The Laurel Highlands: Four Seasons of Romance

This Christmas, venture to the edge of the vast Pennsylvania forest, and fall in love with a charming, Americana small town with a heart as big as the great outdoors...

Today, Dear Reader, you're invited to take a stroll into the world of my new series, Harmony Falls ~ and meet my awesome co-writer, and sister, Jaz Kennedy!

On Sale December 20th!

​While you're here, Jaz & I invite you to VOTE for which season is the sexiest to take a dreamy, romantic getaway weekend in & around this idyllic mountain town. There's so much to do and see there, we couldn't decide!

Vote Below and then Leave a Comment and you could win a FREE autographed copy of DREAM OF ME (Harmony Falls, Book 1)! Read on...

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Dear Reader ~ How lucky am I? Not only do I get to write novels for the most awesome readers around, but now I get to co-write my first contemporary romance series with one of my favorite people on earth: my sister, Jaz Kennedy.

Jaz and Gaelen at Kennywood Amusement Park this past summer.

We're the bookends in our family of four girls: I'm the oldest, she's the youngest. I have been bugging her to write fiction for YEARS because I had read nonfiction and essay style work from her over time, and you can just tell when the talent's there. Finally, the time was right for us to dive in on a collaboration, and JUST AS I SUSPECTED (never question your big sister! lol) the project was a great fit for us both. And though we have always been close, working on Harmony Falls together has brought us even closer. 

That makes me doubly happy because "family" is one of the main values we're bringing into the series itself, along with a lot of Foley-girl humor and, of course, the tearjerker moments. It would hardly be a romance without 'em! Oh, yes--and the steamy bits...but I think I'm officially in charge of those. *g*

​I invite you to stop by Jaz's website to learn more about her background, but in the meanwhile, I wanted Jaz to do the honors of telling you guys more about the SETTING for our Harmony Falls series.

It's near and dear to our hearts, not the least because it's right in our own back yard here in Pennsylvania! You know what they say: Write what you know. Not so easy to do with Regency romances or Victorian children's fantasy adventures, to say nothing of medieval fantasy romance, lol!

But that's why I needed Jaz to do this project with me, ya see. Because while I've had my head in the clouds in wondrous worlds of long-ago-and-far-away, knights and castles, pirates, and dukes and ballrooms, Jaz has had both feet firmly planted in the here and now.

It's proved to be a good balance, because while I had all these story ideas full of warmth and humor and wonderful characters tugging at my heart, the modern world is not so much my thing, whereas my sister has already got a strong, well-developed contemporary voice. Put that together and, oh, geez, all I can say is that I think my literary idols, the Bronte sisters, would've at least given us big, sister-writer high-fives. Oh, let me shut up already. *g* I'm just excited.

Folks: here's Jaz to tell you about the world of Harmony Falls with a glimpse of all the attractions year round. But don't forget to VOTE at the end & leave a comment for a chance to win an autographed copy of DREAM OF ME (Harmony Falls, Book 1)

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​Rugged peaks, moss-covered boulders, towering firs, roaring whitewater…

​Welcome to the Laurel Highlands! 

Gael and I are thrilled to introduce you to this majestic slice of Western Pennsylvania. It’s the backdrop for our sexy small-town contemporary romance series, Harmony Falls, and I know you’re going to fall in love with the place just as much as we have.

With farmlands snuggling into valleys, rivers gushing through meadows, luxury resorts, ski slopes, and golf courses stretching across rocky peaks, and brewpubs, wineries, little museums and antique shops lining the streets of its charming villages, this 200-square-mile swath of the Allegheny Mountains is teeming with romantic possibilities.

It’s no wonder that only the spunkiest gals and hunkiest guys – living out their wildest passions – call the Laurel Highlands area home!  After all, Harmony Falls – a small mountain town on the banks of the fictitious Onatah River right in the middle of the Laurel Highlands – is fast becoming THE outdoor mecca for the region’s most daring thrill seekers.

You’ll love the locals – like Patrick Finn, the buff, fearless outdoor guru and owner of Get Lost, the adventure outfitter's in town. Then there's Jack Brand, the rugged ex-Marine who finished his last tour of duty and decided to open his own pub and microbrewery. The Knickpoint has become the town's go-to social hub. And let's not forget Mike Walker, the laid-back, all-American town sheriff. Let's just say you'll hope you get pulled over when you're there. ;)

But just wait til you see what happens when rebellious loners, powerful business travelers, and mysterious strangers roll into town!

With that in mind, we need your help!

There’s so much to do and see in the Laurel Highlands all year long, we just can’t decide which season is the sexiest!

Help us choose which season you think makes for the steamiest weekend getaway with your Valentine. Imagine you’re packing up for a romantic escape with your sweetie to the Laurel Highlands...

Check out the following itineraries we’ve come up with – there’s one for every season. Think long and hard about what season of passionate adventure you’d choose, then cast your vote below!

​Ready? Here goes! :)

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Photo credit: Log Home Floor Plans Designs Online

Winter

​Your slope-side chalet at Seven Springs or Hidden Valley awaits! Sun-kissed, snow-capped peaks make for a refreshing start to your winter wonderland jaunt. Snowboard, snow-tube, cross-country or downhill ski all day, and when your legs give out, snuggle up tight to your hero on horse-drawn sleigh ride through the forest.

Have dinner and a glass of champagne by the fire at the lodge, and later, take a dip in your private outdoor Jacuzzi under the stars, even as the snowflakes settle gently around you. Cap off your dreamy weekend with a rejuvenating couple’s massage at one of the region’s exquisite wellness spas.

"Traminettes in Spring Rain." Photo credit: Greendance Winery. Click to visit!

Spring

​As wildflowers burst open and baby bunnies are born, spend a leisurely morning strolling in and out of antiques stores. Don’t miss a tour at one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s amazing architectural destinations – Fallingwater or Kentuck Knob.

Then have coffee and lunch at a charming diner before heading off to Laurel Hill State Park. A hike to the waterfall, a kiss under the tunnel of blooming mountain laurel, and a glass of wine on a blanket at the sandy lake’s beach are sure to make your weekend sizzle!

Settle in for the night at a Victorian-era B&B, and gear up the next morning for adventure: you’ll explore moss-covered boulders and sheer cliffs when you take a rock climbing course!

​Once you’ve perfected your top-roping skills, you and your honey can brag about the day’s feats on this seven-stop winery tour through Laurel Highlands wine country.

Photo Credit: Ron Lovelace

Summer

Photo: LaurelHighlands.com

​Ahh, the scent of pine needles baking in the hot sun. Water cascading down a gentle slope. Red-tailed hawks circling overhead...

Begin your summertime getaway at the water’s edge in Ohiopyle. Take in the roar of the falls until you’re lulled into relaxation. Then, plunge down the Youghiogheny River over Class V rapids in a raft or kayak!

​Once you and your date survive that together, treat yourselves to a microbrew and some lunch at one of the local pubs.

Next, hop on a bike and glide among the ferns in the shade along the Great Allegheny Passage, then don’t miss a thrilling zip down the natural water slides! After sunset, snuggle up in a sleeping bag, because rustic chic is the only way to go in the Laurel Highlands during summer.

​“But camping is so 2015,” you might say. Don’t worry! You’ll glam it up in one of these über-cool glamping huts, or backpack your way to a lean-to along the beautiful Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. After all, this is what the Hotties of Harmony Falls do almost every weekend!

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Photo credit: Rusty Glessner ~ Click to visit his gallery of stunning photos!

Autumn

​Start off easy on this fall foliage trip along one of these historic heritage routes through the mountains. While fiery sugar maples and burnt-orange oaks surround you, don’t forget to stop and sip the cider at one of the many harvest festivals in the area!

Take a hayride through a pumpkin patch on a picturesque farm with your sweetie, indulge in some spiced nuts or kettle corn, quench your thirst with a microbrew, and then delve deep underground to explore the breathtaking Laurel Caverns. Just beware of the bats!

Retire to your luxury spa resort for a massage and a five-star dinner. Rest up, because tomorrow you’ll be gliding over brilliant treetops and wildflower meadows on one of the region’s zip-line tours! Finish off your cozy autumn excursion with a history lesson at Fort Ligonier to learn how George Washington and his men battled for freedom on the frontier, and post a couple's selfie alongside history re-enactors in Colonial dress. Sound fun? We think so, too! 

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So, which Season Is the Most Romantic? Cast Your Vote Below!

On Sale December 20th!

​We hope you’ll come visit our friends in Harmony Falls all throughout the year to find out what romantic adventures are unfolding there! The series will be launching this Christmas with plenty more to come!

​Cast Your Vote Below & Leave a Comment for a chance to win a FREE copy of DREAM OF ME, autographed by the both of us!

Click for Official Giveaway Rules!

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