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.

The Beauty of … Cranberry Sauce!

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Did you know that Thanksgiving doesn’t exist in Portugal? In fact, many Portuguese have never heard of Thanksgiving.
And, if you were in Portugal in November and wanted to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner, you would soon find that many of the ingredients are non-existent.

Looking for pecans to bake a pecan pie? Nope!
Canned pumpkin for pumpkin pie? Hah!
Cranberries for cranberry sauce? Nope, again. And certainly you won’t find canned cranberry sauce (my fave!) in any of the supermarkets.

However, you might find dried cranberries, although it’s interesting to note that the Portuguese do not have a name for cranberries, although the word “oxicoco” is sometimes used.

The good news is that you will be able to purchase a fresh turkey and roasted chestnuts from the many street vendors. Add a loaf of crusty Portuguese bread, a bottle of Port, and enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!

Here’s a recipe for “Portuguese” cranberry sauce. Note that dried cranberries and port wine are listed in the ingredients.

You will need:
Water to moisten
6 apples
Approximately 7 cups of dried cranberries
Port wine (I use most of the bottle!)
¾ cup brown sugar
Cinnamon and cloves to taste

Mix all ingredients and simmer on stove.

Do you have a favorite cranberry sauce recipe? Please share below.

Love to learn about other countries and holiday traditions? Snag a copy of A Portuguese Christmas, my sweet romance, A Portuguese Christmas. Available in ebook paperback, large print paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

And, I have a new release this month! A Very Christian Christmas

Cozy up with your favorite beverage and lose yourself in the special, joyful season of love and faith.

This collection includes the following 3 books:

A CHRISTMAS TO CHERISH
There’s nothing a Christmas kiss won’t cure. Except perhaps a shattered heart…

A CHRISTMAS PUPPY TO CHERISH
You don’t need ears to hear God’s plan. All you need is an open heart…

Holly’s Gift
Miracles don’t always come easy. Sometimes it takes a secret wish to light an angel’s way.

These books are also published as solos and in other collections.

The Beauty of … Apple Bobbing!

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Apple Bobbing is a game played at many Halloween parties. But did you know that its origins stem back to love and romance?

The game began as a courting ritual in a Roman festival honoring a goddess of agriculture and abundance. Her name was Pomona. The goddess was often represented by apples.

The idea behind the game was that women and men could predict their future based on the game.

In 43 AD, the festival melded with the Samhain tradition around the same time, which led to the beginning of Halloween.

Bobbing for apples continued as a British courting ritual, and became popular among young, single ladies and their potential suitors.

There are several sets of rules and variations. In the game most familiar, an apple is assigned to each potential mate. The apple bobber attempts to bite into the apple named for the suitor she most desires.

For those who are celebrating, have a happy and safe Halloween. And, happy apple bobbing.

New Release!

If you love holiday romance, be sure to grab your copy of my sweet and wholesome Christmas story, Christmas in the Air.

What if you told your innermost secrets to a guy you assumed you’d never see again?

Penelope Reid owns a toy business, and meets an elusive, handsome stranger on a plane trip to Hilton Head Island. Along the way, she confesses her problems and fears, her aspirations, and unrealized goals, while she believes the man is only half-listening. She is a single mother in her late 40s, readjusting to her life after a difficult divorce, and raising a challenging twelve-year-old son.

Two months later, she comes into direct contact with Jacob Williams, the new pediatrician in town, and the man she met on the plane. Jacob knows many facts about her life. Will he use his knowledge to embarrass her, or pursue her?
As Jacob and Penny get to know each other, Jacob relates his story to Penny—his poverty-stricken childhood, his mother’s disapproval when he left the family farm, and his recent job.

She is touched and impressed by his new goals to forego his ambitions and help people. And she is a bit envious he has decided what he wants and is going after it.

Things can only take a turn for the worse when their romance begins to develop, all under the disapproving eyes of her critical son and the small, inquisitive community who thought they knew her.

Her son is begging for a snuggly puppy for Christmas. But is he ready to assume the responsibility? And does Penelope have room in her heart for a new romance and an adorable puppy?

If you like sweet romance movies and books, then you’ll love Christmas in the Air, brimming with heartwarming holiday cheer.

A Happily-Ever-After is guaranteed.

Wrap yourself up in the uplifting joy of Christmas and fall in love with sweet, small-town romance. This is the sixth book in the beloved 1-800 home-flipping series.

Order your copy of Christmas in the Air today. Only 99¢ for a limited time.

Read the entire 1-800-series!

1-800-CUPID

1-800-CHRISTMAS

1-800-IRELAND

1-800-SUMMER

1-800-NEW YEAR

Christmas in the Air

The Beauty of … Autumn

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Although I love every season, Autumn has always been a favorite. It is a time of rebirth and renewal. For many, Autumn is the time for a fresh outlook, and romance is always in the air.

This month, I’m sharing some inspirational Autumn quotes.

“It was a beautiful, bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.” -Diana Gabaldon, Outlander

“I loved Autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it.” – Lee Maynard

“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.” – Delia Owens, Where the Crawdads Sing

“If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.” – Victoria Erickson

“Autumn mornings: sunshine and crisp air, birds and calmness, year’s end and day’s beginnings.” – Terri Guillemets

Take this season to enjoy family and friends. Read a good book, go apple picking, find your favorite pumpkin patch, and take pleasure in this magical season.

What are your favorite Autumn activities? Please share your comments below.

New Release! My 6 book inspirational boxed set, Cherished Hearts, is now available.

Six sweet small-town inspirational romances to warm your heart! For the first time, the complete Cherish Series is exclusively in one large collection.
Find out why readers are falling in love with Cherished Hearts & staying up all night reading. Cozy up with your favorite beverage and lose yourself in the joyful seasons of love.

This collection includes the following books:

A LOVE SONG TO CHERISH
It’s easy to recognize another’s pain. The tough part is facing your own.

A CHRISTMAS TO CHERISH
There’s nothing a Christmas kiss won’t cure. Except perhaps a shattered heart…

A VALENTINE TO CHERISH
Valentine’s Day is all about love. And God has a special plan for a small-town woman and a road-weary singer.

A CHRISTMAS PUPPY TO CHERISH
You don’t need ears to hear God’s plan. All you need is an open heart…

A HOMECOMING TO CHERISH
All relationships require a commitment but is she ready to sacrifice her heart again?

A SUMMER TO CHERISH
Faith is fragile. Faith takes time. And the best solutions are always painted with love.

Grab your copy of Cherished Hearts today. Available in ebook, paperback, and large print paperback. These books are also published as solos and in other collections. Available also in audiobooks.

The Beauty of … Healthy Summer Living

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Summer, and especially August, is a good month to kick off our shoes and enjoy lazy summer living. However, don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Here are my tips for healthy summer living:

1. Stock up on good, healthy food. Include fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.
2. Move every day! Take your dog for a walk, use your treadmill, take the stairs, and do some walking in place during the TV commercials.
3. Sleep more. Studies have shown that sleep is good for the mind as well as the body.
4. Just say ‘No’ to activities and obligations that add stress to your life.
5. Read more! Nothing is as wonderful as enjoying a good book.
6. Volunteer. Find a cause dear to your heart. Your mental and physical health will thank you.
7. Bundle up, go outside and spend time with nature. Studies have shown that spending 30 minutes outside each day will boost your Vitamin D levels and lower your blood pressure.
8. See your healthcare provider for a good check-up and keep your dental health and cholesterol levels on track.

Please share your tips for a healthier and happier August 2022 in the comments below.

I’m thrilled about my newest sweet contemporary inspirational romance boxed set,

Romance Stories To Cherish, Volume Two.

This set includes three sweet and inspirational romances:

A CHRISTMAS PUPPY TO CHERISH
You don’t need ears to hear God’s plan. All you need is an open heart…

A HOMECOMING TO CHERISH
All relationships require a commitment but is she ready to sacrifice her heart again?

A SUMMER TO CHERISH
Faith is fragile. Faith takes time. And the best solutions are always painted with love.

Grab your copy of Romance Stories To Cherish, Volume Two, today! Available in ebook, Paperback, and Large Print Paperback. Free on Kindle Unlimited. Audiobooks for each book sold separately.