Lita Harris

When tragedy places her seven-year-old nephew in her care, hairstylist Kristen Anderson deserts her idyllic life at the Jersey Shore. She arrives at the family's Pennsylvania inn, hoping over the Christmas holidays to mourn her loss and reevaluate her future. Architect Luke Baldwin relocates from New York City to Brookside Falls to care for his ailing mother. With the chaos of the city behind him, he focuses on establishing a new practice. An unexpected encounter over a Christmas tree could make life more complicated than either thought possible. Will the discovery of a family secret bring together Kristen and Luke, or create a wedge too difficult to overcome?

Get the latest with Candy Apples.Gossip with a snarky, tart bite Let the hostilities begin Well, the reenactment anyway. Havenport is all revved up over the 250th anniversary of the Havenport Hostilities. Our proud history and local legends are the name of the game around here these days.* * *Speaking of local legends, anyone seen the cutie running around town with our favorite single mom and closet witch? Rumor has it he's the spitting image of one of our very own 'Lovers of Havenport.' You know the story - the star-crossed lovers who disappeared in the Roaring Twenties never to be heard from again with only an old photograph to remember them by. But my sources say we don't have the story straight and there's a beast to go along with his beauty. Now the photo's gone missing. Some say coincidence, but I'm not convinced. Let's just hope our friends are successful in Tricking the Beast.* * *Is our neighborhood Gal Friday finally giving in to temptation? A certain someone's been hanging around her place quite a lot lately. He'll claim he's helping her fix up the place, and laying to rest a long lost scandal while he's at it, but the twinkle in his eye says he's looking for something more. I sure hope the untimely arrival of his ex wife doesn't throw a wrench in their plans. Our favorite workaholic deserves a little happiness. And who knows, maybe she'll realize that sometimes our doubts are better left In Days Past.* * *A little birdie told me the hunky marine hanging out with one of my colleagues here at the Havenport Herald is fulfilling his late mother's last request and is itching to leave the second he's done. But I hear he's more connected to this town than he knows. In fact, his mother's something of a local legend. With our intrepid journalist on the case, his wanderlust doesn't stand a chance. Before you know it, I'll bet he's whispering Make Me Stay in her ear. And she's just the one to make it happen.* * *Did you hear about the Senate-hopeful's sister? After her boyfriend, our beloved police chief, asked her to look into some documents he recovered from a murdered ex-con, all hell broke loose. She's supposed to be authenticating the diary of one of our proud Havenport ancestors, but instead she's dodging bad guys and solving crimes with eerie Echoes of Betrayal from that very same diary.* * *I hope you all soak up as much gossip, um, history as I do. Enjoy the festivities Candy Apples

Get the latest with Candy Apples.Gossip with a snarky, tart bite Snowstorms, and weddings, and mobsters. Oh my Talk about a crazy weekend. A gossip writer's dream. With everyone snowed in from that unexpected blizzard (Thanks for the heads up, Misty Storm.) you'd think Havenport would snuggle in by a warm fire. I assume there was some of that, but we also had an engagement, a mysterious Russian, a second chance for old flames, and a hint (make that a wallop) of magick.Well-laid plans never seem to go the way you want. Such was the case with a certain someone's plans to pop the question over the weekend. If the weather weren't enough to throw a wrench in the plans, finding out the intended bride's ex-husband isn't yet her ex, was sure to do the trick. Not to worry, our favorite single (or maybe not-so-single) mother is sure to find a way around such a minor inconvenience. And all our hunky veterinarian has to worry about is whether or not she will Say Yes.The police were beside themselves this weekend. What with missing teens and a drug cartel on the loose, they had their work cut out for them. And with the phones out of service, they weren't able to warn anyone of the dangerous Russian thugs running along the coast. Maybe if they had, our lovely historical society president might not have been so happy to help the mysterious Russian who showed up on her dock in the middle of the storm. That would have been a pity, since it turns out they knew each other from way back when. They've sworn to never love again, but then again-Never Say Never.So what caused that crazy blizzard this weekend, you ask? Our own Misty Storm is on the case, but is she telling the truth or devising an elaborate tale as an excuse for not warning us about the biggest weather event of the year? You be the judge. Of course, you'll have to believe in witches, and magick, and things that go bump in the night...like abusive ex-husbands. That's what caused one nervous witch to panic and surround our town with that nasty storm. It took a strong man, with a warm heart, to defrost this chilling situation. Let's all hope the sparks between the two don't set off a heat wave next. So do you believe Misty's story? At the very least, I'm pretty sure there's one witch who will never have to be On Her Own again.While Havenport prepared for the big wedding, our lovely bookstore owner's divorced parents came to town. And when their daughters went to celebrate the big day with their friends, the storm trapped the estranged couple at the bookstore. Alone. All night. Awkward Maybe you don't know the history there? It's a tragic story-buy me a cuppa at Mellie's Diner one day, and I'll dish all the dirt. For now, let's just say that after a devastating loss, mistakes were made and the marriage fell apart. But I hear time heals all wounds, and while the kids are away, the adults will play. Maybe enough time has passed that these two can finally heal. Or is that just Wishful Thinking?I hope you all enjoyed the weekend as much as I did. Snuggle up and stay warm Candy Apples

Get the latest with Candy Apples.Gossip with a snarky, tart bite...GET READY FOR SNOW Seems like The Final Chapter bookstore is the place to be this Christmas. As the snow piles up, customers are hooking up left and right just in time for a little holiday cheer. Does this reporter's heart good to see it.***Havenport's favorite romantic comedy author said I'll Be Home for Christmas and she's made good on her word. Despite some rather nasty reviews on her new book, she'll be at The Final Chapter signing alongside the thriller writer we've all been drooling over lately. These two have been heating up the web with their rivalry and I can't wait to see the sparks fly in person. Something tells me our gal's in for a bit of a shock when she realizes the handsome hunk she was seen flirting with is actually her arch nemesis.***It's with a sad heart that I announce The Final Chapter bookstore will soon be closing its doors. But maybe there's still hope? The owner's niece seems to be at a crossroads and has shown interest in taking over the store. Lets hope the strong, silent-type newcomer she'd been seen cozying up to on the beach can convince her to take a chance and make a new life in this Winter Wonderland we call home.***Our Havenport Elementary School art teacher shocked the ladies at The Final Chapter book signing by reading a spell to "bring forth true love". Is it a coincidence a hottie dressed like a nineteenth century sailor showed up that same night? He may be giving her a bit of a cold shoulder now, but let's hope he warms up soon, because Baby, It's Cold Outside. (And just in case that spell really worked, I need a copy of that book, please.)***Please tell me someone snapped a picture of that little Scottish Terror, uh Terrier, we all know and avoid peeing on Havenport's car repairman extraordinaire. (Email all pics to Candy Apples via The Havenport Herald). I'll grant the former Marine had a right to be peeved, but my inside scoop says the dog's walker has a lot on her mind these days. She's a prosecutor hiding out at her sister's after suffering a brutal attack, and she's not out of danger yet. Thankfully, our Marine doesn't hold grudges, and has been seen doing a bit of reconnaissance over at Wags & Walks. Here's to hoping these two end up spending this White Christmas together.***We've got quite a storm heading our way, but I have a feeling no one's going to mind being snowed in. Stay safe and warm everyone, and Merry Christmas Candy

A multi-author romance novella anthology.Get the latest with Havenport Herald's very own gossip queen, Candy Apples.Gossip with a snarky, tart bite...Ghosts Take Over Havenport Not real ghosts, don't be silly people Halloween is right around the corner and folks are gearing up for the annual Halloween ball at Havencroft Manor. I know I have my costume all picked out, how about you? Lets hope Mrs. X can come up with something new this year, she almost split the seams of her Naughty Nurse costume last year. Yikes ***The Witching Hour will soon be upon us-anyone think Havencroft Manor's most famous dearly departed will stop by for a visit? Such a haunting tale of love and betrayal makes this gossip columnist stand up and take notice. Keep reading, and we'll take a stroll down memory lane to find out all the juicy details.***The room above Serendipity is open for business. Looks like they kicked off rentals with a s ance on behalf of our favorite philanthropist. Rumor has it, he has a ghost problem. Some say he's trying to get rid of the problem, while others are convinced he's trying to bring The Ghost of You back to life. With the Goddess's help, I guess anything's possible.***Sorry, ladies, but looks like our hunky veterinarian may be off the market soon. A certain divorcee was hired to spruce up his bachelor pad, but from the look of things, my money's on them turning it into a family home instead. Should be cozy with their latest rescue dog and the soldier's spirit that tagged along. So long as A Spirit's Bond doesn't stand in their way, should be fun to watch.***They say the new widow in town has a way with ghosts. In fact, one may have followed her into town. To help or hinder? Hard to tell. Maybe the ruggedly handsome carpenter fixing up Havencroft Manor will find a way to help out a Kindred Spirit.***Come to think of it, maybe I spoke too soon about those ghosts.Don't forget to stock up on candy and have a Happy Halloween Candy Apples

A weekend wedding has five couples thinking about the meaning of wedded bliss. Old vows are renewed and new ones made at The Loon Lake Inn nestled in the remote mountains of Maine.Ruth A. Casie Forsaking All OthersNo commitment. That's what they've both always wanted. Or do they? After ten years, they're not so certain. Will a small deception push them toward that next step or pull them apart?Lita Harris Till Death Do Us PartWhen a married couple's path changes direction, the familiar fades to a memory and new surroundings cause them to question their future. Will they continue along their separate ways or can they find their way home-together?Emma Kaye To Have and to HoldWhen tragedy threatens to tear a couple apart, will a trip back in time to their wedding day save their relationship-or end their marriage before it even begins?Nicole S. Patrick From This Day ForwardA weekend spent incognito at a friend's wedding should be enough time to get a musician back on track after her career hits a low note. But when a college crush sends her senses reeling, will this Grammy Award winner change her tune about the future?Julie Rowe To Love and HonorCollege sweethearts thought they'd be together forever, but a naked girl in the shower ended their relationship a lifetime too soon. When a friend's wedding gives them a chance to make things right, will they find their way to a happily ever after, or will old wounds refuse to die?

A special wish of hope, strength, and love brings five couples what they treasure most in this heartwarming collection of short stories.Ruth A. Casie Whispers on the WindA newly minted knight plans to secure his place in his adoptive family through marriage. But the fates have other plans for him. Will he be willing to give up the life he's always wanted to be with the woman he loves?Lita Harris Trusting KindnessFormer lovers are reunited one winter night on a boardwalk at the Jersey Shore. Will a common cause reignite their passion or extinguish it forever?Emma Kaye Losing PatienceWhen a wish sends a man back in time, can he save the woman he loves, or is he doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past?Nicole S. Patrick The Colors of CourageCan a midnight kiss on New Year's Eve lead a US Marine and struggling artist toward more than they'd ever dreamed of for the future?Julie Rowe Medal of HonorWhen a Chicago surgeon is informed her homeless father has been murdered, she's shocked to discover he won the Medal of Honor years ago in Vietnam. Now the killer has her in his sights, but the detective on the case has no intention of letting anyone hurt her. Ever.

The magic of Christmas is in the memories we hold dear and those precious treasures that remind us of the past. Join us as our Timeless Keepsakes take us on five remarkable journeys that heal old wounds, remind us of days gone by, play matchmaker, sweep us back in time and prove that love can conquer all.Mistletoe and Magick Ruth A. Casie She would give her last breath for him. He would give up everything to guard her well and love her more.Christmas Spirits Lita HarrisA widow's everlasting love is renewed by the memories of the holiday season.Granting Her Wish Emma KayeShe doesn't belong in his time and he doesn't belong back home. Could they belong to each other?Letter From St. Nick Nicole S. PatrickShe's trying to save her home and he's never had one until now. Can an unexpected gift lead their hearts to the same place?Secret Santa Julie RoweA nurse grieving the death of her twin brother receives an unusual gift at the staff Secret Santa party: the bullet that killed him along with a message of hope and love.