May Book Club | Highcliffe House

I only had to glance at the cover of “Highcliffe House”, by Megan Walker, to know I wanted to lose myself between its pages.

When you see the beseechingly moody scene of a women dressed in a Regency era long skirt and bonnet, gazing up from the beach toward a formidable stone house… I know you’ll feel drawn to it as well, that’s why I chose it for my May Book Club recommendation.

It’s a Proper Romance too, so while it tells a sweet, charming story full of splendid detail, historical references, and witty repartee, it skips all the stuff that might make you uncomfortable if your young daughter were to pick it up and flip through.

“When a romantic entanglement leaves her humiliated and reeling, Anna Lane wants nothing more than for her father to whisk her away from the gossip of the ton. Unfortunately, he has obligations elsewhere, leaving her stuck in London.

Graham Everett’s financial security depends on an investment with Mr. Lane, his long-time fried and business partner. He’ll do just about anything to secure it for his family, even if it means fighting spiled, embittered Anna for her father’s attention.

Lucking, Mr. Lane concocts a plan that will give everyone what they want, with one stipulation; Anna must accompany Graham to Brighton in her father’s stead and make a decision to invest—or not—based on a thorough report.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that they’ve been wrong about each other. If they are willing to invest a little time working out their differences, they might have a chance at real love.”

Mom’s would love to receive this on their Mother’s Day breakfast tray along with lovingly prepared french toast, orange juice, hot tea and fresh flowers.

When the last bite’s been eaten, tidy up the tray and leave her to her book and tea for a while, she deserves it.

Protecting Her Heart | February Book Club

ORDER: “Protecting Her Heart”

Ah February, the month of hearts and roses. What better book to chose to share with you than one of romance--Proper Romance that is.  Which means, that if your teen or pre-teen pick it up, you’ll have nothing to blush about!

"Protecting Her Heart", by Nancy Campbell Allen, takes us back to London, 1887.

Romance? Yes. But there is also a mystery to be sorted out and in doing so, our characters, Charlotte Duvall, who has just recently graduated from an American medical school, and her treasured friend, John Ellis, of the Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit, wrestle with danger and intrigue in a time and setting that is as foreign as it is familiar to us modern-day readers.

“Investigating the detais of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, bu as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more— and openingi her heart to him in the process.

As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protection her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.”

Come along with Charlotte and John, down dark alleyways enveloped in the foggy mists of London, it's social scene and schemes, and the tug of romantic feelings—welcome or not!

Get it HERE

Miss Newbury's List | February Book Club

Hello February! I love you so! (And for so many reasons!)

You’re the month that brings us homebound commutes that don’t require headlights. The month we see the first signs of an awakening earth, with crocus and forsythia blooms and branches of fuzzy catkins. The month of Valentine’s Day and all it holds. My birthday month - and too many slices of cheesecake! (We even get a three-day weekend from you.) All that, yet the temps stay low so there’s no guilt in the comfort food we’re still dishing up, or the long evenings spent near a fire curled up with our books.

Here’s one I’d like everyone to know about, “Miss Newbury’s List”, by Megan Walker, my February Book Club pick!

It’s a Proper Romance, which means it has a rich layered storyline and well developed characters, but nothing between it’s pages to make you blush should your teen or tween pick it up. In fact, you’ll encourage them to do so! This piece of historical fiction will transport you back to 19th Century England, arranged marriages, and outrageous societal expectations, as well as remind you that no matter the era, all people experience self-discovery and the human spirit is all about following one's dreams which when strong enough can lead to new beginnings.

“England 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice. The marriage is more an agreement between two families and less a romantic connection between two hearts, but Rosalind becoming a duchess will elevate her family’s status to dizzying heights. And the duke is a kind man who will care for Rosalind, even if he doesn’t love her.

She only has three weeks before her life changes forever, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her days. As a child, Ros was inspired by her adventurous Aunt Alice and created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, Ros has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.”

Sounds fabulous, doesn’t it? This February, fall in love. With the month, with life, with yourself, with Miss Newbury’s List!

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY: Miss Newbury’s List

Games in a Ballroom | May Book Club

I’ve found another Proper Romance book to delight you with this month! My May book club choice is “Games in a Ballroom” by Jentry Flint.

It’s a light, lovely period piece that sweeps us away from housework, bill-paying, and daily drudgeries, placing us gently into an 1815 London. You’ll leave the sweats and sneaks behind, donning petticoats and satin slippers instead, as you immerse yourself in Olivia and Emerson’s world of strict class orders and forbidden romance.

Powder your nose, nestle your tiara atop your coiffed mane, put your feet up and come away with me…

“Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, but the men her father deems acceptable are either boring or are only interested in increasing their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia vows to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after his father's death. Though he is still learning his place, one thing he knows for certain is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Emerson had long ago fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. Yet, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the Season kicks off, Emerson proposes a playful game of tag. Olivia's friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is wary. After all, the game must be played in secret as they tag each other at dinners and balls. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia's strict father.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?”

We’ve closed the binding on yet another Proper Romance, but I guarantee we’ll be thinking of petit fours and party frocks for a long while to come. At the same time, we’ll be thankful that we are free to love and live lives of our own choosing these days!

It’s time to get back to the realities of today, but go ahead, keep wearing your tiara!

Get your copy of Games in a Ballroom HERE

And if you're wondering what to get Mom for Mother's Day, wonder no more!

Win My Mother's Day Blooming Bundle

Mother’s deserve to be celebrated, and I’m inviting myself to the party once again!

Some of my favorite sponsors and I have put together a beautiful collection of Mother’s Day blessings, and we’re giving away five (5) of theses blooming bundles to help spread love, joy, and gratitude for moms and all they do!

It’s a package to delight the senses; a gorgeous floral arrangement and some brand new music to set the mood, pampering products to make her feel pretty, a book to get lost in, and a sumptuous bag of treats for a little self-indulgence.

Who do you know that would love to receive all of this as my way of saying, “Thanks for all you do, Mom!” ?

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AMETHYST GARDEN FLORAL ARRANGEMENT
From Balsam Hill

No matter the season, you’ll find some area of my house made more cheerful with one of Balsam Hill’s beautifully handcrafted items. Their florals have the most realistic details and last for ages, so each piece in my growing collection has extra special memories and moments attached.

This year, my friends at Balsam Hill and I felt like moms would especially love the gorgeous purple blooms in their newest Amethyst Garden Floral Arrangement - it features an array of hellebores, lilacs, and lavender in an antiqued silver finish ceramic pot. It will surely bring a splash of color to any room all through the summer season.

I’m making it the centerpiece of our Mother's Day blooming bundle gift package!

Find it, an a vast array of seasonal florals and décor at Balsam Hill.
Use the promo code SPRINGHOPE22 for a 20% discount on your order

Oh! And before I forget… You and Mom can get some tips and tricks on decorating the home for Mother’s Day from the Balsam Hill team - find them here: Home Decorating For Mother's Day.

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AM GOLD ALBUM DOWNLOAD
From Train

Known for their countless chart-topping hits spanning nearly three decades, multi-GRAMMY Award-winning band TRAIN is set to release their 11th studio album, AM Gold, on May 20th.

It’s the group’s first all-new original music in five years!!!

They debuted the title track,  “AM Gold” – and its accompanying lyric video – back in February, and, friends, I am obsessed!

Frontman, Pat Monahan, recently sat down with me for a long podcast chat, and I found him to be the same handsome, talented, insightful, and friendly guy we all fell in love with back when “Drops of Jupiter” swept us into the cosmos over 20 years ago!

They’re touring this summer too - joined by special guests Jewel and Blues Traveler - so make sure you get your tickets to a phenomenal show!

A Digital Download of the entire AM Gold album is the soundtrack to our giveaway package.

Order your own AM GOLD album

Watch the AM Gold video

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‘CULT CLASSICS’ FULL FACE KIT
From Laura Geller

You know how much I love Laura Geller beauty products. Since discovering this luxurious (and affordable) cosmetics line, it’s all you’ll find in my makeup bag.

I’ve also been gifting it to friends and family - especially those, like me, who’ve left their 40th birthday behind and are now embracing life, and beauty needs, on the other side.

My most recent package from Laura Geller contained the ‘Cult Classics‘ Full Face Kit. It’s the absolute perfect gift collection for my give-away. This 6-piece full-sized product kit includes :

• Spackle Skin Perfecting Primer in Hydrate

• Baked Balance-n-Brighten Color-Correcting Foundation

• Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues

• Baked Original Highlighter in French Vanilla

• Modern Classic Lipstick in Regal

• and their Retractable Kabuki Angled Brush

Everything needed to put your best face forward this spring, PLUS a bright and cheery pink makeup bag to carry it in. Mom will be delighted with this pretty pampering package of luxurious makeup essentials!

You can find the ‘Cult Classics’ Full Face Kit
and so many more incredible (and affordable!) luxurious beauty products at
LauraGeller.com

Use promo code LAURA25 for a 25% discount on your purchase!

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“GAMES IN A BALLROOM”
by Jentry Flint

My May book club choice is, “Games in a Ballroom”, by Jentry Flint, it’s another Proper Romance book which always means good, clean, fun… Perfect for our Mother’s Day bundle.

It’s a light, lovely period piece that sweeps us away from housework, bill-paying, and daily drudgeries, placing us gently into an 1815 London. You’ll leave the sweats and sneaks behind, donning petticoats and satin slippers instead, as you immerse yourself in the world of Olivia Wilde - a young socialite with a father determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, and Emerson Latham - a title-less lad who will never receive her father’s blessing.

Powder your nose, nestle your tiara atop your shining mane, put your feet up, and come away with me, to play some Games in a Ballroom…

Get your own copy of Games in a Ballroom, and another for Mom, HERE

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ALMOND ROCA® PURSE PACK
From Brown & Haley

Here’s a handbag every mom wants in her collection! The Almond ROCA 12oz assorted purse pack!

It’s packed with pure deliciousness and includes a generous sampling of classic Almond ROCA, Dark Chocolate ROCA, and Cashew ROCA (there’s about 27 pieces in each “purse”).

I can’t think of Almond ROCA without thinking of my own beautiful mother - it was one of her favorites, and a gift we often gave on special occasions, like Mother’s Day!

Brown & Haley, the maker’s of Almond ROCA®, have been churning out treats made with fresh and sustainable ingredients, in their Tacoma, Washington factory for over 100 years. The partnership was formed after Mr. Brown and Mr. Haley met in church, and it’s been going strong since 1912!

VISIT Brown & Haley online
to purchase your favorite treats, read their fascinating history, and get some scrumptious recipes!

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I love being in a position to share these incredible products with my friends and listeners, thanks to the generosity of my sponsors!

I hope these sweet blooming bundles of goodness find their way to 5 deserving moms (EVERY mom is a DESERVING mom!) brightening their day, providing a few moments of relaxation, entertainment, papering, and bringing them JOY!

You may nominate a mom to receive one of my bundles
Friday, April 22 through Sunday, May 8th.

Tell me WHO you’d like a bundle delivered to this spring, and WHY they are so deserving!

The Merchant and The Rogue | August Book Club

The Merchant & The Rogue

I’m about 30 pages into my August Book Club choice, The Merchant and The Rogue, by Sarah M. Eden, and it’s soooo good! (The book isn’t available until the 17th, but the publishers sent me a copy early!)

This is another one of the Proper Romance books I’m so fond of. I’ve shared a few of them with you before, if you’ll remember, Miracle Creek Christmas, Promised, Lakeshire Park…

The Merchant and The Rogue, has the same sensibilities; historical detail (1865 London), intriguing plot line, fascinating characters, and nothing so risqué that you’d mind your teenager picking up and reading it themselves - in fact, you’d recommend they do so!

This is the story of Vera Sorokina, someone who loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and all the adventure, mystery, and romance they contain, while her own life is relatively mundane working alongside her father in his book and print shop.

And it’s about Brogan Donnelly, an Irishman living in London, who coincidentally is a Penny Dreadful writer. He has a satisfactory life, yet still feels a bit lonely and much like an outsider.

It has all the right elements of a perfect romance - attraction, distrust, confusion, and a common threat this duo must work together to defeat, overcoming obstacles in their pathway to love in the process.

You might be asking how in the world I find time to read between my never-ending art installation, gardening, wrangling kids and grandkids, and radio work… but the answer is this, I ALWAYS find time to read! It is not so much one of life’s pleasures, as it is one of life’s necessities to me.

Losing myself in the pages of a good book - even if it’s just for 30 minutes or so a day, helps me to relax, unwind, and refresh. The Merchant and The Rogue does the job exceptionally well!

Pre-Order your copy today HERE!
(And be sure to watch the trailer too!)

Miracle Creek Christmas | December Book Club

BUY Miracle Creek Christmas

Every time I crack the cover on a new book, it’s like giving myself a gift. I love to pass that gift on to you, my book club readers, and this December, this magical season, I have a delightful story to share, Miracle Creek Christmas, by Krista Jensen.

I was immediately drawn to the title, thinking how appropriate it would be for this time of year, but even more delightful was discovering the story is set in the Wenatchee Valley of Washington State! That’s a day trip from my home outside of Seattle, and there is no more picturesque place or better setting for a winter romance as far as I’m concerned.

The theatrical little Bavarian town of Leavenworth is exactly as described in the book; simply a sight to behold, and a place I love to take my family and friends visiting from far away places! The author does a fabulous job of describing the area, and I felt myself grinning every time a little burg, like Cashmere, was mentioned. If you’ve never been to these places, you’ll feel like you have after you’ve read about them here.

But setting aside, it’s the characters that will pull you in. Riley Madigan is a twenty-something city girl trying to outrun heartache. She leaves the city life behind to become a high school art teacher in the remote little town of Miracle Creek. Expecting to find solitude in such a place, she’s not prepared when she meets Mark Rivers on the ‘off-the-beaten path.’ Mark is working to rebuild his life after the devastation of losing his best friend and fire-fighting partner in a wildfire a year earlier, in which he suffered severe burns himself. He’s trying to come to terms with his altered appearance and his altered life.

Each carry heartache and injury, guarding themselves against any additional sorrows. So “just friends” it will have to be, despite those inconvenient feelings they keep trying to deny (themselves as well as others.) Well-meaning family members, and not-so-well-meaning community characters, had me fearful these two might not ever come to their senses, but - spoiler alert - they finally do!

Love blossoms in the middle of winter at Miracle Creek, and I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did, perhaps curled up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate, memories of when you last made a snow-angel in the back of your mind, while the lights on the tree twinkle in the corner…

ORDER "Miracle Creek Christmas”
(for you and all those who love a good romance)