New Year’s Resolutions and an Ancient Roman God

 

January is the month of Janus, the two-headed god of ancient Romans in charge of new beginnings. His two faces gazed in opposite directions so that he could watch the start and the end of each day. With such a momentous job, Janus was the natural choice to usher in the New Year. But the actual first day of the New Year was up for grabs until the Roman Senate settled on January 1. Janus became the god people prayed to for mercy from their enemies and for a prosperous time ahead.

Janus is one of the few Roman gods that has no counterpart in Greek mythology as the Zeus/Jupiter or Hera/Juno duality. Janus was one of the "good gods" who humankind could appeal to for help in everyday life. How Janus became associated with the negative connotation of being hypocritical or deceitful: "two-faced" or "Janus-faced," remains a mystery. God of doors, gateways, beginnings, childbirth, the future and the past, he was often called upon at the start of wars. To show his support, the doors to his temple in the Roman Forum would remain open during wars, while they stayed closed during times of peace.

Beginning the New Year with resolutions is a tradition we are very familiar with. Many people pledge to work on bettering themselves, and vow to stop smoking, lose weight, or give up drinking. The ancient Romans also had resolutions, eager to throw out whatever bad luck they had in the old year and replace it with good luck in the new. They believed in giving New Year's gifts: olive branches from special, sacred trees; gold-covered nuts; or from the wealthy, gold coins of Janus himself.

We in modern times also look forward to a fresh start on January 1 and derive comfort from traditions with our family and friends. Our custom of having parties on New Year's Eve comes from the belief that what people did or ate on January 1 would affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year. What better way to ring in the New Year than celebrating with those you love? Many people still believe in the tradition that if a tall, dark-haired man is the first person to enter their house, they will have good fortune for the entire year. And as for food, black-eyed peas are a requirement to eat on New Year's Day, along with ham or hog jowls, a symbol of prosperity. Some regions consider cabbage as lucky food, donuts as the circle of life, and even rice is considered fortuitous.

Whatever your New Year's resolutions are, may the god Janus be smiling down upon you!

--

As January is the perfect month for Susanne Marie Knight's, JANUS IS A TWO-HEADED GOD, this award-winning science fiction romance is now available electronically and in print at: Amazon.com and also electronically at Smashwords.com and Universal Link https://books2read.com/u/mBJwoM.   

Also available electronically and in print is the sequel JANUS IS A TWO-FACED MOON, at Amazon.com,  and electronically at Smashwords.com and Universal Link https://books2read.com/u/bx9Qj6

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

2024 In Review!

 

Hello! 2024 turned out to be another banner year! In addition to an epic Science Fiction; a second chance at love Contemporary; and a whimsical time-travel Regency, all three Sedona West novels are now available in one book collection. Very, very cool!

1. THE XENON ADVANTAGE: A dangerous interstellar assignment to colonize a nonterrestrial world forces Naressa to butt heads with a powerful alien leader and a stubborn Terran crewmember.

Decatur Reviews raves: 5 Stars! What in the world is a Xenon Advantage and how can I get it? The easiest way is to read THE XENON ADVANTAGE and enjoy your journey into the vast expanse of interstellar space. Be sure to wear your “blocking cap” to ensure complete privacy! I loved watching our heroine, Naressa, learn how to not only handle her crewmates’ inappropriate thoughts when she doesn’t have her blocking cap on, but also how she grows into the mature woman she’s destined to become. A thoroughly enjoyable read!--

THE XENON ADVANTAGE is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRQFYVTN

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1504534

Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/mv9Nll

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3NJQ58  Print

2. THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY: The “one that got away” catches up with twice divorced Chris Chambers twenty six years later. Is it too late to have a happily ever after?

Norwood Reviews declares: I’m a sucker for second chance romance stories. Ms. Knight delivers once again in this new contemporary, THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY. We have a couple in their forties who had a bit of a history when they were teens, to finally find themselves together again. Should they take the next step? Will Eric’s adult kids give their blessing? Can Christine overcome her two previous failed marriages? Should she and Eric finally commit? Grab your copy and enjoy the ride! 5 Stars!

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWSVK66J

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1531152

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/ml6oE9

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CX6L5DVW Print:

3. YESTERDAY’S TREASURES: A Regency themed photo shoot, a magical wedding dress, and a mysterious “uncle” send Mattie Newcastle back to the past.

Regency Fiction World says: 5 Stars! Another exciting Regency Time-Travel Romance from popular author Susanne Marie Knight. Due to receive her masters from graduate school, Mattie Newcastle has a very bright future ahead of her. However, her life takes a sudden detour when she models as a bride in a period-piece photo shoot. In a blink of an eye, she finds herself in the year 1816, in London, and married to a very aristocratic marquess! How in the world did this happen? Determined to discover the truth, Mattie crosses swords with a voluptuous rival, a badly used new friend, a woebegone Duke, an on-the-shelf lady, a gambling mother-in-law, and a very eager bridegroom, not to mention a pointy-earred... No spoilers! Don’t miss this unique Regency romp!

YESTERDAY’S TREASURES is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8ZVT368

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1587406

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/4jpey2

In Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D92BBZX4

4. THE SEDONA WEST MYSTERIES:  Hooray! You asked for this, and now it’s here: the complete set of Sedona West Murder Mysteries.

 About Sedona West:

Recovering from a nasty divorce, Sedona gets more than she bargains for when she moves to the idyllic town of Cozy Haven. Her intention is to piece together her shattered life. But Fate decides to throw major roadblocks in her way. First, the hunky sheriff has his eye on her. Second, a celebrity psychologist tries to get her on his private couch. Third, her disreputable ex husband unexpectedly makes an appearance. And fourth, a Girl-Night party turns into an actual Murder party... with all the guests drugged by sedatives in the wine. Talk about a major hangover! And now, Sedona finds herself under the sheriff’s scrutiny as a possible murder suspect. She had the means, the motive, and the opportunity to kill the deceased so how can she convince everyone that she’s innocent?

THE SEDONA WEST MYSTERIES is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJL41V6R

Happy reading to all... no matter what the year! And Happy New Year 2025!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

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“A Very Special Christmas Present” Short Story

Regency romances are always popular with readers. Perhaps it’s because they recall an elegant era or perhaps it’s the appeal of noblemen and their ladies. Whatever the attraction, I’m heartily glad for it! “A Very Special Christmas Present” began as a submission to a new Regency publishing house. The publisher was conducting a contest for short stories to include in the new print and electronic anthology. The contest rules were simple: set the story around a winter holiday: the parameters between Advent and Twelfth Night. Naturally I chose Christmas!

Happily, my story was one of the seventeen winners. “A Very Special Christmas Present” earned fantastic reviews.

As it happens so often, the publisher had to close its doors and the anthology is no longer available. The rights to “A Very Special Christmas Present” returned to me. Some time passed, and then I received a call from a publisher to submit a short story. I sent in “A Very Special Christmas Present” and it was part of their inventory for many years.

Deidre's only brother was killed in the Napoleonic Wars, so romance is the furthest thing from her mind. However her young "niece"--Cupid's curly-haired accomplice--is determined to give Auntie Dee the best Christmas present ever.

“A Very Special Christmas Present” is now available in my portfolio of books on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link.

Here’s the new cover:

Deidre’s young “niece” is determined to give her Auntie Dee the best Christmas present ever: a husband!

 Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link

 Some very special reviews for “A Very Special Christmas Present”:

* FIVE STARS! Fans of the stories set in early nineteenth century England will find this a comfortably familiar world. The setting is completely perfect, from the wonderful home and dedication to needlework, to the holiday plans, and even the focus on marriage. You will enjoy Knight’s clever twist with descriptions--her snow-capped fir trees “huddle” from the cold, and main character Deidre expresses frustration by ‘savagely’ embroidering. Throughout, the phrasing is subtle but delightful. It’s hard to say more without spoiling this one. Full of Christmas charm, Susanne Marie Knight’s A Very Special Christmas Present, would make a very nice present for some lucky romance fan on your shopping list...I will certainly re-read.--Long & Short Reviews.

* This is a most refreshing story. Sometimes we judge too quickly before learning the real truth.--Romance At Heart.

* I didn't want this story to end! More, more, more!--Reader Comment

* This is the best Regency short story I've read.-- Reader Comment

Real life tidbit: Just as our heroine, Deidre Livingston, I dabble in embroidery. Or rather, I used to dabble in embroidery. I enjoyed buying handkerchiefs and then using one as a canvas, embroider a friend or family member’s name to give as a gift. Deidre has far more talent than I ever had!

Scene setup: At a Christmas party, Jeremy Stafford, the Earl of Bainbridge, encounters the intriguing Miss Livingston who rescues him from the consequences of an unplanned sneeze!

Jeremy picked up two glasses of the mulled cider and handed one to Miss Livingston. The pungent aroma of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, tickled his nose even before he drank.

He sneezed. “I beg your pardon.” Reaching for his handkerchief, he came up empty.

Miss Livingston must have realized his dilemma for she searched in her reticule and pulled out a delicate, embroidered cloth. “Please, take mine,” she offered.

Accepting the handkerchief, he marveled at the satin-stitch design and the feminine name of Deirdre stitched upon it. “My thanks, Miss Livingston. I gave mine to that imp of a child. Is this your fine needlework?”

She looked down at the parquet wood floor. Modesty became her. “Yes. I had the pleasure of giving handkerchiefs as Christmas gifts to all Lady Fairmont’s guests.” Her gaze everywhere but on him, she added, “Would you like for me to make one for you, also?”

His response came straight from the heart. “Indeed, if I may, I wish to keep this one. Your name is quite lovely.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you enjoy Deidre and Jeremy’s Christmas story. Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Happy reading,

 

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

A Puppy For Christmas!

Just look at this adorable puppy!! Wouldn’t you want to see him as a holiday gift?

He’d be no muss, no fuss. Why? Because he’s Yo-Yo, the Yuletide Yorkshire, featured in the Minx Tobin murder mystery series, Case Five: THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE. (Catchy name, right?)

Minx finds something unexpected under the Christmas tree. Unfortunately, it wasn’t something left by Santa.

Who is Minx Tobin, you ask? Minx is a fitness instructor newly relocated to Los Angeles, California, who has a knack for solving puzzles--puzzles concerning dead bodies. For fun, romance, and... unexpected corpses, follow her adventures in the Minx Tobin Murder Mystery Series!

HO, HO, HO... OH!

Home for the holidays, Minx Tobin introduces her parents to her homicide lieutenant, Gabe Harris. Unfortunately for her, her ex-fiancé Jared drops in on them, creating friction. But Jared soon needs Minx's help in the sleuthing department because a gruesome "present" is found under the tree. Once again, Minx is hot on the trail of a desperate killer.

All Gabe wants to do is propose to the woman he loves. Instead, he has to deal with a cast of East Coast characters, including an unexpected murder. Why do dead bodies always seem follow Minx Tobin??

Visit http://youtu.be/EIjQKNbuZWw to see a trailer of this book--with previous cover.

Desert Breeze Publishing previously published all six Minx Tobin novels. The publishing rights are now returned to me and all six books have new covers! PLUS, there is a new novel for the series: THE KILLING KISS.

THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE has received great reviews including FIVE Stars from Goodreads and 4.5 Stars from Sensual Reads! 

THE YULETIDE YORKSHIRE is available for purchase electronically at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, Universal Link, and other Internet locations.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from my house to yours!

Susanne

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

2008! Wasn’t it great?

 

The year 2008 produced only one novel, but what a novel! THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE is a delicious blend of paranormal, ghosts, and romantic suspense... and a Dream Realm Finalist!

1. THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE: Award-Winning Regency Romance! A determined young miss, a battle-weary lord, and a reckless masquerade. What will the Earl of Tremaine do when he discovers his page's shocking secret?

Coffee Time Romance Reviews raves: This is an interesting suspense tale with three good main characters. Stuart is a tortured ex-cop who feels responsible for his partner's death. Lara is cursed by her gift and wishes it would go away, and Chrissy is an unwanted and neglected child who befriends the both of them. The rest of the cast add a bit of comic relief. The plot itself is fun to read with elements of suspense, romance and the paranormal. The dialogue is engaging. There is a good amount of suspense and fine love scenes also in this very enjoyable story.

THE WAKEFIELD DISTURBANCE is available at:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B086V387F1

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1014102

Universal Link: https:// https://books2read.com/u/mVYRwM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W6QD5G2 Print

Happy reading to all... no matter what the year!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanksgiving Thanks

Keeping this short and sweet: Here in the U.S.A., Thanksgiving is a special time to give thanks for the many blessings we receive daily. YOU are a blessing in our lives and I thank you all for being you!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from my house to yours!

Susanne Marie Knight

www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

P.S. Along with your Thanksgiving turkey, try a cornucopia of thrilling Romance Writing with a Twist reads in these genres: Paranormals, Regencies, Science Fiction, Mysteries, Suspense, Fantasy, Contemporaries, and much more!

Having A Blast In 2009!

 

The year 2009 rang in with an award-winning classic Regency, an award-winning Science Fiction Romance for cover art, and a very clever horror short story--free at the Universal Link below.

1. PAGING MISS GALLOWAY: Award-Winning Regency Romance! A determined young miss, a battle-weary lord, and a reckless masquerade. What will the Earl of Tremaine do when he discovers his page's shocking secret?

You Gotta Read Reviews raves: You Need to Read! Paging Miss Galloway by Susanne Marie Knight is an irrepressibly fun comedy of hidden agendas and mistaken identities all done in the tradition of the late, great Georgette Heyer... Ms. Knight does an exceptional job of keeping the tension uppermost in her readers‘ minds as she keeps Danny from revealing her true identity to Edward while we watch her feelings for him grow deeper. The multiple subplots embedded within the story are a great literary technique. Rather than detracting from the main theme of love recognizing its match in spite of life’s obstacles, the subplots only add to and bolster the story even more. I found Paging Miss Galloway to be a very entertaining and enjoyable romance, just the right book to read when you want to relax for a few hours, and escape in the past.

PAGING MISS GALLOWAY is available at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXL8EIW

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/681995

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mgYjz6

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095GJ5RFX  Print

2. FOREVVER: In the year 2102, the Fountain of Youth exists for only a select few. But you can’t cheat death ForEvver.

Once Upon A Romance Reviews declares: 5 Stars! The romance and secrets in this book are what made it so intriguing. It was a book that I couldn't put down... I loved how Ms. Knight kept the passion and the mystery alive until it was time for one of the other to take front stage and claim the book. I will most definitely be looking for more books written by this author!

FOREVVER is available at:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BIP1YRY

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/588908

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/3L5ygN

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094CXWQLC Print:

3. “Cup O’Joe” short story: Horror with a twist!

Readers say: Scary story! Kind of gross too, but effective! Great way to start the day with a cup of coffee! Fun read!

“Cup O’Joe” is available at

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AQW1SJ8

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/585111 FREE

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/4Aap70 FREE

Happy reading to all... no matter what the year!

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

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Happy Veterans Day!

To honor our vets, here are a few Romance Writing with a Twist reads that have a military theme. 

THE COMING

At Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link. And in print at Amazon.com.

“Shades Of Old Glory” short story

At at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link.

“A Very Special Christmas Present” short story

At Amazon.com and Smashwords.com and Universal Link.

Hope you enjoy! Thank you, veterans, for your service.

 Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

Let’s Travel Back To 2010!

                     

Can you believe it? 2010 is fourteen years ago! To celebrate this, we have twoclassic novels and also a cute paranormal (or is it?) short story.

1. THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO: Eating at Valentin's Bistro can be hazardous to amateur detective Minx Tobin's health, so why does she continue to dine at this restaurant?

Sally Pink Reviews raves: Minx stirs the pot in a romantic suspense that will have you turning the page. Knight's story is a delightful feast for the suspense lover's soul. The writing is crisp, and the cast of characters are entertaining. [She] has created a vibrant and dynamic cast of characters. Each character has a distinctive voice... The novel is sweet for romance readers with Gabe and Minx sharing a tender touch. THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO takes the reader along for the ride with Minx in the driver's seat.

THE BLOODSTAINED BISTRO is available on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079LS5XM7

Smashwords.com, https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/788838

Universal Link at https://books2read.com/u/mdYdll

And in print at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093N5VMBB

2. A NOBLE DILEMMA: Bethany has a guilty secret that if discovered, will scandalize Polite Society and her new love, the Earl of Ingraham. What would Jane Austen do??

Long and Short Reviews says A Noble Dilemma is a tight intriguing novel placed in the regency era.... Subtle surprises, above average characters, and a wonderful eye for detail set A Noble Dilemma apart. Secondary characters are both important and singular. Activities are appropriate and fun to read about; from dinners to carriage ride, dinners to the obligatory trip to London. Fans of this particular type of historical will enjoy this – most especially because it both fits, but somewhat escapes the mold. Truly charming.

A NOBLE DILEMMA is available on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VIOA2LE

Smashwords.com, http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/557732

Universal Link at https://books2read.com/u/4E7lPY

And in print at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B093N5VMBB

3. “Family Secrets”: Talia Fanetti longs for true love. She’s just gotten engaged to eligible bachelor Edmund Bartholomew, so she’s all set in the love department. Or is she?

Got Romance Reviews declares: The characters were intriguing... If you want a quick, sweet romantic read with a touch of magic, you will enjoy this story.

“Family Secrets” is available on Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084G9YKMQ

Smashwords.com, https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1003194

Universal Link at https:// https://books2read.com/u/4AapK0

Happy reading to all... no matter what the year!

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing with a Twist!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Halloween Inspired Tale

Witches, ghosts, and hobgoblins... Halloween is a perfect time of year to enjoy yourself. Chills, thrills, and spills (of candy!) are the order of the day. And while I’ve*mostly* given up dressing in costume for this special day, I do have fun giving out plenty of the sugary stuff when visitors knock on my door.

Naturally, to celebrate one of my favorite holidays, I had to create a story featuring one of my top ten candies: Candy Corn. Since I write romance (in several genres), I had to include a love twist. I like to combine real life events in my stories. So for this short story, I drew upon treat-or-treating back in the old days... well, back when I was a kid, anyway. This short story includes the fear of my younger self that my grownup lipstick would mysteriously disappear, the frantic rush to ring as many doorbells as possible, and the dark, dank atmosphere of city apartment buildings.

The short story title: “True Love And Candy Corn” 

Can trick or treating promise true love to a thirteen-year-old girl?

Available electronically at

Amazon.com, Smashwords, and Universal Link at Books2Read

BLURB: On a Halloween outing, thirteen-year-old Rebecca knocks on a “witch’s” door. As her treat, she is cursed with true love until the end of time, and even though desirable Frank Palmer seems to be the love object in question, Rebecca is thoroughly spooked. Now, nine years later, Rebecca is treat-or-treating again as she escorts her young cousins on their rounds. When she comes face to face with Frank, she doesn’t see true love as a curse anymore. Will the witch’s prophecy come true?

Praise for “True Love And Candy Corn”

5 Stars! The moment I finished reading this I had to write this review. Something about the story enthralled me. I am a sucker for happy endings.--Reader Comment

Halloween is all fun and games until a fresh-faced teen gets cursed, or perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise. Forevermore isn’t what thirteen-year-old Becky had in mind when she dressed up as a witch to head out for trick or treating on All Hallows’ Eve, but when she knocks on the door of apartment 319, she ends up with more than a Snickers bar. As she takes the ‘treat’ from the sorceress and rejoins her friends, magic ensues, and her heart is lost to the delightful Frank Palmer who lives next door. Cut to nine years later, Becky returns to the fateful building with her niece and nephew. As they approach apartment 317, the home of her true love from many years ago, her heart flutters wildly as she wonders if destiny will reunite them. In this cozy, romantic romp, Susanne Knight shows us how a tri-colored confection can be the catalyst for lasting devotion. True Love and Candy Corn will leave you smiling!--K. S. Review

I loved your Halloween story.--Reader Comment

I enjoyed reading Rebecca and Frank’s story.--Reader Comment

So, if you love candy corn but worry about the sugar, try this zero calorie treat on Halloween night, but be sure to reward your trick or treaters... just in case a real “witch” is on the other side of your door!

Just joking! HAPPY HALLOWEEN and Happy Reading!

 

Susanne Marie Knight

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!