Behind the Veil: Halloween Q&A with Carol Light

October 17, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

As the nights grow longer and the shadows creep in, mystery author Carol Light joins us for a fun, fall-themed Q&A. From reimagining her Southern Secrets Mysteries series as Halloween horror flicks to confessing her love for all things pumpkin, Carol shares a behind-the-scenes look at her seasonal favorites—and what’s coming next in her small-town mystery series. Plus, she reveals which of her characters wouldn’t last five minutes in a haunted house. Let the spooky storytelling begin!

1. If your book were a Halloween movie, what would it be called?

On the silver screen, Deadly Inheritance might be called The Dead Never Rest. The second Southern Secrets book, Death Watch, already has a scary title, but maybe the movie version could be Killer Rampage. The titles would be in red, of course, and the letters dripping as if with blood.

2. What’s your go-to fall treat or spooky-season snack?

Pumpkin anything! I love pumpkin pancakes, bread, muffins, bagels, latte, cheesecake… You name it!

3. What are you currently working on? What inspired you to write this series/book?

I’m currently doing the final edits on Fatal Silence, the third Southern Secrets mystery. It will be released March 17, 2026. The setting of all my Southern Secrets books— Crossroads, Arkansas—was inspired by the town where my grandparents and many other relatives lived. My family moved to the Midwest, but we visited there every year. It was a special place and gave me many wonderful small town experiences.

4. Which character in your series would survive a haunted house—and who wouldn’t make
it out?

I would be worried about Jack Huddleston, the publisher and reporter for the weekly newspaper. He would be looking for answers and explanations and not necessarily looking out for himself. I also don’t think police officer Hal Overman would survive. He’s lazy and not quick on his feet. Sad to say in view of such a tragic demise, he wouldn’t be missed by his boss, Chief Tim Birch.

5. What’s one fall tradition you or your main character never skip?

Did I mention I love to eat pumpkin treats?? Also, I enjoy checking out Halloween yard decorations in my neighborhood after dark. I’m glad people still carve pumpkins and put them on their porches. Some yards are full of scary characters and weird noises. If I were still young enough to go trick-or-treating, I’d have to be double-dared to ring those doorbells!

What’s better than a secret baby? Check in with Megan Crane and revisit Cowboy Point!

October 16, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

What’s better than a secret baby?

How about a baby left on the doorstep of a smoking hot cowboy who has no plans to settle down—or even stick around?

If you’ve been reading along with my Careys of Cowboy Point series, you’ve already met the youngest of the Carey brothers, Knox. Knox is the baby of the family—but he’s also a bit of a mystery. Over the course of the series we’ve seen hints that he had something going on with the new doctor in the small community in the hills above Marietta, Ramona Taylor. We’ve also heard his older brothers’ commentary about that connection… and really everything else.

Older brothers are a man’s best friends—and his harshest critics.

But this Christmas, it’s time for Knox to come into his own.

Let’s set the scene: It’s Christmas Eve and there’s snowstorm, because it’s December in the Rocky Mountains. Knox’s power goes out, which doesn’t bother him much. He’s a Montanan born and bred. Power outages go with the territory.

It’s not the power or the generator that gets to him. It’s the strange sound he hears outside his door. It sounds like a baby—and there are a lot of baby’s around High Mountain Ranch of late, thanks to the year his brothers have had—but there shouldn’t be a baby on his doorstep. He is perfectly happy being an uncle, thank you.

But when he opens the door, all he can see is the swirling snow—coming down hard—and a sweet little baby wrapped up against the cold. 

Not a parent in sight.

Obviously, he scoops her up and brings her inside at once.

But he doesn’t know how long she was out there. He doesn’t know if she’s okay. He runs through a list of his closest family members—geographically speaking—but the ones he think could come help him know as much about babies as he does. That won’t help if the poor little thing needs medical attention.

There is one other person he could call, but that presents a complication.

Because Knox and the good doctor Ramona have been on and off for a year and a half now, and Ramona was crystal clear that this last round of off was off for good.

He knows he shouldn’t call her—but he also knows what a good doctor she is.

Neither one of them is expecting to get snowed in.

Or that Christmas might find a way to work its magic on the two of them after all…

I hope that you all have enjoyed your time in Cowboy Point with the Careys! I’ve had such a great time writing these stories. And I intend to write a whole lot more! The first book in my next Cowboy Point series comes out in February and, yes, will feature some familiar faces. I can’t wait!

Happy Reading!

Megan

About the Author.

USA Today bestselling, multi-award-nominated, and critically-acclaimed author Megan Crane has written more than 150 books, and shows no sign of slowing down. She publishes romance as Megan Crane and M.M. Crane with an exciting backlist of women’s fiction, rom-coms, chick lit, and young adult novels. She’s also won a large and loyal fanbase as Caitlin Crews with Harlequin Presents, Harlequin Dare, Harlequin Historical, and contemporary cowboy books. And for paranormal fun, Megan partners with Nicole Helm to publish as Hazel Beck for her witchy rom-com novels.

Megan has a Masters and Ph.D. in English Literature, has taught creative writing classes in places like UCLA Extension’s prestigious Writers’ Program, and is always available to give workshops (or her opinion). She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her comic book artist husband, though, at any given time, she is likely to either be huddled in a coffee shop somewhere or off traveling the world. Preferably both.

Behind the Veil: Halloween Q&A with Kris Bock

October 12, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Kris Bock headshotToday we’re welcoming the wonderfully witty Kris Bock to the blog! From haunted museums in New Mexico to accidental detectives navigating life (and crime) after 50, Kris writes mystery and suspense with a healthy dose of humor and heart. We asked her all about Halloween movie titles, fall baking fails (spider cookies, anyone?), psychic sleuths, and the real magic of roasting green chile. Whether you’re into ghost stories, cozy casseroles, or just a great character-driven mystery, this is an autumn conversation you won’t want to miss.

1. If your book were a Halloween movie, what would it be called?

The Accidental Detective is a humorous series about a former war correspondent reinventing herself as she faces fifty, so how about The Curse of Starting Over.

For A Stone Cold Murder (The Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mysteries), maybe Little Museum of Horrors, since it’s set at a quirky small town Museum in New Mexico.

2. What’s your go-to fall treat or spooky-season snack?

As the weather gets cooler, I enjoy baking more. I once tried making chocolate chip cookies where you pull them out of the oven and use a toothpick to drag melted chocolate out of the chips to make “legs” so they look like spiders, but getting the legs thin turned out to be way harder than the online photos made it look. Now I see most of the recipes suggest using melted chocolate in a pastry tip or Ziploc bag.

I can’t find photos of my cookies where the spiders all had really fat legs, but here are some decorated mini cheesecakes I made for a different spooky party. Another favorite fall recipe that isn’t particularly spooky but is very tasty and season is Chai Tea Shortbread. Yum!

3. What are you currently working on? What inspired you to write this series/book?

The next book I have coming out is Buried in Betrayal (Reluctantly Psychic Murder Mystery Book 3) in early January. It continues the adventures of Petra as she enjoys her new “found family” and job at the Banditt Museum in small-town New Mexico and, of course, gets involved with another murder investigation. I believe the seventh Accidental Detective book will be out sometime next year as well. I’m doing some research and story development for a possible new mystery series, but it’s too early to talk about that! I’ll simply say that my ferrets are helping with the plotting.

4. Which character in your series would survive a haunted house—and who wouldn’t make
it out?

My main characters and sidekicks are pretty good at working together, so I think they’d all make it out. In the Accidental Detective series, Kate would have to wrangle her father’s “challenging” friends, who would probably want to run toward danger rather than away from it. But with her sister by her side, I think they’d get everybody out safely.

In Reluctantly Psychic, Petra might find a way to communicate with any ghosts, since they are presumably psychic energy left behind after death. So she could try to help them resolve their issues. And if that didn’t work, her new friends have some surprising skills that might help everyone escape.

5. What’s one fall tradition you or your main character never skip?

In New Mexico, autumn is announced by a chill in the morning air and the scent of roasting green chile. We eat green chile (the local pepper, not chili the stew) year-round on almost everything, but autumn is a great time for green chile stew, enchilada casserole, and other tasty local dishes. Check out some Southwestern recipes and baked good recipes on my blog!

About the author

Kris Bock headshotKris Bock writes mystery, suspense, and romance, often with smart, snarky heroines finding adventure
(sometimes against their will) in the Southwest. She lives in New Mexico where she enjoys hiking with her
husband and playing with their ferrets.

Behind the Veil: Halloween Q&A with Kimberley Troutte

October 10, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Spooky season is here, and we’re thrilled to welcome bestselling author Kimberley Troutte to the Tule blog! Known for her heart-pounding romantic suspense and unforgettable heroines, Kimberley joins us to talk about Halloween thrills, cozy fall treats, and the next explosive chapter in The Infiltrix Series. From dark chocolate indulgence to daring haunted house missions, Kimberley shares a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process and the inspiration behind her latest edge-of-your-seat adventure.

Grab your favorite fall drink, get comfy, and dive into our Q&A with Kimberley below!

1. If your book were a Halloween movie, what would it be called?

Hang on Tight!

2. What’s your go-to fall treat or spooky-season snack?

I’m a dark chocolate loving girl year round. When the weather gets cool, I like to warm up with cappuccinos and mochas while I write. Throw in a warm cinnamon roll and we’re friends for life!

3. What are you currently working on? What inspired you to write this series/book?

Currently, I am working on edits for the 5th book in The Infiltrix Series. The Extraction ties up many loose mystery threads to give the readers answers they’ve been asking for. It also continues the adventures for Agent Heather Slade and her team, blows stuff up, and cranks the tension sky high. You know, my typical M.O.

The inspiration for this book came from the political conflicts we are currently experiencing globally. The series is a cautionary tale of what CAN happen if democracy fails but it is also full of hope that love will conquer evil in the end. I also truly love spy stories and wanted to create a kick-a$$ heroine with a big heart who can take on the bad guys to save the world with the team she leads.

4. Which character in your series would survive a haunted house—and who wouldn’t make
it out?

If my characters are going inside a haunted house, it’s because there’s a dangerous mission involved. Maybe the bad guys are holding a hostage inside.

Agent Heather Slade would’ve worked with HQ to set up the play. She’ll wear some sort of costume to blend in with the ghouls inside the haunted house. Hmm. Maybe a sexy nurse zombie costume, complete with plunging neckline and a hip garter to hold her dagger. A camera will be recording on the stethoscope around her neck and her earrings will be her comms. She’ll become her character, swishing her hips and moaning like a zombie, her makeup and wig are perfect. Her handsome teammate, Miguel Robles, will be right behind her, watching her six. The plan is beyond risky. If they fail, the team could be captured and executed.

At some point the plan will go off the rails. A group of patriot defenders–the military bad guys–will enter the scene to interrogate the hostage. Heather’s team of hackers are monitoring her stethoscope camera and see a bomb inside the haunted house. Will the patriots blow up the haunted house with the hostage inside once they’d gotten a confession out of him? They have to hurry! Heather fights her way through the bad guys to get to the hostage, but there are too many of them. She is taken. Miguel is knocked over the head and left to die. The team is yelling in his ear, telling him to wake up. Desperately, he tries to find her through a room of not-so-funny mirrors that narrow to a tunnel. He must inch-worm his body through the tight tunnel to get out of the room. Even though he is terrified of small dark places, he is more afraid of losing the partner he loves. He’ll find her or die trying. Will they make it out before it’s too late? Just as he reaches the coffin they’ve locked Heather and the hostage in, the team stages a fake battle nearby to draw the patriot defenders out. Heather and Miguel exit the haunted house with the hostage seconds before the entire thing explodes.

5. What’s one fall tradition you or your main character never skip?

The one fall tradition I would never miss is celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones. The air is crisp and cool and the baking is on! I typically make chocolate chip cookies and a pie or two. I have family spread out across the United States and into Canada which makes it difficult to see one another in- person on the day, which makes me sad. My in-laws are close, though, so we will get together for the amazing turkey meal, desserts, and the necessary after dinner waddle around the neighborhood. The next week is full of turkey sandwiches, cookies, and gym workouts.

Thanks so much for stopping by and congrats on your recent release of The Asset!

 

From Switchmases to Sweet Potato Pie: Here are some of Candice Y. Johnson’s Christmas Obsessions

October 10, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Yes … I am absolutely one of those people.  

The one who starts planning next Christmas, after grudgingly stripping the tinsel off the tree, and tucking it away until the next holiday season. Immediately, I miss the star, the ornaments, and please don’t get me started on the emptiness I feel without gazing at the lights wrapped around my tree like a warm embrace. I miss it so much once it’s gone, I have a wall of LED lights in my home that I leave up, just to keep a corner of Christmas with me all year long.

My friends, I am a Christmas connoisseur.

I was raised on Christmas. Every holiday season, my parents went out of their way to give us the best times, from scavenger hunts to find our gifts, to the original “switchmases,” where they’d switch our gifts up and we had to figure out what wrapped treasure belonged to which of us kids. It was so much fun, we always had a blast. And the food? My mother has always been able to throw down: sweet potato pies, cherry and peach cobblers, ham, turkey, roasted chicken—and a bevy of sides that made our mouths water as the delightful aromas came from the kitchen. Catfish and spaghetti on Christmas Eve was a staple before opening one of our gifts. Wow, what a time to be a kid. 

I suppose that part of me never grew up.

My latest Tule release—Destination Christmas, was inevitable.  I figured I dream of Christmas so much, why not write about my love … and love. Most people would think Sutton is a part of me, but it’s Drew where you may find light sprinkles of my reality. He’s crazy about Christmas, and so am I. Down to the ugly sweaters. (Or, hideous as they’re called in the book).

Even as I type this, I am looking forward to Christmas so much. Not because of gifts or the like, but simply for the season. I love the season, and the reason. Gosh, I know it’s October…but I think it’s time to put up the tree.

About the Author.

When she’s not on the hunt for the perfect taco, award-winning author, choreographer, and screenwriter Candice Y. Johnson, loves spending time dancing across the keyboard, penning heartwarming, swoon-worthy, emotional stories that inspire compassion, provoke thought, and of course…always bet on love. Out of the many accolades she’s earned (including serving as choreographer for a four-time Emmy award-winning television special), one of the Texas resident’s proudest accomplishments? Writing about her favorite food – TACOS, of course!

Just as unpredictable as the Texas weather, Candice loves writing in multiple genres (romance, women’s fiction, inspirational, holiday, non-fiction, children’s books), and spending time with her creative husband – whom she’s convinced the world to call “Hershey,” as they collaborate on stage plays, films, and concerts…or munching on tacos, with a side of cupcakes.

Murder, Mayhem & Maple Leaves: October’s Mystery Book Haul

October 2, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

GIVEAWAY: Because who doesn’t love FREE books?

We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the October mystery releases.

Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected and announced at the end of the month.

Good luck and happy reading!

The Asset

By: Kimberley Troutte

Agent Heather Slade’s cover might be blown, but can she still operate in the shadows? When HQ forces Heather to go dark for her safety, she fears her spy career and chance of finding her daughter are over. Then she receives an invitation to an über-exclusive foodie event hosted by her enemies. Is the party “a taste of the future” or a deadly con to poison enemies of the Union—like herself? To obtain food samples to test, she must leave her team behind and rely on Patriot Lt. Col. Henkle as her only protection on the dangerous mission. Miguel Robles’s partner has fallen off the grid. He’s desperate to find Heather, fearing she’s done the unthinkable—gone on a mission without him. Risk levels skyrocket when the double agent they’ve been searching for shows up at Miguel’s office with coordinates for a secret POW camp that he and Heather nearly died to discover. Is this the proof needed to destroy Blockwell, or is it a trap? It’s a race to stay ahead of HQ and the Patriots to find Heather and the secret camp.

Murder, She Rolled

By: Shelly Jones

Solving a murder can get dicey.

Wren Winters is thrilled when her gaming group is invited to join the town’s new superstar streamer Noelle Williams for a live demo—after all, a little publicity could put Wren’s board game shop, the Cardboard Sheep, on the map. But moments before they go live, Noelle collapses on camera, and by the time Wren arrives at her house, Noelle is dead and the police are swarming.

Detective Greene, who still remembers last summer’s murder at Wren’s shop, is back with questions—and suspicions. As Wren and her friends reel from the shock, secrets about Noelle’s life emerge: relentless online harassment, jealous exes, and a sister desperate to pull her offline. Then another member of the group falls ill with similar symptoms.

With danger closing in and a game board full of suspects, Wren refuses to sit on the sidelines. She’s determined to solve the puzzle before her friend’s game is over for good.

Bitter Past

By: CJ Carmichael

A missing woman. A small-town sheriff. A cold case no one wants solved.

Twenty years ago, a young hiker vanished in the Montana wilderness. No body. No suspects. No answers. New sheriff Zak Waller has always believed it was murder—now, he finally has the power to prove it. But without evidence, he’s chasing a ghost.

Then, a new death shakes Lost Trail, drawing investigative journalist Joelle Medler into town. As she and Zak uncover long-buried secrets, someone else is watching—someone who has kept the truth hidden for almost two decades and is willing to kill again to keep it that way.

The deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. Can Zak and Joelle expose the past before someone else dies?

A gripping police procedural with small-town intrigue and heart-pounding twists—perfect for fans of C.J. Box and Karin Slaughter.

A Stroke Of Murder

By: Tracy Gardner

Can Savanna Shepherd discover who’s behind a deadly art heist before her New Year’s Eve wedding?

Savanna Shepherd is wishing for snow. Her Lake Michigan town needs a good cold snap to showcase the winter festival and the sparkling ice-sculpture exhibit she’s curated. Once the weather starts cooperating, she can relax and enjoy the festive season with her loved ones.

But all is not merry and bright in small-town Carson, as chaos puts her holiday cheer on ice. Her ex-boyfriend’s mother is attacked in a robbery at their prestigious art museum, and then the black-tie event at Savanna’s local art museum goes horribly wrong. Thieves have stolen priceless paintings, and many more have been defaced with menacing graffiti. Friends and colleagues become suspects, and the bodies are piling up. Who can she trust?

Now, instead of enjoying the glow of Christmas and preparing to marry the single-dad doctor who holds her heart, Savanna turns amateur sleuth. Can she crack the case before her happily ever after melts away?

Perfect for twisty mystery fans craving snowy suspense and heartwarming moments!

Candy Canes and Crimes

By: Lisa Siefert

Her cupcakes were the hit of the holiday season, but finding her baking mentor dead puts Ava on the naughty list.

Ava Decker was looking forward to Clover Creek’s magical Christmas festival. But when she discovers beloved chocolate factory owner Vera Holloway floating face-down in a vat of chocolate, Ava realizes someone wanted to permanently cancel Christmas for her favorite chocolatier. Things go from bad to worse when Ava’s usual crime-solving techniques result in one of the suspects filing a restraining order against her.

Her amateur sleuthing careens through Clover Creek’s holiday festivities like a runaway sleigh. From the festive Peppermint Parade to the elegant Snowflake Soiree to the enchanting Candy Cane Carnival, Ava manages to leave a trail of chaos, formal wear disasters, and a missing fortune in chocolate money. Can Ava unwrap this candy-coated conspiracy without getting herself arrested, or will her Christmas end with handcuffs instead of presents?

Candy Canes & Crimes delivers holiday hijinks with a deadly twist in this delightfully disastrous addition to the Frosted Misfortunes cozy mystery series. If you love Christmas chaos mixed with murder, you’ll adore Lisa Siefert’s most festive disaster yet.

Kimberley Troutte’s Big Leap: Retirement, Reinvention, and Release Day!

October 1, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

I’m the author of the high-octane Infiltrix Series. The Asset will be available October 1st as the next book in the dangerous and continuing adventures of Heather Slade and her spy team. The other books in the thriller series are The Package. The Surveillance, and The Intel.

Don’t you just love the amazing covers?

Fall is in the air which signals the start of a new school year, pumpkin spice or other favorite hot drinks, and the promise of a sizzling summer cool down.

It’s also the start of a brand new adventure for me–-retirement!

I loved my day job. I enjoyed working with my co-workers and being part of a team. I had
responsibilities and solved problems that helped children and adults. I was fortunate to have had a career while my husband and I raised our kids. But I’ve got to be honest, I was burning candles on all ends to free up time to create my beloved stories.

Retirement feels like a new day. Artistic freedom!

For the first time in my life, I don’t have to squeeze writing moments in between working hours. I don’t have to dictate scenes in the car on the drive to work, or snag minutes to write during lunch break. Editing doesn’t have to occur in the late hours when my family has gone to bed. Chapter redlining doesn’t have to happen on the Elliptical machine while I workout at the gym.

Oh, my goodness is this real-life? I can write when I want to? Focus on my stories?

It’s as if I landed on a sparkling new planet. Stretching before me is a strange and beautiful
landscape, a white sandy beach of endless possibilities and rainbows galore.

I am not quite sure where to place my feet.

Do I race across the sand as fast as I can? Dance in the waves and sing my joy at the top of
my lungs? Or do I take my time to savor the sun on my face and let the warmth squish between my toes? So many possibilities.

Whatever happens, I am thrilled to have been gifted with precious time to do what I love. I can’t wait to see what happens and I hope you readers enjoy the ride with me.

Cheers, all. I’m off to write.

About the author
Kimberley Troutte is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She has been a Top 100 Amazon author and a Top 10 Romantic Suspense bestselling author for Amazon. Kimberley was a finalist in both the Vivian® and  the RITA®–the highest awards for excellence in romance. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, a wild cat, a large iguana, an old snake, and all the other creatures that hubby and boys rescue.

To learn more about her novels, please visit her at www.kimberleytroutte.com and sign up for the newsletter.

Cold October nights are bringing in warm romances and the start of Christmas at Tule!

October 1, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

GIVEAWAY: Because who doesn’t love FREE books?

We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the October romance releases.

Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected and announced at the end of the month.

Good luck and happy reading!

A Christmas to Remember

by Cassidy Carter

A holiday getaway forces them together—but will Christmas magic be enough to keep them from saying goodbye?

Jack Allen, the newest investor in Cabins in the Pines Resort, is ready to celebrate the season. Between the sleigh rides, the Winter Wonderland festival, and a special countdown to a new baby for the resort’s owners, Christmas in Fairwood, Arizona, promises to be unforgettable. But when his best friend’s sister arrives—reluctantly and with zero holiday spirit—Jack’s plans take an unexpected turn.

Dr. Ella Brent-Collingsworth has no interest in festive celebrations. With her demanding career as a physician, she sees her trip to Fairwood as nothing more than a brief family visit before she moves on to the next chapter of her life. But a sudden winter storm derails her plans, leaving her snowed in at the resort with the most infuriatingly charming man she’s ever met.

When an unexpected challenge threatens the resort’s holiday events, Jack and Ella are forced to work together. As the Christmas magic settles in, so do feelings neither of them saw coming. But when Ella’s dream job in California calls, she must decide—return to the future she’s worked for or risk everything for a love that feels like home?

The Sheriff’s Mistletoe Bride

by Debra Holt

It’s not the typical Christmas plan…

Ally Jones made a death bed promise to her friend who’d given her a home and shelter since she was a teen. When the older woman finally succumbed to cancer, Ally would take her ashes and spread them on a special spot in Destiny River, Texas. Still grieving, she and her canine companion leave New York City, weeks before Christmas, never anticipating that the town she’d heard so much about for many years could sprinkle seasonal magic that would change her life. And then in a heartbeat and squeal of worn brakes, Ally’s life spins in a new direction.

Widower Sheriff Matthew Parker and his daughter, Jillie, are fine, despite the conviction of his small town’s female population that he must be in search of a wife. He’s not. His sister jokes that he should hire a fake fiancé for Christmas. Not funny. Then he witnesses a horrific car accident, and when he pulls the victim free and gazes into her stunning eyes, he sees an unexpected future.

Destiny? Impossible. How can fate unfurl happy-ever-afters for two non-believers?

Destination Christmas

by Candice Y. Johnson

Will this Christmas gift the possibility of love or yet another disappointment…

It’s the week before Christmas, and bestselling middle grade author Sutton Leigh is desperate to escape. She longs to rekindle her holiday spirit, but her meddlesome family is determined to keep pushing random bachelors on her so that she’s not alone for the holidays. Humiliating. But worse, a grumpy – but undeniably handsome single father–crashes her book signing and angrily demands that she stop communicating with his daughter. Sutton has no idea who his daughter is. She flees family and chaos to find her holiday bliss in a cozy, snow-capped Vermont resort – only to come face-to-face with the man who nearly ruined her release.

Middle school guidance counselor Drew Chambers is worried about his daughter Oaklynn’s blind devotion to Sutton, and now he can’t stop thinking about the intriguing woman.  They call a truce for Oaklynn’s sake, so that they can each enjoy the holidays. Sparks kindle amidst twinkling lights, meddling relatives, and an unexpected blizzard. Will Sutton and Drew find love – or will their holiday magic melt away with the snow?

Christmas with the Cowgirl

by Justine Davis

She’s a no-nonsense cowgirl. He’s Hollywood charm with a second shot. But this Christmas in Texas, the heart might be the biggest wildcard.

Former barrel racer Riley Garrett is a sixth generation Texan, and a lifelong cowgirl. She’s kicked the unfortunate blip of her failed wedding into the dust, is happy running her family’s ranch, and prospering in more ways than one. So when a smooth talking, far too handsome outsider unexpectedly arrives in Last Stand during the holidays full of starry schemes he says will help her family and ranch along with the town, Riley’s beyond skeptical.

Producer Miles Flint is a Hollywood success by any measure, even though his biggest hit imploded when his star quit to build a new life with his young son in small town Texas. He cut his losses and moved on until he’s given a second chance to reboot his hit show the way he originally wanted to do it. No compromises.

But convincing a stubborn cowgirl who’s distractingly fascinating that he can be trusted is going to take all of his persuasive powers plus the magic of a Hill Country Christmas to find a hit happily ever after for both of them.

A Christmas Baby for the Cowboy

by Megan Crane

When commitment-allergic Knox Carey finds an abandoned baby on his doorstep on Christmas Eve, he doesn’t think twice. He scoops her up, but quickly realizes he needs help.

The only person he can call is Dr. Ramona Taylor—the closest thing to a hospital in Cowboy Point. Sure, they broke up. More than once. And she made her opinion of his “emotional constipation” very clear. But Knox figures while she might want to set him on fire—and not in a fun way—the baby will inspire her to keep the lighter fluid at bay.

Not necessarily. Knox broke Ramona’s heart. It’s as simple as that. But her medical training—and the feelings she can’t outrun—won’t let her walk away. Still, seeing Knox cradle a baby like the future she once wanted with him? It kills her.

Worse, a raging snowstorm traps her with him in a picture-perfect version of the life she knows can never be hers.

But it’s Christmas in Cowboy Point. And if ever there were a time for miracles, this might be it…

The Cowboy’s Christmas Truce

by Kyra Jacobs

Charlotte Barnes’s rare solo weekend is interrupted by an unexpected guest, Jaxon Miles. Though their families have feuded for years, the single-mom enjoys a weekend fling with the sexy rodeo star while snowed in. But what was supposed to end with goodbye turns into a business opportunity she simply can’t turn down.

Jaxon Miles has had a crush on Charlotte since they were knee-high to a grasshopper, so the house-sitting gig that turns into sexy times with her is an early Christmas present. But he returns home to learn that his rodeo career may be over, an ending Jaxon is desperate to avoid. And what better way to keep his options open than a business collaboration with Charlotte?

So this December, they’re making plans to launch a joint venture and tip-toeing around both their family feud and Marietta’s misconceptions about the rebel cowgirl. But when a Santa with money bags appears, one of their dreams is granted and the other crushed. Can Jaxon and Charlotte make a way for both their Christmas wishes under the same starry sky?

Poisoned Past

by Emmie Lyn

When a festive Christmas party turns deadly, a single mom and a brooding stranger must unravel a chilling mystery before the killer strikes again.

The holiday season is in full swing in Clam Cove, Maine, where twinkling lights and carols set the scene for the library’s annual Christmas party. ER nurse Nina Reyes is looking forward to a peaceful week off with her daughter, Ana, and their mischievous Golden retriever, Ginger. But when the town librarian collapses, poisoned during the festivities, Nina finds herself pulled into a deadly mystery.

Still recovering from a life-altering accident, horticulturist Kyle Walker is drifting until fate throws him into Nina’s path. Despite their differences, her determination and his keen eye make them an unexpectedly strong team. As they investigate, long-buried grudges surface, and the motives, ranging from greed to revenge, run deeper than they imagined.

With danger mounting and sparks flying, Nina and Kyle must stop a killer before they become the next targets.

The Magical Christmas Cottage

by Aimee O’Brian

In the small town of Hazard, sometimes love is the greatest Christmas miracle.

Alina McAllister is starting fresh in the charming town of Hazard, Rhode Island, with a simple plan: take a docent job at the Historical Society and embrace the magic of the season. But when her landlady Hazel suffers a stroke, everything changes. Hazel’s grumpy yet undeniably handsome grandson, Carter Bestwick, swoops into town determined to sell the cottage and move on with his corporate life. He needs Alina to leave—immediately.

With nowhere to go and a snowstorm trapping them together, Alina and Carter are forced into close quarters. What starts as a tense, begrudging arrangement soon sparks undeniable chemistry. As they clear out the attic, they discover Hazel’s magical wedding bands—heirlooms passed down through generations since the Revolutionary War—and find that sometimes, the magic of love is closer than they think.

In this heartwarming, opposites-attract holiday romance, Alina and Carter may just find that the greatest gift of all is an unexpected love.

Any Cowboy of Mine

by Kristine Lynn

He can write the perfect ending on a computer screen, but can he create one in real life?

For Brad Connors, life as a successful crime writer is everything he hoped—if only he had someone to share it with. So when his ex invites him to her wedding, he decides to play the game and attend. At the least, it’s an open bar.

Trial attorney Sophie Kellerman has found success prosecuting domestic abuse cases in the courtroom, but life recently brought the gavel down on her head. So she assumes that being set up as her old crush’s date to a wedding will also disapoint—but Brad turns out to be the smoking hot cowboy she didn’t see coming. And he’s ready to buy his parents’ ranch and settle down to boot.

But even as they wrap themselves in his sheets, their pasts are waiting in the wings, bringing chaos and confessions in their wake. Is Brad and Sophie’s relationship a rebound remedy or a love strong enough to stand up to the challenge?

Alabama Christmas Wedding

by Susan Sands

This Holiday the magic of an Alabama romantic Christmas sparks a season of hope…

It’s been twenty-five long years since Jane Lafitte’s college sweetheart, Trevor Gardner, broke her heart, but life moved on. She never imagined she’d see Trevor again—until their adult children announce their own Christmas engagement—to each other!

Thrown together amidst cozy holiday celebrations, the old flames can’t deny the warm embers that still smolder between them despite the painful memories and practical concerns conspiring against them. Jane and Trevor agree to keep their romantic history a secret, but it gets complicated as they are immersed with planning a wedding between her daughter, Casey, and his son, Drew in the same town where the two of them planned to marry so long ago.

As Jane and Trevor reconnect, their tangled past resurfaces, making forgiveness the only way forward if they hope to navigate their future as soon-to-be in-laws. But what does it really mean to be family? Can they move beyond their past hurt to discover a new beginning together in time for Christmas?

The Midwife’s Christmas Miracle

by Fiona McArthur

The timing’s terrible…

Fleeing a life her wealthy father planned—including the groom he picked out—Perth midwife Gabi Hudson heads off grid to the small and charming town of Wirralong in the Outback. She’s hoping for a fresh start and to live a life of purpose while working in a local baby crèche during her friend’s maternity leave. A cute cottage is included, but the hot cowboy setting up an unusual holiday display is a heart-pounding surprise.

Texas Cowboy Cormack Callaghan has been traveling the world working odd jobs, until a lucrative hobby changes his fortunes. He loves making metal art in Wirralong, but Cormack’s finally booked his ticket home. He promised his patiently waiting family that he’d finally be home for this Christmas, but then he’s blindsided by the intriguing Gabriella.

Cormack’s never been a relationship kinda guy, and Gabi knows he’s temporary. Surely two weeks isn’t long enough for either of them to be so foolish as to fall in love. Or is it?

October is Mystery Month at Tule — And the Clues Are on Sale!

October 1, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

Something thrilling this way comes…

As the leaves fall and the nights grow longer, we’re leaning into the season of suspense with a sale tailor-made for mystery fans. All October long, Tule Publishing is celebrating Mystery Month with a can’t-miss sale on select mystery titles!

What’s on sale?

Every Tule mystery title published through September 2025 is getting the red tag treatment. That means major discounts on twisty thrillers, cozy capers, and page-turning whodunits from some of our favorite authors.

When is it happening?

From October 1 to October 31, you’ll be able to grab discounted mystery ebooks across Amazon.

Why now?

Because fall is the perfect time to dive into a mystery. There’s something about shorter days, cooler weather, and a warm blanket that pairs perfectly with a good book full of secrets, lies, and suspense. Whether you’re binging a new series or just want one great story to savor with your cider, this sale is your chance to stock up.

Who should check it out?

You! If you love:

  • Solving crimes before the detective does

  • Small towns hiding big secrets

  • Fast-paced thrillers that keep you guessing

  • Cozy mysteries with quirky characters and clever clues

  • Or just curling up with a really good book…

…then this sale was made for you.

So mark your calendars and get ready to load up your digital bookshelf. Your next great mystery read is waiting—at a price that won’t stay hidden for long.

Sale ends October 31—no tricks, just thrilling treats.

Falling for the Smooth-Talking Hero: Why Author Janine Amesta Had to Write Boone

September 30, 2025 · Posted by Tule Publishing

I think ever since I started writing romances, I wanted to write a hero like Boone. It only took me five books to get there. With my newest small-town romance, The Wedding Con, Boone is a confident, smooth-talking ex-con artist, who knows how to play the game when it comes to getting what he wants. It’s sort of the morally gray, complicated character that doesn’t have the best history when it comes to making decisions, but you know that deep down inside there’s still good there even if he doesn’t like to show it. Our heroine, Naomi, sees him as a street-smart alley cat who uses his handsomeness to take advantage of people. Because of this, it takes them a while to get to a spot where real trust (and other feelings) are allowed to develop.

While he does try to sweet-talk her, she’s not necessarily the person who’s going to trust him, especially since her own father had been taken in by scammers in the past. This is the reason the family’s hot air balloon business struggles after his death. She doesn’t want to fall prey herself and understands the vulnerability the Moreno women find themselves in now that they’re left alone to run the High Desert Tours. I can certainly understand her position, as I had similar feelings after the passing of my own father and heard about businesses that suddenly were appearing on my mom’s doorstep and trying to get her to sign up for things.

It’s not surprising when Naomi is dismayed not only with her family hiring Boone to be part of the chase crew but also with her mom taking him in, like he’s part of the family. I have to say that I also relate to the mother in this aspect as well, but only because I am a writer of damaged, looking-for-second-chances heroes, and there’s nothing I enjoy better than redeeming them. It’s extremely satisfying to follow a cynical, doesn’t believe-in-love type of character and see how love is the same thing that changes their whole perspective. Going on that journey with them and seeing a rejection of their old life for a new one is a lot of fun, but also you see the old parts that continue to stick with them.

I would say that it’s not only Boone who evolves but also Naomi. She realizes that it’s not just her who can be taken in by a con, but really anyone, including Boone, because we all have our vulnerabilities, where, given the right incentive or lie, it’s very easy to become a victim. Closing off the whole world is not only not ideal but also usually impossible as well. To live in society is about taking risks about who you open up to and let into your life. But they all learn that the best way to fight against this is by sticking by the ones you love and looking out for each other.

And that’s really what makes a great romance: it’s the creation of a new team built on love and respect. This is the story of Boone and Naomi, and they learn that true love isn’t a con after all.

About the Author.

Janine Amesta has loved reading kissing stories most of her life. She currently resides in Oregon with her husband and their pets, Hitchcock and Pippin. She studied screenwriting in college and her banter is influenced by the screwball romantic comedies of the 1930’s. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect line. You can also follow me on Bluesky.