Holiday 2020 Newsletter
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Hi, readers! Hope you all are doing well, and that you’ve stayed safe in these challenging times.
Wow, Christmas is over already! How did that happen? It seems like everything just flew right by. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, if you indeed celebrate it (or just substitute your holiday equivalent here).
In any case, today’s newsletter will provide updates about events you may have missed since the previous edition, and some news to look forward to. Brace yourself for several surprises!
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We’ll commence from where we left off the last time. On October 6th, author Wendi Dass’s new contemporary romance, Bella Cigna, was featured on the I Love Romance Blog. It sounds so good! Subsequent days brought a few book reviews for different titles. Check out an official book review for my children’s fantasy story, A Little Magick, on the Bound 4 Escape blog. Thank you so much, Dawn! Also, there was a new review for my romantic comedy, Chasing Ginger, posted by the Book Worm over on Goodreads. Additionally, you can discover a book review for the same title on Diary of a Wannabe Writer blog, as well as Goodreads. Thanks, Anie! October 12th arrived, and we had a blog tour feature on Writing in the Modern Age for Lindy Miller’s new holiday romance, The Magic Ingredient. What a great cover!
Three days later, I hosted a feature and brief interview with author and psychologist Dr. Thomas Jordan, about his book, Learn to Love, on my romance blog. This guidebook contains some helpful tips for relationships! Next, a very cool event occurred on Writing in the Modern Age. From the 19th to the 26th, I ran a big multi-author Halloween themed book and swag giveaway. It was so much fun, and we had a lot of great prizes in the contest! 😉
On October 24th, Betanda offered a new book review for my steamy rom com, Chasing Ginger, on Goodreads. Thanks! Two weeks later, the official cover reveal for the second edition of my first historical romance novel, Upon Your Return, landed on Diana Rubino’s blog. And check out a cool Q&A! Also on November 9th, I wrote an article on the Writing in the Modern Age blog, about ways to revive old stories from a writer’s backlist. Two days passed, and a fun author interview and book spotlight happened for Chasing Ginger on Lisa Haselton’s blog. On November 12th, there was a new book review for Chasing Ginger on Goodreads and Amazon. Thanks, Lynelle!
The 13th brought a coming soon feature for UYR on Kayelle Allen’s Romance Lives Forever blog.
From the same day through this January 2021, voting is valid for TCK Publishing’s big 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards contest. You can find my science fiction romance, Blue Vision, listed in Category 7 – ‘Romance’. Help us out, and cast your vote for this title, as well as any others you may notice from other categories!
Six days later, an author interview with yours truly landed on Henry Mitchell’s Drovers Gap blog. On November 20th, you could find another interview on, this time on A.A. Schenna’s blog on Goodreads. Two days passed, and the first early book review for Upon Your Return appeared on Amazon. Thank you, Crystal! ♥
So…the official release date for UYR was November 23rd. Grab a copy today, as the Kindle version is still on sale for the holidays! Also on the same day, a new release feature posted on Bernard Foong’s blog. In the next few days, other book reviews for this historical romance popped up on various sites. To make it easier, I’ll just list them below…
November 23rd – review for UYR on Goodreads.
November 23rd – new review for UYR on Amazon and Goodreads.
November 24th – other review for UYR on BookBub.
November 25th – book review for Upon Your Return on Amazon.
November 25th – other review for UYR on BookBub.
November 27th – new review for UYR on Amazon.
November 27th – other book review on BookBub.
Three days later, Chasing Ginger had a new review on Goodreads. Thanks, Pamela! In the first week of December, voting started for the ‘Cover of the Month’ contest on AllAuthor, and Upon Your Return was nominated in the first round. On December 3rd, Jessica Fernhof’s article posted on ILRB. Check out her advice about ‘what to wear on a date this winter’! On the 4th, I ran a poll for readers, to try to determine the best approach in doing a more one-on-one chat with readers. Discover it here! Three days later, Liz Butcher’s author interview appeared on Writing in the Modern Age. Learn all about her young adult horror novel, LeRoux Manor.
Two days later, the official launch party for UYR was on Facebook. This included a cool Facebook Live video/Q&A reader session with yours truly! 😉 You can see an ad for it here, as author Tina Donahue shared it in her newsletter.
Also on the 9th, Rachel Carrington stopped by ILRB to tell us about her holiday romance, Making Christmas Magic. Nice cover!
Two days later, Kathrin Hutson’s interview appeared on Writing in the Modern Age. If you have a moment, definitely check out her dark urban fantasy adventure read, The Witching Vault! Three days passed, and Miranda Oh got a spotlight on the same blog. Learn all about her chick lit tale, Just Breathe: Chin Up, Tits Out. On December 16th, Maggie Holmes offered readers on my MLB blog some cool beauty tips on looking younger, with her helpful article. Two days later, an interview with author Jenna Greene posted on Writing in the Modern Age. Discover her dystopian fantasy novel, Reborn!
On the 21st, J.E. McDonald came to the same blog to tell us about her writing journey and her latest book, a paranormal romance with a touch of humor, Ghost of a Gamble. It looks like such an intriguing read! Four days ago, I posted on ILRB, offering readers a look at the top Christmas romance reads on Amazon, just in time for the holiday season. Discover 77 great books, among a host of other ones!
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As you know, one of my latest book releases was Upon Your Return. This was the second edition release, this time through my new publisher, Foundations Books. UYR is the start of a Victorian maritime romance saga. The second book in the series will be out sometime in 2021.
The next edition of Second Nature, a paranormal romance and book of the Blood at First Sight Series, just came out. I got the rights back from my former publisher. The ebook is available now, and the print version is coming soon.
Eventually, Blood Instincts – book two of the series – will be released back to me as well. Additionally, I’m planning to put out a supernatural romance series starter boxed set, comprised of Blue Vision, Magick & Moonlight, and Second Nature. Phenomenal Touch will give interested readers a chance to sample my more supernatural work, rather than jumping into each series separately. Sound good? 😉 Here’s a sneak peek of the book cover.
In any case, look out for the following book releases in 2021:
-Phenomenal Touch (supernatural romance series starter boxed set)
-First Target (romantic mystery collection)
-Upon Your Honor, the sequel to Upon Your Return (but UYH has more maritime and suspense elements)
-The Trouble with the Truth (short YA mystery)
-another novella collection if I complete it in time – perhaps Dark Secrets (romantic suspense)
2022 Project/Release Schedule:
-Upon Your Love (I really don’t know how closely Foundations will want to release the sequel to UYH)
-Magick Sunrise (light contemporary romantic fantasy – book three of The Magick Series
-Midnight Kiss (or A Rogue’s Kiss – still deciding on official title) – my only BBW historical romance WIP
-at some point, I imagine Foundations Books will put out a boxed set for the Heiresses in Love trilogy
-Also, I’ll be organizing a duology which contains the adult romance fantasy titles of The Magick Series
2023 Project/Release Schedule:
-Out of This World – sci-fi romance and book two of the Code of Endhivar Series
-The Bloodseer Legacy – paranormal dystopian romance and book three of the Blood at First Sight Series
-Sharon’s Dirty Little Secret – steamy billionaire rom com and book two of The Misfits Series
-Awakening (paranormal romantic thriller collection)
-Yuletide Heart (holiday romance story, sequel to Second Chance Heart and book two of the Eternal Hearts Series)
-eventually I’ll have a boxed set for my paranormal romance trilogy
2024 Project/Release Schedule:
-Madame Aubergine’s Compendium of Ramblings – literary fiction and poetry collection
-The Wager (contemporary romance)
-Spellbound – historical fantasy romance and book one of the Witches of Moonhaven Series
-The Game – a romantic adventure saga with some light bondage
-Deadspeak – paranormal mystery romance
Obviously, these are loosely planned projects. All release dates will depend on how quickly the books get completed, polished and published. Additionally, for some titles, their progress will be determined by my publisher’s availability.
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Upcoming Events for Marie
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December 24th – January 14th – voting is open for the 23rd Annual Critters Readers' Poll (You’ll notice nominations for my books and yours truly in the following categories: Romance Novels, Romance Short Stories, Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Stories, Book Cover Artwork, and Authors. The categories cover all relevant works, authors, editors, artwork/artists, and services which were active or published in 2020.)
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December, 2020 Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days:
December 28
Card Playing Day
December 29
Pepper Pot Day
December 30
Bacon Day
December 31
Make Up Your Mind Day
New Year's Eve
Unlucky Day
Daily Bizarre and Unique Calendar Holidays - January, 2021
Month:
- National Bath Safety Month
- National Blood Donor Month
- National Braille Literacy Month
- National Hobby Month
- Hot Tea Month
- National Oatmeal Month
- National Soup Month
Week Celebrations:
2nd Week - Letter Writing Week
January 2021 Daily Holidays, Special and Wacky Days:
January 1
National Hangover Day
New Year's Day
January 2
Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day
January 3
Festival of Sleep Day
Fruitcake Toss Day
Humiliation Day
January 4
National Spaghetti Day
Trivia Day
January 5
National Bird Day
January 6
Cuddle Up Day
January 7
Old Rock Day
January 8
Bubble Bath Day
Male Watcher's Day – of course, draw the line at stalking
January 9
Play God Day
January 10
Bittersweet Chocolate Day
Houseplant Appreciation Day
Peculiar People Day
January 11
Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day
January 12
Feast of Fabulous Wild Men Day
National Hot Tea Day
National Pharmacist Day
January 13
International Skeptics Day
Make Your Dream Come True Day
National Take the Stairs Day - second Wednesday of month
January 14
Dress Up Your Pet Day – be careful, some animals hate it
January 15
National Bagel Day
National Hat Day
January 16
Appreciate a Dragon Day
National Nothing Day
January 17
Ditch New Years Resolutions Day
January 18
Thesaurus Day
Winnie the Pooh Day -The Birthday of Winnie's author A.A. Milne
January 19
National Popcorn Day
National Tin Can Day
January 20
National Cheese Lover Day
Penguin Awareness Day
January 21
National Hugging Day
Squirrel Appreciation Day
January 22
National Blonde Brownie Day
January 23
National Pie Day
National Handwriting Day
Measure Your Feet Day- Um…"Why?!"
January 24
Compliment Day
Global Belly Laugh Day
January 25
Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day - last Monday of month
Opposite Day
January 26
Australia Day – for those in the U.S., maybe you could watch some Australian TV shows or films
Spouse's Day – Sounds like a plan!
January 27
Chocolate Cake Day
January 28
Data Privacy Day
Fun at Work Day
National Kazoo Day
January 29
National Puzzle Day
National Corn Chip Day
January 30
National Inane Answering Message Day
National Seed Swap Day - Last Saturday in January – Perfect for avid gardeners!
January 31
Backward Day
Inspire Your Heart with Art Day
There are so many to choose from! For this newsletter, I will choose ‘Make Your Dream Come True Day’ on January 13th. Get out there and do something about that dream of yours. Most people choose to ignore their dreams. Perhaps one day…and so on, and so forth. But taking action will allow you to feel useful, and get you that much closer to achieving what you want.
"If you can dream it, you can do it." – Walt Disney
Visit this page to witness a cool web series with videos about people who left their day jobs to chase their dreams, no matter what.
So, what are you waiting for? Just go for it! ♥
Also, free to select an unusual holiday of your own, hopefully one that motivates you to reach for the stars, so to speak. Or maybe just a way to have a little fun! 😉
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Miscellaneous Book Releases and Freebies
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In other news, here are a few special recent releases from my author pals!
#1 Home for Christmas: A Heartwarming, Feel Good Christmas Romance
BLURB
When coming home means finding love again…
Nothing says Merry Christmas like impending divorce. *eye roll*
It would be great to ignore the season altogether until Ethan and I officially end things on December 31st.
But before we can sign the final papers, I need to make it through Christmas week back in my hometown in Grandma’s house with the man I thought I’d spend the rest of my life with.
It’s far from ideal.
Yet, the longer we’re forced to cohabitate, the harder it is to ignore that what drew us together still exists.
Our marriage is on the brink of divorce because we thought we wanted different things, but maybe our Christmas miracle is getting a second chance by finally coming home.
Fans of Robyn Carr and Susan Mallery will be swept away by Home for Christmas, a small town, second-chance standalone holiday romance. It’s the perfect Christmas read.
Genre: Holiday Romance
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/bPX8Mj
#2 The Christmas Proposition: Christmas of Love Collaboration
BLURB
Could my fake fiancé be my Christmas miracle?
What’s a girl to do when the man who dumped her for bright lights and big city dreams comes home with his new fiancée for Christmas?
If you’re me, you ask your hot, tattooed, sexy firefighter best friend to be your pretend fiancé.
It’s the perfect plan.
But in Santa Claus, Indiana around Christmas, things are never that simple.
As best friends, Dax and I have made it through braces, breakouts, and bad breakups. Can we survive faking a relationship when there’s spiked eggnog, mistletoe magic, a roaring fire, and very real feelings involved?
The Christmas Proposition is a heartwarming, feel good, friends-to-lovers, fake fiancé Christmas romance guarantees to light up your holiday season. Escape with us to Santa Claus, Indiana, celebrate the holidays, small-town traditions, and this magical time of year.
Genre: Holiday Romance
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/3LYLMM
#3 Three to Tango and Other Tales
BLURB
When the mysterious Tatee walks into the renowned Manhattan Tango Studio all hell breaks loose, not a single person stays unaltered: old friendships are challenged and put to the test; seemingly confident women are alarmingly threatened by the novel newcomer’s presence; cool sleek men lose their steps, stuttering incomprehensible disobedient words. Unprepared for surreal and outlandish relationships she takes the role of an intrigued observer witnessing the unfolding drama where the dance floor reveals a theatre of the absurdity of human nature.
The other stories explore the profoundness of human psyche where joy, suffering, humor and even madness can all be found. Encounter stories about cult escapees, an incompetent lawyer, a liberated husband, a case of mistaken identity and the serendipitous nature of synchronicity.
Genre: Literary Fiction, Collection
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/b5kREp
And here’s a brief reading from Branka’s new collection of short stories. https://youtu.be/Hko0ZDr4s4I
#4 KINGS OF THE HUNTER CLUB: A Dark Enemies-to-Lovers High School Romance
BLURB
Shh...Silence...You have no say!
It’s the forbidden club at the exclusive Bay Area Elite Private Academy.
I am not welcome there.
But then I lied.
I told the world I was dating three hot guys from the Elite HUNTER CLUB.
A private BOYS ONLY DINING CLUB.
Oh, there’s just one problem.
I made it all up. including the names.
But then they really exist and word goes around the campus.
That I am dating them.
And you know what?
They are not happy about it!
Oh, well... Here goes nothing!
Genre: Dark Romance, New Adult Romance
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/38Rvw7
#5 Into the Dragon's World
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A woman who needs protection. A dragon who fears he won’t be able to save her.
CASEY
Stuff like this never happens to people like me.
One day I’m studying for my PhD, the next I’m running from a stalker.
But not just any stalker. Oh, no. It’s my English professor. And he’s a bear shifter.
Just my luck.
When my best friend Jasmine tries to help me, she introduces me to her boss. To him.
Brady Markonian.
Owner of the Paradigm, a nightclub almost exclusively for shifters.
Guardian of the Arch, the secret doorway between our world and theirs.
Sexy. Gorgeous.
And a dragon.
I wanted him from the first moment I met him.
There was something about him that I trusted. Something that made me feel safe.
When he transports me to his shifter world for safety, I realize that want has turned into love.
It’s a wonderful escape for a while…
But when my stalker threatens the lives of everyone I love, I know I have to make a choice.
My life…or theirs.
BRADY
The last thing I needed was some helpless female to babysit.
For the last few years, I’ve been alone and I liked it that way.
No one to worry about. No one to lose.
But then Casey slams into my life like a whirlwind and I’m shaken to the core.
She’s beautiful. Brave. A smart-ass.
I want to help her despite myself.
When the only way to protect her is to take her to my world, she’s not afraid to trust me.
I can’t help but want her. All of her. Body and soul.
I know that we are fated to be together. I’ve found my true mate.
But happily ever after might not be in the future for us, not as long as her stalker’s alive.
And when I learn that Casey is going to be the mother of my child, I know that I’ll do anything it takes to keep them safe.
Anything.
Can the fury of a dragon be enough to save the life of the woman he loves?
Note: Adults Only!
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/4DgrYd
#6 Shifter's Redemption
BLURB
Darric is struggling with a moral issue after their last mission. Why are they doing all of this? What’s the point? He’s never had a problem doing what was asked of him before. He would attack or shoot first and ask questions never. But lately, he’s seeing how the guys around him are all starting to settle down and it makes him think about the lives he’s ripping apart. He doesn’t understand why any of this is happening and something feels wrong. He thinks that they might be used for something but he has no proof.
When he tries to figure out what’s going on, he’s punished and put in his place – Slater doesn’t approve if anyone steps out of line. Darric slowly starts to lose his mind. He doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not and he feels like his animal is far too close to the surface.
When he meets Nicole, everything changes. She’s a secretary at the base and he realizes that every life is worth something. He can’t just kill and destroy without knowing what he’s doing. He wants to take action but it will get him put in solitary confine if he’s not careful, and if that happens he’ll lose it completely. A wolf should never be cut off from his team. Nicole is the one who brings him around and the guys agree together that they should stand up and fight, but do it the right way.
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Military Romance
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/bw7AGP
#7 New Year's Eve Shorts
BLURB
Ring in the new year with a fantastic collection of TEN short stories from the Author’s Billboard.
NEW YEAR’S EVE SHORTS includes nine NEW romances guaranteed to lift your spirits with tales of second-chances, adventure, overcoming obstacles, celebrating the holidays, and finding love in unimaginable places. Whether our couples are in a barn, a bar, by the ocean, or in quaint Irish towns, join them as they celebrate love and New Year’s Eve with this box set meant to be enjoyed year-round.
Mimi Barbour – You’re the Boss – NEW! Once again, she’s a wallflower at the company dance, a role she plays well.
Susanne Matthews – Buck’s Fizz – NEW! You can run away from some things, but you can’t hide from yourself.
Stacy Eaton – Finding Love with a Champagne Toast – NEW! When the week is over, will they go their separate ways after sharing a champagne toast?
Rebecca York – Out of Time – NEW! Can love bridge time?
Nancy Radke – Changing Horses – NEW! When the love of his life shows up wearing a ring that isn’t his, the young rancher has to look again for a woman he wants to marry.
Rachelle Ayala – Happy Goose Year – NEW! Will Pete’s idea of rekindling his romance with a cooked goose backfire before the countdown drops to zero?
Taylor Lee – Judge: The Justice Brothers Series – Only the indomitable Judge would propose that his four grandsons and their women participate in an outrageous adventure: a four-couple New Year’s Eve wedding.
Susan Jean Ricci – Tumbling into Midnight – NEW! When a stunt double’s sweet on her leading man, remaining casual is almost impossible – until a near-fatal accident reveals many secrets.
Callie Bardot – Rescuing Ebony Blue – NEW! Finding a guy in your barn the day before New Year’s Eve with no ID, dressed in prison orange, should be no big deal, right?
Josie Riviera – A Chocolate-Box Irish Wedding – NEW! A woman who wanted more. A man who wanted her. Can they find love in the seaside town where it all began?
**May contain Adult Content**
Genre: Holiday Romance Anthology
Universal Reader Link: https://books2read.com/u/3GA7Zn
And more options here… https://books.bookfunnel.com/decnewreleases/znufg13h1v
Also, below you’ll find several links to get free reads and other cool prizes:
https://books.bookfunnel.com/curlwithasizzlingromance/n824nt615m
https://books.bookfunnel.com/xmaslover5635/9rk4rwtsdz
https://books.bookfunnel.com/snugglebookswinter/jkzp2l5cpn
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/fmh78gy6k8
https://books.bookfunnel.com/winterfancies_december2020/y3dnzgokhg
https://books.bookfunnel.com/militaryromance1/q1hkqw9bad
Clean Historical Romance - https://books.bookfunnel.com/u1eabskzia/6dbhe4c4op
Steamy Historical Romance - https://books.bookfunnel.com/u1ejkipioas/hh1ni2jmog
https://books.bookfunnel.com/christmasromancereads/4t3qohm7eh
As a reminder, please help out a little if you have a chance and go vote for my titles in the Critters Annual Readers Poll. There were nominations for my work in the following categories: Romance Novels, Romance Short Stories, Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Stories, Book Cover Artwork, and Authors. Feel free to vote in the rest of the categories as well! 😊
NOTE: The classifications in the poll cover all relevant works, authors, editors, artwork/artists, and services which were active or published in 2020.
Also, please visit my three blogs on New Year’s Eve, to discover our special annual posts over there…refer to Writing in the Modern Age (#WritModAge), the I Love Romance Blog (ILRB), and Marie Lavender’s Books and Other Things (MLB blog) for more details.
If you need to reach me for information about my books or just to say hello, please contact me at my new fan mail email address:
author-marielavender@email.com
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Well, that time has come once more. For now, I’ll sign off. I will check back with you at the end of January or early February, unless I need to inform you of a pressing event before that time. Happy New Year, everyone!
Take care for now, and, as always, happy reading! 😊
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Follow Marie Lavender on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for other updates. Keep checking back for occasional giveaways that she hosts.
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