By Julie Johnstone
As I drove my kids to carpool this week and saw all the houses already decorated for Christmas, I admit I felt a little pressure to do the same. But I am determined not to be stressed during this holiday season and to do things at a pace that will keep them fun and not frenzied for me. Admittedly, that has been a tall task considering my crazy publishing schedule this month, which includes the release of my holiday box set, Captivated at Christmas, and When a Warrior Woos a Lass, the latest book in my Highlander Vows: Entangled Hearts series.
Captivated at Christmas contains three of my previously released holiday novellas—“Christmas in the Scot’s Arms,” “The Redemption of a Dissolute Earl,” and “Season for Surrender.” Readers tell me time and again that they love reading holiday novellas this time of year since they can finish a wonderful story in one sitting without the guilt of taking too much time away from their holiday-induced hustle bustle.
Ok, ladies, real talk. We have to treat ourselves to moments of peace and happiness to make it through this busy season. And, we should! At only $2.99 for all three stories in Captivated at Christmas, this is the perfect way to treat yourself to holiday tales about Earls, Lords, and Charming Scots. These delightful tales are available now from your favorite e-book retailers.
While others were hanging lights and shopping sales, I was finishing edits on my December 18 novel, When a Warrior Woos a Lass. The sixth book in my Scottish medieval romance series, When a Warrior Woos a Lass features Alex MacLean, a tortured highlander, and Lena MacLeod, another sweet soul who is haunted by her dark past. Here’s a bit more about the e-book that’s available for pre-order now:
The past haunts them. Treachery awaits them. Love will save them.
A shattered lass…
Scarred by the cruel whims of her late husband, Lena MacLeod lives in fear of men and marriage. So when the king’s edict obliges her to wed Scottish warrior Alex MacLean, she never expects to feel safe, let alone happy. But behind Alex’s fierce exterior lies a gentle, gallant highlander who renews her soul, emboldens her, and offers her the one thing she never thought she would possess—true love. Now that Alex has her whole heart, she’ll settle for nothing less than all of his.
A tortured highlander…
Haunted by violent nightmares of his dark past, Alex MacLean has put off getting married for as long as possible. But now he finds himself the husband of the fragile, beautiful Lena, and he’s drawn to her as he has never been to another. He vows to protect and heal her, and as she grows stronger, so does his love for her. Yet, his horrible memories and a treacherous task are preventing him from giving himself to her entirely, and the secrets he harbors threaten to destroy their life together.
A union…
When Lena uncovers a dangerous scheme involving Alex, she embarks on a desperate journey to save the man she loves. But Alex still hasn’t let her in, and he runs the risk of losing her—and his life—unless he can accept that his once delicate wife is now an ally strong enough to light his way.
Now that the books are written and edits turned in, I’ll have some time to focus on shopping, decorating, baking, and all the rest. But I’m taking everything at my own pace, allowing myself to only do as much as I can while basking in the joy of the season.
Are you feeling the holiday crunch too, dear reader? If so, I give us both permission to take a break. To reject the inclination to beat up on ourselves for not having a Pinterest-perfect holiday. And, most of all, to carve out a few minutes each day to treat ourselves to wonderful stories that contribute to our own happy ever afters.
–Julie Johnstone
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Captivated at Christmas:
When a Warrior Woos a Lass:
Hey Julie, I love your philosophy! It can get so hectic during this time of year and I think we just have to slow down. I purchased Captivated At Christmas and hope to read soon. Wishing you joy and relaxation this holiday season and congratulations on your releases!!
I hope you have a relaxing holiday season as well!