Welcome, Sarita Leone

I’m often asked where the inspiration for my stories comes from and my answer is on par with many other writers when I reply, “Everywhere.” It’s a standard answer, I know, but it’s the truth. 

Sitting on a park bench, watching children play? My mind wanders to thoughts of a sweet couple awaiting a child. As the minutes tick by, I name the couple, plan how they met, maybe give them a pet that will welcome their new addition with open arms, er, wagging tail! 

Crowded store, listening to some random woman grousing about how her husband doesn’t even notice her anymore? I see a story for her, too, complete with a romantic getaway that’s certain to get hubby’s attention. 

You see, it doesn’t take a lot to find the thread of a story. 

When The Wild Rose Press put out a call for submissions for their Christmas Cookie Series, I knew I wanted to submit a story. I mean, who isn’t inspired by cookies and romance? I certainly am!  

I’m also inspired by nature so the idea of building a romance in Alaska, where the Northern Lights dance across the sky, held great appeal. I love snow and baking, unlikely couples finding love, insightful dreams and valued family members…all of it. The ingredients for this story were right at hand and all I had to do was put all the pieces together. 

I had the best time writing Snickerdoodle Snowmen. It released on November 3 and I hope it will bring warmth to readers’ hearts. Who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire them to look up to the beauty of the night sky or even bake a batch of snickerdoodles. 

Thanks so much for having me here today!  

 

Author bio:

Sarita Leone loves happy endings—in life and on the page.

 

When she’s not busy writing her next novel, this adventure-loving yoga teacher likes to hike,

travel, and dance beneath the stars. She studies languages, enjoys making a mess in the kitchen,

and never says “no” to fun.

 

Finding pockets of peace everywhere she goes, this author plans to make every moment of this

journey count.

 

Catch up on book releases and other fun news on Sarita’s blog or Facebook page. Find her books at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and wherever books are sold! 

 

Snickerdoodle Snowmen released on November 3! 

 

Snickerdoodle Snowmen (Christmas Cookies) - Kindle edition by Leone, Sarita. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

 

https://saritaleoneauthor.blogspot.com/

Amazon.com : sarita leone

 

Cover blurb:

Baker Kris Kringles sends snickerdoodles from North Pole, Alaska, across the globe, spreading holiday cheer like confetti. But she has a secret not dusted with sugar, and an incentive to speak with a slick journalist that isn't half-baked.

Reporter Santos Kloss hates Christmas. How could he not, with a name that makes him the butt of endless holiday jokes? He's got one last assignment to complete before he can begin a new chapter in his life, so he grits his teeth, grabs a parka, and heads to Christmas central.

 

Both expect the interview to be a snap, but a snowstorm, insistent sisters, and a little holiday magic have very different ideas!

 

Excerpt: 

 

“You’re the newspaper man, aren’t you?” 

Santos stopped the mug an inch from his lips and looked over the rim into the woman’s eyes. They were green—not merely hazel or a watered-down soda-bottle shade, but vibrantly colored, like the office parrot’s feathers. Polly, the newspaper mascot, looked like a beauty but swore like a sailor, courtesy of the newsmen who got their kicks from teaching the bird to talk. He’d even added some colorful Italian phrases to their feathered friend’s vocabulary.  

She stared at him with those piercing eyes so long and hard that his heart began to pound. He wondered if she read right into the truth of him. It sure felt that way. As if despite his nonchalant entrance, small talk, and even observing her figure, she realized he wasn’t some fellow off the street, in for a coffee and cookies. He resisted the urge to pull his jacket closed. 

Great. Precisely what he didn’t need. A dame with a brain, a killer attribute that never failed to stir something deep within him. 

The stirring hadn’t ever proved deep enough to keep a woman, so he tried to steer clear of romantic involvements. But damn, it felt as if she reached into his soul with those incredible eyes. 

Santos lifted his shoulders, then let them drop. He took a long swallow of joe before setting the mug on the counter. “Guilty as charged. I’m from the New York Daily, here to do a story on some cookies that I’m told are made in this shop and sent to crazy, obsessed Christmas fanatics all over the world.”

The minute he said it he realized he’d stuck his foot in his mouth. Pretty far down his throat, too.