CHRISTMAS BOOKS! A wonderful time of year!

Hello, my darlings! It's been too too long! Lovely to be back here on Breathless to bring you my bumper Christmas reading suggestions - and we're spoilt for choice.  

Let's dive into what I've already enjoyed.

I know I'm super-duper predictable, but Debbie Macomber always makes my Top Ten (Top Eleven this year). Her novella Jack Frost was a gorgeous start to Christmas reading with a grumpy/sunshine pairing. When Jack and Lindsay get accidentally locked into their work Christmas party when everyone leaves, Jack is totally a super grump. But only at first... Enjoy!

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I'm sure you read The Christmas Bookshop by the Scottish author Jenny Colgan last year. Did you worry that Carmen's relationship needed a bit more resolution at the end? Fear not, here is the sequel, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop. It's worth reading both books because they're all about saving Mr McCredie's old bookshop, and that booky story thread is utterly fab and quite funny in parts. Set in snowy Edinburgh, it makes me want to go back there. 

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I was thrilled when I found The Twelve Dogs of Christmas by Susan Wiggs in my library! Who could resist those furry little faces? Christmas-hating Brenda gets roped into driving twelve rescue dogs across the US to their new owners for Christmas. What could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately something does...and hot single dad paramedic Adam comes to the rescue. Can he change Brenda's mind about Christmas? And wow, all those dogs involve some lovely mini stories too. A must for dog lovers and actually, everyone.

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Do you know, so many many lists of favourite Christmas romances include Rosamunde Pilcher's Winter Solstice. It's also continually listed as a comfort read, 'one I reread every Christmas', 'on my keeper shelf' and so on. I decided to read it myself this year, and now I totally get what everyone is talking about. It is gorgeous, my friends, about a group of people who've made some right and wrong choices in their lives, even had tragedy occur, but they bravely struggle on and eventually all end up together one snowy Christmas. Oh my dears, there's so much love in this book it will fill your heart. 

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Back to Sydney, Australia, and beautiful Manly Beach, which features highly in Belinda Williams' new novella The Christmas Escape. It might be a shorter book but it is mighty, tackling the problems of long distance relationships. Do they really work or is it all too hard? Well, cough, if you came all the way from England and met Jaz, professional surfer, single father and cafe owner, you might be inclined to change your mind. 

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We all know and love Mary Jo Putney, and she's given us a kitten for Christmas, in her new novella The Christmas Tart. We so need kittens at Christmas, and also need the very nice new baronet Sir Philip Selbourne. Yes, please (gets stocking ready...). This one's quick enough to read in a sitting, the perfect length in this busy time. 

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Hang in there, five final Christmas books. I haven't read these, but December's looking excellent to do so.

I've just started Kandy Shepherd's Mistletoe Magic in Tahiti, so by the time this post goes live I'll be sitting in a HEA cloud at the end; Kandy is always swoon-worthily romantic. This is part 1 of The Christmas Pact Trilogy featuring three sisters, so go right ahead and indulge in them all: Cinderella's Costa Rican Adventure, and Snowbound Reunion in Japan. Tahiti! Costa Rica! Japan! They all sound fabulous, don't they? Love Christmas 'done' in a different country... 

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We'll Never Have Paris by Adriana Anders. This is described as another grumpy/sunshine book (I cannot get enough of these) when the grump (a Welshman) and the sunshine (an American) get stuck in an elevator on Christmas Eve. But seriously: Paris! On Christmas Eve! Say no more! 

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For those who love a hot Christmas, and vets, this is high on my TBR: A Country Vet Christmas by five - count 'em, five beloved Aussie authors: Lily Malone, Alissa Callen, Penelope Janu, Pamela Cook and Stella Quinn. What a fabulous anthology for a very modest price. 667 pages of great reading ahead, I can't wait. Fellow Breathless blogger Enisa Haines mentioned this in her column last month, but it's such great value I'm going to recommend it again. 

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This definitely has to go on my Christmas list: The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan, which also goes by the title The Christmas Book Club in the UK. I listened to her audiobook Snowed In For Christmas last year, and absolutely loved it, so I'm downloading this one too. I really enjoy a good audiobook, they bring the stories alive.

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Last but definitely not least - and probably not the last (cough) on account of all I can see in my Kindle are more and more and more Christmas books - I found this charming inspirational romance, The Doctor's Christmas Dilemma by a new-to-me author, Danielle Thorne. I'm really looking forward to it: a second chance of love with a bit of faith thrown in. Sounds perfect.

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So that's me, folks. Be kind to each other, be generous, be loving, be safe. And of course read as much as you can. May your Christmas be full of booky goodness and lazy days to enjoy it all. See you in 2024!

With love for a happy Christmas and a wonderful new year,

Miranda xx

Love to Love:

I guess we all know I'm going to say, Christmas romance!

Love to Laugh:

...and cry, through all the delightful Christmas movies now screening. So much Christmas festiveness and hot chocolate and wow, emotion.

Love to Learn:

What is special to you at Christmas. To me it's family, faith, friends, fun, and love. Always love. And food! You?

Miranda's April Musings!

Comfort Reading Tips

Hello, precious people. And you are precious, each and every one of you! I sincerely hope and pray you and your loved ones are healthy, practicing social distancing, staying at home, washing your hands, and all that. My gosh, haven't we been hit sideways with this dreaded COVID-19? The world is so different from the last time I joyously wrote to you all.

I've been seeing lots of posts and blogs and mentions of comfort reads during this - I'll say it - unprecedented time. So I'd also like to pass on a few tips that work for me to keep me reading.

First, if you have trouble reading a full-length novel at the moment, go short. Choose a novella, something quick to read. It might break a reading drought if you're having trouble concentrating. In the hands of the wonderful Sarah Mayberry you can relax and simply enjoy. I think I loved Must Love Coffee even more because it's actually based on a true, crazy story of one up-man-ship in a Melbourne coffee shop - you know, who's the best customer of them all... Coffee and romance make a cracker duo!

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Or, if your tastes lean to a more historical bent, Mary Jo Putney has republished her swoony romantic fantasy dragon novella, The Dragon and the Dark Knight. Yes, please, one for the dragon lovers (moi). Ooh, the fabulousness of that cover. ...And actually, ooh, the fabulousness of the story!

Photo credit: amazon.com

Second, I want to laugh at a time when laughs are not common. Reading can take me there. What books have amused you lately? I'm going to be the envy of everyone when I say I've recently read Anne Gracie's fourth novel in the 'Marriage of Convenience' series, Marry in Scarlet. Coming out very soon! It was divine, glorious fun to read. The banter between the ice-cold scary Duke and the unconventional Lady George was simply delicious. His Grace's best friend, Sinc, also stole a few scenes with his comic carry-on. Then there were so many tender moments, sigh... If you haven't started the series, now is maybe the best time of all. Begin with Marry in Haste. Thank me later.

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Beth O'Leary's unexpectedly comic book The Flat Share is a superb read that gave me a lot of unexpected laughs - I totally gobbled it down. The two main characters, an extreme introvert (Leon, so dreamy and so strong) and an extreme extrovert (Tiffy, so warm-hearted and bubbly) end up sharing a flat but never meet in the flesh. Sounds crazy, but Beth O'Leary makes it work so so SO well! I laughed and cried through this book. It shows a lot of faith and hope in the good people of this world while touching on Big Issues. All the feels.

Photo credit: amazon.com

Third, don't ignore your TBR, that towering pile of books you've always wanted to read but haven't had time. May I suggest that now IS the time? Take that, TBR! I'm conquering you! One of my favourite historic heroes is Robin Hood, and Marsha Canham wrote an award-winning Medieval romance trilogy in the 1990s bringing the legend to life. Yes! I'm finally going to read it, starting with Through A Dark Mist, rollick through to In the Shadow of Midnight, then The Last Arrow. The new Kindle covers are oh-so-stunning.

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Last, indulge yourself. If ever there was time to read a classic romance - hello Jane Austen - now is the time! JA's gentle stories are charming, so lovely to read, and sometimes have that clever little sting in the tail. Emma might be a good place to start, given the recent film version. BTW, the film was a charmer, although I wanted to get a hairbrush and tidy up Mr Knightley's hair a bit. Below is my favourite copy of Emma, with terrific annotations and fab illustrations. Isn't the cover delightful?

Photo credit: amazon.com

What's your idea of comfort reading in a time like this? What helps you cope?

Be kind, be loving, be patient, live by the 'new normal' rules... Hopefully we will come out of this stronger, better people.

So much love from Miranda xx

Love to Laugh:

At all the COVID-19 memes coming thick and fast. People are so clever!

Love to Love:

Right now my family is top-of-the-pops important to me. Go hug yours. ❤

Love to Learn:

How people are coping. In the famous words from our 'friend' Joey: How're YOU doing?

Romance Around the World: Wales

Wales: A Country of Majesty and Tradition
 

pixabay.com

Wales is a country with incredible scenery, culture and history. It is an ancient land with rugged coastlines, soaring mountains and beautiful National Parks. Inhabited by modern humans for more than 29 000 years, it is known for its medieval castles, Welsh language and Celtic culture. The Welsh people have distinct romantic traditions such as lovespoons which young men would carve for women as a sign of their affection.


Some beautiful romantic novels have been written about this special country. Here are the details of three books, I especially enjoyed.

After Forever Ends by Melodie Ramone

This beautifully constructed novel tells of a love to last a lifetime. Sylvia is from Scotland. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father is somewhat preoccupied. She goes to boarding school in Wales where she meets and falls in love with Oliver Dickinson, a rebellious young man and a twin. The story is told from the viewpoint of Sylvia, now widowed and a grandmother. She decides to return to the Welsh cottage in the woods where she lived most of her life. There is magic in the woods.

The Tides Between by Elizabeth Jane Corbett

 

This young adult novel with elements of romance introduces us to Bridie, a creative and imaginative young woman, migrating to Port Phillip Bay with her stressed mother and practical stepfather. She befriends a Welsh couple, Rhys and Sian. Rhys, a musician who suffers from agoraphobia, was regarded as a coward in his home town. Sian has special healing powers. We follow Bridie’s journey to adulthood and growing realisation of her love for Rhys.

Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Putney

 

When Nikki is a young boy, he is taken by his gypsy mother to live with his wealthy, titled Welsh grandfather. Feeling abandoned by his mother and scorned by his grandfather, he grows up, inherits the earldom and totally neglects the estate. Clare Morgan, the orphaned daughter of an impoverished Methodist minister confronts Nikki about the starving people in the village and the dangerous mine on his estate. She asks for his assistance. He counteroffers. What he wants is her reputation. If she will live with him platonically for three months, he will give her what she asks.



Have you been to Wales? Which part of the country did you like best? What is your favourite romance novel, set in this beautiful country?

I love to love: I went out to dinner the other night with my father, sister and husband. A very special evening.

I love to laugh: I saw 'Crazy, Rich Asians' at the cinema yesterday. This film is so much fun.

I love to learn: We visited some of the monasteries in Meteora, Greece on our recent overseas trip. The meaning behind the artworks and the ancient traditions of the monks are absolutely fascinating.

5 Quotes from the RWA Get Fresh Conference 2015

with Marilyn Forsyth


It’s just over a month since the RWA ‘Get Fresh’ Conference, and would you believe it, I’m still digesting all the wonderful advice from so many fantastic speakers. I’m sure everyone who attended would have had their light bulb moments. Here are mine: five quotes (some paraphrased) that struck a chord with me.


‘Romance writers are makers of reader delight.’ C. S. Pacat.

Image courtesy of Giphy

What a lovely way to put it, C. S. (and great speech, by the way). The topic of ‘Love’ has been inspiring writers since…well, forever! And there’s a reason why Romance is the leading genre in fiction sales: its readers know the comfort and pure joy that a happy ending can bring. We owe it to our readers to write heart-warming, empowering stories with strong heroines whose self-worth is enriched by falling in love with the right man. Long live love!



‘Every secondary character thinks they’re the lead in their own story.’ Rachel Bailey.
 

Stereotypes are fine for cartoons but not for novels.

Thank you, Rachel, for such an important reminder. By ensuring all our characters are well-rounded, we create truly believable stories; stories readers will become invested in because they’re about ‘real’ people—people as genuine as their own friends and family, with the same motivations, the same flaws and the same desires. I have a tendency to let my secondary characters either fade into the background (usually because they’re not firmly fixed in my mind) or go on to steal a starring role (because they’re non-stereotypical and completely fascinating, dammit!). Achieving a balance with those secondary characters has just become my current aim in my wip.


‘If you must write, put writing first.’ Patricia McLinn.
 

My heatmap: Day one

Oh, Patricia, how right you are. So many distractions to stop us from writing! Day jobs, social media, family commitments, must-not-miss television series, the Internet, that spare room you’ve been meaning to declutter since Nanna disappeared in there last week, and on it goes. The thing is, all those distractions do need to be dealt with (especially finding Nan :)).

Once again I believe it’s a matter of balance. I have a family and an everyday life to be lived, but my writing time must also be sacrosanct. According to my Productivity Heatmap (see below for a link), I’m an afternoon person, so writing between 12 - 4 pm will leave my mornings free to do all the other real-world stuff. I’ll let you know how I go.







‘Find your true audience. Connect and engage through conversations, by asking questions, by contributing ideas, by sharing content i.e. provide entertainment and only promote occasionally.’ Angela Ackerman.

Angela went on to give some fabulous suggestions on how to find readers, which I will definitely be following up on. What I liked about this quote was the importance Angela placed on making a genuine connection with potential readers, rather than being just a ‘buy my book’ author. Great advice from a hugely successful author.


‘You’ll go home tomorrow and collapse like roadkill.’ Mary Jo Putney.

 
I’m including this because it made me laugh (and it was true). Love ya, Mary Jo!

 

So, what were your light bulb moments from the Conference? I’d love to hear what you learned.
 
Love to Love Sue Brockhoff, Annabel Blay and Kate James of Harlequin Mira for making me feel so welcome.

Love to Laugh at photos of animals caught by surprise. For more click on this link.








Love to Learn how to be more productive. Go to www.productiveflourishing.com click on ‘free planners’ and you’ll find a Productive Heatmap. Basically, over a week or so, you colour-code your productivity from hour to hour. Supposedly it helps you find your best time to write. (Hope it works!)

10 Reasons Why I Love the RWA Conference

with Enisa Haines


Are you counting down the days to the National Conference? Get fresh RWA Melbourne 2015 kicks off this Friday.

Image: courtesy of romanceaustralia.wordpress.com

It's a weekend of learning and sharing and mingling and cheering. An experience I'll relish. Why? I'll give you 10 reasons.

You will:

1. Meet other writers. From sign-in to the last goodbye you'll be surrounded by hundreds of writers gathered together, including internationally acclaimed authors Anne Gracie and Jane Porter, USA Today best-selling author Patricia McLinn and New York Times best-selling author Mary Jo Putney. Say hello. Engage in conversation. Writers are very friendly and supportive of each other.
2. Attend the Cocktail Party. A break-the-ice, fun-filled way to mingle with fellow writers and editors and agents.
   
   
   

   

   Image: courtesy of cassandrasamuels.blogspot.com.au

3. Meet industry professionals. Not sure who to submit your manuscript to? Hear attending editors and literary agents talk about the genres their publishing houses and agencies seek and what they expect of authors.
   
   
   

   

   Image: courtesy of www.caldreaminconf.org
4. Be informed about other sub-genres. Are you uncertain about the genre to write for? Perhaps you write historicals but fantasy interests you. A genre-specific workshop may help you decide.
   
   
   

   

   Image: courtesy of darlagdenton.com

5. Learn more about the craft of writing. Character. Plot. Dialogue. Narrative. There are workshops aplenty focused on these aspects and others. If the workshop times clash, consult with friends and share notes, or split your attendance between each workshop.
   
   

   

   Image: courtesy of parmitadubey.com

6. Learn about the practical aspects and new technology. You're not sure how to format your manuscript or query an agent or editor? You've had your first book published but are unaware of what you can claim as tax deductions? Which online course, writers' program or digital publishing house to choose? The information is there.
7. Be energised and inspired. Hear how the speakers pushed through obstacles to reach their goal of publication and be encouraged to persevere with your author dream.
   
   
8. Pitch your story to an editor or agent. Talking about your story in a 5-minute face-to-face interaction is nerve-racking but a conference pitch appointment is a great way of getting the attention of an editor or agent.
   
   
   

   

   Image:courtesy of loveismurder.net
9. Attend the Australian Romance Readers Book-Signing Event. An opportunity to meet authors and leave with your arms filled with autographed books. An avid reader's dream.
   
   
   

   

   Image: courtesy of australianromancereaders.wordpress.com

   
   
   

   

   The epic book-signing event (Photo credit TM Clark)
10. Attend the Gala Awards Dinner. It's RWA Awards night. The moment RWA celebrates the competition wins of aspiring authors and the success of those published. Feel the nervous anticipation and excitement. Immerse yourself in the joy! Experience the finale acknowledging the year's feats by aspiring and published authors. An awesome event first introduced by Anne Gracie and now an awe-inspiring tradition not to be missed.

Are you attending this year's conference? What do you see as benefits?

I love to love - the camaraderie among conference attendees.

I love to laugh - at the Facebook personality quizzes and the answers I get.

I love to learn - about all things romance-writing related.

Secondary Characters - Do They Know Their Place?

As a writer, I populate my books with characters of all sorts. Some play the major roles – the protagonists and the antagonist, for instance. Some characters play other vital roles in the story but are not the main characters. We call these secondary characters, or the supporting cast, if that sits easier.

Although they are not the main players in any story, they still have an important role to play. They still need to have substance, they still need to have reason to be in your story, but...they must not become the focus of the story and overwhelm your main characters. 

They need to know their place.

Secondary characters have all sorts of jobs in a story. Let's have a look at some.

The Mentor

The Mentor is the character who is specifically in the story as a guide to your hero or heroine. The one who listens and then advises, but never orders. Sometimes The Mentor is only in the story briefly, other times they are a character who is a constant in the story. It is up to the writer to decide how much The Mentor character is used and why.

Woody and Buzz from Disney's Toy Story

The Devil's Advocate

The Devil's Advocate is the character who puts doubt into your hero or heroine’s mind but is not necessarily doing something bad or meaning to put doubt in the main character’s mind. Sometimes this character is called The Fool, not because they are stupid but because they are often used to tell the hero the truth about something that needs to be said. Usually The Fool is ignored, only later to be found to have been right all along. This type of character, if used right, can be a powerful tool in your story.

Fry from Futurama

The Sidekick/BFF/Conscience

This character has the main character’s interests at heart. They don’t always do the right thing but they mean well. These characters usually mean a lot to the main character, who will forgive them nearly anything they do, but if they cross the line, making the main character feel betrayed or disillusioned, it can add a lot of emotional tension to the story. Or perhaps the hero lets down his BFF, the person who trusts him.

Sebastian from The Little Mermaid

The Unrequited Love

This secondary character is seen in many movies. She/he is necessary for that 'love triangle' trope that a lot of readers love. This character will do things to help, to protect, or simply to prove their love for the hero/heroine. There is so much scope for this secondary character, but a writer must be wary that the reader does not start barracking for the wrong couple and be unhappy with the choice the hero or heroine makes in the end.
Ducky in Pretty in Pink comes to mind as a good example of The Unrequited Love supporting character.

Peanuts by Charles M Shultz

The Know-it-all or Librarian

I always think of Hermione from the Harry Potter series when I think of this type of secondary character. The one who knows everything can be very useful to our main characters, giving vital information at just the right time, or perhaps never at the right time. They can also be annoying and endearing and a little odd, but they are handy secondary characters to use.

From Parks and Recreation.

Just because a secondary character plays second fiddle to the main character in one book doesn’t mean that they have to stay that way. A lot of secondary characters go on to graduate and become the main characters in their own stories. 

Two of my favourite secondary characters who ended up in their own books are Reginald Davenport from The Rake by Mary Jo Putney, and Vere Mallory from The Last Hellion by Loretta Chase.

You may recognise some of these secondary character types in books that you have read. So, tell me, who is your favourite secondary character? Did they end up in a book of their own? And which book was it?

I love to love – going to the movies with my son in his holidays.

I love to learn – that my CP is getting published.

I love to laugh – at my daughter’s cat and dog playing together.