As I settle in to write the first story in my next six book contract for Harlequin Love Inspired (Yay, I was officially offered six books for the tentatively titled series A New Leash on Love!) I groan at the hundred degree heat and sigh. We have two fans running turbo on us but it’s still practically as hot as a desert in here. We try not to run the air conditioner more than a few hours a day or our electric bill skyrockets, so I’m looking forward to the afternoon when I can write in the relative cool.
In the meantime, the sun is shining, heat is pressing in around me and I have a Christmas book to write. All six of these stories, though not all specifically Christmas books, take place on a Christmas tree farm in the fictional town of Whispering Pines, Colorado. And so even though it’s scorching outside, I’ve got to think snow, ice and cold. Let it Snow instead of the Star Spangled Banner. I think it’s time to turn on some Christmas music—Elvis, Harry Connick Jr. and of course The Texas Tenors.
Now that’s a writer’s imagination at work.
To help me set the scene, I’ve put out the first book in two series, each of which is a Christmas novella. I read through them recently to remind me of Christmas cheer. If you’re dying of heat stroke like I am, I encourage you to pick up one or both of these books and enjoy a little snow and mistletoe. They are only $0.99 on Kindle or free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
When a couple of mischievous six-year-old twins show up on Maisey Gray’s property and scare her horses, she’s ready to let their VR glasses-wearing, socially-awkward guardian have a piece of her mind. She soon learns there’s much more to Cam than meets the eye, but he’s the twins’ permanent guardian and she isn’t mother material. Can an adorable set of twins, a snowstorm and a wild horse bring a this cowgirl a Christmas gift she’ll remember forever? (Last Chance Ranch Book One)
When their best friends’ wedding is about to collapse the night before the nuptials, the best man, wrangler Matthew Wilde, and the maid of honor, Riley Weaver, must work together to make their friends’ Christmas wish come true. Despite their differences and a family feud, can Matthew and Riley embrace the holiday spirit–and each other–before the clock ticks down? (Weddings by Wilde Book One)
However you decide to cool down this summer, I hope reading plenty of books is in your plans!
~~Love Courageously~~ Publisher's Weekly Bestselling, award-winning author of 30 novels, Deb Kastner enjoys writing contemporary inspirational western stories set in small communities. She feels especially blessed to be able to include faith as a natural and genuine part of her characters' lives. Deb lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and a pack of miscreant mutts. She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors are her fav), singing in the church choir, and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.
Christmas in July gives us the chance to experience what Christmas is like in the different hemisphere. Although I can’t really think of any real advantage of having Christmas on a cold, wet day or with it cold and wet in the lead up. Carols in candlelight in the park doesn’t sound as fun as it does in summer! If we had snow it may be different. Many places here do Christmas in July (just the one night) and have a Christmas meal and having a traditional Christmas meal in winter sure beats having it when its 90+.
Its one reason I love reading Christmas books set in the snow at Christmas time because we don’t have snow and its hot here. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want to give up my Christmas but books let me experience a snow bound Christmas.
I have to admit today was mild compared to the past week, still very windy but the temp was much nicer and the sun was shining.
Hi Deb, congrats on the series contract, that is exciting:) I cannot imagine trying to write about a cold place while it’s hot! Just thinking about wearing warm clothes would be hard enough!!
Blessings:)
Congratulations, Deb! Can’t wait to read more of your stories! I just picked up The Cowgirl’s Christmas Gift. Thank you! It’s scorching here in Virginia too.
Scorching here in GA, too! Love your exciting news and will be purchasing.
Congrats on the the contract! That’s wonderful! Christmas books are fun all year—I like the change in perspective and season every now and then!
Congratulations on your book contract! Sorry you’re suffering though. Our summer has been mild, only reaching the 80 s most days and the 90’s a few times. Unusual for central Washington.
I’m writing a Christmas novella right now, so yes, snow and cold toes even though the sun is shining here and the birds are singing.
I love the cover art on The Cowgirl’s Christmas Gift. I’m going to buy it now.
Have a cooler day!
Congrats on your book contract. That’s awesome. ?
I naturally don’t gravitate towards Christmas books in July. But I’m definitely checking these books out. They sound really good.
It’s been cold here in SE British Columbia. Jeans and T-shirts and fuzzy socks cold. I’ve worn shorts once, I think, since we returned from a Florida vacation a few weeks ago!
It’s too bad I’m NOT writing a Christmas story this summer as I so often have. It would be easier to get into the spirit of it this year!
It’s HOT here in FL, too, but I keep the A/C on and the ceiling fans going!! Thankfully, we have a small house and lots of attic insulation!! Today it’s also overcast, so that’ll help a tad!! I like to read about cooler areas during the heat here, so that’s year round!! Your books sound great! I’ll put them on my wish list!
We’re having a hot spell here in northern Utah, too! Luckily, we installed solar panels a few years ago, so our electric bill is practically nothing in the summer. It’s kind of hard to think of Christmas in July, but we drove up one of our canyons here a couple of days ago, and there’s still spots of snow up there on the tops of the mountains! We had lots of snow last winter and a couple of late spring snows.
Congrats on the new book series! Stay cool and think Christmas!
I’m excited…it sounds like your new series will have some pets as central characters. Is that correct? I always think I’m going to read Christmas in July, but I rarely do. I also always think I’m going to put up a Christmas tree in July, but I haven’t yet. :)
Congrats on series! Looking forward to it. I was just thinking of the Christmas in July theme today wondering if heat had anything to do with it. It’s hot herein Kentucky but I doubt it’s as bad as where you are !
Isn’t he just the cutest hero? I love Cam so much and writing his story was just too fun.
Fuzzy socks cold? I am SO jealous!!!
Oh yes, dogs are going to be front and center of my new series. I’m exploring different ways service dogs can be used besides the usual dogs for the blind. I’ve found such fascinating research about mental health dogs, therapy dogs for those who’ve been displaced by weather disasters and more.
July is in the middle of winter here. No snow where we are, but further south there is.
I just can’t get into Christmas when it is 110 heat index. Congratulations on your books.
Same here Mary. There is now in the Eastern states in the mountains but not here. I have never seen fresh now but want to one day.
Congratulations on the book contract, Deb! I’m so proud of you! ?
It’s been hot here in Indiana too. I think last Saturday the heat index was 107 degrees. Thankfully, yesterday was a nice cool down.
The two books sound great! I can’t wait to read them as well as the rest in the series! ??