Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First 2 images from Microsoft free images

3rd image from HERE.

 

 

Enjoy my 2 Christmas titles: Footprints in the Snow and Christmas Romance (Amazon).

 

 

My Amazon Author Page

 

 

A Break

...To play with Paint. I've done some Christmas gift crafting today, plan on doing some writing tonight. That's the excitement of my day. Enjoy the Christmas memes. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

 

At Amazon

 

At Smashwords

 

Footprints in the Snow...A heartwarming collection of three historical romance Christmas novellas. In Unexpected Christmas Gift, Rita Andrews awaits Vincent Lewis’s return from serving in the Pacific during the long years of World War II. The Greatest Gift of All brings Jeptha, ‘Jep,’ Cullen and Abigail Hardwick together in a rough mining town in the territory of Colorado at Christmastime 1865. Both have left their lives behind and now unexpectedly find themselves facing their hard existence together. Hannah Kelsey, now orphaned by the War Between the States, waits patiently for news of her lone, surviving brother. A life that has been anything but easy is made more complicated by the Yankee soldier she finds lying in front of her cabin a few days before Christmas, 1864. Together, Hannah and her soldier, Jeff Steffend, each find a little bit of Christmas Grace.               

 

 

 

 

Release and Contest!

I'm excited to be releasing a brand new, never published before novel tomorrow, Friday, The Marriage Charade. To celebrate, I'm holding a release day contest, and there are 5 prizes! The main prize is an e-copy of The Marriage Charade, the next prize is an e-copy of Footprints in the Snow. Then I have 3 hand-decorated papermache Christmas ornaments (I'll post pictures tomorrow, they're still in the process of being decorated!).

Tune in tomorrow to find out how to enter to win of these fun prizes!

Tuesday's Tidbits

How about some excerpts? Today's excerpts are from Footprints in the Snow. (Amazon Kindle) And just to be different, I'm sharing excerpts from the novellas' Chapter Twos. I  hope you enjoy them. :)

Unexpected Christmas Gift

Chapter Two

Rita paced the width of her narrow room. Six steps, about face. Six steps, about face. One of the floorboards squeaked in protest every time she stepped on it, and she never missed. Back and forth until she made up her mind.

Her plain oak hope chest sat shoved up against the foot of her bed. She kept all the letters Vince sent in a sweetly scented box. As soon as she opened the hope chest, the violet aroma from the box greeted her. The scent strengthened when she opened the letter box.

As always, she took a few minutes to stare at his handwriting. She liked the way he made a loopy capital R to start her name. The rest of his penmanship was perfunctory, no frills. The only time he made a fancy R was when he wrote her name. Made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. She took out the first letter he’d sent and smoothed out the wrinkles.

As always, Rita read his words aloud, imagining them in Vince’s smooth baritone.

“Dear Rita, Arrived at Camp blanked out two days ago. Looks stark and cheerless. Greeted by our Sergeant, Sgt. Holmes, who informed us we were to call him ‘Sarge.’ We reckon he served with General Washington at Valley Forge. He’s promised to turn us ‘little girls’ into ‘real men.’ First thing we did was build our barracks. Sarge said it was a team-building exercise. He was right about the exercise part. I won’t scare you with the details of what the Army thinks is food, just suffice it to say your worries about not being a good cook are all for naught. I guarantee you could make a better cup of coffee than what is served here. And powdered eggs. Let me take a few moments to wax poetical about powdered eggs.”

Here Rita paused to take a deep breath. The naughty verse always made her laugh.

“A few of us composed a poem about the so-called eggs. It’s naughty, so read it with one eye closed. It’s also the worst piece of poetry you’ll ever read.

“The Army serves us powered eggs

A treat for which we'd never beg.

We’d toss over the plate

Straight into the lake

To dine with a chick with great legs!

“Sure wish I was there to see your cheeks turn pink when you read that. Sarge is hollering lights out. Missed you the moment I stepped on the bus. Don’t worry if my letters are few and far between, Rita-of-my-Heart. I’m already looking forward to your first letter. Address below. I’ll write as often as I can. Love, Vince.”

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

 

The Greatest Gift of All

 

Chapter Two

Ice coated the inside of the thin glass-paned window. Still. That hadn’t changed overnight, even with the wood stove stoked. Weak sunlight streamed into the room, creating a square patch of light on the dusty wooden floor. Abigail Phoebe stared at the light patch, loathe to leave the warm cocoon of the bed. Even as a child, she hadn’t had to share a bed, and waking up to feel Jep snugged up against her back discombobulated her. His hard thighs pressed against the backs of hers. If they’d been sitting up, rather than lying on their sides, she would’ve been sitting on his lap. Heartened, she gave herself a moment to bask in the sense of security waking up in a bed gave her. Who knew that a roof overhead and a bed to sleep in could evince such a feeling? Glorious.

“So warm,” she mumbled. She hadn’t been this warm since the end of summer, and she added that sensation to the list of others that had overwhelmed her since she‘d awakened. Making memories to carry with her when this interlude came to an end.

“Yes, it is. At least until we arise.”

“You’re awake.”

“With the sunrise. It occurred to me last night that you need a place to stay the winter. It’s not much, and it may be cold, but it keeps most of the weather off, and the bed’s large enough for the two of us."

Abigail Phoebe thought about the offer Jep had made, wondered about his motivations. She knew enough about life to know that men had base urges they couldn’t, or wouldn’t, control. Time to pull that rough and tough mantle she’d so carefully created around herself again. “If I do stay with you, and I’m not saying I am, you’ll keep your hands to yourself or I’ll chop ‘em off for you.”

“Will you now?” Jep sat on the edge of the bed, next to her, to pull on his boots. “Tough girl, are you? Why are you traveling by yourself, Girl?”

She bristled at being called ‘Girl,’ angry he’d insult her. Two could play that game. “I’m no girl, Major. I choose to travel alone because it suits me. I can take care of myself.”

“And I’m no Major. Colonel. You strike me as very young, Phoebe. Foolhardy for you to runaway from home. Figure you’re lucky to have made it this far without serious injury.” Jep finished with his laces and gave her a very pointed look. The notion one of his two younger sisters would run away from home made his heart clench with fear. Miss Phoebe looked to him to be younger than his sisters, Nancy and Mildred.

“Old enough to be a widow.” Why did she say that? Abigail Phoebe clamped her mouth shut so no more word would accidentally trip out over her tongue. She didn’t know Jeptha Cullen from Adam and Eve, and while she was grateful to him for the whiskey and shelter, it was best if she curb her tongue.

Jep closed his eyes momentarily, then sighed, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Christmas Grace

 

Chapter Two

Hannah took a deep breath to steady her nerves.

“That was close.”

“They woke you?” Hannah turned. Captain Steffend didn’t sound quite as weak as he had before.

“I’ve put you in danger.”

Hannah shrugged, spreading her hands out, palms up.

“I’ll leave tonight.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Hannah chided. “You need to rest and recuperate. Besides, I’m washing your uniform. It won’t be dry until tomorrow. Plus, your clothes need mending.”

“I heard the threat.”

“We know the war is going badly for the South, Captain. Of course emotions are running high. Men will say things they often don’t mean.”

“Miss Hannah, that boy meant what he said.”

Hannah grinned, delighted that this stranger had given Todd Marshall such an insult as to call him “boy.” Todd was a mere year older than she was, and was therefore twenty-three years old. Very familiar with the arrogant swagger Todd came home from the war with, she’d thought he looked more like a child aping his father’s walk, rather than the big man he thought he’d become.

That didn’t make him any the less dangerous to her, however. The sooner Josiah came home, the better off she’d be. She could take care of herself in most matters, but she knew her limits. And she knew her time was fast running out with putting off Todd’s marriage demands.

“That boy got himself shot through the hand at Chattanooga and came home, whining for his mother. I can out-draw him, and in a contest of accuracy, out-shoot him as well.”

The captain coughed. “I won’t be responsible for endangering you. I’m guilty of enough sins without adding this to the list.”

Hannah dragged a chair over to the bed and sat upon it. She adjusted her apron across her lap before she reached over and felt his brow for fever. His skin felt cool and dry to her touch. “How do you feel? You don’t have a fever, which is a good sign. But you still need to time to regain your strength. You are welcome to stay, Captain.”

His eyes drooped. Sleep waited to reclaim him, but he rallied long enough to ask, “Why would you risk your life to save mine?”

Hannah cleared her throat. The lump there refused to budge, so she did her best to speak around it. “I’m doing nothing for you that I haven’t hoped and prayed for, Captain, for my brother Josiah.”

“You’re a rare woman, Miss Hannah.”

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. 

~Author Unknown

 

 

It's All Greek to Me...Reissued!

New cover, updated...one of my first novels is now available again: Smashwords and Amazon Kindle.

It's All Greek to Me

Marianne Wilson is fed up with her mother's incessant matchmaking. Especially when her mother contrives to set her up with Nick Galanapolous. Nick can't be classified in the same wimpy category of men Marianne prefers to date. That makes him dangerous to her in more ways than one.

Last thing divorce attorney Nick Galanapolous wants or needs is a wife. He prefers no-strings relationships. It's all Greek to him why anyone would enter into a marriage when so many become disposable. With her issues and his, is it possible for them to discover a true, lasting love?       


I even found some links to reviews for this novel, the first edition, and had a nice trip through memory lane.       

Review #1: "...What a fun book she's written, IT'S ALL GREEK TO ME. I loved it from the first page with Marianne's reaction to the Greek god standing in front of her.  ... Read this one, ladies. It's delightful."

Review #2: "... It’s All Greek To Me is must read if you like a good romance that will have you smiling and feeling good when you finish reading it. Ms. Hamby deserves a recommended read for her creativity and ability to develop such unforgettable characters!"

Review #3: "It's All Greek to Me is a book that should be on everyone's bookshelf. The writing is refreshing, the dialogue between all the characters terrific."

Review #4: "The book is laden with absolutely hilarious moments, leaving me laughing to the point of tears. The author captures the busy body mothers to the point where you swear they are people you know in your own life. The wariness of Marianne is understandable. Nick’s jaded nature makes perfect sense. How she entwines those complications and brings them together is sweet and sexy. Get this book. You will laugh, you will sigh. It is laden with humor and realities readers can relate to. Add this one to your must read collection. "

* * * * * * * * * * *
Coming up next...The Marriage Charade. Totally brand new, full-length AND there will be a sequel to it. Just as soon as I finish writing the sequel. LOL. TMC will be published within this next week!
Don't forget my Christmas anthology: Footprints in the Snow, also available from Smashwords and on Amazon Kindle.

If you have 10 or 20 minutes to rub together, I have a free short story up on my website: A Man and a Puppy for Christmas.

Now Available!!!

Now Available at Smashwords

Footprints in the Snow

A Christmas anthology including 2 new novellas - Unexpected Christmas Gift and The Greatest Gift of All, and a reprint of one of my favorite novellas that had been previously published with By Grace - Christmas Grace.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

While you're there at Smashwords, check out these titles!

 

Cue Me In by Nell Dixon

 

Fae Heath wants to be on TV, but not just any show. She wants to be on Ghost UK. She intends to win the contest to find the next presenter. Tall, slim and blonde and access to a haunted Welsh Castle on Halloween – how can she fail?               

Homecoming: Short Chills for Dark Nights by Holly Thomas

 

Four short chills designed to keep you company on a long, dark night:

- A husband comes home to his wife -- after his fatal car accident.

- A werewolf hopes he's finally found the woman who won't bring out the beast in him.

- She's stranded alone in the desert. Night is falling. Is something out there moving?

- A young girl bids a last goodbye to the film star who made her love being afraid.      

 

          Broken by Meg Allison

 

Even the strongest spirits can break.

Weary of his solitary life, Gabriel Bonét sets out one night in search of peace. Instead he finds a reason to live. When he rescues Beth Murphy and heals her wounds, he unlocks the mental gateway she’s erected to stifle her empathic abilities. Her gift puts her on the same wavelength with a brutal killer who stalks their quiet mountain town.

Being thrown into Gabriel's arms, Beth believes her lifetime of bad luck is about to change. But she gets much more than she bargained for: The man she’s been lusting after is a man with secrets. Will she be able to accept the unbelievable before it’s too late?

*Warning: This title contains an unlucky heroine; a hero with a failed God-complex; murder; mayhem; and plenty of sultry lovin'.               

 

Coming Soon!

Yes, I almost have my Christmas anthology ready for publication. Footprints in the Snow will be available as an e-book only, and when it's out, I'll link it. For now, here's the "back cover blurb" and the cover (which needs just a little modification). The cover was done by my bestie, Sherry Jones. If you like it, say so in the comments! I love it and can't wait for this anthology to be live.

Footprints in the Snow...A heartwarming collection of three historical romance Christmas novellas. In Unexpected Christmas Gift, Rita Andrews awaits Vincent Lewis’s return from serving in the Pacific during the long years of World War II. The Greatest Gift of All brings Jeptha, ‘Jep,’ Cullen and Abigail Hardwick together in a rough mining town in the territory of Colorado at Christmastime 1865. Both have left their lives behind and now unexpectedly find themselves facing their hard existence together. Hannah Kelsey, now orphaned by the War Between the States, awaits patiently for news of her lone, surviving brother. A life that has been anything but easy is made more complicated by the Yankee soldier she finds lying in front of her cabin a few days before Christmas, 1864. Together, Hannah and her soldier, Jeff Steffend, each find a little bit of Christmas Grace.

 

Christmas Anthology

I am >< to finishing the final novella for my Christmas Anthology, Footprints in the Snow. The goal is to have it ready to go by mid-November. :) Until then, here are some teasers. Sorry they're so small. :-s But they're pretty. You hafta admit, they *are* pretty. *Edit: I copy/pasted the teasers into the comments, so put away your magnifying glasses and save your eyes. :)