I'd like to introduce you to one of my friends, who is a renown author with The Wild Rose Press, Shirley Goldberg. I recently read her Middle Ageish, loved it, and highly recommend it. Shirley: 8-Minute Man, A Short Story

Vincent abandons his comfort zone for one very long afternoon.

No, this isn't my little guy, but I was in the mood for dog company and a friend lent me his doggie.  He's trained to bring in the mail. Do you remember when we used to write letters?

This month brings Vincent starring in 8-Minute Man, his own short story. He's a romantic although you wouldn't think so, not upon first meeting him. Grab my short story and enjoy a holiday treat that isn't fattening.  Download to your device of choice.                     Yes, I'd like to read 8-Minute Man!    If you have any problems with downloads, the folks at Book Funnel will be happy to help. (Book Funnel is a book delivery service that blocks all sorts of viruses and fungi from appearing on your computer or tablet.)  Feel free to email me should Vincent's story prove elusive. If you're not happy, he's not happy. And neither am I.

Guess the release date of my new rom com, Eat Your Heart Out. A story of two foodies who sauté, banter, and dance around each other.  Everyone who correctly guesses the date will get one entry into the draw. Bonus entries (following Shirley on Facebook and Book Bub) will up your chances to win. Runs now through January 13, 2021               Enter the Giveaway Here It's optional to follow me on Book Bub or Facebook. But if you follow me on Facebook, be sure to put “Eat Your Heart Out” in the comments.  As you may have guessed, Eat Your Heart Out won't release until 2021

Now for a few more fun bits. I'm watching The Queen's Gambit, and I don't know about you, but I'm finding it more fun than humans should have. My sister raved over it and bought a chess set.  Get back into chess mode with this interview with Harry Melling and Moses Ingram! And there's Bridgerton, historical romance that's part Gossip Girl, part Downton Abbey, only more sexy. Courtesy the great Julia Quinn. If you aren't familiar with her work, check out this tidbit. Even the trailer is swoon-worthy.   Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor, the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family, makes her debut onto Regency London’s competitive marriage market.  The closest thing to online dating for its time.

In these quiet, year-end days, I’m grateful for the special people in my life. Family even though they’re far away, friends to chat with when I’m a little blue, frequent walks to clear my head.  Evenings after work is done, I'm loving all the new books out there waiting to be discovered. And movies and series on the flickering screen–I can't be alone in this appreciation––mostly because they take me away from the pressure of the larger world. (As you may have guessed from the above suggestions.) And thanks to a lovely reader's contribution, I have a name for the heroine in book 3 in the Starting Over series.       Happy New Year and hurrah for 2021!