0 Stephanie Kate Strohm Answers the Question: What qualities should a prince possess?

What qualities should a prince possess?

When I was little, my favorite prince was Prince Phillip from Sleeping Beauty. I knew, even at the time, that this was sort of an unusual choice. Most of my friends liked Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid, which made a lot more sense, as we’d all seen Little Mermaid on the big screen when it came out in 89. Plus, Eric had a dog, and was rocking that very handsome light eyes-dark hair combo. But for me, it was all Prince Phillip. And when thinking about what qualities a prince should possess, if I go with my first favorite prince, a prince should:

• Be a great singer/dancer (gotta know how to waltz!)
• Have a hilarious horse
• Rock a jaunty red hat with a feather in it
• Have nearly immobile hair
• Be willing to defy royal convention/parental expectation and marry for love

Most of these qualities have not stood the test of time. For example, I am having a very hard time picturing Prince William in a red hat with a feather on it. But when I started to think of some of my favorite fictional princes from books, TV shows, and movies – like Eddie from The Prince and Me, Nick from The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, every prince in every Hallmark movie ever – there was one thing they all had in common. All of these princes defied whatever they were supposed to do and married for love, usually spurning some scary debutante-type in the process. There is something about these royal love stories I find irresistible. I think it’s that push-pull between duty and love, and that message that love can triumph over all – even over a scary debutante-type.

Of course, a real life prince should possess a lot more qualities than just the ability to follow his heart. A keen sense of empathy, for one. Knowledge about and respect for other countries and cultures. An unflagging commitment to charity work – and both William and Harry have distinguished themselves admirably in that regard. (Here’s some information on all the charities they support: https://www.dukeandduchessofcambridge.org/the-duke-of-cambridge/charities )

But I can’t deny that when I watched the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle engagement interview video for the seventh time, I wasn’t thinking about any of those things. I was thinking that here are two people who have followed their hearts, and I couldn’t be happier for them. Here’s to love! 

More about Prince in Disguise

Someday I want to live in a place where I never hear “You’re Dusty’s sister?” ever again.

Life is real enough for Dylan—especially as the ordinary younger sister of Dusty, former Miss Mississippi and the most perfect, popular girl in Tupelo. But when Dusty wins the hand of the handsome Scottish laird-to-be Ronan on the TRC television network’s crown jewel, Prince in Disguise, Dylan has to face a different kind of reality: reality TV.

As the camera crew whisks them off to Scotland to film the lead-up to the wedding, camera-shy Dylan is front and center as Dusty’s maid of honor. The producers are full of surprises—including old family secrets, long-lost relatives, and a hostile future mother-in-law who thinks Dusty and Dylan’s family isn’t good enough for her only son. At least there’s Jamie, an adorably bookish groomsman who might just be the perfect antidote to all Dylan’s stress . . . if she just can keep TRC from turning her into the next reality show sensation.

About the Author

Stephanie Kate Strohm is the author of The Taming of the Drew, Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink, Confederates Don't Wear Couture, and the upcoming It's Not Me, It's You and Prince in Disguise. She grew up in Connecticut and attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where she was voted Winter Carnival Queen. Currently she lives in Chicago with her fiance and a little white dog named Lorelei Lee. http://www.stephaniekatestrohm.com

0 My 18 for 2018 List

I've been following Gretchen Rubin on Facebook for over a year now. She's written a book called The Happiness Project which in itself has become a movement. In a podcast a few weeks ago, she adopted "18 for 2018" for the new year after being inspired by a listener. I thought this was a great idea and decided to post my 18 things that would make me happier in 2018.

• Put new batteries in all the flashlights
• Learn more about coding
• Make more time for being crafty (sewing, knitting, etc.)
• Do yoga everyday
• Be more organized
• Take more photos
• Start a family game night with in-laws
• Read more books that I already own
• Learn to cook new recipes
• Say yes to things that scare me
• Spend more time in nature
• Finish reading Moby Dick
• Limit time on social media
• Connect with friends more
• Send out Christmas cards
• Learn to say no without feeling guilty
• Drink less coffee
• Learn a new language

So that's it. What's on your list?

0 Interesting Holiday Word Origins, Melissa de la Cruz's Writing Process, and More!

0 One of the best books of 2017 is on sale today only!

Buy from Amazon

ABOUT KATE QUINN

Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia.

ABOUT THE ALICE NETWORK

In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose.

Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth...no matter where it leads.

Connect with Kate:

Website: http://www.katequinnauthor.com/

Facebook: @KateQuinnAuthor

Twitter: @KateQuinnAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2974095.Kate_Quinn?from_search=true

PRAISE FOR THE ALICE NETWORK

• USA TODAY BESTSELLER
• One of NPR's Best Books of 2017!
• One of Bookbub's Biggest Historical Fiction Books of 2017!
• Reese Witherspoon Book Club Summer Reading Pick!
• One of Amazon's Best Books of June!
• One of Goodreads' Best Books of June!

“The Alice Network has history, suspense, romance and women kicking butt. I couldn't put it down.”—NPR.org

“Amazing historical fiction... a must read!”—Historical Novel Society, Editor’s Choice

“With her latest novel, Kate Quinn announces herself as one of the best artists of the genre. The plotting is seamless, the pace breathtaking, and the prose is both vivid and laced with just the right amount of details. Fans of historical fiction, spy fiction and thrilling drama will love every moment of THE ALICE NETWORK. It‘s a masterful novel that will leave you craving more.”—Book Page

“Those looking for intrigue and danger in their summer fiction may be drawn to Quinn’s (Mistress of Rome) latest... This fast-paced story offers courageous heroines, villains you love to hate, and dramatic life-or-death stakes. A compelling blend of historical fiction, mystery, and women’s fiction, Quinn’s complex story and engaging characters have something to offer just about everyone.”

—Library Journal, starred review

“Lovingly crafted and brimming with details, readers are sure to be held in Quinn’s grip watching as the characters evolve. Powerful reading you can’t put down!”—RT Book Reviews, 4.5 star, “Top Pick”

“Smart, suspenseful and adventurous, The Alice Network is a worthy homage to the female spies of World War I of which Quinn should be proud.”—Shelf Awareness

“Page-Turning… riveting…with enough thrills, violence, and intrigue to keep any mystery enthusiast interested, especially if they enjoy well researched historical settings and intriguing characters.”—Reviewing the Evidence

“Both funny and heartbreaking, this epic journey of two courageous women is an unforgettable tale of little-known wartime glory and sacrifice. Quinn knocks it out of the park with this spectacular book!”—Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of America's First Daughter

“The Alice Network... perfectly balances a propulsive plot, faultlessly observed period detail, and a cast of characters so vividly drawn that I half expected to blink and see them standing in front of me. This is historical fiction at its best--thrilling, affecting, revelatory.”—Jennifer Robson, international bestselling author of Moonlight Over Paris

“Kate Quinn delivers an enthralling tale filled with breath-taking narrative that will make the reader feel as if they’re in the back of the roadster, riding along with the raucous Eve and courageous Charlie on their clandestine adventures. Suspenseful and engrossing, THE ALICE NETWORK is a must-read!”—Heather Webb, author of Rodin's Lover

“A ring of daring female spies known as the Alice Network left a legacy of blood and betrayal. Two women suffering the losses of two different wars must join forces, one to find her voice and her redemption, the other to face her fears and her oldest enemy. Kate Quinn strums the chords of every human emotion with two storylines that race over continents and through decades to converge in one explosive ending.”—Marci Jefferson, author of Enchantress of Paris

"A powerful story filled with daring and intrigue, The Alice Network will hook readers from the first page and take them on an unforgettable journey."—Chanel Cleeton, author of Next Year in Havana

“Line for line, one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Loyal and brave, the women of THE ALICE NETWORK are brilliantly revealed by Kate Quinn’s exquisite storytelling and prose. I loved every word! A must read for fans of WWI and WWII fiction.”—Renee Rosen, author of Windy City Blues

0 Merry Christmas!

0 Check out these 5 debut female authors from Beaks and Geeks

Whether you're out and about, waiting in line, or wrapping gifts, you can tune into Beaks and Geeks to listen to numerous debut novelists share insights into the stories they have written and engaging tidbits about their lives, inside, and outside of writing.  

Below are links to five episodes from the past year, which feature women debut authors. 

Francesca Hornak, author of Seven Days of Us 

Listen to Francesca Hornak discuss her witty and charming novel about a deadly disease, complicated family, and a forced Christmastime quarantine. Tune into an entertaining conversation about creaky family estates, awkward moments, gruesome diseases and more.  

Brit Bennett, author of The Mothers 

On Beaks and Geeks, Brit Bennett celebrates the paperback release of her 2016 debut novel about motherhood, friendship, and life choices. She talks about the power of gossip, politics of her novel, feedback from readers, and more.

Diksha Basu, author of The Windfall  

Tune into a conversation about newfound wealth and “keeping up with the Joneses”, as author and actor, Diksha Basu, discusses class, culture, wealth, and love in modern India—topics central to her debut novel. 

Chiara Barzini, author of Things That Happened Before the Earthquake 

Chiara Barzini tells readers about her experience moving from Italy to California as a teenager, and how it influenced her debut novel, a coming of age story set in Los Angeles in the nineties during the race riot and earthquake.  

Camille Bordas, author of How to Behave in a Crowd

Camille Bordas discusses her debut English novel, which unfolds through the eyes of an eleven-year-old boy, the youngest of six siblings, who struggles to fit in with his quirky family of academics. Bordas talks about the loneliness of academia, her characters, writing process, and more.  

0 The first trailer for Little Women is here and I'm so excited!

I love Little Women and I'm excited to watch the first trailer for the new PBS series. What do you think? 

Watch the first trailer for Little Women, the two-part TV adaptation coming to MASTERPIECE on PBS on Mother’s Day (May 13), and continuing on May 20, 2018!

0 Penguin Classics has released a deluxe edition of Anne of Green Gables and it's EVERYTHING!

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition | 416 pages | 9780143131854

Available @ Amazon

The beloved coming-of-age tale of a spunky heroine named Anne "with an E," now for the first time in Penguin Classics and packaged in a Deluxe edition. 

L. M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan mistakenly sent to a pair of siblings who intended to adopt a boy to help work on their farm in Prince Edward Island. Yet Anne's quirky personality and good-natured spirit causes the siblings to grow to love her anyway, and soon the entire town falls for the precocious little girl with bright red hair. 
Cherished by both children and adults, Anne of Green Gables is a celebration of fierce individualism, and the families we create, rather than the ones we are born into. This Deluxe edition is enhanced with a foreword by bestselling author J. Courtney Sullivan, and an introduction and suggestions for further reading by Benjamin Lefebvre, as well as reviews and a selection of early writing by L. M. Montgomery about the process of writing Anne. 

My Thoughts

I fell in love with Anne of Green Gables at an early age. So early, I can't remember a time in my life where I wasn't a fan. In fact, I wanted to be Anne. Gilbert Blythe was my first crush. I wanted to move to Prince Edward Island and live happily ever after. I know I'm not the only one though. Anne of Green Gables has sold over 50 million copies, and I'm not ashamed to say I've bought more than a few. It's been made into films, television movies, and plays. My favorite is the 1985 television adaptation starring Megan Follows and Colleen Dewhurst. I've watched to so many times, I know it by heart.

From the first sentence--

Mrs. Rachel Lynde lived just where the Avonlea main road dipped down into a little hollow, fringed with alders and ladies' eardrops and trasversed by a brook that had its source away back in the woods of the old Cuthbert place; it was reputed to be intricate, headlong brook in its earlier course through the woods, with dark secrets of pool and cascade, but by the time it reached Lynde's Hollow it was quiet, well-conducted little stream, for not even a brook could run past Mrs. Rachel Lynde's door without due regard for the decency and decorum; it probably was conscious that Mrs. Rachel was sitting at her window, keeping a sharp eye on everything that passed, from brooks and children up, and that if she noticed anything odd or out of place she would never rest until she had ferreted out the whys and wherefores therof.

 --to the last, Lucy Maud Montgomery spellbinds you with her prose. The Cuthberts, the town, the people will make you fall in love. The main character, Anne Shirley, steals your heart and carves her initials on it. I was able in the past few years to share with my daughter my love for this author and for Anne. It did not surprise me in the least that she took to Anne as I had. Because who doesn't love an intelligent, curious, imaginative, precious little girl who isn't afraid to be herself.

This brand new deluxe edition is perfect for the Anne enthusiasts out there. It has a beautiful cover and an foreword by J. Courtney Sullivan and an introduction by Benjamin Lefebvre. Also, I loved the suggestions for further reading page. I've added a few things to my wish list. If you've not yet had the pleasure of reading this beloved classic, now is the time. If you have, you might consider buying this book for yourself or someone you love, or like, or maybe just a vague acquaintance. Because everyone deserves Anne. And although this isn't scientifically proven, I believe reading this book can cure depression, boost the economy, and maybe even bring about world peace.

1 Interview: Jamie Jo Wright

About the Book: 

Kaine Prescott is no stranger to death. When her husband died two years ago, her pleas for further investigation into his suspicious death fell on deaf ears. In desperate need of a fresh start, Kaine purchases an old house sight unseen in her grandfather's Wisconsin hometown. But one look at the eerie, abandoned house immediately leaves her questioning her rash decision. And when the house's dark history comes back with a vengeance, Kaine is forced to face the terrifying realization she has nowhere left to hide. 

A century earlier, the house on Foster Hill holds nothing but painful memories for Ivy Thorpe. When an unidentified woman is found dead on the property, Ivy is compelled to discover her identity. Ivy's search leads her into dangerous waters and, even as she works together with a man from her past, can she unravel the mystery before any other lives--

including her own--are lost?

Interview

1. Describe this book in three words. Haunting, Relevant, Hopeful

2. What is Kaine Prescott's state of mind at the beginning of The House on Foster Hill.  

What a great question! Kaine is troubled and frightened and also frustrated with her somewhat irrational self. She has the innate ability to see things from a very common sense, logic standpoint, but her emotions are so overwhelming and so consuming it wars with that clinical element of her mind. A the beginning of the book, she’s exhausted and wants to escape.

3. I love that the house has a dark history. Is that aspect of the novel inspired by anything in real life?

It is. Two things, actually. The first being my love for old abandoned houses, sheds, even asylums (which I’ve explored). I’ve always wondered if walls could talk, and sometimes, I almost think they can. 😉 The second, I have to be cautious of so I don’t give any spoilers, but there is a very old but current issue the characters of THOFH must face and I believe emphatically it is one we cannot ignore. 

4. What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

There is a scene toward the end of the book where a lot of the backstory of one of the characters comes out. It was difficult because I wanted to do this character justice, but also the circumstances she’d experience needed to be explained carefully and delicately. It was difficult to write because sometimes life doesn’t provide the resolutions we’d like. Not everyone can have a fairy tale ending…. That’s all I’ll say. 😊

5. What is one thing you hope readers will take away from reading this book?

I want them to take away hope. Every day we’re bombarded with news that can really shake us, stir us up, or even frighten us. But we need hope. We need that element in our life that help will come, that there is something beyond what we can see, and that the world isn’t spiraling out of control.

6. Who are some of your literary inspirations?

You’re really gonna get me started on this? Lol! I’ll try to keep it short. I am inspired by the classics! Contrary to my character Kaine, who is not a Dicken’s fan, I love Charles Dickens. I love that his words string into page-long sentences and his descriptions defy our current to-the-point English structure. I’m also a massive Edgar Allan Poe fan. His words have so many twists and elements and I really wish I could see inside his thoughts as he wrote them to see what inspired them and what he really meant. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of Seven Gables was my favorite classic as a young teenager and still is. I bet, subtly, that influenced THOFH.

7. How do you take your coffee?

Any way I can!! LOL I’m a coffee snob—a nice snob—but a snob. I love a good strong roast, that’s been freshly roasted and ideally, on an open fire pit. (don’t ask lol) If I add cream, it’s a bit of heavy whipping cream for that texture that is delectable. I rarely add syrups unless I’m doing the Starbucks coffee drive thru, in which case, syrups and doctoring is necessary to help their blends. Ok. I’ll stop now. LOL

8. What is your favorite Christmas carol?

This is a difficult one. I had a massive crush on Bing Crosby when I was a kid (yes, old soul here). So “White Christmas” was always the go-to carol for me. However, my faith is central to who I am, so I also gravitate to the traditional carols referencing the nativity. In which case, “Oh Holy Night” slays me and gives me shivers (especially when Josh Groban sings it)

9. What was the last book you've read?

The last book I read? I finished two at the same time! (One audio and one actually read). The audio book was The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James. It’s eery and delicious and the paranormal elements done in a more literary fashion are totally killer. The other I finished, is 12 Days at Bleakly Manor by Michelle Griep. It’s a delightful mysterious Christmas regency novel that is soooooo good. 

10. What are you looking forward to in 2018?

Well, on the book side of things, I have another novel coming out, The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. I’m excited about its release in July. On the personal side, I’m looking forward to just another year with my family. We’re “country folk” and live in the woods, so I love just being home when I’m not at my day job, writing while the kids play spies in the woods. It’s always so relaxing. 

About The Author

Professional coffee drinker & ECPA/Publisher's Weekly best-selling author, Jaime Jo Wright resides in the hills of Wisconsin writing spirited romantic suspense stained with the shadows of history. Coffee fuels her snarky personality. She lives in Neverland with her Cap’n Hook who stole her heart and will not give it back, their little fairy Tinkerbell, and a very mischievous Peter Pan. The foursome embark on scores of adventure that only make her fall more wildly in love with romance and intrigue. Jaime lives in dreamland, exists in reality, and invites you to join her adventures at jaimejowright.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jaimejowright

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaimejowright 

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jaimejowright 

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/jaimejowright 

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/13916081.Jaime_Jo_Wright

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Jaime-Jo-Wright/e/B01421H0JQ/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

0 12 Christmas Books To Get You Into The Holiday Spirit

Just in time for the holidays, New York Times bestselling author and artist Mary Engelbreit has expanded her collection of coloring books with this assortment of black-and-white Christmas postcards, ornaments, and gift tags—perfect for adding your own pop of color!

With the Color ME Christmas Book of Postcards, Mary Engelbreit fans can deck the halls, the tree, and their gifts with 10 postcards, 15 cut-out gift tags, and 10 cut-out ornaments. Each item is printed in black and white—the perfect canvas to get creative! This festive book from the New York Times bestselling queen of Christmas makes it easy to put an original and heartfelt touch on the holiday season.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas Stories

Join the original pioneer girl in this Little House chapter book, adapted for younger readers from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved classics.

Illustrated with beautiful new black-and-white artwork, this repackaged edition includes bonus material such as games, activities, and more!

For Laura Ingalls, Christmas means good things to eat, visits from friends, and special gifts to give and receive. As Laura grows up, every Christmas is better than the one before.

Santa's Moose by Syd Hoff

A holiday classic by the author of Danny and the Dinosaur, available again—and now with full-color art!

Milton the moose wants to help pull Santa’s sleigh. “I have never used a moose before,” says Santa, “but I’m willing if you are.” At first, clumsy Milton is not very good at landing on roofs. But when Santa’s sleigh becomes too heavy for the tired reindeer, Milton comes to the rescue. This reissued edition is a funny holiday twist on Santa and his reindeer by Syd Hoff, celebrated author of Danny and the Dinosaur.

Santa’s Moose is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

A Very Dino Christmas

Danny’s friend the dinosaur has never experienced Christmas before, so he and Danny decide to celebrate—dino-style! But what will happen when the museum director isn’t so happy with the new museum decorations?

Find out in this Danny and the Dinosaur 8x8 adventure, complete with 8 holiday cards, a poster, and stickers. This brand-new story is based on Syd Hoff’s beloved classic.

P.S. This book comes with stickers! 

A Little House Picture Book Treasury: Six Stories of Life on the Prairie

by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Renée Graef (Illustrator)

This hardcover, full-color treasury includes six picture book stories adapted from the classic Little House books.

The Little House series introduced generations of readers to Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life on the frontier. Now with this illustrated storybook collection, the youngest readers can share in her world as well.

Laura Ingalls lives in a snug little log cabin with her ma, her pa, her sisters, Mary and Carrie, and their dog, Jack. Almanzo Wilder lives on a farm with his family and lots of animals. These pioneer children have all sorts of adventures, including trips to town, county fairs, cozy winter days, and holidays with family.

The six stories included in this treasury were originally published as stand-alone picture books: A Little Prairie House, Going to Town, County Fair, Sugar Snow, Winter Days in the Big Woods, and Christmas in the Big Woods.

Jingle Bells by Susan Jeffers

Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh

O’er the fields we go, laughing all the way…

Ride along with a girl, a boy, their pony, and a mischievous dog as they travel to Grandma’s house. With playful animals in their path, their journey gets a bit sidetracked. But soon enough they arrive at Grandma’s—where an unexpected visitor fills them with holiday cheer!

Bear's Merry Book of Hidden Things

If you’re searching for Where’s Waldo? for the next generation, this holiday seek-and-find from internet sensation Gergely Dudás will have you—and your kids—busy for hours.

Bear loves the holidays, and this year he's throwing a party for all his animal friends. But there's so much to do to get ready—and he is only one very little bear! Can you help Bear find all the secret treasures he needs for his party? 

Readers of all ages will find this lush, charming illustrated wonderland irresistible—and irresistibly challenging—and will return to it again and again.

The Nutcracker in Harlem by T.E. McMorrow

This jazz-inspired reinvention of The Nutcracker is a worthy tribute to the dreamlike wonder and magic of the Christmas season.


In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy.


This quintessential holiday tale is brought to vivid life by debut picture book author T. E. McMorrow and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator James Ransome. An author’s note at the end provides additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance, and about the author’s inspiration for this musical retelling.

The Selection Coloring Book (The Selection)by Kiera Cass, Sandra Suy (Illustrator), Martina Flor(Illustrator)

Prepare to be swept away by the gorgeous gowns and breathless romance of Kiera Cass’s #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series—now brought to life in this beautifully illustrated coloring book.

Features original black-and-white line drawings of favorite characters and moments from the world of Illéa, as well as stunningly designed hand-lettered quotes from all five Selection books, all on perforated pages that can easily be removed and displayed. The Selection Coloring Book is the perfect companion for fans of the Selection series and a captivating journey for any reader who loves a happily ever after.

A Christmas to Remember (The Lost Lords of Pembrook #2.5)

by Lisa Kleypas , Lorraine Heath, Megan Frampton , Vivienne Lorret 

Romance stars Lisa Kleypas, Lorraine Heath, Megan Frampton, and Vivienne Lorret prove in this collection of stories that love is the most magical during Christmas…

I Will by Lisa Kleypas

To be reinstated into his father’s will, Andrew, Lord Drake, must court a respectable woman-his friend’s spinster sister, Miss Caroline Hargreaves. After he blackmails Caroline into helping him, the charade begins-but is it really a charade once love takes hold of their hearts…?

Deck the Halls With Love by Lorraine Heath

Alistair Wakefield, the Marquess of Chetwyn, devastated Lady Meredith Hargreaves when he proposed to another. But when he becomes free to pursue her, it’s too late for she’s on her way to the altar….. As Christmas approaches, Chetwyn vows to lure Lady Meredith back into his arms.

No Groom at the Inn by Megan Frampton

James Archer detests his mother’s matchmaking ways. When ordered to attend a Christmastime house party filled with simpering maidens, he produces a fiancée-Lady Sophronia Bettesford. James and Sophronia pretend to be in love for one month. But their pact soon turns into love.

The Duke’s Christmas Wish by Vivienne Lorret

To the Duke of Vale, science solves everything-even marriage. When the impulsive Ivy Sutherland makes him question all of his data, he realizes that he’s overlooked a vital component in his search for the perfect match: love.

Oliver, the Cat Who Saved Christmas by Sheila Norton 

A friend who brings light at the darkest of times... 

Oliver the cat is a timid little thing, and rarely ventures from his home in the Foresters’ Arms.

Then his life changes dramatically when a fire breaks out in the pub kitchen and he is left homeless and afraid. But, with the kindness of the humans around him, he soon learns to trust again. And, in his own special way, he helps to heal those around him.

However, it isn’t until he meets a little girl in desperate need of a friend that he realises this village needs a Christmas miracle...

Christmas in Paris by Anita Hughes 

Hughes will fill your heart with the sights, sounds, and flavors of new love, glamorous fashion, and decadent holiday cuisine.

Isabel Lawson is standing on the balcony of her suite at the Hotel Crillon as she gazes at the twinkling lights of the Champs Elysee and wonders if she’s made a terrible mistake. She was supposed to be visiting the Christmas tree in the Place de la Concorde, and eating escargots and macaroons with her new husband on their honeymoon. But a week before the wedding, she called it off. Isabel is an ambitious Philadelphia finance woman, and Neil suddenly decided to take over his grandparents’ farm. Isabel wasn’t ready to trade her briefcase for a pair of rubber boots and a saddle.

When Neil suggested she use their honeymoon tickets for herself, she thought it would give her a chance to clear her head. That is until she locks herself out on the balcony in the middle of winter. Thankfully her neighbor Alec, a French children’s illustrator, comes to her rescue. He too is nursing a broken heart at the Crillon for the holidays. With a new friend by her side, Isabel is determined to use her time in the city of lights wisely. After a chance encounter with a fortune teller and a close call with a taxi, she starts to question everything she thought was important.

Christmas in Paris is a moving and heartwarming story about love, trust, and self-discovery. Set during the most magical week of the year, the glorious foods and fashions of the most romantic city in the world are sure to take your breath away.