It’s here again. December. Some people’s favorite month. Some…? Not so much.

I’m somewhere along that spectrum, but in an effort to avoid being too Scrooge-like I decided to avoid the parts of the season I don’t like and replace those with things I do like. Example above: Instead of Black Friday shopping (which I hate), I took my favorite little girls to our first in-theater movie in two years. We saw the Disney/Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Encanto. We loved it.

Here’s one of my favorite songs:

I also put off putting up the tree in favor of spending the day in Yosemite National Park…with real trees. And rocks. And waterfalls. A tiny bit of snow. And best of all? No tourists. Well, a few, but nothing like the reports I heard from traffic-congested Thanksgiving weekend.

Paul and I packed a picnic, then we did the tourist thing. First stop: the Ahwahnee Hotel. The old girl outdid herself this year, even without a blanket of white outside.

The hotel was so quiet and empty, we discovered a couple of public rooms we’d never seen before. Paul enjoyed acting the role of Lord of the Manor. 

And I was delighted to find an exhibit celebrating Women in Yosemite. I saw quite a few familiar names, including Julia Parker, the Miwok elder who taught a group of us the basics of how to grind acorns and weave baskets. I was beyond honored to host her visit beside the grinding holes on our property. 

Next, we drove to Glacier Point, which will close to the public next year, we were told. It’s a long and winding road, but the view of Half Dome is so worth it! 

Paul offered to take my photo on this point if I wanted to replicate this photo. I passed. 😉 

As you might be able to tell, our December is starting out very warm and dry. When asked what I want for Christmas, I tell everyone: rain and snow. 😀 

May all your Christmas wishes come true, too.

Here’s something to celebrate! With your help—and my wonderful VA (virtual assistant) Cindy—my entire 10-book Black Hills Rendezvous series has a fresh look and up-to-date back matter. Check out the series page on Amazon: Black Hills Rendezvous

And my final Holiday Bargain Book is from this series. I renamed Black Hills Outcast—a title I never loved—to BLACK HILLS SECRET SANTA—a title that makes me smile because my hero is not Santa material. It’s amazing what the love of the right woman can do to change one’s outlook on life—and Christmas.

If you haven’t read it—or you’d like to gift it to a reader friend, it’s only 99¢ through the holidays.

Buy BLACK HILLS SECRET SANTA from your favorite vendor HERE.

AND HERE ARE SOME GREAT BARGAIN BOOKS
FROM SOME VERY DEAR FRIENDS!! HAPPY READING!

Like a little uniform with your eggnog? Rogenna Brewer’s your go-to author and The Marine’s Last Chance Christmas (Love In Uniform: The Marines Book 2) is just 99¢ through 12/26/21.

There’s no place like home for the holidays…

As a Navy Rescue Swimmer, Chief Petty Officer Mitzi Zahn is not the kind of woman to run from disaster. But after her brother is killed in action and her injured fiancé calls off their wedding, Mitzi accepts a transfer to her hometown recruiting station where she can heal her heartache among family and friends.

Fresh out of rehab from his injuries, MARSOC Special Operator, Bruce Calhoun is assigned to his hometown recruiting station for the holidays. The last place Bruce wants to be is stuck behind a desk. Worse, working opposite the women he thought he’d be spending the rest of his life with and realizing she’s ready to move on without him.

His last chance to win her back may prove to be his toughest fight of all...

Don’t miss this heartwarming Christmas romance––get your copy of
THE MARINE'S LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS today!

Lisa Mondello’s bargain book is an adrenaline rush. 😉 Don’t hesitate! Desperate Hours is only 99¢ through 12/13.

Bounty hunter, Gil Waite is after Sonny's brother. All he cares about is "finding the fugitive" and collecting his money. But Sonny Montgomery is after so much more. Her precious baby niece, Ellie, was kidnapped by a Colombian drug lord. She won't betray her family by falling in love with the one man who has the power to destroy her family. But she needs to escape Colombia and has no choice but to trust Gil, a man whose rugged exterior hides the heart of a hero she can't resist.

HEROES OF PROVIDENCE:
Book 1: Material Witness; Book 2: Safe Haven
Book 3: Reckless Hours; Book 4: Desperate Hours
Book 5: Final Hours; Book 6: Cold Harbor

Purchase DESPERATE HOURS for only 99¢ HERE!

If you like reunion stories, then you'll love Barbara McMahon's new release A Key West Christmas. This story is set in Key West, Florida which celebrates Christmas when it’s hot out—sort of like our sisters down under.

Shelly Alexander started a new life in Key West which she loves. When her former boss arrives unexpectedly and insists on spending time with her, she’s thrilled. Until the real reason he’s there is revealed. Embarrassed that she thought more was going on, she runs away too hurt to see him again.

Beau Charlmers left the hectic society of New York buying a sail boat to sail around the world. While in the Caribbean he stops in Key West to see his former assistant. Getting to know her on a personal level is entirely different from the work relationship they had. Still, it should make it easier for her to agree to his newest plan.

Only somewhere along the way everything changes. When Shelly refuses to see him again, he realizes what he really wants is Shelly. But to get her to fall in love now would take a Christmas miracle.

Christmas is the time for family, friends and love. Shelly must overcome her hurt to find lasting love for Christmas. Get your copy today and enjoy the holidays!

Grab your copy of A KEY WEST CHRISTMAS today!

And last but not least, Day Leclaire is featuring TWO box sets, Dear Santa, I Really Tried and The Cinderella Ball, for 99¢ each So, that's only $1.98 for a total of 11 books!

Christmas Tales From Naughty To Nice

7 New York Times, USA Today, and bestselling authors have teamed up to bring you this yummy collection full of romance, joy, and Christmas miracles that range from naughty to nice and everything in between. Dig into this delicious Christmas set and satisfy all your cravings!

Nice – Sweet read for a wholesome Christmas tale
Naughty – For those of us who enjoy the hotter reading for a passionate Christmas
I really tried – All delicious variations of steam and just what you need to make your holidays bright… and romantic!

Purchase DEAR SANTA, I REALLY TRIED for only 99¢ HERE!

Four great books in one amazing bundle!

Married by Midnight! Come to the Cinderella Ball single ... leave happily wed.

The Cinderella Ball is the chance of a lifetime for individuals to come together to find their special someone. Their one and only. Their soul mate. Obtaining a ticket isn’t easy, but for those select few, it offers the chance at a lifetime of happiness.

These stories by USA Today bestselling author and eleven-time RITA© (Romance Writers of America) finalist, Day Leclaire features an invitation to the fantastical Cinderella Ball, a hot alpha hero and the perfect woman for him, and a sizzling romance between soul mates. Click to purchase this four books in one amazing boxed set and get all the romance you can handle!

Purchase THE CINDERELLA BALL for only 99¢ HERE!

I wish you all a very happy, safe, peace-filled holiday season. I’d planned to send another newsletter on the 23rd, but Paul will be having surgery on knee #2 on the 20th, and I learned from knee #1 that the first post-surgery week is really intense. So, your kind prayers and good wishes for another successful surgery would the best gift of all.

With love and sincere thanks for your friendship,

Deb

Upcoming Thursday – 12/30: New Year/New Knees + looking back at 2021