Gifts that keep on Giving

Looking for gifts that last? Long after flowers wilt and candy vanishes, well-chosen books silently remind family and friends of your thoughtfulness.

My "keeper" shelves are stuffed with treasured titles. Many were gifts. Older books have yellowed pages, tiny tears mended with transparent tape, smudges that show loving wear from many readings.

My Five Little Pepper series was copyrighted 1890. Louisa Mae Alcott's Little Women in 1896, is inscribed "Colleen Reece from Grandma Cole, 1941."

Sue Barton nurse titles, ©1936-1952, reflect my early desire to become a nurse. Zane Grey's The Light of Western Stars, ©1914, brings back memories of wanting to marry a cowboy. I did neither, but those dreams inspired study of nursing and the Old West and gave me a foundation for many of my books.

I learn from Emilie Loring's inspirational mystery-romances, Grace Livingston Hill's Christian novels, and Edison Marshall's tales of the north. Dorothy Gilman's delightful Mrs. Pollifax mystery/adventures never grow old. I also benefit from the Thomas Kinkade/Katherine Spencer Cape Light and Angel Island series, as well as the multi-authored Mystery and the Minister's Wife. Studying these and many other authors' varied writing styles has helped me develop my own.

I love writing series and stories with sequels. High on my list of favorites are two, 2-novella related titles, co-authored with Renee DeMarco, now available in single, over-sized print editions. 

In Time for Christmas:  Romance Across the Years (4 novellas)
 

Award-winning writing team Colleen L. Reece and Renee DeMarco introduce four couples at different stages of life who are unexpectedly confronted by love. Journey with them on their often-rugged roads to happiness.

1. Seasons of the Heart 

Renee and I wanted to show that love is not just for the young. Stories are based on observing those who found love later in life.

Part 1. Emily Ann Carr has spent her life serving her family. Now they are gone. Is long-delayed love waiting around the bend for this forty-five-year-old woman?

Part 2. Emily Ann’s aunt Carolyn Sheffield is more than twenty years Emily’s senior. Will her “terminally single and proud of it" status change when her path to success unexpectedly dead-ends?

Readers wrote thanking us and saying the stories made them think love might still find them.

2. Patchwork Christmas

Inspired by a quilt Colleen's mother made decades ago; Renee still has it.

(Not Colleen's mother)

Book 1. Remnants of Faith. Left alone with two small daughters and a ragged, heirloom quilt, Natalie Thorsett struggles to survive. Can she hang on until the love she once knew returns?

Book 2. Silver Lining. The way ahead for grounded Air Force pilot Gavin Scott and his fiancée is filled with uncertainty. Will faith, love, and the old quilt help them overcome the obstacles to happiness?

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 Also now available: Shepherd of Love (multi- novel  edition)

Shepherd of Love Hospital* sits high on a Seattle hill, an image of peace, and tranquillity--until storm clouds threaten to destroy the hospital and endanger the lives and happiness of five dedicated nurses and those they love.

Trouble pursues heartbroken Jonica. Lindsey fights an unseen enemy. Nancy and Shina are victims of prejudice. Patti seeks a safe haven.  Readers are kept on the edge of their seats as danger escalates. Only God can save the hospital founded on faith and its caring, dedicated staff.

*Note: My intensive research while "building" Shepherd of Love Hospital paid off. Readers asked if it was real, wanting to seek treatment or train to  be nurses there. 



Colleen's Books