Loving, Learning, and Growing, all with only a pen.
Welcome to the New Year, friends! I’m so excited that 2026 is here because I really feel like this is going to be my year. My year of expansion, my year of growth, and my year of trying new things. I cannot share every step …
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Christmas time is my favorite time of year. The lights, the food, and the friends all bring me so much joy. This year has been filled with rough times, but somehow the reflection of bright lights only illuminates the many blessings that my family has experienced over this year. Christmas reminds me of the miracle of small deeds and acts that make a big impact.
I understand this is not everyone’s reality. If I allow it, even my own reality of grief and sadness can quietly slip in between the cake and the cookies. For those carrying unseen battles, especially mental ones, I always whisper a small prayer. It could have been me, truthfully, just two years ago, it was me.
To all the friends, family, and souls who are struggling right now: it’s okay. Take the time you need. Take a breath. Let yourself cry. You are not weak for feeling. You are human. And most of all, you are not alone. 💛
For some people, retail therapy, or even a holiday day trip make Christmas fun. Spending the holidays relaxing with family and refreshing my heart and mind is where I find solace. But mostly I love the downtime. Watching holiday classic films like Scrooge, The Family Man, The Santa Clause, or Die Hard. And before you even think it, argue with someone else over Die Hard being a Christmas movie. It is and will always be!
I love having the space to dream and ideate about holiday love stories waiting to be brought to life. I love the free time to read books that make my heart pump. Cozy mysteries, interesting fictional environments, and, of course, love stories that remind me of magic. The crisp scent of snow and the sight of joyful faces spark a kind of inspiration I don’t feel at any other time of year.
So, from the desk of TanelaWrites, here is my Christmas wish for you.
I pray you have a Merry Christmas. I want everyone in my circle and beyond to feel the love and joy of the holidays and the joy of life. Christmas time should have moments of happiness mixed with nostalgic love for things that really matter. I am hopeful that everyone has the opportunity to live, laugh, and love with people who make a difference in their lives.
Merry Christmas to you all.
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There’s a special kind of magic in stories that blend healing, hope, and unexpected romance—and I’m thrilled to share that my newest book, Cherrywood Inn: Let Me Love You, is officially here.
This story follows Sara Whitmore, a once-renowned New Orleans chef who’s traded the chaos of her past for the quiet refuge of Cherrywood Inn. She’s determined to rebuild her life on her own terms, until Randy Duncan walks back into her world and stirs up feelings she isn’t sure she’s ready to face.
What begins as a gentle reconnection soon becomes a journey of trust, courage, and love in the most unexpected place. If you enjoy small-town charm, heartfelt second chances, and characters who feel real enough to sit and chat with, this book was written with you in mind.
I can’t wait for you to step inside Cherrywood Inn, meet Sara and Randy, and experience the heart of their story.
Thank you for being on this journey with me.
Welcome back to Cherrywood Inn. 💛
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I have long since acknowledged that when things start moving fast in my life, blessings are going to start pouring down. As I begin this On-The-Move blog, I am happy to share that I got on the move this year. My trip to Phoenix, AZ, …
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Five For Fall
I am excited for the fall season. It is going to be a great season and a refreshing time for me. I am sharing my top five things I am excited about this fall.
Season Changeover
Over the years, I have grown to love fall scenery. The leaves, the change in how the river flows, and the glow of the moon as it rises to the sky. I am looking forward to observing nature more closely, specifically the trees in my yard, and experiencing the path the leaves take.
Live Music
I love music. My favorites include R&B, Gospel, 80s Rock, and Jazz. I made a promise to myself earlier this year to do more of the things that I love. Finding joy in musical experiences is one of the things I enjoy. I look forward to going to a few concerts this fall, including a Jazz festival in November.
Fall TV Premiers
I have no clue when I am going to carve out time, but I am looking forward to seeing the creativity that comes from Tinseltown. I love scripted television shows that pull you in with mystery or intense drama. I typically write an official TV Review Guide that evaluates all the new shows on TV. That piece is one of my favorite articles to write, and I am looking forward to the excitement of exploring new creativity.
Football Season
Both my sons play football, and they are really coming into their own. My middle-schooler often comes home excited about successes in practice, and my high-schooler has started getting more playing time and has started creating long-term goals for himself. While I do not call myself a football fan, and can barely understand the simple rules of the game, I am my son’s #1 fan! I am looking forward to screaming, jumping, and cheering them on the field and off.
Book Launch
Cherrywood Inn: Let Me Love You will be released this fall. This is the second book in my Cherrywood Inn Series. This story fulfils my wish to write a love story that is longing to be discovered. I will save the official teaser for my cover reveal, but working on this novel with my editor has been a wonderful experience, and I cannot wait to share this story with everyone in the world.
