Nicole S. Patrick

True Heroes includes four short stories of brave, strong, sexy United States Marines, and the women they encounter and ultimately come to love. Each woman is unique and strong in her own right. They strengthen their man, build him up, and help him to discover a lot about himself.LETTER FROM ST. NICK She'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? (Previously published in Timeless Keepsakes.)POSEIDON'S STRENGTH A beloved hero's death leads his sister and his best friend, who have never seen eye-to-eye, to discover that helping family can be their happy medium, and possibly lead them to uncover a love that's meant to be. (Previously published in Timeless Escapes.)THE COLORS OF COURAGE Can a midnight kiss on New Year's Eve lead a US Marine and a struggling artist toward more than they'd ever dreamed of for the future? (Previously published in Timeless Treasures.)FROM THIS DAY FORWARD A 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? (Previously published in Timeless Vows.)

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...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

Get the latest with Havenport Herald's very own gossip queen, Candy Apples.Gossip with a snarky, tart bite...SUMMER'S HEATING UP After a much-needed revamping of The Final Chapter, resident sweetie Olivia Baxter has reopened the bookstore as A New Chapter-and launched Serendipity, a metaphysical shop next door. But that's not all she's been up to. The grapevine tells me that cutie Max Porter is back in town, and they've made an intimate connection. Sounds intriguing. After all, there's nothing better for New Beginnings than young love...* * *Rumor has it Christa Morrow skipped town on that hunky Jeremy Pearce months ago. Heard he wasn't so faithful. Now she's back...and I love to see a man grovel. There's something strange in the air around these two. A little magick? Hocus-pocus, and maybe they'll be a couple again. Can't wait to watch. Christa might just be able to get Jeremy back and Under Her Spell.* * *Did you hear Beth Holmes and JD Watson are in town? Will sparks fly? Only if it's the ones between these two lovebirds. Pick up autographed copies of their latest best sellers at their tent. Now those two should craft a book together. He writes compelling mystery and her steamy stuff is to die for. Adventure on the horizon? Who knows...maybe The Game's AFoot.* * *I'll be keeping my eye on Augusta Moore, owner of Wags and Walks, who'll have a tent set up for the animal shelter during the July Fourth festivities. Why isn't she attached? She's irresistible with those furry cuties she helps get adopted. And don't forget to cheer for our very own Evan Washburn in the parade. The hunky Marine can save me any day. Who doesn't love a man in uniform? He's throwing his hat in the ring for town council, too. Havenport could benefit from a Hometown Hero. Hmm...sounds like a match made in Havenport heaven...* * *Enjoy the July 4th parade and celebration, including vendor tents, food and Mayor Henry to kick things off. Fireworks display over the harbor starting at 10PM. (weather permitting)Happy July 4th Candy

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.