This is my final newsletter of the year. Because I will be traveling for the holidays, I have decided not to send a second newslatter this month. But don't worry. I will return next months with links to more free and discounted books.
But that means you won't hear from me until next year. Can you believe it? 2022 is nearly over. As I look back at the year in review, I am setting goals for the new year.
Of course, I have the regular goals. Exercise more. Eat healthier. I also have my reading goal: read 52 books, or a book a week. I plan on publishing at least 2 books early in 2023, and I am hoping to get an agent for another book or two in 2023.
But my greatest goal for 2023 is to spend more time with my family To pa attention to them mroe and enjoy one another instead of just being in the same room but not really being present.
How about you? What are your goals for the new year?
Hartfield Chronicles
Season 5 of Hartfield Chronicles coming soon!
Melinda loves Pat, but sometimes she wishes he had friends of his own. When he starts spending time with her dance partner, however, Melinda can't help the feelings of jealousy that surface, especially when he starts choosing him over her. Will their relationship survive Pat's new bromance?
Coming December 16th!
Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Friday.
As a thank you, you will receive access to bonus chapters from the Hartfield Chronicles.
Announcing the New Hammerhead Club
Membership benefits:
Read new episodes 4 weeks in advance
Receive new episodes directly in your inbox
Access to new bonus chapters every season
Each month you are a member, $1 is added to your club credit. This credit can be used to purchase e-books and signed paperbacks at the Ashleigh Stevens Bookstore. Credits never expire.
Free Books
Song of the Siren A short story loosely based on a popular fairy tale
She's lost her ability to sing. Will she also lose her chance at love?
Ariel can no longer sing after a mean prank by her cousin, Ursula.
Even worse, the one guy she'd had a crush on is returning to Grimmly Woods for a special duet with Ursula. There's a rumor that Eric has written a special song for a special girl, but since Ariel's lost her ability to sing, she doesn't stand a chance.
She hopes Eric leaves town as quickly as possible and never remembers the girl who once had an amazing voice. Because she doesn't want to relive the humiliating day she lost it.
Beach Romance
New Beginnings, New strangers
Seductive, surprise!
After a swimming injury that halts her career and a nasty breakup, Maya Cove decides it might be time to shy away from the spotlight and start all over again. She picks Diamond Sands, a small clearwater beach on the coast which she visited with her parents when she was seven. The townspeople are welcoming and live simple lives, and after three years, Maya is sure that she made the right decision.
Living in Diamond Sands with Tabby, her cat, and running her coffee and pastry shop, Sandbar, is just what Maya needs to unwind. It has always drawn her to the water, and the breathtaking view of the beach from her window every morning never gets old. Her parents were also beach lovers, and they spent many family holidays on new beaches that her parents discovered. These beach-cations, as they called them, were the highlight of her childhood and held many beautiful memories about her family.
Life is good in Diamond Sands and quiet, just the way Maya wants her life to be. She became a professional swimmer to honor her mother, who died when she was eight. Her life had become a constant turmoil of training and competitions ever since. Now, she had peace in Diamond Sands, a cat who adored her, and a father who called every other week to check in on how she was doing. She could ask for nothing more.
However, when she saves a drowning dog at the behest of a stranger who can’t swim, Maya’s life might just take on a new twist. Roddy Sanders is in town. Maya falls quicker than she ever imagined. Roddy seems to feel the same way about her, but Maya knows they doomed a relationship to failure from the start.
Maya’s world crumbles a few weeks later after she receives devastating news about her father. The situation is direr than she can handle, and Roddy offers to help.
Forecast: Foul Play A Cozy Mystery
Weather Advisory: 100% chance of sabotage, murder, and mystery
I’m Autumn Davis, a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, and this was supposed to be my big break.
I uprooted my life in hopes of creating a name for myself. Becoming the prime suspect in a high-profile murder investigation wasn’t a part of that plan.
Now, a storm is brewing, and the barometric pressure of this situation is threatening to cause a downpour on my future.
Want more free books? Check out these giveaways!
Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!
Other Books on Sale
The Determiner
Henry will do anything to save his father. Even if it means keeping secrets. Big ones.
Thirteen-year-old Henry Miller knows he's not typical. And it's not just because he's the president's son. When a mysterious assassin attacks him after school, Henry uncovers a strange power: the world slows down while he speeds up--stronger and faster than his short, stout body has ever been. Trouble is, Henry can't seem to talk about it. Literally. Or make this new strength happen at will. If he could, he might be able to help some people, and to be seen as his own person instead of just a politician's kid.
Instead, he's stuck navigating the daunting world of White House ushers and antiques, maids and security. As if that's not enough, there's his fancy new school with its formidable principal and the senator's snotty daughter. In the midst of it all, Henry feels a little lost and a lot useless.
Until he and his best friend Lucy uncover a plot to assassinate his father.
But the closer Henry gets to finding the assassin, the more he begins to wonder if it's really the president at stake. Or is his father just a pawn in a game where they need to find the king?
Lovelorn
Book 1
Trapped and alone in a life full of regret is how Rachel feels in her loveless marriage to her high school sweetheart. Her very wealthy and powerful husband stopped being sweet over the years, and she stopped defending herself. With sudden confidence to attend her high school reunion, she reconnects with old friends and one, in particular, Jake. Rachel, Jake, and her husband were inseparable in high school, but after graduation, they went their separate ways.
Remembering the feeling of freedom and young love helps Rachel to gain the confidence it takes to step out of her comfort zone, breaking the barriers her husband put around her. But when he finds out she's talking to Jake, he has plans of his own.
Will Rachel overcome her fear of leaving the caged life she has become so used to over the years? Or will she finally step out on her own to find the true meaning of life and love?
Mystery Maid
A Deliciously Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery
A posh hotel, guests with secrets to hide and a mysterious dead body.
Ivy Stone is excited to begin her first day as a maid at London’s Hotel LaFontaine, but from the moment she arrives, nothing goes as planned. She insults a guest, is snubbed by the other maids, and finds a dead body, all before lunch.
With help from new friends on staff, Ivy’s amateur sleuthing uncovers clues to a thickening plot of revenge among the glamorous guests.
While preparing for a prestigious fashion show, sampling gourmet dishes and falling deeper in love with Monty the pup, Ivy suspects the killer is among them and will strike again.
In a race against time, Ivy must unmask the true culprit and save her friends before it’s too late.
A deliciously addictive cozy mystery full of charm and intrigue with bonus recipes included!
The Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Books are standalone books in a series aimed at adults and can be enjoyed by young adults who love a great whodunit full of friendship, clues and heart.
You may also be interested in these books
Join My Newsletters
Check out my books
Or visit my bookstore to purchase a signed paperback.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers. How was your holiday?
Last month, I invited my parents to spend Thanksgiving at my house with my husband and our children. A few days later, my mother invided my aunt and uncle, so the party moved to my parents' (much, much larger) house. Then, more of my family found out about our small gathering and by yesterday we had 21 people sitting around the table.
Our holiday was much like every holiday with my family. I was in high school before I learned that our traditions were not the same as others. To get an idea of what Thanksgiving is like in my family, here is an excerpt from Hartfield Chronicles.
“What’s your Thanksgiving like?”
Pat tensed slightly. “You mean, how does CAVEmen celebrate Thanksgiving?”
I traced Pat’s hand, shaking my head. “No, how does the Irish McGregor family celebrate Thanksgiving? My family’s Italian. We have a seven-course meal.”
Walter’s eyes grew wide. “You’re kidding me!”
Pat snickered at the awe in his brother’s voice.
I smiled across the car. “Nope. Uncle Tony makes the stuffed mushrooms appetizer. Then, Papa makes stuffed artichokes. My mom makes the antipasto.”
Walter frowned. “What’s that?”
“It’s a meat salad, but my mother makes it into this elaborate tower like her grandmother taught her. You would love it.”
“You’re making me hungry.” Pat turned to his brother. “Doofus! Pass me some cookies.”
Walter threw the bag across the car as I tried to picture Thanksgiving dinner in my head.
“After the antipasto, we have Nonna’s manicotti. Wait . . . I’m missing something. Oh yeah. The salad comes next. Then the turkey and stuffing. Aunt Lily makes the yams with mini marshmallows and apples and nuts. There’s corn and other assorted vegetables. Dinner rolls. Then, Papa goes and takes a nap, and my cousins and I wake him up when it’s time for dessert.”
Walter leaned forward in his seat. “Okay. Here’s what we’re gonna do. When we get to your house, I’m gonna stay with you. I’ll bunk with your brother. It’ll be fine. Pat, tell Mom and Dad that I’m staying with Melinda, and I’ll be home on Friday. Tell them about the seven courses. They’ll understand.”
How about you? How did you celebrate Thanksgiving?
It's Black Friday!
I spent last weekend setting up my new online store. It's better than ever. Now, you can order signed paperbacks or ebooks directly from my website!
To celebrate, I'm having a Black Friday special: Everything is 25% off.
Click the coupon to check out the new store!
Hartfield Chronicles
Season 4 of Hartfield Chronicles has arrived!
When Melinda is invited to join a new dance class, she sees this as her big break, a chance to advance her skills. Before she can accept, however, another kind of break stops her in her tracks.
Pat wants to be the supportive boyfriend, but his efforts seem to be making Melinda uncomfortable. He can’t go to his own friends for advice, because they can’t understand.
After Melinda calls for another type of break, she and Pat must examine their relationship to determine whether they are meant for each other.
Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every Friday.
As a thank you, you will receive access to bonus chapters from the Hartfield Chronicles.
Announcing the New Hammerhead Club
Membership benefits:
Read new episodes 4 weeks in advance
Receive new episodes directly in your inbox
Access to new bonus chapters every season
Each month you are a member, $1 is added to your club credit. This credit can be used to purchase e-books and signed paperbacks at the Ashleigh Stevens Bookstore. Credits never expire.
Free Books
Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner's Cabin A prequel story sets 10 years before Sweet Home Alabama
Before Melanie Smooter became hot fashion designer Melanie Carmichael, she was known as Felony Melanie, the teenage troublemaker of Pigeon Creek, Alabama. Aching to escape the boredom of small-town life, she gets into many reckless adventures. Her boyfriend, Jake, is always by her side – and the local sheriff is usually close behind.
Now check out the new series featuring “Felony Melanie” a decade before the events of the movie Sweet Home Alabama.
Sign up for our newsletter and get Felony Melanie Destroys the Moonshiner's Cabin. These first two chapters from the novel Felony Melanie in Pageant Pandemonium stand alone as a short story.
Fireflies A steamy paranormal romance with plenty of sarcasm.
Bridget had never considered herself special, odd definitely. Until Declan, that is. With magic, mystery, and romance involved this is a novel about discovering your hidden potential and breaking past limiting beliefs.
In my frenzy, I ran into something without realizing it. Big hands closed over my shoulders as I gripped the chest they belonged to. Under other circumstances, I’d be elated. Green eyes stared back at me, his reddish hair hidden beneath a baseball cap, huge frame swallowing mine easily.
Bridget had never considered herself special, odd definitely. But nothing worth looking at twice. And she had never cared to be looked at twice either.
Until Declan, that is.
Then one night Bridget is approached by a strange (and large) dog. Rescued by Declan, he reveals that Bridget may be special after all, a goddess even. And the dog has been sent to protect her.
Does she have the strength to defeat a powerful witch and her three sons? Why is Declan involved in magic and mystery anyway? And can she save Ruad, her handsome mentor and the God of Knowledge into this new world? As they dig deeper, they uncover that they all have more in common than just their troubled pasts.
The Ulster Cycles are a part of Irish mythology, and this novel depicts characters from the old stories in a new and creative light. While much is taken from these oral stories, this novel is a historical romance loosely based on them. With magic, mystery, and romance involved this is a novel about discovering your hidden potential and breaking past limiting beliefs so you can live your best life.
Twisted Wedding A Deliciously Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery
A lavish wedding, guest list full of secrets and a bride plunged to her death.
Ivy Stone is excited to spend a weekend helping her friend manage a gorgeous wedding on a private Scottish isle. Before the couple can say ‘I do’ the bride falls to her death and speculations abound. Is it an accident? Suicide? Or murder?
Trapped together while the investigation is underway, Ivy finds herself in a thickening plot of intrigue among the
bridesmaids, guests, and a mysterious stranger lurking on the isle.
While dodging flirtation, sampling delicious dishes and falling in love with Monty the pup, our amateur sleuth discovers everyone on the island has secrets. Some they are willing to kill for.
One twist leads to another as Ivy races to unmask the true culprit. A murderer in their midst no one ever suspected.
____________
A deliciously addictive cozy mystery full of charm and intrigue with bonus recipes included!
Would you like some free books in exchange for an honest review?
Want more free books? Check out these giveaways!
Do you have Kindle Unlimited? These books are free for you!
Other Books on Sale
Travel Rangers:
Mission to Australia:
Picture books about Australia have never been so fun!
Do your kids love exploring new places and getting lost in their imagination?
Travel Rangers: Mission to Australia is the first book in the Travel Rangers series, taking adventurous readers on a mission through Australia, where they will swim in the Great Barrier reef, climb the iconic Sydney Harbour bridge, meet some new animals, and even learn some fun Australian words and phrases.
Perfect for kids ages 4-9 years old who are ready to become Travel Rangers with Kayden, Bella, James, and Hannah and uncover the many wonders of Australia with each page they turn.
Created to teach kids about other cultures and countries, this series is both parent- and teacher-approved with a healthy dose of learning and cultural immersion amidst equal parts of fun. Teachers will especially love the included lesson plans!
Silver Savage
A SciFi Alien Romance
Jakkar After losing all our females, I didn't think life could get any worse until I was stripped of my crown and exiled by my twin brother. With my world in turmoil, my spirit mate crashed into my life when I needed her the most. She was not of Valose but a stranger from another world.
Newly awakened, my ancillary heart beats for one reason only—to keep her safe. Now I must protect her from old enemies as well as new yet what came with her posed a unique danger that can't be fought with swords. There was nothing I wouldn't do for her. Unfortunately, what she wanted the most would tear apart my very soul.
Lily I thought the abduction had been bad enough, but the crash-landing nearly killed me. Stranded on an alien world, all I wanted was to find a way to get myself and the other girls home. When the solution presented itself in the form of a kilt-wearing, hopeless romantic with serious muscles, sexy elf ears, and the belief that soul mates truly existed… Well, I was no longer in a huge rush to leave.
Author Note: The Warriors of Valose Saga is meant to be read in order. Each book does have a HEA. However, this is a saga and titled accordingly because the story takes place over a lengthy period of time. Also, a glossary of Valosian terms has been added, and the italics removed from alien words.
An (un)Orthodox Christmas
a twisty and uplifting holiday cozy mystery
Some believers observe Christmas in January.
Some cops work homicide at that time…
Provence baker Julie is headed to a charming Riviera village to meet the family of her gendarme boyfriend.
Gabriel’s folks can’t wait to get to know her.
Trouble is, he hasn’t told them she’s an amateur sleuth.
Nor has he warned Julie just how odd and rowdy they are, or that she’ll have to face them alone while he’s called out on a murder investigation.
Needless to say, she gets sucked into Gabriel’s family feud—and his case!
The latter suddenly explodes into a hot emergency.
A race against the clock is on.
Lives are hanging in the balance...
With a killer on the loose and Gabriel’s relatives on fire, can the duo keep it together to solve the mystery?
You may also be interested in these books
Join My Newsletters
Check out my books
Or visit my bookstore to purchase a signed paperback.
