Holiday Stories are Fun to Write by Barbara Edwards

‘Journey of the Magi’ was my first attempt  at a Holiday story and I found a really enjoyable area of writing. My usual genre is paranormal romance and has a dark edge. After awhile it can be heavy. The lighter love story with cute children and a nice hero gave me a lift I hadn’t know I needed. It was fun to plot the fulfillment of a dream.

Journey of the Magi by Barbara Edwards

Journey of the Magi
by Barbara Edwards
Link: http://a.co/d/4bCrSmF

So in this time of the year I noticed many of my fellow authors put out a sweet story. 

My next short for The Wild Rose Press was ‘Late for the Wedding, part of a larger anthology. It was fascinating how a dozen authors took the same idea and wrote such variety. I loved every one of them.

Late for the Wedding (Twelve Brides of Christmas Book 2)
by Barbara Edwards
Link: http://a.co/d/4lZFC2p

The next was ‘Dixie’s Gift’ a story inspired by the loyalty and love of my beloved pet. This was another story to lift me from a dark place. My furry friend hd cancer and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. I was so sad I took that emotion and wrote a story about how my pet would have reacted. It warmed a cold place in me and I hope if you read it, you’ll find the same joy at the end.

Dixie’s Gift

Dixie’s Gift
by Barbara Edwards
Link: http://a.co/d/iJdPPtJ

Dixie’s Gift by Barbara Edwards

Ellen Carter deeply grieves for her husband Dan, but at least she still has Dixie, her beloved Malinois. However, soon Dixie leaves her too. But the faithful dog cannot rest easy in heaven while her mistress is unhappy. Dixie pleads with the Archangel Michael to let her send help, and intercedes for Ellen in the only way she can. But will Ellen get the message, and more importantly, will she accept Dixie’s gift?

Sexy newcomer Michael Burke can barely take enough time from his successful restaurant for a decent night’s sleep, let alone romance. Still, he is intrigued by the beautiful widow and can’t resist entering her shop. Sparks fly, and when Ellen has an accident in a snowstorm, he comes to her rescue. Trapped by a blizzard and aided by Dixie’s Gift, Ellen and Michael find more than shelter–they find love.

Buy Link: https://amzn.com/B017OJGVIY

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Holiday Stories by Barbara Edwards

Journey of the Magi by Barbara Edwards

I love the Christmas season and find lots of inspiration.

‘Journey of the Magi’ was my first attempt  at a Holiday story and I found a really enjoyable

area of writing. My usual genre is paranormal romance and has a dark edge. After awhile it can be heavy. The lighter love story with cute children and a nice hero gave me a lift I hadn’t know I needed. It was fun to plot the fulfillment of a dream.

So in this time of the year I noticed many of my fellow authors put out a sweet story.

My next short for The Wild Rose Press was ‘Late for the Wedding, part of a larger anthology. It was fascinating how a dozen authors took the same idea and wrote such variety. I loved every one of them.

Heather Green will do anything to make her twin’s wedding perfect. Despite an impending nor’easter, she sets out with the wedding dress, cake, favors and cake topper in her car. As the snow piles up, her car is wrecked and she barely misses injury in a major accident.
Nicholas Burnes would rather be ensconced with his latest cuddle than drive a tow truck, but his brother needs his help. He reluctantly agrees to help Heather find a way to the wedding locale, but when the storm closes the roads, he ends up offering her shelter in his penthouse.
Warm and rested at last, Nick and Heather explore their powerful attraction to each other, only to part when he delivers her, on time, to her sister’s wedding. But weddings breed weddings…

Dixie’s Gift

The next was ‘Dixie’s Gift’ a story inspired by the loyalty and love of my beloved pet. This was another story to lift me from a dark place. My furry friend hd cancer and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. I was so sad I took that emotion and wrote a story about how my pet would have reacted. It warmed a cold place in me and I hope if you read it, you’ll find the same joy at the end.

I’m working on another short story. I hope to have it ready for next year. It has a Mom and a child waiting for their military dad to come home.

Dixie’s Gift by Barbara Edwards

Buy Link: https://amzn.com/B017OJGVIY

Ellen Carter deeply grieves for her husband Dan, but at least she still has Dixie, her beloved Malinois. However, soon Dixie leaves her too. But the faithful dog cannot rest easy in heaven while her mistress is unhappy. Dixie pleads with the Archangel Michael to let her send help, and intercedes for Ellen in the only way she can. But will Ellen get the message, and more importantly, will she accept Dixie’s gift?

Sexy newcomer Michael Burke can barely take enough time from his successful restaurant for a decent night’s sleep, let alone romance. Still, he is intrigued by the beautiful widow and can’t resist entering her shop. Sparks fly, and when Ellen has an accident in a snowstorm, he comes to her rescue. Trapped by a blizzard and aided by Dixie’s Gift, Ellen and Michael find more than shelter–they find love.

Buy Link: https://amzn.com/B017OJGVIY

I hope you enjoy them.

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I visited the North Pole by Barbara Edwards

 

 

 

 

 

I did. I visited the North Pole.

Alaska that is. And I loved the small town located in the far north past Fairbanks.

 

 

 

 

 

Normally my  husband doesn’t like to browse through stores, but I hated to be leaving Fairbanks, knowing we’d be returning south. And he thought the North Pole would make me laugh.

 

 

 

 

Oh it did. the place is a tourist’s delight. The streets are decorated with giant candy canes, the stores are all Christmasy and the restaurant we stopped in for breakfast had murals of winter and Christmas painted on the walls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped at the main store and bought Christmas ornaments and talked to Santa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Journey of the Magi is available: http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

Journey of the Magi excerpt:

“Is that job still open?”

“I need a waitress.” His rich voice woke tingles of awareness that she’d forgotten, or maybe never knew.

“Is that a yes or a no?” she asked impatiently. These unfamiliar feelings were scary and unwelcome. She was too tired to be diplomatic and this job was too important.

“What are you going to do with them?” He jutted his chin toward her children.

“I, I d-d-don’t know,” Noel stammered before she slumped onto the nearest stool. Leaning forward onto her elbows, she looked at her clasped hands. “I didn’t plan that far.”

“Humph!”

Noel watched his long, strong fingers dexterously polish another glass. His wide palms held the heavy restaurant-ware like fine china. He had nice hands, a gentle touch. Instinct murmured he’d be as careful with a woman.

“I guess I should move on. I…”

“Could keep the kids next to the kitchen, there’s a place there. Then if they needed you, you’d be right close.” His deep voice was like an angel’s song.

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Journey of the Magi blurb:

Widow Noel Martin never breaks promises, and she promised her kids they’d have Christmas at her childhood home in Connecticut. But driving across country takes money. Noel is broke when a snowstorm blows them into a tiny Minnesota café owned by a man who can change her mind. She accepts his offer of a job. Despite her attraction to him, she makes it clear she is only temporary help.

Dan Longstreet isn’t adopting any more strays, but he needs a waitress. Dan works so hard to make his café a success, he doesn’t have time for love. Though Noel’s slender blonde beauty stuns him and her two adorable children tug at his heart, he denies how they threaten to change his life.

When tragedy strikes, their new-found love is the first victim. Noel can’t stay and Dan can’t leave. Will their journey be the gift that reunites them?

Picky, picky picky by Barbara Edwards

Edits are time-consuming, frustrating and ultimately satisfying. I finished the first edit round for Ancient Curse yesterday and sent it back to my editor Amanda Barnett with a prayer.

This is the third book in my Rhodes End series for the Wild Rose Press. I should be a little more confident that they like my work. Especially since my holiday romance Journey of the Magi was a bestseller.

Any writer will agree the next manuscript is a difficult to write as the first. I remember picking away at every detail of my first. I wanted it perfect. I still want this one perfect, but I’ve learned to be easier on myself. I use spell-check when I question my memory. I depend on my editor to pick up any glaring flaws. Its not easy.

My books are my babies. And my human kids will tell you I’m still picky even though they’ve grown up and moved out. I await my first critique with both fear and hope. Then when I have the most wonderful reviews, I cry for days. If you don’t believe me, check Journey of the Magi  http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

Journey of the Magi by Barbara Edwards

So much credit goes to my editor Kinan for making sure I did my best. she is the good kind of picky.

So I learned more about the right kind of picky: build the romance, weave the plot, make strong characters, use effective description.

Whew. That’s work.

Well, did you expect writing to be easy? I think I did. Now I’ve learned it takes daily work. Hours and hours of writing followed by hours and hours of picky, picky, picky edits.

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Thanks for the Gift by Barbara Edwards

Home for the Holidays

Thank you. There, I said it.

You all made this year so great.

I didn’t fulfill my dream of making the New York Times bestseller list, but I did become a bestseller on Amazon with my holiday romance.

I wrote a Christmas story called Journey of the Magi that the Wild Rose Press published. In the process I met a group of helpful, nice editors for the Sweetheart line as well as working with Amanda Barnett my Black Rose editor. (We’re editing book three in the Rhodes End series)

With their help I stretched into a whole new area. In the process of organizing for the free days I had so much help from friends and colleagues all over the internet.

I was overwhelmed with the professional, yet friendly way that authors offered to host me on their blogs. Tweets went out over the internet from so many, I lost count. FaceBook shares helped, too.

Thanks to those who downloaded my book.

And reviews. OMG, the reviews from so many who enjoyed my book surprised me so much. I cried more with happiness more than I’ve cried before. I hope you take the time to read them and smile with me. http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

With a lot of help I learned about hootsuite, free sites that listed my book, and street teams. You know who you are. Thanks.

I’m wishing that every one of you has the Happiest Christmas, Hanukah, or your holiday of choice.

Last but not least. Hugs and kisses to my son, William who is webmaster for my website, and thanks to my daughters-in-law for being my street team. I love you all.

God bless you, one and all.

Love Barbara

Journey of the Magi

Journey of the Magi

She promised her kids a home for Christmas, but a junker car, a Minnesota blizzard and no money has her finding the man of her dreams. Can she keep  her promise? A Christmas love story to warm your heart. Journey of the Magi http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

 

 

 

Journey of the Magi #FREE on #kindle October 8 to 12 http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

My Christmas story is #FREE on #kindle from October 8 to 12  A Christmas love story to warm your heart. Journey of the Magi http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

Barbara Edwards

Widow Noel Martin never breaks promises, and she promised her kids they’d have Christmas at her childhood home in Connecticut. But driving across country takes money. Noel is broke when a snowstorm blows them into a tiny Minnesota café owned by a man who can change her mind. She accepts his offer of a job. Despite her attraction to him, she makes it clear she is only temporary help.

 

Dan Longstreet isn’t adopting any more strays, but he needs a waitress. Dan works so hard to make his café a success, he doesn’t have time for love. Though Noel’s slender blonde beauty stuns him and her two adorable children tug at his heart, he denies how they threaten to change his life.

 

When tragedy strikes, their new-found love is the first victim. Noel can’t stay and Dan can’t leave. Will their journey be the gift that reunites them?

Journey of the Magi by Barbara Edwards

 

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North to Alaska-our trip plans by Barbara Edwards

I am so glad to share happy news.

With the truck camper mounted on our Dodge Diesel we decided to take a test drive. The leaves are changing so we took the highway to New Hampshire.

The only problem was the promised sunshine never really appeared. I took some photos but the colors didn’t show.

Being this close we stopped at Franconia Notch. The flume is noted for its spectacular views and with the recent rains it was flowing high.

It was drizzling when we took to the trail. It’s not a long walk but it is steep. Luckily I wore a rain repellent jacket and Tilley hat.

The pictures speak for themselves. The gorge is bordered by the board way installed by the park service. That’s removed in the winter or ice will buckle it.

 

 

 

There are tiny signs naming over a dozen different moss varieties.

Walking the steep gorge reminded me of prehistoric forests with the sweeping ferns and thick mosses.

Anyway, we’re happy with the truck camper and found it to be snug and warm. It is much smaller than our fifth wheel with less storage. I need to give some thought to how to bring enough clothes for three seasons.

I’ve called The Alaska Marine Highway for information. Nice people answered my questions. I need to call back when the 2014 schedule is posted. The good part is it gives my husband and I time to study the Milestone Book. Which towns sound best to stay for one or two or three days?

I have the feeling I will not have enough time.

My new release on kindle, Journey of the Magi is available here: http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

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Journey of the Magi by Barbara Edwards

Check out my new release, Journey of the Magi on #kindle http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

Journey of the Magi by Barbara Edwards

The heroine, Noel Martin is struggling to keep her promise to her children. A blizzard in Minnesota, a broken down car and lack of money halts their journey to a home in Connecticut. When the man of her dreams offers his help and love, can she resist?

I had fun writing this holiday story, a departure from my edgy paranormal romances. I revealed my soft heart and love of stray animals, small children and tall, dark and strong men.

I took a number of personal experiences to write the plot. I breast-fed my children like Noel does her baby and drove a clunker of a car for years. Minnesota during November came from my son’s wedding to a girl from that area. The snow was deep and the temperature deeper. The parking lot in the motel had a warning not to leave your vehicle if the bears were in the parking lot. The people were among the friendliest I’ve ever met.

My house burned and we lost everything. A period in my life I’d rather forget.

Barbara Edwards

There is nothing like Christmas in Connecticut. We all gather to decorate wreaths to sell on the Christmas tree farm. My husband and I dress up like Santa and his wife to entertain the kids and hand out candy canes. On Christmas Eve we gather to exchange gift and share a family dinner. I cry each year for those who can’t be there and with happiness. My children and their families are growing and changing with every season.

An excerpt from Journey of the Magi:

“Oh, Holly, how many times have I told you not to open the door to strangers?”

Holly stared at her mother.

“That’s what Dan said, too.” Her forehead wrinkled as she pursed her mouth. “Do all grown-ups say the same things?”

“Not all. And I think you should call him Mr. Longstreet.”

“I did. But he said I could call him Dan since you were already friends.”

Noel ducked her head to avoid Holly’s gaze as her stomach warmed. Friends? Her pulse raced and her skin tingled when he was close, not feelings she had for a friend. Dan sparked a strong attraction in her, but she had no intention of acting on it. She had to keep firmly to her goal: they were going home.

Home. She’d dreamed of returning for so long. If she was honest, going home had been her hope for years. The big old farmhouse had given a sad, lonely child more than shelter. It held the memories of loving arms cradling her, fresh-baked cookies and safety. All the things she wanted for her babies.

Nicholas gave a contented hiccup and she eased him over to burp. As soon as she dressed, she’d remind Dan she had to leave before Christmas.

Available on kindle  http://amzn.com/B00ES5DZEQ

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Afraid of Breast Cancer? by Barbara Edwards

Afraid of Cancer? By Barbara Edwards

 

I’d be a fool not to have the fear niggling in the back of my mind despite all the reassurances about the odds.

Sunrise at Sugar Hill

Atypical cells are not cancer. Not yet, maybe never. I could get run over by a bus and not have to worry at all. I have to laugh at myself. I had a dear friend who required a double mastectomy and kept her good spirits and joy of life through the whole process. She’s a sweet woman who is a survivor. How can I obsess over my own problem? I guess because they are mine.

My lumpectomy is scheduled for next Tuesday and I will be so glad to have it over. I am anxious. This date was the next available when I called and I thought two weeks was a hellishly long time to wait.

I had to have a physical by my doctor and my cardiologist and the breast surgeon. If it’s not a big deal why do I need all this extra fuss? I needed more blood-work and to stop taking any herbals, aspirin, etc two weeks before the date. Cut that one close.

Christmas Creche

On top of that, my new book, Journey of the Magi, A Christmas romance, is being released on Monday. I’ve been scurrying around scheduling blog visits, planning tweets and posts for Facebook and trying to work on my next book.

I feel like I’m on a roller coaster. Up one minute, down the next.

The breast surgeon has a wonderful bedside manner. I had a list of questions and she sat down and answered them all before I could ask. I guess everyone has the same worries. She did add that the chance of my atypical cells being cancer is one in one hundred. I breathed a big sigh of relief. Then my very active brain injected that I buy a lottery ticket with odds worse than that and expect to win. Geez.

So I going to admit that I am worried and afraid. There. I said it. I don’t have to put on a happy face to share this with you.  Every woman knows what I feel. And offers support. I do thank all of my friends, those who commented and my family. Without you and what you’ve shared, I would be a wreck. The prayers have wrapped me in comfort. Thanks

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Alaska: The trip of a lifetime by Barbara Edwards

We’re going to Alaska. My husband and I love to travel and have talked about traveling to Alaska several times. Last year when he had his stent put in was another reason to postpone it. Then the price of fuel went through the ceiling. Then I have my health issues. Yikes.

Fifth wheel camper

We are making plans anyway.  Dreaming about the trip of a lifetime has become planning the trip.

Since fuel costs so much, we’ll consolidate. Our fifth wheel is 30 feet long and we get 12 miles to the gallon hauling it. A lot more than other campers but still a too much for thousands of miles. So we decided the best option is a truck camper. I figured it’s one of those think about, plan for it, take your time and maybe, kind of discussions.

Instead, my husband said we’re going to look at a truck camper. The camper was parked in the owner’s barn. Dust and spider webs showed it had really been five years since it was moved. I opened the door and noticed his wife had strewn the inside with dryer sheets. Aha, someone cares. For those of you who don’t know, dryer sheets keep away the creepy-crawlies like mice and bugs.

The camper isn’t brand-new, but that’s an advantage. Everything works, the furnace, the hot water heater, the stove and the tiny shower. We discussed price and when my husband mentioned we’d need to install an air conditioner, the seller dropped the price that amount. To my shock, my husband bought it on the spot.

To get it home we had to install the right tie-down brackets on the undersides of our truck. We ordered them online and my handy hubby put them on himself.

Then we brought our newest toy home. Our parking place isn’t small, but a truck camper and the fifth wheel take up a big space, so the fifth wheel is in storage until we need it for the regular winter jaunt.

We plan to drive cross-country then take the Alaskan Marine Highway North. Early next spring is our goal.   If i sound calm and serene, just listen fro my whoops of excitement echoing on the cyber space air!

Visit my website for a look at my new cover, Journey of the Magi, a September release on Kindle.

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