christmas story and play off of that name for the title. And I wanted her to be the opposite of merry. Haha. So that sort of brought her to life for me, and I wanted the man in the story to be named Brighten, aka Bright, and be that little ray of sunshine that she isn’t expecting or wanting at times. 

What did you enjoy most about writing this book? 

I wrote this book in September and it has had me ready for Christmas from the beginning. It’s just made me hopeful for the holidays and excited about ending 2020 on a positive note. I love the characters. I especially love Brighten. He’s a joy and he was a joy to write. 

 What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

Oh man… this is a hard one. In no particular order… 1. Henry James 2. Jane Austen 3. Charles Dickens 4. Susanna Kearsley 5. Deanna Raybourn 6. Sherry Thomas 7. Paula Brackston 8. Francine Rivers 9. Nora Roberts 10. Clive Cussler 

What book do you think everyone should read?

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers or Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley 

How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing since 2007, but have been published since 2009.

Do you see writing as a career? 

I became a full-time writer in 2015, so yes, I do. I love what I do, and am thankful I can say it is my career. 

What do you think about the current publishing market?

There is no better time to publish. Traditional publishing has hit a few snags lately, but the indie market is thriving. Whichever direction you choose, now is the time. Reading never goes out of style. 

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I love to read. I’m a big historical fiction fan. I also love epic love stories. Strong female characters. Witty and creative mysteries… I read a variety of different genres. 

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why? 

I have a rowdy 4-year-old and a 5 month old. Oh, and a chihuahua. I’m not sure there is such a thing as quiet in my house. Haha. But I have learned to write with noise and without. I like the quiet when I can get some, but usually I have noise going on all around me. 

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time? 

I am constantly working on multiple projects at once. If I run into a block or snag on one manuscript, I let it rest and move onto another one. Usually by the time I wrap up a few scenes in another one, I have fresh eyes to go back to the previous one and work out what I need to. Right now I have about 5 open manuscripts that I hop between. Advice they would give new authors? Finish the manuscript. You can’t do anything else until you FINISH what you’re working on. Don’t worry about making it perfect. You can’t and it won’t be. Editing and beta readers come later. Finish the story. 

Describe your writing style. 

I love dialogue in my stories. I use a BUNCH of dialogue. I feel like it propels the story forward while also helping define the characters’ personalities. 

What are you currently reading? 

I just received a box full of books today actually! I’m so excited! Though right now I’m in the middle of What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris. BUT I will tell you what I just snatched from the UPS man. Haha. Murder on Cold Street by Sherry Thomas (This series is A-Mazing)

The Deadly Hours by Susanna Kearsley, C.S. Harris, Anna Lee Huber, and Christine Trent 

The Anatomist’s Wife by Anna Lee Huber 

The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab 

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow 

I’m going to be busy for a while, but I have a couple of road trips coming up, and if I’m not crocheting, I’ll be reading these glorious finds!

 

Katharine E. Hamilton graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and uses her knack for research in all her stories. She is a Southern Belle with a pinch of sass, and when she is not writing she can be found chasing around her toddler son, driving around the ranch, or baking delicacies for local parties and events. Katharine currently resides on a ranch in South Texas where the skies and rivers, in all their beauty, rejuvenate the soul.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon 

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THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SANTA CLAUS

Caroline Clemmons' Book Review of THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SANTA CLAUS, (by) as told to Jeff Guinn

Because I love this time of year, I thought I’d give you a review of the book THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SANTA CLAUS, as told to Jeff Guinn. This is not a new book, but came out in 2003. In fact, Jeff Guinn now has several follow-up books available. I read the first of the series several years ago. Don’t worry, this review does not contain spoilers.

St. Nicholas

I was relieved to learn the Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas tradition was not a marketing ploy concocted by Madison Avenue. There really was a Saint Nicholas in the sixth century, and he really did go about giving gifts. Okay, he didn’t crawl down the chimney. Homes didn’t have actual chimneys as we know them back then. Many just had a hole in the roof. Not too cozy in bad weather.

Saint Nicholas’ first known gifts were to the daughters of a very poor man. The girls couldn’t marry without a dowry, but their father had none to offer. Each girl had only one pair of stockings and washed that pair at bedtime and hung it by the fire to dry overnight. Taking pity on the girls, Saint Nicholas either (1) tossed bags of gold through the window or (2) put the coins in the stockings the girls left drying by the fire each night. Thus, the girls were able to marry (and, hopefully, each got a second pair of stockings).

Santa relaxes on December 25th

Saint Nicholas was an actual person who went around giving to the poor and helping all those he could. In other words, he did what we’re all supposed to do.  Remarkable that he did what he could in a time when the poor were looked down upon. Remarkable that doing what was right created so much notoriety and controversy and gave him a permanent place in history. Remarkable that we continue his legacy by giving to those we love and, hopefully, to those in need. Whether you call him Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, thanks for continuing his legacy.