Ciao, amici! The year is winding down, and I haven’t even baked a single cookie yet. I’m so behind!
That’s probably why I haven’t mentioned these offerings yet. If you haven’t read them and you’re not running behind (like I am), you might want to check them out. The good news is, they’re quick reads. One’s a steamy standalone novella, one’s a short spinoff of the Cathedral Lake Series, and one’s an anthology with many contributors, so you can devour any of them fast. Even better? The novella and spinoff are only 99¢ each and the anthology is free, so they’re all absolute bargains.
Bright Lights and Candle Glow is an anthology with holiday-themed stories from eight different authors. I think you’ll find these aren’t your usual Christmas stories. I won’t tell you what my story was about, but I will say it’s a departure from my current “kill everyone” philosophy (which is probably a good thing for a Christmas anthology). I will tell you it made quite a few people chuckle. I hope you give it and all the other stories a try. Bright Lights and Candle Glow is free and available at several retailers.
When We Finally Kiss Goodnight is a standalone steamy (please note the stress on the word steamy) novella. I wrote it back when I was still a romance author, but it’s not part of any of my existing series, so the characters are all new. It’s set in Pittsburgh (I’m sure you’re not surprised) with a segue to Gettysburg, where I manage to work in some interesting lore. Fans of my Astral Conspiracy Series will appreciate the historical research and the twist involved, but that’s really a subplot. The driving force of the novella is the love story between Chloe and Britt. If you’re looking for heat that’s not from your fireplace, this one might be for you. 99¢ at several retailers.

Footprints in the Snow is a short spinoff of the Cathedral Lake Series. It follows fan-favorite character Ben and may someday lead into a full-length novel of his own. If you’re a fan of the series and are wondering what happened to him after the events of the first book came to light, you might want to check out this story. It’s a fast read, is 99¢, and is available at several retailers.
That about covers my holiday selections. I think there’s a little something for anyone’s preferences, and I know they’re all budget-friendly. I hope you found something to your liking and consider giving one or more of them a try.
But what I really hope is that your holiday preparations are well in hand and that you find your days to be stress-free and peaceful. This time of year can be so challenging for many of us, and 2020 more difficult than most. Take care of yourselves. That’s my fondest wish for all of you.
I hope to be back next week with a final wind-down for the year, but we all know how time can get away from us (away from me, especially). In case I don’t make it (but I will), happy holidays! Saluti!
Wonderful collection for the holidays! Thank you, Staci. I’m looking forward to reading each of these books.💗
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Thank you, Gwen. ❤️
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I am SO behind, too! Wishing you the happiest of holidays. ❤
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What a horrible thing for us all to share. Sorry to hear it, Sue. I hope you’re catching up. Happy holidays! ❤️
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Wonderful holiday reads, Staci, all with lovely book covers. 🙂
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Thanks, Miriam. In this case, I can take credit for two covers, two of the works, and one story in the anthology, so I’m extra pleased you said so. 🙂
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It was delightful to see your real name on these books, Staci. ☺️
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Aww. Thanks, Miriam. It’s been a while since I wrote as me. Maybe I’ll have time in 2021.
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Best wishes for a shining 2021, Staci!
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Thanks. And the same to you!
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A lovely collection, Staci. Maybe if I read a couple of these I’ll feel Christmassy finally this year 😦 I just haven’t been able to get there yet. Stupid 2020!
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It has been hard to get in the mood. “Stupid 2020” sums it up. I hope the spirit hits you soon. (You’re kind of running out of time.) 🎄 🎅🏼 🎁
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I had Christmas with my in-laws today. That was pretty festive 😁
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That’s wonderful! We baked a couple kinds of cookies and did some gift wrapping. I’m still not quite ready yet, but I’m getting there!
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Kudos, Staci! Hugs on the wing.
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Thanks, Teagan! 🎄
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Great selection, Staci. Hope you stay warm if you are going to shovel.
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My cousin did the front side walk and my son-in-law (to be) is doing the driveway. I’m toasty warm inside. lol
Thanks, John.
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Excellent use of availabe resources, Staci.
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I’m a great task-master. 🙂
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😁
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Looks like a great selection to me, Staci, and as you said, you can’t beat those prices. Especially FREE. (What have you got to lose, Folks?) I love anthologies, too, so that one really grabbed my attention. Sharing these deals everywhere! 🙂 And best wishes for lots of new eyes on your work! 🙂
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Yeah, it’s hard to complain about free. But some Ebenezers will find a way. That’s okay. You have to take the good with the bad.
Thanks for sharing, Marcia. And for visiting. I hope you enjoy the anthology if you download it. ❤️
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Already got it, and will read it soon, since it’s seasonal. I’m in the mood for some Christmas tales! 🙂
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I hope you enjoy it!
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I didn’t realise you were a romance author and had romance books, Staci. That is good to know.
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In my former life when I believed in HEAs. lol. Those titles were published under the name Staci Troilo. My darker stuff is published under my pen name.
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Ah, I must have a look. I like the odd romance.
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I hope you find something to your liking, Robbie. Thanks.
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Every year I plan to be caught up so I can enjoy the season at a more relaxed pace. And every year it’s an epic fail. I hadn’t planned on baking any cookies – because I’d just eat them – but hubby wants to make some this weekend. Enjoy the time with your kids!
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I’m like you. Best laid plans…
I really want to bake this year (and I love to bake) but I haven’t done it yet. But I actually need to try at least a few recipes because my daughter is now gluten free and she’s getting married this coming spring. I’d like to try some of her favorite recipes now with GF flour to see what kind of tweaks need to be made to the recipes so I can bake for her wedding and she can safely enjoy at least a few of her favorites at her reception. (How’s that for a run-on sentence from the editor?)
I need a time-turner.
I hope you get around to it this weekend!
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Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Thank you, Charles.
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A nice group of Holiday tales. Hope you’re staying inside and avoiding all that snow.
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I am. But I’m thinking about shoveling. I was hoping the kids would get up and do it, but they’re sleeping in. I’m torn between waking them or just doing it myself. Neither sounds appealing.
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Your kids get up and do things like that? Mine never did unless it was at gunpoint.
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That’s why I’m dreading waking them. It’s either fight with the snow (which will hurt my back) or fight with them (which is a battle in and of itself). They’re good kids, but their sleep personas and their alert personas are not the same.
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Christmas reads, how wonderful! I’m going to go pick one out right now. Merry Christmas, Staci! Have fun baking those cookies!
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I think next year I might try a traditional Christmas ghost story. That seems like it might be right up your alley.
Merry Christmas, Priscilla.
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I’ve read (and have) all these, but might be time to read them again. Nothing like a good Christmas story. (And I haven’t baked a single cookie either.)
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I was actually thinking about rereading the anthology tonight. The other two I remember pretty well, but I don’t remember the anthology at all (except my story, of course).
I might bake this weekend.
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I don’t remember many of the stories except for mine. The characters I used were first conceived when I was seventeen.
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My story came to me on a whim. But I don’t remember what everyone else wrote. It’s cool that your story was from when you were seventeen.
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Yes, I have just realised how much time I don’t have too! Time to get a wriggle on, I think!
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The older I get, the faster time goes. I never understood that when I was a child and my grandparents and parents said that. Now I understand it all too well.
Wishing you ladies a lovely holiday.
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Thank you, Staci… and we wish the same for you and your family…
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A lovely set of Christmas reads, Staci. Happy Holidays! 🙂
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Thanks, Harmony. And happy holidays to you!
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