Susan Lute's Blog

I want to write from my heart because that's where unforgettable, wildly emotional stories begin. I have an opinion and can be bossy, but...

It's a new year and every January, across social media and work desks we talk about setting goals and making a list of possible accomplishments for the upcoming year. What will 2025 bring?

You are not the only one. Over the years, I've made more resolutions than I care to count. Making a physical list does help to narrow the focus and keep me on course... for a month or two. This year I want to try something new. Of course, I want to grow my book business (every time you buy one of my books and/or leave a review that is tremendously helpful. Thank you!), but I want to approach this year from a different angle. A good friend reminded me recently that my mom used to say, “Bloom where you're planted.” My mom meant... it doesn't matter where you are in you life—personal or business—reach for the stars.

I hope to evolve and branch out with my business while staying true to my roots and passions. Here's me reaching for the stars...

Exciting news!

All five Angel Point Romances can now be purchased as audiobooks. Visit RBmedia and click on the cover to see your retail options.

“...touching, funny, and real...” ~Amazon review

Discover

New Release!

The Cowboy Fix, Book 2 in the Strawberry Ridge Romance series is landing this week on January 9.

She loves to stir this Colorado Cowboy up...

Six weeks after fracturing his pelvis, rancher Nathan Lohmen is beyond ready to get back to work, but the Triple L is in financial trouble, and his brothers have hired a business fixer. Nathan wants to keep the ranch the same to honor his parents, and he fears this whirlwind of ideas and energy will carve out the history and heart of his home.

Hired by the oldest Lohmen brother, nomad Izzy Parker excels in breathing life into failing businesses. Her motto is get in, work her magic and get back out on the road to the next job. Left at the altar, she’s no longer looking for love, and yet Nathan and the Strawberry Ridge Ranch, make her question her choices. And then he kisses her.

He’s fighting change, and she’s fighting past hurts. Can they work together to seize the chance for a happy future?

Buy The Cowboy Fix

Here's to new opportunities and a year full of joy, growth, and love. Cheers to 2025!

Until next time … Happy reading! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, and at my website: www.susanlute.com.

XO! Susan

As the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book and something warm from the oven! At The Book Corner, we’re thrilled to bring you new stories that will warm your heart and whisk you away to magical, romantic, and unforgettable adventures. Whether it’s the swoon-worthy charm of The Sheriff's Baby Bargain, the emotional journey in The Prodigal Brother Returns, or the festive magic of The Christmas Makeover, there’s a story for everyone to love this season.

And speaking of festive treats, what could be better than enjoying your favorite audiobook while baking chocolate chip pumpkin muffins? The cozy scent of cinnamon and pumpkin is the perfect backdrop to stories that remind us of the joy of love, family, and second chances.

Don’t forget to join us for Secret Santa Days on December 6! With over 350 authors giving away books, gift cards, and swag, it’s our way of making the season extra special for our readers. So grab a muffin (or two), settle in, and let The Book Corner be your holiday escape!

New in Audiobooks: Available now!

She's just what the doctor ordered . . . but never knew he needed

US Marshal-turned-Sheriff Taylor James can trace her family back to the original thirteen marshals appointed by George Washington. She's good at her job, but once they find out she's the local law, she can't get even one of her dates to stay past the appetizers. Her plan? Convince good friend and hot neighbor Dr. Gabriel Adams to give her dating lessons since his dance card is always full.

A survivor of childhood leukemia with no guarantee his remission will last, Gabe lives by two rules: Don't get emotionally involved, and don't let his well-organized life spiral out of control. When he's given a baby, with his name on her birth certificate, he needs Taylor's help. But dangling dating lessons in exchange? If that will get the dedicated sheriff to lend a helping hand, could it be a bargain worth making?

Buy The Sheriff's Baby Bargain

She doesn't believe in happily-ever-afters . . . He wants to be more than friends . . .

Summoned to Angel Point for her sister's bridal shower, U.S. Marshal Dakota James's plan is to make sure her sister doesn't make the same mistake their parents did. But her quick in-and-out mission gets derailed when Taylor won't listen and instead tries to introduce Dakota to every member of the single male population in Angel Point. One former marine in particular sets off life-changing fireworks that tempt her to reconsider her single status.

Beckett Leland came to Angel Point to check on his cousin's widow and young boys and found a quiet, out-of-the-way town where he and his retired military dog, Tucker, could peacefully make the transition to civilian life. What he doesn't count on is running into a fiery, passionate woman who doesn't believe that love and happy endings are possible. But he wants more than friendship from the marshal who has taken his heart into custody.

Can he convince her that true love is real and their happiness waits just around the corner?

Buy Wanted by the Marshal

He's ready for the lights . . . She knows how to make things sparkle . . .

Baker Grant Reed loves discovering new Christmas recipes, making people smile, and Angel Point—not necessarily in that order. But when his editor turns down his proposal for a Christmas cookbook, he must show her how serious he is about becoming the premier pastry chef in the country. He turns to his best friend, Faith—if anyone can give him a complete makeover that will turn heads, she can.

In her past, Faith Hathaway was a costume designer for some of Broadway's most prestigious plays. Now, after moving to Angel Point to help her grandfather, she owns and operates a vintage boutique and helps out at the local theater. When Grant asks for a makeover, she's torn—she loves him the way he is, mismatched socks and all.

In exchange, he promises to show Faith, who has never enjoyed the holiday season, the magic of an Angel Point Christmas. But as the two grow closer, Grant can't help but wonder . . . has he got his Christmas wish all wrong?

Buy The Christmas Makeover

New Series: A Strawberry Ridge Romance

“A beautiful story about love, forgiveness, family, and healing.” ~ Goodreads Review

It’s time to go home…

Sixteen years after being kicked off the family ranch, widower Blake Lohmen is called home. There’s been an accident and his family needs his help. The timing’s not ideal. A children’s book author, he’s on a tight book deadline and responsible for the care of his wife’s much younger brother. But maybe this is his chance for Blake to make the amends he’d promised.

Following a divorce, traveling nurse and single mom Malorie Harper is not in the market for a man. She and her twins desperately need a change of scenery so she eagerly accepts a summer job offer at a Colorado ranch. The cute small town and gorgeous pastoral scenery framed by mountains feel like a balm to her soul. But on her first day, she walks into a family brawl where her patient nearly falls out of bed while aiming a right hook at her twins’ favorite author.

The uncertain beginning suggests a new chapter for all of them, but can Blake overcome the past, and will this steadfast cowboy help Malorie rediscover love?

Buy The Prodigal Brother Returns

Join Me This Holiday Season and meet new authors. Win Prizes!

Over 350 Secret Santa authors will be giving away books, gift cards, and swag!

See you @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/DangerouslyDarkDarlings

Until next time … Happy reading! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, and at my website: www.susanlute.com.

XO! Susan

Widower Blake Lohmen isn't seeking another shot at love. The deep, soul-fulfilling connection he shared with Tina is one he believes only comes once in a lifetime. Now, his sole focus is fulfilling Tina's dream for her neurodivergent brother, Timmy, ensuring he has the life she always wanted him to have. With their family ranch holding too many memories and unresolved issues, returning home is impossible. That is until Blake receives an unexpected call from the estranged brother he hasn't spoken to for sixteen years.

Malorie Harper, a resilient travel nurse, is reeling from a painful divorce. All she wants is a peaceful summer where she and her twins can heal their wounded hearts. The last thing on her mind is finding love again. But if she ever did, she'd want a partner who embraces family life—someone who comforts her children when they're upset, helps with everyday messes, and cherishes simple moments together like Sunday car rides.

Sometimes, coming home is the first step towards finding where you truly belong, but love is not always easy.

Buy Now

When I first thought about writing a series set on a horse ranch in Colorado, three brothers would not let me go. They were not easy guys, and each had his own story to tell. It would take very special women to win their hearts. The Prodigal Brother Returns is Book One in the Strawberry Ridge Series. I hope you enjoy Blake and Malorie's story.

Until next time … Happy reading! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, and at my website: www.susanlute.com.

XO! Susan

I don't know about you all, but I LOVE how my garden looks after I clean up the winter and spring debris. The only problem is it's hard to get it into my schedule when I'm in the middle of writing. I have gotten some of it done while the temps here in Oregon have been 85+ degrees. Here's a tip for you: I discovered, thanks to Mr. L., the leaf blower. Wow! Press a trigger and the little machine moves pine cones, bits of trees, and even gravel stones; and it makes the cleanup so much easier.

Here's this from my Q&A with Tule Publishing:

Q: Traveling is one of your favorite pastimes. Do you have a favorite destination that has inspired a story or character in your books?

A: I love to travel. One of my favorite places to go (besides Bath and Oxford, England) is the Oregon Coast. Angel Point is inspired by Cannon Beach, Oregon, and Strawberry Ridge, my current series, is inspired by Durango, Colorado. My characters are all made up. There may be an occasional aspect of, for instance, my mom, a tough cookie who made some mistakes, but always kept going in my stories. One thing about her … she never settled in one place for long.

September 12, 2024

“A storyline of coming home, family issues, new connections, and possible romance. The Prodigal Brother Returns by Susan Lute gives you that and so much more. I look forward to reading the next book in this enjoyable series.” - Goodreads Reader

The Prodigal Brother Returns

It’s time to go home…

Sixteen years after being kicked off the family ranch, widower Blake Lohmen is called home. There’s been an accident and his family needs his help. The timing’s not ideal. A children’s book author, he’s on a tight book deadline and responsible for the care of his wife’s much younger brother. But maybe this is his chance for Blake to make the amends he’d promised.

Following a divorce, traveling nurse and single mom Malorie Harper is not in the market for a man. She and her twins desperately need a change of scenery so she eagerly accepts a summer job offer at a Colorado ranch. The cute small town and gorgeous pastoral scenery framed by mountains feel like a balm to her soul. But on her first day, she walks into a family brawl where her patient nearly falls out of bed while aiming a right hook at her twins’ favorite author.

The uncertain beginning suggests a new chapter for all of them, but can Blake overcome the past, and will this steadfast cowboy help Malorie rediscover love?

September 20, 21, 2024

Join me and 350+ authors at:

Fifth Annual Fall Into A Book G!veaway on Facebook!

Don't miss this fan favorite reader/author event!

JOIN ISN'T IT ROMANTIC BOOK CLUB HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/isntitromanticbookclub

Meet new authors. W!n Pr!zes!

Over 300 authors will be g!v!ng away books, g!ft cards, and swag! https://www.facebook.com/groups/isntitromanticbookclub

Until next time … Happy reading! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, and at my website: www.susanlute.com.

XO! Susan

Recipes—Travel—Books

I have a few passions. They include traveling, doing something with my garden (I'm way behind this year, so no pictures to show just how far behind I am), and funny enough: collecting recipes made from scratch, like bread, homemade bean dip, and biscuit mix. When I was in my twenties, I lived in Wantage, England, about 70 miles west of London and 18 miles south of Oxford. Anyway, while I was there I learned how to make things from scratch from one of my friends whose husband was also in the military, so I thought I would share them with anyone who stops by this blog.

Here's the first one:

Biscuit Mix

8 cups shifted flour; ¼ cup baking powder; 4 tsp salt; 1 ½ cups shortening.

Sift baking powder and salt with 2 cups of flour into a large mixing bowl. Add remaining 6 cups of flour. Stir. Drop shortening by spoonfuls on top of the flour mixture. Cut in shortening with a mixer at low speed until the mixture looks like course meal. Store in a covered container. Do not refrigerate. Will keep 6-8 weeks. (makes the best biscuits)

Recently, as part of my new book coming out in September, I participated in a Q&A that I think you'll enjoy. More of the Q&A will come in my next blog posts.

* Your childhood as part of a military family must have been quite an adventure. How has this nomadic lifestyle influenced your writing, particularly in creating bold and brave characters? (They say, write what you know–they being the powers that be in the writing world. So with that in mind…)

>Up until I was 12, moving from base to base and military life was all I knew. I loved it. Except that I now have a family and home of my own. Even so, I would still move to a new place at the drop of a hat. What that means for my heroes and heroines is that often they are both strong-minded and generally not afraid of what chance throws at them. One of them is sometimes former military and one of them doesn't know how to stay in one place. And they have a lot to overcome to discover who they are and who they would be if they gave someone their heart (that is true of both my contemporary romance and romantasy). The thing they have to learn is that falling in love and settling down doesn't mean they have to give up everything. They just know themselves better, and they find a way to be happy. When they do that, they can “bloom where they're planted” (as my mother used to say).

* With such a busy lifestyle, how do you find time to write, and what does your writing routine look like?

>I am a believer in making time to write. Not to say I'm always good at being consistent and not getting distracted, but I try. I'm a retired nurse and a morning person, so I write three hours a day and if I don't get my pages in (my goal is two to three pages a day), or have things to do like Q&As ( ;-D ), promotions, marketing, and all the other things that go along with publishing a book, I come back in the afternoon for a few hours. I don't write in the evening. That time is reserved for my husband.

* Gardening and remodeling your house are quite hands-on activities. Do these hobbies provide a creative outlet for you, and do they ever influence your writing?

>Gardening and remodeling are activities that let me breathe and take some time away from writing, especially my contemporaries. The creative juices need a break, you know? You'll almost always find a serene garden in my books.

NEW RELEASE! Coming September 12, 2024. Ready for preorder

The Prodigal Brother Returns (Book One in A Strawberry Ridge Romance)

It’s time to go home…

Sixteen years after being kicked off the family ranch, widower Blake Lohmen is called home. There’s been an accident and his family needs his help. The timing’s not ideal. A children’s book author, he’s on a tight book deadline and responsible for the care of his wife’s much younger brother. But maybe this is his chance for Blake to make the amends he’d promised.

Following a divorce, traveling nurse and single mom Malorie Harper is not in the market for a man. She and her twins desperately need a change of scenery so she eagerly accepts a summer job offer at a Colorado ranch. The cute small town and gorgeous pastoral scenery framed by mountains feel like a balm to her soul. But on her first day, she walks into a family brawl where her patient nearly falls out of bed while aiming a right hook at her twins’ favorite author.

The uncertain beginning suggests a new chapter for all of them, but can Blake overcome the past, and will this steadfast cowboy help Malorie rediscover love?

See you next time!

Happy reading! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, and Goodreads.

And of course, sign up for my newsletter.

XXOO! Susan

If you're still hanging in with me, I want to say thank you. I know I'm a haphazard blogger at best. So, aside from writing the next book in the Strawberry Ridge Romance series, The Cowboy Fix, here's what's going on ~

First, Logan: The Shadow and the Pen Dragon (a book very close to my heart) is a finalist in the 2024 HOLT Medallion Contest. It's a thrill, to say the least.

Another very exciting announcement: Audio rights for my Angel Point contemporary romance series have been sold to Tantor Media. As soon as I have a publication date I'll let you know.

Good things always come in threes, right? The Prodigal Brother Returns, a Strawberry Ridge Romance Book One will release on September 12, 2024. Pre-order your copy today.

It’s time to go home…

Sixteen years after being kicked off the family ranch, widower Blake Lohmen is called home. There’s been an accident and his family needs his help. The timing’s not ideal. A children’s book author, he’s on a tight book deadline and responsible for the care of his wife’s much younger brother. But maybe this is his chance for Blake to make the amends he’d promised.

Following a divorce, traveling nurse and single mom Malorie Harper is not in the market for a man. She and her twins desperately need a change of scenery so she eagerly accepts a summer job offer at a Colorado ranch. The cute small town and gorgeous pastoral scenery framed by mountains feel like a balm to her soul. But on her first day, she walks into a family brawl where her patient nearly falls out of bed while aiming a right hook at her twins’ favorite author.

The uncertain beginning suggests a new chapter for all of them, but can Blake overcome the past, and will this steadfast cowboy help Malorie rediscover love?

And finally, today is the 141st day of the year. It's going by way too fast. It's also World Meditation Day and National Strawberries and Cream Day. Yum!

Happy reading! Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, and Goodreads. And of course, sign up for my newsletter.

XO Susan

 

There is so much going on today. Already this morning (I'm writing this post on Saturday) it has snowed, the sun is out now melting the snow, and the temperature is predicted to be a high of 41 degrees for the remainder of the day. Fortunately, my mental temperature is somewhere around 76 degrees. It's a good day!

So, let's get right to it. I've been thinking a lot about stories that I have published over my writing career. Ones that I love. This week I'm highlighting two of them and their origin stories.

A Fool For Love (Free! For a limited time)

I remember the day that my sister-friend, Darla Luke, and I conceived the idea for the Sellwood Novellas. We were sitting on a bench in a park in New Orleans having an animated discussion about how busy we were with our day jobs and family and trying to work in time for our passion . . . writing. What could we write that busy readers like us would have time to read? (in addition to penning stories, we're both avid readers) And we came up with Novellas for busy lives. Two authors. Same Town. Different stories. There are four novellas now and one short story. And we're talking about doing more. It's a very exciting project.

Alice York lived a nomadic life working as a classic car mechanic so she could follow her dream of painting landscapes. When a gypsy caravan-style truck breaks down at Martha’s curbside, the last thing single dad, Zach Barret needs is an impulsive pixie rocking his boat. The more determined he is to stay away from the free-spirited, green-eyed nomad, the more he finds one kiss will never be enough. 

Uncovering Alice’s secrets in paintings of empty swings and merry-go-rounds puts a new priority at the top of his shortlist. But can Zach convince this stunning woman to park her truck permanently in his drive? 

Amazon | BN | Apple Books | Kobo  

You can also find all four books at A Sellwood Novella 

The London Affair

Every once in a while a story comes to an author that is so compelling it has to be written. For me, The London Affair is one of those stories. Of all the novels I've written, it's one of my favorites. In my other life, I'm a retired nurse and have always been fascinated by the relationships—good or bad—that we form with family members or those who become family.

Stella came to me on the commute to work one day. What if a woman in trouble won a trip to anywhere in the world? What if it was her daughter who won the trip? And what if the daughter, to shake her mom up, sends her to the one place she doesn't want to go? One of my favorite cities is London, so of course that's where Stella's daughters send her to sort out her life. But she doesn't go alone. Stella isn't the only one who's in trouble with her girls.

Amazon | BN | Apple Books | Kobo

And finally, when I'm not reading or writing, I'm growing an avocado tree :)

Family, community, and the journey home. These are the stories that touch my heart. I hope A Fool For Love and The London Affair touch yours too.

Happy reading! You can follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, and Goodreads. And of course, sign up for my newsletter and follow my blog here at susanlute.com.

XO Susan

In today's world, we all need something to smile about - a good book to read, an engaging movie to watch, something that takes us out of our ordinary world, perhaps even falling in love. I made a list:

*having coffee with the daughter (or any other time)

*Hallmark movies

*plants that bloom in the house during the winter

*growing a bonsai tree

*Tillamook strawberry ice cream

*dreaming of going to Paris

If I were a character in one of my books, the thing that would take me out of my ordinary world would be the meet-cute that happens after a dramatic hook that endears me to readers. Later, falling for the hero is just the icing on the cake.

In the spirit of that endearment, let's talk about The Gentleman's Gambit by Evie Dunmore. The Gentleman's Gambit is the fourth book in Ms Dunmore's A League of Extraordinary Women Series and like the first three books in this series, I'm completely taken in. One of the things I love about this series is that it is set in England in the early world of women's suffrage. I don't want to give away Catriona Campbell and Elias Khoury's meet cute, but it was dramatic enough to pull me into the story about one introverted lady scholar plus one gentleman who did not come to Oxford to classify ancient artifacts. These two very different people have to face that they might just be a perfect match.

Spring is not far away and the garden is calling. In the meantime, I'm about to start Book Two in my Strawberry Ridge Romance series. And I'm hoping to read The Last List of Maybel Beaumond by Laura Pearson. As always, I'd love to get your recommendations . . .

Happy reading! You can catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, and Goodreads. Follow me, if you dare. And of course, sign up for my newsletter and follow my blog here at susanlute.com.

You're right. This is a book blog about books I've read and really liked or just plain loved. Today though, I'm sharing a book I started eleven years ago, and while it was published for a while, it was never quite finished. Dragons have been one of my favorite things for a long time, so this summer I decided that in addition to my contemporary romance novels, I want to write outside my comfort box—fantasy romance. Specifically, continue on with The Dragonborn Chronicles. So I started with Book One, which became Logan: The Shadow and the Pen Dragon. I'm halfway through Book Two, Carlton: The Lost Pen Dragon. There will be at least five books in this series. Here we go:

From the Dragonborn Chronicles—

Only pockets of humans survived the destruction of Mother Earth. In the resulting post-apocalyptic world, Darwin changelings (those who are not humanborn) emerged from hiding, struggling alongside humans to reclaim their former glory. It is during this time that Logan and Beyla—dragon and shadow thief, enemies from the beginning of time, are forced to join forces to defeat a growing evil. Fighting a desire that flames out of their control, together with their kin, they scramble to keep a weapon of incredible destructive power out of the hands of an enemy who would use it to destroy all that is left of their clans.

From Dragons Walk, perched in the highest mountain peaks in what is now called the Colorado Territory, to Avalon above the eastern waters, the ancestral home of the Dragonborn, the battle is just beginning…

What I love about writing this book is how easy it was to let my imagination take flight. I like that the origin story of The Chronicles is about how a writer can say, “screw that!” and then start on a new, startling adventure that even after eleven years is still calling. I love the characters—every one of them—and writing about a time when all seems lost, the history that became a part of Logan and Beyla's story, and that the richness will continue on in the rest of the books.

Launch day is November 28, 2023.

Happy reading! You can catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, BookBub, and Goodreads. And of course, sign up for my newsletter and follow my blog here at susanlute.com.