Welcome to Happily Ever After!

Hello readers!

It's been a long while, so for those who already know me, I'm so glad to have you here! If you're new to me and my books, a hearty and cheerful hello!

Since I'm revamping my blog and website, I thought it might be a good idea to reintroduce myself. On most social media, I go by Jess, but I write sweet romance under Jessica L. Elliott. I specialize in small town, contemporary western, and holiday. Christmas romances are one of my very favorite things to write. This winter I'm dabbling a teensy bit into historical, but not sure I'm ready to take on a long project just yet. Though you never know. I do love a good challenge.

I love all things fairy tale, particularly that delightful "happily ever after" part. It always brings a smile to my face. I'm also obsessed with horses and dream of someday having a whole pasture full. I have yet to get my intrepid Prince Charming on board with that idea, though he hasn't said no to one...someday. Hot chocolate and herbal tea are my beverages of choice, particularly when I'm getting ready to sit down at my laptop to write or snuggling up with a good book. When I'm not lost in my fictional worlds, I love to draw and paint, I am constantly trying new recipes to satisfy my sweet tooth, and I adore spending time outside in my garden. Although, that part hasn't happened much lately. Prince Charming and I recently moved our family from southwest Kansas, to central Kansas. We're still in a small town, though certainly not as small as before (Plains only had a population of about 1200), and with moving in the middle of summer, I have not been able to get my new gardens going here. But, I was ever so excited to see established crepe myrtle, angel trumpets, rose bushes, and a daylily garden in my yards. I will certainly be adding more plants in future.

Prince Charming is a teacher, and a very good one in my totally unbiased opinion. He is my best half. No matter what challenge I am facing, he is always there for me. He gives me wings to fly and encourages my dreams, while also being the voice of reality when my imagination gets the better of me. We make a pretty good team, and we have five beautiful children ranging from (currently) 11 to 2 years old. My children are the best cheerleaders around and I wish like anything I could hire my oldest as my personal marketing manager. That child will proudly tell anyone who will listen that his mom is an author. Did I luck out? Oh my goodness, I most certainly did. And it helps that none of them have quite hit the teenage "Mom is embarrassing" stage. I have no doubt they will. But in the meantime, they are always asking about my projects, giving me new ideas, and encouraging me on my writing journey. They're the best, and I love them dearly. We also have a cute little mutt named Dante. You'll see him sometimes on my Instagram as Dante the Muse. He's adorable, and the perfect writing companion.

So, if you've been a long-time follower of mine, you might be wondering, "Jess, where are the fantasies?"

Ah yes, they still exist and I still have plans for more. But, you'll find those under my new pen name: Jaelyn Elliott. I'm in the process of building a website and newsletter for that, so be watching my Happily Ever After club and my newsletter for announcements about those. After all, a girl who loves fairy tales and myths as much as I do isn't going to be able to resist the siren call of fantasy forever.

In here though, it'll be a world of romance. Swoony heroes and spunky heroines. First love and second chances, and all the fun things in between. I'll share tidbits of life and my writing journey. New releases and projects will receive the spotlight they deserve. And of course, there will be the occasional reader-influenced project, just because I can and I love getting your input.

So, yeah. That's me in a nutshell. I'm so glad you've come to join me! I hope you find your very own happily ever after. In the meantime, I'll continue to provide stories with heart, light, and laughter. And of course, a happy ending.