One Day at a Time... ❤️

We'll start with the most important thing first...thank you.

As many of you know, Nikoo had surgery this past Friday. Your messages, emails, prayers, and kind words have poured in, and we've read every single one. Often, more than once. And yes, sometimes with tears in our eyes.

It's a humbling and beautiful thing to be surrounded by so much kindness from people we've come to think of as family.

Recovery is coming along, and we're taking it the only way that makes sense right now...one day at a time.

That little phrase has been on our minds a lot this week. And the more we think about it, the more we realize it's pretty good advice for all of us, whatever life happens to be throwing our way.

So, if you'll indulge us, here are a few things we've been reminding ourselves lately.

Be gentle with yourself. Rest isn't a reward you earn after everything else is done. Sometimes, rest is the work. And that's perfectly okay.

Let people help. This one is harder than it sounds! But saying yes to a casserole, a ride, a phone call, or simply someone's company isn't a weakness. It's a gift to the person offering too.

Look for the small good things. A cup of tea that's still warm. A dog sleeping in a patch of sunshine. A message from an old friend. A chapter in a book so good you forget to look at the clock. These little moments matter. Sometimes, they're what carry us through.

And one more thing, especially during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month: if you've been putting off a screening, a mammogram, or a checkup, please make that appointment. Early detection can save lives, and taking care of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the people who love you.

Consider that a loving nudge from both of us.

A little escape to Harbor View for just 99¢

Speaking of small good things, sometimes the best medicine for a weary mind is a good story.

A little magic. A seaside town. A mystery waiting to be solved. And perhaps a ghost or two with entirely too many opinions.

That's exactly what you'll find in FIRST STREET, the opening book in our Harbor View Cozy Fantasy series.

For a limited time, through the end of October, 

we're offering First Street for just 99¢.

If you haven't visited Harbor View yet, we'd love to welcome you. And if you've already met Skye, Ocean, Henry, Jo, and the rest of our slightly unconventional gang, perhaps you know someone who could use a little escape of their own.

STEP INTO HARBOR VIEW — FIRST STREET FOR 99¢

And the BOOK SALE is still ON! 

Every book in our bookstore is 50% off, all October long.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and once again, we want to turn something we love—sharing stories—into something that can make a difference.

Throughout October, every book in our direct bookstore is 50% off.

Highland romance, Regency, cozy fantasy, Westerns, thrillers: all half price through October 31. And there's something more.

For every purchase, we're donating $1 to the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (LBCA), an organization close to our hearts that supports research, education, and advocacy for invasive lobular breast cancer.

So whether you're treating yourself to a new adventure, discovering a series you've been meaning to read, or stocking up on gifts for the readers in your life, your purchase will also help support an important cause.

SHOP OUR BOOKSTORE — 50% OFF EVERYTHING

And if you'd prefer to support LBCA directly, you can make a donation here:

DONATE DIRECTLY TO LBCA

Thank you. Every act of kindness matters, no matter its size.

 One little favor — please share the love 

If this newsletter brought you a smile, a moment of comfort, or a reminder to take care of yourself, we'd love for you to pass it along.

Forward it to a friend. 

Share our book sale with someone who loves to read. 

Or share the LBCA donation link with someone who is looking for a way to make a difference.

You never know who might need a little encouragement today, who might find comfort in a good story, or whose life might be touched by the research we're helping to support.

And for those of you who've already shared our books, recommended us to friends, or simply taken the time to write a kind note, please know how much that means to us. Word of mouth is one of the greatest gifts you can give an author.

Thank you for reading. For writing to us. For caring. For being part of this wonderful community we've built together over the years.

We feel your kindness every day, and we hope some of it finds its way right back to you.

Take care of yourselves. Hug the people you love. Find joy in the little things. 

And remember, one day at a time is still moving forward.

No Place Like Home...

It's good to be home.

September was a month away from our writing desks, and one we'll remember for a long time. We started in Connecticut, volunteering for a week with Little Pink Houses of Hope. Little Pink gives families affected by breast cancer something that becomes scarce during treatment: time together to rest, laugh, and just be a family. We served meals, played games, and listened to stories. We came away inspired by the strength and humor of every family we met...and our fellow volunteers.

From there we traveled to San Francisco for the International Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Symposium. Researchers, doctors, and patient advocates from around the world gathered to work on a cancer that too few people know about. We were honored to work with other LBCA members in a round-table session and to co-moderate a session on advanced imaging and artificial intelligence, work that could change how lobular breast cancer is found.

By the way, LBCA's Awareness Bus is on the road right now, traveling across the country through October 15, Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day. It's stopping at leading cancer centers and community events in more than ten cities. If it comes through your city, please stop by and say hello.

Something every woman should know...

Most people think of breast cancer as a lump. Lobular breast cancer often doesn't form one. Its cells tend to grow in thin, single-file lines through breast tissue, so it can be hard to feel and can be missed on a mammogram, especially in dense breasts.

That doesn't mean you should be afraid. It means you should know your body, notice changes such as thickening, fullness, or a change in the shape of your breast, and speak up if something feels different. You can learn more at LBCA.

Please share this with the women you love. Awareness does save lives.

And some book news...

Now, we're back at our desks, full of ideas and eager to write. But every writer knows the truth: when we're not writing, the stories stall and so does the business. So October is our month to catch up, get the momentum back, and fill your bookshelves while we're at it.

SO WE’RE RUNNING A BOOK SALE FOR A GOOD CAUSE! 

Every book in our bookstore is 50% off, all October long

Highland romance, Regency, cozy fantasy, Westerns, thrillers: all half price through October 31.

Where to start...

Shop the sale through the Book Store Collections Page →

Not sure what to pick? Here are a few more ideas.

For a Highland escape: Start the first book in one of our Scottish series and read (or re-read) the whole series at half price: 

Medieval and Scottish Ebooks

Medieval and Scottish Print Books

Regency Period Ebooks

Regency Period Print Books

For cozy autumn evenings: Our Harbor View cozy fantasy series is the literary equivalent of a warm blanket and a cup of tea. 

Cozy Fantasy and Contemporary Ebooks

Cozy Fantasy and Contemporary Print Books

For Western lovers: Ride along with Caleb Marlowe and Henry Jordan in our Nik James Westerns. They'll put you in the mood for the auction (see below!). 

American Western Romance and Traditional Westerns - Ebooks & Print

For readers who like to stay up too late: Our Jan Coffey thrillers.

All Jan Coffey Books - Thrillers included

For young adult readers: a fantasy, a beach-read, and a sweet slow-burn time-travel adventure.

Young Adult Ebooks

AND... for every book you buy directly from our bookstore,

we'll donate $1 to the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (LBCA).

LBCA funds research and raises awareness for invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), which accounts for about 15% of diagnosed breast cancers. 

One small request...purchases through Amazon and other retailers don't count toward the donation. If you'd like your book to help, please buy it from our bookstore.

AND... watch for a Western auction...

This October, Little Pink Houses of Hope is holding a Western-themed auction, and we've donated to it. We'll send you the details as soon as bidding opens.

What's next...

Once the laundry’s done and the dust settles, we’re going back to work on Third Street, the next installment of the Harbor View Cozy Fantasy series. We know from your emails that you’re enjoying your time with Skye and Ocean, Arthur and Caleb...as well as our resident 1920s ghosts, Jo and Henry. They’ll all be back...with more startling activity in their little seaside village.

That's it. Thank you for reading with us, for sharing our books, and for being part of something bigger this month. We're grateful for every one of you.

P.S. Don’t forget, the sale ends October 31, and $1 from every book bought in our bookstore goes to LBCA.

Shop now →

Nikoo's New Interview - October 2025

In this interview I’m sharing something deeply personal—my cancer journey.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been dark days, times of uncertainty, moments of fear… but also sparks of hope, resilience, and immense gratitude for every single one of you who’s walked this path with me.

In this video, I open up about what I’ve been through. The struggles, the breakthroughs, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. My hope is that by being vulnerable, I can help others feel less alone.

If you or someone you love is facing something similar, this is for you. You are stronger than you think. You are not alone.

Thank you to everyone who’s sent love, prayers, messages, and encouragement. You lift me up every single day.

Please feel free to watch, share, and comment. Your support means the world.

October: Pink Everywhere, But Pain for Many

This past Friday, I sat down for an interview with The Patient Story (the final video will be available October 10th). One of the questions the interviewer asked me was simple — but it cracked me wide open: Where does your support come from?

I tried to answer, but the truth hit so hard I broke down. (Hopefully, some of my crying jag will be edited out.) Still, what I shared was raw and honest.

Outside of my immediate family—Jim, my sons, and my amazing daughters-in-law—my greatest support comes from my MBC family. My sisters and brothers who walk this same unrelenting path. The ones who check in on me, whom I check in on. The ones whose voices and messages carry me through the darkest nights.

It’s the love we pour into each other that sustains me. A love born not of choice, but of necessity. A love rooted in shared pain, in knowing that our time is both precious and uncertain. This community is where I find strength, where I find understanding without words, where I am reminded that even in the face of Stage IV cancer, we are never truly alone.

Pink October, But Not for Everyone

Each year, October rolls in with pink ribbons on mailboxes, pink cupcakes at fundraisers, pink t-shirts flooding social media. At first glance, it feels hopeful. A month of awareness, of solidarity, of a message of ‘we’re fighting together.’

But for those of us living with metastatic breast cancer, October pink can be a trigger. Every billboard, every ‘Save the Boobies’ campaign, every cheerful pink post reminds us of what pink doesn’t say: that our disease has marched past early detection, that our story is more complex than slogans.

We don’t just want awareness. We need change. We need research for metastatic disease, for lobular cancer, for the patients too often left out of the picture.

The Hard Truth

Breast cancer is often survivable in many cases, thanks to decades of research, early screening, and targeted therapies.

But for metastatic breast cancer (Stage IV), the picture is starkly different:
The five-year relative survival rate for metastasized breast cancer is only about 32%.

That statistic is not just a number. It’s my reality. It’s the reality of my friends. It’s the shadow we live with every day.

Why We Push, Every Day

• Because “awareness” without action is hollow. Pink ribbons are not enough. We need more clinical trials, more funding for metastatic disease, more innovation for cancers that still don’t have good therapies. (In my own case, we need more clinical trials for invasive lobular breast cancer, for which there are less than a handful.)

• Because stories matter. Every time people say, “early detection saves lives,” they forget that early detection doesn’t save every life.

• Because hope must be real. We don’t need cheerleading. We need honesty, transparency, and investment in research that gives us more time and better quality of life.

• Because life is more than “cure or die.” Many of us live years with Stage IV, balancing treatments, side effects, and meaning. We deserve dignity, support, and compassion until better treatments are found.

• Because voices matter. We need you to ask the right questions, to stand with us, to be advocates for research, for trials, for real progress.

What You Can Do

Good work is being done. Real organizations are pushing for change and funding research. If you are donating, please consider giving to those that specifically support metastatic breast cancer research.

Your support makes a difference. Not in pink T-shirts or slogans — but in labs, in clinical trials, in real treatments that extend and improve lives.

Be a voice for change. Support us. Speak for us. Stand with us.

Because we don’t need more pink.

We need more progress.

These are some of the organizations our own money is going to this month: Please list yours in the comments.

• LBCA (Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance)

• METAvivor

• Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)

• Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)

Hi Dear Friend,

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year’s theme, No one should face breast cancer alone, serves as a reminder for providers and patients to consider the many ways that we can partner in the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer.

In keeping with that theme, I (Nikoo) attended the International Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer conference in Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago, where I served on a panel and had the opportunity to share my story with leading cancer doctors and researchers from all over the world. Coming home armed with a great deal of knowledge, I'm tremendously energized to help and be an advocate for other patients. And I find myself in a better place to deal with the challenges of my own metastatic breast cancer.

Many of our friends ask me the names of good places to donate during October. One thing you should know before you donate. Out of all the funds that are raised for breast cancer organizations, less than 7% actually goes toward research. So please, if you decide to donate, support research. To help, CLICK HERE FOR A LIST of reliable organizations that your money can help to make a difference.

Nikoo Speaking for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A special message from Nikoo…

METAvivor exists to sustain hope for those living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (MBC). We are a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that funds vital research to help improve the longevity and quality of life for MBC patients. Passionately committed patients, we rally public attention to the urgent needs of the MBC community, help patients find strength through support and purpose, and make every dollar count as we work with researchers to extend and improve quality of life for MBC patients.

Visit http://www.metavivor.org

Advocacy is Important Business

Many of you ask how you could help…and we’re grateful you’ve asked!

Here is one way. Please contact your Congressmen and Senator’s offices and ask them to make these bills a priority. These two important Congressional bills have been sitting on the House and Senate floors for year and half. We need to get them moving.

Metastatic Breast Cancer patients don’t have lobbyists working on their behalf; they have volunteers. Join my team and please help ‘all’ cancer patients. Thank you. And please share this message with your friends and family.

• The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (House: H.R. 3183, Senate S. 1312): This legislation would fast-track disability and federal healthcare benefits for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, a person with metastatic breast cancer must wait five months after applying for Social Security Disability benefits to begin receiving those payments. Also, that person must wait an additional 24 months after disability benefits begin before receiving Medicare insurance coverage. This delay creates obvious hardships for people with metastatic breast cancer as they struggle to pay medical expenses. This delay also ensures that many people with MBC are unable to collect the benefits that they paid into the system because of their reduced lifespan, currently averaging 33 months after diagnosis.

• The Cancer Drug Parity Act (House: H.R. 4385, Senate: S. 3080): This legislation would prevent various agencies and health insurers from refusing to pay for more costly medications that doctors prescribe because they are best for their patients. It would also prevent insurers from charging different co-pays for identical treatments in different locations, such as home versus a doctor’s office, or a doctor’s office versus a hospital.

Thanks!

A quick health report

Many of you—our kind friends and family—have been asking, so here’s a quick update on what’s happening with me these days.

 This past week I finished my third month of targeted chemo. My schedule is three weeks on and one week off to give a chance for my body to recover and then we start all over again. I met with my oncologist last week. The tumor marker blood test shows slight improvement, which is great news. We celebrate what we can. My oncologist is also battling my insurance provider to get approval on an FES PET Scan, newly FDA-approved. This diagnostic test will help us decide if I’m on the right treatment or not. Please wish us luck on that.

I was also approached by METAvivor.org to be featured in the month of October for their Patient Voices campaign.

 This is what the organization is all about. METAvivor exists to sustain hope for those living with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). We are a volunteer-led, non-profit organization that funds vital research to help improve the longevity and quality of life for MBC patients. Passionately committed patients ourselves, we rally public attention to the urgent needs of the MBC community, help patients find strength through support and purpose, and make every dollar count as we work with researchers to extend and improve quality of life for MBC patients.

 100% of breast cancer deaths occur because of metastasis, and almost 100% of the people whose breast cancer has metastasized will die from it. In the United States alone, this means that more than 40,000 vibrant lives are lost each year.

 Despite these stark realities, the popular breast cancer fundraising movements give on average only 2-5% of their research funds to researching metastasis. Instead, their primary focus is on prevention, which does nothing to help those already diagnosed, and early detection, which does not impact those facing the ultimate death sentence of Stage 4 breast cancer. And while only 6% - 10% of initial breast cancer diagnoses are metastatic, 30% of the patients diagnosed with earlier stage breast cancer will eventually develop Stage 4 breast cancer and die.

 This does not need to happen.  Many metastasis researchers believe that metastatic breast cancer could become a chronic, rather than terminal, disease if only there were more money to do the research necessary to develop effective treatments.

 Please visit www.Metavivor.org if you’d like to learn more, and I’ll make sure to share my video with you during the month of October.

A friend has been kind enough to set up a GoFundMe fundraiser.

Here is the link to that page.