CHRISTMAS EVE IS HERE!!

Dear Readers,

We've had some snow this week! Being Canadian, this means a BIG DEAL for me!

I've been dreaming of a White Christmas this year, and here it is! We've had a few days straight of snowfall. Mother Nature has the entire city blanketed in the winter wonderland that steals your breath away. It's like a picture postcard, and I LOVE IT!!

On this Christmas Eve, I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to all my loyal readers and to the brand new ones who have joined me in 2017 on this wonderful journey of love, hope and renewal.

May YOUR holiday season bring many miracles and unexpected blessings your way. My wish for you this Christmas is that you hug your loved ones tighter, make new memories and enjoy the season to the fullest.

Wishing you a MERRY AND BRIGHT holiday and a rich and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

Love and Passion,

RR xo

THE CHRISTMAS KEYS...arriving soon!!

Dear Readers,

It's almost here!

I've been crazy busy editing and polishing my "baby"...THE CHRISTMAS KEYS.

I hope you're just as stoked for Derek and Ronnie's love story as I am!!!

So, please warm yourself with a cup of hot chocolate, sit by the fire and watch the Christmas tree lights twinkling...

This season's ULTIMATE LOVE STORY will soon be here!

Thanks for all your support.

With much love and passion,

RR xo

Chronic pain, setbacks and NaNoWriMo

Dear readers,

Today, I'm writing in chronic pain. But...I AM WRITING.

Today my Hashimoto's is making me feel terrible, weak, lethargic and sore. My head is pounding and my muscles and joints hurt me. But...I AM WRITING.

How do you overcome obstacles in your journey?? What steps of self care do you practice to ensure you stay on track? For me, it's a hot bubble bath (long soak) with incense, candles and soft music after a long day of work. Sometimes it's a favorite cold or hot beverage. At any rate, one must ESCAPE the madness in order to recharge. When I take care of ME, I am then able to give back. Let's face it, we cannot serve from an empty vessel; we must first fill ourselves up.

This post is not to gain sympathy...but rather...to share my struggles and hopefully resonate with you, as well. I know (most of us) will suffer with carpal tunnel at some point in our writing career, and let me tell you, it's no walk in the park.  Carpal tunnel is now in both of my wrists/arms, forcing me to medicate and to use ice packs.

But...I AM WRITING.

NaNoWriMo is my "WHY"...the reason i'm still plugging away. The battery on my laptop is at 1% and needs to be replaced ASAP. But still, I keep pushing forward, because NOVEL HAPPENS. Because my readers need me, and my book THE CHRISTMAS KEYS has to be written!

NaNoWriMo is my glowing pregnancy...my pride and joy...my Boston Marathon, so to speak. It's what I've done every November since 2012. That first year, I gave up on my script halfway because it grew stagnant and I was bored with my hero. But last year and this year, I am ON FIRE, and determined to finish with the 50,000 word criteria.

NaNoWriMo is my vision for the future. It helps me complete my project on time and with burning discipline. I also get a finished product and a plaque that commends me for my hard work.

So, carpal tunnel be damned! I AM WRITING. Hallmark needs my book and the world needs my message.

Til then,

Stay Passionate,

RR xo

COMING SOON: My New Novel THE CHRISTMAS KEYS

COMING SOON:
The latest book from Canada's best romance author...Rochelle Renee.

"THE CHRISTMAS KEYS'...a novel of enduring love, hope and second chances.

***Derek Keys, a professional music producer, composer and pianist, wants to spread good cheer this holiday season when he hosts a community Christmas concert for the needy. As director of the anti-poverty alliance, his work is rewarding and fulfilling.

When he meets Jonathan Spence, an impoverished but gifted musician, he decides to give him and his family a Christmas to remember. Derek donates a piano to Jonny and offers him a guest spot on his stage for the Holiday Spectacular Show.

News reporter Ronnie Page catches wind of the story and wants to telecast it for her holiday segment. But a blizzard threatens to shut down the show, ruining Jonathan's big chance. Can they manage to pull it off and still get the crowd they hoped for?

Derek, widowed dad of two, is too busy to entertain romance. His important work and fatherly duties keep his plate full. Ronnie, a driven career woman and journalist, had her heart broken by a wicked betrayal and could care less about men. She's dedicated to her career and made a vow to be single. But sometimes, the wonder and magic of the holiday season brings an unexpected miracle you never saw coming.***

LOVE: THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

We need oxygen to breathe, it's evident. There's also monetary things that most people assume they NEED to get by in this life. Well, to be frank, money makes the world go round and without it, we couldn't pay for gas in the car, cover the rent or mortgage, neither could we afford the delicious food our bodies need to sustain us.

But more than anything, we as humans need LOVE. It doesn't cost a thing. It's FREE. You can give it freely and receive it freely.

Look at the state of the world right now. It's in a cataclysmic mess, with mudslides in California and wildfires too, in Oregon there's fires burning rapidly, and Tampa, Florida and the eastern seaboard, Hurricane Irma has caused devastating damage. Six million people in Tampa lost power, and the flooding is surreal. People's lives are in disarray, and floods in Houston from Hurricane Harvey has left millions homeless, with only the shirt on their backs.

What the world needs now, is love, sweet love...that's what the lovely lyrics of Burt Bacharach professed from his famous song recorded by Jackie DeShannon. How ironic that in a world full of devastation, we sometimes tend to forget to support our fellow man and offer up a smile, a cup of coffee, a warm hand or a fraction of kindness.

There's only ONE gift that keeps on giving, and it has no expiry date, unlike those gift cards people might send at Christmas.

Kindness and love are synonyms for one another. I'm proud to share my love with others, to help those at risk, and to lend a hand. I live in a city in Southern Ontario that is FILLED with at-risk people, the homeless and mentally ill, and abused women and children seeking shelter. My heart breaks when I witness people sleeping on the street, with nowhere to go, except a public park or tiny hideaway near a business where they may risk being noticed and told to leave. I've handed out a pizza more than a few times to "Grizzly Adams," this one regular man who sleeps on the street. It's very humbling to see him, and he thanks me gratefully, taking the piping hot pizza in his calloused, weathered hands, eating it hungrily.

I can only imagine how shameful and scary it can seem for those on the street. Luckily, I've never hit that rock bottom, but I have come close.

For those who have no home, show them some love, will you? The kind of love that Christ himself would show.

It always enters my mind...when i see someone struggling on the street. You have no idea what their story is...and no right to judge how they got there...lest you walk a mile in their shoes.

Love always prompts the famous question...WWJD?

So keep a warm heart and open mind. Give LOVE next time you see someone who needs it.

I leave you now with a beautiful love song from 1997 that used to play on the radio quite often in Toronto where I live. Jim Brickman's classic piano melody with Michelle Wright's commanding vocals. "Your Love(is the greatest gift of all)." Such a perfect love song for the theme of this blog. Enjoy this one.

Sending you so much love,

RR xo

LINGER: The New Novel

Rosalind Baker loses her entire world when her beloved fiance, Jack, is shot in the line of duty one night.
Grief stricken, she flies to Serenity, Ohio for the funeral and finds refuge in the cozy home of his niece, Janine, a chef and a Medium.
Soon, she is forced to face her pain head-on, and the emergence of a man who happens to be a dead-ringer for Jack -- his much younger nephew, Mark.
In Serenity, the spirit of hope, warm connection and family lingers...but still something else calls to her. She can almost feel the presence of her loved one surrounding her, telling her it's okay to trust the new chapter unfolding.
Can Rosalind heal her broken heart and let love in one more time? Or will she walk away from the one who just might hold the key to solving the mystery?

COMING SOON --from Rochelle Renee, the author of PASSION, LONGING, TEMPEST, THE PERFECT STORM, SNOWFALL & COMING HOME.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE REAL RHETT STEELE!!!

Today is a very special day for the man who inspired the novel "Perfect Storm."

Happy Birthday to the fabulous D.A.(aka Rhett Steele). He's 53 today and I want to wish him all the luck and happiness in the world!!

Cheers Mister Steele ;)

Love,

RR

COMING SOON: LINGER THE NEW NOVEL

Dear readers,

Hope your summer has been a blast so far! Here in Southern Ontario, Canada we have been receiving some hot, muggy days, along with cool, comfortable nights. Overall, though, it's been a summer that I've enjoyed because to be honest, I really mind the heat and humidity. Fall time can't come soon enough for me!

During the spring and summer, I've been working on a brand new novel called "LINGER" and it's been fun.  Take a look at the blurb and tell me what you think! I am beyond excited to release it this Fall. Enjoy and take care :)

RR xo


LINGER

Rochelle Renee

Rosalind Baker is grieving the tragic loss of her fiancé, Jack, shot in cold blood one night on duty. Drowning in sorrow, she heads to Serenity, Ohio to visit his niece, who’s offered a place to stay and grieve.
Janine, a chef and Medium, wants to help Rosalind heal from the horrific crime. Vying for answers, Rosalind finds comfort in Janine's country home, great food and welcoming family.
Deep in sorrow, Rosalind finds beauty and miracles she never expected. 
Janine's younger brother Mark is the odd one in the family. He lives alone and keeps to himself, but is deeply affected by the death, going into further isolation when he hears the news of his beloved uncle’s passing. Mark, aside from Rosalind, was closest to Jack.
Despite their differences, Rosalind finds a common thread with Mark. Not only does he bear a shocking resemblance to her soulmate, but they share the same bond – a fierce love for Jack – which is undeniable.
In time, she begins to fall in love with the charming town that’s quickly become her own little haven. The old birch trees and flowing rivers seem to whisper a secret wisdom to her...a clue about life unfolding on its own terms. As Rosalind begins to heal and unravel the truth of Jack's death, she wonders if the "odd one out" is much more akin to her than she wants to admit.
Perhaps the lingering spirit of a loved one who passed on just might give Rosalind the answers she craves.

The Loss of "Self": Return To Your Soul's Haven

Lately, I've been doing a lot of soul searching.

It seems I'd forgotten myself in the chaos and hurry of the world.

My soulmate died June 11, 2016 forever altering my path and destiny. Not only did I lose a huge part of my life and passion when he passed suddenly, I also lost MYSELF.

Now, you might wave a finger and argue that another person's death should not be an excuse to feel lost or uncharted. After all, do we not make our own destiny everyday by the choices we make when our feet first hit the floor?

Let me make it very clear that Trent Gardner was my compass and my light. Never before in my life did one human being have such an affinity for me; he loved me with conviction and SUPPORTED ME. My dreams were his, my goals aligned with his goals, our long term plan in sync.

Something detrimental happens when a person you LOVE DEEPLY dies. A MONUMENTAL part of yourself goes away with them. The trick is to re-evaluate yourself, search for what's been lost, and find the MEANING of your life that apparently went away with their demise.

All of these steps are crucial to finding one's SELF again. The loss of SELF is heartbreaking. It's like stating out loud that you don't matter, that your dreams and goals can take a long, simmering wait on the back burner, and that will be good enough.

Many of us are guilty of losing our SELF. We accept crumbs from people, shortchange ourselves, diminish our psyche with negative self talk and limiting beliefs. Don't you ever wonder why you are STUCK in one place and cannot seem to move forward? Perhaps you've put yourself there. Have you forgotten that YOU deserve a shot at the best in life? Do you really want to continue this dead end, winding road in the wilderness, without ever seeing a BIG, JUICY OUTCOME?

Sadly, I've let people around me dictate my life and tell me (in many backhanded ways, not necessarily vocalizing it to me) that i am simply not worth it. That if I don't "seize this opportunity now," and I keep choosing to be picky or discerning, that I will limit myself to having NOTHING and then I will be screwed.

Wait a minute...WHAT???? Do we not live in an ABUNDANT Universe that supports us? Can we not sit for a moment...take a step back...and prioritize?

I don't HAVE TO take the scraps and crumbs. I DESERVE the very best in life. I'm not playing this game for another 40 years. I've paid my dues, done the dirty work, labored it out with blood, sweat and tears. Don't you dare hand me that tired old, demoralizing line one more time "beggars can't be choosers."

This here is no beggar. Starting today, I'm taking back my power. I'll show more self compassion, and give no heed to what those naysayers feed me. I'll trust my intuition, be my own compass, and chart this course the best way I know how. Those old limiting beliefs that kept me paralyzed will no longer dictate my needs or wants. I'll discover that progress CAN be made, and that reaching higher is certainly most attainable.

Have you lost your sense of Self? Then why not take some time today....to revisit your soul's haven? Look within for all that you need. Surely, the answers will find you, and you will not be led astray.

Cheering for you always,

RR xo

PEOPLE WHO NEED PEOPLE

Who doesn't like to feel needed?

Isn't it a wonderful feeling, to have someone need you?

Not in a NEEDY or clingy sort of way, but rather...in the sense that we bring something to the table that enriches someone's life for the BETTER.

You see, I've experienced shaming around the concept of NEEDING someone.

"You don't need him," they judged. Or..."You can do it all and have it all...on your own. You don't need a man."

That feminist, independent woman badge that people chose to flaunt...I cannot understand it for the life of me. Sure, you want to proclaim to the world that "sisters are doing it for themselves." Oh, but alas, this is where feminism got it all wrong. You see, the problem with this is the fact that women have pushed men away. GOOD men, for that matter.

All too often, I hear girlfriends say to me "I can't find a good man. All they want is sex. The good ones are all taken, The good looking men are either gay or married. The worthwhile men are taken. The only ones left are the players, duds or deadbeats.

Here is where yours truly steps in to raise the debate. The problem with these women who wear the MISS INDEPENDENT badge are the same ones crying poor over the lack of good men in society. No, it's not a lack of good men...but rather, a lack of GRATEFUL WOMEN. Sister, you're doing it all wrong. You want to scream to the masses that you can fix your own broken toilet, you can carry the heavy bags of groceries up those steep steps, you don't need help with the broken light bulb or help paying your electricity bill, etc.You want to appear all strong and macho. See your problem? You got all the "hustle" to make things happen, and to pay all your bills and get bragging rights to "have it all" and do it all...but you've forgotten one simple concept: MEN WANT TO PLAY THE HERO.

Don't you ever wonder why romance novels still make 1 billion in sales annually? Because men still want to play the hero, even in modern day. We've forgotten how to RECEIVE, so we've worn ourselves out GIVING too much...we over work ourselves, wear our bodies to the bone til we're on the verge of collapse. We think we're playing it smart by overextending ourselves and doing it all.

Needing someone's help is a good trait to have. This works both ways. Sometimes, a man does not want to ask for a woman's help, either. Perhaps it makes him feel less of a man, But we need one another, and it is a beautiful thing indeed. That's why it doesn't hurt to ask for help. You won't be seen as "weak" or incompetent. You'll bond closer with those who care about you. Go ahead, try it and see. You might just be amazed.

People who need people...are the luckiest people in the world (as the song goes).

Cheering for you always,

RR xo

THE STRONGEST OF THE 4 LETTER WORDS

I'm one extremely lucky woman at the moment, and I'm smart enough to recognize it.
I've been moved in a profound way, and it resonates with me so deeply, that I just had to share.

What I'm alluding to is the gift of LOVE I've received in my life. I woke to read a blog by one of my mentors, and got the sense that he was speaking to ME (in code, of course). While he didn't name me, for the risk of giving away my identity, I knew clearly what was being said.

Now, LOVE comes in many forms; it can be the love of chocolate lava cake, the love of the Pacific Ocean, or how the blazing pink sunset paints the sky of Sacramento and catches your breath. Maybe it's the goofy way your Boston terrier jumps into your lap or licks your face to show they love you. Perhaps it's the love of a good friend who holds your hand through various trials in life.

Love could also be the devotion for a spouse, sibling, colleague or mentor. In my life, I have been blessed with such as this.

My mentor came unexpectedly into my life. While experiencing 13 years of writer's block, where try as I might, could not seem to produce another novel, things were tough. From 1998 to 2011, every effort flopped.

But then in November 2011, I took a writing course that changed my life. HE was the head of the class, the teacher. This "spark" of an idea that came from one flash of his smile and charismatic blue eyes, formed the first pages of my novel "PASSION."

Inspiration is great, isn't it? You just never know when it's going to hit you out of the blue. One day you're struggling to form a few paragraphs, and the next, you're burning the candle at both ends, because you cannot sleep, you have so much adrenaline and motivation from this spark of genius. I call it DIVINE INSPIRATION or a gift from the gods.

This mentor has been around for half a decade, and I'm infinitely grateful for his support and friendship. Any day of the week, I could pick up the phone and just share my heart with him or any part of my life, for that matter. It's a platonic connection, but never underestimate the importance of these. They can be your saving grace in times of trials and suffering. I love his effortless flow of conversation, and the warmth of his voice, as he shares a mutual understanding on life and just about everything else, music included. I don't believe he ever has "bad days"-- with a spring in his step, a sparkle in his eyes, and the joyful camaraderie he exudes, I have to admit I'm a little jealous of how seemingly pulled together and in charge he seems to be on a daily basis.

Nevertheless, this man is my godsend. I've had a few of them in my life, and it feels exhilarating. I can honestly say unashamedly, that I LOVE this man. Now before you get all flustered and judgmental, no, it's not like that. I LOVE him with the warmth of a friend and the respect of a colleague; plus he's been happily married for some 30 years or so. This post is not about revealing any big epic love story, just a simple exclamation of gratitude to the world, on how people can affect us in a positive light.

Yes, I LOVE this man. He's given me a new perspective on life, and it never gets old. From time to time, I always revisit the novel that he inspired. It is fresh, funny, passionate and pure bliss to read. Of all my novels, I'd have to say that PASSION is the one that "knocked it out of the park" for me. Hands down, it brings a burst of euphoria to my heart, whenever I open the pages and read the love story of Keane and Rhiannon.

Thank you, mentor, for being here and just for BEING YOU. I love your smile, your wisdom, and considerate ways. I LOVE you just the way you are, so don't ever change. I LOVE your quirks, flaws, and humor, but also the penchant to be a nerd sometimes (only you know what I'm referring to here).

HOPE is the one word you gifted me that day in class, when someone behind me scoffed as I answered your question about what I would be doing if I could secure my dream job. Remember when I announced that I was a novelist and wanted to become a bestseller like Danielle Steel? That naysayer laughed behind me and said "dream on." But YOU answered with an uplifting comment that made my spirits soar: "Do you hear that folks? That's the sound of HOPE in her voice." Then you went on to encourage me about my writing, even if you ultimately wanted me to be realistic about job hunting...over the years, I think with all the novels I've cranked out and a few radio and TV interviews, you started to believe that maybe this was not just some lame pipe dream.


Well, that is about it for the gushing today. I've made my point, and just want you to know how LOVED you are and what you mean to me.

I'll leave this blog post on a light note. If there is someone out there who inspires you, makes you try harder, holds your hand when you're struggling, or just brings you a cup of coffee on a day when you're feeling down...by all means...reach out to them and tell them THEY ARE SO LOVED.

We only get ONE CHANCE in this life to show people how much LOVE they've inspired within us. Take the opportunity to do it, while you can. Because you never know when that moment might be your last one with them. It could be their final breath, and you never want to live your life with the regret that they never knew how incredibly PRECIOUS they were in your eyes.

LOVE is all around...and so the feeling grows...

Be love,

RR xo

COMING SOON: AGAINST ALL ODDS

My latest labor of love is a book I penned in 1993 as a teenager, called AGAINST ALL ODDS.

Now it's been updated with a fresh spin and better plot.

The story spans some 2,200 miles from Chicago to L.A., and features a stunning love story between a young reporter and a music producer legend.

Come along for a thrilling adventure of passion and two hearts risking it all for love. Can soulmates Starr and Peter make it work...across the miles...against all odds?

I'm so amped to have my readers get their hands on it.

All in time for my birthday. Release day: April 27th.

Cheers!

RR xo

Goodreads giveaway!!!

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/226548-coming-home
     

COMING HOME!!! My latest novel. Now on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Home-Rochelle-Renee/dp/1540558460/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487814609&sr=1-1&keywords=rochelle+renee+coming+home

I'm addicted to Coffee and Books!!

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