Anthology:
For the Love of Winter
Anthology Genre:
Holiday Romance
Buy Link:
https://books2read.com/b/baqw6y
Publication Date:
December 6, 2023
Ebook Price:
$3.99 (Amazon pre-order)
Book Blurb:
Bake your cookies, light some candles, trim your trees, and be enchanted with thirteen sweet-to-spicy Chanukah, Christmas, and New Year's novellas that will sweep you from colonial days to contemporary times—each bearing a gift of happily-ever-after grand finales. This joyous collection is...
A Winter Mating by Lia Davis. He returns to Willow Glen with one goal, to claim his mate. Convincing her that she belongs to him will be his toughest challenge, but he's not above using seduction to get what he wants.
One Night at Christmas by Danica Winters. As the busy owner of a veterinary clinic, Emily Avery always has her hands full of puppies but empty of the one thing she really isn't sure she wants anyway—a man. When the kind-hearted Derek Night makes an emergency call to help his mom's naughty pup, they both must step outside of their shells and let the magic of Christmas and one mischievous pup bring them together.
The Christmas Crash by Tessa Lyons. Sparks fly when a relentless optimist and a grieving veterinarian are snowed in together at Christmas. Can they rediscover the magic of the season and find love in the most unexpected place?
His Christmas Date by Sara J. Walker. In this heartwarming story of seasoned romance, Dino Dudley and Hilde McQuire must navigate family drama and their own emotional baggage to find true love.
Jordyn's Christmas Gift by Marie Morton. Jordyn Billings, a busy marketing executive, is gifted a holiday getaway to Chateau D'Or by her family, where she discovers an unforgettable and life-changing Christmas gift.
Four Chanukahs and a Wedding by Merrie Angel. Widowed and alone in 1973, Millie explores a professional photographer's life, and stumbles upon Adam--an insatiable adventure seeker related to Jackie Kennedy. Will they find a way to ignite a flame that burns far beyond Millie's expectations and set ablaze their own festival of lights?
Recipe for Romance by Gloria Ferguson. Ashley McClain wants to win the Holiday Bake-Off with her late mom's cupcake recipe. Can she join forces with her friend and neighbor to claim the prize and a bit of romance just in time for Christmas?
Before the Rising Sun by V.L. Czerny. Their romance blighted at a colonial ball, Gertrude and Nicholas, forgetting their past acquaintance, are maneuvered by the Christmas spirit to set love loose and so refashion time's expected plans.
Unexpected Angels by C.L. Hart. Sometimes the best things come together when everything is falling apart.
Christmas Market Magic by Tessie Benton. Sydney Hawthorne hires an escort for a business date, but he's not what he appears to be, and their mutual deception sparks desire while careers hang in the balance.
A Merry White Christmas by Sally Murphy. Merry London, tasked with organizing an opulent Christmas ball for the McPhersons, faces an unexpected challenge in the form of Joel McPherson, whose fiery charm threatens to melt her icy exterior and unravel her meticulously laid plans.
Lavender and Love Restored by M.J. Gates. Chief architect Jess Carlson is restoring a haunted historic hotel and helping a friendly spirit while reclaiming her life and love before the hotel's grand reopening on New Year's Eve.
Marry Me by Midnight by Leah Miles. Navy SEAL Kendall Nelson can't manage a successful proposal, and single mom Luisa Sanchez has no time for romance.
Proceeds benefit the First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization helping writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.
Excerpt
"Attention passengers! “All flights have been
grounded due to severe weather conditions,” the businesslike female voice on
the PA at Nashville International Airport announced.
“Oh no, no, no!” Macario Bachmeier groaned. “This
cannot be happening!”
Macario hurried to the car rental area with his
army green duffel bag over his shoulder. Each of the major companies told him
the same thing. Unfortunately, no more vehicles are available at the moment.
Please try again tomorrow, but do not get your hopes up. The FBI agent crossed
his fingers, hoping Quicksilver Rentals would have one of the snazzy,
affordable vehicles they advertised ready for him to drive off into the sunset.
The diminutive woman at the counter looked like a
Christmas elf with her shimmery silver hair trimmed in a perky pixie cut. She
wore a soft, light cyan sweater and had a festive red and green cap with bells
perched on her head. As soon as Macario saw the apologetic look in her
neon-blue eyes, he knew he was out of luck. Yet, she was his last hope of not
being stuck in Nashville overnight, so he approached her.
“Miss, I really need to get to Phoenix as soon as
possible,” Macario said. “If you play poker, you need to work on your
expressions, because I could tell from the look on your face that you have no
cars left. However, I am also confident that you will do your best to assist a
traveler in need. Do you have any suggestions?”
“I certainly do, but we’ll need to be quick,” the
sprightly lady declared. “I’m going to call my brother Dom over at Snowman
Railway. I’m not guaranteeing anything because a ride to Flagstaff on the
Snowman Line is always very popular, especially at this time of year. However,
I have a feeling we may be able to grant your wish. Hello Dom, it’s Pika. I
have a passenger here who desperately needs to get to Arizona. You do? Oh,
that’s splendid! When can you be here? Thank you, Dom, you really are a sugar
plum! We’ll see you in fifteen.”
The little woman disconnected the call. Her
expression was joyful.
“Dom will be here to escort you to the train
himself,” she said. “You really are a lucky fellow, Mister…”
“Macario Bachmeier, but you can call me Mac,”
Macario said, clasping the woman’s tiny hand in his. “Thank you, Miss Pika, you
are a godsend! I will certainly tell your employer how helpful you were. If
anyone deserves a holiday bonus, it’s you.”
“Your gratitude is all the bonus I need,” Pika
said. After shutting down the computer, she posted a sign on the counter
stating that there were no vehicles available.
“Come on, I’ll wait for Dom with you,” Pika said,
leading Macario out the door to the passenger pickup area.
About the Author:
C. L. Hart, the owner and sole employee of Naughty Netherworld Press, is spoken of in hushed tones. She is described as The Mad Scribe of the Northeastern Colorado Plains, The Terrible Old Woman, and The Author That Should Not Be.
When not penning sanity-destroying works of dystopian fiction, Lovecraftian fantasy, or old-school horror with the occasional sweet romance thrown in to upset the cosmic apple cart, Ms. Hart enjoys creating baked goods she hopes will be considered palatable.
Ms. Hart shares a home in a remote rural town of 134 souls with her adult son and three cats. Her sense of fashion is best described as Early Twenty-First Century Unmade Bed. This disabled former nurse can usually be found arguing with herself about subplots or rehabilitating eldritch horrors.
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1 comment:
Great excerpt! Thanks for sharing. :)
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