A Buffet of Romance by Mary Manners

A Buffet of Romance

By

Mary Manners

Inspirational Romance has grown into a scrumptious buffet, offering a variety of heart-racing tales like never before. Characters in inspirational stories are by no means perfect; they often harbor flawed and even scandalous pasts and are searching for redemption. Today’s inspirational novels tend to be edgier with themes and plot-twists that mirror current headlines. Authors are not afraid to don boxing gloves and duke it out by weaving newsworthy, tough issues into their plotlines.

 

The most satisfying romances involve the transformation of the hero, heroine, or both. A struggle with mistakes of the past is a common theme while hope for the future prevails with a highly-sought happily-ever-after. The genre has actively branched out into the young adult marketplace. Today’s teens yearn for stories they can relate to…wholesome romances with lessons that are heartwarming and ultimately positive.

 

 

Inspirational romance has a growing variety of food groups sure to satisfy all readers, whether their tastes run to historical, contemporary, suspenseful or young-adult stories. Beyond the inspirational flavor, what makes these romances so good is no different from what makes any other story good—an interesting plotline with relatable characters who are searching for something more…something to fulfill their heart and soul.

 

So fill your plate (and your library shelves) with stories sure to leave an impression. And remember that it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a second helping…even a third or fourth.

 

~~~~~

 



 Precious Fire (Diamond Knot Dreams #3)

 

Claire McLaughlin, weary of running a corporate rat-race, dreams of pursuing her passion to bake sweet confections. So when former college roommate Lila Brooks asks for her help with catering services at Diamond Knot Dreams Bridal Boutique, Claire grabs the invitation with both hands.

Ryan Kendrick has returned home to Clover Cove to raise his step-brother following the death of their grandmother. Hired to renovate the Town Square, he rents office space on the second floor of Diamond Knot Dreams and soon succumbs to talented Claire McLaughlin’s sweet confections—as well as the blue-eyed beauty herself.

As their romance blooms, so do the shenanigans of Diamond Knot Dreams' meddling spirit, Ellie. Will her antics help to draw Claire and Ryan closer together, or bring the blossoming romance to a grinding halt?

 

~~~~~

 

Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime exploring her joy of writing. She has two sons, a daughter, and three beautiful grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach with her husband Tim.

A former teacher and intermediate school principal, Mary spent three decades sharing her love of learning. While growing up in Chicago, Mary worked her way to college through a variety of odd jobs including paper girl, hot dog vendor, grocery store cashier, lifeguard, swim instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these experiences led to adventures that bring a touch of humor to her stories.

Mary’s writing has earned her multiple awards including a two-time Inspirational Reader’s Choice award, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Mary loves long sunrise runs, ocean sunsets, and flavored coffee. She recently conquered her fear of heights (sort of) by completing the Gate River Run over downtown Jacksonville’s bridges last spring.

Connect with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.

 

 

 

 

Staying Focused by Mary Manners

Staying Focused

by Mary Manners

I began my writing journey when I was a very young child, not even yet old enough to form real written words. My earliest memory is a vision of me standing beside the dryer in the basement of my Chicago home, scribbling lines across a piece of paper to 'tell my story'. I still remember the warmth of summer sun through the window, the scent of laundry soap and slow hum of the machine's motor as it tumbled a load of clothes. 'Writing' brought such joy and I was eager to share.

It's hard to believe that was half-a-century ago. Before TV remotes, cable television, the Internet, cell phones, Twitter, Facebook, and laptops with pop-up ads. Before distractions. My family of seven had not yet even ventured into the world of call waiting. I don't know about you, but that was an easier, simpler time in my writing world. A trip to the store for a new notebook brought a trill of excitement. Crisply-sharpened pencils made my nerve endings hum and my heart soar. Free time was spent writing, not trolling social media for the latest news and the best meat loaf recipe.



Staying focused on the art of writing is a lot harder in today's world. Time-suckers that were once non-existent are now everyday stumbling blocks. It's easy to get swept into the tide. So I tackle the ever-present pull with a time management strategy that begins each day with a list of goals. These range from simple (reply to emails) to complex (proof a book, write five-thousand words). I chunk my goals and put social media and other distractions off limits until that chunk is checked off the list. Not a complicated strategy, but it works. I stay focused on what's most important--getting words on the page. Pursuing my dream. Writing. 

~~~~~

Precious Fire (Diamond Knot Dreams #3)

Claire McLaughlin, weary of running a corporate rat-race, dreams of pursuing her passion to bake sweet confections. So when former college roommate Lila Brooks asks for her help with catering services at Diamond Knot Dreams Bridal Boutique, Claire grabs the invitation with both hands.

Ryan Kendrick has returned home to Clover Cove to raise his step-brother following the death of their grandmother. Hired to renovate the Town Square, he rents office space on the second floor of Diamond Knot Dreams and soon succumbs to talented Claire McLaughlin’s sweet confections—as well as the blue-eyed beauty herself.

As their romance blooms, so do the shenanigans of Diamond Knot Dreams' meddling spirit, Ellie. Will her antics help to draw Claire and Ryan closer together, or bring the blossoming romance to a grinding halt?

~~~~~

Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime exploring her joy of writing. She has two sons, a daughter, and three beautiful grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach with her husband Tim.

A former teacher and intermediate school principal, Mary spent three decades sharing her love of learning. While growing up in Chicago, Mary worked her way to college through a variety of odd jobs including paper girl, hot dog vendor, grocery store cashier, lifeguard, swim instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these experiences led to adventures that bring a touch of humor to her stories.

Mary’s writing has earned her multiple awards including a two-time Inspirational Reader’s Choice award, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Mary loves long sunrise runs, ocean sunsets, and flavored coffee. She recently conquered her fear of heights (sort of) by completing the Gate River Run over downtown Jacksonville’s bridges last spring.

Connect with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com.





Follow Your Passion by Mary Manners

I love to write. Penning stories is definitely my passion. I have been writing since before I knew how to form letters (I would scribble on paper and then share my story aloud). To me, writing is akin to breathing; I must engage in it to have life.

I am a pantster by nature, but I do begin each story by creating a notebook that contains basic story ideas and elements, as well as character traits and descriptions. This is especially necessary when constructing stories that are part of a series. My favorite part of writing is when a character does something completely unexpected. It’s so much fun to see where a story takes me.

One week, during middle school, I had a particularly rough time. I remember asking my dad why certain things happen. To answer, he brought home a poster of a dog in a washtub with the headline, “Is today really necessary?” He told me to use life experiences in my writing, and it worked. Now, when I write, I think of him and understand the purpose in certain life events.



I love coffee and scented candles. I never listen to music while I am creating, but scents really put me in the mood to write. If I am working on a Christmas novella in the summer, a pine-scented candle really helps to create an aura of the holiday season. My favorite writing days begin at about 4 am with a cup of black coffee and a veil of pre-sunrise darkness. It’s cool to create an entire alternate universe and watch it come alive while the world is still nestled soundly in bed.

To all new writers, my advice is to stick with it. Successful writers carry on even when it’s not fun, or they don’t feel like writing. You cannot wait for your muse to visit. You must go out and chase that muse, tackle him and drag him home. I spent many years running marathons. This training has helped me tremendously to stay true to my path as a writer, especially when the going gets tough. Never, ever give up.

~~~~~

Veiled Gems (Diamond Knot Dreams #1)

Lila Brooks believes in fairytale endings for everyone but herself. She coaxes her dream of opening a wedding shop into reality when she commissions Morgan Holt to transform a run-down Victorian house into an all-inclusive bridal boutique, Diamond Knot Dreams. Clover Cove’s residents have whispered that the house is filled with spirits, but superstitions have no place in Lila's life.

Morgan Holt spent the better part of his youth transplanted from one foster home to another. Separated from his older brother, Gunnar, at an early age, they’re reunited shortly after Morgan’s arrival to Clover Cove. But the last thing Morgan wants is to trust his heart again to a family—or a woman as beautiful as Lila Brooks. He has plans to finish work on the Victorian and then ride off into the sunset, a move he’s perfected over the years.

Soon Lila and Morgan have a chance at their own Happily Ever After, but will events from the past destroy their future?

~~~~~

Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime exploring her joy of writing. She has two sons, a daughter, and three beautiful grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach with her husband Tim.

A former teacher as well an intermediate school principal, Mary spent three decades sharing her love of learning. While growing up in Chicago, Mary worked her way through a variety of jobs including paper girl, hot dog vendor, grocery store cashier, lifeguard, swim instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these experiences led to adventures that bring humor and insight to her stories. Mary loves long sunrise runs, ocean sunsets, and flavored coffee.

Connect with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com. “Like” her author page on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.



Springtime Blessings by Mary Manners

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
                                                                                                ~ James 1:2, NIV ~

 

Sometimes I’m so caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities of life that I forget to thank God for how very blessed I am. Springtime, with its new life and burst of color, is a perfect season to reflect upon the many blessings that fill our lives.

 

I have so many reasons to be thankful. My loving husband, Tim, is a man with whom I share a real-life romance filled with love and laughter, adventure and fun. Tim supports and encourages my passion for sharing the written word. He understands that my love of writing is more than a job…it is a ministry. I’m so thankful God brought him into my life.

 

I’m thankful for my daughter, Danni, who has grown into a beautiful young woman. Danni just graduated from college and is prepared to spend her future teaching young children the joy of learning. She brightens my life with her loving, generous spirit. Danni's a friend to everyone. She holds a special place in her heart for the elderly, children, and the hurting. As she comes into her own, I realize with a greater and deeper understanding just how much she is truly a blessing to me.

 

The friends I've grown closer to through the years, especially my precious writing friends, are a reason to give thanks. These wonderful people completely understand when I mention the ‘voices’ that speak to me while I’m brainstorming a new book. They don’t mind if I take a time-out from our lunchtime conversation to jot down an idea for future reference. I love them dearly.

 

But, most of all, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, who has given all of this and more to me. What an amazing blessing to know His love and grace are never-ending! Even in times of trial, I know that He is working in me to provide for greater things. My faith has taught me to embrace hardships and disappointments as an opportunity to grow spiritually.

 

 

 

So, as spring eases into summer, take a moment to joyfully reflect on the many blessings that fill your life.

~~~~~

A Tender Season

 

 

Love blooms in the most unlikely places…

Hattie Cutler and Anthony Moretto have both survived the death of their spouses. With children grown and the Cutler Nursery business flourishing, Hattie decides it’s time to turn her attention to other endeavors. A community garden on the church grounds is just the place to start. She spearheads the project, and when Anthony steps in to offer his assistance more than gardening is on the agenda. The two have shared a long-time friendship which has blossomed into love; that truth is clear to everyone—with the exception of Hattie and Anthony. But can the two learn to sow more than vegetables and, in turn, reap a beautiful future together?

~~~~~

 

Mary Manners is a country girl at heart who has spent a lifetime exploring her joy of writing. She has two sons, a daughter, and three beautiful grandchildren. She currently lives along the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach with her husband Tim.

A former teacher as well an intermediate school principal, Mary spent three decades sharing her love of learning. While growing up in Chicago, Mary worked her way through a variety of jobs including paper girl, hot dog vendor, grocery store cashier, lifeguard, swim instructor, pizza chef, and nanny. Many of these experiences led to adventures that bring humor and insight to her stories. Mary loves long sunrise runs, ocean sunsets, and flavored coffee.

Connect with Mary at her website: www.MaryMannersRomance.com. “Like” her author page on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.