Holly Stevenson's Blog

 Sneak Peak From A Kiss to Build a Dream On:

Fletcher’s heart beat double-time as couples paired up around them. He swallowed and gave her a half-smile. “Would you like to dance?” 

Meg looked up at him through her lashes. “Sure.”

He pulled her closer, close enough he was certain she could feel his pounding heart. Hopefully she would attribute it to their recent dancing … but then again, maybe he didn’t hope that. Maybe he wanted Meg to know that he was attracted to her; that holding her in his arms felt the same as having his movie hit number one at the box office—only better. He pulled her a little closer and she responded by resting her head against his chest, sending a fresh wave of warmth through him. “I’ve decided I’m a fan of country dancing,” he said quietly.

“Good thing.” She pulled back to give him a teasing smile. “I think it’s fair to say that you’ve vindicated the name of film producers everywhere. You’re quite the dancer.”

“So are you.”

Her lip pulled up in one corner. “Thanks. I’ve missed this.” She glanced around the room, her expression a mixture of contentment and regret.

“You should come more often then,” he said. “It’s important to make time for things that you enjoy.”

She sighed. “I know. I really should, but time is a precious commodity. One that I don’t have much of. There just aren’t enough hours in the day for everything that needs to be done at the orchard.”

He considered that as they made the slow turn on the dance floor. “Do you like your work at the orchard?”

“I love it,” she answered without hesitation. “It’s my life.” A crease formed between her brows. “… But I admit sometimes I wish I could hit pause and take a break now and then. That’s the drawback of working at an orchard. You have to fully commit to it.”

“To the point that you can’t even go dancing on the weekends?” he questioned.

She lifted a shoulder. “It sounds extreme, doesn’t it? I’m hoping it won’t always be that way. Someday I’d like to hire the help necessary to take some of the load off. We were shorthanded already, but now with Tess and Walter down—” she looked away. “It’s going to be busy for a bit.”

“I’ll do what I can to help,” Fletcher promised.

Her eyes flicked to his, studying him. “I can’t figure out why you’re being so nice to me.”

He smiled. “Does there have to be a reason? Maybe I’m just a nice guy.”

“Maybe you are.” Her gaze softened. “In which case, I take back every negative stereotype I’ve ever had about Hollywood film producers.”

He playfully looked to the ceiling. “Finally. Vindication.” 

Meg laughed, adjusting her arms around his neck as a lock of brown hair fell down past her shoulder. 

Fletcher’s mouth went dry. She was stunning. She met his gaze, her eyes warm and inviting beneath the brim of her cowgirl hat. He tightened his grip on her waist, his heart hammering as everything around them faded and all he could see was Meg. She didn’t look away and he stilled, no longer turning them on the dance floor as his breathing shallowed. His gaze dropped to her lips and she smiled softly. He leaned in and she met him halfway, an explosion rocking through him as his lips touched hers in the briefest of kisses.

Click HERE to Preorder Your Copy

 

It's time for a release party! My book, A Kiss to Build a Dream On, comes out on March 22nd and I'm celebrating with giving away a signed copy and a $10 Amazon card. Entering is easy, click the link for details!

I don't think readers quite understand how much their reviews mean to an author---either for good or bad. Here are a couple of reviews for my book, Lucky You, that absolutely made my day!

Ms. Stevenson has crafted a wonderful romance that kept me turning the pages and anxious to find stolen minutes in my day to read a little bit more.

The pacing moves along, the characters are instantly likeable, and the setup of what will bring them together and could also tear them apart is excellent.

I'll certainly read more by Ms. Stevenson. ~Amazon Reviewer

This is such a sweet and emotional love story. Piper didn’t have a very good childhood, so her three best friends are her true family. She hasn’t seen her parents since graduation. Savannah, her roommate, sets her up with a blind date. Greg is good looking and ambitious, but there aren’t any sparks. While at the mall, Drew opens the door for her and then sends his sister, Olivia, into the boutique to get Piper’s name, if possible. No spoilers, so grab your copy and get ready to shed a few tears and finish with a smile. ~Amazon Reviewer

To read more reviews or to get more info on this book, click the link below. And thank you book reviewers! Those few minutes you take to leave reviews mean the world. :)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NJJ8D5T

When people find out I'm an author, the question I get a lot is, "Where do you find the ideas for your books?" The answer is ... it varies. I was in an exercise class with an upbeat country song, and out of nowhere popped the idea for a barn dance scene I wanted to write. I had planned for that scene to be in the book I'm writing right now, The Inn at Bright Harbor, but as it turns out, it's going to be in a different book in this series. (Probably book two). But as a discovery writer I can never be quite sure, lol!

I've had ideas come from dreams, songs, conversations, etc. You never know where inspiration will strike, but I love when an idea bursts into my mind and I can't wait to start typing it out. There have been plenty of those scenes in my book right now. It's on preorder and you can check it out at the link below. Happy reading and writing, friends!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R12G7PT

  

 

I'm getting to my absolute favorite part of any book---the kissing scene! And it's coming a little later in the story than usual for me. The buildup has been killing me! At what point in a story do you like the kissing scene to come? Close to the beginning, somewhere in the middle, or all the way at the end of the book? (Cue Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth). I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Meanwhile ... I'll be writing that scene.

 

I'm celebrating the new year with a brand new series in the charming beach town of Bright Harbor. Be sure to join my release party & giveaway for your chance to win an autographed copy or Amazon gift card. Click the link below to enter:

https://www.goodreads.com/event/show/...

 

The Snowed In sweet romance series is now complete! You can read details on all SIX fabulous books HERE. Grab a cup of cocoa and prepare to get snowed in this holiday.

 

Congrats to the winners of the release party and giveaway for Snowed In a the Ranch! Enjoy the gift cards and happy spending!

 Christmas With the Captain is FREE today only! Be sure to grab your copy before the deal is gone!

 

    There have been many, many days when I've asked myself why I write. I always get a chuckle out of the fictional authors in books and movies who seem to have fame and fortune simply by submitting their manuscript and then the money just rolls in. While there may be some authors out there who have this kind of blessed luck, I haven't met one. The truth is, being an author is work. Hard work. It can be an isolated and lonely job, with a market that constantly changes and a never-ending stream of competitors to compare oneself with ... not to mention characters in your head that won't shut up, and the occasional review that makes you ugly cry and wonder why you ever thought you could write a book in the first place.

    So, with these disheartening factors in mind, what sane person would ever decide to become an author? I can't answer this for every author, of course, but many of my author friends whom I've discussed this with have had similar answers---we simply can't NOT write. Trust me, I've tried to quit more than once. But when the stories are in you, you can't keep them inside or you'll slowly go insane. Writing is therapy. It's a medium unlike any other when you create a world you want to visit or characters who become close friends. There is nothing quite like a writer's high when you hit flow and the words pour out, creating a magical or sigh-worthy scene. 

    That's why I write.

    Any aspiring or already-authors out there know what I'm talking about? It's almost hard to explain, but if you get it, you get it. Keep writing those words, friends. Books are one of life's greatest blessings, and I'm a believer that everyone has a story to tell.