Welcome To Christmas Romance Week-Day 2-Feat. Sophia's Christmas Wish by Jewell Allen

About the book 

There’s nothing more magical than Christmas in Mondragón. 

Princess Sophia has resisted going back because of bittersweet memories…and Leo Valle. But when she and Leo cross paths again as they work together on the Christmas Royal Horse Regalia, she realizes that they both have changed in the last two years. Maybe, just maybe, they could have a second chance. Could Sophia get her Christmas wish?

This is a sweet novella in the Royal Billionaires of Mondragón series. Each is a standalone with an HEA but it is recommended you read them in this order.

1. The Untamed Prince
2. The Secret Prince
2.5 Sophia’s Christmas Wish
3. The Broken Prince
4. The Reckless Prince
5. The Rebel Prince

Buy the book 

Amazon

Meet the author

For the first decade and a half of her life, Jewel Allen lived in the Philippines. When she was 15, her mom got sent to Utah State University for a summer training and brought Jewel along. At 16, Jewel began attending USU, where she roomed with her mom. Jewel switched her major from business to English because she thought reading novels was a lot more fun than taking Econ classes.

After joining the LDS Church and graduating from USU with a degree in English, Jewel married Drew. They settled in Utah, where he is from. When their three children were younger, she worked as a freelance journalist for newspapers (like theDeseret News) and magazines so she could keep working from home in a field she loved.

In 2011, she started writing feature articles and an award-winning opinion column for the Transcript Bulletin. A year later, she started a memoir publishing company called Treasured Stories, where she helps her clients preserve their life stories and photos into beautiful archival books. As she ushered her clients’ book babies into the world, she decided it was time to live her own dream. In 2014, she began her adventure as a published author. Check out her Amazon author page here.

She’s been a lead singer of a rock band and loves anything that reminds her of the tropics.

Merry Christmas Romance Week 

Christmas Romance Week-Feat. Sophia Summers Love for the Holidays Sale

Click here to read my post featuring Taming Scrooge. 

Stop by the blog everyday this week for a different featured 

book/author.  

Merry Christmas Romance Week!

Christmas Romance Week- Featuring Taming Scrooge by Sopia Summers

About the book 

Ezra Stone wishes Christmas would go away.
Star Henley wants to save it.

When a desperate city council, panicked about losing their iconic main street, urges Star Henley to charm her way into developer Ezra Stone’s life, they hope to change his mind, unaware they could break his heart.

If the small town, Sanders Corners, can’t save its tree festival and protect their Main Street festivities, her father’s tree business and her Christmas shop will go out of business along with the rest of the town. She can’t let that happen, even if it means ingratiating herself into the cold, hard life of their town’s one and only billionaire nemesis. When a conniving city council forces them to work together on the festival of trees, the two clash as often as they connect, but everything could change on December 25.

Look for other books in this series:
It's a Wonderful Date
Miracle on the 34th Floor
Invited Home for the Holidays

Buy the book 

Amazon

Meet the author

Love and Inspiration

Meet Sophia.

Billionaires, Royals, Marriages of convenience, Cowboys, and Spies. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

Sophia Summers is an award winning author who just wants to relax a little and enjoy a great beach read. She lives in a quiet southern town brimming with an extra dose of hospitality and a whole lot of charm.

She writes historical romance under a different name. She has two contemporary romance series out so far and many more to come. 

The Billionaire Royals Series

Billionaire Cowboys

Love and Marriage Series

The Vacation Billionaires

Belltown Sixpack Series

Ghosts of Painting Past-Great Escapes Tour-Character Interview

MY READING JOURNEYS

Character Interview-Aurora aka Rory

MRJ Hello welcome to the blog. Thank you for taking a moment to chat. I know you’re getting ready for Christmas. Can you share a few of your plans?

Rory   

        There’s always a lot to do here in Vista Beach around the holidays. I try to get to as many events as possible. First up is the holiday concert put on by the local schools. The little ones are so cute and some of the older kids have amazing voices. One of my favorite events is the pier lighting ceremony. There’s live entertainment and the businesses downtown really get into the holiday spirit. Plus the pier looks so beautiful all lit up! This year, my BFF, Liz Dexter, and I are painting ornaments to sell at the local craft fair. It’s been a fun project, but a lot of work. We had to start months ago to get everything ready by fair time. I’m also helping out with the sand-snowman contest. My parents are in charge of it this time around. As you might guess, we don’t get snow here at the beach, but we still like our snow people, so we create them out of sand.

MRJ Do you have a favorite holiday?

Rory

Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. There are so many great Christmas projects to work on. Every year I find new ornaments and decorations I just have to paint. Plus there’s all the great food. I like making cookies and my mom makes a killer apple pie. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! Then there are the Christmas carols. I’m not the best singer in the world, but I love singing them, anyway.

MRJ It’s so nice here on the beach has this always been your home?

Rory

I was born in Vista Beach, but left when I was two years old. That’s when my birth parents died and I was adopted by Arika and Swan Anderson. We moved back a few years ago when my grandmother passed away and we inherited some property.

MRJ   I love a small town can you tell us a bit about yours?

Rory

Vista Beach is a typical Los Angeles County beach city. The weather’s generally nice so we can do a lot of outdoor activities year round. We have our share of events and festivals. A lot of them center around the pier and the beach. There’s the pier lighting ceremony I mentioned earlier, a chalk art festival in August and the pumpkin race in October.

MRJ Since I live in Texas not anywhere near the beach my favorite season is Fall the weather is gorgeous in the Fall. Do you have a favorite season?

Rory

Winter is my favorite season. The weather’s pleasant and you pretty much have the beach to yourself. One of my favorite things to do is walk along the beach in the winter.

MRJ All this chatting is making me a bit hungry. Maybe we should go for a bit of a snack. Can you suggest a nice place for maybe a snack and a drink?

Rory

Let’s go to my favorite restaurant. It’s right next to the beach so we can look at the waves and do some people watching while we talk. I’m sure you’ll find something you like there. They have just about everything.

MRJ  It’s so nice here. What’s your favorite snack? I am bad I love anything fried and chocolate. Oh yes!

Rory

I love desserts, especially chocolate mint ones. I have a stash of Thin Mints in my freezer. On the non-sweet side, I’m a guacamole and chips gal. If I’m being particularly health conscience, I dip carrot sticks in the guacamole. But, between you and me, that doesn’t happen very often.

MRJ  Now that we’ve had a nice snack let’s get into some nitty gritty questions. Is your town really as quiet as it seems?

Rory

Vista Beach is a pretty quiet town, but you never know what’s happening beneath the surface, do you?

MRJ  Sounds like you’ve had some success in solving crimes. Can you tell us about that?

Rory

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have anything to do with murder. It all started when I found the body of my painting teacher in my garden. I don’t look for crimes to solve, but I keep on being drawn into investigations. I just can’t stand aside when I see people being accused of crimes they didn’t commit. I know what that’s like. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

MRJ  You must be a huge help to the local police. Have you gotten in credit or accommodation for your help?

Rory

No, they’re not thrilled to have me poking my nose in their cases. I do have a bit of an in with the department. My boyfriend is Vista Beach police detective, Martin Green. He’s always worried that something bad will happen to me. To be fair, I have had more than my share of problems.

MRJ Isn’t the sunset just so pretty on the beach. I hate to cut this short but I am sure you have lots to do to get ready for the upcoming craft fair. I can’t wait to visit the Sand Snowman contest. It should be great fun.

MRJ

You’ll really enjoy it. It’s always fun to see what people come up with every year.

Rory Thanks for the chat and the snacks! Let’s talk again soon maybe after all the holiday events!

MRJ

Thanks for hanging out with me today. I’ve loved chatting with you too! Stop by any time.

About the book 

It’s Christmastime in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson. The magic of the season fills the air as residents enjoy school concerts, a pier lighting ceremony and the annual sand-snowman contest.

During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Rory plans on painting ornaments to sell at the local craft fair and joining in on the holiday fun. But she finds the season anything but jolly after the house across the street is torn down, revealing a decades old crime. Past meets present when her father is implicated in the murder.

Fearing for her father’s future, Rory launches her own investigation, intent on discovering the truth and clearing his name.

Buy the book 

 Amazon Kindle – Amazon Paperback – Kobo 

Visit the tour

To read reviews and more interviews click here. 

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hurricane Dog by Sunny Weber-I Read Book Tour-Review

About the book

A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption and Change

Gator, a pitbull mix, was adopted as a young pup by Gavin and his parents. This is the story of Gator's life - a life in which he is betrayed. But before the betrayal Gator's life is one in which he is loved greatly.

Before Gator was abandoned to the ravages of a Louisiana hurricane he and Gavin were the best of friends spending every free moment together. And they faced the prejudices of those who couldn't see to the heart of a person or a dog - looking only at appearances. Along the way Magnolia, a rescued puppy mill dog joins them and becomes the joy in Gator's life. But when a hurricane destroyed much of where they lived Gator and Magnolia were left behind, by order of the government authorities.

Seemingly abandoned Gator refuses to trust another human, until he needs the help of someone to save Magnolia. Bonded Gator's appearance and breed work against the chances that he and Magnolia have of ever getting adopted.

Series/Author Endorsements

“The Dog at the Gate will help teach children to be kind to animals and learn that they have feelings.”
- Temple Grandin, PhD - CO State University, Professor of Animal Science
--Author of Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, and Autism

“This touching narrative, with its colorful characters and humane messaging. . .conveys a resonant message of empathy for mistreated and abandoned animals.”
- Kirkus Reviews

“Weber’s writing is clear and poignant, and includes an engaging plot and compelling narrative.”
- Blue Ink Review

“Author Sunny Weber writes with a clean, uncomplicated style. Every chapter has a charming illustration. . . an addictive and emotional adventure. . . I highly recommend it. . .”
- Caitlin Lyle Farley, Five Star Review for Readers' Favorite / Barnes & Noble Bookstores

And I thought

I couldn't help but love Hurricane Dog.  I rescued a dog from the 

most recent Hurricane that devastated Houston, Texas. 

It was easy for me to see the characteristics of dogs that are abandoned or lost. 

Many people really never understand the devastation that people go through during and after a natural disaster.  Much less  what happens to animals. 

Sunny Weber pens a lovely story about love and redemption. 

I read a book many years ago about horses the title was 

No Problem Horses on Problem People.  This story brought back memories for me.  

There are many animals that just need a second chance. A chance and love and family.  A chance at redemption.  

I loved this book and have added it to my list for Christmas suggestions.  

It is a great read for children; for families.  I would suggest it to a teacher as a group study.  

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads. 

Hurricane Dog will be promoted on social media. 

Visit the author

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

I enjoyed visiting the authors website which included a post 

about Why I Wrote The Book.  

Buy the book 

Amazon

Visit the tour

The tour promotes the Pups and Purrs Series by Sunny Weber.

Click here to read reviews and find more information about the series. 

Thankful For Fall

Fall is my favorite season!

 

I love pumpkins. 

I've tried to grow them. 

I'd love to have a mess of pumpkins to decorate with.

ki

I love Fall leaves. 

The oranges and the browns.  

I loved this Welcome sign I found at a resale shop.

Someone worked hard to dry and mount the leaves. 

Fall is fun.  

I hope you are enjoying Fall.

Have a good day.  

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Tues--So Glad-Tips

So Glad!

Good morning Evening I planned to write this post last night and 
pre-schedule for Tuesday morning but the 'Gremlins' took over again and kept me from posting.  

Someday soon I am getting a new computer.  I can't wait.  

With all that said.  I hope you had a great day.  Tonight I wanted to share with you a couple tips and some cleaning ideas I am trying.  

First up... Homemade Fabric Softner.  I found a recipe on Pinterest...can't show you the exact one because my computer won't open Pinterest tonight.   

I am tellin' you I am fighting demons.

This is what I did.  I went to Dollar Tree and got . . .

The recipe called for 1-2. 1 cup Downy and 2 cups water.  So I got a container from last Christmas with a lid.  You fill with the Downy and water and dunk the sponges in.  They were really wet when I pulled out but I squeezed them out and put in with a load of kitchen towels.  

The jury is still out.  I'll have to post again the results!

Next I tried making toilet bombs!

That jury is out too.  They have to 'set up' for 6 hours or more. 

So I am anxiously waiting to try them.  

I will write all about it next week. 

I'll be scheduling my Tuesday Tip as soon as I get the results just in case the 'Gremlins' are still active. 

Have a nice evening! 

Announcing 2019 Christmas Romance Week-Nov 24th to Nov. 30th

Welcome

I am super excited to share with you the 1st ever/1st Annual

Christmas Romance Week

Hey if Hallmark Movies can do it.  Why not My Journey Back?

So next week from Sunday the 24th all the way to the very 

last day of November I will be featuring a few of my picks for 

holiday romance reads.  

You'll probably see some authors I have previously shared on tours or regular reviews.  But I suspect I'll be introducing you to some new great authors.  

I hope you'll plan to visit.   Maybe Hopefully you'll find a few new books to add to your pile/TBR list or Santa Please list.

Merry Cozy Christmas

Happy Homemaker in Texas-Happy Homemaker Monday

 

Welcome back to a Monday version of 

Happy Homemaker in Texas

My computer was being Wacky on Saturday so today I am back to posting on Monday.

 I'll be linking with Sandra at Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather (Sandra's prompt)
It is lovely Fall weather.  Predicting highs in upper 60's and 70's 
a few days.  Yea.  It is a bit chilly in the mornings in the low 40's a few days.  But by the time I am coming home from work it is nice enough to drive with the windows down!

What I am wearing (Sandra's prompt)

It's a work day.  I am dressing in black pants (no pocket...I need pockets) a black long cami and a black and white  striped T.

On the breakfast plate (Sandra's prompt) 

A bowl of Store brand Cheerio's.  The dogs get oatmeal an egg poached in chicken broth and a little kibble

My 'Ta Da' momnet (my prompt)

Figured out there has been something wrong with comments 
on my blog.  I think I've fixed it.  I sure hope so.  I love seeing when you've come by.  Speak to me please!

This week's menu (Sandra's prompt)

Monday- The Cowboy's Birthday.  I am stopping at a Cajun 

place and picking up fried catfish with the fixin's. 

Peanut Butter cookies for dessert

Tuesday-Taco Night

Wednesday-Tuna Casserole-Green Peas and Bread

Thursday- Ground Beef cooked with cream gravy served on white bread (the Cowboy's family fav. ) Green Beans

Friday-Mexican Pot Roast, Borracho Beans and Potatoes with lots of flour tortilla's to soak up the gravy 

Last week's menu (my prompt)

This week I got two planned meals dones.  

We did have the steak and onion rings and it was soooo good!

Spaghetti was super too.  I have a new way I cook it and I love it.

Monday

Taco's, Beans and Guacamole Carrying over next week

Tuesday

Spaghetti, Salad, Bread ✔

Wednesday

Steak, Onion Rings, Broccoli Salad ✔

Thursday

Salmon, Green Beans, Baked Potato

Friday

Tuna Casserole, Green Peas, and bread  Carrying over next week 

In the crafting room (Sandra's and mine HeHe her's was The Craft basket.  A basket is too small HeHe)

This week I started the project I share last week.  Here's the result.

I am in 2 different SWAPs.  This is the first one I started the 
Snippet Roll has to measure 3" x 40" long wich is really, really long!  I am using Christmas fabric from my stash and lace and trims.  I'll have to go to Hobby Lobby for a few things to add on. 
The next one is easier I think 2" x 18".  
I hope I get them down in the next day or so. 

On My Reading Pile

Just got this one in the mail for the I Read Book Tour in January.

Plans for the week (Sandra's prompt)

Getting donations ready for a pick up

Finish current craft projects and tidy up room

Begin Christmas cards
Write more blog posts!

From the camera (Sandra's prompt)

Sharing another from the archives. I have been searching for a

blogging I lost track off and going through my old posts . . . 

Not mine but I thought it was just gorgeous.  For a time I ended each post with a horse photo and the caption "Happy Trails". 

I Hope Your Trails Are Happy This Week!

Scripture/Devo (Sandra's prompt)

Stop in and visit Sandra.  Click here. 

Simple Sunday-Have a Good Day

Since I missed posting Happy Homemaker in Texas yesterday

I will post a Happy Homemaker Monday post.

Come and see me!

Have A Good Day

Having trouble with the computer once again. Posting from the tablet. Too hard to post a real post! I will get Happy Homemaker up soon!

The Dog at the Gate by Sunny Weber-I Read Tours-Review

Scroll to the bottom to enter the Giveaway!

About the book 

Can a dog like Max go from years without a bath to unconditional love and acceptance?
Or will his new family abandon him again?

Puppy Max doesn’t have the easiest start in life. He faces hunger, living alone outside, a vicious dog next door, and menacing raccoons. Just when he thinks it can’t get any worse, he is abandoned at an animal shelter.
Max is rescued and fostered in a home complete with canine companions - Miles, a benevolent fellow Australian Shepherd, and cantankerous, bossy little Muffin. He also lives with three cats, two parakeets, and one incredible mistress.
Fans of classics like Black Beauty, Thomasina, and Beautiful Joe, which feature redemptive bonds between animals and people, will find The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special offers a touching tale of love and triumph.

And I thought

This reader is delighted with this series.   I love dogs.  I love stories about dogs.  The Dog at the Gate kept me turning the pages.  It was hard not to cry at some parts.  This was a great story and I enjoyed it. 

The author gives the reader insights through the dogs eyes about how to treat a dog.  

A great read for children and adults.   

The Dog at the Gate is great to add to a family's book shelf and a great read for family time. 

I recommend this series to all parents.  This series or any of the individual books would be great Christmas presents for a teacher or a library.  

The Dog at the Gate is on my Christmas suggestions list. 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads and promoted on social media.

Buy the book 

Amazon.com
Add to Goodreads

Visit the tour

Click here to read more reviews and see other books in the series. 

On the list

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Homemaker in Texas

Welcome to Happy Homemaker the day I share my plans for the week as prompted by Sandra at Family Corner.

I add a few prompts of my own. 

Let's Rock

The weather (Sandra's)

Today it is gorgeous and I am stuck inside!  Bummer.  We are expecting frigid weather for the new week. 

What I am wearing (Sandra's)

Summer clothes TMI I told you it was  beautiful day.  But really it is more because The Cowboy keeps the heat too hot.

On the breakfast plate (Sandra's)

Another Sat. breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns and an avocado

Plans for the day (mine)

Alot of rest.  I am crafting and when my back hurts I read a bit. I am actually writing my post on Sunday instead of Saturday.  

Yesterday was a Blah day for me. 

I am taking it as easy as I can today because I have a BIG job 

tomorrow.  

On the menu (Sandra's)

Monday

Taco's, Beans and Guacamole

Tuesday

Spaghetti, Salad, Bread

Wednesday

Steak, Onion Rings, Broccoli Salad

Thursday

Salmon, Green Beans, Baked Potato

Friday

Tuna Casserole, Green Peas, and bread

Last week's menu/what worked what didn't

Actually once again it was a complete bust.  I am really going 

to try week to do better.  But here's what I thought about eating!

Monday

Mexican pot roast, Potatoes,Carrots,Corn

Tuesday

Tuna casserole, Green Peas, some kind of bread

Wednesday

Ravioli in Alfredo Sauce, Salad,Garlic Bread

Thursday

We call it Goulash, Green Beans

Friday

Steak, Onion Rings, Salad

In the crafting room 

I am working on a few things for SWAPs for my Facebook groups.  Some Christmas themed tags,  A Happy Mail project,  Thanksgiving Cards and December birthday cards and I am making a Christmas Themed Snippet Roll. Here's what they look like.

 

A creation made with scraps of this and that and sewed together to make something pretty.  They can either be wall hangers like the Patriotic one or used in a Junk Journal.  I am making one for use in a Junk Journal because that is what my group makes. 

My Ta Da Moment(s) (mine)

Last week I got to new clients (I clean houses)  I will be working everyday now.  We are needing the extra income because the Cowboy is in ill health.  I worked one new house last week and tomorrow (Monday) I start the other new one.  Which will be super hard and a very long day!  I am Blessed!

Form the camera (Sandra')

From my archives.  Photo's of the house we live in now. 

Look how clean that kitchen is!

 

I love this room.  It sold us on the house! 

Scripture/Devo

Thanks for stopping in. 

Don't forget to stop over at Sandra's

Click here to visit Sandra

Have A Wonderfully Blessed Week!