We’ve had more than a few snowfalls over the last two weeks and it looks like a Christmas postcard outside. Taking walks to look at the Christmas lights–there are plenty of them up already–is a favorite activity, as is imbibing a delicious hot chocolate at any point in the day. While technically it’s still fall, it sure feels like winter, something I don’t mind since I love that season.
 

What are some of your favorite things about this time of year?

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen is a sensational debut novel. With magnetic characters and an enthralling plot, this story drew me in from the very beginning and continued to hold my attention after I turned the last page. Brimming with elegance and sophistication, The Luxe is a spellbinding read.

Here’s the book description:

Pretty girls in pretty dresses,
partying until dawn.

Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles
and dangerous intentions.

White lies, dark secrets,
and scandalous hookups.

This is Manhattan, 1899….

Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan’s social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City’s elite is far from secure, suddenly everyone—from the backstabbing socialite Penelope Hayes, to the debonair bachelor Henry Schoonmaker, to the spiteful maid Lina Broud—threatens Elizabeth’s and Diana’s golden future.

With the fate of the Hollands resting on her shoulders, Elizabeth must choose between family duty and true love. But when her carriage overturns near the East River, the girl whose glittering life lit up the city’s gossip pages is swallowed by the rough current. As all of New York grieves, some begin to wonder whether life at the top proved too much for this ethereal beauty, or if, perhaps, someone wanted to see Manhattan’s most celebrated daughter disappear…

In a world of luxury and deception, where appearance matters above everything and breaking the social code means running the risk of being ostracized forever, five teenagers lead dangerously scandalous lives. This thrilling trip to the age of innocence is anything but innocent.  

Dark Rider by Kathrynn Dennis is a splendid historical romance set in the medieval time period. Eldswythe and Robert are engaging characters with a poignant connection in this debut novel filled with non-stop action, palpable danger, and breathless excitement.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

A DARK LORD

When Lady Eldswythe is summoned to tend the prize steeds of the dark and solitary Sir Robert Breton, a rival of her family’s house, Eldswythe is not prepared for the powerful feelings he evokes in her. His smoldering eyes alone could make her forget she is betrothed. Although her heart desires Robert, Eldswythe does not trust him. But when a violent siege erupts on Eldswythe’s estate and Robert saves her life, she wonders if her misgivings are wrong…

A LADY FAIR

Robert does not know what strange spell has been cast over him. During the day, he can think of no one but Eldswythe, and at night, the beautiful maiden comes to him in his dreams. But what secrets does she hide? Eldswythe has intrigued him like no other woman ever has–and now he has vowed to make her his…

In Canada we celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October. Since tomorrow is Turkey Day in the U.S., I’d like to wish all Americans a very Happy Thanksgiving!

HolidayGraphics.com

I’ve been in the writing cave lately. Some days have been better than others, but that’s the way it goes. On those days where progress was slower than I would have liked, I had a stash of chocolates to appease my muse. I was particularly fond of these little round cup chocolates with a gooey caramel center. They were definitely food for the soul.

What are some of your favorite snacks when you’re deep in the writing cave?

Raising a cyber toast to Mary F. Yesterday on her blog, she announced her latest sale!!!

Congrats, Mary!

Raising a cyber toast to Mary F and Stephanie Tyler. They posted their new covers on their blogs this week. Mary posted the cover for her first book, Where There’s Smoke, which will be published by The Wild Rose Press, and Steph posted the cover for Beyond His Control, her third Harlequin Blaze.

Congrats, ladies!!!

Today is Remembrance Day here in Canada. In honor of that, I’m posting the poem In Flanders Fields:

IN FLANDERS FIELDS 

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD
(November 30, 1872-January 28, 1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.