Winter Blog Festival! R.G. Porter's, DESTINY'S LIGHT

Welcome! Though it’s the last day of my .99 CENT WINTER BLOG FESTIVAL, there’s still fun to be had! Today I’d like to welcome over ‘muse sister’ and romance author R.G. Porter. She and I were authors in the Song of the Muse Anthology years ago. Many of the talented authors in this series have since re-launched their titles. We all had such a blast and became friends through this anthology. I’m happy to spread the word about Robyn’s story, Destiny’s Light. It’s well written and such a great tale!!!

A bit about the author…

Robyn wrote her first novel, Shadow of the Wolf, back in 2005, as a way to escape from a chaotic world. Though she never expected her writing to go anywhere, her first novel debuted through Wild Rose Press in 2007. Since then she has continued to write what she is drawn to. Whether it is a world where magic and shape-shifters exist or a place where vampires are ready overthrow the world of humans, her imagination weaves those places into stories. Currently she finds herself writing as much as she can. With her first book to be re-released Oct 1st, she plans to have many more novels out in the coming months. From her Darkness Unleashed series to her Guardian's of Nature series, she will continue to bring forth new tales of mystery, magic and mayhem.

DESTINY'S LIGHT

A wish to go back would unlock more than she expected…

For as long as Eutrepe could remember, the Muses had always been sent to help inspire mankind. She longed to go back again, but man had lost his faith. Centuries drifted by and Eutrepe was certain she would never walk among the humans again. The night Zeus summons her for a final task in the mortal world she jumps at the chance. It was a quest she was willing to take, that is, until the interference of a God and her memory is lost.

Ceris is a loner and musician. Stuck at an impasse with a song he needs to complete, but cannot, he wonders if the words will be locked inside his soul forever. Sure he will never release his thoughts, he ventures out into the night in hopes of some kind of inspiration. Never in his dreams did he expect it would come in the form of a woman with no memory who nearly dies at the hands of an oncoming car in the dead of night.

In order to reveal the song that fills Ceris' soul they must first unlock Euterpe’s past before it’s too late….

Their future is at stake, but first they must beat back the darkness before it time is up.

Excerpt:

Euterpe paced outside the great hall. She had done all she could to learn of the world of men. There had been great changes and she found that her amazement for the ingenuity of the mortals increased with each new thing she discovered. Still, she could not help but wonder where her quest was going to lead her. True, man had created wondrous inventions, but in another way, their creativity seemed to have dimmed over the ages. It broke her heart to know that so many had lost the ability to use their imagination. She knew it was there, hidden deep inside, but they had forgotten how to unlock it. Too much had been lost since the time of the gods.

“You may enter now, Euterpe. Zeus is ready to see you.” A deep voice she had not heard in years broke through her thoughts. Before the door to the inner chamber stood her uncle, his eyes held hers for a breath or two. Taller than she had remembered, his onyx eyes matched his black untamed hair. He was as stubborn as her father was, but held hardly any of the fairness Zeus possessed. No, he was usually out for only what benefited him, and most of the time, that did not bode well with anyone unlucky enough to be in his path. Wrapping her arms around her waist, she held her head high in defiance.

“Hades, what are you doing here?” She asked. The last she had heard, Zeus had forbidden him to come up to Olympus. Too many times, he had tried to overshadow Zeus with trickery. “If I remember right, you were told not to return.”

Hades’ hand held fast to his scepter. “That’s very cute niece, but unneeded, not to mention far from the truth. I came up here to speak with my brother. For as long as we have existed, I have never been forbidden to enter Olympus. I have chosen to remain below. You would do well to remember this.” There was a bite in his words she could not miss.

Hades moved close, his mere presence sending chills across her skin. “I hope you aren’t issuing a threat, dear Uncle. I would hate to have to mention this to Zeus, or your wife. They would both be very disappointed.” Deep down, Euterpe wanted to push past him, but his body continued to fill the entryway.

His finger reached out and brushed the side of her cheek. “Dear Euterpe, we will have a long conversation one day about threats. I will explain them in depth to you, this, I promise.” Before she could counter him, Hades’ body burst into a dark mist evaporating before her eyes. Every encounter she had had with him always left her feeling out of sorts. He wasn’t evil, but he’d always known what to say, or do, to unnerve her and tonight was no different. Just his touch felt tainted with darkness.

“Don’t you hate when they get the last word?”

Purchase DESTINY'S LIGHT at Amazon and Amazon UK.

Winter Blog Festival! P.L. Parker's FIONA.

Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s .99 CENT EBOOK WINTER FESTIVAL! Today it’s my pleasure to feature a few of P.L. Parker’s titles.

A bit about P.L. Parker…

“I love paranormal and as a result, it's the perfect genre for me. I started seriously writing about 5 years ago and have since published 5 novels, one short, and two Free Reads, Prophecy's Bride and Songbird. I am currently working on a sequel to Into the Savage Dawn and have another manuscript, The Chalice, which I am seriously considering self-publishing.”

FIONA

Time shifts in ever changing motion. But can love survive the ravages of time?

Set against the backdrop of Ancient China, Fiona finds herself transported to a time of barbarian warriors and marauding nomads from the northern steppes. She discovers a new way of life in the arms of the handsome warrior Kellach, a man of noble stature among the Celtic settlements ringing the great Taklamakan. Desperate to return to the present while struggling against her mounting feelings, she finally accepts her fate, exulting in the rapture and delights to be found as Kellach’s mate.

High Priestess Voadicia wants Lord Kellach for her own—and only the outsider Fiona stands in her way.

EXCERPT:

Step back in time 4,000 in time, to a place where Celts shouldn’t be, yet they were!

Kellach was rooted to the spot. The woman before him was beautiful by any standard. Her huge green eyes
reflected the light from the candles and her trembling lips were lush and full. Her nose was small and straight and creamy skin graced her perfect visage. Long hair the color of silver moonbeams fell to below her waist, the sides pulled back in braids. One shoulder was bare as the shapeless gown slipped off, and the promise of full breasts tantalized his perusal. Who was she and why was she sleeping in his bed—and with a dog?

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” he growled at her. He was exhausted and, although she
interested him greatly, he wanted to sleep.

Fiona clutched the puppy tighter, he was yelling at her and too fast for her to understand. She tried to think
of something to say, but her mind wasn’t working. She remembered, “Kellach’s house,” she screamed at him.

Kellach nodded, yes, it was his house. At least they had that covered.

“Go,” she screeched and pointed to the door.

Kellach shook his head, trying to clear his mind. The woman appeared to know it was his house but was
screaming at him to go, this didn’t make sense.

Purchase FIONA at Amazon.

RILEY’S JOURNEY

The research project was only for an "extended period." No one said anything about forever! Deceived and betrayed, Riley is sent back 40,000 years to be the mate of a man she’d never before met. Her journey will take her into a world fraught with dangers—a world made more treacherous by savage beasts, primitive Neanderthals, and the incursion of the aggressive Cro-Magnon man.

Surviving alone for five years in this vast wilderness, Nathan, along with his enormous dog, Demon, carve out a life in the perilous environment. Though thrown together by forces beyond their control, Riley and Nathan nevertheless find love—but can these two lost souls survive against such overwhelming odds?

EXCERPT:

The research project was only for an extended period. No one said anything about forever.

Finally, he broke the silence. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"What do you expect me to say? Thank you? If even a small part of what you say is true, then I'm stuck here for eternity with a guy I don't even know, in a place I hate and with no future. Yeah, I guess that comes under 'thank you!'"

She rubbed her hands across her face. This was a nightmare! And not for a minute did she believe what he told her, at least not most of it. The guy was probably crazy, but if he was crazy, she must be too, because she had seen that bunch of strange looking humans and they didn't look like any people existing in her world.

"I'm really sorry. I didn't know Bethany would go this far. I made the mistake of saying at the drop point that I didn't think I would be able to last here alone much longer. She must have heard it." His face was a mask of regret.

"And that's supposed to make it all better?"

"I don't know what else to say. I'm sorry. I wish I could change the outcome, but there's nothing I can do. Maybe, if nothing else, they'll be able to figure out a way to bend time back so we can go home."

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but one of the things I noticed while I was at the facility was that it was really understaffed and it looked like it was being closed down."

Purchase RILEY’S JOURNEY at Amazon.

Visit P.L. Parker’s Website ~ Blogspot ~ Myspace

Winter Blog Festival. Jean Adams' ETERNAL HEARTS.

Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, .99 CENTS EBOOK WINTER BLOG FESTIVAL. For those of you unfamiliar, this event is all about letting you know about some fantastic and very affordable books. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over author Jean Adams.

Award-winning romance author, Jean Adams, wanted to be the next Agatha Christie but it didn't quite work out that way. She was introduced to romance and it was love at first read. Now she is addicted to storytelling. Ancient Egypt is her passion, running a close second to writing. What better solution than to join the two. She is working on a historical trilogy set during those times, a good excuse for more research.

Jean has another novel in this festival. Set in Cornwall, renowned for its storytellers, it's about one woman's search for a myth. She spent her formative years in Cornwall among the stories and legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

She likes dark, mysterious heroes and strong heroines, who are their perfect match. They are soul mates, and their love for each the goes soul deep.

Jean is the founder of Romance Writers of New Zealand.

ETERNAL HEARTS - ancient Egyptian time travel

BLURB

She found the love of her life, 3000 years too late.

When Alexandra Kelly returns a broad collar to Egypt she is swept through a time portal into a breathtaking, yet terrifying journey to a land of majesty and splendour, the land of the pharaohs.

Death is Lord Khafra’s fate if he embarks upon his dangerous quest. Can Alex’s arrival disrupt his plans and save him from his fiery date with death?

Together they find love and face terrible danger and hardship but the sexy charioteer could make any woman believe the gods were smiling on her.

But at the next full moon Alex must leave Egypt to return to the 21st century and Khafra will have been dead for many centuries.

EXCERPT

Why was he looking at her as though he wanted to ravish her where she stood? No, she didn’t want to think about that. He was a large man and judging by those thick muscles, very strong. And what gave men the right to such sinfully long eyelashes? She gathered her wandering thoughts. “I know this is a joke, even though I don’t understand it, but it’s starting to wear thin. Please, tell me where I am.”

“You are in Kemet, in Egypt. And this is my home.

”She wanted to scream. “I know I’m in Egypt! I flew in yesterday.” Her voice rose in frustration. Couldn’t he stop teasing? Her head hurt too much for stupid games.

He shifted and she wondered what was on his mind. Calm down, Alex. Don’t antagonize him. You don’t know what he’s capable of.

Drawing in a long, deep breath she counted to three and began again. “Okay. If you want to play games, I have some questions.”

He sat up and the towel slipped further exposing a longer length of perfectly muscled thigh, which he made no attempt to cover. “I’m sure you will have many.”

That was something anyway. Maybe he was ready to cooperate. She dragged her gaze back to his face and drew in a deep breath. “What dynasty am I—? What dynasty did I land in?”

“Dynasty?” He frowned and offered her that knockout smile again. “Ah, of course. This is how the years come to be known to you. Do you mean in whose reign are we?”

Deep breath, Alex. “Whatever. In whose reign are we?”

“Amunhotep the Fourth, may he live forever.” He placed his hand over his heart. “It is the fifth year of his reign.”

Her mouth fell open. Now she knew for certain this was a joke. “You’re kidding, right?”

Dark eyebrows lifted in question. “Kidding?”

She blew out an angry breath. “Playing me for a fool.”

His broad shoulders lifted in a casual shrug and he moved his leg one more time. Luckily the towel didn’t move with it. “Why would I do this?”

Amunhotep IV, who had changed his name to Akhenaten, just happened to be the husband of Nefertiti. It was a coincidence Alex couldn’t overlook. But her mind started wandering down a new track. Maybe this is a ransom attempt.

Purchase Eternal Hearts at AMAZON.

BEATS A WILD HEART

BLURB

In the ancient Celtic land of Cornwall, she searched for a myth--and found truth. To prove she’s got what it takes to make it in the male-dominated world of wildlife photography, Emma sets herself an impossible task--to find the Beast of Bodmin Moor. She travels from the New World to her mother’s ancient Celtic land of Cornwall determined to prove that the fabled creature exists and to be the only one to capture it on film.

He came out of the mist…Seth Trevelyan wants to be left alone to get on with his life’s work. He’s also on a one-man crusade--to save the life of the black leopard, known as the Beast of Bodmin Moor. When, he finds a damsel in distress, like a knight of old he gives her sanctuary, placing the leopard and his heart, in danger.

EXCERPT

In the utter silence of the moorland night, another sound caught her attention; the very familiar sound of Seth’s voice. Since no others came back in reply, she deduced he must be talking on his mobile phone, or to himself. She couldn’t hear the words, but they sounded soft, coaxing. Almost like a lover.

By the time Emma reached the window Seth had stopped talking…

Then she saw it. Sleek and black, its coat bore an eerie silvery sheen in the moonlight. She gasped and felt her eyes physically widen.

A black leopard.

Of course! The sawing sound was one of the noises leopards made.

Fighting the effects of the tablets, she glanced quickly across to the nightstand where her camera lay. It was too far to stretch. Besides it was still empty. By the time she’d hobbled over there, reloaded and got back, the creature would be gone.

It was so beautiful she wanted to cry. All muscle and sinew, it was terrifying in its raw power. Blinking rapidly, Emma cleared the lump in her throat and gave the creature a watery smile. Then the animal slipped into the shadows and was gone, back to the moor. Even the drugs making her drowsy couldn’t temper her excitement. It was real; she had seen it.

Seth was down there! Shaking her head, Emma tried to clear the gathering fog. Hadn’t he seen the leopard? If he had, all hell would have broken loose. The animal was probably looking for food.

What if they came face to face? It could attack him and she would be useless to help him on these crutches, a leg that wouldn’t support her and a mind muddled by drugs.

Although barely able to stay awake, Emma forced herself to scan the shadows one more time, hoping for another glimpse of the panther, but she knew it had gone. A sudden shiver made her realize how low the temperature had dropped. She closed the window and made her way back to bed.

Just before sleep claimed her, Emma smiled into the darkness. What she’d seen tonight was no figment of an overactive imagination. Even though the pills had worked quickly, her drugged brain knew one truth.

Tonight, she had seen the Beast of Bodmin Moor.

Purchase Beats A Wild Heart at AMAZON.

Visit Jean Adams' Website.

Winter Blog Festival! Eliza Knight's, MEN OF THE SEA Anthology

Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s .99 CENT EBOOK WINTER FESTIVAL! Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over the very talented, Eliza Knight. She’ll be sharing her MEN OF THE SEA Anthology , a Regency romance series including: Her Captain Returns, Her Captain Surrenders, Her Captain Dares All.


Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at her Website or her historical blog, History Undressed, which was recently mentioned in a feature article in The Wall Street Journal. 

MEN OF THE SEA Anthology

Back by popular demand! The Men of the Sea series--three Regency novellas in one (~90,000 words).

HER CAPTAIN RETURNS

How could anything considered sinful feel so good?

That is what Miss Corinne Claymore asked herself as she gave into the titillating suggestions of Captain Ryder Montgomery. Corinne never knew what she was getting into with her innocent flirtations with Ryder. Scandal ensues as they are discovered in an amorous embrace in the gardens at Lady Covington's ball. Corinne finds herself not only married to Ryder, but abandoned. A short letter tells her he will be gone for several years.

Eight years pass while Ryder is on a secret mission for the Prince Regent. He only returns at hearing the news of his brother's death, making him the new Earl of Stafford. His love and passion for Corinne have not waned. In fact, remembering their nights of pleasure has been the only thing that's kept him sane on his dangerous journey. But she has changed much, filled now with bitterness and the fear of being deserted again. Ryder must woo her back to him and soothe her fears, all while discovering how his brother died and who may be at fault.

It will be a treacherous adventure, but one consumed with building trust and love while enjoying carnal pleasures.

HER CAPTAIN SURRENDERS

Captain Nathaniel Cruise has a job to do. But what happens when a beautiful woman tempts him to turn his eye from his duties to pursue more…pleasurable entertainments? Not only that, the woman has a wit and intelligence that rivals his own and he finds himself falling deeper and harder for her.

Lady Juliette Blackburn, knows what she wants, and she wants Captain Cruise. A rich widow in her own right, she’s decided to take her love life in her own hands. However, at every turn the man of her dreams is running away from her. She’ll have to keep up a subtle chase to discreetly reel him in.

Despite their mutual attraction something darker is pulling them together. A rogue former lover of Juliette’s is the main suspect in Nathaniel’s investigation, and now he’s threatening both their livelihoods. Together they’ll fight the villain and perhaps on the way Nathaniel and Juliette will surrender to love.

HER CAPTAIN DARES ALL

Pursued by kidnappers, Lady Tessa Woodward is running for her life. When handsome Captain Jeremy Williams comes to her rescue in the backstreets of Paris, she persuades him to help her escape France and return to her home in England.

Captain Jeremy Williams is captivated by Lady Tessa's fiery nature and agrees to give her passage aboard his ship. Once on board, his desire grows and soon reveals a sensual side to the woman he can’t deny. But when danger threatens his lady, will the captain dare all to save her?

REVIEWS

Seriously Reviewed – “A wonderfully romantic story. This is not the first book of Ms Knight's that I have had the pleasure to read and I must admit that it will not be the last. The intoxicating way she pens her captain's is a refreshing taste and definitely tempting. Ruggedly handsome men born for the sea. Ladies bred for society. I love the way Ms Knight brings these two different worlds together and crafts love stories that will leave the reader breathless. *Snaps* Ms Knight on another job well done :)”

Rebecca Lynn @ Enduring Romance – “I enjoy these spicy Regency novels that Eliza Knight writes. I like her characters, I like the plot lines, I like the resolutions. I think she writes relationships very well, and she is a master of sexual tension. I thoroughly recommend these Men of the Sea books.”

Excerpt from Her Captain Returns:

London, England 1812

"Are you enjoying Lady Covington’s ball?" Captain Montgomery—the rogue—asked, his warm breath bathing her in sinful delight.

Corinne could not have been more thrilled for the way her evening was going. She stared up into the beautiful hazel eyes of the man who twirled her about the dance floor. Captain Ryder Montgomery was one of the most handsome men she’d ever met. She was the lucky lady who’d claimed his affections on this and several prior evenings. At each function she attended this season, he’d been there, dancing with her, flirting with her. Her hopes were high that he would offer her marriage soon. Corinne could feel her skin beginning to warm and hoped her blush wasn’t showing.

"Yes, I am having a most enjoyable time."

She lowered her eyes for a moment, and then let them rise so she could again admire Ryder’s strong chiseled features, softened by the dimple in his chin, and the golden locks tapering to the bottom of his neck. Corinne resisted the urge to comb her fingers through his hair to feel just how soft it was.

"You are quite an accomplished dancer, Miss Corinne." His breath was sweet sin against her neck as he whispered in her ear. She stifled a moan threatening to escape.

Ryder brought out a side of her she didn’t know existed. A quick peek around the room indicated her parents were not watching. She would be mortified if they saw his intimate whisper. No doubt someone would inform them, but she could always deny it then. She prayed he would propose soon; she didn’t know how much of his gentle torture she could take.

"Why, thank you, Captain. You have been an ex-cellent dancing partner. I fear that with the other gentleman, I seem to step on their toes, sending the rest of my dance partners scattering."

Ryder’s laugh was like liquid gold. He made it clear he found her amusing in an affectionate way, and she only hoped she could continue to pique his interest. As he laughed with her, his hold on her tightened slightly, and she loved the way his tall, sinewy body seemed to fit perfectly with hers.

His fingers, resting lightly on her hips, began to draw small circles, before he twirled her about. A lurch of excitement brewed within her. She knew just how naughty it was for him to touch her this way…next time she would politely remove his affa-ble digits. Although she was sure a proposal would be coming soon, it was most unseemly for her to al-low such liberties.

"Well, you have certainly won my confidence in your abilities. I shall warn all others that to dance with you would be hazardous to their health." His eyes twinkled as he gazed directly into hers. "Then I can be sure I have you all to myself."

Corinne found it impossible not to return his disarming smile. If he asked her to walk through the garden mazes right now, she would, and she’d entertain any improper acts he had in mind.

His hand moved from her hip to the small of her back. The very air around her seemed electrified, and the small sensual movements of his fingertips sent shocks through her spine. She really should make him stop…

"Captain Montgomery, you flatter me." Her words came out breathlessly, and she chewed her lip, stifling another moan his touch elicited.

"I wish to do more than flatter you." There was an invitation in the depths of his eyes.

Purchase Links: Amazon or Barnes & Noble

Visit Eliza's Website

Twitter: @ElizaKnight

Find Eliza on Facebook

Be Careful What You Wish For! Sharon Donovan. Christmas Blog Event.

Welcome to my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event. Every two days, either an author or vendor visits A Writer’s Mind to leave something beneath this blog’s Christmas Tree for YOU. In addition, every commenter on any post is entered for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon. This event has been a pure joy to host. And it’s not over yet!

Today and tomorrow, I’ve the pleasure of welcoming over the lovely Sharon Donovan. Sharon is very graciously offering snowflake wine chimes, cork screw and cocktail napkins to one lucky commenter!

Let’s hear from Sharon…

A warm thank you to Sky for hosting this beautiful Christmas blog. My topic is…

Be Careful What You Wish For.

It happened to me back in the eighties. Does anyone remember the home jewelry parties? Well, I do and I’ll never forget my one and only experience. It happened one Christmas. Enjoy!

Diva Queen

“And here’s our show stopper,” the jewelry representative held up a sleek snake necklace with emerald green eyes. “Can’t you just see yourself at all the Christmas parties in this breathtaking piece? And it can be yours in a heartbeat. All you need do is host the next jewelry party at your house, sell enough jewelry to meet the quota—and this hostess gift is yours! Now which of you lovely ladies is gonna be the Diva Queen of all his dreams?”

I couldn’t take my eyes off it. The emerald green snake eyes had me hypnotized. Before I could stop myself, I shot my hand high in the air. Practically panting, I screamed with gusto. “Me! I’ll host the next party. That necklace is mine!”

For the next two weeks before my party, I walked around with my head in the clouds, dreaming of the gorgeous necklace I’d showcase at all the upcoming Christmas parties. I walked around with stars in my eyes. I dreamed of it and counted the days until it was mine. In between decorating the house, trimming the tree and baking cookies, I went shopping for a dress regal enough to complement my show stopper.

Humming a verse or two of All I want for Christmas, I called every friend, relative and co-worker I could think of, making certain I’d sell enough jewelry to win my hostess gift. On the morning of my party, I even went so far as to post signs on telephone poles, bribing the unsuspected with promises of cookies and hot buttered rum. Giddy with delight, I ushered the jewelry representative in on a blast of cold winter wind.

“Come on in. I have a table ready for you in the living room. Go on and set things up. I’ll just check on the refreshments.”

And before long, the house was bustling with excitement as guests chose accessories to jazz up holiday wardrobes. And by the end of the party, I far exceeded the points I needed to claim my hostess gift. The minute all points were tallied, I screamed loud enough to wake the living dead.

“YES!”

But two weeks later, guests began calling me, curious as to the whereabouts of their orders. Puzzled, I called the representative, who assured me the shipment was just running a little late due to the Christmas rush. But when guests began calling me and leaving irate messages on my machine, I got suspicious.

“How dare you try and pull one over on us,” a co-worker screeched. “Of all the people in the world, you’d be the last person I’d suspect of stealing money.”

Something inside me went ice cold. What was she talking about? My left eye began to twitch the way it did when I was upset. Biting my lip, I made a few phone calls, feeling the life being sucked right out of me.

And when I learned the jewelry representative had told my guests she’d delivered the shipment to me over a week ago, my heart sank. I smelled a rat. And after more phone calls to the company, I learned the jewelry order was never turned in. The trusty representative had pocketed my money and was nowhere to be found, leaving me in bad standing with my friends, relatives and co-workers.

After countless calls to the jewelry company, numerous apologies to my guests and more heartache than I’d ever known, I reached rock bottom. But when guilt finally caught up with the jewelry representative, she called with a full confession.

“I’m so sorry,” she choked out in between sobs. “I couldn’t afford to pay the rent. I had all good intentions of turning your order money in next week. Honest. I’m really sorry. I’ve never done this. Can you forgive me?”

Her sobbing disgusted me. Because of her jack-be-nimble fingers, I lost the respect of the people I cared most about. I just shook my head, unable to say the words desperately wanting to roll off my tongue. I simply slammed down the phone, feeling a whole lot older and a whole lot wiser.

And a few days before Christmas, when my jewelry order was at long last delivered, I opened it with a heavy heart. And when I unveiled my hostess gift, something I was ready to sell my soul for, an icy chill washed over me. The sleek gold snake necklace glistened on a bed of blue velvet, its emerald green eyes winking up at me like the eyes of a serpent. Closing the lid, I packed it away. I wanted no part of it. Because of a piece of glamorous costume jewelry, I’d nearly lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Greed had taken hold of me, ensnaring me in its ugly web. I felt ashamed. Nothing was worth the price of that necklace.

The following day, I wrapped up the necklace and placed it under the Angel tree at my church. And the minute I did, I felt the weight of the world lift from my burdened shoulders. Humming along to the beautiful instrumental the choir was playing, the sound of flutes and harps filling me with inner peace, I left with a light heart and a valuable lesson learned. Be careful what you wish for.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Holiday Season!

Sharon Donovan

Romantic Suspense with a Twist of Faith

Sharon's Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Sky here. What a wonderful post, Sharon! Thank you so much for sharing. A very, very Happy Holiday to you and yours!

BIO

Sharon Donovan lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her family. Prior to the loss of her vision, she was a legal secretary for the Court of Common Pleas where she prepared cases for judges in Domestic Relations. Painting was her passion. When she could no longer paint, she began attending creative writing classes and memoir workshops. After a long and winding road, a new dream arose. Today, instead of painting her pictures on canvas, Sharon paints her pictures with words.

Sharon writes stories of inspiration and suspense. She has certificates in business and medical transcription. Echo of a Raven, a narrative non-fiction about her struggles with diabetic retinopathy, received a CTRR award for outstanding writing, and The Claddagh Ring is a 2009 CAPA nominee for best inspirational of the year. Mask of the Betrayer was voted book of the week at LASR and its video by Triad Productions was a second place winner at You Gotta Read. Other books by Sharon Donovan are Touched by an Angel, Lasting Love, Her Biggest Fan and Charade of Hearts. You can visit Sharon at

Visit Sharon Donovan's Website or write to her at: sharonad@comcast.net

CHRISTMAS ANGEL

EXCERPT

“I want an abortion,” Eve hissed, glaring at her husband as he struggled to control his SUV during a complete white-out on the northbound lane of Lake Shore Drive. Gusts of bitter wind howled, sleet pummeled the windows, turning one of Chicago’s main arteries into a car graveyard. She cranked up the radio, fiddling until she stumbled upon a rock song to her liking. “And I want a divorce.”

“You’re drunk,” Oliver said, dark eyes flashing in the oncoming traffic. “We’ll talk about this when you’re sober.”

“I’m not drunk, and we’ll talk about it now,” Eve said, turning up the radio a notch. “I’m sick to death of your self-righteous attitudes. Your constant moralizing drives me mad. I only had a few drinks. It was a Christmas party, after all.”

“A few drinks?” Oliver snorted, skidding on the off-ramp from Stevenson Expressway. “Don’t make me laugh. You were tilting back that Sangria like it was cherry soda. You’re pregnant and shouldn’t be drinking at all. You shoulda seen yourself out there on the dance floor in that skin-tight red dress, rubbing up to all the male jockeys, shimmying and kicking up your stiletto heels like you were a contestant in Dancing With the Stars. You looked ridiculous. Everyone was laughing and pointing. Honey, you made a royal ass of yourself.”

“Shut up,” her hands balled into tight fists, long fingernails coiled like talons. How she itched to wipe that smug look off his face, knock him off his pedestal. She rolled her eyes theatrically, heaving out an exasperated sigh. “Unlike some people I know, the jockeys at the clubhouse know how to cut loose and unwind, leave the work load behind at the end of the day. You’re no fun at all, a real deadbeat. Did you even try socializing, get to know some of the jockeys? No, you just sat there all night like a bump on a log, drinking coffee, eye on the clock, a scowl plastered on your face. We have nothing in common. Why I married you is a mystery to me. I want out, the sooner the better.”

“Over my dead body,” Oliver roared, tires squealing as his vehicle skated dangerously close to a light pole. “What about our baby?”

“Weren’t you listening? I’m terminating this pregnancy; I’m only a few weeks. I told you when we got married, no kids. Training horses is my profession, my passion, something I won’t give up for anyone, least of all a kid. Thoroughbred racing comes first, foremost and always. Get it through your head. The last thing in the world I want is to be straddled down with a snotty nosed brat. Not in this life. You can’t make me have it.”

“You think this is about power and control?” Oliver raged, brakes squealing, wheels spinning. “It’s not. It’s about love and commitment. Haven’t I always catered to your every whim, your every need? Since the day we met, I treated you like a queen. I spoiled you rotten and let you have your way. Not this time, Eve. I’m putting my foot down. I want this baby. An abortion is out of the question. Absolutely not, I forbid it.”

“You what?” she laughed, cranking up the rock music to an ear-splitting screech. “Do you think you can control me, make my decisions for me? Order me to go through with this unwanted pregnancy because you’re a judge? The Honorable Judge Oliver Wendell Williams presiding? Do you really think you can lock me up behind bars, hold me prisoner against my will? Make me have this kid? Because that’s what having a baby would feel like to me, a jail sentence.”

“Don’t be so selfish, Eve.”

“Oliver, the pole!”

With a screech of brakes, the wheels locked, sending the SUV skidding into the light pole with a thundering boom. The vehicle flipped on its side, rolling three times before crashing into a tree, the splintering of glass and broken metal piercing the night.

***

She ached all over. Not wanting to open her eyes, she preferred the comfort of the surreal place she was floating in, drifting in and out of. Her head throbbed and she felt something tight and uncomfortable squeeze her arm. Somewhere in the distance, she heard beeping.

Cool fingers snaked around her wrist. Paramedics feeling for a pulse? She had a vague recollection of the wreck. To her horror, she remembered the SUV skidding into a pole and rolling over and over before landing with a resounding crash. The shattering of broken glass rang in her ears, the shuddering shriek devastating. Was she dead? She felt cold, colder than she’d ever felt. She needed to tell them she was alive.

She was faintly aware of murmurs, muted and distant. Someone pried her eyelids open and flicked a bright light in them. She thought she heard her name, far away in the distance, but it was so muffled she couldn’t be sure. She fluttered her eyelids.

“We’re losing her,” a man said, panic rising in his voice. “She’s lost too much blood and is going into cardiac arrest. We need to resuscitate. Let’s move! Code Blue.”

Eve felt herself leaving her body, floating upward to a swirl of bright light. As she gently ebbed closer to the rapture, her senses became acutely aware. She drifted through a garden of roses, vivid blooms of crimson, burnt orange and liquid gold as bright as sorcerer’s flames. The sweet perfume permeating the air was heavenly. Enveloped in peace and tranquility, she passed through a veil of flowers. With a flutter of gossamer wings, a beautiful cherub materialized. The angel was breathtakingly beautiful. A spiral of jet-black curls framed a heart-shaped face, and when she smiled, lips the color of ripe cherries lit up her entire face.

“Who are you?” Eve asked.

“It’s me, Mummy,” the angel answered sweetly. “The baby you lost in the wreck, the child you didn’t want.”

COMING SOON FROM WHIMSICAL PUBLICATIONS

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win! Contest ends Wednesday, December 21, 12 AM EST.

I Need A Production Crew! AJ Nuest. Christmas Blog Event

Only ten days left until Christmas and my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event continues! Now through Christmas an author or vendor will be swinging in every two days to share a part of their holiday with us. Each and every featured guest is leaving something under this blog’s Christmas tree for YOU to win. In addition, everyone who comments between now and December 25th is entered to win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

Today and tomorrow, it’s my pleasure to welcome over romance author, AJ Nuest who will graciously be giving away an Ecopy of Jezebel's Wish to one lucky commenter.

Let's hear from AJ...

Help! I Need A Production Crew!

As the married mother of two, our family looks forward to Christmas with all the fervor and enthusiasm due middle-class American family. The day after Thanksgiving, we begin pulling out decorations, making wish lists, and scouring our favorite cookbooks for that one special recipe.

One would think this ensures our holiday goes off without a hitch, just like all those Christmas specials on television.

The happy family sits down to a delicious home-cooked meal. The stockings are hung above a roaring fire and the tree displays a stunning arrangement of hand-crafted ornaments. The children are perfectly behaved. Mom is gorgeous, her hair a bonnet of perfection, her stylish dress wafting around her knees while she floats around the kitchen in a pair of spotless high heels. Dad comes in from shoveling the walk and smiles at her in that special way, handsomely attired in his new Christmas sweater. After dinner, the children don their pajamas, kiss Mom and Dad on the cheek, and trundle off to bed. Mother and Father share a smooch under the mistletoe and glass of wine before the crackling fire. Christmas carols hum romantically in the background and a pile of shiny wrapped presents are stacked neatly under the tree. Everything is perfect.

I don’t know about you, but this ain’t how things go at our house.

Mom gets up two hours earlier than normal to start the preparations for the evening meal. Thinking she has more than enough time, she puts off showering and whips her hair into a ponytail using the rubber band off the asparagus. The children wake up and grumble for breakfast. Realizing she forgot to buy eggs, Mom wakes up Dad and asks if he could please go to the store. Dad grabs a coffee and heads out the door, only to return moments later and announce the car has a flat tire. Mom gives the children a candy cane off the tree for breakfast, hands Dad the checkbook, and returns to the kitchen.

The children decide to go sledding. Mom leaves the stove to gather gloves, scarves, hats, snow pants, and boots. She spends a half hour negotiating with daughter that even though last year’s snow pants have a small tear in the left knee, they will still work, and can she please stop arguing with her brother about who gets to ride the sled first.

Mom returns to the stove to find the hollandaise sauce burned beyond recognition. Dad enters kitchen reeking of motor oil and announces that he is just now heading to the store. Daughter reappears from outside, crying because she fell off the sled. Mom calms daughter down and hands her a second candy cane.

Roast gets inserted into the oven. The cat tears into the kitchen batting a glass ornament across the floor. Mom returns the ornament to the tree, only to find the bottom half is bare and the ornaments have been scattered throughout the living room. An hour later, the tree has been redecorated and the pine needles vacuumed.

Dad comes back from the store with a gallon of milk, enough double-A batteries to power Chernobyl, and an extension cord. Daughter pulls out painting project and arranges all her supplies on the dining room table. Son decides it’s time for band practice and spends the next hour banging out the same rhythm in his bedroom. Dad disappears to fix a string of broken lights on the front of the house. Mom returns to kitchen, pours a glass of wine, and peels potatoes.

The children decide to build a snowman. Mom leaves the stove and realizes the first set of gloves, scarves, hats, snow pants, and boots are soaking wet, lying in puddle on the utility room floor. She ransacks the closet for new gloves, scarves, hats, snow pants, and boots. A half hour is spent negotiating with daughter that even though she has to wear her brother’s hand-me-down snow pants from last year, no one will notice. They’re navy blue, for God’s sake.

While the children are busy and the husband has a task, Mom cleans up painting supplies, changes into sweatpants and begins (yes, begins) wrapping Christmas presents.

Four hours later we sit down to our Christmas Eve meal. No one has showered, the kitchen is a disaster, and Mom is on her third glass of wine. The cat walks into the dining room and barfs up a gelatinous combination of pines needles and candy cane goo for our viewing pleasure.

THIS is the way Christmas dinner goes at the Nuest household. And while it’s chaotic, loud and messy, I wouldn’t change a thing. Except maybe this year, I’m thinking of hiring a production crew.

Sky here. WOW, you have your hands full, AJ! The idea of hiring a production crew sounds fantastic. LOL. Wishing you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season!

AJ Nuest lives in northwest Indiana with her loving husband and two beautiful children. She is the Senior Editor for Still Moments Publishing, and the author of two contemporary romance novels.

Visit her on the web at her Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter.

Email: ajnuest@yahoo.com

Purchase Jezebel’s Wish at The Wild Rose Press and Amazon.

Watch a book trailer for JEZEBEL'S WISH



Don't forget to comment for a chance to win. Contest ends Saturday, December 17, 12 AM, EST.

A Truly Touching Holiday Memory. Faith V. Smith. Blog Event.

Welcome! We’re about halfway through my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event and so far it’s been an absolute blast! For those of you unfamiliar with this event, between November 25th and December 25, sixteen authors and jewelry vendors are visiting A Writer’s Mind to leave a gift under this blog’s Christmas tree for YOU to win. The grand prize on Christmas Day? A $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

This week it’s my pleasure to welcome over author Faith V. Smith who is graciously offering a PDF of IMMORTAL JUSTICE to one lucky commenter!

Let’s hear from Faith…

There’s one Christmas I’ll never forget. Here’s why….

Back in 2005 my husband and brother were still alive, and I was able to cook Christmas Dinner for both of them. My husband was in his hospital bed in the den, and my brother, a Katrina survivor, was in the hospital. I brought him back to be with me a few months after the hurricane struck.

Rick, my husband, was suffering from a brain injury. His mind was not stable at times, and my daughter and I were in the kitchen cooking the dressing when she heard a sound. She peeked in on her dad, and came back to the kitchen. “Mama, Dad’s crying.” I dropped what I held in m hand and ran to his room.

“Honey,” I asked, “What’s wrong?”

He replied, “I didn’t get you anything for Christmas.” The fact he knew what day it was was a miracle in itself.

I lied through my teeth and told him that he did get Christmas for me and my daughter, but that he just didn’t remember it. We had a lovely dinner, and I took a plate to the hospital for my brother Zane.

That was the last year they were with us. Zane died in January of 2006 and Rick in August of 2006. That Christmas is special because they were both where I could hold them and tell them I loved them.

So this Christmas I’m wishing for all of you a chance to hold, hug, love, and rejoice in the blessings of the holiday.

Love,

Faith

Oh Faith. What a truly touching post. It's so important to hold memories like that close to your heart. This will be my first Christmas without Dad and it's just so hard. I will take your advice and hold, hug, love, and rejoice in the blessings of the holiday. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season, Faith. (((big HUGE cyberhugs)))

Visit Faith’s Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook

Let’s learn a little more about IMMORTAL JUSTICE

Over a millennium ago, Highlander Darach MacRath was murdered. Resurrected by the Archangel Michael to fight demons as an Immortal Executioner, Darach now opposes all evil in the mortal world. His life is solitary—but when he rescues a young woman who not only sees demons but battles them herself, he is captivated by her courage and beauty. Abigail Dupree is not looking for love. But when a tall, dark demon fighter with a sexy brogue intervenes in her hunt, she’s fascinated. She should run away—but then his gentle yet sizzling touch ensnares her heart. When a demon from Darach’s past sets his sights on Abby, Darach will do anything to protect her—but for Abby, losing him would be worse than death. Together they must fight the demons of past and present, and the possibility that evil could destroy them both, before they find the gift of love.

Click HERE to watch a book trailer for Immortal Justice.

Be sure to comment for a chance to win. Contest ends Tuesday, December 13th, 12 AM EST.

Going Global in a Yuletide Post! Brenda Whiteside. Blog Event.

Welcome! Just a few weeks left until Christmas and my 'What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event is in full swing. Just joining us for the first time? Let me catch you up. Every two days now through Christmas Day an author or jewelry artist will be joining me and putting something under this blog’s Christmas tree for YOU to win. In addition, everyone who leaves a comment between now and December 25th will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

Today and tomorrow, it’s my pleasure to welcome over Brenda Whiteside. Brenda will graciously be giving away a copy of her tale, WARM CHRISTMAS WISHES. (It’s an anthology in which Brenda has two stories) Your choice between a digital or print copy!

Let’s hand the blog over to Brenda…

I wish Christmas was every day. The end of the year holidays are absolutely, without a doubt, all the way round my favorite time of year. Starting with Thanksgiving and through the New Year, there is static in the year – static that draws us together, sticks us to each other with an electric joy that is brighter than the strings of lights we drape around the tree.

My Christmas memories are rich and plenty. The year my sister finally sat on Santa’s lap was a good one. Little Debbie was always too shy and would never follow big sister Brenda on the path to the jolly old elf. Grown up Debra finally got the nerve to slide onto the fat man’s lap – she was forty years old.

I’ve lived in many places from California to Germany. How Christmas is celebrated, how it looks in different parts of the world makes for good memories.

I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. December is a great time of year in Phoenix – the sweltering heat replaced by mild temps and sunny skies. Tossing the football around, playing baseball or riding the new bike on Christmas Day seemed perfectly natural to us desert rats. How totally incongruous it was for us to sing songs about dreaming of a white Christmas, but we did.

After I was married, we spent three Christmas holidays in Germany. Those have to be some of my fondest memories. The Germans have some marvelous traditions. The Christmas tree has its origins there. We would stroll along the streets of Nuremburg with lights and decorations galore. And on every other corner would be bratwurst stands selling not only the juicy brats in buns but also hot, spiced red wine. The traditions vary a bit in different parts of Germany. Christkindl brings gifts to children, but there is also a St. Nicholas Eve on December 6th. An old tradition, still practiced in the Nuremburg area was for children to leave their shoes outside and St. Nicholas would fill them with fruit, nuts and candy if they had been good. I can still smell and taste Christmas in Germany.

Christmas on the beaches of California was about as different from Germany as you could get. Red Hawaiian shirts, glitzy decorations and the warm Santa Ana winds lent a wholly different kind of season in Santa Barbara. That year, my husband was a student, my son was not quite two and we were as poor as the Cratchits. But we were also rich with love. My son was just as happy with a new coloring book and a package of plastic army men as he would have been with a new electronic toy.

And talk about glitzy – how about Christmas in Las Vegas? Glitzy and the desert, yes, but add to that snow. We actually had a white Christmas that year!

The last couple of decades have been spent in Minnesota. After the white Christmases of Germany, I was ecstatic to be back to a winter wonderland. Minnesotans know a thing or two about the season. Minneapolis has a holiday parade in the evenings on Nicolett Mall. The Mall by itself is glittery for the season and the parade makes it magical. St. Paul’s Winter Carnival doesn’t start until after the New Year but helps drag out the holidays that much longer. There is an ice carving competition worth braving the cold to see. My husband and I belong to a club that has a holiday party that takes over a hotel, everyone dresses in island garb and we forget for one night about the subzero temps outside. The highlight is Santa Mon’s visit.

We’re one of those crazy couples who give their dog a couple of presents. Rusty loves Christmas as much as I do, but he’s more into getting than giving. He sniffs out his new stuffed toys and opens the packages. He smiles. Really!

We’ve also spent Christmas in a hotel room in San Francisco with a two-foot high plastic tree and on the road between Miami and Phoenix, but wherever we’ve been one thing is the same – that magical feeling the season brings. And that’s all I need under my Christmas tree.

One of my most favorite things about Christmas is the giving. So I’d like to give away a book of Christmas stories – Warm Christmas Wishes – in either print or e-book, your choice. Please leave a comment and we’ll draw for the winner.

However you celebrate this time of year, I hope you get a little something special under your Christmas tree.

Sky here. What wonderful holiday memories, Brenda. Thank you so much for sharing!

A bit more about Warm Christmas Wishes...

Lovely, rich Marie Louise Le Mare apparently has everything in life. So what can the handsome man in the red suit possibly give her? When they’re trapped in an elevator with only each other for company, a surprise gift exchange makes this Christmas special.

Purchase Warm Christmas Wishes HERE.

Visit Brenda’s Website and Facebook

Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win! Contest ends Sunday, December 11th. 12 AM, EST.

The Magic of Christmas. Jennifer Jakes Littleton. Blog Event.

Welcome to my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event. For those of you just joining us, this blog event welcomes a total of sixteen authors and jewelry vendors. All will be putting something under this blog’s Christmas tree for you to win. In addition, every commenter between now and December 25th is entered to win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over romance author, Jennifer Jakes Littleton. She’s graciously offered an Ecopy of her novel, RAFE’S REDEMPTION. Be sure to comment for a chance to win.

From Jennifer’s lips to my blog…

Hi everyone! I’m so glad to be here today. Thanks for having me, Sky.

To me Christmas lights are magical. There is something about the twinkle that immediately transports me back in time. I get the same oooh, aaaah feeling I used to when my mom finished decorating and plugged in the lights. Growing up in the South, we usually didn’t get a white Christmas, but Mom would spray the fake stuff on the windows and the branches and garland. Then she’d drape the silver icicles all over the tree. By the time she was done, it felt like a winter wonderland. I’d lay beside the tree in the dark and let the twinkling lights mesmerize me.

Even as a kid, no matter what else was going on, there was something so calming and enchanting about watching those lights dance in the dark. It’s a feeling I still get – no matter how chaotic the day might have been. I always put trees in several rooms of our house, and I love nothing more than sitting in the dark, watching the lights. I can almost feel the bite of the cold air, the sharp smell of pine. My imagination soars, just like when I was a kid. Maybe it’s my mom’s love I feel when I see the lights, or maybe it’s Christmas magic. Maybe it’s both. But to me, the greatest Christmas joy I get is in a dark room, with a hot drink, wrapped in the warmth of memories, imagination and possibilities.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

***

Early in December, I’ll be releasing a FREE Read. Check my website for more info. I’m also working on another Western Historical, Alaskan Heat, which should be ready in Spring 2012.

I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season. Best Wishes and Happy Reading

Sky here. What a wonderful holiday memory, Jennifer. I really connected with this post. I love the magic of Christmas as well and as a child often laid on the floor staring in wonder at the twinkling lights on the tree. I thought I was the only one! Wishing you and yours a wonderful and magical holiday season.

Let’s take a moment to learn more about Jennifer’s latest release, TWICE IN A LIFETIME…

Be Careful What You Wish For. . .

No-nonsense stuntwoman Isabella Douglas will do anything to stop an unwanted divorce and reclaim the happy life she had, even allow her old friend to concoct a magical spell to turn back time. But when the spell goes awry, Izzy finds herself trapped aboard a 1768 Caribbean pirate ship with a captain who’s a dead ringer for her sexy as sin husband, Ian. Convinced he’s playing a cruel joke, she’s furious – until she realizes he doesn’t know her or believe they’re married.

Captain Ian Douglas does not have time to deal with an insane woman who claims to be his wife; he has to save his kidnapped sister. But as Izzy haunts his dreams and fills him with erotic memories he can’t explain, he’s forced to admit he feels more than lust.

Trapped in a vicious cycle of past mirroring present, Izzy knows they only have days to find Ian’s sister and prevent disaster from striking a second time. If she doesn’t, their marriage will be destroyed again – along with the man she loves.

Purchase TWICE IN A LIFETIME at Amazon and Smashwords.

Jennifer Jakes Littleton's Website and Blog

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win! Contest ends Wednesday, 12 AM, EST

A Family Christmas Done Right. Beth Caudill. Blog Event.

New to this blog? Good! You've arrived in the nick of time. I’ve yet another fabulous author visiting me during my, “What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event. This event is all about multiple authors and vendors visiting A Writer’s Mind between now and Christmas Day. All are putting something beneath this blog’s Christmas tree for you to win.

Today and tomorrow, it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented romance author, Beth Caudill. Beth is graciously giving away an Ecopy of Healer's Fate to one lucky commenter. All commenters are also entered to win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

Time to hand this blog over to Beth...

My favorite part of Christmas is the Christmas tree. Laughter and love infuse the house during the few hours we spend decorating the tree. The kids make quick decisions on ornament placement and then I rearrange to evenly distribute decorations or to keep the more breakable objects away from the dog. Each ornament unlocks a memory – whether it’s from my childhood or something the kids made.

By the time we’re finished it’s dark outside and we can see the splendor of the white lights glittering off the ornaments. Despite the lack of seasonal snow in North Carolina, a Christmas Tree brings that magical quality of Christmas into our lives.

On the other hand, shopping for presents is my least favorite activity. I enjoy people opening presents and the delight of the kids on Christmas morning but the actual going to the malls and shopping is torture. I do some internet shopping but that only works if you know what you want to get someone. Most times I flounder on what to buy.

Being a kinetic individual, I can’t come up with ideas unless I go do the window shopping. I only wish there were less people crowding the hallways. Being jostled every step you take or being stuck behind a group talking in the center of the walkway and all you want is to move 2 storefronts down, takes what little fun there is out of shopping.

Eventually all the gifts have been brought home and wrapped. They don’t appear under the tree until the week of Christmas. With two youngish kids and a dog, the less time a present is under the tree the better. In fact, the kid’s presents are brought by Santa and Rudolf on Christmas Eve.

Yes, I torture my kids by placing all the relatives’ presents under the tree and not theirs. I’m an EVIL MOMMY. And it’s worth it to see their excited faces Christmas morning, because in the end it’s all about bringing joy to our children.

Sky here. Wonderful post, Beth! I'm just like you. My little one sees a few under the tree until Santa comes. Isn't that half the joy? In my case, my son would drive me nutty trying to open them all! You're not an evil mommy.. just a smart one. *winks*

Let's learn a bit more about Beth's latest release...

Corliss Rumdone hides behind her status as Healer to avoid the normal wolf pack hierarchical challenges. A forced mating changes the course of her life. Instead of Raymond, the beta wolf selected for her, she mates with Liam—her best friend and heir to the Alpha pair.

Liam whisks them away to a shifter retreat so they can allow the mating bond to settle in private. But interference from those seeking power and two terminal children arouse past hurts and challenge their new relationship. Even their home is not the haven it should be as Liam must watch Corliss fight for the right to stay his mate. For one healer, death becomes a weapon to balance life.

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