100% Amazing. I Love How You Love!

What a mind-blowing month. Like smack-down perfect.

A Writer’s Mind  wrapped up its third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE event with a whopping 7,900 entries in the main contest. In addition, it celebrated one of its best years ever when it came not only to the number of participants but ‘unique visitors’ to the blog.

Sky does the happy dance. Can't help myself. *winks*

Yep, it was THAT good.

Thank you so much to everyone who swung by this month and joined in. You know that you completely freakin’ brought it this year, right?

I feel both proud and blessed, not to mention totally stoked. In fact, I’m already rubbing my hands in anticipation of next year’s event. *grins* Think I might even put together a few mega events in between.

As we all know Christmas is over and it’s well past time that I announce some holiday winners.

Do I think you should grab your favorite cuppa for this? You bet! So let’s get to it…

Christmas with Cover Model, Jimmy Thomas. What You Never Knew about this Amazing Man!

Merry Christmas!!! Welcome to the final day of A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE EVENT. It’s been a wonderful event this year and I’m so thankful to all the authors and editor that joined me this holiday season. Looking for something new to read? I encourage you to browse through previous posts to discover some amazing talent.

This year I thought the event deserved to go out with a bang. What better way to do that than offer women not something BUT someone they’d probably love to get under their Christmas tree this year. *winks*

Please make welcome cover model, Jimmy Thomas! Now these aren’t your average interview questions. Who wants that on Christmas? No, these are fun, spiritual, sensual, one-of-a-kind questions. So what do you say? Ready to relax with your favorite cuppa and read what Jimmy has to say?

SKY:   Holiday time. Throw some rum in my drink. Yes or no?

JIMMY:    Yes, in my egg nog :-)

SKY:   A woman’s toenails and fingernails. Painted or not? 

JIMMY:   Not. I prefer natural nails or French manicure, but not Jersey-long ;)

SKY:   You could choose one color to decorate your house at Christmas. What would it be?

JIMMY:   Gold.

SKY:   Everyone should stay healthy and work-out. Why? 

JIMMY:   To have more energy, more self-esteem, release stress, and live longer.

SKY:   Are you passive or aggressive?

JIMMY:    Passive personally, aggressive business-wise ;)

SKY:   You have one big regret, what is it? 

Looking For a Great Editor with Phenomenal Rates?

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope everyone is ready for tomorrow. Once more, welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over my fabulous editor, Cathy McElhaney, to share a lovely holiday story with us. When Cathy agreed to contribute to this event I was amazed and humbled. Thank you so very much, Cathy.

Cathy is graciously giving away a Christmas Dream Catcher Ornament to one lucky commenter!

An experienced editor with over twenty years under her 'belt', Cathy is currently taking on new clients. Professional and easy to work with, I highly recommend her services. Did I mention her rates are phenomenal? (You'd be hard pressed to find an editor with better rates) If interested please contact Cathy at clm_77@verizon.net

Learn more about Cathy McElhaney and her services at her Website.

Let’s hear from Cathy

The Twelve Days of Not-Apocalypse by Tara West!

We can officially say, “The day after tomorrow is Christmas!” Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author, Tara West, to share a little holiday humor with us. Tara will graciously be giving away an eCopy of The Apocalypse Collection to one lucky commenter

Let’s hear from Tara… sounds like she’s singing!

THE TWELVE DAYS OF NOT-APOCALYPSE BY TARA WEST

Dec 23

On the first day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Some dried food for emergencies!

On the second day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

On the third day after the NOT-apocalypse
My ex-love returned to me
Three...portable transistor radios!
Two…Russian bomber hats!
And some dried food for emergencies!

Christmas in New Zealand with Shelley Munro.

Only three days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, third annual, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author, Shelley Munro to share a little bit of her holiday with us. Shelley is graciously giving away the first book of each of her series Talking Dogs, Fancy Free and Middlemarch Mates to one lucky commenter. All you need to do to enter the contest is answer her question.

What does Christmas mean to you?

Let’s hear from Shelley…

Christmas in New Zealand

Hi! My name is Shelley Munro. Christmas falls during summer where I live in New Zealand. While I was growing up I always heard about New Zealanders who spend Christmas day at the beach. Not true in our family!

Christmas to me means:

1. Warm days, sometimes with rain since we live in a subtropical zone.
2. The pohutukawa trees come out in bloom with their bright scarlet pom-pom flowers.
3. Our daylight saving is in full swing so the days are long to make the most of the good weather.
4. All our local towns and suburbs hold their Christmas parades.
5. Christmas carols start playing in the shops and malls.
6. The towns and malls bring out their Christmas decorations.
7. We have a family discussion about who will host lunch on Christmas day.
8. The kids all break up for Christmas holiday – about 6 weeks off school.
9. Office parties!

Authors, I Invite You To Share!

Happy Winter solstice! If you're reading this then the world did not end on December 21, 2012. Phew! *Grins* Today I’m taking a ‘one day’ intermission from A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT.

Instead, sit back and enjoy a one day ‘BUG-IN PROMO FEST’. If you’ve been following along this month then you know I posted on December 5th some survival tips that included how to tap maple syrup. I encourage you to click HERE to read it whenever you can. Chock full of great info! To read the final post in the Bug-in blog hop, head over to Skhye Moncrief's blog.

Meanwhile, several authors from the ‘BUG-IN WITH ROMANCE BLOG HOP’ have come together today to promo with one another. And though I intend to chat more about my upcoming release later this month I thought today a great time to start sharing. (Bug-in authors- If you did up a blog post today please leave the URL in a comment)

IN ADDITION, I'd also like to invite all authors to share. After all, it's the holiday's and what better gift to give readers than a taste of all the talent that's 'out there.' I encourage you to leave a BLURB, SHORT EXCERPT and BUY LINKS for one of your titles in a comment after this post!

So here goes. My latest… (I’d love to hear your thoughts in a comment!)

THE MACLOMAIN SERIES- EARLY YEARS

“Come with courage. Come for love. Or don’t come at all.”

When true love exists, it resonates through time.

From the best-selling, award-winning MacLomain Series comes the first of those stories never told.

The many stories from the MacLomain Series-Early Years will rip from you both tears and joy. After all, love is merciless. Brave the Scottish Highlands in a time of peril and sacrifice. Brave the Highlands in a time when love was forged despite all odds.

Remembering Author Sharon Donovan this Christmas. Please Help Spread the Word with Hywela Lyn!

It's hard to believe that there are only four days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer's Mind's, third annual, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today I'm thrilled to welcome back friend and talented author, Hywela Lyn, who will be sharing a little holiday cheer with us. In addition, Lyn will be sharing a 'just released' story by Sharon Donovan, a beloved author lost to us.

Lyn is graciously giving away a READER'S CHOICE of any title from her backlist to one lucky commenter.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

My favourite Christmas Things


I love Christmas. If we're lucky, we'll have some snow. Despite all the inconvenience and problems it causes, for me, snow really makes Christmas seem – well, more like Christmas! (This is a picture of the old windmill near where I live and where I enjoy walking my dog on Christmas day.) I love all the preparations, from baking the Christmas cake and making the special sherry trifle, to decorating the house and Christmas tree.  I don’t like starting Christmas preparations too early, but once I start I find it really exciting.  

A New Twist on Eggnog with Alisha Paige and Ruby Vines!

Only six days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer's Mind's, third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it's my pleasure to welcome over friend and talented author, Alisha Paige (AKA- Ruby Vines) to share some delicious holiday recipes with us. Alisha is graciously giving away READER'S CHOICE of any of her books to one lucky reader and that includes her new release, MY LITTLE TEXAS TORNADO! Leave comments and email addresses below to be entered!

Let's hear from Alisha...

Thank you, Sky for having me over for your fun Christmas Blog Event! Big hugs, sweetie!

I like to try Christmas traditions from other cultures and I was excited to find this yummy recipe for Coquito which is Latin eggnog! And boy, let me tell you, it is YUMMY!

Coquito is traditionally served in Puerto Rico; made with rum, eggs, coconut milk, coconut cream, sweet condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

YOU NEED:

2 cans coconut cream

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 can evaporated milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups of rum

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon ground nutmeg

(MAKE WITHOUT RUM FOR THE KIDS AND IN CASE YOU'RE OUT CAROLING IN THE SNOW..CAUSE YOU WILL GET LOST IF YOU'RE DRINKING THIS STUFF!!!)

(HOW WE MAKE EGGNOG ON MY FARM IN TEXAS!!!)

Blend it all in a blender on high and serve with ice! This is very strong but so yummy so be careful! TIP: SIP THIS BY THE FIRE AND CUDDLE WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE!!

And what better to go with Coquito than Eggnog Fudge? My kids love to help me make this!

Christmas Down Under with Skhye Moncrief. Warm Cheery Rum Fudge!

Only eight days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Minds, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome back friend and author, Skhye Moncrief, who will be sharing a little holiday cheer with us. Skhye is graciously giving away win an autographed paperback AND a carved bone Eagle feather pendant sporting a Wolf paw print to one lucky commenter that answers her question below.

Let’s hear from Skhye…

Well, it’s beginning to somewhat look a lot like Christmas Down Under.  Seriously, it’s hot here. You know, Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere. Right? *wink* So, it’s summer and there are Christmas trees in the shops. I’ve been worried about finding a Christmas tree.  I didn’t ship my Christmas things to Australia. We’re on a short-term assignment (that could extend up to 4 years) and we were only allowed a small air shipment. So, I had to triage. Well, we’re making these bells I saw Martha Stewart make…And some Poinsettia tissue-paper flowers to put on the tree. My daughter has made both before. So, why not! She’s into making things. But I will be making my signature holiday fudge as always…And thought I’d share!

Warm Cheery Rum Fudge

3 cups semi-sweet choc. chips (you can substitute ½ with milk choc. chips)
1-14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
A dash of salt
1 teaspoon fresh grated orange zest
Handful of walnuts
A greased loaf pan
1. Melt 3 cups of choc. chips with the sweetened-condensed milk and dash of salt over low heat.
2. Remove from heat and quickly add rum extract, orange zest, and walnuts. Mix fast.
3. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Cool.

How the Earth Was Won!

An Italian Christmas Memory with Laura Kaye.

Nine days and counting until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author,  Laura Kaye, to share a little bit of her holiday with us. Laura is graciously offering a giveaway. One lucky reader who leaves a comment will win a signed paperback (just released!) of the book, my first ever to hit the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists! Open to international!

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Laura…

An Italian Christmas Memory

I’m excited to be a part of Sky’s Christmas event this year! To celebrate, I thought I’d share a favorite Christmas memory—it involves a summer romance, a family making a wish come true, and making love in Italy.

This memory is from 1991. I was a college senior who had fallen in love with her college boyfriend the summer before senior year started. Only problem was, her boyfriend, a junior (*gasp* a younger man! LOL) was going abroad to Italy for the year at the end of August. We were determined to make it work. Oh, the money we gave to AT&T and the postal service during the fall semester! Then, come November, we had a crazy idea. What if I could get the money to fly to Italy over Christmas break???

'Oh-So-Sexy Someone' Beneath Your Christmas Tree. Renee Vincent's, The Temperate Warrior.

 We’re starting to get down to the nitty-gritty. Only ten days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Popping in for the first time? If so, then you've arrived just in time! This event is in full swing. So cozy in with your favorite cuppa and spend a bit of your holiday with amazing author, Renee Vincent.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Today, it’s my pleasure to welcome back friend and talented author, Renee Vincent. I just love to hear exactly what she wants beneath her Christmas tree because he’s always sexy gorgeous! *grins* Renee is graciously giving away her ENTIRE Emerald Isle Trilogy in eBook format to one lucky commenter. Read on to learn more about this fabulous giveaway.

Let’s hear from Renee…

What every woman wants to find under her Christmas tree…

Every year it seems to get more difficult to answer this question. Last year, if you recall, I wanted Gerard Butler dressed in nothing but his crimson cape and cod piece from 300 (six-pack abs included of course) singing to me in his beautiful Phantom of the Opera baritone voice, “I am your angel of good news” while holding a rolled newspaper in his hand which claims Renee Vincent is the next New York Times Best Selling Author!

Oh, what a memory…

This year, I must admit I direly crave the same. But that wouldn’t make for a unique post, now would it?

Tasty Christmas Treats. Five Things to Look Forward to with Roxanne Rhoads.

Only twelve days left until Christmas and there are still SO many giveaways coming! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author, Roxanne Rhoads, who will be sharing her holiday traditions. Roxanne is graciously giving away a set of the books Tasty Christmas Treats and Paranormal Pleasures to one lucky commenter.

Let’s hear from Roxanne…

Making Memories with Holiday Traditions

I am big on holiday traditions in my household. Probably because when I was growing up we really didn’t have any. I was an only child raised by a single mom who worked two and three jobs. I don’t think she had much time or energy for traditions.

So I make sure my family of five has many things to look forward to every year for many holidays, not just Christmas yet Christmas is the one we have the most traditions for.

A Smoky Mountain Christmas by Carol DeVaney.

The good times continue! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author, Carol DeVany, who is chatting about her holiday’s when living near The Great Smoky Mountains. Carol is graciously giving away an eCopy of her latest title, A Smoky Mountain Christmas to one lucky commenter!

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Carol…

Thank you so much for inviting me to your WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Exciting!

I love the Christmas season, especially ones I spend surrounded by mountains.

Growing up about fifty miles from The Great Smoky Mountains, I spent a lot of time in and around the area. I’m not sure at such a young age I appreciated the sweet people I met as much as I should have. Special country friends made the trip worthwhile and the memories I have of the area today.

When I wrote “A Smoky Mountain Christmas” I couldn’t think of any other mountain area that was as so special. Shopping, walking through the streets while snowflakes dance around my uncovered head. Who wants to miss out on the feel of gentle flakes falling on your face?

Christmas- Fun and Frolicky, Hot and Heavy. Nailed by Desiree Holt.

Only fourteen days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Just popping in for the first time? If so, let me catch you up on what this event's about. Between now and Christmas day, many authors, an editor and cover model will be visiting to share a little bit of their holiday with us. Expect tons of giveaways including three $30 Amazon Gift Cards.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over fabulously talented author, Desiree Holt, who will be sharing some of her holiday traditions with us. Desiree is graciously giving away two Christmas stories from her backlist, a $10 gift certificate at a virtual bookstore of your choice and a Set of Christmas ornaments (3). Answer Desiree’s question in a comment for a chance to win. Two winners drawn!

Let’s hear from Desiree…

Christmas-fun and frolicky, hot and heavy

Christmas means a lot of things to a lot of people. For some it’s a time of reflection, for others it means a party every night. For me it means family time and enjoying the treasures I’ve collected over the years, like the gorgeous Dickens Village collection that my children started me on sixteen years ago when my husband was still with me.

A Tree Worth Choosing. Christmas with Beth Trissel.

Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. It’s hard to believe we’re already into the second week in December! As expected, things are as festive as ever at this blog. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over friend and fabulously talented author, Beth Trissel. Gracious as ever, Beth is offering an eCopy of her story, A Warrior for Christmas to one lucky commenter.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Beth…

Cutting the Christmas tree ourselves is a significant tradition that dates back to the years before I was married, with the whole family going together to select and cut it. The ranks have grown considerably over the decades and even included Chinese guests who found trekking off to cut an evergreen rather fascinating, as they did the concept of stuffing a large tree into our house and decorating it with eclectic baubles, like the glittered light bulbs our son made when he was in first grade, or the dough angel with glasses my brother created when he was ten. But they joined in the merriment.

In recent years, we venture to our favorite tree farm on a hillside outside the tiny hamlet of Singers Glen with our children and grandchildren, the youngest just wee tots. The little people are especially excited by our outing and a good time is had by all. The ultimate challenge is finding the candy cane tree and requires tramping up and down the scenic hill. To mix things up, my art major graduate daughter, Elise, suggested we get the ugliest tree we could find for our household and see what we could do with it. Six-year-old Ian thought this was a great idea. However, after he’d helped cut it, he asked, “Dad has out tree, right?” He didn’t want to get stuck with a dud.

A Scottish Christmas with Cathie Dunn.

The days are ticking down to Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Today I’m thrilled to welcome over talented author, Cathie Dunn. She just happens to live in one of my most favorite places on Earth. You guessed it… Scotland! Be sure to comment for a chance to win an eCopy of her latest title, Dark Deceit.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Cathy…

Thank you for hosting me, Sky! It’s a pleasure to be here talking about my favourite season...

I love Christmas!

There, I said it. Why, you ask? Well…

First of all, there are the Christmas markets. I grew up surrounded by towns and villages with stunning Christmas markets running from a short weekend to the whole month of December. Yes, sometimes even beyond Christmas. It must be worth their while setting up that ice rink, after all. A warm glow spreads through towns - and through your blood as you sip from your steaming mug of mulled wine. Colourfully decorated stalls sell handmade crafts, pottery, needlework and Christmas cookies. And, of course, plenty of stalls selling delicious food, so you can keep up your strength as you browse the dizzying variety of potential presents. Add a sprinkling of snow, and it’s a picture perfect setting.

A Southern California Christmas with Catherine Bybee.

Only eighteen days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Just popping in for the first time? If so, allow me to fill you in on the festive details. Between now and Christmas day many more authors will be joining us to share a bit of their holiday. In addition, this event will be welcoming over an editor and cover model, Jimmy Thomas.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over NY Times bestselling author, Catherine Bybee. She'll be sharing a little bit of her Christmas California style. Bybee is graciously giving away a PRINT copy of her just-released, Amazon bestseller, Not Quite Dating to one lucky commenter. Contest applies to readers in the Continental United States.

Let’s hear from Catherine…

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. I know the song…and yes, I hope to have planted the tune inside your head with my words.

Here in California we don’t have the icy temperatures or the snow laden trees. No, we often walk around in flip-flops and short-sleeved shirts. This is the time of year to replace our windshield wipers for the rare rainstorm that might blanket the world with green.

For those of us celebrating the season in temperatures dipping into the 50’s and not reaching into the 50’s…don’t work yourselves up and put your home for sale. Wintering in a higher temperature does several things for the holidays that you might not think of.

First… That lack of cool temps… yeah well, that means the cozy Christmas fire is often not needed. That’s why they have that darn ‘Yule log’ on the TV. All the snap, crackle and pop without the heat.

Second… When was the last time you saw Santa land his sleigh on anything other than dirt? Nuff said on that!

Third… The kid table is supposed to be in the living room… NOT on the patio.

I'd Tap That! Sweet Survival Tips.

Get that thick, sugary syrup to flow. You might have no choice!

Welcome to the BUG-IN WITH ROMANCE BLOG EVENT. If you’ve been following this blog hop then you’re already familiar with what it’s about. If not, allow me to give you a quick run-down.

We're a group of mostly romance authors that are worried about general fox-hole morale when the shit hits the fan. So you've got your bug-out bags packed, your medicine stocked up, your 2 weeks of food stuff hidden in the air-space behind the dry wall in your home (just in case the government shows up to confiscate your horde of food), you've stored away some candles and extra batteries, and you're ready to go. Well, what about Mom's sanity? What about those almost twenty year old daughters hooked on romance novels? What about...How are you planning to while away the boredom in your little safe place? We've got you covered. Win some romance novels and tick off your preparedness checklist with us as we countdown to THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT.

Each author will be giving away a paperback copy of her book, a book about her Bug-In subject, or one of her favorite reads. So, stick around to enter to win each day. The blog event is a true blog hop in the sense that it begins with one blog post and moves on each day to another participating author's blog. Each day the hostess will post the link to the next day's blog post and contest. All you do is start today, here, and pop over to the next blog tomorrow.

No matter where you are, if you’re in a situation in which the power grid goes down for an extended period of time, you better be prepared to be resourceful. Don’t count on your local grocery store for food. Even with a ‘worst-case’ scenario Martial Law in place, they’ll be raided within days. If you’ve stock-piled food, you still need to fine a way to provide your own food when your stash runs out. Here in New England and many parts of the world, that means tapping into nature the old-fashioned way with nutrient-rich Maple Syrup.

While I don’t pen post-apocalyptic novels, I do write about time-travel. My characters often travel to time periods that had no electricity. A simpler time when folks had to live off the land. 

But it also had its share of romance…

If you think a super steamy Highlander or oh-so-sexy paranormal novel would be something you’d like to read if there's no choice but to Bug-in, then leave a comment. The prize? One print novel from either my MacLomain or Calum's Curse Series. 

Alright, let’s chat MAPLE SYRUP! Keep in mind that while the following information caters to those staying in one location for an extended period of time, everything is flexible. After reading this, even if you do need to bug-out versus in, you'll know what to look for in your travels AND you’ll have a good idea about what to shove into a bug-out bag if need be.

On Your Mark, Get Set, UNWRAP! Holiday Traditions with Michelle Miles.

Only twenty-two days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Today I’m thrilled to welcome over talented author, Michelle Miles. Sit back and enjoy your favorite festive drink while Michelle shares some holiday traditions. Be sure to answer her question in a comment for a chance to win an eCopy of her latest story, Only For A Knight.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Michelle…

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again! Christmas is here. And it seemed like we just got through with summer. It astounds me at how fast the time flies. Even more so when I look at my son and how fast he’s growing up. Wasn’t he just born, like, yesterday?

But anyway. This post is about Christmas. The day after Thanksgiving is the day my husband and I have designated as Decorate For Christmas day. We’ve started collecting the little Victorian village buildings and our new thing is to buy a new one each year.  He also likes to buy a Waterford crystal ornament every year. I think it’s these little traditions that help make the holiday so magical.

But what I love most about Christmas is getting together with my large clan. We’re a horde. I have two sisters and a brother, they’re all married, they have children and their children have children. There are nearly thirty of us and that’s just my immediate siblings, nieces and nephews.

So as you can imagine things can get kinda crazy around the holidays. It’s darn near impossible to get us all together on the same day. We usually end up having whatever the holiday is AFTER the official holiday. Like this year, Thanksgiving for us is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Then we all converge on my mom’s house because she’s the most centrally located (we’re all spread out). And we all bring a covered dish and have WAY too much food and stuff ourselves silly.

In recent years, because we’ve grown so big and most of the kids aren’t little anymore, we’ve started drawing names. The rule is anyone over the age of 18 gets their name thrown in the hat. This is great fun actually and it saves a ton of money because there is just no way everyone can buy for everyone. We’re not independently wealthy (not yet anyway).

Celebrating Christmas in a Culturally Blended Family. Masha Holl's, The Joining.

Happy December 1st! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. It’s my pleasure to welcome over author Masha Holl to share a little bit of her unique holiday with us. Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win an eCopy of Masha’s story, The Joining.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Masha…

Christmas is not a simple matter, especially in a culturally blended family. It can be complicated enough, even these days, when Old World and New World mix and we try to recreate childhood recipes and experiences for the next generation. But when East and West collide it gets really interesting.