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Romance Tropes Bracket – August Matchup

by | Aug 13, 2026 | Romance Trope Bracket, Uncategorized

Romance Tropes Tournament Bracket

Welcome to my Romance Trope Bracket Tournament. Once a month, I’m going to post a new matchup.

Comment with YOUR vote for which trope YOU prefer to read.

Then visit the tropes below to see my book recommendations for each trope.

Opposites Attract

 

The hero and heroine, who are opposites in temperament, personality, or other characteristics, end up falling for one another despite those differences.

Here are four of my favorite opposites-attract stories!

A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

 

Beyond These War Torn Lands by Cynthia Roemer

Christmas at Whitefriars by Elizabeth Camden

The Convicts Courtship by KyLee Woodley

Anonymous Love & Secret Admirer

 

Involves characters who fall in love without knowing each other’s true identities, or a character who has romantic feelings for another person but keeps their identity hidden, often expressing their affection through anonymous gifts or letters.

Here are three of my favorite anonymous love / secret admirer stories.

Letters for Phoebe by Sally Britton

 

A Secret Correspondence by Kasey Stockton

 

An Agreeable Alliance by Kasey Stockton

Comment below with YOUR vote for favorite trope!

Meet Amos Ravensworth of The Sovereign Liberty series by T. Elizabeth Renich

by | Aug 12, 2026 | Uncategorized

Teatime with Amos Ravensworth,

from The Sovereign Liberty series

by T. Elizabeth Renich

 

I’m so glad you’ve joined me today for a special afternoon tea. I’ve got a cup of Darjeeling Autumnal, a tray full of shortbread cookies, cucumber sandwiches, and scones with the requisite clotted cream and jam. Help yourself to anything you like and whatever beverage makes the day perfect.

 

Today, it is my personal joy to introduce you to Amos Ravenscroft. I always enjoy getting to know characters outside of the books they’re in, and Amos is no exception.

 

In addition to getting to know the character, T. Elizabeth Renich is giving away a print copy of A Declaration of Hope to one lucky U.S. resident. You’ll find the details at the end of this post, but don’t miss the interview!

Let’s dive in!

Let’s dive into our Speedy Six

Teacup #1

CC: What are you drinking during the interview?

 

AMOS: Coffee—ever since the Destruction of the Tea in Boston Harbor and nonimportation agreements, we don’t routinely drink that any longer. Unless you’ve an affinity for the Loyalists.

CC: City, Suburb, or country?

 

AMOS: I divide my time between Virginia’s capital city of Williamsburg and Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress meets.

Teacup #3

CC: Reading a new book or rereading an old favorite?

 

AMOS: Serenity used to read to me, pirate stories were my favorites.

CC: Invisible or read minds?

 

AMOS: Invisible. It’s my job to stay out of sight, especially when carrying dispatches.

 

CC: Carriage trip or ship?

 

AMOS: Because I’ll inherit a shipping company one day, I’ve spent a fair amount of time on schooners and have crossed the Atlantic multiple times.

Teacup #6

CC: Fancy restaurant or home-cooked meal?

 

AMOS: Serenity makes the best Chelsea-style buns as a sweet treat. Mostly when she needs something from me.

A Taste of A Declaration of Hope

A Declaration of Hope by T. Elizabeth Renich

Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance, American Revolution

 

Serenity Ravensworth hastens from the American Colonies to England, braving the ocean crossing to return to her ailing beloved Grandee—still lacking a formal understanding with Marcus St. James. Living in the Colonies influences Serenity more profoundly than she realizes, and homesickness shadows her on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

Once the border survey by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon is complete, St. James follows his heart back to England to offer for Miss Ravensworth’s hand. When a dormant threat resurrects danger, St. James parlays his noble peerage to advantage. Marrying Miss Ravensworth is the best way to protect her—and overcome his dread of losing her.

 

Returning to Williamsburg and Philadelphia means forfeiting title and estates, though St. James yet clings to the promise of attaining his awarded land in the Ohio River Valley. Together, he and Serenity learn to navigate the perils of married life, privately and publicly. Their wedding trip to the Warm Springs on Virginia’s frontier leads them to cross paths with retired Colonel George Washington and his wife, Martha, but the rustic mountain retreat also reveals an unexpected tie to Fort Michilimackinac and St. James’s missing memories.

 

Dissent intensifies between Loyalists and Patriots. Royal governors command the seizure of arms and ammunition, sparking Williamsburg’s gunpowder incident as well as bloodshed between British regulars and Massachusetts militia at Lexington and Concord. In the wake of battle, beliefs are challenged, sides are chosen. Amidst disease, disaster, death, and dreams, how will Serenity and Marcus contend with the hope that declared Independence is worth the cost?

Purchase Links:

A Declaration of Hope (book 2) – Amazon

A Worthy Risk (book 1) – Amazon 

 

Cover of A Declaration of Hope

Let’s Get to Know Amos Ravenscroft

cucumber sandwich

 

CC: Before we start diving too deep…
 

Please introduce yourself to our guests.

 

AMOS: I’m my mother’s fourth son, and being the youngest, my father’s estate would by law go to the eldest brother, leaving me with nothing but what I could earn through trade. A long-time family friend who sired no son of his own decided to adopt me when I was eight years old, and one day I will inherit his business interests. I am closest to my sister, Serenity, and I love horses—almost as much as I love Jessa Northcraft. I once played a fiddle duet with a well-known Virginia burgess in Williamsburg, at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern—he had a way with words. When I was young, my brother-in-law used to tease me that I was no good at keeping secrets, but as I’ve grown into my majority, I have become one of the most trustworthy couriers the Virginia Committee of Correspondence and delegates rely upon to carry important information to General Washington’s encampments. With the war on, every day holds a new challenge. We have a Declaration of Independence, but the fight with the British to gain our freedom still rages.

cucumber sandwich

 

CC: That sounds like an interesting and dangerous job you have… and a very important one.
 

What do you want and what is standing in your way?

 

AMOS: I want Jessa to hurry up and get older. You see, she’s a bit younger than I am, and her mama wants us to wait before entering into any kind of betrothal. Every time I get sent with orders to ride, it gives me room to breathe—I can hardly breathe when she’s about—and I don’t like being separated from her so often. I think it scares her, because she knows what could happen if I were captured. Her brother, my friend Asher, has no objection to the match and insists it will be inevitable. I confess, the impatience is starting to wear thin.

cucumber sandwich

 

CC: Ah. The passions and impatience of young love. 
 

If you had time to read a book, what would you pick?

AMOS: After I finished my general education at William & Mary, Mr. Wythe became my tutor. I spent long hours studying both volumes of Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England—because we have a similar legal system here in Virginia. Serenity used to read to me, but my escape and enjoyment came more from playing fiddle tunes or carving trinkets for Jessa than reading books.

 

CC: Sounds like you might make a good lawyer in Virginia, and a great leader as the new country forms itself.
 

As the fourth son, what was your childhood like?

AMOS: My mother died shortly after she gave birth to me. Serenity took over mothering duties and kept on even after Grandee came to live with us. My father was ill, and he went away to Italy for a climate less damp than England’s. Becoming the heir to Kerrigan Shipping changed what my life could have been, and for that, I am grateful.

 

CC: It sounds like you had a very difficult family situation. You and your sister must be very close.
 

Doing what you do must come with many difficulties. Who or what scares you the most?

AMOS: I am going to have to confront Serenity’s husband for choices he has made. He claims he loves her and never wanted to hurt her. He broke her heart, and if I ever find him again, well, the Almighty just might have to send some heavenly intervention.

 

CC: Yikes. I’m glad she has you to protect her, but how sad that you feel you must intervene. 
 

How do you think others view you?

AMOS: I am tallest of all the Ravensworth brothers, so the older ones can’t look down on me anymore. Serenity was slow to accept I had grown beyond the little boy years, even after my voice changed and she had to crane her neck to meet my eyes. She wanted very much to keep our family all together, but instead it scattered. She didn’t want me to come to America by myself, and we learned to love the Colonies. Now, she and Jessa see me as reliable and dependable, and both of them are quite proud of me. But it pains me to have to withhold information from them on occasion. Military secrets, or otherwise.

 

 

CC: It sounds like they really are the two most important women in your life. I’m glad they have you.

A Sweet Finish

 

CC: Unfortunately, it is time to wrap up our interview. I always love finishing with a fun question.
 

What is the weirdest thing on your bucket list? 

 

AMOS: I have yet to earn the title of “Uncle Amos” —if that happens, it means Sis has a child, and that would mean a dream come true for her—and a miracle has taken place.

 

CC: I’ve just recently become an aunt after thinking my brother would never get that blessing. I understand what you mean and hope she gets her miracle baby…and it sounds like reconciliation with her husband.
 

That’s it for now. If you enjoyed getting to know Amos Ravenscroft and are curious about their journey, I highly recommend you check out A Devoted Hope. Before we clear the table and pack away the tea stuff, I have a question for you.

 

What do you think would have been the hardest part of living during the American Revolution?

 

Leave your comment below and join the teatime fun. Until next time, may your days be filled with good books and cups of tea (or your favorite beverage)!

T. Elizabeth Renich is the author of six historical novels set against America’s Revolution and Civil War. She worked for two NFL teams and has visited all fifty United States of America. International travels have taken her to Germany, Japan, Ireland, Israel, Scotland, and England. She hunts historical markers and shares hope as an ovarian cancer survivor. Her love of photography is evident in albums documenting research trips and life in general, illustrating how she gives glory to God for the great things He has done.

Connect with the author:

Website  |  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Gorgeous Georgians Group 

Giveaway Details

Here’s your chance to win a copy of A Devoted Hope. Comment on the blog and enter using the Google Form below for your chance to win! Entries close at 11:59 EST on 8/20. Open to legal U.S. residents. see Giveaway Policies for more details.

 

German Christmas Traditions

German Christmas Traditions

by | Jul 23, 2026 | Uncategorized

German Christmas Traditions

I’m breaking from my Secret Service history series because my publisher is celebrating Christmas in July with a Kindle sale on We Three Kings! You can hop over to Amazon between July 18 and 25 and snag it for $2.99. With my publisher’s e-book prices hovering around $12 these days, now is the best time to snag your copy.

 

To celebrate, I thought it would be fun to share about the German Christmas traditions you’ll find in We Three Kings. If you want to learn more about the novella collection, you can find it below.

We Three Kings is a 3-novella collection from me, Cara Putman, and Angela Ruth Strong that follows three generations of one family. Since Cara wanted to connect her novella to her WWII novels, it only made sense that the family line would be of German heritage. Not only did that give us some fun historical scenarios to work with, but it also gave us a rich and deep well of Christmas traditions to incorporate into our stories. The following traditions appear in the collection, and I’ve indicated which novella they appear in.

Shoes filled with Christmas treats

Nikolaustag – “Star of Wonder”

 

All over the world, December 6 is known as St. Nikolaus Day. It is a celebration of Saint Nikolaus, the Bishop of Myra and the patron saint of seafarers and children. Children leave their shoes outside their door for Saint Nikolaus to deposit a sweet treat for their year of good behavior. However, in Germany, Saint Nikolaus is accompanied by a more sinister figure who carries a sack and a switch. Bad children could be given a switch or taken away in the sack. This assistant has various names depending on the region. The two most familiar being Krampus and Knecht Ruprecht. I chose to use Knecht Ruprecht in my story since he first appeared in a seventeenth-century Nuremberg Christmas procession, and Krampus appears to be used more often in the Alpine Region.

Weihnachtsmarkt—German Christmas Markets – “Star of Wonder”

 

These open-air markets are a German Christmas tradition that signals the beginning of the Advent season and dates back to the Middle Ages. Traditionally, the stalls are made from timber, and everything sold must be locally produced and handmade. The atmosphere for this unique experience is set by twinkling lights, music, and the scents of traditional German foods and a hot mulled wine called Glühwein. If you ever get the chance to go, be sure to check out the hand-carved ornaments, Advent calendar wreaths, and my favorite, Quetschemännchen—the little figurines made from dried fruit and walnuts.

German Christmas Market
Children dressed as three wisemen

Epiphany – “Beauty Bright”

 

January 6 is the religious feast day known as Epiphany or das Dreikönigsfest (“three kings festival”) in Germany and some other locations. Epiphany commemorates the journey of the wise men who traveled to seek the Christ child. Often, the letters CMB are found written in chalk on the doors to welcome and commemorate these men. According to German-way.com, “Traditionally, the three letters in the inscription stand for the names of the three Wise Men (Magi): Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar (German spelling). Another possible explanation is that “C+M+B” stands for the Latin phrase: Christus mansionem benedicat, which translates into “Christ bless this house.” The inscription is usually made with chalk that has been blessed by a local Catholic priest.” While there are variations in how it is done, in Cara’s story, three men travel from door to door, offering blessings to those at home. Often, the children would also dress up, and sometimes, a leader of the procession would carry a star. Small gifts are given to the children, just as the wise men gave their gifts to the Christ child.

Martinstag – “Perfect Light”

 

Martinstag, or St. Martin’s Day, is celebrated on November 11 with a lantern parade. Tradition says St. Martin was a soldier who gave away his last cent when he spied a man shivering in the cold. Out of compassion, he took off his cloak and cut it in half with his sword to share. The whole town heard of his generosity and wanted to praise him. Embarrassed by the attention, St. Martin hid in a goose house, so the townsfolk had to use lanterns to search for him. Today, that search for him is mimicked through a lantern parade complete with song and, depending on where you are, candy.

child holding up paper lantern for the lantern parade

Make Your Own German Paper Star from “Star of Wonder”

 

German Paper Star

 

There is a reason why Celestia from “Start of Wonder” struggled to make her star. There are a LOT of steps. Depending on whether you are a video tutorial person or a printed instructions person, I’ve given you the link to two great options below:

 

Printed Instructions

Excellent Video Tutorial

Check out We Three Kings

In this Christmas collection, Weise men still seek Jesus—and love.

Three generations of men finding love during the Christmas season.

Cover for We Three Kings

“Star of Wonder” by Crystal Caudill

2025 Christy Award Winner for Short Form

 

The Christmas-themed maiden voyage of his family’s grand steamer ship was supposed to be Aldrich Weise’s chance both to instill investor confidence and to romance Celestia Isaacs. Instead, he must foil a criminal and leave his lady love behind forever.

 

“Beauty Bright” by Cara Putman

 

Lieutenant Charles Weise served as a Monuments Man after World War II and now works to restore stolen art to rightful owners. Captain Lillian Thorsen pairs up with him not only to return treasures but also to fix the war-torn lives around them.

 

“Perfect Light” by Angela Ruth Strong

 

Essential oils mogul Brendon Wise is drawn to Lacey Foster, the event planner for his huge Christmas lights festival. But when he inadvertently makes a spectacle of her on television, Lacey wants nothing to do with him. Will a chance to give gifts to those in need at Christmas be the key to discovering common ground–and maybe love?

Crystal Caudill, author of Gilded Age historical romance and historical romantic suspense

ABOUT CRYSTAL CAUDILL

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance.” Her debut novel, Counterfeit Love, was a 2023 Carol Award finalist, and her novella, “Star of Wonder,” won the 2024 Christy Award for short form. She loves history, hot tea, all things bookish, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She is a stay-at-home mom, caregiver, and chaos organizer. When she isn’t writing, Crystal can be found hanging with her family and playing board games at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Connect with the author:

Website  |  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Group  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Amazon  |  BookBub  |  GoodReads

A Question for You:

 

What is your favorite Christmas Tradition? 

OOPS . . . Sorry for all the extra posts

by | Dec 6, 2025 | Uncategorized

For those who subscribe to my blog, you may have noticed a ridiculous number of posts coming to your inbox . . . Posts that are either too early or not complete. This is what happens when you try to use your sabbatical to get ahead and make next year easier for you. So my apologies. Sigh. You may see a few more come out over the next few weeks as I continue to try and get ahead, but hopefully I’ll get a grip so this will stop. Thanks so much for your patience and mercy.

What can I say? I hate technology. I hope y’all have a blessed weekend.

Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza Signup

by | Jun 17, 2025 | Uncategorized

Hi all! I’m hoping you’re not like me and STILL have your Christmas decorations up, but I DO hope you are ready for the second annual July Reader Extravaganza put on by Sarah Hamaker. Let me know in the comments if you’ll be participating and feel free to share this post and let others know about this great summer “Christmas” fun.

This year, more than 70 Christian authors (including me!) of fiction and nonfiction Christmas books have joined with Sarah to bring you some holiday cheer in July.

It’s a simple concept–sign up and receive daily emails each day in July featuring Christian authors and their Christmas books. There’s nothing else you need to do to enter the contest!

SIGN UP HERE

Each day during the celebration, readers will get an email promoting that day’s Christmas books by Christian authors. Each evening, we will draw the names for the winners of that day’s featured authors. (Winners will be notified via the email they signed up with.) On July 31, we will also draw the names for our 12 grand prize winners, including one grand prize winner from our international readers.

The 2025 Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza will hand out more than $2,000 worth of grand prizes to 12 overall prize winners, plus 74 daily winners.

NEW this year—we have some special love for our international readers, with an international grand prize and several days of giveaways exclusively for international readers!

 

US Grand Prize (Total value: $600)

  • Copy (ebook or print) of each participating author’s Christmas book
  • $500 Amazon gift card
  • Faux leather journal
  • Themed tote bag
  • Themed pillow
  • Themed fleece
  • Themed bistro mug
  • Hand strap for Kindle
  • Themed bookmark, sticker

International Grand Prize (Total value: $513)

  • Ebook copy of more than 25 participating authors’ Christmas books
  • $500 Amazon gift card (or equivalent in winner’s country or origin)
  • Themed bookmark, sticker
  • Hand strap for Kindle

 

First Prize (Total value: $312)

  • $250 Amazon gift card
  • Themed spiral bound notebook
  • Themed tote bag
  • Themed bistro mug
  • Hand strap for Kindle
  • Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

Second Prize (Total value: $138)

  • $100 Amazon gift card
  • Themed spiral bound notebook
  • Themed bistro mug
  • Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

 

Third – Fifth Prize (Valued at $67)

  • $50 Amazon gift card
  • Themed spiral bound notebook
  • Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

 

Sixth – 10th  Prize (Total value: $42)

  • $25 Amazon gift card
  • Themed spiral bound notebook
  • Themed pen, bookmark, sticker

 

Here is the list of authors and the dates they will be featured in the contest newsletter. Each day, we will pull daily winners from the subscriber list–you’re entered in the contest when you sign up for the emails. For the dates marked “international,” we will be drawing from the readers with international addresses only. For the dates marked “US,” we will be drawing from the readers with US addresses only.

July 1, shipping to US addresses only

  • Jerusha Agen/Midnight Clear
  • Tanya Agler/The Triplets’ Holiday Miracle
  • Mary Alford/In Past Tense

July 2, shipping to US addresses only

  • Hannah Alexander/Dandelion Moon
  • Amy R. Anguish/Mama Dated Santa
  • Narelle Atkins/Romance in the land down under

July 3, shipping to US addresses only

  • Laura Ashwood/One Sweet Christmas
  • Barbara M. Britton/Christmas at Whispering Creek
  • Crystal Caudill/We Three Kings

July 4, shipping to US addresses only

  • Malissa Chapin/Hope for Christmas
  • Naomi Craig/The Weary World Rejoices
  • Susanne Dietze/A Small-Town Christmas Challenge

July 5, shipping internationally

  • Jacqueline Adam/Targeted Witness
  • Evelyn Grace/Mistletoe and Miracles at the Three Cats Cafe
  • Kendall Hoxsey/An Imminent Christmas Threat

July 6, shipping to US addresses only

  • MaryAnn Diorio/A Daddy for Christmas
  • Loretta Eidson/The Marine’s Deadly Reunion

July 7, shipping to US addresses only

  • Camille Elliot/The Spinster’s Christmas
  • Eva Marie Everson/God Bless Us Every One

July 8, shipping to US addresses only

  • Nancy J. Farrier/The Driftwood Cove Collection
  • Mary A. Felkins/One Starry Christmas

July 9, shipping internationally

  • Izzy James/Garrett
  • Debby Lee/Peppermint Christmas
  • Helena Smrcek/Love Across Time

July 10, shipping to US addresses only

  • Tama Fortner/Simply Christmas
  • Rachel J. Good/The Christmas Gathering

July 11, shipping to US addresses only

  • Kelly J. Goshorn/Chiseled on the Heart
  • Danielle Grandinetti/Escape with the Prodigal

July 12, shipping to US addresses only

  • Pam Green/The Old Fool
  • Anne Greene/A Williamsburg Christmas

July 13, shipping to US addresses only

  • Erin Greneaux/Mary’s Treasure
  • Winnie Griggs/Hear Harold’s Angel Sing

July 14, shipping to US addresses only

  • Sarah Hamaker/Mistletoe & Murder
  • Robin Lee Hatcher/Wishing for Mistletoe

July 15, shipping to US addresses only

  • Annette M. Irby/A Christmas Duet
  • Rebecca Price Janney/Easton at Christmastide

July 16, shipping to US addresses only

  • Elle E. Kay/Healing the Hero
  • Jill Kemerer/The Cowboy’s Christmas Treasures

July 17, shipping to US addresses only

  • Rebecca Lake/Deception At Christmas
  • Katy Lee/Christmas K-9 Guardians

July 18, shipping internationally

  • Melanie D. Snitker/Marrying Noel
  • Darlene L. Turner/Explosive Christmas Showdown

July 19, shipping to US addresses only

  • Tracey J. Lyons/Heart of Faith
  • Elizabeth Maddrey/Hope for Christmas

July 20, shipping to US addresses only

  • Diana Leagh Matthews/Carol of the Rooms
  • Susan G. Mathis/Madison’s Mission

July 21, shipping to US addresses only

  • Cathy McDavid/Merry’s Christmas Cowboy
  • Dana Mentink/Spoon to Be Dead

July 22, shipping to US addresses only

  • Jordan Millsaps/The Holiday Exchange
  • Mindy Obenhaus/Rediscovering Christmas

July 23, shipping internationally

  • Jessica Wakefield/It Shouldn’t Be You
  • Lynn U. Watson/The Essence of Joy

July 24, shipping to US addresses only

  • Robin Patchen/Christmas in Nutfield
  • Paula Peckman/Texas Heirloom Ornament

July 25, shipping to US addresses only

  • Sally Jo Pitts/The Lost Box
  • Terri Reed/Christmas Protection Detail

July 26, shipping to US addresses only

  • Kathleen J. Robison/The Cross at Morioka Castle
  • Donna Schlachter/Sleigh Ride for Ruby
  • Laura Scott/Shielding His Christmas Witness

July 27, shipping internationally

  • Wade Webster/The Extra Ordinary Christmas
  • Ronda Wells/The Christmas Cherub
  • James Yarbrough/Jingle Belles and Christmas Beaus

July 28, shipping to US addresses only

  • Beverly J. Schweigert/Faith Unwrapped
  • Toni Shiloh/The Christmas Catch
  • Patti Stockdale/His Unforgettable Bride

July 29, shipping to US addresses only

  • Tanya Stowe/Christmas Bells are Ringing
  • Cheri Swalwell/Seasons of Green Pines
  • Ann Swindell/Christmas in the Castle Library

July 30, shipping to US addresses only

  • Virginia Vaughan/Peril at Christmas
  • Suzie Waltner/Ever Green
  • Meghann Whistler/The Baby’s Christmas Blessing

July 31, shipping to US addresses only

  • A.C. Williams/A Cowboy for Christmas
  • Virginia Wise/An Amish Christmas Inheritance
  • Penny Zeller/Love’s New Beginnings

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