Author Archives: Josie Riviera

About Josie Riviera

Josie Riviera is a USA TODAY Bestselling Author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable Shih Tzu who constantly needs grooming and live in an old house forever needing renovations.

Christmas Puppies: Unwrapping the Pros and Cons

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The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible idea of adding a furry bundle of joy to your family. But is getting a puppy during Christmas truly a jingle-all-the-way experience? Here are the pros and cons.

Christmas

Pros:

  1. Merry Moments: The holiday season is all about creating cherished memories, and a puppy can make them even merrier. From adorable antics to heartwarming cuddles, their presence will add an extra layer of joy and laughter to your Christmas celebrations.
  2. Time on Your Side: With time off from work or extended vacation periods, you have the gift of extra time during the holidays. This allows you to invest more quality time in training, bonding, and ensuring a smooth transition for your new puppy.
  3. Love Multiplied: Nothing brings a family closer than caring for a puppy together. From shared responsibilities to teamwork, raising a puppy during Christmas strengthens the bonds among family members, creating a shared sense of love and commitment.

Cons:

  1. ‘Tis the Season of Stress: The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can overwhelm even the jolliest of puppies. With parties, guests, and disruptions to routines, it may take longer for your puppy to settle in, potentially leading to anxiety or behavioral issues.
  2. Post-Holiday Blues: As the festivities wind down, the realities of daily life kick in. Busy schedules, work, and school commitments can limit the time and attention you can devote to your puppy. Make sure you can provide consistent socialization and care, even after the Christmas magic fades away.
  3. Presents vs. Training: Training a puppy requires patience, consistency, and a structured environment. The holiday season, however, often brings distractions and a less structured routine. This can make training more challenging, potentially slowing down your puppy’s progress.

When it comes to getting a puppy during Christmas, there are both delightful pros and thoughtful cons. Take a moment to assess your readiness, lifestyle, and ability to provide the care and attention a puppy needs before adding a Christmas puppy to your festivities.

Black Friday sale!

Mark your calendars. On Black Friday, November 24th, my sweet and inspirational holiday romance boxed set, Holiday Hearts Volume Four, will be on a Kindle Countdown sale and only 99 cents. (US Residents only.) FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Holiday Hearts Volume 4

This collection includes the following 3 books:

A Christmas Puppy To Cherish (Inspirational)
You don’t need ears to hear God’s plan. All you need is an open heart…

A Chocolate-Box Christmas Wish
He’s been all over the world. She’s a home-town girl. Can a holiday wish bridge the gap?

A Chocolate-Box Irish Wedding
A woman who wanted more. A man who wanted her. Can they rediscover their love in the seaside town where it all began?

Be sure to pick up your copy before the price goes up.

Available in ebook, paperback, and large print paperback. Audiobooks for each book sold separately.

 

Navigating Legends: The Thrilling Tales of Sea Captains in Regency England

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Ah, the Regency era! Among the glittering balls and society’s norms, a group of extraordinary men emerged—sea captains. These dashing men sailed the oceans, braving storms and conquering uncharted territories.

Sea Captains

  1. Masters of the Deep: Picture a world without GPS or satellite navigation. That’s the challenge sea captains faced during Regency England. With their trusty compasses and astrolabes, they relied on their innate sense of direction and expert seamanship.
  2. Conquerors of the Unknown: Regency England was a time of exploration. Think of James Cook, whose expeditions to the Pacific expanded our understanding of distant lands. These explorations opened doors to new trade routes.
  3. Legends of Adventure: Sea captains faced pirates and battled raging storms. Horatio Nelson, a revered figure in British naval history, led his fleet to victory in dramatic battles.
  4. Pioneers of National Pride: During the Regency period, Britain was a dominant naval power. Sea captains ensured safe passage for merchant ships, and protected national interests. Their bravery and strategic brilliance in decisive naval conflicts, such as the Battle of Trafalgar, not only secured victory but instilled a sense of pride and unity among the people.
  5. Romantic Figures: Let’s not forget the romance! Sea captains held a certain allure that captivated the hearts of Regency society. Their dashing uniforms made them irresistible to admirers. Jane Austen, the celebrated author, incorporated naval officers in her novels, adding an air of excitement and intrigue.

I have a sweet inspirational Regency romance on a 99 cent Kindle countdown, October 17-24. (US Resident only.)

Seeking Rachel

Seeking Rachel Josie Riviera

When faith is adrift, the heart is the compass leading the way home.

Rachel Lockhart grew up running wild and free with nomadic Gypsy children on her father’s estate. Craving adventure, her imagination conjured up an impossibly perfect, grey-eyed man to share it with.

Now grown, her outspoken ways are about to send her home from London in disgrace. Until she unexpectedly clashes with an impossibly perfect, grey-eyed man. And the back of her mind echoes with God’s promise: I will not leave you comfortless. As if she’d find comfort with a man as arrogant as Nash Browning.

Broken by too many sea battles, soul-sick from recent loss, Nash doesn’t even know where to begin to search for his lost faith. It certainly isn’t among the addle-brained females of the ton. But when he stumbles upon an enticing masterwork of contrasts named Rachel, his weary heart sparks with life.

Is it possible the way back to his faith is with a woman who is honest to a fault, yet fiercely loyal to a shunned people? Can he set a course for a future with her, and trust that God has prepared the way?

Grab your copy today before price goes up.

Available in ebook, paperback, large print paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Romany Gypsies in Regency England: A Vibrant, Misunderstood Community

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In Regency England, there existed a community of mystery and intrigue—The Romany Gypsies. These nomadic people, known for their colorful wagons, lively traditions, and vibrant culture, played a significant yet often misunderstood role.

Romany Gypsies

Here, I hope to shed some light on their customs, challenges, and enduring spirit.

The Romany Gypsies are a nomadic community, moving from place to place in their caravans, seeking their livelihood and adventure. Their wagons, decorated with bright colors and intricate designs, captured the imagination of onlookers, and added a touch of wanderlust to the English countryside. Their nomadic lifestyle allows them to forge unique connections with different regions and people, preserving their rich cultural heritage.

The Romany have their own language, Romani, which conveys their history, values, and stories. Their vibrant music, dances, and storytelling captivated audiences and provides a glimpse into their unique way of life. Their strong sense of community, extended family ties, and unwavering loyalty are important to their identity.

Regrettably, they faced social exclusion, significant prejudice, and discrimination because of their different customs and distinct appearance. Often in literature, they are portrayed with independence and a free-spirited nature.

It’s a 99 cent Kindle Countdown for my sweet inspirational romance, Seeking Patience.

Seeking Patience Josie Riviera

Often, I call this book “the book of my heart,” and I hope you love the story as much as I loved writing it.

★★ Do you love British inspirational Regency romance? Seeking Patience is a faith-filled, clean, sweet, and wholesome story. Fall in love with heartwarming romance filled with delightful characters, Romany Gypsies, faith in God, and the promise of a second chance. ★★

Do people prove their worth by strength, or by character?

Half-Romany, half-English lord, he lives a perilous Gypsy life … until a sweet English rose saves his life, and perhaps his soul. Widowed by a cruel husband, she’s given up all hope of love. Brought together in peril, they dare to reach for a brighter future together. Luca Boldor, Romany leader, lives a nomad’s life in Regency England with his Gypsy caravan. Believing his noble father abandoned him at birth, he refuses to acknowledge his English blood, or live a settled life.

But when a vicious attack by a rival leaves him bleeding on an English lady’s doorstep, he has no choice but to accept her help. Her gentle faith stirs his heart in a way he has long denied. Lady Patience Blakwell, widowed countess, lives in near poverty. Her husband’s heir uses threats to keep her from demanding her rightful inheritance. With a few faithful servants, she exists quietly in the country, only her faith keeping her strong … until the day a bold, handsome Gypsy collapses in her hall. He’s unlike any man she’s ever known, and she’ll confront any subterfuge to keep him safe. But when a secret from Lady Patience’s past emerges, Luca must face his own past, or lose her and all hope of love.

Will this strong man humble himself to open his heart for his lady?

Grab your copy today before the price goes up.

Available in ebook, paperback, large print paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

Make Your Lips Irresistibly Kissable: Tip Sheet

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To make the most of National Kissing Day from my June post, (or any day!), here are some tips to make your lips absolutely irresistible:

Kissing

  1. Exfoliate: Get rid of dry, flaky skin by exfoliating your lips gently. You can use a homemade scrub of honey and sugar or opt for a store-bought lip scrub.
  2. Moisturize: Keep your lips hydrated and soft by regularly applying lip balm Look for products that contain natural ingredient like beeswax, shea butter, or coconut oil.
  3. Hydrate: Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water. Hydration is key to maintaining supple lips.
  4. Protect from the Sun: Just like your skin, your lips need protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Use a lip balm with SPF to shield your lips from damage.
  5. Prep with Makeup: Ladies, consider using a lip primer before applying your favorite lipstick or gloss. This will ensure a smooth, and long-lasting finish.
  6. Fresh Breath: Maintaining fresh breath is essential for a memorable kissing experience. Brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash. Carry breath mints or gum for a quick refresher.
  7. Smile Confidently: A warm and genuine smile is one of the most attractive features. Take care of your oral hygiene and be proud of our smile.
Here is an easy and fast homemade lip scrub bonus recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar (brown sugar or coffee grounds may be substituted)

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the honey and sugar, and mix until they form a thick, grainy paste.
  2. Using your fingertips, gently massage the lip scrub onto your lips, rubbing in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Rinse off the scrub with lukewarm water. Pat your lips dry, add a moisturizing lip balm, and start kissing.
Featured Book: Summer Hearts: A Sweet, Wholesome, and Inspirational Romance Bundle

Get ready to pucker up and dive into Summer Hearts, my sweet romance collection. Three heart-warming stories of sweet and inspirational small-town love and irresistible kisses. Get lost in sun-kissed settings and new beginnings, where love and summer collide. You’ll be swept off your feet and experience the power of a kiss like never before.

Summer Hearts

Available in ebook and paperback.

Free on Kindle Unlimited.

Audiobooks for each book sold separately.