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An Isolating Force
Holly & Heartbeats follows a burned-out doctor who books a Christmas escape at a cozy inn run by a guarded single dad, and they both find something they didn’t know they needed. What drew you to write a quieter, more healing holiday romance?
I wanted to write a holiday story where love shows up in small, meaningful ways instead of grand gestures. I’m deeply interested in how complicated love is, and I center my writing on relatable relationships—the Working for Love series lives in that tender space where we’re all a little wounded, a little lonely, and reaching for connection that rarely comes easily. Writing Holly and Heartbeats was about running somewhere new and still finding exactly what you didn’t know you needed: a home full of love. And honestly, I adore a ridiculously sweet holiday romance. Who doesn’t?
Jess carries loneliness with her long before the romance begins. How did you shape her emotional journey?
Jess’s arc began in Toolbelts & Ties (Working for Love, Book 2), where she got her first real taste of love—and of getting it wrong. I wanted to explore how that “miss” wasn’t a failure so much as an education, giving her the chance to understand herself better and ultimately find a love that truly fit, rather than settling for the one that arrived first.
How does being snowed in change the emotional stakes?
Snow is often used as a metaphor for purity—a reset, and an isolating force. In Holly and Heartbeats, the storm becomes a common enemy and a reason to come together. What could have frightened Jess instead gives her the chance to shine, and a crisis at the inn that should demand Graham step up actually forces him to slow down. The storm clears away their doubts and defenses, making space for both of them to begin something entirely new.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
Yes—Holly and Heartbeats is actually the final book in the Working for Love series. It was written a little out of order because I couldn’t resist sharing a Christmas story this year, but Book Five, Bourbons and Bling, is coming soon and will complete the six-book set. The Working for Love series is about finding love where you least expect it. It centers on strong women and endlessly patient men who discover connection through their work, their lives, and their community in the small town of Serenity, Texas. Mixing business with pleasure has never been so much fun!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Jessica Louis is tired of spending the holidays alone. A last-minute escape to the charming Holly House Inn sounds like the perfect way to hide from her own heartbreak. But between a surprise blizzard, two curious little girls, and an innkeeper with more secrets than garland, her plans for a peaceful Christmas vanish faster than fresh snow on warm pavement.
Graham Harper has held the pieces of his family together since his wife’s passing—running the inn, raising his daughters, and keeping his heart carefully locked away. He’s got cocoa to stir, beds to turn down, and no room for unexpected guests with bright smiles and soft hearts.
But when the storm traps them inside the snowbound inn, Jessica’s warmth begins to thaw more than the ice on the windows. As laughter returns to the hallways and new traditions take root, she realizes that Holly House isn’t just a place to stay—it might be a place to belong.
Holly & Heartbeats
Holly & Heartbeats is a warm, wintry contemporary romance that follows Jess, an overworked small-town doctor who impulsively books a Christmas stay at the Holly House Inn, and Graham, the flannel-wrapped single dad who runs it with more grit than charm. The story unfolds with all the cozy beats you’d expect from a holiday romance: quiet mornings, glitter-filled crafts, a looming snowstorm, and a slow, steady pull between two people who aren’t looking for love but clearly need it. It’s sweet, comforting, and full of heart.
Reading it, I felt like I was slipping into a soft blanket after a long day. The writing is simple in the best way, not plain, just clean, and it gives the moments room to unfold. Jess’s loneliness is handled with such gentle honesty that I was rooting for her long before she even reached the inn. And Graham…well, he’s the kind of gruff that’s really just tenderness wrapped in fatigue. The author’s choice to show so much through small gestures, especially Graham’s quiet care for his daughters, made the romance feel grounded. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced. Even the big emotional shifts arrive softly, the way snowfall does when you’re not paying attention.
What I enjoyed most was how the story let joy sit right beside grief. The twins’ openness about their mom, the way Graham tries to hold the whole world on his shoulders, Jess learning how to let herself want something again, all felt natural and surprisingly moving. Some scenes are silly and glitter-covered. Others are introspective in a way that catches you off guard. I loved that the book didn’t punish its characters for their history. Instead, it gives them space to grow, to forgive themselves, and to choose something new. The inn itself almost becomes a character, glowing and warm in every chapter.
By the end, I felt that lovely romance-novel ache, the one that says these two people found each other at exactly the right time. The epilogue seals it with a sweetness that doesn’t feel cheap, just earned. I’d recommend Holly & Heartbeats to anyone who loves contemporary romance but wants something gentler, more atmospheric, more about healing than hijinks. If you enjoy found family, snowstorms that nudge hearts together, or stories where love grows in the quiet moments, this one will land beautifully for you.
Pages: 217 | ASIN : B0FW9Y1HZM
The Christmas Miracle
The Christmas Miracle follows Peter Travis, a man marked by grief yet blessed with resilience, who navigates a life shaped by loss, love, and small miracles. He runs Briana’s Bistro, a place that holds both memories of a past love and the heartbeat of his present family. Through tender moments with his wife Laura and their children, strained encounters with troubling figures like Stephen Hobbs, and the unexpected bond with a boy named Terry, Peter’s world becomes a tapestry of sorrow, second chances, and quiet redemption. At its heart, the book reflects on love’s endurance in the face of tragedy, and how the spirit of Christmas can illuminate even the darkest corners of life.
I found myself moved by the writing. Barbara Avon’s style has a rhythm that feels both intimate and unpolished in the best way. She doesn’t shy away from heavy emotion, and the words carry raw honesty. Sometimes the prose wanders, slipping into almost dreamlike passages, and while that can slow the pace, it also makes the story feel authentic. I felt like I was sitting at Peter’s kitchen table listening to him unspool his life, full of regrets and blessings tangled together. There were moments I had to pause, the weight of grief so vividly drawn that it pressed on my chest. Yet the warmth of family and the small, ordinary joys gave the story its balance.
What lingered most for me was the way the book treats memory. Ghosts of the past aren’t just haunting, they’re guiding, shaping how Peter learns to love again. I liked how the bistro itself became a character, almost a shrine, where the past and present collided. At times, the melodrama was heavy, but I couldn’t deny how much I cared about these characters. Their flaws, their resilience, their hunger for meaning, all of it struck a chord. The dialogue, especially between Peter and Laura, felt tender and believable. And the introduction of Terry added a fresh spark, a reminder of hope in unlikely places.
This isn’t a story of neat resolutions. It’s a reminder that miracles don’t erase pain, they stand alongside it. I’d recommend The Christmas Miracle to readers who want a heartfelt, emotional ride, especially those drawn to family dramas and holiday tales with depth. It’s not a light read, but it’s one that leaves you holding tighter to the people you love, and maybe seeing the season with softer eyes.
Pages: 199 | ASIN : B08BN6LY9X
An Immersive Fantasy World
The Land of Sweets is in danger from the Mouse King, and Prince Klaus must enlist the help of Clara, now an adult, to help save his kingdom. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Return of the Nutcracker Prince?
Growing up, every year my family watched a movie version of the ballet where Clara and the Prince magically turn into adults in the Land of Sweets. In the finale, they rise up into the sky and then are ripped apart, and Clara wakes up in her bed. It took years before I realized that wasn’t normally how the story went.
After reading Aidy Award’s Claimed by the Winter Realm two years ago, I watched that old movie again. During the finale that plays up the star-crossed lovers aspect, I thought to myself, “What if the prince grew up and went back for Clara?” And I hopped on my computer and wrote until one in the morning.
Prince Klaus and Clara are well-known characters with rich histories. What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
My first step was to research The Nutcracker Ballet and look at photos of various productions and how it’s changed through the years. Then I read The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, by Alexandre Dumas, which the ballet was based on.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
Overall, I wanted an immersive fantasy world. I hadn’t written a fantasy romance before this and there wasn’t really anything else like it I could find. Additionally, I wanted to pay homage to the original work while giving the story my own spin. As a student of both history and the German language, I challenged myself to keep the historical aspects as accurate as possible. I also changed the names of some characters because I wanted more German names for them.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
For my next book, I’m returning to contemporary romance. It will be a spin-off from my contemporary romance series, The Geek Girl Squad, coming this spring. It doesn’t have a title yet. Then, in the fall, I plan to release my first romantic suspense novel, Thief’s Bodyguard.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Nutcracker Prince is on a mission — to save the Land of Sweets from the power-hungry Mouse King. But when Prince Klaus turns to Clara, the mage from the Realm of Waking, he finds more than just a savior for his kingdom. He finds the girl from his past, all grown up — but she thinks that long-ago battle was all a dream.
Clara has been promised to a man she hates and can’t see a way out. When she comes face to face with the boy from her dreams, her world turns upside down. He’s all grown up now, and he needs her help. She takes a leap of faith and joins Klaus in a daring adventure across the Realms. As they battle the Mouse King and his army, Klaus and Clara rekindle their connection and discover a love that might save them all.
Return to the Land of Sweets and Toys in this imaginative sequel to the Nutcracker Ballet!
Return of the Nutcracker Prince
Return of the Nutcracker Prince by Jasmine C. Caldwell presents a captivating continuation of the classic Nutcracker Ballet tale. Set a decade later, the narrative follows a grown-up Clara Stahlbaum as she grapples with her parents’ plans for an arranged marriage to a disagreeable suitor. Her childhood memories of a magical Christmas Eve begin to blur with reality when she reunites with Prince Klaus, now confined to the form of a wooden nutcracker soldier. Together, they embark on a mission to save his realm, the Land of Sweets and Toys, from the menacing Mouse King.
Caldwell’s novel stands as a testament to the enduring allure of holiday magic and fantasy. Readers need not be familiar with the original ballet to become immersed in this imaginative extension, making it an accessible read for those new to the story. The book skillfully weaves a tale of romance and enchantment between Clara and Klaus, set against a whimsically detailed Land of Sweets backdrop. The author’s vivid descriptions of this fantastical world – complete with chocolate mines, cinnamon trees, a river of lemonade, and gingerbread houses – are particularly noteworthy, inviting readers to step into Clara’s shoes and explore a world of wonder.
The narrative’s exploration of fantasy is coupled with a well-crafted romance, appealing to adult readers with a penchant for magical holiday tales. Caldwell skillfully tailors the story to adult readers, imbuing it with a depth and complexity that resonates with a more mature audience. The nuanced interactions between Clara and Klaus add layers of sophistication. This mature approach offers a fresh perspective compared to the original ballet, which has a broader, family-friendly appeal. The narrative’s pace, including detailed accounts of Clara’s time in the Sugar Plum Palace, allows for a thorough exploration of Caldwell’s enchanting world, inviting readers to savor every aspect of this magical realm.
Return of the Nutcracker Prince revives the spirit of a beloved classic through a modern lens, balancing the nostalgia of the original ballet with fresh, creative elements. Caldwell’s narrative is an invitation to revisit a cherished fairy tale, offering a new perspective on the enchanting world of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.
Pages: 265 | ASIN : B0CMGSJSXW
Banning Santa
Banning Santa, by Mikael Carlson, is a novel that brilliantly marries the joy of Christmas with the absurdity of political maneuvering. Imagine a scenario where a festive mall Santa’s viral misadventure sparks a political frenzy to ban Santa Claus himself. Carlson masterfully orchestrates this uproar, pitting political parties, public opinion, and the very essence of Christmas spirit against each other in a humorous yet thought-provoking battle.
The book’s unique premise and intriguing title immediately capture attention, sparking a blend of curiosity and intrigue from the first glance. I feel the initial chapters, with their rapidly shifting points of view, each unfolding in brief, standalone segments, might challenge conventional narrative preferences. Yet, this unique storytelling approach sets the stage for a rich and engaging narrative tapestry. As the story unfolds, the characters become increasingly relatable–their struggles and reactions to this bizarre situation are almost palpable. Comedic moments are woven throughout each chapter, yet there’s a subtle layer of earnestness beneath the laughter, adding depth to the narrative. While the ending might not surprise seasoned readers, it brings a heartwarming resolution that transcends political divides, celebrating a moment of unity and shared humanity. The concluding chapters encapsulate a blend of emotional and comedic elements, leaving readers with both tears and laughter.
Banning Santa takes readers on a rollercoaster ride, quickly gathering momentum to pull you into its captivating plot. The story’s engaging nature left me longing for longer chapters and a more consistent narrative perspective, elements I feel would have further enhanced an already captivating tale. Mikael Carlson’s Banning Santa is a delightful read, especially for those who enjoy a fusion of satire, humor, and holiday cheer.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0CM9L62PD
No One Is All Good or Evil
INFINITY: There be Pirates follows a knight tasked with hunting down a pirate who ends up falling in love with the woman he is supposed to apprehend. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My goal was to create a pirate romance that wasn’t the typical misogynistic nonsense that authors write in this genre. If you’ve never read a pirate romance… you’re not missing much. They’re all the same. I’ll give you a brief breakdown. A naïve, adolescent, virgin girl is kidnapped against her will by a philandering brute who attacked her ship and murdered her friends and family. She warms up to this lunatic for the sake of her survival. The leading man is a violent, unrepentant, criminal with no depth and no motivation other than to get rich and get laid. Then I, the reader, am expected to applaud at the end of this Stockholm Syndrome story when this dumb girl falls in love with her oppressor. My inspiration for writing my pirate romance was how terrible they normally are. I know what you guys are thinking. “Didn’t Sarah abduct Matthew? Isn’t that the same situation?” No, and this is why. Matthew wasn’t some defenseless teenage girl. He was a deadly military operative who was hunting Sarah and her crew. The only way she could survive was to trap him first. Also, Matthew and Sarah have a complicated past. They are not strangers. He didn’t fall in love with his abductor. He remained in love with a woman he was already in love with long before she was a pirate.
This story blends fantasy and historical fiction in an alluring and creative way. What books do you think most influenced your work and the creation of this series?
I love classic books and I get inspiration from them:
Treasure Island
Peter Pan
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Sinbad the Voyager
King Arthur and the Knights of Camelot
Robinhood
Pirate stories are filled with action and adventure on the high seas making for an entertaining and engaging novel. What was your favorite scene in this story to write?
My favorite scene in this adventure book was not adventurous at all. It was the scene where Matthew is taken back to the pirate stronghold on the Isle of Maroons and he enters this whole new world. Pirates are outlaws. As a British knight and a navy captain, it’s his duty to apprehend and execute them. Yet he empathizes with them to some extent. Matthew knows there are circumstances that would cause him to commit the same crimes. I enjoyed this scene because it’s the part of the story where he humanizes his rivals. He realizes that no one is all good, and no one is all evil. People are a complicated mixture of both.
What future plans do you have for Matthew and Sarah, and when can your fans expect the next book?
The next book will be INFINITY: Love & Treasure which is the swashbuckling conclusion to the buccaneer trilogy. Pirate books require a lot of time and research so it probably won’t be released until the fall of 2024. I know that’s a long time from now but I want to make sure I am writing a book that is worthy of my readers. I’m also in the process of making video editions of my books on YouTube. I appreciate all the Infinity fans. Thanks so much for your support. https://youtu.be/6XafzpfUonY
Author Links: Website | YouTube
Includes 30 illustrations.
INFINITY: There be Pirates
Pirate hunter Sir Matthew Galahad is about to embark on a mission to find and stop the reign of terror being perpetrated by the crew of The Wraith. The Wraith is rumored to be manned by ghosts and led by a female captain whose wickedness is head and shoulders above all others. Matthew sees everything he wants lying just out of reach–a marriage to the esteemed Amelia Gray and a position in the King’s court as a duke. Matthew must find it within himself to complete the task and win the battle ahead–and the war raging within.
There Be Pirates is part of Catalina DuBois’s INFINITY series, which follows a pair of ill-fated lovers across continents and through time. This particular installment features Matthew as a young man who sees his future wavering before him as he takes on a pirate ship under the direction of Sarah Nightingale. Theirs is a history like no other.
This is not the first of DuBois’s INFINITY books I have read. I admire the creativity it requires to place Matthew and Sarah into new and challenging circumstances and settings while keeping their relationship’s integrity and relatability. This particular book is my favorite so far. The glimpse into Matthew and Sarah’s life together before their encounter on The Wraith shows Sarah’s strength and resilience in no uncertain terms. She is a stellar character and is one that can span genres. While the fiery romance and tension between Sarah and Matthew is one definite draw of Dubois’s work, Sarah’s unmatched passion and drive are undeniably appealing.
DuBois is tops when it comes to dialogue. It can be challenging to find a book of the romance genre that doesn’t veer primarily toward the vulgar side. However, DuBois knows precisely how to appeal to her readers and keep them interested in the romance between Sarah and Matthew and the ever-present tension of their strained history. Their exchanges are charged with an energy that makes the reader anxious for their next interaction.
There Be Pirates is a masterful blend of romance, adventure, and drama with the perfect amount of humor thrown in. DuBois has done it again with this Matthew and Sarah saga installment. Romance fans looking for a new author providing a fresh take on historical romance will appreciate Catalina DuBois.
Pages: 368 | ASIN : B0CCQPB4QM
