How about a little giveaway today?
I'm in the process of redoing a lot of my book covers. I know readers have mixed feelings about this. And it's not that I don't still love a lot of those early covers, but there's a reason mainstream publishers change out wrappers multiple times through the years, and that reason is that eventually, no matter how good the cover is, it becomes wall paper to prospective buyers.
Anyway, I've redone the art on The Dickens with Love, which is probably my favorite Christmas story (of my own, that is). Or rather, my favorite novella. Well, Snowball in Hell might actually be my favorite, but that's not specifically a Christmas story although it's set at Christmas. And I really love The Boy Next Door, but that's a short story, which is a whole different thing, really.
NOT THAT YOU ASKED.
So. I'm giving away 10 eBook copies of The Dickens with Love as well as one 15 oz mug featuring the new art and a quote from the book, and a charming accent cushion featuring Oscar the Ocelot.
It's an older book, so most of you probably already have it, but if you don't, I think you might enjoy it. And the mug... It's cute and Christmassy. If I do say so myself.
I have a question on this topic though. Although I enjoy writing little Christmas romances--my gosh, look at all these holiday codas I've written!--I don't read them. I've probably never bothered to read a non-mystery Christmas story that wasn't part of a collection I contributed to. Which... Is that odd? It suddenly seems odd to me.
Christmas mysteries? A whole different thing. Vintage Christmas mystery is one of my all time favorite things. And yet, I've not written nearly enough Christmas mysteries! That seems odd too.
But I digress. To be eligible for these drawings, you can offer your thoughts on Christmas stories in general--do you read a lot of them during the holidays? Do you read any of them? WHAT ABOUT THOSE HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIES? What's your preferred holiday reading? What's your preferred holiday viewing?
As in previous years, the winners will be announced a day or so after the calendar ends.
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In forty days, I read and reviewed a multi-author series of 15 Hallmark-style M/M Christmas novellas for the Italian blog I collaborate with. A sweet indigestion of Christmas carols, sexy gifts, fun, and good feelings, so no movies for me!
ReplyDeleteTHAT IS A LOT OF SUGAR TO CONSUME.
Delete😆😆😆 But I confess to turning Hallmark on in the background (as opposed to the news), so I do not judge!
DeleteIcecapade was my introduction to Christmas AND Josh Lanyon stories, and I’ve been hooked to both ever since! It’s not the holidays without binge-reading Christmas romances. Fluffy, angsty, thrilling, relaxed. I love them all. But the Dickens with Love is my all-time fav.
ReplyDeleteOcelot.
- Christine Danse
😆😆😆
DeleteI read several holiday stories every year. I prefer them to be under 100 pages so I can read a bunch. I usually revisit one or two of yours each Christmas. This year I plan to reread Lone Star and Icecapade. And I keep Hallmark on in the background throughout November & December, recording the new movies I want to be sure to watch.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a very relaxing tradition. I've been trying to read some vintage mystery at night, but I can't seem to stay awake for more than five minutes!
DeleteNo Hallmark movies for me, thank you. I prefer a good mystery book, and a mystery set at Christmastime, even better. Your Christmas codas are my favorite holiday reads. I love your sense of humor and it some out to play often in the codas.
ReplyDeleteThat's so lovely, Karan. Thank you!
DeleteI never used to be a big fan of Christmas films until my mother started watching them. I will watch them with her but they have to be fun ones or something with a mystery. But I do leave the TV on with our version of the Hallmark channel for company sometimes. I have 2 favourites The Nine Lives of Christmas and The Christmas Set Up. Unfortunately I have lost my recordings but have managed to buy The Christmas Set Up on DVD it’s American region 1 but plays fine on my Blu-ray player.
ReplyDeleteChristmas books on the other hand I have a collection of them on my kindle. I collect them all year and try and read as many as I can in December. I usually reread Icecapade, A Case of Christmas and Snowball in Hell and if there is time the rest of your books set at Christmas. But every Christmas Eve when everything is ready for the next day and no matter what time it is I always read A Dickens With Love sitting in bed. I love that story. I saw the new cover and thought I have to get the paperback now it’s such a lovely Christmasy cover. I just saw the new cover of A Case of Christmas as well that is such a lovely Christmas cover. I bought the paperback of it last year will have to get the new cover now. You should always treat yourself at Christmas 😁
I adore mysteries set at Christmas… there’s just a little extra sparkle and good cheer. I started watching Hallmark style movies a few years ago when writing cards, or wrapping gifts. It’s festive and I know it’ll end in a cheesy way.
ReplyDeleteI love holiday novellas, but I'm not a big Hallmark movie fan and I really don't like the yearly Christmas episode of most TV shows I watch. I have a tradition of reading your codas each year and I listen to your holiday audiobooks during my work commute each Christmas season. I just finished So This is Christmas and A Case for Christmas, and I'll start Slay Ride on next week's commute. I love holiday mysteries and adore vaguely Yule/Christmas-themed fantasies.
ReplyDeleteNot a Hallmark movie fan, but I do love seeking out all the new M/M Christmas stories.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read Christmas books they are mostly picture books read to my children but I try to read A Christmas Carol every year, and always make my family listen to Dylan Thomas's A Child's Christmas in Wales during a quiet moment.
ReplyDeleteThis new cover is adorable!
ReplyDeleteI used to watch Hallmark Christmas movies a long time ago, but I don't think I've seen any for a good 15 or 20 years. I actually only watch TV now when I'm over at my mom's, and that's not one of her viewing pleasures. When I'm at home, I typically read instead. So much to read and so little time.
I have favorite authors that I will read whatever (Christmas) Story they publish, without even reading what it's about. You're one of those authors. I stopped doing the random downloading a free Christmas stories, because it just got to be too much after a while. As long as it's a good story or revisits characters from an older series, that's all I care about....Lone Star is one of my favorites of yours. Of course, a Funny Thing Happened... has a special place just because I love Adrien and Jake.