Interview with Kathleen Shoop, Author of the Historical Christmas Tale, Cinder Bella

Bestselling author Kathleen Shoop, PhD writes historical fiction, women’s fiction, and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY), Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and more. You can find Kathleen in person at various venues. She’s on the board of the Kerr Memorial Museum, teaches at writing/reader conferences, co-coordinates Mindful Writers Retreats and writing conferences, and gives talks at various book clubs, libraries, and historical societies.

Sign up for her newsletter at www.kshoop.com. 

Visit her website at www.kshoop.com or connect with her on X, Facebook, Instagram, BookBub, TikTok, and Goodreads.

Cinder Bella is available at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble & Kobo.

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where there was an interesting blend of gritty ambition and humble overachievers. Many of my stories are set there or in communities close by because there is sooooo much wonderful material to churn into plot and character. 

What do you remember about the Christmases of your past?

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. As a child, my parents and extended family made the celebration magical, always somehow getting us things we wanted and surprises we hadn't thought of until they landed under the tree. Then, as an adult, my husband, Bill, and I hosted Christmas Eve, and part of our gathering was for people to bring coats and winter things that they didn't need, and we would drop them at the halfway house down the street for people who we knew needed them. THEN... my daughter, Beth, was born on Christmas Eve and every celebration since has taken the magic to new levels. My son, Jake, was born the year before Beth and has always been her biggest birthday fan. 

What is your favorite part of the holiday season?

My favorite part is finding a meaningful and "perfect" gift for those I love. Nothing makes me happier than someone getting something important to them.  Christmas morning, when I'm the first one up, and I put on the lights and have quiet coffee is just another layer of pure holiday magic. But now that my kids are grown and out of the house, having them back is the absolute best.

When did you first realize you wanted to write Christmas stories or stories set during the holiday season?

As I mentioned above, Christmas and Christmas Eve were always my favorite holidays, and I spent so much time watching Christmas movies and reading Christmas stories that after years of having books published, it occurred to me that I was missing an opportunity to make literary magic for others. Once I started writing short holiday tales (contemporary and historical), I put out a book a year for readers to love. Although they tell me that they revisit many year after year.

What is your latest book about?

The latest book is A Waltz for Christmas, and it's inspired by my grandparents on my father's side. Depression era young adults, dancing was one of the biggest forms of entertainment. And when my grandmother (who was a tremendous dancer) discovered my grandfather was not only not a good dancer, but he had no interest in it, the fun began. Their backstories are compelling and impacted their personalities and circumstances in such a way that they never failed to help deliver us the biggest, best Christmas ever.  It will be book 6 in the 'Tis the Season collection. These are standalones, so reading in any order will do. 

What is your favorite Christmas story or who is your favorite Christmas story character? Why? 

I love all the classics, including A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. My kids think his holiday stories are too glum, but I adore the gritty depiction of life when things are hard, everyone is trying to make do, and somehow, make holiday magic. I also love things like A Christmas Carol (my The Christmas Coat ended up being a modern rendition of the story without me even planning it that way. A real life event inspired it and off I went with the writing.). I adore irreverent holiday movies like The Family Stone and Surviving Christmas and Seven Fishes because they remind me so much of my family holiday gatherings. Everyone does their best to bring their best selves, but complicated families can make that hard. But at their heart, these stories (and real life) have the love of family and the holidays, and I adore them. The movies mentioned here inspired my Christmas in Eagle Bend (contemporary), and it remains one of my favorites. Hope you enjoy it if you pick it up!

Where can readers buy your book?

Readers can find my books anywhere books are sold. Online sources carry my books year-round (I've written 23 books, so many are not specifically Christmas stories) but brick and mortar stores like Mystery Lovers Bookshop will mail my books to you!

What is up next for you?

As I finish up A Waltz for Christmas and the new year begins, I'll be finishing up my novel, Imperial Girl. It's a story set in St. Petersburg, Russia 1909-1917 about a dancer studying at the Imperial Ballet School. It's magical, wonderful, fairytaleish and eventually Mila will have a book set in the Donora Story Collection as she emigrates to America to escape a dire situation. More on this story to come!!!

Is there anything you would like to add?

Subscribe to my newsletter at http://kshoop.com for all my book updates, behind-the-scenes news, giveaways, tea, coffee, and other drink recipes, and so much more!!!

Christmas Short Story Review: Jingles by D.F. Jones

 

"Jingles" by D. F. Jones is a delightful short story filled with romance, magic, and destiny. 

The quaint town of HollyHaven holds a secret so mysterious and magical that most of its residents remain unaware. But Nick, the charming but reluctant heir to the Claus legacy knows the town's beloved Christmas shop, Jingles, which is owned by his family, is the heart of Christmas magic. As he approaches his destiny, Nick learns the magic is fading, and he must race against time before it is lost forever.  

When Nick meets Clara, the owner of the local cafe, he sees the key to restoring Christmas. Clara, however, is still recovering from past betrayals. As sparks fly between them, Clara is forced to confront what she has tried to avoid: belief in magic, love, and herself. Can Nick convince her to trust in the magic they share before it fades forever?

I cannot tell you how much I loved "Jingles." You know what makes a romance story even better for me is to set it during Christmas. But "Jingles" has more than just the perfect setting. It is the story of a young man, facing a huge responsibility he feels unprepared for, who is thrown an unexpected snowy curveball: the key to saving the magic of Christmas rests not only with him, but with a young woman who is determined to distance herself from everything needed to fulfill that destiny. 

Jones has a keen eye for detail and description, and considering the location of the story and the season, that makes for a charming read outside of the unfolding romance. Close ties to family and community also play a role.

If you love seasonal romance, Santa Claus stories, and stories surrounding the magic of Christmas, "Jingles" is a must read.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DJDQLY66
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 1, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 2988 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 96 pages

I received a free digital copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Website ➜ http://www.dfjonesauthor.com 

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/Author_DFJones 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/DFJones.author 

Instagram ➜ https://instagram.com/D.F.Jones

Author Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/GoodreadscomdfjonesAuthor

Christmas Picture Book Review: Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin is the story of one Christmas-loving princess who is eager to restore the Christmas spirit to her kingdom. With the help of her rabbit friend, Hoppy, and a magician, she just might save the spirit of the season.

Princess Sophie loves everything about Christmas, and when she discovers that special Christmas feeling is missing in her kingdom of Melodica, she decides she must find a way to fix it. She asks her parents, the king and queen, but they don’t know what to do. Though she finds Hoppy’s hopping a bit distracting, she is happy that the hopping gives her ideas. So, she searches out the kingdom’s magician for some help. What she learns about the power of the Christmas elixir allows her to bring happiness to the people of Melodica all year long.

Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir is a fun and sweet story through and through, with a special message for readers woven right in. Loved this story from beginning to end: the meaningful message, the colorful illustrations by Shey Kalee, and the fabulous ending. My only niggle is that an editor needs to go through it and tidy up a few places where the grammar isn’t quite right and a punctuation mark or word is missing. Now, most people won’t notice that, and readers will love the story just the same because it is totally delightful. This would make a cute short movie.

Looking forward to reading more children’s books by Martin, whose work for adults I am already familiar with. 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mezzo Publications (October 16, 2024)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 25 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1068852925

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1068852923

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Christmas Romance Spotlight: On This Christmas, I Thee Wed by Virginia Barlow

 

Bartered to Viscount Hudson Becker by her father, Lady Lavinia Holbrook escapes her arranged marriage and travels to her Godmother, the Duchess of Chauncy to seek asylum. Determined to put men and marriage behind her, she is unprepared for the duke’s interest or his heated kisses. The Duke of Chauncy believes love is a weakness and refuses to take a bride despite his mother’s scheming. When the duchess makes a wager he will marry by Christmas, he considers the matter a lark. Until Lavinia gets under his skin, and he rethinks his position on love and happy ever afters.

READ AN EXCERPT!
 

Sheffield, England

November 1, 1784

Only one person alive could save her now.

“Thank goodness you’re here.” Lady Lavinia Holbrook flung open the heavy oak door of the cathedral antechamber and kicked the train of her satin wedding gown aside so her friend could enter. “Your timing could not be better. Margret just left.”

“That old dragon. She has a nose for mischief and spoiled many a grand lark.” Victoria Beaumont’s strawberry mouth tilted down at the corners before her humor returned. “Good morning, Lavinia. You are looking very…pre-wed.” She strolled inside with one eyebrow quirked as she took in her friend’s ivory dress, stocking feet, and bare head.

“Good morning,” Lavinia returned as emotion welled in her eyes. “How I’ve missed you.”

Emerald eyes met hers in an assessing glance before Victoria drew her in for a much-needed hug.

Although months went by since they last spoke, it felt as if no time had passed at all. Hope fluttered in Lavinia’s chest for the first time in weeks. Together, they would find a solution like they always did.

“Your mother will have a fit of apoplexy if she discovers me here. She is convinced I led your brother astray and holds me responsible for his death. I must confess your cryptic note inviting me to your antechamber before the wedding ceremony surprised me, and I came straight away. A loose chignon is all the time I allowed for my hair, and I walked out the door of my chamber as my maid tied the back of my gown. No doubt, Matilda will give me a tongue-lashing when I return.” Her friend’s dancing eyes said the maid’s irritation amused her. Tilting her head, she sobered. “I must say, you are too pale by half. The Lavinia I remember had mischievous eyes and a ready smile. What brought about the change? Am I summoned here as your knight in shining armor, I wonder? Had I known, I would have worn my plumed hat.”

Lavinia pictured her slender friend in a metal suit holding a drawn sword while her flaming red hair fanned out behind her in the breeze and smiled. “I had no one else to turn to. I spent the entire night contemplating my options, and your face kept popping up as the answer.”

“I should hope so. No one else has my experience getting you out of trouble.” Victoria untied the ribbons of her cape and nudged her chin toward the tea trolley.

“Do we have time for tea before the battle? Or should I ready my steed?”

Before Lavinia could reply, heavy footsteps approached with a determined ring.

“Quick, in here.” With a cry of terror, she shoved Victoria behind the changing screen and turned to face her executioner.

The heavy inner door to the chapel swung open with a bang, and the Earl of Holbrook stepped inside her sanctuary. Her father’s wide smile and sparkling eyes disappeared the second he closed the door.

A rock formed in her belly.

His gaze swept over her and darkened with anger.

“Your future husband grows impatient. We cannot delay the ceremony longer.” His lips thinned, and his gray eyes narrowed as he inspected her from the top of her bare head piled high with curls to the bottom of her stocking feet, peeking from beneath the hem of her white gown.

“Where the hell are your veil and shoes? And where is Margret? Really, Lavinia. You try my patience past my ability to endure. I commanded you to be ready at ten thirty. The time is now a quarter past, and you are not prepared. I will not allow you to insult the viscount further.” Tall and handsome with peppered black hair, her father wore his finest black linen suit, which consisted of satin breeches, a matching velvet overcoat trimmed with gold embroidery, a pristine white shirt beneath an intricately folded neckcloth, and high-heeled buckle shoes that caught the morning light. Despite being dressed in the height of fashion, his foul disposition ruined the effect.

“Every bride in the Ton arrives five minutes late as is fashionable. The ceremony is not scheduled until the eleventh hour.” Her chin rose in defiance as she stared at her father. “Even the condemned are executed on the stroke of the clock and not a moment before. I deserve no less and have given the viscount no insult.” Not yet, she amended. “’Twas not me parading my lover for all and sundry to see.”

The earl shot her a furious gaze. “Mind your tongue, girl.” His words cracked like a whip, and for a fleeting moment, she feared he would strike her. A heavy silence hung between them before his fists relaxed at his sides, and a cold mask of indifference settled over his face. “I have had enough of this nonsense. Your husband’s actions and who he associates with are none of your affair. Know your place, or you will learn it the hard way. Hudson is not a man to trifle with.”

Withdrawing a watch from the pocket of his gold silk vest, he checked the time, and his lips tightened.

“You are lucky the viscount favors you at all, such as you are. For reasons known to him alone, he wants you. This extravagant spectacle, with all its unnecessary pomp, was his idea. As for me, I would see you wed on the street in rags in exchange for the title to the hundred acres my wastrel uncle gambled away.” Snapping his watch closed, he replaced the article in his vest pocket. “I dare say I am getting the superior bargain.”

His icy words hit her like a runaway carriage. They were meant to hurt and found their target with remarkable accuracy.

“I want no more excuses. You have ten minutes before I drag you into the church barefoot and bareheaded if I must. Find your worthless maid and finish your preparations. I want this done. My patience is at an end. Do not anger me further, or you will rue the moment you were born.”

The door clicked with the solid thud of a cell door in Newgate prison, and Lavinia rushed forward to slide the bolt behind him with shaky fingers. I would see you wed on the street in rags…Damn them all to hell.

On This Christmas I Thee Wed is available through these fine retailers…

Amazon 

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Target 

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Virginia Barlow has been a dreamer her whole life. She loves reading, traveling, and roses. She will dive headfirst into any romance she can get her hands on in any genre. Although her first love is Regency Romance and always will be.  Something about the era calls to her soul like a siren’s song rising from the depths.

She loves to write steamy romances whether fantasy, historical, or contemporary, all are liberally spiced with adventure and sensual, seductive heroes. Her heroines are just as compelling with equal parts intelligence, sass, and backbone. They give as good as they get whether saving their man’s life or responding to his heated kisses, they’re all in.

The most important thing in Virginia’s life is her family, and spending time with them. When she is not bouncing a grandbaby in her arms or handing out popsicles, she is writing and dreaming up her next love story.  Virginia has published fifteen romance novels with another two on the way and has half a dozen more circling around inside her head eager to make their debut.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜  https://www.virginia-barlow.com/ 

X ➜  https://x.com/Virgini35142126 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/groups/3046288755596817 

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19838312.Virginia_Barlow 

Christmas Picture Book Review: Scrapper's Christmas Story by Maria J. Andrade

A heartwarming tale of the season is what you'll find in Scrapper's Christmas Story by Maria J. Andrade.

An angel tells the story of Scrapper, the smallest dog in a pack of street dogs, without a home. Kind Mr. Rosario feeds them, but all of them run away when he comes too close. But on a snowy Christmas Eve, Scrapper steps in to help someone, which might just lead to all his dreams coming true.

If you like sweet holiday stories, Scrapper's Christmas Story is definitely one to add to your list. I can't give away too many details without revealing the plot, but Andrade's story is one that embodies the spirit of the season. While not a faith-based book, there are what some would call faith-based elements within the story.

I would have appreciated an editor's final touch on the text to fix a few punctuation and grammar errors, and the formatting for the e-book is not quite right when read on my Kindle or with the Kindle app on my laptop. Those didn't, however, take away from the story for me.

Besides the unfolding tale, the beautiful artwork by artist Julie L. Weaver makes this a book worth exploring. Snowy scenes throughout the city, featuring its many apartment buildings, the pet shop, the church, and even the alleyways, are brought to life through Weaver's illustrations.

If you know a child who likes dog stories, touching Christmas stories, or even stories with happy endings, then Scrapper's Christmas Story should be on your list to buy.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Clara Publishing (November 18, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 36 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1734290005
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1734290004

I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.