So here we are again, approaching the end of another
calendar year, and the beginning of another holiday season in many traditions. My yuletide
memories arenโt uniformly positive. My dear mother had to wrangle Christmas on a shoestring
for seven children. Pennsylvania winters meant those children were very much underfoot, and
family tensions could erupt into something other than four-part harmony.
And yet, I love this time of year. I love how the whole
hemisphere gets a little quieter, the evenings longer, the mood both more reflective and more
congenial. I get more writing done over the winter months than in any other season, and
writing is one of my very favorite things to do.
I also enjoy our annual year-end focus on charity, on
welcoming the stranger (angels unaware is one of my favorite Christmas tropes), and on
looking out for our neighbors who might have trouble paying the heating bill or affording
anything for the children on Christmas morning. I donโt need to see the brain science to know
that kindness lifts my spirits, whether Iโm the giver or the receiver. I think we are intended to
be kind to one another, and the holidays give us permission to yield to that impulse.
If I had to choose one aspect of the holidays that truly
warms my heart, itโs the abundance of material that lends itself to delightful romances. How
many terrific holiday tales have started off with no room at the inn? With a funny thing
happening under the mistletoe? With that inopportune snowstorm that wrecks the carefully
laid holiday plans but offers something even more precious for characters with a little courage
and heart? ย
For my novels, Iโve drawn upon a baby arriving very
unexpectedly (
Lady
Sophieโs Christmas Wish), old secrets making an
inopportune holiday appearance (
Lady Louisaโs Christmas Knight),
and all the uproar and conflict that can emerge when a family gathers for Christmas (
Lady Jennyโs Christmas
Portrait). In shorter works, Iโve used the stranger
coming from afar, the Grinch (both in
Christmas Treats
), mistletoe (
Patience for Christmas, what a fine tradition!) and the
holidays as a time to reconcile old hurts and begin
afresh (
Respect for Christmas).
These are some of my very, very favorite stories, and I think
thatโs because they all share something with the Christmas story I was raised with. In the
coldest, darkest time of year, when youโre far from home and facing enormous challenges,
love can find you and bring you joy. Despite hardship, fear, and bewildering changes, miracles
occur.
I love that message, which is by no means unique to any one
tradition, and I love weaving it onto my happily-ever-afters.
And if that wasnโt enough, we have holiday baking,
decorations, terrific music, tons of great holiday movies, a few extra days to spend with the
family. Whatโs not to love?
Whatโs your favorite aspect of the holidays? Do you have any
traditional re-reads this time of year? To one commenter, Iโll send a signed copy of my very
first holiday tale,
Lady
Sophieโs Christmas Wish.
Sweet, Spicy, Substantial Regency Romances...
Grace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an
antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds
of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and
practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington,
DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved
Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a
master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started
thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck
out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up
is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors.
The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA
retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not
stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I
thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
'Tis the Season, a unique Regency romance collection is sure to fill your heart with holiday
cheer!
NYT and USA Today Bestselling romance authors, Jennifer Ashley, Grace Burrowes, Christi
Caldwell, Louisa Cornell, Eva Devon, Jannaย MacGregor, and Jess Michaels are ringing in the
holiday season with this limited edition collection of short stories.
Youโll be swept away by some of your favorite heroes and heroines. Delight in meeting old
friends from previous books and new ones youโll meet again in future titles!
The collection includes:
Jennifer Ashley: A First-Footer for Lady Jane (A Scottish Regency Romance)
When Grandfather MacDonald predicts Lady Jane will marry the this yearโs First-Footer--the
first guest into the house on Hogmanyโshe laughs. Her childhood sweetheart is fighting on
the Peninsula, and she canโt imagine marrying anyone but staid Major Barnett.
But when the clock strikes midnight, and Hogmany begins, a knock at the front door changes
Janeโs life forever.
Grace Burrowes: A Knight Before Christmas (A Rogues to Riches Story)
Chloe Thatcher's livelihood is in peril when her late grandfather'sย bookshop is doomed to be
sold at auction just as the Yuletide season arrives. Aidan Ferris is a man of business for the
banker most determined to gain ownership of Chloe's property, but Aidan is also decent,
honorable, and prone to lingering beneath sprigs of mistletoe. Will Aidan take possession of
Chloe's home--or of her heart?
Christi Caldwell: Home for the Holidays (The Brethren story)
Martha and Graham Whitworth are eagerly embracing their first holiday as a new family. But
will a summons from Grahamโs father, the Duke of Sutton steal their holiday cheer? Or mayhap
Christmas might prove a time of forgiveness and new beginnings for allโฆ
Louisa Cornell: (A Many Brides of Lord Creighton story)
Sebastian and Minerva Brightworth are prepared to celebrate a wonderful first Christmas
together. Until Minerva accepts an invitation from Sebastianโs estranged brother Will
Sebastian and Minervaโs first holiday together be their last?
Eva Devon: Joy to the Duke (The Dukeโs Secret story)
When the ghosts of Christmas past come to haunt The Duke of Blackstone, will he and his new
duchess be able to put them to rest? In a story that revels in the joy of the holiday, join the
characters of The Dukeโs Secret for a festive escape.
Janna MacGregor: The Earl's Christmas Bride (The Cavensham Heiresses)
Cameron Dunmore, the Earl of Queensgrace, is determined to win the hand of his true love,
Miss Julia Lawson. Julia never forgot Cameron, but she wonโt abandon her family, even if she
must sacrifice her own happiness. When a Christmas angel in the guise of Juliaโs little brother
brings these stubborn lovebirds together, only Cam and Julia can decide if Christmas wedding
bells are in their future.
Jess Michaels: Silent Night (A 1797 Club story)
Ewan and Charlotte Hoffstead, the Duke and Duchess of Donburrow, are anticipating a
wonderful holiday with their children, family and friends. But when Ewan finds out a secret
Charlotte has been keeping, they'll have to face a painful past and redefine their love.
Historical | Romance
Historical | Holiday
[Amazon Digital Text Platform, On Sale: October 23, 2018, e-
Book, ISBN: 978172933281 / ]
I absolutely love reading collections of historical romance stories. I always keep
one or two in my glove compartment as my go-to reading between kids' sporting
events. And if those stories take place during the holiday season, more the better. I
can't wait to read 'Tis the Season!
(Kt C 12:05pm December 1, 2018)
I also would love to read Lady Sophie's Christmas Wish. Even though I am a parent,
I can't imagine what I would do if a child was abandoned on my doorstep. I look
forward to reading all about Lady Sophie's joy and missteps on caring for an
unexpected baby.
(Kt C 12:13pm December 1, 2018)
I love Christmas stories and have a bookcase of keepers. I try to reread many
each year, but find so many good new ones every year, it is hard to keep up.
Christmas Moon by Elizabeth Lane is a favorite. I also have many anthologies
which are big favorites. I do believe that 'TIS THE SEASON will be joining them.
I love the general feeling of happiness, camaraderie, and helpfulness. The
outpouring of generosity and helpfulness is reassuring. It gives me hope that
the feelings will extend past the holidays and make a better future for us all.
(Patricia Barraclough 12:53pm December 12, 2018)
My favorite things are the excitement on the faces of young children and Christmas music.
(Anna Speed 11:34am December 13, 2018)
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