Love in the Kitchen (+giveaway)

September 11, 2023 Jaycee Weaver48 Comments

Did you know September 10-16 is Chef Appreciation Week this year? How exciting is that?!

I know, I know, it’s back-to-school season, but I’ve already written a back-to-school post. Yeah, I’ve already written a food post too, but this time I thought it would be fun to talk about those who fulfill our fictional food fantasies, CHEF characters!

Romance is FULL of chef heroes and heroines. There’s just something about being in the kitchen surrounded by food that creates the perfect setting for love… or loathing. Chef heroes and heroines add a whole lot of extra flavor to typical romance tropes (pun totally intended). So in honor of Chef Appreciation Week, let’s explore how those tropes are so much tastier with chefs at the helm as we show our appreciation for those who heat up the kitchen.

One of my favorite tropes is loathe-to-love (aka hate-to-love and/or enemies-to-lovers), and when it takes place in the kitchen? Count. Me. In. What a place for cooks to clash! Egos flare, attraction sparks, passions ignite, and love fans into a flame. A perfect example of this is Jenny Proctor’s third Hawthorne brother book, How to Kiss Your Enemy All that friction between chefs Lennox and Tatum is so fun. Our very own Jan Thompson also has chef rivals in her Savannah Sweethearts series, Call You Home. Bonus, Jan’s title features a deaf heroine! (I love seeing diverse representation in Christian fiction. Isn’t it beautiful to explore God’s wide world through the eyes of others whose experience vary from our own?) Let’s give a shout out to Piper and Isaac! And one of my all-time favorite rival chef romances is Hadley Beckett’s Next Dish from rom-com queen Bethany Turner with chefs Hadley and Max battling it out for reality television glory.

If grumpy/sunshine romances are more your thing, what’s more fun than a broody, crabby chef? Valerie Comer’s chef Levi Esteban from Better Than a Crown is a prime example of hard-headed and brooding hero (and I adored him).

Billionaire, widower, and single dad romances are market staples, and you can find all three in Jan Thompson’s His Morning Kiss, where we meet a personal chef Skye.

See what I mean about putting chefs into all sorts of romance tropes? What a *perfect* way to add a little forced proximity, caregivers, or any number of other sub-tropes we love.

And I’ve got a few more personal chef books for you! Lavished with Lavender from Valerie Comer features both a nurse and a personal chef, which is doubly fab in my book (cheers for Chef Tony!). And I can’t forget my dear friend Teresa Tysinger’s personal chef Leah Spencer in Say It’s For Good, which also combines the tropes of second chances and a fake relationship with Teresa’s signature Southern flavor and gorgeous backdrops.

Speaking of forced proximity (and workplace romance!), Sarah Monzon’s Freedom’s Kiss is full of sparks between food truck owner Adam and chef-hopeful Olivia. Lindi Peterson’s Chef Grant reconnects with his childhood sweetheart and friend in Sweet Love of Mine, and you’ll have fun with Paige’s unique and tasty offerings in Elizabeth Maddrey’s opposites attract tale, A Splash of Substance while learning about sustainable food!

We’ve covered a lot of tropes already, but I can’t leave without appreciating the chef of at least one marriage of convenience book. Dwight Williams, chef of the legendary Maple Pit in Toni Shiloh’s Buying Love, is just the sort of hero worth appreciating. (Come on, maple barbecue and all the other maple goodness? Stop. I’m drooling.)

While it’s still fairly early in the back-to-school season, a lot of us are looking forward to Christmas books!! If that’s your favorite, Carolyn Miller’s upcoming holiday release will feature TWO chefs, Alphonse and Camille. Plus it’s a collection of short romances, so you know I’m down for that. (This tall girl LOVES her short books LOL!) You can pre-order Muskoka Holiday Morsels for auto-download on 11/2/23.

I also happen to have a holiday romance featuring a chef heroine. CJ Sinclair is visiting her sister this Christmas as she sorts out her life after breaking free of a traumatic relationship. There, CJ reconnects with her former best friend and first love, ex-military musician Tobin, in Now and Forever Christmas, a friends-to-more second chance tale with a wacky, lovable family lightening the serious moments. There are plenty of those, since CJ walked away from God for a while and yearns for redemption and forgiveness with her fresh start.

Whew! We covered a lot of ground today! LOL! I hope our chef characters feel appreciated. 😉 Wouldn’t you agree the passion, artistry, and dedication of chefs make the most overdone of tropes more palatable?

Since all of our chefs here are fictional, I’d like to offer my own personal appreciation gift to one lucky reader! To enter the random drawing for an eBook edition of Now and Forever Christmas, be sure to comment with your favorite fictional chef, the title of the book they’re in, and/or which of YOUR favorite tropes I missed! Remember, until tomorrow 9/12, your comments are ALSO your entries into the 2023 Back-to-School Bash!

Until next time, happy reading!

Getting to Know You · Special Occasions

Birthdays and Holidays and Books (Oh My!)

July 12, 2023 Jaycee Weaver9 Comments

July is always a little crazy. Not as chaotic as December or May, mind you, but close. We have several birthdays (including mine tomorrow), Independence Day, and loads of summer activities for starters. Since becoming an author, I’ve had fun adding bookish events such the FaithBooks Free Book Blast and Christmas in July to the already jam-packed month too.

As I write this, my youngest daughter is having a birthday party with the youth group from our church. I’m listening to the soundtrack of teenage laughter as they play crazy games and eat chicken nuggets like they’re going out of style (spoiler alert—they aren’t and never will LOL). While the introverts in the house are struggling with the invasion, I’m in my happy place. I love having people in my home enjoying themselves, eating well, and lifting one another up in unconventional ways. Birthdays aren’t an over-the-top occasion for us, but we always try to find personal ways to make the honoree feel special.

A week and a half ago, our home was filled with extended family celebrating my in-laws’ 50th wedding anniversary. It was such a blessing to celebrate their marriage and the impact they’ve had on so many people over the years. And then, in between those two parties, we had family here for the night of Independence Day. Each event was different in terms of the work put in, stress level, guests, menu, and even the overall vibe. And yet all three had one thing in common: love of family. (Okay, and we ate too much. Every. Single. Time.)

In my youth, we didn’t often have a big extended family to celebrate these not-so-everyday occasions with. Our relations were spread across the US and none of us had the financial freedom to travel except every few years for a centrally located reunion (which was always a great time). When I married into a family with locally based roots branching out as deep and wide as the city itself, those first few years were overwhelming. We found ourselves setting boundaries and becoming protective of our nuclear family when it came to celebrating both big holidays and smaller ones. Finding balance between the extremes was a key part of those early marriage and parenting years.

Now, we’ve established our traditions. We’ve gained some experience. And we’ve grown more comfortable opening our home (at least, I have. My poor introvert hubby doesn’t always handle it so well). Our house has become the landing pad, the gathering place, the holiday zone. Maybe not for every event, but for a lot of them. It’s a blessing, this home of ours, which is less about the walls and what fills them and more about how we love, how we come together, how we pour into one another. Like I said, it’s my happy place.

You know, until the pandemic, I never really liked Christmas in July. Back then, Christmas was more than a little overwhelming. Demanding. A season of stress. Yes, we did what we could to keep Christ at the forefront, but inevitably with our massive extended family, three children, school/church/extracurricular activities, work, donations, projects, programs, blah blah blah, there was a lot going on in December. I thought, why would I want to taint my summer with that kind of insanity and stress? It’s better now, as we’ve gotten older and come through the pandemic with a greater appreciation for slowing down. But Christmastime can still be… well, a lot.

Now in July (though as I’ve established is still a little crazy) we don’t have quite so many demands. It’s summer where we live. I can catch up on sleep (praise God for the ability to stay home with my kids, I know not everyone is able to or wants to do so). I can move at a slower pace than during the school year (maybe not this year, but usually LOL). I can read more (yay!) and write more (double yay!). And I can finally carve out a little more time to celebrate my Christmas books. And READ Christmas books. It’s hot here right now, so reading about snow and chilly winter air is an escape. And I have a friend Down Under who’s said she enjoys Christmas books in July because that’s when it’s winter for her. So either way, it makes sense!

Plus, I mean, who doesn’t love sprinkling a little more Christmas love throughout the year? It’s like attending a midweek service or Bible study—sometimes we need a reminder of what God has done for us to keep us going through the second half. This year, I am all in for Christmas in July. Let’s make it a real thing!

Let’s share the love of Christ. Do nice things for people we forget to do other times of year. Revel in the beauty of the season we’re in. Think about others more than we think of ourselves. Do all the things we want to do and try to do in December!

And buy more books. LOL! Because it’s fun. And there are, like, a gazillion book sales happening right now.

Including SEVEN of my books offered for 99¢ or less. WHY did I put 7 books on sale? I’m glad you asked. 1) Because it’s Christmas in July; and 2) Because tomorrow is my birthday and I like giving people things; and 3) Because today we’re talking BIRTHDAYS and HOLIDAYS and BOOKS (oh my)!

If you haven’t yet joined my reader community, be sure to head over to https://jayceeweaver.com/newsletter and sign up. You’ll receive a lovely little book for free right away and then be among the first to know when I have crazy sales like this or new books available.

Before I sign off, I’d like to hear from you! How can YOU celebrate Christmas this month, despite the official holiday being nearly half a year away? (I mean, does it really matter when the official holiday is, since Christ was not actually born in December, but sometime in March or April?) What’s one way you can bring a little Christmas joy to those around you right now? I can’t wait to read your answers and chat in the comments.

Until next time,

PS — If you’re looking for a LOT of clean, inspirational Christmas books without having to spend a fortune, you can click HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE for some fantastic no-signup-required promos! Disclaimer: I haven’t read every single author in these lists, so please read descriptions and choose at your own discretion. They all do claim to have only clean/wholesome/sweet/inspirational/Christian content.

Roundup · Writing Process

It’s Complicated: How Authors Really Feel About Their First Book

January 30, 2023 Jaycee Weaver39 Comments

Confession: I don’t like my first book. I’m actually pretty embarrassed by it.

Back in 2017 when I first wrote What Could Be, I was like a proud new first-time mama. My book baby was perfect. Beautiful. And certain to make its mark on the world.

Aaaaaaand then I read it again months after I’d released it into the world. My face burned with embarrassment and regret. I wanted to immediately unpublish it and hide it away for eternity. The pacing was slow. The heroine was annoyingly perfect. The chemistry fell flat. And wow, I really should have hired an editor. Instead, I’d already turned it into a series! Ever the problem solver, I got a team together and put that book through more editing, proofreading, critiquing, and then launched a second edition.

And it’s still not a great book.

Each book in the series is an improvement over the one before, but not everyone gives them a chance because there are still so many problems with that first book. Now, while I try to love the book that made me a published author, my feelings toward it are…complicated. As it turns out, I’m not alone in feeling this way.

Here’s what some of our own InspyRomance authors had to say about their first books:

“I recently revisited the manuscript of my first book, Holding on to Someday, and it makes me cringe at some of the errors I made. I wish I had time to go back and rewrite some of it, but then it wouldn’t be a first book, would it? lol!“ – K Leah

Teresa Tysinger says, “When I set out to write my first book, I knew a lot about storytelling — I had been an avid reader and studied literature for a long time. But I knew very little about the craft of writing a novel as a sellable product. I’m so incredibly proud of my first book, Someplace Familiar. It represents a courage I didn’t think I had. When I look over it, however, it is easy to find things I’d change. No matter your career or hobby, though, shouldn’t we look back and see growth since the beginning?“

“Authors aren’t supposed to publish the first book they ever wrote. But I didn’t hear that advice until after I’d already released Falling for the Foe. It has a flabby middle and I wish I’d known then how to ratchet up the dramatic tension. I was so shy about writing kisses that the lead characters only manage a hug at the end! Despite that, I’m proud of what this book stands for. It’s a signpost of how God brought to fruition my desire to share stories, and it’s introduced the country of my birth to many readers.” – Milla Holt

Merrillee Whren was a lot smarter than I was. Ha ha! She said, “The first and the second books I wrote never came close to seeing publication. My first sale to Love Inspired was the 9th book I wrote. I eventually sold them the fourth and fifth books, after I went back and revised them. A good portion of my sixth book became part of my Pinecrest series. The eighth book was my RWA Golden Heart winner and my first indie book. I eventually indie published the third book by cutting a lot of it and turning it into a novella.”

Liwen Y. Ho’s remarks sum up my own feelings so well! “I’m grateful that I was able to start my author journey with Taking a Chance on the Heartbreaker, but am I proud of the book? Not exactly. Lol. It is what it is though—a story (based on my own love story) of God’s grace and redemption and how He took something broken and made it beautiful. It’s also very much a reminder of how much I’ve grown as an author since then and how God can take something so imperfect and use it for good. I had to start somewhere as an author and I’m thankful it was with that book.”

Regarding her debut novel, Elizabeth Maddrey says, “I still love the story of my first book, Wisdom to Know, but it’s also one of those situations where I didn’t know how much I didn’t know (despite having read a lot of craft books.) Readers generally still have positive things to say about it, and there’s a part of me that isn’t sure I’d be able to write the story today with out that optimistic ignorance that comes with being a debut author.”

I very much understand what she means. Writing—or pursuing any creative endeavor, really—requires revealing a part of ourselves to the world. That’s a very vulnerable position to find ourselves in. Without that “optimistic ignorance,” I imagine few creatives would have the guts to put their work into the world. But what a tragedy that would be!

“I published the very first book I ever wrote, Love on Ice, last year just in time for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Even after loads of editing, there are still things I’d tweak. But do I love it? Absolutely! (And I’m thankful readers like it too!)” – Carolyn Miller

Like Merrillee Whren, Lindi Peterson didn’t publish her first book. “There are two things I remember about my first manuscript. At the end of every chapter my heroine went to sleep–and when I actually wrote the end, I printed it, (which took ages back then!) and set it on the kitchen table, declared to my husband, ‘I wrote a book. I wrote The End!’ He asked what I was going to do with it. I said ‘I have no idea!’ That book will never be published. “

I especially admire Shannon Taylor Vannatter’s frankness in her confession: “Ugh!! I have 2. Both published by small print on demand publishers (when it was a new thing) and completely unedited. I want readers to know that anything published before 2010 is badly written. There were only 2 of them, but they were really bad. 2010 and after, I had an editor. And boy did I need one. I still need one.“

Veteran author Valerie Comer shares her own reflection on what it was like to reread her early books. “About a year ago, I decided to set a new series in the world of my first published series, so I reread all six books and made copious notes. My first book, Raspberries and Vinegar, made me cringe so many times! It feels so clunky to me now, but I couldn’t think of any way to make it better without a total rewrite that would change the essence of the story. The readers who found me through that first book… and loved it… are still my most avid fans. But boy, do I feel like my writing is so much stronger 40-some books later!“

“I still love the story I told in Falling on Main Street, but I cringe when I see the writing itself… so much narration, not a lot of emotional impact, and a lot of cliches. But – it was the story of my heart and God has been faithful to use it and readers still seem to enjoy it!” – Tara Grace Ericson

Angela Ruth Strong says, “Finding Love in Sun Valley makes me cringe, but I’m so thankful for it. I wrote it during the most difficult year of my life, so I basically went through aversion therapy. I also don’t think my work was ready to be published yet, but at the same time, it was a gift from God. It was released in hardback, sold in Costco, and optioned for film, which likely will never happen again. God was pretty much saying, ‘You can do this. Don’t give up. Your life story is just getting started.’“

InspyRomance alum Janet W. Ferguson shared her candid thoughts as well. “I read and rewrote Leaving Oxford so many times, it makes me crazy to try to look at it for any reason. I’ve thought about adding a 5th book to that series, but that would mean I might have to, so I have put it off indefinitely.”

The truth is, “it’s complicated,” defines the relationship every author has with their first book. Whether or not that book was ever published, there’s a mix of pride and embarrassment whenever we consider that early work. And that makes sense. After all, we’re supposed to grow with experience and get better with practice, no matter what we put our hands to. Ball players don’t reach the pros if they remain at their high school level. James Beard awarded chefs don’t cook the way they did their first time in the kitchen. Lucky for them, their first dish is nothing more than a memory, while authors’ early works continue to line shelves for anyone to pick up and judge.

So as you’re reading those backlist books from your favorite (or even new) authors, please consider them with grace and know that we’re improving our craft little by little as flawed humans who have to learn and grow like anyone else. Try not to judge our early efforts too harshly. Because we know those books are a little rough, but we’re not the same anymore. And if you’ve ever given an author a try, only to DNF a book for its flaws, maybe give one of their later books a chance. You may just find they’ve come into their own and figured out a thing or two about storytelling.

My dear friend Toni Shiloh had this to say to her author friends recently, and it’s such a wonderful perspective that I have to share. “A LIFE TO LIVE is the very first book I ever wrote and published. But for so many years I have looked at it in shame. Cringing at the “bad writing”, “broken rules” writers aren’t supposed to do, and remembering what that very first cover looked like… But I don’t want to look at my efforts any longer and be a harsh critic who holds no grace. … This book gave my first good reviews, got me readers who wanted to know when I’d publish another book. This book led me to the wonderful Christian fiction author community and the many talented authors I’ve met along the way. This book gave me fans who are still reading every book I publish and cheering for me without prompt. This book is a sign of growth as a writer and turning dreams into reality. I’m proud of this story and proud of where I am today.”

Thanks for joining me today! Have you read any of these authors’ debut novels? What made you love that book or decide to keep reading their work even if that one wasn’t your favorite? Are you more likely to give them grace if you’ve read their later books? Share your thoughts in the comments!

And because I’m working toward loving my first book again, I’m giving the Everyday Love series a facelift. They’ll get new covers next month, and there’s a new series order! I’m sharing the images with YOU first. 😊 What do you think?

Until next time,

Escape into a Story · Memory Lane

2023 Goal: Read More Romance (+sale & freebie!)

December 30, 2022 Jaycee Weaver24 Comments

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore. It’s been years since I’ve bothered. Just as soon as I made a list of goals, habits I wanted to change (or develop LOL), weight to lose, well, I’d break it and never manage to get back on track. And then the Type A overachiever side of me would heap on the guilt and self-condemnation, and the next year my list would basically look identical to the failed list of the one before.

Have you ever been caught up in that cycle?

Instead, I like to look at what worked the year before, what didn’t, and then readjust my priorities to a more realistic, doable level. Unofficially, of course. No more resolution lists.

Have you seen the TikTok/Reel clip that shows someone’s written goals and then they cross out letters or add to the end of the line so it completely changes the meaning? For example, “read 50 books” becomes “read 5 books” when they black out the zero. Or “get a new car” becomes “get a new career.” That’s how I feel looking at lists of resolutions—how can I rework them so I don’t fail (AGAIN)?!

But there’s one resolution I never have to worry about failing at: READ MORE ROMANCE. Ha ha! You IR blog readers know what I’m talking about! Check, check, and check in that box!

Speaking of goals (in lieu of resolutions… goals sound so much more achievable, don’t they?), do you set an annual reading goal for yourself?

I like to join the GoodReads annual reading challenge. I purposefully set it lower than the number I’ll actually read because I tend to go so far overboard, I get a little embarrassed looking at the real number. Which is currently at 200 out of a goal of 180… (Wait, was this post about resolutions or confessions? *face palm*) But keeping track there all year round is still a fun way to stay accountable to the goal, whether you’re realistic, lofty, or subversive in setting one.

How about you? What kinds of goals (reading or otherwise) are you setting for yourself as we head into the new year? Or, like me, have you basically given up on making resolutions and are simply looking forward to the end of 2022 with the hope of a better year filled with quality, inspiring romance reads?

To help you reach your reading goals (however unofficial they may be), our own Valerie Comer has a whole list of FREE and 99¢ books available from Christian and Inspirational authors to fill your eReader with. CLICK HERE to access the sale! You’ll find books from a number of IR authors as well as other respected authors in the Christian romance community. The sale ends TODAY, though, so hurry and get clicking!

Before I sign off my last post of 2022, I want to wish you well. I pray for you, dear readers, comes from Numbers 6:24-26:

24“ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you;

25the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

26the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’

And laughter. May He also bring you joy and laughter. Happy New Year!

New Releases · Story Inspiration

Sister Stories

September 29, 2022 Jaycee Weaver12 Comments

The sister relationship is one of the most complicated. From best friends to mortal enemies, every set of sisters has a different dynamic and relationship, and that’s true not only from family to family but sister to sister within the same family.

With three daughters and a sister of my own, it’s definitely a relationship I have a lot of experience with. I’ve had a lot of conversations with mom friends who grew up with sisters or raised multiple daughters, and the best word to describe each sister relationship is, perhaps, complicated.

A sister is both your mirror and your opposite. – Elizabeth Fishel

Family dynamics fascinate me, especially birth order studies. I love exploring the commonalities and differences. But there’s just something extra intriguing about sisters, which is why I wrote a trio of them in my Sinclair Sisters trilogy.

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. – Marion C. Garretty

While each book focuses primarily on the heroine finding romance, I did something a little different in this series. In each book, each chapter contains a peek into their pasts as well as their unfolding present day story. Often there’s an interaction between the hero and heroine that plays into their present day romance, but equally as often there’s another relationship played a role in pushing her forward toward resolving a conflict with the hero: her sister.

It’s funny, because I never set out to make these ROMANCES into a sister trilogy. From the beginning of This and Every Christmas, Clari talked about her sisters. They were united in their parents’ obsessive affection for all things Christmas, and slowly I began to understand how vital the relationship between the three girls was to them. Clari was a natural teacher and mother figure to Lucy (and her other students) in large part because an oldest sister grows up playing those roles by default.

As I wrote this book during the pandemic quarantine of 2020, my three daughters were stuck with each other 24/7 with no way to distance except for their bedroom doors. I began to realize how important the sister relationship was to each of them (my girls AND the fictional Sinclair girls). They fought like crazy but became incredibly close. They developed inside jokes. Shared experiences. They will forevermore have stories that only the three of them know and understand. Even now that we’ve moved on to a more normal life as teenagers, they still have secret conversations, sister sleepovers, push each other’s buttons, and fiercely defend when an outsider treats one of them poorly.

We didn’t want to admit it then, but we were friends. – Shannon Celebi

In writing Charlie—aka CJ—Sinclair’s book Now and Forever Christmas in 2021, the sister relationship played an even larger role in helping CJ’s romance with Tobin unfold. In the past scenes, youngest sister Cindy proves the perfect listener when CJ needs one, providing insight she didn’t expect from someone three years younger. In the present, CJ found refuge and healing in her older sister’s home. She’s the bridge between her oldest and youngest sister, equally close to both but in very different ways.

You’re not my best friend. You’re my sister, and that’s more. – Jenny Han

Cindy’s story has been the most difficult to write because I watch my youngest trying to find her own place with two older sisters who are polar opposites and understanding Cindy probably felt the same way. While the Sinclair sisters bonded over their mutual teenage embarrassment, they grew apart over the years as distance and life experience separated them. Cindy chose to stay in Florida after college. She loves her independent life, but of course, she still misses her family. Still longs for their former closeness. A part of her would love to live nearby and watch her nieces and nephews grow up. But she also needs her space and to live life on her own terms. It’s been fun to explore the way she sees that sister dynamic through a third lens I haven’t yet explored.

So distant yet so close. So different yet so similar. That’s why I love my sister. – Maxime Lagacé

Cindy’s story, Not Another Christmas, comes out next month in the 2022 Christmas Lights Collection, Destination Christmas. I’m excited to share it with you October 18th! If you haven’t already read them in the 2020 and 2021 Christmas Lights Collections, the first two Sinclair Sisters books are available now on Amazon.

The greatest gift our parents ever gave us was each other. – Unknown

I know Tara Grace Ericson and Marion Ueckermann have contemporary romance series following sisters, but I would LOVE it if you’d share any other CONTEMPORARY Christian/Inspirational romance series or books where the sister relationship plays a significant role. Or if you’ve read Clari and CJ’s stories, tell me if you thought the sister dynamic rang true for you! OR, share with us some of your own sister stories! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Until next time,

books

Fall releases

September 10, 2021 Jaycee Weaver

It’s hard to believe we’re approaching the final quarter of 2021, but here we are! Next month, I have three books coming out!

This and Every Christmas (Sinclair Sisters Book 1) first appeared in last year’s Christmas Lights Collection (Hearts Aglow). It will be available in eBook and paperback October 1. Christmases past and present collide in a humorous yet bittersweet tale of a widowed tree-farm owner and his daughter’s music teacher as they collaborate to create a future worthy of her family’s wacky traditions and his family’s legacy.

Save the Date is FINALLY hitting shelves October 12. We’ve been working on this anthology for well over a year now, but due to many of our authors (and publisher!) facing illnesses, injuries, surgical complications, and the loss of our friend and co-author Marion Ueckermann, we had to push the release date out a month. I can’t wait to share Braver With You with you (ha ha!). This set will only be available for a limited time, so be sure to grab your copy wherever eBooks are sold.

Last but not least, the 2021 Christmas Lights Collection, Home for Christmas, will be out October 28th. Featuring military heroes and heroines from varying branches and occupations, this collection includes the second Sinclair sister’s story, Now and Forever Christmas, as well as tales from Chautona Havig, Cathe Swanson, and Toni Shiloh.

I hope you enjoy these books as much as I’ve enjoyed working on them. Until next time, be blessed!

Giveaway · New Releases

Series Boxed Sets: Yea or Nay? + giveaway

March 4, 2021 Jaycee Weaver62 Comments

In recent years we’ve seen a huge uptick in the sales of boxed sets for books, especially eBooks. I’ve been part of half a dozen MABS—that’s multi-author box sets—over the last few years myself, and as a reader I love those because I can get to sample new-to-me names. But today, I’m talking about single author boxed sets. You may have heard the term omnibus edition to describe them.

There’s the series boxed set, like mine launching March 9, which is an entire series bundled up together in one file for a slightly discounted purchase price. Some authors prefer to box up a longer series into 2-3 smaller sets (i.e. books 1-3 separately from 4-6, and so forth).

I love series boxed sets, personally. It’s nice to have a complete collection knowing I haven’t missed one of the books in the series. And, you know, sometimes we’re waiting months or even years for an author to add a new book, so getting the complete series all at once eliminates that painful angst of waiting between books or *gasp* forgetting what happened previously.

Then there’s one trend I’ve been seeing recently in which a prolific author takes series starters (books 1) from multiple series and putting them together. Or they build a set around a certain theme or trope, regardless of series (beach, snow, holiday, career field, etc.). In my forays as a reader, I’ve discovered a few pros and cons to these different kinds of sets.

Pros: Getting to sample a variety of an author’s work, enjoying a common theme while exploring new characters, usually some form of discounted price and/or bonus material

Cons: Sometimes you’ve already read one of the books in the set, can be confusing

What say you? I’d love to hear your pros/cons to boxed sets from a single author. Do you usually buy them (and if so, what went into your decision)? What kind of boxes appeal to you most?

All commenters will be entered into a drawing for one eBook edition of my upcoming Everyday Love series boxed set, complete with bonus materials. Winner will be chosen at random by the end of this week.

Be sure to check out some of these boxed sets from our other awesome InspyRomance authors:

Elizabeth Maddrey’s Operation Romance: Books 1-4, available in eBook
The Riverbend Romances by Valerie Comer, containing 5 novellas and also comes in a paperback edition
Andrea Boyd’s 3-book Walden Beach series
6 small-town romances from Mandi Blake in her Unfailing Love complete series
One of my favorite families of brothers, The Spark Brothers by Liwen Y. Ho
Toni Shiloh’s Freedom Lake series (though I am anxiously awaiting Maple Run in a box!)
Vacation Sweethearts: Books 1-3 by Jan Thompson

I did have one more question for you before I sign off and make myself another pot of coffee before settling in to write. What kinds of things do you like to see in a series boxed set? Do you expect just the books themselves, or are you interested in exclusive bonus material? Timelines? Recipes? Sneak previews of related books? The story-behind-the-story? Something else? I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on what makes a box extra special.

Be sure to comment so you’ll be entered in that giveaway I mentioned!

Until next time,

Giveaway · Roundup

A Month of Christmas Books! + Giveaway

December 2, 2020 Jaycee Weaver61 Comments

I have a thing for calendars. There, I’ve admitted it. I love them.

I remember buying my grandmother one for Christmas every year, taking care to choose one with pictures sure to put a smile on her face (usually filled with lots of cats). As an adult, I buy a wide-box calendar for my fridge at the start of a new school year to help manage the family, but I also buy one every December for the upcoming year and hang it in my office. I love to fill it up with ideas and plans and imagine all the things that lie in wait for me.

I like Bible verse flip calendars and funny-quote calendars. We have at least three advent calendars. Then this year, my daughters introduced me to dot journaling (aka bullet journaling). All their pretty Pinterest pins filled with calendars and record keepers and mood trackers, well, bless my calendar loving heart!

So as my holiday gift to you, I’m giving you a calendar of a very different sort—a new Christmas book to read for every day of the month for December 2020! I read a TON of Christmas books every December, so I’m giving you some of my favorites as well as a few new ones on my TBR list. If I haven’t yet read one of the titles on this list, I’ve at least read another (or more) by that author so that you know I’m only recommending titles that meet our Inspy Romance standards.

I hope you enjoy this list of new books, older books, multi-author collections, and more! And above all, I wish you and yours a very blessed holiday season. May the love of Christ be with you, may His life and light infiltrate into the deepest, toughest parts of where you are and bring you joy, peace, and grace in abundance.

And without further ado, I give you:

Mistletoe Kiss by Andrea Boyd. One world record, two best friends, and a ten second kiss that changes everything. A perfect intro to her Spencer family books! (This one on sale and book 2 coming soon!)
A (Kinda) Country Christmas by Krista Phillips. Two (sorta) opposites attract when small-town Christmas shop owner meets a crabby globe trotter. This whole series is a lot of quirky fun!
Nowhere for Christmas by Heather Gray.Two virtual strangers, one teen, and the worst rental car in the history of mankind. Let the road trip begin. I loved this unusual premise!
Something Borrowed by Toni Shiloh, Andrea Boyd, Jaycee Weaver, Mikal Dawn, and Teresa Tysinger. Six friends, five weddings, and one borrowed tiara. Five interconnected stories and SO much wedding fun! (Plus, only 99¢!)
Operation Mistletoe by Elizabeth Maddrey. He raises funds for troops overseas by transforming his acreage into a wonderland and ministry opportunity. Why can’t she trust his intentions are honorable?
Deck the Shelves by Toni Shiloh. Can two people hesitant on second chances find love as they Deck the Shelves? A bookshop owner heroine is just the start of what makes this one a delight.
Ordinary Snowflakes by Jennifer Rodewald. A single mom, a snowy Christmas, and a Secret Santa gift. Perhaps her romance days aren’t over after all. This one’s hero is unlikely but swoony.
Once Upon a Christmas (Christmas Card Series 3) by Amanda Tru. I very much enjoyed all 3 in this series!
A once upon a Christmas inspires her story. Her ever after changes the world.
A Christmas Romance Collection by Angela Ruth Strong, Kimberly Rose Johnson, Miralee Ferrell, and Vickie McDonough. Six heart-warming holiday romances from best-selling, award-winning authors.
Not Until Christmas Morning by Valerie M. Bodden. She’s a fixer… He’s about as broken as they come… Can they learn to turn to God for healing and hope this Christmas? Again, I ADORE this whole series.
Hearts Aglow (Christmas Lights 2020) by Chautona Havig, Cathe Swanson, Toni Shiloh, and Jaycee Weaver. Okay, so yes, I have a book in this collection. But the other three are worth recommending because they are so very excellent! Trust me. Tons of fun packed into these pages!
Merry Kisses by Valerie Comer. Disillusioned by the over-commercialization of Christmas, the last new job she expects to find is as a mall elf working for the guy who got her fired from the last one.
Second Chance Christmas by Merrillee Wren. I’m a sucker for a second chance marriage romance! This one sounds great (hang on while I add it to my TBR).
A Match Made at Christmas by Courtney Walsh. This one is still on my TBR, but I love Courtney Walsh’s books! So much emotion packed into her pages. In this, years of friendship deepen into something more (squee!).
Enchanted by Melissa Tagg. No one, and I mean NO one writes a novella like Melissa Tagg. And this trio is my FAVORITE. I could read them every year (and I hardly ever re-read anything).
Restoring Christmas by Julie Arduini. Her last name might be Christmas, but she’s not the best example of holiday cheer to his students. Does he have what it takes to help her restore a town legacy and find her Christmas spirit?
Beautiful Storm by Mandi Blake. I haven’t yet read Inspy newcomer Mandi Blake, but I plan to rectify that this Christmas! Two lonely, wounded hearts in need of healing in Christ PLUS that intriguing cover? You betcha!
When Snowflakes Never Cease by Hallee Bridgeman, Amanda Tru, Alana Terry, Chautona Havig, and Jaycee Weaver. Five interconnected stories during a record breaking snowstorm as two doctors risk everything to find a dying girl’s father in this tear-jerker collection from 2019. I also recommend the other Crossroads collections!
Tropical Kiss and Tell by Liwen Y. Ho. After two snowy days, I thought you might appreciate this tropical treat for a reprieve! They’ve been lifelong friends. This Christmas, does he let her marry another man or break up her engagement to make this the most memorable one of their lives?
Seaside Christmas by Narelle Atkins. After a visit to the tropics, let’s head to Sydney, Australia for a little more Christmas-on-the-beach fun in this heart-warming novella.
A Husband for Holly by Marion Ueckermann. While we’re traveling, let’s pop over to the UK and hang out with the Blume sisters, all of whom are delightful!
Holiday Town by Jenn Faulk. We’ll continue our travels to Namibia and join a missionary family as they adapt to a whole new culture. I’ve read ALL of Jenn’s books and can’t recommend them enough.
First Class Christmas by Katy Eeten. Let’s fly back to the USA with two strangers who find an instant connection on their flight home. This one’s up high on my December TBR list. I always enjoy Katy’s books!
Love, Laughter, and Luminarias by Jaycee Weaver. Yeah, yeah, I’m promoting my own book on your calendar. But seriously, I LOVE these two so much that I made it only 99¢ for the whole month and the paperback’s new this year for only $6.99. It’s so much fun, I would love it even if someone else had written it.
Once Upon a Silent Night by Kimberly Rae Jordan. I haven’t read her in a while, but I do love a good KRJ book. Out of reach dreams, sacrifices, a mob family, and two people trying to build a new life? Sign me up!
Honey For the Holidays by Jessica R. Patch. Again, I LOVE this whole series! He’s got a plan but it requires the help of his ex, who despises him for all the wrong reasons.
Better Than First by Kari Trumbo. I liked this 2018 release a lot! She’s too driven to see past her ice dreams, but her best friend plans to prove there’s more to life…including love.
Winter Wishes by Tara Grace Ericson. Secrets, dreams, and insecurities keep these two friends from seeking more. Can’t wait to dive into this one, either! I just loved the first in the series.
A Merry Miracle in Romance by Melanie Snitker. Haven’t read a book of hers that I haven’t loved. This whole series, each book a different author, looks totally awesome and is connected by their town!
Love and Harmony by Sally Bayless. She’s got something to prove, he just wants to keep his job. There’s a whole lot packed into this one, and I really enjoyed it!
Melodies of Christmas Love by numerous authors. Okay, so there are a LOT of authors I like in this one set. Plus, I mean, Christmas AND music? Definitely in my TBR for this year. At only 99¢ for 7 books, this one is a steal.

Aaaaaand, last but not least, just for fun, here’s one for New Year’s Day, January 1, 2021. A New Year’s Kiss by Delaney Cameron. I liked all of the clean, inspirational books in the Finding Love series. This one was wonderful, with two people coming to terms with life not turning out how they’d envisioned.

Well, there you have it! Thirty two titles that easily work out to closer to 50 actual books. And since it’s Christmas and I feel like giving a few books away, I’m going to choose TWO winners from the comments to receive a copy of Love, Laughter, and Luminarias—WINNER’S CHOICE of format (eBook OR paperback!). What are YOUR favorite Christmas titles? Have you read any of the above (let us know what you thought!)? Winner will be chosen at random and announced in the Sunday edition later in December. Entries close on Friday 12/4 at 11:59pm MST.

Merry Christmas and many blessings!

books · Uncategorized

It’s finally DECEMBER, you guys!

December 1, 2020December 4, 2020 Jaycee

And boy, what a month it’s going to be. I’ve got a ton of bookish things on my calendar that I want to share with you, and I hope you’ll stop by and participate in some of them! Especially because most of the news I’m sharing involves tons of giveaways for books and Amazon gift cards (and who doesn’t want all that this time of year?)!

If you aren’t already subscribed, I highly recommend joining my email newsletter. Not only will you receive a free book, it’s the best way to get the latest updates. I try to only email 1-2x a month and make it worthwhile and not overly salesy. Yeah, I know, that’s not really a word (though it definitely IS a feeling, am I right?).

Okay, so here you go, with links and all, come join the fun:

December 1 — Becoming Us release day! It’s available NOW in paperback AND eBook, and is FREE to read via Kindle Unlimited. This collaboration with Jenn Faulk is one of my favorite projects of my writing career so far! We’d greatly appreciate your reviews when you’re finished (your honest reviews, however simple, are essential!).

December 2 — I’m blogging over on Inspy Romance! I’ve crafted a post FILLED with excellent reading options to last you the whole month long, and I’ll be choosing one lucky winner from the comments to receive a copy of Love, Laughter, and Luminarias!

December 1-24 — The Bookish Advent Giveaway by Chautona Havig features 24 days of book giveaways from Christian authors (including ME!) PLUS a $350 Amazon gift card grand prize! Check daily on Instagram, IGTV, Facebook, and HERE to enter.

December 1-31 — A HUGE Christian eBook giveaway happening over here all month long. Discover some great new-to-you Christian authors and get free books, including my newsletter exclusive, Just Say Yes, plus a chance to win a $30 gift card to the eBook retailer of your choice.

December 7-12 — I’ve teamed up with Celebrate Lit for their 2nd Annual Merry Christmas Readers event. Enter for your chance to win 45+ books or a $500 Amazon card to buy a ton of books yourself! The link to enter is HERE, but it won’t be active until the 7th, so check back then.

December 6-12 — Hallee Bridgeman is hosting her annual Christmas blog scavenger hunt! With 35+ authors participating, we’ll be awarding $350 Amazon gift card for first place, $250 Amazon card for second, and $150 Amazon card for third. The fun begins Sunday the 6th, and all scavenger hunt answers can be found using Amazon’s “Look inside” feature! START HERE on the 6th and follow the links at the bottom to enter and then visit the next post for their clue.

December 7-20 — Something Borrowed goes on tour with the amazing bloggers at Celebrate Lit! This super fun collection will make nearly 30 stops with spotlights and reviews, and for readers, a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, a set of 4 jewel pens, and a custom designed box of assorted chocolates from Chocglitz and Cream!

December 22 — I’ll be sharing the story-behind-the-story on Love, Laughter, and Luminarias over on Alexis Goring’s Romantic Reads blog and giving away a copy to one lucky recipient! Also, did you see that I FINALLY got this one put into paperback? Yay!

Okay, that’s it. (Whew!) I’m tired already and the fun is just beginning today. But praise the Lord, His mercies are new every morning and He is faithful to sustain me through the season. He’s faithful to sustain YOU, too, if you only turn to Him and ask!

As you enjoy all the blessings (and probably a few hardships) of this holiday season, I pray you will find love, joy, and peace in abundance. I pray you and yours will find grace and mercy when you need it most and expect it least. I pray you will remember the Greatest Gift, that of our Savior Jesus Christ, who loves you infinitely more than you can imagine.

Be blessed and happy reading!

Romance Settings · Special Occasions

Hey! What about Thanksgiving?!

November 11, 2019 Jaycee Weaver25 Comments

Here in the US, it seems like the last wisps of smoke from the fireworks have barely begun to fade from the July sky when all the craft and hobby stores begin rolling out the fall and Christmas stuff. It never fails, immediately people begin lamenting it coming “earlier every year” and grousing about seeing Christmas trees before the kids have even gone back to school. Annoyed that poor Tom Turkey’s day gets overlooked, sandwiched invisibly between the pumpkins and candy canes.

As a crafter who’s done dozens of craft shows over the years, I usually smile and point out that Hobby Lobby isn’t in the business of tormenting consumers, they’re supplying those of us who have to build a holiday inventory. Those gorgeous wreaths on Etsy aren’t made overnight! But I digress.

I was talking about poor, neglected little American Tom Turkey and his Canadian cousin (who celebrates in October), and the thankful observance that gets overshadowed by all of the holiday hustle and bustle. So for all of you asking the question, “But what about Thanksgiving?!” I have a list of delicious books for you that, while not necessarily Thanksgiving books per se, at least feature Thanksgiving scenes (and probably a dash of family drama).

And for all of you outside the US, my apologies for this very American-centric post. At least I can redeem it by sharing some fun titles that feature themes of thankfulness, something we can all use more of, right?

From our InspyRomance authors, in no particular order:

Merrillee Whren, A Family to Call Ours

Staci Stallings, Dance With Me

Elizabeth Maddrey, Pathway to Peace

Janet Ferguson, Magnolia Storms

Hallee Bridgeman, Courting Calla

Sally Howe Bayless, Love, Lies, and Homemade Pie

Valerie Comer, The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion

Kimberly Rose Johnson, A Love That Lasts

Jaycee Weaver, each of the books in the Everyday Love series have a Thanksgiving scene (totally unintentional and I JUST realized this! Haha!)

Toni Shiloh, Jaycee Weaver, Angela Ruth Strong, and 2 others, Once Upon a Christmas has Thanksgiving scenes in at least two of the five stories

Hallee Bridgeman, Jaycee Weaver, and 3 others, When Snowflakes Never Cease (Crossroads Collection 6)—Hallee’s story within the collection and mine both feature Thanksgiving. Yes, I’ve noticed a trend for Thanksgiving scenes within my books! LOL!

And here are a few other books that take place over Thanksgiving, late fall, or have themes of thankfulness (side note—while not Inspy endorsed, each describes themselves and/or their books as Christian/Inspirational.):

Melanie Snitker, Finding Grace

JoAnn Durgin, By Grace Draw Near

Crystal Walton, Her Stand-In Cowboy

During my search, I also discovered that Love Inspired has a number of Thanksgiving-themed books, such as A Texas Thanksgiving by Margaret Daley. While I haven’t read this one, I have read several of her others and always enjoy a bit of romantic suspense.

Of course, this list is by no means complete, so please be sure to comment below if you know of any other contemporary Christian or Inspirational romances that feature at least a Thanksgiving scene or theme. I’d love to hear them, and I’m sure our other readers would too!

And since it’s so much fun to read about Thanksgiving (*cough* and apparently write it, Jaycee, ya nerd *cough*), I’ll give away ONE ebook of the winner’s choice of any of my three Everyday Love books to a random commenter. An extra entry if you comment with a contemporary Thanksgiving-ish romance book!