Today in History and a Free Love Inspired Book

Jean C. Gordon here. As all you other Latin scholars know—I have four years of high school Latin—March 15 is the Ides of March, the day in 44 BC that conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus stabbed dictator-for-life Julius Caesar to death in the Roman Senate. But did you also know that on this date:

In 1889, a cyclone wrecked six warships—three US and three German—in the harbor at Apia, Samoa, leaving more than 200 sailors dead. It disrupted a competition to see who would annex the Samoan islands. The disaster averted a likely war.

In 1917, Czar Nicholas II of Russia signs his abdication papers, ending a 304-year-old royal dynasty and ushering in Bolshevik rule. He and his family were taken captive and, in July 1918, and executed before a firing squad.

In 1939, just six months after Czechoslovak leaders ceded the Sudetenland, Nazi troops seized the provinces of Bohemia and Moravia, effectively wiping Czechoslovakia off the map.

In 1952, the world record 24-hour rainfall occurred on the Indian Ocean island of La Réunion: 73.62 inches.

In 1971, word leaked that CBS-TV was canceling “The Ed Sullivan Show” after 23 years on the network.

In 2016, the eBook version of Love Undercover, Book 2 in my sweet romance series, Upstate NY ... where love is a little sweeter released.

Private investigator Devon O'Neill is out to find and prosecute the person who bilked his grandmother out of her savings. Financial planner Tina Canon is his number one suspect. So, why does he seem so intent on proving Tina innocent instead of guilty?

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To celebrate this historic date, I’m going to give one lucky commentator her (or his) choice of any available print or Kindle copy of any Love Inspired Historical, Romance, or Suspense written by any Craftie Ladies author. Just tell me either something of note that happened to you on March 15 or what foreign language(s) you’ve studied. I'll randomly draw the winner at 2 pm tomorrow and post in the comments.

PATRICIA JOHNS: Giveaways, and Those Imperfect Holidays

My Christmases are never perfect. I try for perfect, I really do! I plan, I bake, I decorate... but it never goes perfectly.

This year, my 7-year-old son knew exactly what he was getting. As in no surprise at all. His Christmas list was that short. I chose, bought and wrapped my own gift, because it drives me that nuts when Mr. Johns leaves shopping for me until the last minute. My son literally vibrated from sugar--lovingly provided by yours truly--and then crashed phenomenally. My husband decided that he likes Christmas baking that isn't sweet... and I had no idea how to provide that, especially since we're gluten and dairy free. (Hence, the sugar vibrating child.) Like, seriously, you can't tax my kitchen skill set to that extent!

But we were together, and it was our Christmas, and that was perfect in itself. And I have to say, when Christmas is over, I'm a little relieved. I feel happy, I feel blessed, but relief is a pretty strong under current. ;)

New Years is quickly approaching, and January 1 feels like such a breath of fresh air--a new start. 2016--a fresh chance to mess up writing checks, and maybe give some new recipes a whirl.

I'm not a resolution maker. Not after Christmas. Christmas prep is filled with high minded resolutions that fail 80% of the time, and after that, I'm ready to just roll with whatever comes. I make no guarantees at this point! Okay, well, I make a few... I do have books coming out, after all. ;)

In February, you'll see my first American Romance on the shelves.

If you'd like to win a copy of this book, you can enter my Goodreads giveaway that ends December 31.

And in March, you'll see another Love Inspired.

If you'd like a chance at winning a free copy of THE LAWMAN'S SURPRISE FAMILY, I have a Goodreads giveaway starting January 1. Another great way to start the year, no?

If you'd like to connect with me on Facebook, you can find me HERE. I also have a blog that I regularly update HERE. I'd love to hear from you.

I wish you all the happiest of New Years! May your wishes come true, and your prayers be answered.