Miranda's Bumper Christmas Musings!

Eight Stunning Christmas Romances

Darlings, it's officially the countdown to CHRISTMAS! Oh, I love this part of the year, I truly do, and I particularly love Christmas romances. Do you?

Christmas romances are the gift that I give myself. By October I'm looking through my shelves and Kindle for the ones I didn't read in previous years, and I'm on the lookout for wonderful newies. Somehow they give me all the festive emotional feels, and help me relax in the crazy busy lead up to the season. So let me share a few with you - and luckily some are quick reads we can all squeeze in for our sanity!

Picture credit: amazon.com

A Vicarage Christmas by Kate Hewitt is a warm fuzzy book, set in snowy Thornthwaite in the Lakes District in England. I googled it and the gorgeous pictures blew me away. Anna, one of four Holley sisters, comes home to her parent's vicarage for the first time in a few years. She's socially awkward and still haunted by a family tragedy that happened years ago. She doesn't expect to find Simon - her father's new curate - such a wonderfully warm, strong, understanding shoulder to lean on. I finished this on the train and tried desperately not to sob out loud. A lovely, sweet story.

Picture credit: amazon.com

While we're in England, there's also The Wallflower's Mistletoe Wedding by Amanda McCabe, a tender story about Rose, impoverished gentlewoman, and Captain Harry St. George, newly returned from the horrors of war. He needs a rich wife to fix his crumbling estate. Will love win out? (I guess you know, this is a romance after all, but oh, ho, ho, how fabulous this was to read).

Picture credit: amazon.com

Still in snowy England, we have everyone's fave author Anna Campbell's stunning new novella, The Christmas Stranger. Architect Josiah and housekeeper Maggie (although she was previously from an ‘upstairs’ refined family) become snowed-in at an isolated property in the Yorkshire wilds for Christmas. Two super lonely people find each other...This is so tender, big sigh. Thanks Anna, another Regency winner - and I loved Josiah's occupation!

Picture credit: amazon.com

Whizzing over to the USA, I discovered an author I haven't read for a while, tug-at-your-heartstrings Catherine Anderson with The Christmas Room. I'm not going to tell you what 'the Christmas room' is, exactly, but it's a beautiful surprise. This book has two romances; bonus! Widowed author Maddie, her son Cam and teenage grandson Caleb have relocated to a spread in Rustler’s Gulch, Montana. Cam meets Kirstin Conacher, the neighbour’s daughter, and all hell breaks loose when he starts to woo her. Sam Conacher is one mean man since his wife died, and he’s not going to let anyone date his daughter without a fight. No surprise, Cam is up for it, and he's such a wonderful hero my heart went pitter-pat. But Catherine Anderson does put everyone through the wringer here...!

Still with me? Four more to go, and wow, these next books are just as fabbo as the first four.

Picture credit: amazon.com

I had stars in my eyes when I read A Very Aussie Christmas. Written by our very own BITB bloggers Marilyn Forsyth, Cassandra Samuels, Enisa Haines, and Sharon Bryant, plus Helene Cowan and Lynne Boyd, this is the absolutely perfect book of short stories to read at Christmas. Each one can be read with a cup of coffee as you sit down for a quick break - or a cup of Christmas cheer. In fact, my big sister bought it, read it, and said how wonderful it was to have a short rest from reality plus a great read. And I always agree with my big sister or else there'll be trouble. (Kidding, dear one...)

Picture credit: amazon.com

Another fun, quick novella is Heart Note by Cassandra O'Leary. And gosh, isn't that a terrific cover? Very festive. Set in a department store in the lead-up to Christmas, this is a behind-the-scenes look at the Perfume Department, and Security. There's a light suspense, a lot of romance, and heaps of comic moments and sassy inner dialogue from Lily, the intrepid heroine, particularly in relation to yummy security guard Christos. Everything to love here, folks, and I enjoyed the retail setting. Makes you want to give every tired shop assistant a hug. (Better not, but still.)



Picture credit: amazon.com

Every year I totally hang out for Debbie Macomber's Christmas book. It's always a sweet romance, family oriented, and beautifully Christmassy. Yes, yes and yes again this year with Merry and Bright - thanks Debbie! Heroine Merry is stressed, working hard for her unappreciative boss Jayson, plus coping with overload from a warm, loving but needy family. In the lead up to Christmas, her mother and endearing brother sign her onto an online dating website for her birthday (Dec 26th). And yes, she does meet someone...but then it gets complicated when her real world and her online world collide. Takes a special author to pull this one off, and Debbie has delivered again. Hmm-mm, just lovely!

Picture credit: amazon.com

Last but whoa, so definitely not least, is another emotional Cinderella romance from Marion Lennox, who hit my heart with The Billionaire's Christmas Baby. NY based billionaire Max, in Australia for his father's funeral, suddenly has tiny baby Phoebe (and you'll have to read it to find out where she came from) foist upon him. Sunny, his hotel room cleaner, has very definite ideas about what he should do with little Phoebe. This is a man who has never been loved, or been able to love, folks...so what happens is a miracle. Babies + Christmas = So! Much! Love! Happy sigh.

And now, a huge thanks to all the special people out there who've read along with me in 2017 - what fun we've had. I hope Santa finds out you've been very nice, yes you have, and that your stocking is stuffed with books.

Be kind, be safe, be happy this Christmas.

Until 2018, much love from

Miranda xxx

Love to love:

Looking forward to the next Christmas book on my list, an older one from 2010: Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by inspirational author Donita K Paul. Magical booksellers in this one, people!

Love to laugh:

...at how I cry in Christmas movies. Seriously, I always need tissues. (Mops up...)

Love to learn:

What is your favourite Christmas romance? You never know, your fave might become my fave. Tell me?

 

The Dreaded Reading Slump

with Miranda

Do You Ever Have a Reading Slump?

Darlings, everyone does...! It might be a busy time of year when you're burning the candle at both ends, maybe feeling too pressured, too tired, too sick, too whatever. Happens to us all, even if you didn't plan it that way. Suddenly that TBR pile (mountain, whatever) seems all in the Too-Hard Basket and you (Shock! Horror!) don't want to read.

Never fear, Dr Miranda is here with some wonderful romantic reading suggestions to help you break out of that dire situation. 

Pick up something 'lighter' than you normally read.

If you normally read 500 page tomes, try a novella instead. Something like the delicious Pursuing Lord Pascal by our friend Anna Campbell. The perfect pick-me-up; just looking at that glorious cover makes me feel better straight away. But psst! Although this is shorter than a full-length novel, it packs a marvellous romance punch. You'll be reading more of Anna's books before you know it.

Photo credit: www.amazon.com

Or, pick up a series romance that is shorter than books you normally read. Perhaps Stepping Into The Prince's World from Aussie romance queen Marion Lennox. Yes, please. Sit down with a cup of tea and get lost in her world for a couple of hours. A reading slump get-well pill indeed. And then I can guarantee you'll go and get every Marion Lennox book ever, because you'll be hooked. She may write shorter books but by golly they are beautiful and tenderly romantic, with real-life issues. I love series romances.

Photo credit: www.amazon.com

Have fun with your books!

Head off to your local library - gotta love libraries, they're a home away from home. Just inhale and enjoy the whole booky atmosphere. So wonderful! Plus, you'll start seeing titles that tempt. Or, simply go to your own shelves (or your virtual shelf) and start picking up your books, looking at them, rearranging them, reading the blurbs, enjoying the cover art (who wouldn't?!) and maybe...randomly start reading one. Before you know it you'll be half way through. Problem solved.

If nothing else works...

Try rereading an old favourite that makes you laugh and enjoy life. One of mine is this fabulous book by Susan Elizabeth Philips, Nobody's Baby but Mine. Guaranteed to get you into a happy reading place.

Photo Credit: www.amazon.com

 

What else? What do you do to break out of a reading slump?

Love from Miranda xx

 

Love to love:

A book or author that begins a new reading glom for me. Quick, where's their backlist?

Love to laugh:

At old funny faves. A wonderful way to (re)read.

Love to learn:

About new authors, new books, new covers, new everything booky. I am a tragic book troll... But there's worse ways to live. Yes?

RWA Conference Round-Up: Love Gone Wild. Yes, absolutely!

by Enisa Haines

It's August, the month when RWAustralia entices romance writers to their annual Romance Writers Conference. And entice writers they did, this year to the gorgeous Pullman King George Square Hotel, Brisbane.

Image courtesy of: image.leisurecom.com

The RWAustralia Conference is that wondrous time when bestselling authors reveal their paths to publication; where writers attend workshops focused on the craft of writing, or take the opportunity so generously given to pitch their stories to an agent or editor. It's the time when writers gather together, old friends mingling with new, and celebrate their love of the romance genre.

The Bring Out the Animal in You Cocktail Party was fun, fun, fun. Especially the costumes!

As always, the keynote speakers grabbed my attention. Marion Lennox and Kate Forsyth were so emotive, so inspiring. Equally valuable were the workshop sessions. A variety of topics, each aimed at educating. I was reminded of things I already knew and learned a lot more. 

Some unforgettable quotes:

Marion Lennox - RITA Award-winning author:

Photo courtesy of: Joanne Boog

"Every day I sit at my computer and imagine people in my head."

"At times writing is easy. Often it's not. Protect your magic."

Kate Forsyth - Aurealis Award-winning author:

"Books are magic. They transport you to other worlds where for a while you travel the journey of other characters."

Ally Blake - Harlequin Mills & Boon author:

Image courtesy of: allyblake.com

"Show up. Show up. Show up." And after a while the muse shows up, too."

"If it isn't beautiful or functional, lose it!"

"Do not write 'The End' until the book is finished!'

Chris Taylor - indie author of romantic suspense:

Image courtesy of: christaylorauthor.com.au

"Choose a character's past with care, one that they can get over."

Lauren K McKellar - author and editor:

Image courtesy of: goodreads.com

"Page-turning quality is reader magic."

Liz Pelletier - Founder, Entangled Publishing:

Image courtesy of: midwestwriters.org

"The key to crafting a bestseller is entertainment."

"Tell a story readers want to hear."

Inspire. Entertain. Create magic. Every speaker I listened to, every workshop I attended, those were the messages I received, and will nurture as I now look back on the conference as a wonderful memory to treasure as I write.

Do you love attending writers' conferences? Do they fill you with inspiration?

Love to love - beautiful dancing at the Butterfly Ball Gala Awards Dinner

Love to laugh: at funny animal snaps.

Image courtesy of: chelseadogs.com

Love to learn: all about writing, both serious and fun!

Miranda's Musings

CHRISTMAS 2015 SUPER DUPER BUMPER EDITION!


Happy Christmas, darlings, from me to you. And if you don't celebrate Christmas, have a happy festive season and happy holidays. It's such a lovely time in the calendar, all glittery and happy and wonderful. So without further ado let me lay a very small portion of my Christmas reading in front of you.


Picture: debbiemacomber.com

I look forward to Debbie Macomber's Christmas book every year, buying the hardback because - well, because I can. And because the cover is gorgeous and sparkly and tactile... This year it's Dashing Through The Snow - a road trip story with a gorgeous H&H (hero & heroine), a puppy, the FBI, Home Security, bikies and aliens. Yes, really! A fabulously funny romp.



Picture: alexbrownauthor.com

If you're in the mood for snowy English village festiveness, try The Great Christmas Knitoff by Alexandra Brown. I so so so wanted to have a slice of the oozy lemon drizzle cake and drink tea and knit with Sybil and these amazing ladies. Having the gorgeous green-eyed Irish Dr Darcy around would also definitely mend any broken heart.

Picture: amazon.co.uk

And while we're in England, how about A Vintage Christmas by the always entertaining Trisha Ashley? I adore her books, they're full of dry British humour, entertaining characters and luscious food. A bit more women's lit rather than romance, but this one has a wedding + Christmas! 'Nuff said.



Picture: amazon.com.au

Here's a terrific anthology with beloved Aussie authors Marion Lennox, Kandy Shepherd and Michelle Douglas: Home For An Aussie Christmas. From reuniting a husband and wife through a terrifying bushfire, to the beautiful setting of Dolphin Bay (and yummy cooking), to childhood friends finally becoming lovers (this one has kittens) - three romantic stories to cherish.

Picture: kandyshepherd.com

And here's another Kandy Shepherd to pop in your stocking: Gift-Wrapped In Her Wedding Dress. Cue the billionaire and the party planner - and another wedding. Yes please! And look below for another story from Kandy in a Christmassy Aussie box set from the Love Cats Down Under. You've got Christmas all wrapped up indeed, Kandy!






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Can you squeeze in some more? Happy Historical Christmas! Christmas Revels II is by authors previously unknown to me but now I'm a huge fan, and am planning to catch up with Christmas Revels, last year's anthology. I don't want to miss a word. I think my favourite was A Christmas Equation by Anna D Allen, with a tall, big-hearted, seriously scrrrumptious red-headed hero. 

Picture: amazon.com.au

And I must, must, must add everyone's beloved author Anna Campbell and her new, dazzlingly super-hot romantic Regency novella, A Pirate For Christmas. Arrrrghh, count me in. It's all about a vicar's daughter, the new earl/pirate (?!), and the naughty donkey Daisy, who provides such laughs, all wrapped up in a big Christmassy bow. And just look at that gorgeous red frock on the cover and all the gold decoration. A swoon-worthy book, inside and out! Anna, we love you. Just keep writing. Psst! See below for the chance to win a great freebie from Anna with just one comment!

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heroesandheartbreakers.com

And wait, there's The Last Chance Christmas Ball with fabulous author favourites Mary Jo Putney and Jo Beverley, et al. A scrumptious upstairs, downstairs anthology with linked stories. Oh my word, you can never have too much of that.




Picture: www.amazon.com

I've really enjoyed the inspirational 'boxed set' Love's Gift, all Christmassy and delightful to read. Heather Gray's story An Informal Christmas is set in a hospital with sick kids, so get the tissues ready.




I've only recently stumbled on these 'boxed sets' in all romance sub-genres, which sell for a ridiculously low price and give hours of reading enjoyment. On my hit list are Home For Christmas, another inspirational box; there's also Christmas Pets and Kisses, a PG rated box. You can go much hotter with Red Hot Holidays featuring shifters, billionaires, officers, rock stars and alpha males. Fan, fan, fan. Or Shifter Wonderland (the title says it all). Or Alien Wishes and Holiday Kisses, a sci-fi boxed set. There really is something for everyone! You're welcome.

I could go on. And on and on and on! So many seasonal books come out at Christmas, and they're perfect to give away, or give yourself (no-one will notice that extra stocking stuffer; but if they do they'll think someone else gave it to you).

Picture: amazon.co.uk

Last but definitely not least, here are two super special releases, just for you... I simply cannot resist mentioning these delicious looking anthologies. They're are in my Christmas stocking ready to go, and I can't wait to dive in. First up is Hot Christmas Nights with some of my fave Love Cats Down Under authors, so dear to us. Kisses to you all, you amazing authors. Finally, don't forget The Ultimate Christmas Anthology 2015. Look at those delish covers, wow, the temp just skyrocketed...!

Picture:millsandboon.com.au

STOP THE PRESS!  Happy holiday news! The very generous and beautiful ANNA CAMPBELL has donated TWO copies of A Pirate For Christmas for two lucky commenters. I cannot recommend this novella highly enough, it is beyond fabulous. So get your typing fingers ready and comment, comment, comment for your chance to win one before the week is out. Tell me about your Christmas reading, and what you long for under the Christmas tree?

Happy Christmas, beautiful people. Cherish your precious ones and be kind to each other. Thank you for sharing your reading journeys with me through 2015, and I look forward to seeing you again at Miranda's Musings in 2016. And psst, look for a very special reading event (drumroll): The Breathless List, published early next year.

Love from Miranda xxx

 

Love to love:     Christmas romances!

Love to laugh:   well, it is the season to ho, ho, ho!

Love to learn:    what books do you want Santa to bring?