Sheila Holmes

Biography

I have been in love with the written word since I was old enough to read. After graduating college, I taught high school until I decided I wanted to spend more time "creating". So, twenty years after beginning to teach public school, I "retired myself" and now I write full time.

After living half my life on the West Coast, we moved all the way across the country, where we now live on the East Coast. It is just the two of us after our one daughter had the audacity to grow up, marry, and move away. However, that "move away" is only five miles from our home.

While writing, I also own and run a website business:
http://www.marriage-vow-renewal.com

I love to create, whether it is designing marriage vow renewal certificates, marriage certificates, creating romance plans for married couples, or writing books. I'm blessed by the Lord to do exactly what I love.

You'll find a more complete introduction (with pictures), plus my other writing endeavors, at my website: www.sheilaholmes.com.

Smashwords Interview

When did you first start writing?
When I was in 4th grade, the school put out a book (actually bound and looked quite professional, or so I thought at the time) for all students in the school to purchase. I can't say I actually remember the price, but for some reason a dollar comes to mind. Anyway... I was never much into school activities, so I was unaware until a number of students who had purchased the book told me they really liked my stories. I had no idea what they were talking about until one of them handed me the book turned to the pages that had them. And sure enough, there were two stories I had written as assignments in class. The teacher had told us to write two stories, one about our favorite activity we could ever remember doing during the summer just past. The other was to be the worst activity during that same time frame. All I had done was fulfill a class assignment, but the teacher apparently deemed them both good enough to include in the book. Hey, who knew?!
What motivated you to become an indie author?
When I was teaching high school, the principal was in my class one period to do an evaluation, which he did periodically. When the class was over, he sat down with me to review his evaluation. The thing that stood out most in my mind was that he told me what I really did was put on five "performances" daily. He told me that he now understood why my classes were always full. It was like going to see a play or movie. Very entertaining! He told me that he would like to someday see me write a novel or two and channel some of that drama into them. He never knew that twenty years after his suggestion that I would start doing just that. After completing the first novel, I started looking on the internet for publishing companies. But, it felt like I would have to jump through so many hoops to make it happen, that I felt overwhelmed. So, I had an ebook cover designed instead, and published it myself. (That was eight books ago, and the ninth is in progress.) I'm so glad I took this route!
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Sheila Holmes online

Series

Forever Bride in 21 Questions
This is an 8 surprise-ending novelette series, in which each bride is given a written version of the Twenty-Question Game questions and answers she and her groom played on their first date. And, it's given to her right before the ceremony. But, there is a 21st question she must answer before they can marry.
My Beautiful Adra
Price: $1.99 USD.
My Funny Felicia
Price: $1.99 USD.
Grampy's Old Typewriter
The worst thing that had ever happened to Kelsey in her life was the night her boyfriend, Jeremy, proposed to her! When Kelsey's Grampy passed away, her first assignment to assist her family was to clear out Grampy's attic to prepare the house for the new owners. Finding an old vintage typewriter, Kelsey begins venting her feelings by writing about her horrendous marriage proposal experience. And then the REAL story begins!
Christmas, and You Too
Christmas is the time of miracles... even romance. And, that's exactly the case for some special, unsuspecting women.
All in a Name
What's in a person's name? Well, it should be their defining characteristic... especially when it comes to love!
Joyful, Joyful
Price: Free!
Awesome Love
Young men and women from Open Door of Faith Church come to know Christ's Awesome Love, then discover a different kind of awesome romantic love.
Wedding Woes
As KiirstiAan and her mom plan the wedding, her mom also shares some of the most disastrous weddings she's ever attended. Then, on KiirstiAan's wedding day, the unthinkable happens!

Books

Awena and the Door-to-Door Salesman
Price: Free! Words: 9,340. Language: English. Published: October 6, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Short stories, Fiction » Christian » Romance
Awena was my grandmother. Her real name was Rosacia Lune. Ugly, right? So, she changed it to Rose. So, as my grandmother, where in the world did she come up with the name Awena, which was the only name I ever knew her by. Crazy enough in itself, she met a door-to-door salesman back in 1916, during WWI by playing part in a crazy, crazy way. But, when asked, she told a real whopper of a yarn.
The Magical Sadie Lamp: A True Story
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 4,170. Language: English. Published: August 27, 2020 . Categories: Nonfiction » Children's Books » Girls & Women
Once upon a time, in a big forest, a couple built and moved into a beautiful home, with their ten year old daughter. The years were good. They loved each other, they loved their daughter, and they loved their house. But, as happens in life, the daughter grew up and moved away, as did all her friends in the forest. Suddenly, the neighborhood seemed quiet. Very, very quiet.
My Funny Felicia
Series: Forever Bride in 21 Questions. Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 21,600. Language: English. Published: May 19, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » African American fiction » Romance
Stuck in a ravine, in the dark, in the rain, in the middle of nowhere. Civilization? One corner and two dark blocks away. Call for help? Cell phone dead and no help available. What to do? Walk. She finds a business storefront still open. Can she find help? Yes, The "help" is tall, dark & handsome. Does he help? If playing 20 Questions counts. In this novelette, it's all about the surprise ending
My Beautiful Adra
Series: Forever Bride in 21 Questions. Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 19,000. Language: English. Published: April 12, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Adra accepted a coffee shop date with a guy from her performance arts college. They conversed well, but they were still new to each other. She ventured an idea on getting to know each other better. The idea... Game of 20 Questions. When he asked her what was most important to her in the whole world, she gave an odd answer... "Being a member of the Royal Family." What? What?! Ummm… WHAT?!
My Beloved Leilani
Series: Forever Bride in 21 Questions. Price: Free! Words: 15,680. Language: English. Published: March 7, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Short stories
(5.00 from 1 review)
Leilani is in the Bride's Room, preparing to walk the aisle, to marry the man she believes she will love forever. She is having last-minute questions as to whether she should proceed though. Minutes before ceremony time, an envelope is slipped under the door. In it are the 20-Question Game questions & answers from their 1st date. Plus, a 21st question. THAT question will determine everything!
Return to Cinder ~ A Christmas Tale
Price: Free! Language: English. Published: November 30, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
Buying Christmas gifts for Dean was next to impossible. No, it WAS impossible. When Christmas came this year, I was at a total loss as to what to get him. I felt tremendous frustration, disgust, anger, all aimed toward him . Let's just say my attitude was beyond being classified as "very poor." But, the difference in this Christmas season was beyond being believable. It was a true nightmare!
Christmas Fantasy Fulfilled
Price: Free! Words: 12,590. Language: English. Published: November 5, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Contemporary, Fiction » Holiday » Christmas
What started as an emotional discussion over having a third child or not, morphed into something altogether different (what they should give each other for Christmas). Finally, the whole thing gave birth to a most magical Christmas gift from this wife to her husband. It would have nothing to do with babies, just romance. Did God ultimately have a hand in this plan? Do you even need to ask?!
Manicotti Kisses: A Marriage Proposal Gone So Wrong!
Series: Grampy's Old Typewriter. Price: Free! Words: 20,140. Language: English. Published: July 28, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance
She had looked forward to that evening, the one she would become engaged to Jeremy. As much as what it would mean to her anticipated future, she was consumed by feelings that this would be the most elegant, most romantic, most glorious night of her life thus far. One she would never ever forget! And… she never would! "Disaster" was written all over it! How would she answer his proposal?
Christmas Scavenger Hunt (A Novella)
Series: Christmas, and You Too. Price: Free! Words: 26,970. Language: English. Published: June 11, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
Tegan, a member of the planning committee, loved the idea of having a combination Christmas scavenger hunt and a late night dinner for her Singles Sunday school class . List-making for the hunt was fun... until they ran two short. No one could come up with anything, Someone suggested to hug someone six inches taller than yourself and to give a kiss to a stranger. Would Tegan be all in or all out?
Joyful, Joyful
Series: All in a Name, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 61,610. Language: English. Published: January 4, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
(5.00 from 4 reviews)
First day on her bus, Grant Cooper demanded to know Joy’s name. Afraid not to answer, she got as far as “Joy Ful…” when he jumped in with a loud taunt. “Joyful, joyful, she’s got a nose-ful. She don’t look to me so joyful!.” Daily, he made life miserable for Joy. Twenty-plus years later, Grant crosses path with Dr. Joy Fullerton. He doesn't recognize her. She's never forgiven him. What now?!
Fixing His Broken Ballerina: Volume 2
Series: Awesome Love, Book 2 Volume 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 63,830. Language: English. Published: June 23, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
(5.00 from 1 review)
Knowing Conyer wasn't driving the car that ended her dancing, Giselle is developing feelings for Conyer. It seems poor timing that he is leaving on a mission trip, She's going to miss him. Starting an email correspondence with him while he's away, she awaits his return from Central America, but is devastated when she sees him, upon his return, sharing a hug and kiss with someone else. Now what?
Fixing His Broken Ballerina: Volume 1
Series: Awesome Love, Book 2 Volume 1. Price: Free! Words: 57,880. Language: English. Published: January 29, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
(3.67 from 3 reviews)
Her dancing days are over. Her leg destroyed in the car crash. THE DREAM IS GONE!!! Wait… she’s a Christian. Shouldn’t things be going better? Didn’t she pray her way from kids dance classes through Juilliard? Were all those years of training a waste of time?! She was so sure she had God’s Blessing. What happened?! Now what?! Can the entrepreneur or the wood sculptor help her create a new dream?
Becoming His Awesome Beauty: Volume 2
Series: Awesome Love, Book 1 Volume 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 59,090. Language: English. Published: August 16, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Contemporary, Fiction » Christian » Romance
(5.00 from 1 review)
After three years on the streets, Awsty Truesdale asks refuge from her godly grandmother. As Awsty's dry heart and resultant appearance begin changing, she begins to understand her worth to God and others. And, two Christian men, one an associate pastor, one a medical intern, begin praying for her. Awsty is attracted to both. What will determine which she chooses, or will it be either?
Becoming His Awesome Beauty: Volume 1
Series: Awesome Love, Book 1 Volume 1. Price: Free! Words: 56,800. Language: English. Published: May 24, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Romance, Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
(4.63 from 8 reviews)
Awesome Beauty Truesdale managed to barely graduate high school. The very day she turned eighteen, she was gone. After three long years on the streets, she seeks refuge at Grammy’s door. She doesn't know if Grammy will help, but she has to try. And, if Grammy helps, will she start in with that "Jesus stuff?" She'll risk it. After everything, will Grammy love her? And, will any man ever love her?!
Wedding Designed by Email... KiirstiAan's Nightmare?
Series: Wedding Woes, Book 3. Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 59,200. Language: English. Published: March 7, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Contemporary, Fiction » Christian » Romance
After a gazillion emails, through which KiirstiAan and her mom planned this wedding, the big day is finally here. All past planning problems have been ironed out. It's a go! Today is going to be "picture perfect", just wait and see! Or, will this day implode, creating the most outrageous, bazaar nightmare that can be conceived?!
A Catastrophic Wedding Reception... Or Maybe Not?
Series: Wedding Woes, Book 2. Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 65,900. Language: English. Published: October 11, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Contemporary, Fiction » Christian » Romance
While completing KiirstiAan's email-planned wedding, her mom declines her daughter's request to now write stories about catastrophic wedding receptions. After all, there's not much time left before the wedding. Still much planning to do. But, who could have expected this new horrendous event that may not only call a halt to any reception, but any wedding at all? Could this really be happening?!
With This Ring: Creative Ways to Give Your Purity Ring to Your Future Spouse
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 10,950. Language: English. Published: July 23, 2014 . Categories: Nonfiction » Religion & Spirituality » Christian Life / Relationships
Those who have decided to remain celibate until marriage are in the minority these days. For those who are doing so, and wear a symbol of that decision (a purity ring), why not try one of our many creative and dramatic ways to "present" that symbol of purity to the one God has chosen for you? Try something in these pages that really rocks! And, you can take all the dramatic and romantic credit!
A Wedding Disaster... Or Was It?
Series: Wedding Woes, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 60,060. Language: English. Published: June 19, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Christian » Contemporary
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Bride-to-be KiirstiAan and her mother are planning a wedding almost completely via email. To break the boredom of the back-and-forth online exchanges, KiirstiAan challenges her mom to write a book recounting the wedding disasters she's been witness to. Mom says ok, if KiirstiAan will proofread. The disasters are unbelievable. Will something disastrous also happen at KiirstiAan's wedding?

Sheila Holmes' tag cloud

african american christian romance    bride    bride and groom    bride ebook    bride romance    brides and grooms    children story    childrens nonfiction    christian    christian christmas romance    christian dating    christian fiction    christian fiction ebook    christian love and romance    christian love story    christian marriage    christian novelette    christian romance    christian romance clean    christian romance ebook    christian romance novelette    christian romance short    christian short stories    christian wedding    christian wedding romance    christmas love    christmas romance    christmas romance based on real events    christmas romance clean    clean and wholesome christmas romance    clean and wholesome romance    clean books    clean christian novelette    clean christian romance    clean fiction    clean romance    clean romance novelette    clean wholesome romance    contemporary    contemporary christian fiction    contemporary christian romance    contemporary christian romance short story    contemporary christmas romance    contemporary romance    fiction    husband    little girl befriends old woman    little girl makes stickers for old woman    mother of the bride    purity    purity ring    romance    romance action    romance action romance book series    romance short story    short story    story for kids    sweet romance    true childrens story    true story    true story about little girl and old woman    true story about little girl in neighborhood    wedding    wedding bride    wedding cake disaster    wedding day    wedding day mishaps    wedding disaster    wedding disasters    wedding events    wedding food    wedding planning disasters    wedding reception disasters    wholesome romance    wife   

Smashwords book reviews by Sheila Holmes

  • You Decide - Choices on Feb. 22, 2017

    Excellent short lesson for those with eyes to see and a receptive heart. Thanks to this author for unselfishly sharing truth.
  • I'm Sorry, Oliver on Sep. 29, 2018

    Very powerful! Especially since I know it's based on this author's personal health issues. Finished it in two days. (That is exceptionally fast for me!) And... it is most Christ-honoring.
  • Pine Mountain Secrets on June 27, 2019

    Just a wonderful and engaging story! I can and DO recommend this one to anyone. Very powerful!