Inspiration

Happy Holidays! Blessings, New News, Winners & a Christmas Recipe!

Leave a Comment / Finding Hope in a Bad Haircut During a Winter Freeze /

First Blessings!!!

Yes, that’s my father with my daughter, nearly 23 years ago. What a blessing he was, both as a father and as a grandfather. As we enter this season of gratitude, I’ve been rummaging through old photos, reflecting on the incredible gift that God gave me through my parents.

This year has been monumental for my writing journey, filled with milestones—new books completed and awards received. But, as with all of life, joy and sadness often walk hand in hand. This will be my first year without my father, and now, both of my parents. They were gracious, selfless, humble, and kind. Though the pain of their absence is immense, I’m reminded that the love and life they shared with my sisters and me is irreplaceable.

As we celebrate this season, I find comfort in the memories of their love and the blessings they’ve left behind.

What’s this? A new novel? Yes! If you’re looking for a perfect gift, The Silver Cowgirls Ride Again, the sequel to The Silver Cowgirls, has officially hit the shelves! It’s been an exciting year for this series, with The Silver Cowgirls winning first place in the Western Fiction category at the Equus Film and Arts Festival and second place in the Chick Lit category at the Black Chateau Bookfest. The support from readers has been overwhelming, and I’m so grateful.
Thank you for your continued love and encouragement!

And here’s the future news: Yes, there’s another novel already deep into the editing process. Over three hundred pages of intense typing and mind-blowing storytelling. This upcoming Chick Lit novel will have readers hooked from the first page, packed with horses, butterflies, and—guess what?—beauticians.

I can’t wait to share more. Stay tuned for updates!

My writing journey has been both rewarding and challenging, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of readers, family, and friends. A huge thank you to Taborton Books, Equine Affairs, and Lavender Acres Winery (you have to try their delicious wines and what a beautiful venue!! ) for their warmth and hospitality. Their support has meant the world to me!

AND for some even more exciting news…I will let you let you in on a secret: Look for the Silver Cowgirls to be SHINING in Time square!


At my last two book signings, attendees had the chance to win a fun basket filled with great goodies! Congratulations to the winners, Jody W. and Tammi D.! Please reach out to me so I can send your prizes!


Christmas brings to mind perfect moments with my family. My mother and I would host the holiday at the country home where I was raised, just next door. Those Christmas memories are like a Currier and Ives painting, forever imprinted in my heart. As I move forward, they will always remain with me. I will close by sharing one of my favorite recipes to make this time of year Favorite Beef Tenderloin By Paula Deene https://www.pauladeen.com/recipe/bourbon-beef-tenderloin/

As the year comes to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all of you. May your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and a good book by your side. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year—here’s to new stories, new adventures, and a year full of inspiration!

I will talk to you again in the New Year with more updates, pics and recipes too! Until then feel free to reach out –

I would love to hear about your Christmas memories!

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Giving Thanks

Leave a Comment / Finding Hope in a Bad Haircut During a Winter Freeze, horses /

This past year has been a gift even in the midst of change and loss. But with the support of faith, family, friends, co-workers and readers, I have so much gratitude in my heart. Many new opportunities in my writing adventure have evolved. My latest series has galloped into the hearts of many and I am honored that The Silver Cowgirls has secured a second place award in the Chick Lit Women’s Fiction category at this years The Bookfest with Black Chateau Enterprises. The sequel, The Silver Cowgirls Ride Again has leaped on to book shelves this month! After a safe four day book signing in Massachusetts the novels were received with anxious minds! Thank you to all!


The series makes a great gift for any friend horse lover or reader who wants to dare to live their dreams at any age! And the perfect gift for the mystery lover on your list is my Spurred to series.
Books available here!

For my local readers I’d love for you to join me tomorrow night at Lavender Acres Winery if you’re able! I’ll be there signing books. If you can’t make it, be sure to check out the pictures from the event afterward!

Wishing you a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and kindness.

P.S. I would love to hear from you. Contact me and your reviews are always welcome!
https://www.goodreads.com/alicia_stephens_martin or on Amazon

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A New Circle in Life

Leave a Comment / Finding Hope in a Bad Haircut During a Winter Freeze /

Life is forever evolving, changing. When we lose those we love a phase of our existence is permanently closed. Although, I disagree with the notion that nothing lasts forever. The loss of my parents is certainly the last page of one chapter, yet the emptiness injected into my heart will be forever streaming through my veins. What does transform inside of us is our ability to forge forward. A painful experience can drive us to proceed into another segment of life with a new awakening. How do we once again find joy while burdened with sorrow. Sometimes the loss may mean uprooting your entire world, literally. For me, perhaps a change in scenery will catapult me into a new rotation.

The photo above, is the view from my kitchen window. I have existed in or beside the home of my youth for most of my existence. My parents were a quintessential part and a daily presence. Today, I am considering exactly where do I belong. My home is no doubt inexplicably breathtaking, however I am dwelling on my own mortality. Is it here, staring out the window at my childhood memories ever-reminding me of their missing support and constant love, where do I foresee my future? Upon my reflection, I question what have I accomplished, and even greater, how have I given back to this wonderful life? I suppose that is the gift we are given through loss, a chance to re-examine ourselves and our lives. I plot my next steps with heightened awareness that being blessed by nurturing parents has provided me with a foundation of strength in order to face the next hurdle in another circle of life.

How have you been affected by loss? Writing and recording your inner thoughts may help with resolution. The photo below is my new writing location where I hope to plunge into the pages of my journal and next novel, The Silver Cowgirls Ride Again. Do you have a favorite respite to release your inner self?

If you haven’t read book one, The Silver Cowgirls, grab a copy on Amazon today. The fiction is the story of four middle-aged and beyond women on the verge of their own life transformations. And remember every review is greatly appreciated.

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Angels On My Shoulders

Leave a Comment / Angels, Celebrate, courage, Death, Demi Stevens, dreams, Inspiration, Mentor, Miracle, Protect, Uncategorized, USA, women, Yotbookpress.com /

This past week my mentor Demi Steven’s http://yotbpress.com/ wrote,  “My hope this week for you is that you can identify someone in your universe who shines in that way, and reach out to them and let them know how much you value having them around.”  These words pierced my heart. After a tough year of losing two very special guiding lights (my beloved mother and her sister -my dear aunt), followed by some other earth-shattering changes, my universe of wing-men (in this case women) seems to have diminished. A life without valued individuals who have had your back no matter your age is scary.

I found a book on my Aunt’s nightstand after she died, God and the Afterlife, by Jeffery Long M.D. with Paul Perry.  Fortunately, I felt compelled to open the pages.  The book is an extensive study on people who have died and returned. I encourage everyone who questions life after death to read this book. Although I have always believed, sometimes I do wonder if life after death is really possible.  This book retained a sense of relief that I will indeed see them again and will experience an overwhelming sense of love like never before.

So my stars are illuminating in a different way. I truly believe the two are winged-women on my shoulders, flashlights in hand, directing my journey. One that is getting closer to them everyday! Yes, reach out and find your stars!

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