December Update by Claire Caldwell

 

 

Happy December, everyone!

I hope you’re all enjoying the lead-up to holiday season so far, whatever you may celebrate. Victoria asked me to fill in for her on the blog today because she’s taking off for Mexico next week [insert jealous groans].

Here at Harlequin HQ, the seasonal activities started in earnest  on Wednesday with our annual Holiday Fundraising Fair. I’m on the Holiday Spirit Committee for the editorial department, and each year we “adopt” a family in need. During the fair, we sell raffle tickets and our very own editorial cookbooks (which we write and design in-house) to raise money for the family. We also ask the department to donate food, toiletries, clothes, gift cards and other items. We had a tremendously successful fundraiser this year, and we’re all thrilled to be able to spread the holiday cheer in such a meaningful way.  

Me and editor Adrienne Macintosh showing off our cookbook at the Holiday Fair

Speaking of cheer, we’re VERY excited to share the news that RT will be reviewing Heartwarming books on their website from January onward (I may have let out a little “whoop!” at my desk when I saw Victoria’s email about it). According to RT’s editor, the reviews will likely go up closer to the end of the pub month. We’ll be the first to share them when they’re posted!

Yay for RT!!!!

We’re certainly looking forward to January, but right now we’re also celebrating the December releases. New-to-Harlequin authors Cerella Sechrist and Melanie Mitchell have both written books set in warm locales—Hawaii and Kenya, respectively.  Gentle Persuasion and Out of the Shadows promise to be toe-warming—as well as heartwarming—reads, whether you’re curling up by a fire or lounging on a beach somewhere (I’m looking at you, Victoria). The Husband Project, by Kristine Rolofson, is the second book in her Willing to Wed miniseries, about a town hosting a dating show. Loree Lough’s Devoted to Drew—also number two in a miniseries—deals with themes of family and parenting that are especially salient this time of year.

Thanks for reading! Wishing you all a fun and relaxing month.

Best,
Claire