Feliz Natal means Merry Christmas in Portuguese!
I had such fun writing A Portuguese Christmas, my sweet romance contemporary novella. And, in turn, I learned a great deal about Portugal, and the country’s lack of snow during the holiday season.
The story is set in December. Krystal Walters, the heroine, is an American professional surfer, and is competing in Portugal during the holidays in a world-class surfing event. She misses the snow, and envisions returning to her home in wintry Rhode Island to celebrate Christmas with her father.
However, the average temperature in Portugal in December/January boasts a high of 59 degrees, with temperatures dipping to a low 46 degrees. So, snow is very rare, especially in the cities, such as Lisbon.
Through my research, I also learned that Portugal’s climate is diverse. The river Tejo runs through Lisbon, and any regions south are warm and dry, and reportedly it’s only snowed there once in twenty years.
Any regions north of the river are rainy and cold in winter.
Here’s the first cover of A Portuguese Christmas.
The hero, Adolfo, is an olive farmer, and, to me, this hero didn’t look like a man who farms. Those of you who’ve heard me praise my wonderful cover artist, know I trust her judgement. However, in addition to a hero who didn’t fit my vision, she forgot one important thing. There’s no snow in Portugal!
However, I LOVE the hero on my current cover, which was unanimously approved by my reader’s group!
The moment world-class surfer Krystal disappears under a mountain of sea water, Adolfo’s single-minded focus shifts from running his Portuguese olive farm to keeping the sun-kissed American spitfire safe. But first he’ll have to convince her that spending Feliz Natal with him isn’t the end of the world. Because she’s become the center of his.
Do you like snow during the holiday season, or do you prefer warm, sunny weather?
Feliz Natal!
A Portuguese Christmas is on pre-order and will be available November 7th for all ebook retailers, audible, and paperback.
Reserve your copy today!
And check out the youtube video here.
Interesting information!
Thanks, MM.