Melissa Roos's Blog

The wind has shifted, the leaves edge from green to gold, and the daylight hours are becoming more precious with each passing day. Autumn is in full bloom and Winter waits on its colorful coattails, pushing forward.

This makes it the perfect season to get out those cozy blankets, sort through the cabinet, and look for your biggest mug to fill with your favorite hot beverage. Wrap your hands around the warmth, snuggle down on the sofa with a good book, and while away those ever-expanding dark hours.

If you need some suggestions for great reads, take a look at my list below, or ask a fellow book lover for some recommendations.

For me, the fall also means school and sports, and trying to finish those last chapters to complete my fourth novel.

As the days wan so does my creativity. I have experienced writer's block like never before, and it's weighing on me heavily. As the end of the year approaches, I feel the need to accomplish my writing goals for 2023. And my biggest goal is to get book number four - The Further I Fall - the first draft completed.

I still have faith that I can succeed.

Writer's block has forced me to take some drastic measures. No longer is dancing around the kitchen listening to my favorite song enough. (Which no one wants to see!)

I joined a couple of writers' groups. This specific one meets once a month, in a cheerful, cozy atmosphere, suited for writing with an eclectic collection of desks, plants, and lighting. About a dozen of us, some already friends, and others, strangers, sit together, cheering each other on with new accomplishments and tasks at hand, and then . . . silence descends, and we write.

A common bond that links us all together in quiet solidarity, the collective creativity in the air. I can hear the whir of the refrigerator behind the counter, the scrape of a chair as someone shifts, more importantly, I hear the soft but steady click of keys as we all write. Pure heaven.

WNL - you have helped me open the floodgates. Thank you for providing a space that not only accommodates but relaxes, motivates, and encourages.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Have you ever read a book, loved it, and wanted to tell the author? Well, I have. But better yet, to actually meet the author in person and tell her directly? That’s me as well, but I never thought I would get the chance to meet a bestselling author, who has multiple books that I love.

It happened just last week. My family and I were at Bethany Beach in Delaware for the day and of course, I had to stop into the cutest little bookstore just off the boardwalk on the corner, Bethany Beach Books. One of the best bookstores I’ve been to, quaint, friendly, and wall-to-wall books. I was in my happy place. The sand, the sun, the surf, and books, what could be better than that? Just add chocolate and it could have been heaven, but I digress…

On this particular day, there was a stack of Ruth Ware, a British psychological thriller author, books by the front door. If you haven’t read any of her books before, I highly recommend doing so.

I could feel the anticipation in the air, it was release day for her new novel, Zero Days, and she was going to be there that evening signing copies.

I couldn’t believe my luck! I had to get her autograph. I purchased a ticket and returned in the evening. I wasn’t surprised to find the line wrapped around the building, but time flew by as I spoke to the people around me who were just as thrilled to be there as I was.

Ruth Ware did not disappoint. She was friendly, kind, and thankful that we had turned out for the signing and waited patiently in line to see her. The whole event had been so surreal for me. Not only was I getting an autographed copy of her new book on release day

but was able to meet the author herself and let her know how much I enjoyed her other books. It was a dream come true for this aspiring author to meet one of my all-time favorite authors.

The W.I.L.D. Women of Hopeland

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, my youngest daughter and I took a little drive across Lancaster County to Hopeland. A tiny little hamlet nestled between Ephrata and Brickerville, that only has a few buildings with Clay Road running right through it.

We drove past the post office situated barely off the main road and headed toward the unincorporated little town of Clay. Clay is the home of the original Fox Meadows (which serves some of the best ice creams in the county), a pizza place, Foundry Tire Company, a great mechanic shop, and a few other shops. Their slogan is “Shop downtown Clay.”

But before you reach these businesses you will find a quaint, red brick church tucked into the side of a steep hill. The church itself dates back to 1847 but was rebuilt twice, so this existing structure was erected in 1910 with beautiful stained glass windows, a steeple that houses a large bell, and a cemetery with gravestones scattered across the hillside. That's

our destination, Hopeland United Methodist Church.

Inside we were greeted by friends and a cheerfully lit fellowship hall with round tables draped in purple tablecloths and dotted with vases full of spring flowers. We were there to spend a few hours with the W.I.L.D. Women of Hopeland talking about one of my favorite things - BOOKS!

W.I.L.D. is an acronym for Women In Loving Discipleship - which is a women's group at HUMC. What a fabulous way to describe these ladies and what a fun group to be associated with! In the past, they’ve had luncheons, game nights, and retreats.

The W.I.L.D. Women took a little break due to COVID but are starting back up again. For their kick-off event, they decided to take a chance on a local author and invited me to come out and do a little meet and greet.

It was a wonderful group of ladies that braved the dreary weather. It was great to see some old friends and make new ones. The ladies listened to me speak briefly and then asked insightful questions. There was plenty of great conversation, fellowship, and delicious snacks to go around. It was a great afternoon spent among friends! I left there feeling completely surrounded by their enthusiasm, encouragement, and affection.

Thank you for having me WILD Women!

The W.I.L.D. Women of Hopeland

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, my youngest daughter and I took a little drive across Lancaster County to Hopeland. A tiny little hamlet nestled between Ephrata and Brickerville, that only has a few buildings with Clay Road running right through it.

We drove past the post office situated barely off the main road and headed toward the unincorporated little town of Clay. Clay is the home of the original Fox Meadows (which serves some of the best ice cream in the county), a pizza place, Foundry Tire Company, a great mechanic shop, and a few other shops. Their slogan is “Shop downtown Clay.”

But before you reach these businesses you will find a quaint, red brick church tucked into the side of a steep hill. The church itself dates back to 1847 but was rebuilt twice, so this existing structure was erected in 1910 with beautiful stained glass windows, a steeple that houses a large bell, and a cemetery with gravestones scattered across the hillside. That's

our destination, Hopeland United Methodist Church.

Inside we were greeted by friends and a cheerfully lit fellowship hall with round tables draped in purple tablecloths and dotted with vases full of spring flowers. We were there to spend a few hours with the W.I.L.D. Women of Hopeland talking about one of my favorite things - BOOKS!

W.I.L.D. is an acronym for Women In Loving Discipleship - which is a women's group at HUMC. What a fabulous way to describe these ladies and what a fun group to be associated with! In the past, they’ve had luncheons, game nights, and retreats.

The W.I.L.D. Women took a little break due to COVID but are starting back up again. For their kick-off event, they decided to take a chance on a local author and invited me to come out and do a little meet and greet.

It was a wonderful group of ladies that braved the dreary weather. It was great to see some old friends and make new ones. The ladies listened to me speak briefly and then asked insightful questions. There was plenty of great conversation, fellowship, and delicious snacks to go around. It was a great afternoon spent among friends! I left there feeling completely surrounded by their enthusiasm, encouragement, and affection.

Thank you for having me WILD Women!

Have you ever read something outside your typical genre? A couple of months ago I did. I read the KNIGHTESS by J.A.Stein.

I usually wouldn't choose a book based on the words "Historical Fiction" or "Medieval Historical Fiction" but in this particular case, I actually met the author first, which piqued my curiosity and had me ordering a copy immediately.

J.A. Stein tells a tale of a woman destined by blood to be noble and has all that the title entails. A terrible turn of events has her forced into marrying the wrong kind of man and her world is turned upside down.

KNIGHTESS is an epic tale, a love story set in the realm of knights, nobles, and castles. Where men dominated and women were at their mercy. But despite that, one woman is determined to get back what was stolen from her, no matter the cost.

It was a great read which had me rooting for the heroine from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

On April 1st, 2023 the sequel was released - LADY OF THE TOURNAMENT. I just got my copy at a book signing with the author, where she read the prologue out loud to us. There was just something about standing there in this quaint, little winery and hearing the author read from her own book that captivated me.

I can't wait to delve back into the long ago medieval world. To be lost in its pageantry of tournaments, the deception of nobles, and an epic love between a man and a woman.

The moral of the story - try new genres. You never know what's in store just beyond the cover!

So what is your favorite genre to read, your go-to category, the type of book you can't put down? Is it romance? Historical fiction? Thriller? Memoir? Self-help? Or my favorite - mystery romance? There are so many to choose from.

Whatever your genre is, the most important thing is to read.

Why you may ask? Why not, is my answer.

Books are a form of entertainment, a form of escape from everyday life. They can take you to places you may never be able to go. You can travel to the past or the future, across the ocean or to outer space, anywhere the average person can and can't go, all from the comfort of your own home. And after all, isn't that what we want? A chance to do something we could not otherwise make happen in everyday life? Or maybe it's something you want to learn or experience vicariously, and what better way to do it? There's an author, a genre, and a book out there for everyone.

Books are a powerful tool. Just by cracking a book you can be transported anywhere your heart desires, if even for just a brief moment.

So take time to read. It's worth it.

On a cold winter’s night in late January, I drove north to Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, a little town I hadn’t heard of until a few months ago. But if you know me, you know I have a soft spot for small towns that are off the beaten path. I was intrigued and willing to visit.

I had the honor not only to be invited to attend the Orwigsburg Public Library monthly book club but also to have the privilege of having my first book, YOU CAN HIDE, selected to read for January.

From the minute I walked into the cozy, little library, I was put at ease by Claudia, the Librarian. The atmosphere of the library was warm and welcoming. A place I could easily see losing myself amongst their shelves, searching for a good book.

Enthusiastic, friendly, and inviting are the first three words that pop into my mind as I think about my recent visit with the women that attended. They were passionate about books, outgoing, and respected each other not only as fellow readers but more importantly as friends and neighbors.

The saying for the library is - "Libraries are more than just books." And with the Orwigsburg Library, the statement is very true. I came away from that evening with a renewed respect for the small towns that are sprinkled all across our country, and the people that make them great.

Orwigsburg Library and its book club are a true gem in this small town, with a sense of comradery, community, and a passion for reading.

What type of things do you like to do to relax and unwind? For me? When I travel it's the sand and sun. I was lucky enough to stay in the Outer Banks for the first time this summer.

I love the beach, absolutely everything about it. The scent of sunscreen, the smell of brine, the feel of sand between my toes. The sun as it shines down, warming everything that it touches from the top of my head to the sand beneath my feet. I love the sting of the wind after a day spent on the beach, with a slight burn and the saltwater coating everything it's come in contact with.

I love the crash of the waves. The steady lull, and the pull of it against my legs as I stand at the edge dipping my toes into the shockingly cold encroaching waves. Teasing and tempting me in with its refreshing feel. Then there's the sensation of the sand as it's sucked out from under me, burying my feet up to my ankles as the waves rush back in tossing pebbles and broken shells.

Life doesn't get any better, as my beach chair calls out to me, beckoning me back. I relax, sinking into the worn, warm canvas, sunglasses on, and a new book in hand. The pages slightly curled from the damp salt air. For me - this is a little piece of heaven.

Where ever you are this summer - whether it's at the beach, in the mountains, or visiting family and friends, I hope you are able to relax, enjoy, and find your little slice of heaven too. Happy summer everyone!

Exciting news! "Dun - dun - da" . . . I just finished my rough draft of my next mystery romance novel - ,Cherry Hollow .It involves twin sisters, tragedy, a high school heartthrob, and coming back to the only place Cami Parker has ever called home - Cherry Hollow. The newest info on the book - It's being edited as we speak. We're also busy working on the cover. My talented friend, Kristy Hoy, is busy doing what she does best - creating and designing. She's fabulous and the cover is going to be spectacular! I can't wait for you to see it! Stay tuned for a sneak peek - coming soon!

In May I had the honor and privilege of meeting with six lovely ladies at Loxley's Restaurant. The food was delicious, and the conversation was intriguing. These six well-read women gave me a run for my money asking good insightful questions about why I write, and why I love it. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting these women, discovering a little about their lives, and a lot about the books they read, which ones they enjoy and which they dislike.

Going to a book club and discussing my own book was a little out of my comfort

zone, and nerve-racking as I am very reserved when out of my element and have always been shy, painfully so as a child. I had so many questions running through my mind. Would they like the book or hate it? Did they enjoy the story? Were my characters memorable? Did they like the setting? Did they see the story the way I do? And so many more!

But these women were kind, interesting, and a lot of fun, making me feel comfortable right from the beginning.

I want to send out a great big THANK YOU to the Ladies of Loxley!