When you’re writing and editing a suspenseful book like Christmas Harbor Secrets, how do you look after yourself?
I’ll be honest, living on a boat changes how you approach everything—including self-care! My husband and I live aboard a Kadey-Krogen 48 trawler, so my routine depends a lot on the tides, the weather, and whether or not a contractor is showing up that day. I take my coffee out on deck most mornings, breathe in the salt air, and let the water settle my mind before diving into edits. I also try to step away from my laptop and take a walk along the marina every afternoon. It’s amazing how many plot twists work themselves out while you’re watching pelicans fish.
Self-care? Makeup and hair?
Ha! Boat life doesn’t really leave room for glam. I keep things simple—sunscreen, lip balm, and a messy bun that can survive a good wind gust. I do love skincare though, especially anything gentle and fragrance-free, since salt air can dry out your skin fast.
Do you dress up every day?
Not unless you count clean sundress as “dressing up.” Most days it’s shorts and a T-shirt, barefoot unless I’m heading to shore. I do keep a “Zoom top” handy, though—just in case I have to hop on a call.
Share something funny about being caught off guard while living on a boat.
Oh, that’s easy. The first time a fellow boater knocked on our hull instead of our door, I about jumped out of my skin. I thought we’d hit something! Now it’s normal, but that first knock nearly gave me a heart attack.
About Christmas Harbor Secrets
Living aboard inspired this story—a suspense set in a foggy harbor town where love and danger collide. The sound of creaking docks, the hum of engines, the mystery that always seems to linger over the water—it all found its way into Rone Archer’s world.
About the Author
Ciara Knight is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes heart-tugging, faith-filled romance with a dash of hope and a whole lot of love. When she's not wrangling swoon-worthy cowboys or crafting small-town drama, she's navigating life as a proud mom of three spirited (and now grown!) boys.
In a major plot twist no one saw coming, Ciara and her tech-savvy husband recently traded in their empty nest for open waters—purchasing a boat to live aboard full-time. Together, they’re setting sail on the greatest adventure yet: the next chapter of life, love, and a few waves of inspiration. Anchors aweigh!
Ciara Knight on the web:
Christmas Harbor Secrets
Isobel Lane plans to sell her estranged father’s old trawler after her ex leaves her penniless—until she uncovers evidence pointing to his murder.
Haunted by the partner he couldn’t save, Rone Archer has spent years trying to outrun his guilt. Protecting Isobel from a danger that mirrors his past feels like his one chance at redemption.
But when a criminal organization tries to silence them, will they survive through Christmas, or will the tide claim more than her father’s secrets?
And get this book absolutely free:
This short story prequel offers a glimpse into
Rone Archer’s past—the man at the heart of
Christmas Harbor Secrets, the first book in the
Harbor Secrets series.
He faced down the storm—and his—enemies and walked away alive. But not whole. Some wounds don’t bleed. They linger in the silence…waiting for the next tide to rise.
Click here...
And view this video for Nas Dean's book review.
Looks like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hope you enjoy!
DeleteWelcome to Authors with Advice, Ciara! I loved this story. And awesome reading through your answers!
ReplyDeleteThank you for having me here. I'm so sorry about the delay in responding. We were transiting which meant I had to run the boat for over a week. I just woke up and catching up on work.
DeleteSounds good
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteLiving on a boat sounds like a lot of fun. I'm sure there are challenges. It's a whole different lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI just woke up since we did a week transit in which we didn't sleep much. Now we are on a mooring ball in Stuart, Florida and I'm editing book 2 of this series. :)
DeleteGracias por las reseñas. te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteGracias por visitarnos.
DeleteWow living on a boat would be such a fun adventure! It sounds so fun. I fill have to download this book now!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoyed the story. We just finished a transit and I'm back to work catching up on things. :)
DeleteLiving on a boat must be so interesting.
ReplyDeleteChristmas Harbour Secrets sounds like a great read.
I hope you try it out. Free on KU.
DeleteHow fun! I'll have to check out her books.
ReplyDeleteSuper :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Deleteso lovely person:)
ReplyDeleteHugs.
DeleteI like to read "Tides Before Christmas".... sound interesting....
ReplyDeleteHave a great day
It's free to download, so I hope you enjoy.
DeleteThank you
DeleteOh wow I couldn't live on a boat I get sea sick very easy, have a hard time flying too, even a car can get me sick if I am in the back seat and someone driving is a little crazy.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. That stinks, I know many people that suffer from motion sickness. The waves put me to sleep. :)
DeleteI guess living on a boat would mean you'd have to have a relaxed style for hair and makeup. What a fun experience!
ReplyDeleteThat isn't a joke. I don't wear makeup most of the time and I pull my hair back almost all the time. :)
DeleteA zoom top.. lol.. love that!
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect :)
ReplyDeletevery nice books!
ReplyDelete