March 11, 2026
Our youngest son gets married in just over three months, and we are ready for it!
Almost.
Finding a mother of the groom dress has been giving me fits. I started looking after Christmas, scouring online stores at Dillards, Macy's, Von Maur. I absolutely detest shopping for clothes online. I'm one that loves to walk through stores feeling all the fabrics which I haven't been able to do yet. That's the downside of living in a small, rural town--stores are farther away.
And don't get me started on clothing sizes. Apparently, sizes differ HUGELY between brands, especially for formal gowns that constrict me so much I feel swathed in Cling Wrap. I've ordered four dresses so far, and returned three. There's one hanging in my closet at the moment. It might be the one. Problem is, I'll have to lose my winter "layer" before I feel comfortable enough not to worry about slipping the seam open when I sit.
Will this be "the one?" I'll post a photo if it is!
If you've read any of my books you know to expect a humorous dose of animal shenanigans between the pages. They can either bring the main characters together or keep them apart (at least temporarily). Either way, the four-footed foils in my series' are always fun to write.
In Hearts and Homecomings (Port Chance Book #5), you'll meet Remy (short for Rembrandt), the senior Labrador retriever who's more an oversized puppy, and Picasso the Himalayan. I asked my Facebook group for help with their names, adding that Rory Hilt, the artsy heroine, would likely name them after fellow artists. Group members Alberta and Jess came through! I can't wait for you to meet Remy, Picasso and the rest of characters when Hearts and Homecomings releases.
Here's a bookish collage with Remy and Picasso in all of their pixeled glory:
Start reading the Port Chance series if it's new to you. Here's the link to the first four books in the series. They're in Kindle Unlimited, too!
Also, have you read the short story, French Toast with a Side of Love, another prequel to the series? This one I wrote in 2020 as part of a sweet romance anthology. It's a glimpse of Janie Wendell and Mark Christie before they starred in their own full-length novel, That Woman on Thistledown Lane (Port Chance, Book #1). Download it for free here.
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You'll find contemporary, small-town, historical, inspirational, holiday, and wholesome romances in this clean collection. That means zero of the cringey spice and no saucy language! Check out all the pretty covers to choose your next favorite book.
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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
This year I'm featuring a new author in each newsletter with a free novella to sample, too.
Today I'm thrilled to shine the spotlight on Kimberly Hanson and her Christmas novella, The Merry Mix-Up.
From Amazon:
"Kimberly Hanson is the author of two heartwarming romance series: the Sweetheart Springs Romances and Holiday Rivals, both set in small towns filled with charm, rivalry, and plenty of happily-ever-afters. She writes clean, closed-door love stories for readers who believe in fresh starts, festive moments, and the healing power of community (and baked goods).
A lifelong lover of books, Kimberly adores quirky characters, slow mornings, and time out in her garden. When she's not writing, you’ll find her baking something sweet, listening to country music, or plotting new romances over a cup of coffee.
All of Kimberly’s books are available through Kindle Unlimited. Visit her on Instagram or subscribe to her newsletter for bonus scenes, seasonal fun, and book news."
Visit her website to see all of her books here, and don't forget to download her FREE novella, The Merry Mix-Up, below in the Book Recommendations area.
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I've finished Remarkably Bright Creatures since the last newsletter and ADORED it! I've also learned that Netflix is releasing the movie in May, with Sally Field in the starring role as Tova.
Right now, I'm still reading The Anxious Generation (about social media/phone use effects on kids). Then I'll be diving into as yet to be determined romance. Any new release recs?
(Click on the Cover to go to the Download Page)
When it comes to Christmas,
anything is possible!
Click on the cover above to get this free novella by Kimberly Hanson. It's a prequel to the Holiday Rivals series.
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Facebook Page
Goodreads
Readers Group
Port Chance Series (4 books & counting!)
New, small-town romance series! It's in Kindle Unlimited too.
That Woman on Thistledown Lane
Apple Blossom Dreams
Locked on Love's Landing
Christmas in Port Chance
Hearts and Homecomings (Spring 2026)
Hearts in Hendricks series (4 books):
Available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited!
Love Like Water
Love Like Fire
Love Like Air
Love Like Forever
Blueberry Point Romance series (7 books)
More small-town romance in Hendricks, MN with Darcy and Sean Stetman's romantic inn as the backdrop. Seven books plus a season-inspired, four-novella collection. Find the series here.
Love, Lies and Lavender
Love, Lies and Mistletoe
Love, Lies and Lullabies
Love, Lies and Lemon Pie
Love, Lies and Sleigh Rides
Love, Lies and Valentines
Love, Lies and Literature
A Cafe Au Lait Kind of Love. Read this as a stand-alone romance or as part of the multi-author small-town Coffee Loft series featuring swoony romances set in charming coffee shop settings. They're in Kindle Unlimited, too!
Silver Leaf Falls series
Multi-author small-town romance series, all in Kindle Unlimited! Read my book as a stand alone or as part of the series. You can find A Forever Kiss in Silver Leaf Falls here as well as the rest of the Silver Leaf Falls books.
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