NaNoWriMo SUCCESS!!!! 50k words ~ No Problem~ Love's Christmas Promise: Book 3 ~Love Walked In Series!!!

 Dear Readers,

With massive joy and gratitude, I am here to announce that I finished #NaNoWriMo2021 with flying colors!!

50,000 words may seem daunting every year on the 1st day of November, when an author stares at a blank page and asks the age-old question: Am I Crazy for signing up to this madness???

The answer is always "NO" - you are not crazy. Maybe crazy passionate, YES!

Since November 2012, my maiden voyage into the NaNoWriMo waters, I have competed for the title a total of 10 astounding times!!! EEK!!!! 

This year, I made it. 51,169 words on Nov 26th, just a few days before the deadline. The finished product (first draft) is my third Christmas novella, and it's Book 3 in the "LOVE WALKED IN" series.

I could not have done it without the support, love, and inspiration of my best friend, my favorite muse, "KW" -- whom all three books in the Ken & Rileigh Trilogy have been dedicated to. This loving soul is my rock, my cheerleader -- my everything. To think that three short years ago, this incredible man was not in my life, well it astounds me!!! We met in the most remarkable way, and it could only have been Divinely Orchestrated; there is no other explanation. Both of us live 2700 miles apart, myself on the east coast of Canada and he on the west coast. But the fates brought him to Ontario, and the rest is history, as they say. To borrow a quote from KW: "All is well."

Gratitude overwhelms me as I write this blog post. I've been gifted with the most loving connection, and every day I pinch myself to see if it is real. Miracles come in all shapes and sizes, I have learned. Sometimes it is a gift from out of nowhere, be it monetary, or not. Other times, a miracle is a person with a good heart who has come to enrich our lives and open our hearts.

Love's Christmas Promise is a feel-good Christmas story, a holiday gem sparkling with love, abundance, family ties, and sizzling passion. It's the story of Ken & Rileigh, two soulmates who've forged a wonderful life together. In this book, Rileigh wishes for a white Christmas, and her husband Ken wishes for a miracle of his own. While I won't give anything away here, two wishes are about to be granted in the most shocking way. Stay tuned for the December 2021 publication of this beautiful love story, a romantic comedy packed with glittering lights, festivities, and family bonds.

Thank you, KW, for always holding space for me, for being concerned about my health and well-being, for uplifting me, and for being the Man of My Dreams.

With All My Love,

RR xo

It's HERE!!!! LOVE WALKED IN ~ THE LOVE STORY OF THE SUMMER!!

DEAR READERS,

Finally, my sizzling summer love story is launched! July 14th was the lucky day!

I just know you're gonna love this comical, heart-warming story of a man and woman who meet in the most unexpected way. 

LOVE WALKED IN ~ a story of hope, of passion, of heart's renewal after loss and abandonment.

After the tragic loss of her husband, Rileigh Rhodes thought she was done loving people. She could not be more wrong. The sweetest elderly couple, George and Maggie Winslow move into her retirement home at Amberlea Gardens, and she falls madly in love.

Ken Winslow never forgot the burn of his wife walking out on him years ago, leaving him with three kids. When he returns to Ontario for the funeral of his mother Maggie, he finds a surprising connection with the big-hearted housekeeper Rileigh, who is both lovely and down to earth.

Neither of them saw it coming, but life somehow brings miracles when you least expect them.

Come along for an adventure of the heart, where life is far from boring at a senior's home, and two broken hearts find a reason to be happy again. From the beauty of  Ontario's cottage country with its sultry summer air, to the vast, stunning mountains and landscape of beautiful British Columbia, this love story is sure to steal your heart.

LOVE WALKED IN. The sizzling summer love story of 2021. 

Available on Amazon in e-book and paperback!!https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B099C8R119/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Happy reading!!!

Love,

RR xo

DESIRE: The New Novel Coming Soon in 2020

Dear Readers,

The New Novel is halfway done!!

I am unbelievably STOKED as I write this from my "writing room" in the dark, with a cold beverage, air conditioning, Dirty Dancing soundtrack blasting and my Scentsy warmer on the desk (scent tonight is "Cozy Fireside." Thanks Julie Cooney!!)

My long weekend here in Ontario Canada is spent lovingly working on my fiction that claims my heart and soul.

DESIRE is like a personal diary of sorts for me, except for the domestic abuse that never happened on the physical level, but still...I have experienced abuse on another level, and it is equally disturbing. Write what you know -- best advice I ever received. I feel my books are enriched with stories, people and elements of what I've personally gone through.

BLURB:

Reanna Mcleod moved back to Silver Springs after her husband John Daly broke her bones and sent her to the E.R. He's in prison now and she decides to make a clean break, back to the charming town where she grew up.

But things have changed. Her parents sold off the "Ponderosa" aka the farmhouse and magical land where she flourished in her novel writing, and called it home for 30 years. When her mother's cheque from the realtor came, she nabbed her $1 million, leaving Reanna out in the cold. "You're on your own," her mother sneered, and Reanna scrambled for a place to live. That's when charming sociopath John came along, sweeping her off her feet and promising her a better life with him in a mansion in another city.

Moving back to her hometown, Reanna is blessed to rent the small room above the coach house her school teacher friend Tracy leases to her on her country property. It brings Reanna back to her roots; small town feeling, clean country air, and a chance to write again.

What she didn't count on was running into her former neighbor, Grant Montgomery. Reanna has carried a torch for him for 15 years, and had to stuff her feelings deep down where they couldn't be found. But now Grant's wife has passed from cancer, and Reanna sneaks into the funeral to give her quiet condolences and pay her respects to the lovely Jean, who was always sweet and welcoming to her.

Grant spies her running off as the funeral-goers leave the premise. When he finally locates her and confronts her, Reanna is reluctant to open her heart and tell him the truth about what she wrote in her diary so many years ago. But Grant isn't blind; the smart-as-a-whip History professor of Remington University can see the love and vulnerability Reanna has been trying to hide from him.

Soon, a blossoming romance is coming to life, and Reanna must face her demons or forever risk her chance of real love with the One Man who's been there for her since day one. Can she let go of the horrors of the past, open her heart to Grant, or will she forever blow her chance at true love?

DESIRE is the story of domestic abuse and a woman overcoming her trauma. It's the story of a narcissistic mother who did more damage than good to a loyal daughter. It is the story of friends banding together in hard times, but most of all, it is the story of a passionate awakening between old friends who never knew how deep a love could run.

******************************************************

With much love,

RR xo

AGAINST ALL ODDS: A BI-COASTAL LOVE STORY FROM CHICAGO TO L.A.

Dear Readers,

The first women's romance novel I wrote in 1993 is about to be published for the first time ever...and I am so AMPED to share it with you!!!

"Against All Odds" is my baby. I penned it as a teenager and it was written from May 19, 1993 to April 20, 1994. Those eleven months were a learning curve. I wrote my little heart out, and I read a LOT of novels to get some experience on the craft, to learn to perfect a complete manuscript.

For 27 years, it sat in a box. Oh, I came back to it, time and time again, to read over the classic lines I'd written. Mainly for my own entertainment, let me tell you.

Sometimes, reading it gave me a little "buzz" of delight over the nostalgia of those blessed days.

I LAUGHED-- a lot, at the cheesy dialogue that needed editing --BADLY.

I GRIMACED -- over the typos and misplaced, over-the-top adjectives I thought I needed to make a successful book.

I CRIED -- over the moments of tragedy and the scenes where my characters DEEPLY connected.

I SWOONED -- over how hunky my music producer hero PETER ADAMS is, and how beautifully he and my heroine STARR TAYLOR fit together. Like a glove.

So, without further ado, on May 19th (the anniversary of the first page ever written, 27 years ago)..."AGAINST ALL ODDS" will be in print!!! 

I can't wait for you to read all about the epic saga of Peter and Starr!

I just know you will enjoy them as much as I do!!

Stay safe -- and as always,

Stay Passionate,

RR xo

LONGING re-launch! Classic 2013 romance novel is BACK!!!

Dear Readers,

To celebrate seven years since I wrote my beloved novel "LONGING," I have revamped and re-launched it this week!

Grab it for FREE on Kindle! April 28-May 2nd.

This novel is near and dear to my heart, and I wanted to gift it to you, dear readers, so that you can enjoy it as much as I did. I wrote it for the 2013 National Novel Writing Month, better known as "NaNoWriMo." It was such a joy to write this little gem! To this day, I consider it in my Top 3 of all my novels.

Please go to Amazon.com and download LONGING. This sexy, playful story is one of tragedy and triumph. It features heroine, Rhea Collins, a singer-songwriter and animal activist, who's lost her husband and finds a passionate awakening with preacher Mitch Kelly, who seems to be the most unlikely match for her, so she thought. Come along with me on a sizzling journey as you get swept into the love story of Mitch and Rhea.

I've included both links here...one for the paperback edition and of course, the FREE link for the e-book. You can read it on cell phone, tablet, computer, laptop, or Kindle. Just download the Kindle app and enjoy!!

As always, thank you for reading my romantic novels -- I wish you health, wealth and happiness for 2020!

Love,
Rochelle

https://www.amazon.com/Longing-Rochelle-Renee-ebook/dp/B087PRN515/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rochelle+renee+longing&qid=1588129712&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087LBPCLW

PASSION!!! RE-RELEASE!!!! FREE ON KINDLE From July 9 to 13th!!!

Dear Readers,

Get my book PASSION for FREE!!! It's a re-release party for my novel!!!! To celebrate 7 years since its inception....I am offering it FREE on Kindle July 9 to 13th!!!

Grab your copy today!!!!

Much love,

RR xo

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TX7X4SW

My Forthcoming NaNoWriMo Entry 2018!!!!

Each November, I've been fortunate to partake in the annual National Novel Writing Month. For me, it's a passionate endeavour to get an entire novel finished in 30 days. The feat is bewildering, intense, delicious. Your adrenaline is on edge and the coffee carafe is flowing nonstop! All my nails are bitten off in full anxiety and my social life takes a hit. But to be honest, I would not have it any other way.

This year, the novel that "chose me" is a sexy crime thriller full of sass, sin and intrigue. I've dubbed it Scent of Midnight (and the title may change later) so fasten your seatbelts...it's going to be one helluva ride!!

I began a while ago, creating the main characters in my head as I worked my day job. Yeah, I'm a space cadet sometimes, drifting off into my own wonderland, conjuring up spicy scenes that could make you blush. 

Rebecca and Alex are my lovers. They don't like one another at first, and it's an unlikely pairing, but oh when things heat up in the kitchen, Chef Alex gets my heroine's mercury rising!

The setting is a retirement community in a lakeside town. Think Dirty Dancing meets Murder She Wrote meets Golden Girls. 

I'm beyond stoked to see how my 7th consecutive NaNo entry plays out. The cast of characters are colorful and scintillating. 

On November 1st, I'll sit down to draft the first chapter. Stay tuned!

With much love and appreciation,

RR xo

APRIL FOOLS & SPRING TIME!!

Dear Readers,

We've got Easter Sunday AND April Fools on the same day this year. Remarkable.

How are you spending your holiday? Hopefully, with loved ones and family...surrounded by feasting and joy.

Easter, for me, has always been the traditional family dinner of ham, potato, veggies, salads and pies with ice cream for dessert. I'm the middle one of 4 kids, so it's an endearing time to gather round the table and share sumptuous food. Afterwards, we'll sit around (stuffed to the gills) savoring coffee and tea, while watching a classic film that's been in the family forever. Every year, the Ten Commandments (1955) is on TV...so that's exciting.

I've been blessed to have 3 days in a row off work, so I've been resting up...but also indulging in...MUSIC!! It's been my first love since I could walk and talk. I really LOVE the GOOGLE PLAY library where I have my own customized playlists and each novel I write has its unique soundtrack, compiled by Yours Truly.

I am posting the link here for some songs I compiled for the soundtrack from my "LINGER" novel that will be released soon. One song in particular that I absolutely ADORE was written by Clint Eastwood and Linda Thompson-Jenner for an Eastwood film. It's sung by the lovely Diana Krall, and it's called "Why Should I Care." The jazzy, sensual mood of this song really got me INTO THE MOOD of writing LINGER...the love story of Rosalind Baker and Mark Garland. I know you're going to LOVE my characters and their "out of the blue" passionate affair that arose from the chance meeting after Rosalind lost her beloved fiance, Jack, killed in the line of duty. There's something about Serenity, Ohio and the charming town with their laid-back people and English gardens. Mark's sister Janine runs a pastry and catering business, so she's always welcoming people into her kitchen and cooking up a storm. I'm most proud of LINGER, because it features elements of my own life, woven into a rich, humorous, poignant story that will leave you breathless. Can't wait to release this amazing book and share it with the world.

Busy bee here... working on TWO novels at the moment -- editing and polishing for publication. Stay tuned for their release dates!

Wherever you are, enjoy the holiday...put your feet up...relax with a tea and a good book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KANG1y5p8eEhttps://play.google.com/music/playlist/AMaBXymS56FxxweK-NC2SYXdKbhhFibca3YZd8rTovl5TeslBLG8cVJzv_DVjQIDyD-gi8_i0vKiIzuUCOJTSUcag6FPxBLAkg%3D%3D

To all the April Fools & Hopeless Romantics out there...Keep on Loving and Keep on Living It Up!!

Cheers,

RR xo

GRATITUDE SUNDAY

Dear Readers,

It's Sunday here in Southern Ontario. The weather is still a bit chilly, Spring is peeking around the corner at me, and I've just completed and sent off THE CHRISTMAS KEYS.

I'm so stoked for Derek and Ronnie's love story!! This one began as a small seed of an idea for the annual "NaNoWriMo" contest that runs every November and beckons 600,000-plus writers across North America to do what they do best...WRITE A COMPLETE NOVEL!! In 30 days, I had just that. THE CHRISTMAS KEYS is my labor of love, my pregnancy come to fruition, and now that it's time to "birth" this baby, I couldn't be prouder!

As the saying goes:"behind every successful person, there is a team or tribe of people who have helped shape that success story."

Here goes my GRATITUDE LIST (in no order of favor or priority -- because I LOVE YOU ALL!!):

***Rachel***your arrival in my life was truly a miracle. I was blessed with the most beautiful, lovable, blue-eyed baby girl. Now you've grown into a woman and I'm proud beyond measure. Love you always XOXO

***Trent Gardner***the soulmate of a lifetime. A dream come true to cherish forever. You gave me California (after dreaming of it for 22 years) & true, authentic love. Your eternal love is my reason for going on with this career. I only wish you were still here to walk this journey with me, hand-in-hand. But I know you are beside me (in another form). Keep sending me signs. I see them all. Love you Rigel XXXX R.I.P.

***Don, Lydia and family***for welcoming me with open arms and supporting me through my loss. You are loved so much!!

***Hinna A***my kindred spirit since kindergarten. You're the Diana Barry to my Anne Shirley. I will never forget your kindness. xoxo

***Donald A.*** for inspiring two novels and for a lifetime of smiles***

***Kelly M. for being the best muse a girl could ask for***you broke my 13 year writer's block. For this, I am ETERNALLY grateful!!

***Derek G***You're a bonafide star, in every way. You inspire me daily to dream big and chase my full potential. Your heart is so full of compassion. I see a lot of myself mirrored back at me. Soon, I hope you'll know just how important your presence is on this world.

***Renee***you've had my back for 13 years. Let's keep it going, dear friend. I love you and your family. Thanks for pep talks and sharing Chinese food with me. I will always be your kindred spirit.

***Carol D***you helped me through the hell of my loss, you're a Goddess, a warrior, a genius and a kindred soul. I can't thank you enough!!

***Cat T***your authenticity, determination, humor, honesty and talent makes me want to take on the world! Love you girl!!

***Robyn***for sticking by me, giving me laughs, reminding me there is still life out there, and for adventures and lattes!!! Thanks a million.

***Natalie***what can I say? We're sisters from another mister. I think I've had the most gut-busting laughs with you. Keep shining. You're a BIG deal in my life.

***Rob & Lorraine***for the music, the memories, the laughs***for always welcoming me like family. You're that golden couple who always reminds me "this is what love looks like." Thanks for everything xoxo

***Tekoa***31 years across the miles!!! We made it!! I'll see you soon!! :)

***Franny Armstrong***for being a talented author who inspires me! For all that you are. You shine a bright light and bring HOPE to every life you touch! Love you girl!

***Jennifer E***your support means the world to me!! One day I'll meet you in person and thank you properly. Thanks for the daily affirmations!! Much love!

***Bradley M***for editing the PASSION manuscript and getting MY VERY FIRST editor to look at my book!! kudos to you! I wish you the best today and always on your writing career. I'm here if you ever need me.

***Marissa C***for letting me win the Town Crier Essay Contest!! My very first win...ever!! You renewed my faith in my writing! I wish you all the very best in your writing career! You're a rockstar and I admire you!!

***Rhea D***your daily insights, wisdom, affirmations and support! I could never go without them! I am so blessed by your friendship across the miles :) Thank you xo

***Lena R***for buying my book, posting an AWESOME review!! And just for being YOU!! I truly love how "REAL" you are. Keep being a strong Goddess!! xoxo

***Glenda***for being there in my time of loss and sharing our love & faith for Trent!! thank you.

***Margie***for being a friend to Trent when he really needed one!! You are a gem xo

***Laurie Larson***for your courageous heart & beautiful soul!! another Trent connection!! One day I'll make it to Arizona!!! xoxo

***Daryl M***for putting me on the radio...so MANY times!! your east coast humor and rockin' music makes me want to get out my "Rocking Chair"...LOL! Thanks for the music :)

***Josephine***for buying my book! For setting the GODDESS standard! For just being you! Thanks so much :)

***Yvonne V***your review of COMING HOME made my day!! Thanks for your support!! I'll cherish you forever!

***FOR ANYONE I'VE MISSED...I'LL BE UPDATING THE LIST SOON***

Enjoy your Sunday!

Stay Passionate,

RR xo

LUCK BE A LADY...

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY....to all the lovers in the world....and to my dear faithful readers who make me smile each time they share a wonderful REVIEW about my books!!!

LOVE AND PEACE to you all XOXO

Stay Passionate,

RR xo

SUBMITTED!!!

This author is smiling for a few reasons...

1. It's St. Patty's Day (Kiss Me, I AM Irish!!)

2. I JUST submitted THE CHRISTMAS KEYS (my latest novel) to a reputable publisher...tonight! at 11:00 p.m. SO AMPED!!! Fingers crossed :)

3. I'm IN LOVE...with my hero....DEREK KEYS. He's "all that" and more!! If he walked off the pages of this book, I would MARRY him in 2 seconds flat XOXO

After much laboring, editing, polishing, scrutinizing, sweating, nail-biting and many cups of coffee...

THE BOOK is finally complete!!! What began as a small seed of an idea in early November 2017...has grown to a 63,000 word novel that makes me grin so huge :)

I want to take a moment and thank THE VERY SPECIAL MAN who inspired my beautiful love story. It has changed my whole outlook on life, and you inspire me daily...to be a better woman, a more dedicated writer, a stand-up kinda gal, a brave warrior, a courageous heart and a fighter.

What I love about you is EVERYTHING. Keep being that solid guy, that champion for human rights, the man who petitions for the homeless of Oshawa, the one who wins awards for Accessibility so that disabled people can find normalcy in their lives, and above all....your BRAVE HEART...for showing up so AUTHENTIC in this life...after losing your precious little girl at age 7.

I commend you so much!!! D.G.!!!! You rock!!!!

See you soon XO

Love and thanks,

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.