If you're new, thanks for joining the Rom-Com news list! Go here to get your free preview: Felony Melanie and the Moonshiner's Cabin stands alone as a short story. Fans of the movie Sweet Home Alabama will love seeing teen Melanie in action!

This summer, we may not be gathering in the usual summer party numbers. That doesn't mean we can't have tasty treats (and keep more for ourselves!) I've always had a fondness for deviled eggs. Here's a recipe for a southern version: Lady & Larder's Deviled Eggs

Doug says: These are pictures from Oakleigh Plantation near Mobile, the inspiration for the Carmichael Plantation in the book. The original house is on the second story – the ground floor was originally a raised basement for storage and working. That’s why the spiral staircase leads up to the front balcony/porch.

Thanks to “Arti B” for this 5 out of 5 star review!

“I loved reading this book. It reminded me of the books I used to read as a teenager. Melanie’s character is so realistic, I am sure all of us would have met someone like Melanie, while we were growing up ... This book is an excellent prequel to the movie, Sweet Home Alabama, and now watching the movie will become more interesting.”

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Need some summer reads? Check out these groups:

Nice Guys (and Gals) Finish First!: An All-Genre Giveaway for Stories with Kind, Noble, or Good-Hearted Characters Getting Their Rewards

This group seems to have lots of fantasy and paranormal offerings. You'll also find contemporary and historical romance. Each of these is free when you sign up for the author's newsletter, but note that some offerings may be short stories or novellas. It's a great way to check out new authors for free, and you can unsubscribe from newsletters if you don't want to keep getting the news.

Coming of Age Romance Giveaway

More free stories (including some of the same ones but some new ones). These are "coming-of-age" stories, which generally means teens or young adults learning about who they are and what they want in life.

Have you read Felony Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium yet? If so, please leave a review on Amazon or another site. Reviews help readers find great books, and they help authors keep writing. Review it here.

If you haven’t gotten the book yet, it’s free for review via Story Origin.