What do You do When Things Don’t Turn Out the Way You’d Hoped?

by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

This was the question I asked myself when I considered the hours of time and creative energy I’d put into nearly a dozen short stories penned for a particular women’s magazine that kept getting rejected. Then, the publishing rights were returned on eight other stories along with a novel I had with a small press.

The novel? Easy! Edit and reissue under my own imprint. The stories? Well…?

I went back and reread those as well as the ones rejected by the magazine and thought, “Why not publish them myself as a collection?”

The original eight made for a healthy book of over 200 pages so adding another sixteen stories would be, IMHO, a “way too large” book. Four out of the original collection were holiday romances, the others were seasonal. My ‘go to’ apparatus when faced with a dilemma is prayer so I went into a meditative state and asked for guidance. Out of that, came the idea for two collections. Both took a bit of editing and revising as well as adding another story or two, but I am thrilled with the results.

Hopefully you will be too!

A Hint of Romance 

Whether married or looking for another chance at romance, love is always in the air for these couples…

Twin Flames: Will twins Ray and Raelee MacFarland get a second chance at love after her husband runs off with his wife? 

Like a Rock: Will Macey and Jerry’s love survive midlife crisis and empty nest syndrome?   

The Big Catch: Will Karla come to love fishing as much as Jeff or will his passion for a rod and reel tangle up their relationship? 

A Hero for Jessica: Will a “champion” lawyer and the author of romantic suspense find love written in their future?    

In His Sight: Can the relationship between a teacher with the gift of prophecy and a single mother on the run from her deranged ex-husband withstand the tragedy lurking on the horizon? 

Review of Love: Can two people who clash over what each perceives as professional writing suspend their judgmental attitudes and find true love? 

Paper Roses: Will a homecoming tradition give Patti Howard a chance at love with her son’s football coach? 

Journey’s End: Will Ellie’s dream of seeing the world come true with a new man or will she be resigned to staying put and living vicariously through her granddaughter? 

Soul Mates: Will Jolie and her soul mate reconnect once again, or will she live another lifetime without him?   

A Hint of Romance can be found at Amazon for Kindle and in Paperback (audio coming soon!) and at Other Online Retailers HERE.

A Hint of Holiday Romance 

Love is celebrated in all seasons and every holiday. Christmas trees have become “Holiday Trees,” hence our cover. These stories each revolve around a specific holiday, and love is always in the air…

Winter Madness: Is it true love between the faithful optimist and broody pessimist or simply winter madness?

Choices: Can Cammie and Kip rediscover each other after one night of his Home is where the Heart is Tour or is she destined to unrequited love?

Love Unmasked: Will Kelli and Cody find love when the masks come off?

Casi’s CPA: Will her new CPA be the one to fill Casi’s bankrupt heart to overflowing?

Lilies for Sandi: Can two hearts broken by unfulfilled dreams find healing, wholeness, and restoration? 

Cathy’s Angel: Can a confirmed bachelor and the mother of four find love amid normal daily chaos?

Detained for Love: Will love set her free when Maddy Albright is detained by Officer Jacob Roberts for a traffic violation?

Ferryn’s Quest: Will Ferryn’s search for the man in her dreams cost her the love of her life?

Kaylyn’s Flowers: Will a storm on All Hallows Eve give Kaylyn and Jake a chance at love?

Old Flame, New Love: Will Lindsay’s old flame, Stephen (who’s in the middle of a divorce), be her new chance at love?

Love Field: Will Katie spend the holidays alone again or will the romantic name of an airport bring her and her soul mate together?

A Hint of Holiday Romance can be found at Amazon for Kindle and in Paperback and Other Online Retailers HERE.

Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Pamela S Thibodeaux is an award-winning author, life coach and spiritual mentor. Her tagline, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ defines her life, writing, and coaching style.  Find/Follow and Connect with Pam on the social media platforms listed HERE.

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