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Dini didn’t want to think about her past. And, Seth wasn’t thinking about anything but his past. Thrown together as Santa and his Number One Elf at the homeless shelter, Dini and Seth seem to be on opposite sides… of everything. Her past is catching up to her, and Seth may risk his future to protect her.
Piet and Peggy, along with their infant daughter, Heather, are about to have a guest at their safari camp home…Taking care of their friends’ daughter for a few days will be easy. Piet, the rough and tough safari owner, has been Uncle Piet to little Debi since the day he brought her safely from the wreckage of the plane that killed her parents. As thunder rolls across the African sky, sending out a warning to those who would care to take heed, the mighty Zambezi River moves forward like a bulldozer, with nothing to hold it back… Can Piet save the child from the raging waters of the Mighty Zambezi before she crashes over the falls and to the tumbled waters and wicked rocks below?
When Evaliz’s parents send her to New York to visit her sister, Tatiana for the holidays, she has no idea what the weekend has in store for her. After a devastating conversation with her boyfriend she is doubtful that her visit with her sister, who she’s always been jealous of will be any better. After Tatiana reveals a shocking secret, Evaliz wonders how her life will ever be the same.
Will Evaliz finally realize that the most important thing she could have wanted for Christmas was something she had the entire time?
Lenora Winslow absolutely despises holiday cheer. Logan Darling thrives in the festive season. When the two meet by chance on Christmas Eve, will love be in the air or will it be a case of the winter blues?
A heartwarming holiday short story – Corrine and Darryl haven’t spent much time together, with Darryl away in the military. Now, Darryl is coming home. Corrine has changed… grown… become a woman he barely knows… a woman who amazes him at every turn. He’s coming home to their first home for their first Christmas… together, at last.
“The tale of the Costigan family that began with Reconstructing Charlie has come full-circle to a new beginning, one where the four siblings, torn apart by tragedy and greed, are once again re-united just in time for Christmas. Holiday warmth and love fills the home of the kindly aunt and uncle who took Charlie in so many years before.” ~ Chelle Cordero
Eight year old twin sisters were placed in a private religious school in Utah years ago. Ten years later, they reach out to the kind aunt and uncle who raised their older sister and brother. An escape plan is made and their truly wicked mother is forced to face what she did by throwing away her children in exchange for her own freedom.
Jock Stewart, known for his wit and sarcasm, shares a few news stories he’s written about this holiday, including JOCK STEWART’S HOLIDAY BOOK BUYING GUIDE, NEW INTERSTATE BLOCKS ROAD TO GRANDMOTHER’S HOUSE, and A MILLION LITTLE LIES. He also shares a free preview of his comedic murder mystery, Jock Stewart and the Missing Sea of Fire.
Two Holiday Short Stories in one volume, from Tamara Philip (The Cupid Series) and Neva Squires-Rodriguez (The Liliana Trilogy).
Have Love
by Tamara Philip
Bookstore owner, Danny Archer has always led a quiet unassuming life but when the mysterious Josephine, enters his shop, it’s love at first sight.
With Christmas right around the corner and a little help from his twin sister, it seems like a dream come true.
But will the secret that she’s harboring leave them heartbroken for the Holidays or will love find a way?
Have Faith
by Neva Squires-Rodriguez
Things couldn’t get any worse for Yasmin Vazquez this Christmas season. With her life falling apart around her, snatching the wreath off the apartment door that her cheating ex-boyfriend evicted her out of, was just the beginning of a nightmare of a day that led to her meeting handsome police officer, Emmanuel Colon.
Despite all of her misgivings, Yasmin allows him into her life as the magic of faith and hope helps mend her soul. But is he all that he claims to be or is there more to his story?
A short story about finding holiday happiness when you didn’t realize it was right there with you all along.
Paul Zunckel just recently joined the VHP family and he is a welcome addition. Born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), he was raised in South Africa where his family moved when he was nine. Because of my own EMS background, Paul’s background really caught my attention, he served two years National service in the South African Defence Force as an Ops Medic. Paul Zunckel enjoys writing about the mysteries, the superstitions, and all the beauty and treachery of Africa (and he posts gorgeous pictures of the land on Facebook!)
Paul loves to write and play the guitar. A bit of a romantic, he credits his wife Lucie for inspiring him and being the driving force behind him in his upcoming VHP debut novel, Blood Moon Over Africa.
…and now Paul Zunckel is in the Potpourri Parlor
When did you first start writing?
2014 was my starting block as a writer. I was always telling stories but never had anything published until now, all thanks to my wife’s encouragement.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in Zimbabwe, but grew up in South Africa. I have always been interested in the bush and the wild life as well as the superstitions of the local people so I suppose that has influenced what I write.
What was the first story you ever wrote?
Blood Moon Over Africa. The plot had been in my imagination for years, and then my wife convinced me to sit down and write it.
What is your writing process?
I just let my imagination flow. When I sit down, it is almost like turning on a tap, and the ideas just come.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes, Edgar Rice Burroughs “Tarzan of the Apes”. I ended up collecting the whole series, and use to read by torch light.
What do you read for pleasure?
Anything that captures my attention. I enjoy a book that is hard to put down, and you just have to know what happens next.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
Edgar Rice Burroughs “Tarzan The Ape man” It took me to another place.
Stephen King “Cujo”. I use to breed St Bernards, so it was close to home.
Dean Koontz “Whispers”. I enjoyed the pace of the novel.
Wilbur Smith “River God”. The way the author was able to transport you back in time and grab you with the characters.
David Morrell ” The Brotherhood Trilogy” Fast pace and exciting, books to keep and read again.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle
Describe your desk
Untidy, empty coffee cup, notes all over the show, dog under my feet.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
It takes me away from the bump and grind of the day to day existence, and transports me to another world.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything, the more fans the better, and I hope they enjoy what my imagination puts in print.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Ideas that need to be put on paper. Oh and to make my wife tea.
When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
At this moment in time, most of my time is spent writing but I enjoy observing people and getting ideas. I also enjoy cooking,, and playing guitar.
coming soon
Blood Moon Over Africa
Book 1, Blood Trilogy
by Paul Zunckel
Africa, a place where superstition and witchcraft runs deep, a place of beauty, but where death lurks in the shadows. A land shrouded in mystery, with ancient beliefs simmering just beneath the surface – set on a collision course with modern western ideas.
An innocent act unleashes a horror that walks the African night… under the full moon… and nothing is safe.
Piet van Zyl, safari owner, finds himself drawn into a world of witchcraft, and face to face with a horror returned from the grave. With the support of Veronica Strydom, with her vast knowledge of African Culture, he must rid the night of the abomination, or die trying.
Where to find Paul Zunckel online
Website: https://PaulZunckelAuthor.wordpress.com
Twitter: @zuncks
Facebook: Paul’s Facebook Page
Blog: https://PaulZunckelAuthor.wordpress.com
My dear friend and fellow Vanilla Heart Publishing author Lauren Shiro 
writes stories of Love Without Boundaries. Lauren Shiro is an author of contemporary and LGBT fiction. Her tales prove that love is truly blind to both color and gender. These are stories of regular people in real situations. Her books are sure to touch your heart and remain with you long after you’ve finished them.
Previously writing as L. E. Harvey, Lauren married the love of her life Vicki Shiro on June 2, 2012. Lauren and Vanilla Heart Publishing republished many of Lauren’s works in her new legal name of Lauren Shiro.
Lauren was recently acknowledged for a column she writes for the Keystone Alliance/Gaylife Newsletter; I’ll let Lauren tell you about this wonderful honor: 
Every year the Keystone Alliance Gaylife Newsletter holds its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The readers vote for everything from LGBT couple of the year to entertainer of the year, staff writer of the year, and more. I have been writing for them for 4 or 5 years now; they have been kind enough to award me with something every year. This year, I was voted as Lesbian of the Year. It’s quite an honor. To stand out as a lesbian who is trying to make a difference in the world is humbling. I just write about topics and stories that are near and dear to me. To have people say that it’s good work, and to put a spotlight like that on me is such an honor. It is an award for which I am eternally grateful.
~ And now the interview ~
Do you have a vision board or other `trick’ to help motivate you?
I am a rather visual person. So I go on-line and look at images (faces, photographs, locations, anything relating to the story). I am able to connect with my characters on a stronger level, and the imagery tends to spark my creative juices. It’s amazing what has come out of looking at just one image.
Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
We do! I’ll start with my feathered friends.
We have CJ and Sparky, a pair of Love Birds.
We also have one of their babies (who is a full grown adult, but we call her baby anyway).
Then there is my muse. My Cockatiel named Rameses. He is so awesome. He loves to play, chatter and whistle (but don’t let on that you’re watching him. He can be rather shy!).
We also have three canine cohabitants. First is Bella. She’s our yellow lab. She’s a very relaxed lab, but wants all of your attention at all times.
Next is our pit named Marq, short for Marquez. I named him after Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a Hispanic writer. Our Marq is full of energy and love. He loves to play, and he loves to cuddle and snuggle even more. He’s a hoot.
Lastly is our very mixed mutt, Sophia. Sophia is a rather unusual looking dog with a matching unique personality. She loves to play: if you’re playing fetch with her, she will keep going – even beyond your point of exhaustion! She’s a lot of fun.
Does travel play in the writing of your books?
A little, but not a heck of a lot. People do travel, some even move. My stories are much more focused on people rather than places.
Does your significant other read your stuff?
At the risk of incriminating her, no. She doesn’t really read much of anything! LOL.
If you were to write a series of novels, what would it be about?
I hate to sound like an egomaniac, but for me, the Loving Her series is the perfect series. It’s 
linear in that each woman has her own story, but they can be read in any order. It was important for me to write about how our lives impact those around us. From the feedback I’ve received from readers, it seems as though I have done just that (which makes me incredibly happy). You never know what the end result is going to be when you start a story or a series, but I am really happy with and proud of how they turned out.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I’m incredibly fortunate in that I am able to write as well as pursue other dreams.
I had a wonderful 15 year veterinary career. I have worked with everything from cows to marine mammals, and everything in between.
Currently, I work detailing cars (another passion of mine). I work on quite a few Corvettes. So far the most expensive car I worked on was worth over $95,000!
As well, I spend my time doing wood working. I refinish furniture, revitalize wood carvings, I create talking sticks, prayer sticks, and other sacred objects. It can get dirty at times, but the end result is completely worth it.
Not many people can say that they get the opportunity to pursue their childhood dream. I do that by writing, and I am so blessed to enjoy my other passions as well.
Tell us about your current release.
My latest release is called Pianissimo. 
It’s about a woman named Corinne, and she just moved into a new home. With impeccable timing, her husband was deployed right before they moved in. Corinne falls into depression, despair, and isolation. At first, it eats away at her. The longer she’s in the house, the more she discovers about its history and past inhabitants. Her world is completely opened up, and she discovers who she is just as much as what the home is really about.
Tell us about your family.
I come from a small, but absolutely wonderful family. My mother and step-father live in the same house we grew up in. My brother lives out in California so we only see each other once or twice a year, but we keep in touch regularly. My maternal grandmother is 93, and still sharp as a tack. Her age is just a number to her – she’s a great role model! My maternal grandfather passed away a couple of years ago, but we all still feel his presence. My wife and I live in Rochester, NY. My father-in-law lives in the next town just east of us, and my sister-in-law and her family live in the next town just west of us. My brother-in-law and his family live in Atlanta, but we keep in touch with them as much as we can. Family is very important to us, and we are blessed to have the wonderful family that we do.
Tell us about your favorite character from your books.
This is really hard. Really hard! I have such a connection to all of my characters. After some serious thinking, I’m going with Linda from the Loving Her series. She is able to hold her own – she beats up the biggest bully in school; she works in a male-dominated field, and is quite successful. Yet, she’s also incredibly vulnerable. From the bigoted driver to Katie’s parents, Linda isn’t invincible. I love that depth, that contradiction, that humanity about her.
What does your significant other and family think of your writing career?
I am so blessed because I have such tremendous support from everyone around me. They all think it is wonderful. I consider myself to be incredibly fortunate.
What group did you hang out with in high school?
I was quite nerdy (still am). I was a theatre geek, mostly. But I was involved in a ton of other activities as well. I was in the choir, the dance troupe; I was also involved in SADD and our school’s Anti-Bias Committee, so I kind of hung around with a lot of different types.
What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Unique, comical, diverse.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned while writing your books?
When I was writing Trajectory, and I was corresponding with a SWAT sniper, and he informed me that they wore diapers when they are out on a call.
When’s the last time you played “that” musical instrument?
I haven’t played any instruments since elementary school, and the world is a better place for it! LOL.
Can you tell us where to find more information on you?
Website: www.laurenshiro.com
Blog: laurenshiro.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/authorlshiro @authorlshiro
Facebook: Facebook.com/laurenshiro77
Is there a place where readers can reach you?
I LOVE hearing from readers! Please feel free to drop me a line at authorlaurenshiro@gmail.com
Is there something, anything, that we all need to know about you?
I have amazing culinary skills. I can burn toast like it’s nobody’s business!
Gwendolyn lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family. She writes various forms of fantasy, reads voraciously, and is a voice actor and producer in her spare time.
Often, yes. I try to finish one first, but sometimes, another idea strikes and I just have to get it on paper. Otherwise, I might forget a great new story.
How many books are in your office or home?
This must be a trick question, right? I’ve never counted them, but I’d say well over 200, most likely much more (and I’m not counting my youngest daughter’s, 17, books. This would be nearly 100 themselves). I love to read, and I love to re-read. We have a lot of fiction, mostly fantasy, some non-fiction (from my college days), and comics/gaming books.
Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Outside of writing, I enjoy voice acting. I volunteer voices for many online plays, and run my own Podcast company of different shows (ok, I admit, I write a few of them). I think Audio Drama is great medium today, harkening back to the days of Old Time Radio. And I find it very important to have a strong female showing, of people running these podcasts, writing them, and being a part of the whole process
(note from Chelle)
Gwendolyn is a voice-actress and co-owner of Gypsy Audio. She did a superb job and audio recording on four of my novels Hostage Heart, Bartlett’s Rule, Karma Visited, and Final Sin. Read an earlier interview I did with Gwendolyn in July 2013.
Website: https://AuthorGwendolynJensenWoodard.wordpress.com
Twitter: @gjensenwoodard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GJensenWoodardAuthor
Blog: https://AuthorGwendolynJensenWoodard.wordpress.com
VHPBookTours: http://vhpbooktours.com/our-authors/gwendolyn-jensen-woodard
NOW IN PRINT & ALL EBOOK EDITIONS!
Coming Soon in Audio!
For Liliana, the devastating secret she learns pushes her to search for answers from her father, El Jefe. He is one of the most hated men in South America and eventually, Liliana sees him for the person who he really is.
Fleeing her father’s extreme lifestyle, she soon runs back into the arms of her husband, Antonio Valencia, Jr., and in spite of the rocky road in their past, Liliana is able to forgive Antonio and move forward, enabling her to take the bold steps necessary to reclaim her life.
Despite everything that she’s been through, nothing can prepare her for the tragedy that will come of her relationship with her father… or the priceless opportunity that will come from it, in this third book of the Liliana series.
PRE-RELEASE REVIEW
Liliana is my hero!
reviewed by Morgan Felter
This review is from a gifted ebook reviewer copy.
“Liliana has come such a long way through the series, and with each book, her growth and maturity amazes! This is an author to watch, and I am excited to see the next story from Neva Squires-Rodriguez.”
PRINT EDITION on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/No-Turning-Back-Liliana-3/dp/069244615X
SMASHWORDS for ALL Ereading Devices
including Nook, iPad, Kindle, and More!
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/541095
Kobo
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/no-turning-back-39
Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XFK4FSK
Apple
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/no-turning-back/id993035532
AllRomance
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-noturningback-1803727-149.html
Nook
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-turning-back-neva-squires-rodriguez/1121883499
No Turning Back Sneak Peek Video
or
or
http://books.noisetrade.com/nevasquiresrodriguez/no-turning-back-preview
Book Club Extras Packet includes author bio and photo, title information, covers, discussion starters, and full color printable bookmarks.
or
http://books.noisetrade.com/nevasquiresrodriguez/no-turning-back-by-neva
Please come in to my parlor and meet one of my fellow Vanilla Heart Publishing authors, Charmaine Gordon.
Charmaine Gordon writes books about women who Survive and Thrive. Her motto is take one step and then another to leave your past behind and begin again. Six books and several short stories in three years, she’s always at work on the next story. The books include To Be Continued, Starting Over, Now What?, Reconstructing Charlie, Sin of Omission, The Catch, The River’s Edge series and more. Charmaine’s first novel with Vanilla Heart Publishing, To Be Continued, has been optioned for a television movie!
Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?
Oh yes indeed. When our fearless leader said send me the manuscript, I sat up , all 5’3” of me and yelled, Yippee!
Can you tell us about what you are writing now, or have ideas for later?
Two days after I wrote The End for Spreading Her Wings, I had an idea. Her husband dies suddenly. There are two sons, the youngest one is successful and dear, the older one is cold, married to the wicked witch of the East. Slowly the story unfolds as she finds herself, step by step. Two thousand words and cooking, loving every moment.
Do you have a milestone birthday coming up? If so, how are you approaching it?
I love birthdays and hope to have so many more. Gimme, Gimme.
Do you schedule time to write or is writing all-consuming to the exclusion of everything else and you schedule time to do other things? Like eat.
With caring for my granddaughter, I rush through the day, promo, dinner, writing, taking her to karate and gymnastics. YIKES! A bit much. Husband is such a sweetie.
How do you develop your plots and your characters? Do you use any set formula?
The stories seem to form all alone and I follow the lead with no formula.
How do you think others would describe you?
Gorgeous, glamorous, amazing and a big liar. Just kidding, friends. Frankly I don’t know.
How many books are in your office or home?
Bunches, old and new. Especially a full set of C Cordero’s
(aww, thanks Charmaine)
Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Gardening and building patios. This has gotten more difficult with age yet I do it. Also exercise daily.
Plotter or Pantser? Why?
Seat of the pants because I don’t know any other way.
Tell us about the absolute BEST review you have received .
This one for To Be Continued is nifty.
LAS Reviewer “The Long and the Short Of It Reviews”
Rising from the ashes of a burned-out marriage, Elizabeth feels like forty years of her life went up in smoke. Her successful husband, Dr. Frank Malone sneaked away in the night leaving only a note.
With a daughter that “pooh-poohs” the whole thing as just a temporary mid-life crisis and “friends” that avoid her, Elizabeth must rely on herself. Even her longtime lawyer turns out to be a stinker.
The Elizabeth that once was, before subverting her aspirations and becoming Dr. Frank Malone’s wife and Susie’s mother, begins to find herself–and what a self it is. The emotional journey she makes magnifies that life is to be continued, even if old dreams and an old marriage die.
What books have most influenced your life?
To Kill a Mocking Bird. I’ve read this many times, always touched with the completeness of the story.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
After dinner, we turn on a movie and I do stretch’s. A regular routine. Wild and crazy when I dance to the credit music.
What makes you happy?
The cats, the husband, daughter and grandest, sunshine, writing
When in the day/night do you write? How long per day?
Daytime when I can manage and juggle, A thousand words a day if possible. I find I write in my head a lot.
When you were a child, what was your most treasured book?
Ah, ancient times, my friend. I don’t know. I had to care for my baby brother, sew, knit, iron. A busy girl. No spreading my wings.
Why do you write?
Because I can’t stop.
Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
http://AuthorCharmaineGordon.wordpress.com
Is there a place where readers can reach you?
For a good time email AuthorCharmaineGordon@gmail.com
or touch base with me on
Twitter @CharJGordon
or check out my
Facebook page Author Charmaine Gordon
Bridging the Gap
by Charmaine Gordon
Anna Youngblood and James Chandler have problems. His little daughter overheard his ex say she never wanted kids; Anna must make amends for breaking rules of her tribe; he has a serious concussion and she’s pregnant. Can this couple find happiness in River’s Edge?
SMASHWORDS for All E-Reader Devices
including PC and Mac
Vanilla Heart Publishing Author Charmaine Gordon writes books about women who Survive and Thrive. Her motto is take one step and then another to leave your past behind and begin again. Six novels and many novellas and short stories later, she’s always at work on the next story.
A Potpourri of Promos, Book Talk, Entertainment & Articles of Interest from Chelle Cordero 