Are You Ready?

Happy New Year?

Welcome to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and maybe a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Officer Tim Black moved to Holiday for a change of scene. He never anticipated wanting to change his single status at the same time, but the lady refuses to even date him.

Sandy Foster moved to Holiday to escape her dysfunctional family, changing everything about her life. Finding someone who wanted to share her life holds a never-ending spot on her uninspiring list of New Year's resolutions.

The tiniest misunderstanding and the willingness to set pride aside might make the difference between spending the New Year alone and a Happily Ever After...

http://www.amazon.com/Happy-New-Year-Holiday-USA-ebook/dp/B00HCQKGF4/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2014

All four novellas published in 2014 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2014-1/dp/150773459X/ref=sr_1_6

The New Year is Coming

 

TBR 2022

141. The Best Husband Money Can Buy (A Stockingful of Joy anthology)  by Mary Jo Putney Historical romance (Regency England 1818). One of my favorites.

142. A Light in the Window (A Stockingful of Joy anthology)  by Justine Dare (Davis) Historical romance (Wyoming Territory 1878). Of course, a favorite. 

143. Under the Mistletoe by Mary Balogh, a collection of five Regency romance short stories. Keeping for my holiday reading for another year.

144. Sunshine for Christmas by Mary Jo Putney Regency romance short story. Another of the stories I enjoy reading every year.

145. Cowboy Daddy, Jingle Bell Baby by Linda Goodnight contemporary romance. Still love this story.

REAL Dec 19-24

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walks 10/60/30/20/30 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Tue: Walk 25 min PT 0-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Wed: Walk 25 min 

Thu: Walk 10/30 min PT 0-lb x2 UB x2 FL x5

Fri: Walk 20/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 10/15/10 min PT 1-lb x4 UB x4 FL x5

Merry Christmas!

 For unto us a child is born, in Bethlehem (House of Bread), a Savior (the Bread of Life), who is Christ the Lord. Merry Christmas!

Ready for Christmas?

Celebrate with a story.

Christmas Lost

The twelfth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Townie Karen Little is the resident quintessential spinster. She's lived in the same house her whole life, more than half a century. She knows she's stuck, but her plans for the future blow up in her face, on a regular basis. Why risk being wrong again?

After six years, Holiday Diner's owner, Alexander Hamilton, is still a newbie and Holiday's most eligible silver fox bachelor. Being the catch of the day for the single women of Holiday makes his vow to never marry again a challenge. Why test the three strikes you're out rule?

Sometimes, so much time passes, it feels like God has forgotten, but He is moving all the pieces into place for the right moment...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHC1CL9/ref=sr_1_1 

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2016-17

All four novellas, 9-12, are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://a.co/5ETTtmt

REAL Dec 12-17

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walks 10 min rainy PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Tue: Walk 10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Wed: Walk 10/30/20/15/15 min PT 1-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Thu: Walk 10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Fri: Walk 10/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 15/10/15 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed steady rain

~ Fireplace/heater

~ Re-reading favorite stories

~ Rise Up Bakery

~ God's grace

Christmas Lost Quote

 

Christmas is Coming

Celebrate with a story. 

Christmas Present

The eighth novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Terra Connor is looking forward to her first two-week vacation, even if it means working part of the time to ease her daughter's mind. Her daughter's wedding on Christmas Eve is her only priority, and she definitely doesn't have time for romance.

Carson McDonald is in Holiday for his younger brother's wedding. The friendly town is as good a place as any to rest and recover from the upheaval of losing his job due to an accident. He has enough on his plate for the foreseeable future.

God's ways are not man's ways...
http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Present-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B01ASDPDJQ/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2015

All four novellas published in 2015 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2015-2/dp/153018617X/ref=sr_1_22 

REAL Dec 5-10

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walks 30/10/10/10 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Tue: Walk 25/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Wed: Walk 10 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thu: Walk 10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Fri: Walk 20 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 20/75/15 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Blessed rain

~ Good Christmas movies 

~ Re-readable stories

~ Dear friends

~ God's grace

Christmas Present Quote

 

TBR 2022

136. The Innocence of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton mystery. He has a private detective who is French and named Hercule Flambeau. Did Agatha Christie fashion her character Hercule Poirot after a combination of Flambeau and Father Brown? Fun to see a mention of Punch and Judy. Chesterton doesn't have a high opinion of people but uses some amazing descriptions.

137. The Wisdom of Father Brown by G.K. Chesterton mystery. Fascinating peek into his world. 

138. Wartime Christmas Tales: A WWII Flash Fiction Anthology by various authors. Interesting snapshots. I enjoyed being able to read a single story in less than 30 minutes. Language warning on the last story.

139. The Snow Rose (A Stockingful of Joy anthology)  by Susan King Historical romance (Scottish Highland 1573). Old superstitions are interwoven throughout the story even as some modern views are included, which pull me out of the story. (There's a bedroom scene in each story)

140. Boxing Day (A Stockingful of Joy anthology)  by Jill Barnett Historical romance (New York City 1891). Again, I enjoyed the historical look at NYC. 

REAL Nov 28 - Dec 3

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walks 50 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 

Tue: Walks 10/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 

Wed: Walks 45/10/15/15 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thu: Walk 10/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Fri: Walk 10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 10/20/10 min (rain) PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ My BFF

~ Sharing yummy food and much-needed conversation with my BFF

~ Electric fireplace with heater

~ Boston Cream donuts

~ God's grace

Brain Dump

Heard a politician say that he expected the energy industry to be carbon free by 2035. We all know that people are carbon-based, right? Life on earth is carbon based. Anyone who wants a carbon free planet wants all life gone. Why are these people not called out on their murderous plans? They're insane. 

TBR 2022

131. By All Appearances  by Dawn Kinzer Christian romance. New to me, I've added Dawn Kinzer to my Yes Author List. The story leads us through the growth of the protagonists, painful at times and encouraging.

132. Eternity (The Friendship Series Book 1)  by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Loved it.

133. The Easy Way Out (The Friendship Series Book 2)  by Staci Stallings Christian romance. Staci is one of my favorite storytellers. I only wish I could buy all her books in paperback. They're all keepers.

134. Aggie (Mail Order Brides of Pine Crossing Book 3)  by Kathleen Ball Western romance. It was the perfect book for reading while waiting for car service. 

135. That Tender Light (Owen Family Saga novella) by Marsha Ward historical romance.

REAL Nov 21-26

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walks 10/10/30 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Tue: Walks 10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Wed: Walks 30/20/20 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thu: Walk 20/60/20/60/80/20 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Fri: Walk 10/10/10/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 10/10/55/20 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Thanksgiving

~ Friends

~ Sunsets

~ Growing

~ God's grace

Annual Start to the Christmas Season

...with some of my favorite songs that I listen to all year long...

The first one is simply totally fun.

All I want for Christmas by The Piano Guys

https://youtu.be/c16dH9QezyE 

Little Drummer Boy for King and Country

https://youtu.be/NzEX3QMuVPM 

Stille Nacht (Silent Night) by Manheim Steamroller on their Christmas album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anv4FIQ4tbo 

Believe Again: O Come All Ye Faithfulby David Osmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF__6qGtwSc 

Angels We Have Heard On High by The Piano Guys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLoWt2tfqg 

Baby, What You Goin' to Be by Trinity HS Alumni Choir
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsoB7mmdmFg 

Mary, did you know? by Donny Osmond
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtLCCrEVqPA 

Believe by Josh Grobin on the Polar Express album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ19mW-TMRk 

Merry Christmas Darling by the Carpenters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1ujXx2p-I 

Silent Night by David Osmond 
https://youtu.be/PkVATabHBqc 

The Gift by Aselin Debison
https://youtu.be/YeQt6S2O0Qk 

Gentri's O Holy Night
https://youtu.be/g4fvMgNfN0I

A Soldier's Silent Night
https://youtu.be/e29nKH4DCFQ 
A Christmas dedication to our men and women in uniform. 

A Soldier's Silent Night was originally titled 'Merry Christmas My Friend' and written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987. 

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Are you ready?

Celebrate with a story.

Giving Thanks

The eleventh novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Eight years ago, Michelle Bronson ran away. Returning Thanksgiving Eve will allow her to settle before anyone knows she's home. Accepting Jesus made her new, but the past won't stay buried. She's strong enough to face it. She must, if she wants to embrace life. Maybe assistant baker at Holiday Sweets is the open door she's seeking.

Theodore Williams III lived his life as Mr. Straight as an Arrow. He remembers Michelle, along with his harsh judgment of her, but she's not what he expected. The choice is his to hold to what he knew or to embrace the new. Perhaps God is opening a door to the future.

Placing God first opens doors never imagined...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071W5C2T6/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2016-17

All four novellas, 9-12, are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

http://a.co/5ETTtmt 

REAL Nov 14-19

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walks 45 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Tue: Walks 40/10/10/10/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Wed: Walks 60/20/20 min 

Thu: Walk 10/10 min PT 1-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Fri: Walk 60 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 60/10/10 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Heater

~ Electric Fireplace

~ Meals with friends

~ Cookies

~ God's grace

Brain Dump

Those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it and condemn the rest of us into suffering with them.

Thanksgiving is coming...

 

REAL Nov 5-12

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walks 20/10/30 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Tue: Walks 10/20/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Wed: Walks PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thu: Walk 10/10 min 

Fri: Walk 10/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 1hr 45 min PT 0-lb x1 1-lb x3 UB x1 x3 FL x5

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Gorgeous fall weather

~ Delicious food

~ Friends

~ Fun movies

~ God's grace

Veterans Day

 Thank you to all those who served honorably.

REAL Oct 31-Nov 5

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walks 30 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Tue: Walks 20/10/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Wed: Walk 10/50/100/15/15 min PT 1-lb x1

Thu: Walk 25/10 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Fri: Walk 25/30 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 35/20/25 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Fall weather

~ Cool and cloudy

~ Blessed rain

~ Service opportunities

~ God's grace

Brain Dump

I've discussed this before, but clearly the WH wasn't listening as their science specialists are using taxpayer money to study the possibility of dimming the sun by putting stuff in the air. You know like volcanic ash. Oh, wait, they're ignoring all the volcanic eruptions because we can't possibly learn anything from nature because man is somehow smarter. Let's ignore the world changing eruptions. Countdown from All That's Interesting, yes, it's real website. Mount St. Helens, 1980, was the largest in USA history but nothing compared to others. Thera 1645-1500 BC, you know, the one that created Santorini, Greece. Vesuvius 79 AD and Tambora 1815 - personal favorite as it created the Year Without Summer (that title doesn't raise any warning flags, apparently); I have to work it into my Regency stories. Krakatoa 1883, and let's not forget Mount Pinatubo 1991, which is still affecting the planet. It doesn't take a science degree to know that dimming the sun is a stupid idea. It's like these "experts" never opened a book and think they can invent the wheel from scratch better than it was done the first time. And yes, that's a heavy dose of sarcasm. None are so blind as those who refuse to see.

TBR 2022

126. The Pebbled Path (Happily Ever After Collection Timeless Romance Anthology 20)  by Sarah M. Eden fantasy romance. A fascinating twist in the fairytale.

127. Black Fern (Happily Ever After Collection Timeless Romance Anthology 20)  by Julie Daines fantasy romance. A new to me author, I loved this variation on the fairytale. I'd like to read one of her other books.

128. Scarlet (Happily Ever After Collection Timeless Romance Anthology 20)  by Heather M. Moore fantasy romance. Spooky twist on a fairytale. A Halloween read for me. Remember that I don't do scary, so this was unnerving for me but probably not for most people. I enjoyed it.

129. So Rare a Power (Happily Ever After Collection Timeless Romance Anthology 20)  by Annette Lyon fantasy romance. Another read fit for Halloween. Captivating.

130. Soldier Dogs: The Untold Story of America's Canine Heroes by Maria Goodavage nonfiction. Dogs are amazing creatures, and the bond between humans and dogs remarkable. This may be a difficult read for some as the author shares the grim side as well. I almost stopped reading several times. I know things aren't all roses and lollipops but having that confirmed is heart-wrenching.

REAL Oct 24-29

REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

Mon: Walk 25/10/30/10 PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Tue: Walk 25/60/10 PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Wed: Walk 30/10 PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Thu: Walk 10/20 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Fri: Walk 30 min PT 0-lb x1 UB x1 FL x5

Sat: Walk 20/20/10 min PT 1-lb x3 UB x3 FL x5

Have a bit of fun today

 

Thank Goodness It's Sunday

~ Sharing meals with friends

~ Lower electric bill with lower temperatures

~ Warm blankets

~ Learning to be friendly

~ God's grace

Are you ready for Halloween?

Celebrate with a story.

Secondhand Samhain 

The seventh novella in the series.

Welcome back to Holiday, USA, small town America, where nothing happens, except holidays... and a little romance, if the hero and heroine trust God.

Jan Connor, the new manager of the secondhand shop Vintage Holiday, loves her job, her town, and her life. She doesn't need anything except a little bit of help. Her annual Halloween birthday party isn't coming together, and her antiquated computer system is only making it worse.

Trent McDonald, computer guru extraordinaire, is looking for a place to call home. His brother, Cowboy, suggested Holiday might offer what he needs but never mentioned Vintage Holiday's pretty shop manager.

Between one breath and the next, God changes everything...

http://www.amazon.com/Secondhand-Samhain-Holiday-USA-Book-ebook/dp/B01A0IBBQI/ref=sr_1_1

If you prefer paperback, Holiday, USA Anthology 2015

All four novellas published in 2015 are available in their entirety in paperback, including the covers on the back, for those who enjoy collecting a series.

https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-USA-Anthology-2015-2/dp/153018617X/ref=sr_1_22

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