Ever since I started writing my own books, I don’t read as
often as I used to. It’s an odd phenomenon reported by lots of writers… too
many hours spent crafting words robs some of the pleasure of reading them. It’s
a cruel and ironic side effect of the job since we all started writing because
we love to read!
But after over a decade as a writer, I’ve read more romance
this year than I’ve read in a long time. What a treat! Part of it is because of
all the lovely freebie reads offered by authors now. If there’s a new-to-me
author I’m curious about, I’ll try out a freebie. If I love it, I’ll download
backlist books like crazy! It’s fun to find new authors this way.
Another part of my new reading obsession is that I’m loving
all the Christmas romances. I just started the Magnolia Bay series, starting
with Holiday at Magnolia Bay by Tracy
Solheim. I’ve got Jennifer Snow’s The Mistletoe Melody pre-ordered for
quick delivery next month and I’m excited for Tawny Weber’s Christmas with a SEAL. I think that
reading holiday books help me start thinking about baking and decorating,
family and seasonal traditions. It’s a fun way to spend a dark, cold evening.
I also like reading Christmas books because it’s a way to
enjoy the season without overindulging on decadent treats (I need to read about more of them than I
personally consume) or spending too much money shopping. I try to celebrate the
holidays simply and meaningfully, but who doesn’t occasionally get swept away
with the urge to purchase super cute holiday china or over-buy for the kids on
their list? At the end of the day I’ll feel better if I sent the extra cash to
a local kids’ charity and read about someone else’s fun and festive Christmas ;-).
In the end, it only adds to my own.
So today, I’d like to know, who are your favorite holiday
authors? Or what have been your favorite holiday stories? I’m a fan of Mary
Balogh for a Christmas novella, I will admit! What about you? I’ve got a copy
of UNDERCOVER
FESTIVITIES my holiday Blaze 2-in-1 with Tawny Weber to give to one random
poster!
11 comments:
Mary Balogh is my favorite--and I have Regency anthologies I read over and over as well. Nora Roberts wrote some in earlier days that I loved, too.
The last and I think, only, holiday themed books I read were by Lori Wilde, oooh so long ago :) Thank you for sharing and congrats on the new release!
I missed the Nora ones! I should look them up. She's written some books I've absolutely adored. Thanks for stopping by, Liz!
Erin, Lori has a beautiful series out now set in Twilight, Texas. I read Christmas Cookie Collection last year and look at the one she has out this year- http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Twilight-Texas-Novel-ebook/dp/B00I7V3X2Q Such a pretty cover, too! Thanks for checking out the blog ;-).
I just like Holiday romances, it doesn't matter to me who writes it as long as it is sexy and romantic. Like them all.
I'm have to go with the classic LITTLE WOMEN. When Beth makes the slippers for the old gentleman next door I cry every time. Time for a re-read.
Debbie Macomber and Linda Lael Miller have wonderful Christmas books every year.
One of my favorite holiday stories is Curtiss Ann Matlock's Miracle On I-40.
A single mother, waitress, Lacey, who is struggling to survive in Utah with her two children decides to go back home at Christmastime to her parents in North Carolina. Lacey believes in Christmas ,love and forgiveness. Through a friend at the diner, she hitches a ride with Cooper, a Scrooge like truck driver. This books follows their journey across country and the changes in their outlooks as they open up their hearts to love and faith and the spirit of Christmas.
The first book that came to mind was A Blazing Little Christmas, with you, Kathleen O'Reilly, and Jacquie D'Alessandro. OMG, I loved that book!
I don't have actual favorite Christmas authors, as most authors can write more than just Christmas stories, and variety is the spice of life!
***Winner - with my Belated Apologies!!*** I'm so tardy posting a winner on this board and I invite you all to contact me jrock008@gmail.com with your mailing addys so I can send you ALL a copy of Undercover Festivities as my holiday present to YOU for your patience. And as a way to invite you back to Totebags and Blogs on the 27th of each month, beginning in the New Year, as I will be blogging here monthly! I'm counting on you all to keep me timely in posting winner names-- three days from the post date is perfect. Laney and Mary P, I think I have your addys already and will put these in the mail today! Laurie, Erin, Cindy, Liz... I'm going to try tracking you down through blogger, or else email me! xoxo and Happy Holidays!
THANK YOU!!!
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