⭐ An Invitation into Sugar Creek
Jan 27, 2026 4:43 pm
Hi ,
Even though the weather meant I missed a masquerade ball with my hubby, the last few days snowed in with my family have been a gift.
We don’t get much snow in Arkansas, but when we do, everything shuts down—and instead of rushing, we get to notice. We’ve watched the snow fall quietly outside the windows, counted the flurry of birds crowding our porch feeders, and leaned into the rare permission to stay home, stay warm, and move slowly.
That kind of stillness has a way of opening space for good things.
One of those good things?
There are exciting moments happening in Sugar Creek.
Sara and JD’s story is officially fully drafted and ready for the next step. Before I dive into final revisions, I’m looking for 4–5 beta readers who enjoy spotting plot holes, noticing character beats, and asking the kinds of thoughtful questions that help a story move from good to chef’s kiss.
If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you.
• Once accepted, you’ll receive access to the story one chapter at a time.
• You can highlight passages and leave short, in-line comments as you read.
• There’s also a space at the end of each chapter for longer thoughts or questions.
• After you submit feedback, the next chapter unlocks.
A Sugar Creek Moment
At the ski lodge, boots thaw by the fire and mittens pile high on the bench. Outside, the lifts keep turning, but inside, marshmallows toast slowly over open flames. Someone smells like pine and cold air. Someone else smells like cocoa. The night ends warm, sweet, and unhurried.
Below, I’m also sharing two books from other wholesome authors. I hope you find something cozy to curl up with.
However your week looks, I hope you’re staying warm, resting when you can, and finding small moments of sweetness along the way.
With warmth,
River
(also writing as Charity Bradford)
Book Shares
What if you had the power to make someone fall in love?
Do you believe in magic potions? Neither does Alexandra.
When Alex and her BFF concoct a special formula for their chemistry class, they stumble on some highly unusual results.
But now, Alex finds herself falling for Mason Miller, her brother's best friend and the bane of her existence.
Theories and hypotheses work great in the lab. But the question Alex needs to answer is much less scientific . . .
Can a potion turn enemies into starry-eyed lovers or is magic something you make?
Hopelessness can sometimes lead to fate's surprises.
Terry and Noah have been inseparable since forever. They stuck together through high school and college, attended each other’s weddings… But when tragedy hits Terry, Noah is nowhere to be found. Dawn, Terry’s sister-in-law, is struggling with her marriage with Milo. Will their daughter be their only reason for unity, or could they find their way back to each other? Viola, Terry’s best friend, is suddenly tasked to take care of her brother David who suffered a severe spinal injury while surfing. As they face the uncertainty of his recovery, their sibling bond is put to the ultimate test. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart, or will their friendship, family, and love be lost forever?