Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785130293
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Starting over never tasted so good Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories. Quite literally. However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project. After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be? Full of laughter, sweet romance and cosy village life, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances will make you believe that the best things in life really are worth fighting for. ”A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!” Katie Fforde
Second Chances at the Cotswolds Candy Store
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785130293
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Starting over never tasted so good Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories. Quite literally. However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project. After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be? Full of laughter, sweet romance and cosy village life, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances will make you believe that the best things in life really are worth fighting for. ”A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!” Katie Fforde
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785130293
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
Starting over never tasted so good Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories. Quite literally. However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project. After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be? Full of laughter, sweet romance and cosy village life, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances will make you believe that the best things in life really are worth fighting for. ”A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!” Katie Fforde
Love Blooms at the Cotswolds Candy Store
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785130315
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 287
Book Description
Romance has never been so sweet... While Holly Berry may have finally purchased Just One More and landed a date with one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s most eligible bachelors, it is far from plain sailing. A face from the past threatens to torpedo Holly’s fledgling relationship before it even gets going. Will everything go according to plan? Or is Holly’s dream life at risk of turning sour? Catch up with your favourite sweet shop owner in this charming and heartwarming story, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington. Previously published as Romance at the Sweet Shop of Second Chances
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785130315
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 287
Book Description
Romance has never been so sweet... While Holly Berry may have finally purchased Just One More and landed a date with one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s most eligible bachelors, it is far from plain sailing. A face from the past threatens to torpedo Holly’s fledgling relationship before it even gets going. Will everything go according to plan? Or is Holly’s dream life at risk of turning sour? Catch up with your favourite sweet shop owner in this charming and heartwarming story, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington. Previously published as Romance at the Sweet Shop of Second Chances
Snowflakes Over the Cotswolds Candy Store
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1836339976
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in Hannah Lynn's candy sweet romance series It’ll be a Christmas to remember ... Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy ending: a beautiful daughter, who's growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan. But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own. She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans. They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow...? A heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about friends, family and true love lasting forever, from the bestselling author of the Wildflower Lock series Praise for Hannah Lynn: 'A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!' Katie Fforde 'A real feel good read. With the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold countryside and the delightful sweet shop what could possibly go wrong?' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'I loved this book a lot! The romance was so sweet. And the setting was perfect.' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'I've loved everything about this book and this series. Hannah Lynn has become an instant read author for me' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Gosh, what a story, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. It's full of love and friendship' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Hannah Lynn has a way of putting stories together that are enchanting' ★★★★★ Reader Review
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1836339976
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in Hannah Lynn's candy sweet romance series It’ll be a Christmas to remember ... Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy ending: a beautiful daughter, who's growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan. But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own. She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans. They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow...? A heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about friends, family and true love lasting forever, from the bestselling author of the Wildflower Lock series Praise for Hannah Lynn: 'A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!' Katie Fforde 'A real feel good read. With the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold countryside and the delightful sweet shop what could possibly go wrong?' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'I loved this book a lot! The romance was so sweet. And the setting was perfect.' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'I've loved everything about this book and this series. Hannah Lynn has become an instant read author for me' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Gosh, what a story, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. It's full of love and friendship' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Hannah Lynn has a way of putting stories together that are enchanting' ★★★★★ Reader Review
A Summer Wedding at the Cotswolds Candy Store
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1836031688
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 309
Book Description
Going to the chapel, but will they get married? After the holiday romance to beat all other holiday romances, it’s back to regular life for Holly Berry, and the sweet shop is busier than ever. With Jamie and Finn’s wedding coming up, Holly is rushed off her feet, making sure their big day is perfect. So when her handsome boyfriend comes to visit, she is both elated to see him and overwhelmed. She wants to show Evan all the things she loves about her village, as well as introducing him to baby Hope, but how can she find the time?! Evan offers to lend a helping hand in the shop, and as he gets to know the locals, this loud and proud American certainly makes an impression. But Holly knows she can’t get used to this – because it won’t be long until he has to go home. Can she make the most of the summer, with everyone she loves finally in the same place, or will she let the hectic wedding planning get the better of her? A heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cotswolds, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Jessica Redland Praise for Hannah Lynn: 'A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!' Katie Fforde 'I definitely recommend this book, lovely story with great characters you will fall in love with' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'A lovely story. There's a touch of romance but its mainly about making a new start and friendship' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Gosh, what a story, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. It's full of love and friendship' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Hannah Lynn has a way of putting stories together that are enchanting' ★★★★★ Reader Review
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1836031688
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 309
Book Description
Going to the chapel, but will they get married? After the holiday romance to beat all other holiday romances, it’s back to regular life for Holly Berry, and the sweet shop is busier than ever. With Jamie and Finn’s wedding coming up, Holly is rushed off her feet, making sure their big day is perfect. So when her handsome boyfriend comes to visit, she is both elated to see him and overwhelmed. She wants to show Evan all the things she loves about her village, as well as introducing him to baby Hope, but how can she find the time?! Evan offers to lend a helping hand in the shop, and as he gets to know the locals, this loud and proud American certainly makes an impression. But Holly knows she can’t get used to this – because it won’t be long until he has to go home. Can she make the most of the summer, with everyone she loves finally in the same place, or will she let the hectic wedding planning get the better of her? A heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cotswolds, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Jessica Redland Praise for Hannah Lynn: 'A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!' Katie Fforde 'I definitely recommend this book, lovely story with great characters you will fall in love with' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'A lovely story. There's a touch of romance but its mainly about making a new start and friendship' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Gosh, what a story, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. It's full of love and friendship' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Hannah Lynn has a way of putting stories together that are enchanting' ★★★★★ Reader Review
Family Ties at the Cotswolds Candy Store
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785137441
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 275
Book Description
Life has finally settled down for Holly Berry... Holly’s family has always been there for her, and when her dad is made redundant she is only too happy to help out. But giving her father a job wasn’t quite what she had in mind. And when she tries to involve herself with Ben’s family, tensions rise quicker than one of her delicious cakes. Will family complications be too much for her blossoming relationship or is this the next step on the path to happy ever after? Grab yourself a bag of your favourite sweets and settle down for this charming and heartwarming story, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington. Previously published as Turmoil at the Sweet Shop of Second Chances
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785137441
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 275
Book Description
Life has finally settled down for Holly Berry... Holly’s family has always been there for her, and when her dad is made redundant she is only too happy to help out. But giving her father a job wasn’t quite what she had in mind. And when she tries to involve herself with Ben’s family, tensions rise quicker than one of her delicious cakes. Will family complications be too much for her blossoming relationship or is this the next step on the path to happy ever after? Grab yourself a bag of your favourite sweets and settle down for this charming and heartwarming story, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington. Previously published as Turmoil at the Sweet Shop of Second Chances
Snowflakes Over the Second Chances Sweet Shop
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1836037732
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in Hannah Lynn's candy sweet romance series It’ll be a Christmas to remember ... Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy ending: a beautiful daughter, who's growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan. But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own. She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans. They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow...? A heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about friends, family and true love lasting forever, from the bestselling author of the Wildflower Lock series Praise for Hannah Lynn: 'A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!' Katie Fforde 'A real feel good read. With the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold countryside and the delightful sweet shop what could possibly go wrong?' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'I loved this book a lot! The romance was so sweet. And the setting was perfect.' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'I've loved everything about this book and this series. Hannah Lynn has become an instant read author for me' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Gosh, what a story, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. It's full of love and friendship' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Hannah Lynn has a way of putting stories together that are enchanting' ★★★★★ Reader Review
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1836037732
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 289
Book Description
Pre-order the BRAND NEW instalment in Hannah Lynn's candy sweet romance series It’ll be a Christmas to remember ... Holly Berry is finally in a place where she can see her happy ending: a beautiful daughter, who's growing ever sweeter by the day, a new home she can make her own, and – of course – her partner-in-crime, Evan. But when tragedy strikes, Holly’s life is thrown into turmoil. And, perhaps in denial, she decides to cancel all of her Christmas plans in favour of some healing of her own. She thinks spending time with Evan’s family will help, but it’s her own family she needs to be with right now. Luckily, they know this, and follow her out to the States to join her in her alternate holiday plans. They say that time heals all wounds, and with her loved ones around her, can she hope for a brighter tomorrow...? A heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about friends, family and true love lasting forever, from the bestselling author of the Wildflower Lock series Praise for Hannah Lynn: 'A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!' Katie Fforde 'A real feel good read. With the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold countryside and the delightful sweet shop what could possibly go wrong?' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'I loved this book a lot! The romance was so sweet. And the setting was perfect.' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'I've loved everything about this book and this series. Hannah Lynn has become an instant read author for me' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Gosh, what a story, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. It's full of love and friendship' ★★★★★ Reader Review 'Hannah Lynn has a way of putting stories together that are enchanting' ★★★★★ Reader Review
Sunny Days at the Cotswolds Candy Store
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1835188206
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 285
Book Description
A getaway to remember... It’s Holly’s best friend’s hen do and the plan is a week away in the South of France. With little Hope still so very young, it’s going to be difficult for Holly to tear herself away, but Ben is the perfect co-parent and her own parents are just down the road, so – Holly decides – there’s really nothing holding her back, is there? Will the sunshine and sea air help her get back to who she really is? Or will this be the perfect distraction, a chance to have a holiday fling? Bask in the sunny skies of France with everyone's favourite sweet shop owner - because everyone deserves a break, don't they?
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1835188206
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 285
Book Description
A getaway to remember... It’s Holly’s best friend’s hen do and the plan is a week away in the South of France. With little Hope still so very young, it’s going to be difficult for Holly to tear herself away, but Ben is the perfect co-parent and her own parents are just down the road, so – Holly decides – there’s really nothing holding her back, is there? Will the sunshine and sea air help her get back to who she really is? Or will this be the perfect distraction, a chance to have a holiday fling? Bask in the sunny skies of France with everyone's favourite sweet shop owner - because everyone deserves a break, don't they?
High Hopes at the Cotswolds Candy Store
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785137468
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 253
Book Description
Special delivery for Miss Holly Berry A successful summer has seen Holly's shop thriving for the first time since she bought it, and she has high hopes for the future of Just One More. However, it is not only her business prowess that has been growing. In a little over a month she will be trying to run the shop with a baby on her hip. If only her love life was so easily managed. With things far from solid with Ben, and Giles back on the scene, Holly might find herself changing more than nappies... Catch up with your favourite sweet shop owner in this charming and heartwarming story, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington. A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!” Katie Fforde Previously published as High Hopes at the Sweet Shop of Second Chances
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1785137468
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 253
Book Description
Special delivery for Miss Holly Berry A successful summer has seen Holly's shop thriving for the first time since she bought it, and she has high hopes for the future of Just One More. However, it is not only her business prowess that has been growing. In a little over a month she will be trying to run the shop with a baby on her hip. If only her love life was so easily managed. With things far from solid with Ben, and Giles back on the scene, Holly might find herself changing more than nappies... Catch up with your favourite sweet shop owner in this charming and heartwarming story, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington. A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!” Katie Fforde Previously published as High Hopes at the Sweet Shop of Second Chances
The Sweet Shop of Second Chances
Author: Hannah Lynn
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1805495763
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 309
Book Description
Starting over never tasted so good Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories. Quite literally. However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project. After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be? Full of laughter, sweet romance and cosy village life, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances will make you believe that the best things in life really are worth fighting for. "A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!” Katie Fforde
Publisher: Boldwood Books Ltd
ISBN: 1805495763
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 309
Book Description
Starting over never tasted so good Holly Berry has it all: a good career, a steady boyfriend, and enough savings that the two of them will soon be able to buy a nice little house. But when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she decides to retreat to the Cotswolds and a place full of far sweeter memories. Quite literally. However, Holly discovers the quaint village sweet shop she worked in as a teenager is starting to crumble. Putting all her chocolate eggs in one basket, she says goodbye to the city, and sets her sights on a new project. After all, how hard can running a sweet shop be? Full of laughter, sweet romance and cosy village life, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances will make you believe that the best things in life really are worth fighting for. "A delightful, well written tale, full of wonderful characters in a charming setting. I loved it!” Katie Fforde
The Secrets of Paper and Ink
Author: Lindsay Harrel
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 0718075730
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 337
Book Description
Brought together across time by a love of story, three women in England fight to defy expectations, dream new dreams, and welcome love into their lives. As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature. Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance. Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch. Eager to know more of Emily’s story, Sophia goes on a quest—dragging Ginny and William with her—to discover the heart of the woman behind the beautiful entries. Soon Ginny’s need to save the bookstore becomes more than a way to save her marriage, and Sophia finds new purpose of her own. Together they find that sometimes both heartache and hope can reach across the centuries. "A historical mystery and sweet modern day story entwine to offer a message of healing, hope and second chances set in charming Cornwall." —Rachel Linden, author of The Enlightenment of Bees “In a delightful weaving of past and present, Lindsay Harrel creates authentic characters around a moving story that both inspires and encourages. The Secrets of Paper and Ink is about broken people, second chances, hope, and—my personal favorite—the incredible power of story.” —Heidi Chiavaroli, Carol award-winning author of Freedom’s Ring and The Hidden Side “In The Secrets of Paper and Ink, Lindsay Harrel explores the power of love—and how it influences us to make choices that bless others, as well as ourselves. Or sometimes, we can do just the opposite and make choices that harm us and others—all the while calling it love. Harrel pens an honest, true-to-life novel that’s woven through with the Truth that offers hope when our decisions—or the decisions of the ones we love—wreck our dreams for happily ever after.” —Beth K. Vogt, Christy-award winning author
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 0718075730
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 337
Book Description
Brought together across time by a love of story, three women in England fight to defy expectations, dream new dreams, and welcome love into their lives. As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature. Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance. Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch. Eager to know more of Emily’s story, Sophia goes on a quest—dragging Ginny and William with her—to discover the heart of the woman behind the beautiful entries. Soon Ginny’s need to save the bookstore becomes more than a way to save her marriage, and Sophia finds new purpose of her own. Together they find that sometimes both heartache and hope can reach across the centuries. "A historical mystery and sweet modern day story entwine to offer a message of healing, hope and second chances set in charming Cornwall." —Rachel Linden, author of The Enlightenment of Bees “In a delightful weaving of past and present, Lindsay Harrel creates authentic characters around a moving story that both inspires and encourages. The Secrets of Paper and Ink is about broken people, second chances, hope, and—my personal favorite—the incredible power of story.” —Heidi Chiavaroli, Carol award-winning author of Freedom’s Ring and The Hidden Side “In The Secrets of Paper and Ink, Lindsay Harrel explores the power of love—and how it influences us to make choices that bless others, as well as ourselves. Or sometimes, we can do just the opposite and make choices that harm us and others—all the while calling it love. Harrel pens an honest, true-to-life novel that’s woven through with the Truth that offers hope when our decisions—or the decisions of the ones we love—wreck our dreams for happily ever after.” —Beth K. Vogt, Christy-award winning author