Deborah Armstrong's Blog

When Love Meets Fear: The Main Themes Behind Love’s ChallengesI haven’t sent out a newsletter in quite some time. I’ve switched to a new platform, and I’m having to teach myself the basics while keeping it as simple as possible. Remember KISS? Keep It Simple Stupid? That’s me for the time being.Now, let’s talk about Love’s Challenges. Love’s Challenges explores how trauma, trust, and music intersect to shape two people as they learn to love imperfectly. Here’s a closer look at the themes that drive Molly and Jack’s story.Love that Heals, Not FixesAt the heart of Love’s Challenges is the idea that love cannot simply erase pain — it can witness it. Molly is a woman whose life has been shaped by a family tragedy, a past that left her with instincts to flee. Jack arrives not as a bandage but as a steady presence who refuses to let her run unchecked. The novel treats healing as a process, a series of small choices rather than a single, cinematic moment of redemption.Fear as a Living ThingFear in this story acts almost like a character. It shows up in the smallest things — the involuntary recoil when Jack removes his shirt, the sudden need to escape a room, the way memories insert themselves into ordinary moments. By personifying fear, the book gives readers an intimate view of how trauma alters perception. This perspective matters because it invites compassion rather than judgment. Molly’s reactions aren’t obstacles to be overcome so much as signals that require understanding and care.Music and IntimacyJack is a rock star, and music is more than a backdrop: it’s a language of connection. Songs become declarations, invitations, and safe passages into vulnerability. When Jack sings directly to Molly from centre stage, the music performs what words alone cannot: it lowers defences, makes emotion tangible, and creates a shared space where two fractured people can begin to reassemble themselves. For readers, the concert moments offer a sensory counterpoint to the quieter scenes of therapy, conversation, and silence.Patience, Consent, and BoundariesAnother central theme is the tension between desire and consent. Jack’s determination is tempered by patience; love isn’t a conquest here. The narrative emphasizes listening and respecting limits, showing that romantic persistence without consent is harm, not heroism. The book models how partners can support recovery by honouring boundaries and allowing trust to grow on its own timetable.Why These Themes MatterReaders often seek romance for catharsis, but Love’s Challenges offers a rarer payoff: a portrayal of love that acknowledges scars and still chooses tenderness. It’s a story for anyone who has learned that courage sometimes looks like staying put and that the bravest act may be accepting help. Ultimately, the novel asks: Can love be the thing that makes living with fear possible? For Molly and Jack, the answer is an evolving, beautiful maybe.Let’s Stay ConnectedI am running an Amazon Best-Seller Campaign from March 19-21, 2026, when I’ll offer the Love’s Challenges e-book for free on Amazon. If you follow me on social media, you’ll be seeing lots of promotional posters. It’s time to show Jack and Molly lots of love. I invite you to mark your calendar so that you don’t miss this opportunity to download your free e-book.In the meantime,Happy Reading,Unsubscribe | Manage your subscription
L7C 2M6      

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It’s been a long time since I last posted a Friday Feel- Good blog. So much has been going on. There’s so much to share with you, but I can’t do it all in one reading. Please be patient, dear reader, (not channelling Bridgerton, or am I?)

April Showers Bring May Flowers and Lots of Birthdays

April seems to be our family’s birthday month. This month, we are celebrating my daughter’s 40th birthday, my grandson’s 2nd birthday, my favourite DIL’s birthday, my nephew’s birthday, and a few BFF’s birthdays. There are so many feel-good days that we could have cake every week this month. I prefer white cake with cream filling. Do you have a favourite? If April is your birthday month, Happy Birthday!

Best-Seller in Rockstar Romance

Last month, I ran an Amazon campaign to promote Love’s Challenges, the 4th book in my Davina and Quinn series. This campaign gave me a lot of feel-good feelings. Thanks to everyone who downloaded their free ebook, Love’s Challenges earned #1 in Rockstar Romance in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., with over 3,000 downloads. I wrote Love’s Challenges for my youngest daughter when we shared an appreciation for a certain rock star and his tattoos.

 

Bates is Nearing Completion

A certain someone is coaxing Bates out of his shell, and his story is giving my writer feel-good feelings. When one of my characters opens up to me and tells me their story, it’s a wonderful feeling to be able to put it into words. Even Bates is cracking a smile, and that means we’re making headway in telling his story. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Book Fairs

I’m trying out some new book fairs this year. I invite you to check out my Events Calendar to see where you can see me in person. I hope to see you.

Weekend Plans

Taxes are almost done. Old files are waiting to get boxed. Read a book. Write a story. Relax. Look for another binge-watchable feel-good series. Got any suggestions?

If you’re a weekend binge watcher, I highly recommend The Madison with Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell. It’s six episodes, and there’s a second season ready to be released. It’s on Prime Video if you are a subscriber. Here’s the YouTube link to the trailer. https://youtu.be/OSb-X_YkLg4?si=oTYgA2p-J97s8uc0

Also highly recommended for feel-good movies is The Idea of You, starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, also on Prime. It’s the older woman, younger man trope, and he’s a sexy singer in a boy band. Here’s the link to the trailer on YouTube https://youtu.be/V8i6PB0gGOA?si=GvPOnQ91uHd9MWIk

Until I post again, happy reading and enjoy your weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2026, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

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It’s been some time since I last posted feel-good feelings. A lot has happened, and then again, a lot hasn’t happened, like writing. Here’s some of what happened:

Bates stopped talking to me.Bates with sunglasses.

I can’t call it writer’s block because I’ve been working on other projects. It’s just that Jon Bates, the strong and silent hero of Book 2 of the Game Changer series, stayed silent. He let me fly him to a Caribbean island, and then he decided to bask in the sun while I figured things out. I was not impressed, and I told him that if he didn’t start talking and provide feel-good scenes, he would be kicked to the curb. As a result, Bates began to talk and let me write quite a few chapters. Although I didn’t meet my October deadline, I plan to present Bates in the New Year. In the meantime, I will show you an AI-generated photograph of Bates. What do you think? Does he match your image of him? Does he give you a feel-good vibe?

We had a Wedding!Team Bride

October 4th was a magical day for our family. Our lovely daughter, Tiegan,  married her man, Dean. He’s perfect for her, and he fits in perfectly with the Armstrong family. The day was filled with many feel-good memories. Lots of hugs and kisses, and dancing! My day started at 5:45 am and ended at 2 am the following morning. We still talk about the wedding and how much fun it was.

 

 

 

We Went on a Mediterranean Cruise.Holiday Feel-Good

 

Hubby and I went on a Mediterranean cruise. We sailed on the Viking Star. Eleven days visiting places new to us while enduring the sweltering heat wave. Although we enjoyed ourselves, I found the heat to be too much for me; it wore me out. Were there highlights to the trip? Of course, there were.: Monaco (F1 racing and Princess Grace Kelly’s gravesite), Dubrovnik (one of the settings for Game of Thrones), and Venice (a romantic gondola ride).

 

 

 

Book News!

 

Would you like to win twenty free romance ebooks and a Kindle? I’ve entered Forever Love in an Email Subscriber Giveaway. It runs from November through December. All you have to do is join the newsletter lists of fellow romance authors. The more authors you follow, the greater your chance to win. You are already on my mailing list, but this is a great opportunity to discover other romance authors and WIN! Share the link with your friends. Here’s the link:  https://bit.ly/47ZXwe6

I’ll be attending the Brampton Fall Fair’s Winter Market on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The fairgrounds are located at 12942 Heart Lake Road, Caledon. I invite you to come out and support me and fellow local vendors.

In the meantime, I’m working on an Amazon Best Seller Campaign for Love’s Games. The campaign runs from December 4th to 6th. During this time, you can download the ebook for free. Keep an eye on my social media to get updates. Keep in touch through emails or DMs. I enjoy staying connected to you.

 

 

Happy Reading,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2025, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

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Here in Canada, it’s the long weekend, a definite feel-good time. Although May 24th is for celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday, most see the May long weekend as the official start to the cottage season. Add a few cases of beer, and then it becomes the May 24 Weekend.

We’ve set up the patio furniture. Now, we only need a few potted plants and cushions to add colour to the patio. My dragons and garden gnomes collection has suffered through the winter, so it’s time to replenish my collection. It’s also time to visit the feed supply store and get a new propane tank for the bbq. Maybe they’ll have a garden gnome or two waiting for me. If the weather cooperates, I’ll spend time out on the patio and enjoy the fresh air. What’s your favourite patio activity?

This weekend, I’ve got plans with Bates. I promised myself that if I didn’t finish his story by Christmas, it would be time to kick Bates to the curb. I love the strong and silent guy, but he’s been too silent and I need him to talk to me.

I’m trying something new and it’s giving me a feel-good feeling. Amazon has offered me the opportunity to convert three of my ebooks into audio books. I know there’s a lot of controversy about using AI for voices. However, I’d like to give it a shot. There is quite the variety of voices offered, and I have found three I like. I’ve uploaded the audio version of Love’s Farewell, and am waiting for it to become live. If you like audio books and you give Love’s Farewell a try, please let me know your thoughts on it. There are no wrong answers.

That’s it for my plans. We’ll see what happens.

Happy reading.

 

 

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2025, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

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Friday Feel-Good Blog

It’s Mother’s Day Weekend. Many of us celebrate it, whether we are celebrating our mothers or ourselves. I had forgotten all about it until my youngest granddaughter phoned me to ask me out for Sunday breakfast. She said, “I love you, Grandma,” before passing the phone to her daddy, who delivered the invitation. When I look at my calendar, I have many dates marked for meetings or appointments, but I didn’t mark Mother’s Day. I wonder what the meaning behind that omission is?

Maybe the reason is that we don’t always put ourselves first as mothers or grandmothers. Family first, but what about our placement in the family? Where do we fit in? I have to admit that I don’t advocate for my placement. I’m happy with what I get from my family. I’m very fortunate to have them live close by (next door). My family is my Feel-Good every day. I love our visits, hanging out at the baseball diamond, and our walks around the farm. I love every one of them and I know they love me. In other words, they are all I need for my Friday Feel-Good Feeling.

Therefore, if you’re a mom or if you’re visiting with your mom, have a wonderful Mother’s Day.

Happy Reading,

 

 

 

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2025, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

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It’s Wedding Weekend! I love everything about weddings and all the trimmings. I love the romantic vibe, the wedding attire (dresses and suits), the flowers, the decor and the gathering of friends and family. Everyone is happy for the newly married couple, and we all get high on the love and excitement that fills the air. Then there’s the wedding dancing, the speeches, and a few drinks mixed in for fun. There will be plenty of hugs and kisses and best wishes. I know I’ll shed some happy tears. Bring the Kleenex!

Congratulations, Alannah and Andrei!

 

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2024, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

The post Wedding Weekends are the Best appeared first on Deborah Armstrong.

It’s been some time since I posted my Friday Feel-Good Blog. I’m returning to the writing groove, managing my social media and feel-good blogs. If you follow my posts on my Facebook personal page, you’ll know we now have gates on our farm. It’s surprising how my fictional life becomes my real life. Little did I know when I wrote the following paragraph in Love’s Games that we would need to install gates on our farm.

Quinn stopped his Porsche at the farm gates. He gazed up the lane toward the farmhouse. So much had changed since he had married
Davi and begun his life as the farmer’s husband. To keep paparazzi and overzealous fans off the property, they erected a fence around the farm
including security gates with video surveillance. Davi had balked at the added protection, but Quinn and Jake managed to convince her that the
twins’ safety demanded it after the latest threats made against Hollywood celebrities and their families.

The gate leading to our farmhouse is beautiful and serves a much-needed purpose. It provides peace of mind and security while keeping the outside world outside. Our gates have cameras and intercoms, allowing us to see who is at our gate and letting us speak with them. We are not celebrities keeping the paparazzi off our land, far from it. However, we answer calls at our gates or on our landline daily—people want a tour, a job, or raw milk to purchase. We no longer provide tours because we don’t have the time or the energy. We don’t have job vacancies since our employees don’t quit, and we don’t sell raw milk because it’s illegal to do so.

However, our gates aren’t one hundred percent effective. Not everyone thinks a gate applies to them, especially when they don’t know farms are private property. We are still vigilant. If we keep a gate open when we expect feed deliveries, people will drive in, park their cars and wander around the farm. Walk-ins also occur. Although we appreciate their interest in our farm and the cows and their desire to get that farm feel-good feeling, we cannot have strangers on our property for safety and privacy.

 

Have You Entered My Feel-Good Giveaway?

This month, I’m running a Coffee Date and e-book Giveaway. Have you entered? If not, here’s the link: https://bit.ly/RomanceAndCoffee

Winners will receive a gift card for Starbucks or Tim Horton’s and a Kindle ebook of Love’s Challenges. If you’ve entered, good luck!

Happy Reading,

 

 

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2024, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

 

 

 

 

 

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Finally! My Friday Feel-Good Blog! I hope my blog finds you well and looking forward to the weekend. We’re supposed to have warmer and drier weather this weekend, but it’s April, so anything can happen. We’ve had snow and rain this week, and the windstorm that started it all was quite spectacular. I thought we’d find tree branches in the yard, but nothing happened. Here’s a photograph of a robin during the storm. I wonder what he was thinking.

April Fool’s Day

Were you fooled on April 1st? Were you among the many who wished me a happy birthday on April Fool’s Day? If so, thank you for the feel-good messages. However, my birthday is in June, and if you are a longtime follower, you will know that I have a book giveaway and more in June, celebrating the entire month. I didn’t think of April Fool’s Day when I entered my birthdate as April 1st on Facebook. Many friends were duped into sending me happy birthday wishes in the first few years. It’s an excellent test to determine how well your friends know you.

Writing News

In February, I went on a book publishing cruise, Publishing at Sea, hosted by Judith Briles and presented by a talented group of professionals specializing in everything, including writing, editing, book covers, and marketing. It was my first ocean cruise to Mexico. Surprisingly, I didn’t suffer sea sickness, although I felt the ship moving. The cabin’s bathroom was where I felt the motion most. It was almost comical how I swayed while trying to brush my teeth while listening to the flapping of the garbage can lid. The food on the ship was delicious, the entertainment was top-notch, and the company was exceptional. I travelled with my youngest daughter, Tiegan, my travel buddy. The workshop attendees were fellow authors and professionals I have met through my writing journey; it was exciting to meet with them in person after a long absence. Here’s the link to check out next year’s cruise. https://publishingatsea.com/publishing-at-sea/

What’s New on Bates

Bates is taking his time to reach the end of his story. Although he’s having fun while getting there, he keeps his cards close to his chest. Not being a talkative man, he’s letting his lady companion ask questions and learn about him through third parties. I have written most of his story on my cellphone. This is a new process for me. However, I must be ready when Bates decides to let me in. I may share some of his secrets with you in my newsletter. Stay tuned for some Bates feel-good.

Kindle Unlimited

Did you know that all of my books are available on Kindle Unlimited? It’s a great way to check out an author without buying their books. Authors are paid per page read. I’ve convinced hubby to use my Kindle Unlimited account for his reading habit. I’m an avid user of it, too.

Weekend Plans – Feel Good

This weekend, there will be a lot of feel-good happening. Today, I’m celebrating my bestie’s birthday. We have reservations at a restaurant I’ve not been to. I’m looking forward to checking this place out. Also, I’m going to see Les Mis on Saturday. I’ve been humming the soundtrack to myself this week, preparing for it. I love musicals.

Happy reading!

 

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2024, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

The post Friday Feel-Good Blog first appeared on Deborah Armstrong.

The post Friday Feel-Good Blog appeared first on Deborah Armstrong.

I’ve missed sending my Friday Feel-Good Blogs. Although I’ve had lots of feelings to share, I thought I’d share the feel-good Christmas movies on my must-watch list. You can let me know if I’ve missed  a Christmas favourite of yours:

Family Stone (2005 comedy/romance)White Christmas (1954 musical)Love Actually (2003 comedy/romance)The Santa Clause (1994 comedy/family)The Santa Clause 2 (2002 comedy/family)The original A Christmas Carol (1951 drama)Scrooged (1988 comedy/fantasy)Home Alone (1990 comedy/family)Miracle on 34th Street (1947 comedy/fantasy)It’s a Wonderful Life (1946 fantasy/comedy)Violent Night (2022 action comedy)Die Hard  (1988 action) – up for debate – is it a Christmas movie?

I start off the feel-good season with Family Stone. It’s a comedy and a tear-jerker. Next comes White Christmas and Love Actually. I watched Violent Night with my eldest daughter, who hadn’t seen it before. My grandkiddies are fans of Home Alone. They know that the stunts in the movie would hurt or kill a person in real life.  The Santa Clause movies 1 and 2 explain Santa Claus in a very believable way. A definite feel-good movie for kids. I don’t like the third movie with Jack Frost. Once was enough. A Christmas Carol. Miracle on 34th Street and It’s a Wonderful Life are movies from my childhood. I can’t let a year go by without watching them.

Of course, to watch these movies, I have to have the appropriate snacks. Buttered popcorn, hot chocolate, and Twizzlers.

Weekend Plans

This weekend, I plan to wrap some presents, tidy up my office, and spend time with my grandkiddies.

Whatever your plans, enjoy yourself.

Merry Christmas!

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2023, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

The post Friday Feel-Good Blog first appeared on Deborah Armstrong.

The post Friday Feel-Good Blog appeared first on Deborah Armstrong.

Congratulations to this Week’s Winner

Congratulations to Lori, who is this week’s winner.

I love running contests and introducing my series to new readers. I hope they fall in love with Davina and Quinn as much as I do. Did you know you can email or contact me through social media and ask me questions about the series? I’m happy to talk about my characters.

Did You Know?

Three characters are based on my friends:

MaggieJesJake

My pets are in my books:

Lucky the service dog was my Rhodesian RidgebackKitty, aka Duchess, was the cat I was sure would kill me on the staircase

My characters’ names origin:

I ran a contest to come up with Foxx O’Connell’s name. It fits his character perfectly. Wouldn’t you agree?Davina is the name of a great aunt as well as the middle name of my youngest daughterMaggie was the name of my bestie’s dogWeekend Plans

My weekend plans always seem the same, but they are my favourite things to do:

reading – my TBR pile is growingwriting – NaNoWriMo is coming soon.working on social media – announcing this week’s winnerhanging out with my grandkids – what have they got planned this time

Have yourself a wonderful weekend. Good luck to all of you. There’s one more chance to win. http://www.bit.ly/RomanceWins

 

Deborah Armstrong is an expert in writing engaging and scintillating romance. In the Davina and Quinn Love series, Deborah Armstrong writes hot and spicy contemporary romance with a touch of country, inviting her readers to experience Hollywood, New York City, and her dairy farm in Canada. In the Game Changer series, Deborah uses the foothills of Alberta as her setting for her sensual romances. Deborah Armstrong’s books are for you if you love passion, drama, and suspense in your romance stories. She is guaranteed to make you feel good.

(C) 2023, Deborah Armstrong. All rights reserved

 

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