A Romance for Christmas by Kayelle Allen

Christmas is in the air!

Take it away - Kayelle Allen

Sweet Contemporary Romance

Enjoy a sweet feel-good holiday romance for the holidays. It's Christmas Eve, and the end of a year in which everything Dara loves was lost. Everything but her little girl and a fierce determination to survive. When a cop brings Christmas to her door, he brings another gift she never expected to get.

Excerpt

"Mommy?" Christine's young voice broke in on her thoughts.

Dara put down the romance she'd been re-reading, the favorite she'd had since she was sixteen. She'd sold all her others at a yard sale the previous week. "What is it, sweetie?"

"Why don't we has a real tree for Chribmas?"

"Why don't we 'have'," she corrected. "Come sit by me." Dara patted the couch and tucked her chenille robe closer around her.

One arm around Matilda, her cloth doll, Christine climbed up and cuddled.

Matilda's going to need stuffing before long. Her head flopped forward, face against her flat chest. When did the lace on her dress get so ragged? Dara smoothed the doll's dress. "Remember when Daddy went home to heaven before Christmas last year?"

Christine knuckled her eyes and yawned. "I 'member."

"And then Mommy got hurt in the car accident and couldn't go to work?"

"Uh huh."

Dara took a deep breath. "Well, it meant there was no money for a real tree this year. But I'm sure Santa will still bring you presents." Gifts Dara bought by selling her entire collection of romance novels at a yard sale at her friend Sherilyn's house. "And we drew a tree, right?" She pointed at the crayon-bright drawing taped to the wall. Construction paper ornaments decorated each branch.

"But it doesn't smell like a Chribmas tree."

Dara hugged her. "I know, baby. I know."

"How will Santa leave his presents?" Christine pulled away and got on her knees. "He can't put them under the tree, Mommy."

"Oh, honey!" She ruffled her daughter's hair, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Santa will find a way." She leaned forward and kissed her little girl. "We should get you in bed so he can come. He can't leave presents while you're awake."

Where to Buy A Romance for Christmas

This book is free on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon http://amzn.to/1wpW8qE
Amazon print http://amzn.to/2evml92

Video

http://youtu.be/Dzr6lv5Dzgs

Music: O Christmas Tree, piano performed by Vladimir Sterzer, licensed by Jamendo.com
Images courtesy of PhotoXpress.com and RGBstock.com

Giveaway

A Peek Inside A Romance for Christmas includes excerpts, information about the characters, the reason the book was written. It's illustrated with original art. Everyone can download a copy. Peek inside the book:

About Kayelle Allen

Kayelle Allen is a best selling American author. Her unstoppable heroes and heroines include contemporary every day folk, role-playing immortal gamers, futuristic covert agents, and warriors who purr.

Homeworld/Blog https://kayelleallen.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook https://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author

Kristy McCaffrey stops by for visit!

Morning everybody!  I'm thrilled to have the talented Kristy McCaffrey visiting on Penny's Tales.  Not only is she a best selling author, but a sister Arizonian!

Let's get this show on the road!

How did you get started writing?

I’ve always written, ever since I was a young child. It’s always been a compulsion for me. But I didn’t get serious until I was a stay-at-home with four rowdy youngins’.

What genre do you write and why?

I write historical western romances, set in the American southwest because … heck, I don’t know why. I grew up in Arizona, so maybe it was storytelling osmosis.

What is your favorite part of writing?

Nothing haha. Well, if I must choose, then I’d say when the first deep editing pass has been completed. That’s the point at which I finally have a viable story and I stop feeling so anxious.

What is your least favorite part of writing?

All those endless moments in the first draft when I wonder where the story is going.

When did you start writing toward publication?

I was in my 30’s and a stay-at-home mom to my four rugrats I’ve already mentioned. My mind was turning to mush, so I decided to try writing a novel. That book, THE WREN, was published by a small press. It was a wonderful opportunity, but in hindsight I think I was published too soon. I didn’t really have a good grasp of the craft. I promise it’s better now!

Do you have any words of inspiration for aspiring authors?

Keep going. It sounds cliché, but you truly learn by doing. It doesn’t seem like writing should be that hard, but it takes skill to work with words and imagery. I’m constantly learning new things. I really love it. You’ll know if you’re not meant to be a writer because the tediousness of it will easily drive you away. But if it doesn’t, then you’ve found your passion and your tribe.

Now Available

Amazon or read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited.

99 cents for a limited time.

Can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Molly Rose Simms departs the Arizona Territory, eager for adventure, and travels to Colorado to visit her brother. Robert left two years ago to make his fortune in the booming silver town of Creede, and now Molly Rose hopes to convince him to accompany her to San Francisco, New York City, or even Europe. But Robert is nowhere to be found. All Molly Rose finds is his partner, a mysterious man known as The Jackal.

Jake McKenna has traveled the bustling streets of Istanbul, exotic ports in China, and the deserts of Morocco. His restless desire to explore has been the only constant in his life. When his search for the elusive and mythical Bluebird mining claim lands him a new partner, he must decide how far he’ll go to protect the stunning young woman who’s clearly in over her head. A home and hearth has never been on The Jackal’s agenda, but Molly Rose Simms is about to change his world in every conceivable way.

Please note: Contains mild violence and a sensuous love scene.

Excerpt

“What do you want?” she (Molly Rose) whispered.

“Someone’s following you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I believe you’re right, and I’m guessing it’s not the first time you’ve done it.”

“Not me. Well, not exactly.” Jake glanced side to side and checked the hallway. “Can I come in?”

“How will my reputation survive it?” she groused, but she stood back and let him enter, shutting the door behind him. “Do you have news about Robert?”

She’d changed from her dark sneaking-around attire and now wore a wrap over what he presumed was her sleeping gown.

“No,” he replied. “But I’m guessing you do.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Look, I know you don’t entirely trust me, but I know you went to Robert’s room tonight.” He held up his hand when anger flashed in her eyes and she opened her mouth to speak. “Yes, I was watching you, but I’m the least of your worries right now. Someone else was following you.”

“Who?”

“A man who works for Shep Lannigan, and Robert’s mixed up with the lot of ’em.”

“Then maybe I should speak with them.”

Jake shook his head. “No, you shouldn’t. At least not until we can find your brother and learn what he’s gotten himself into.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Listen, we should get out of town.”

Incredulous, she laughed. “Now?”

“Yes, now. I have a place we can go.”

“You’re deranged. We’ve only just met. For all I know, you could be the one against Robert, if that’s what’s truly going on.”

Jake paused, watching the tigress before him. Why hadn’t Robert ever told him his beautiful sister was full of spit and vinegar? “I can assure you, I won’t hurt you. Robert is like a brother to me, and while we’ve had our ups and downs, I consider it my duty to look out for his sister. And right now, if you stay in town, I’ve a feeling you’ll—at the very least—be harassed, but more likely, you’ll get roughed up.”

“By who? This Shep person?”

“He might think you know where your brother is.” Jake lifted his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “Let’s change your location and throw them off your scent.”

He didn’t really expect her to agree wholeheartedly with him, so he was taken aback when she nodded her compliance.

“Be ready in one hour and meet me behind the hotel,” he said. “Pack light.”

He left before she could change her mind.

Copyright © 2016 K. McCaffrey LLC

Bio

Kristy McCaffrey has been writing since she was very young, but it wasn’t until she was a stay-at-home mom that she considered becoming published. She’s the author of several historical western romances, all set in the American southwest. She lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, two chocolate labs, and whichever of their four teenaged children happen to be in residence. She loves to travel and frequently blogs about her adventures.

Connect with Kristy

Website: http://www.kristymccaffrey.com

Blog ~ Pathways:  http://www.kristymccaffrey.blogspot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristyMcCaffrey

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/McCaffreyKristy

Newsletter: http://kristymccaffrey.com/Newsletter.html

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2erVsze

It's Everybody Reads YA Sunday - Ride of a Lifetime

21 century bully meets 18 century female Paul Revere

Ride of a Lifetime

Jim Abernathy is the new kid at Langdon Middle School - and a bully.  With the death of his mother, and his father having to work two jobs, Jim has been on his own for the last year.  In that year, Jim has become a bitter and brooding young man. A new job in Phoenix is just what Jim and his dad need for a new start. 

Miss Wickware, and all the students in her history class, get a dose of Jim’s surly attitude the second he walks through the door. Everyone holds their breaths when their teacher and Jim go nose to nose.  Miss Wickware wins the first round.

The class must draw historical subjects out of a box and present oral reports on whom or what they have drawn. Jim draws Sybil Ludington.  “Great, a woman” His words are dripping with sarcasm.  “Real exciting!”

Jim’s ideas about women in history take a whole new turn when he walks out of class and into the Eighteenth Century and the life of Sybil Ludington.

Excerpt

“These aren’t my clothes. Where are my clothes?” His voice grew louder with each word.

The girl stood and took a few steps back. Her eyes were wary but there was concern in her voice. “Please, you may have hurt yourself when you fainted. Maybe you shouldn’t be dancing around.”

“I’m not dancing around. What the heck is happening…?” He stopped talking and his head snapped back around to her. “Faint! I didn’t faint! Only sissies faint!”

http://www.amazon.com/Ride-Lifetime-Wickware-Sagas-ebook/dp/B00D91Z1JM

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ride-of-a-lifetime-penny-estelle/1115530815?ean=2940016766348

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/our-authors/55-our-authors/authors-e/146-author-19

I write for all ages, from the early reader to adults.  My books range from pictures books for the little ones, to fantasy, time-travel adventures for ages 9 to 13. I also write adult stories, including a family drama and contemporary, paranormal and historical westerns romances, under P. A. Estelle.

I was a school secretary for 21 years.  My husband and I moved to our retirement home in Kingman, AZ, on very rural 54 acres, living on solar and wind only.  

More about my books can be found in the following links:

www.pennystales.com

www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBY

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&Itemid=82

www.facebook.com/pennystales

www.pinterest.com/pennyestelle

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820078.Penny_Estelle - Goodreads

http://www.twitter.com/pennystales