Wow! Have You Heard What Night Owl Reviews Is Up To?

I just HAD to share this. Have you heard what Night Owl Reviews is up to???

Whoa, they just don’t make scavenger hunts like this anymore. Tons of awesome stuff up for grabs. For starters, a $500 Amazon gift card. Yup, you read that correctly. $500! Sweet, huh? Read on to see what else is being given away and to learn more details about how to enter…

Dates: March 1st - March 25th

Find great authors and books during this giveaway event! Read book blurbs and get entered to win awesome prizes!

For this scavenger hunt you will be reading book blurbs and filling in a missing word(s) from a sentence in the blurb.

You will be entered to win Amazon Gift Cards and eBooks.

Twitter #FindYourNextGreatReadHunt

Winner Announcement Chat: March 30th at 6pm PT / 9pm ET in our chat room

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winter Blog Festival! J.D. Favor's, BAD HABIT.

I hope everyone had a super weekend! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, .99 CENT EBOOK WINTER BLOG FESTIVAL. Today it’s my pleasure to feature author J.D. Favor.

One lucky commenter wins! J.D. is graciously giving away one free download along with a t-shirt with a really cute graphic and the words, “Bad Girls Need Love Too…” Thanks J.D.!

J.D. Faver lives near Houston, Texas. She writes contemporary romance and mystery/suspense. Although she writes daily, she still finds time to enjoy family and friends. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, and painting.

She is active in several writer's organizations in the area. She belongs to National RWA and is a member of all three Houston area chapters: West Houston RWA, Northwest Houston RWA and Houston Bay Area RWA where she serves as Vice President. She is also an officer of Bay Area Writer's League and belongs to Houston Writer's Guild. She is owned by two cats and a small, yappy rescue dog.

She would rather be sailing or on a beach somewhere, but if she can't do either of those things, she would just as soon write. Visit J.D. at her Website.

Let’s check out J.D.’s titles…

BAD HABIT~ Mystery/Suspense-Spicy Romance; 61k

In an effort to evade the men who killed her boyfriend, former model, Teri Slaughter, flees New York City and takes refuge in a San Antonio convent, masquerading as her own sister. But when hot and hunky homicide detective, Angel Garcia tries to protect her from the killers, he proves to be a threat to her heart. He takes her to the only “safe house” available: the one where he was raised. His parents and siblings take her in and teach her the real meaning of family and home. To protect the nuns, Teri uses herself as bait, leading the killers on a chase through Brackenridge Park on foot, miniature train and golf cart. In the end, the only one to catch her is Angel.

Purchase BAD HABIT at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

A TWIST OF FATE~ Humorous Contemporary Romance; 61k

Worlds collide when a Sex in the City girl meets a little House on the Prairie guy. Mel Hannigan is a slick, savvy New York City commercial photographer who knows what she’s doing and where she’s going…that is, until she heads upstate for a little drive time and ends up with her sports car in a ditch. That’s where Helmut Engle finds her. He is a solid, down to earth farmer. In spite of their differences, Mel and Helmut give in to an irresistible magnetic attraction and share an exciting, intimate interlude. She returns to the city but can’t get him out of her mind. She attempts to drag him into her world by the scruff of his red neck and he tries to remodel his world to suit her.

Excerpt...

Mel stared through it uncertainly. “What’s in there?”

He put his foot on a bench and started unlacing his boots, the muscles working in his bare arms. “It is your room.”

“My room? I can’t stay here!” She gaped at him, open-mouthed. “Not the two of us...here alone...all night.”

He slipped his boots off and set them outside the front door. “Where, then?”

“There’s not a hotel in town?”

“What town? The nearest town is thirty miles in that direction.” He pointed out the doorway. “Start walking, if you wish to make it by nightfall.”

Mel swallowed hard. “It’s just that...”

“Do not worry about me. I am a perfect gentleman.”

A smile twirked the corners of her mouth. She visually cruised the tall, broad-shouldered man standing before her. Not her idea of a gentleman.

But he was her idea of a real hunk. In his stocking feet he stood about six-foot-five or six, at least a whole foot taller than her. “I see. Well, thank you for your hospitality, Mister...Mister…?”

“Engle. My name is Helmut Engle.”

“Mel. Melanie Hannigan.” She held out her hand to him.

He glanced at it and then enveloped her hand in his much larger one. It was warm, dry and rough, similar to having one’s hand wrapped in a well-used baseball glove.

“Please call me Mel.”

A flicker of amusement in the depths of his eyes. A dimple showed beside his mouth. “I will.”

Oh, my God! He’s cute! A bigger, badder Brad Pitt with his longish sun-washed, dirty blonde hair and dimples. I’m in so much trouble here. “Uh, Helmut. Can I borrow a bathrobe?”

“I do not have a bathrobe, but I will lend you a towel.” He left and reappeared with a large rectangle woven of thick linen fibers.

It was soft and worn but, Mel figured it would be absorbent. She swallowed as his hand brushed hers. “Thanks. Thank you. Where is your restroom?”

“Behind the house.”

“Where am I going to bathe?” Her voice crept up a whole octave.

He pointed to a corner of the kitchen where a large oval galvanized tub with straight sides sat gleaming. Mel envisioned the entire length of Helmut Engle in the tub and smiled in spite of her discomfort.

“Out here in the open?”

He expressed a loud sigh. “I will fix it. Just get ready. The water is almost hot.”

Mel turned and entered the small, sparsely furnished bedroom. No particular color scheme dominated, but the bed was neatly made with a dark colored patchwork quilt stretched over the top and tucked in tight. No photographs or personal mementos were visible. The top of an oak chest of drawers and a plain nightstand stood empty.

She closed the door and shed her muddy clothes, wrapping herself in the large sheet of fabric.

She stood with her hand on the doorknob, gritting her teeth and giving herself a stern talking to.

What kind of woman would strip naked with a strange man on the other side of the door? What kind of woman would contemplate taking a bath in a metal tub in the middle of the stranger’s kitchen? What kind of woman would look at this stranger with lust in her heart when she had barely learned his name...She sighed. A really dirty woman, that’s who.

Purchase TWIST OF FATE at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Visit J.D. Favor's Website.

What Are Your Favorite Things About the Holidays? Renee Vincent. Blog Event.

It’s almost that time. The day after tomorrow is Christmas Day! I’ve had the pleasure of having so many wonderful authors and vendors join me for my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event this year. If you’re popping in for the first time, here’s the scoop. The past thirty days have consisted of sixteen featured guests. All left a prize to win. We now have fifteen happy winners! But that’s not all. Every commenter on all posts through December 25th are entered to win the grand prize, a $100 gift certificate to Amazon.

Today and tomorrow, it’s my pleasure to welcome over a wonderful woman and author, Renee Vincent. Renee is graciously giving away an Ecopy from her backlist. Your choice! All you have to do is list your three favorite things about the holidays in a comment. In addition, I will be adding a $10 Amazon gift certificate to the jackpot. This prize will be given to a 2nd lucky commenter!

Let’s hand the blog over to Renee…

Before I begin, I’d like to thank Sky Purington for inviting me back to this great holiday event on her blog. I know she is enduring a very difficult hardship this year, and I give her kudos for continuing on with her normal routine. I know, from personal experience, that losing a loved one can be detrimental to one’s life, especially when the holidays roll around. But I want you to know, Sky, that your father would be so proud that you picked up and carried on with your career as an author. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

With that said, the Christmas season is my favorite time of the year and I’m so excited to share some of my favorite things about this great holiday with you.

Looking back at last year’s wish list, I wanted a Kindle VERY badly and to my surprise, my husband bought one for me. I was super stoked and believe me, I’ve used this Kindle more than I ever thought possible.

Last year, at this same event, I also wished to have Gerard Butler singing in his best baritone Phantom of the Opera voice that I was the next NY Time’s Best Selling author. That wish had not come true…but I’m still hopeful this year. (*ahem* Gerard….that was your cue!)

Moving on to the present, I couldn’t think of one single thing I wanted or needed. When my family asked for suggestions, I’ve found myself at a loss. I had no idea what to tell them, so this year should be quite interesting. On the same token, I LOVE surprises. So, I’m pretty excited about what they come up with.

While I’m clueless about what I want under my tree, I have no doubts as to why I enjoy Christmas as much as I do.

#1 I can’t forget the reason for the season. Through the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, and cleaning, I always give praise to the man of the hour: Our Savior. Now I’m not going to go all holy-roller or push religion and faith down anyone’s throats. I just know that without Him, I would not be where I am today, nor would I have the success of an author to boast. I love sharing with my children the reason why we, as a family, celebrate the season of giving.

#2 I love the whole aspect of giving gifts, from the countless hours spent searching for that perfect present, to watching their eyes light up as they unwrap it, whether it be a child or adult. In fact, I actually prefer to give than to receive. The feeling inside is twice as rewarding.

#3 And lastly, my other favorite thing about Christmas is spending quality time with family. Through the years, I’ve learned that life is short and to treasure every moment as if it were the last. Those memorable days of laughing, eating, and relaxing with loved ones are ever so precious. Nothing, not even time, can erase those instances of joy and bliss from my memory.

And since I’ve shared with you my three favorite things about Christmas, I’d like to hear yours. Leave me a comment listing your 3 favorite things about the holiday season, and you’ll be entered to win an ebook copy of any one of my backlist (winner’s choice.)

From my house to yours, I want to wish you all a very blessed and safe Christmas!

Sky here. What a great post, Renee. Thank you so very much for the kind words in regards to my Dad. My thoughts are with you this Christmas as well, my friend. Your sister is still right there with you in spirit, as is my Dad right here with me. Wishing you and yours the very happiest of holidays.

THE FALL OF RAIN

Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.

For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.

Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.

Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?

Purchase THE FALL OF RAIN at Amazon.

Renee Vincent’s Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Don’t forget to list your three favorite things about the holidays in a comment for a chance to win. Contest ends December 25th, 12 AM, EST.

'Tis The Season To Wear Jewelry! Designs by Dawn Marie. Christmas Blog Event.

Welcome to my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event. Only a few days left until Christmas and still lots to give away! In addition to each featured guest’s prize, one lucky commenter on any post between now and December 25th is entered for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift certificate!

Today and tomorrow it’s my pleasure to welcome over my dear friend Dawn Marie, CEO of Designs by Dawn Marie. Dawn Marie is graciously hosting a duel giveaway. One pair of artisan earrings to a commenter at this blog and another who follows the simple directions at DAWN MARIE'S BLOG.

Dawn's description of these magnificent earrings… “These are beautiful magnesite earrings. The veining in this magnesite selection is really spectacular. Gorgeous shades of turquoise and brown make these earrings a sure "go to" pair in your jewelry box. I've accented the magnesite with sparkling genuine Swarovski Crystals. To really finish the entire look, I've hand wire-wrapped rich chocolate wire creating a beautiful finial finish. The ear wires are copper, to really bring out the shades of chocolate and brown through the earring.”

I purchased earrings from Dawn Marie years ago and still wear them often (with tons of compliments I might add!) She puts her heart and soul into her work and it really comes through in her designs. I guarantee that when you head over to her blog that you’re going to end up browsing and most definitely fall in love with one of her pieces!

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays!!!

Contest ends December 23rd, 12 AM EST.

The Early Bird Gets The Present! Caroline Clemmons. Blog Event.

We’re well into the first week of December and my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event is chock full of yuletide fun! New to this event? Well, it all about different authors and vendors visiting every two days and 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 from Amazon!

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming over Caroline Clemmons. Caroline is giving away an Ecopy of Home Sweet Texas Home.

Let's hear from Caroline...

Christmas is my favorite time of year! Hello from Mrs. Claus, otherwise known as Caroline Clemmons. At this time of year, I can’t help feeling as if I am chief giver of gifts and chair of Christmas decorations...at our house anyway. My taking care of all the shopping earns me praise from Mr. Claus.

What’s more fun than shopping for the perfect thing for our loved ones? Sure I like getting gifts, but nothing is better than finding a special surprise I know will especially delight someone I love. This takes strategy, fitness, speed and, sometimes, bravery.

For instance, two years ago my youngest daughter and I stood in a long line in cold weather outside an electronics store waiting for a five am opening so we could snag a sale-priced gift I couldn’t afford otherwise--a large sized monitor my husband wanted for his computer. If you realize that neither my daughter nor I is even close to being a morning person, this sounds more self-sacrificing. Hey, we had to get up way early to get there and get in line before five! I’d like a little sympathy here. Thank you.

We planned while we were in line. My daughter asked a store employee where the sale monitors were displayed. When the doors opened, I headed for a shopping cart while my daughter sped to the location. By the time I wove through shoppers to reach her, she clasped the desired monitor...and the stack was entirely depleted. Disappointed shoppers circled my daughter, shooting her the evil eye as they closed in nearer and nearer. I feared she would be mugged any minute, so we put the monitor in the shopping cart and got out of Dodge. Our tremendous sacrifice (remember--sympathy!) was rewarded on Christmas Eve when my surprised husband was delighted with the unexpected monitor.

Maybe that’s not the real spirit of Christmas, but we were pretty happy. Yes, we’re supposed to show love, offer reconciliation and understanding, and relieve hunger, strife, and all the other ills of the world. We can’t achieve all of these, but the same daughter and I love to shop for an angel from the mall tree. On good years, we each take an angel or two; in lean years we share one angel. Either way, what fun! We imagine the joy a child will have and we delight in providing as much as we can for that person(s).

For me, one of the joys is decorating our home. I go crazy! My husband, who I’ve always thought of as the sane member of our partnership, tries to temper my enthusiasm. Poor man, he thinks having a tree IS decorating for Christmas. He sets up our artificial tree and adds the strings of lights. He would be perfectly happy if that took care of the house. Not me. I add so many decorations that the tree is barely visible. I have saved decorations from all the way back to the first year we were married and I’ve added more each year. Honestly, it looks terrific when it’s decorated. Trust me. (Sure, you can.) My snow village and electric train under the tree add to the festive air. I’m in heaven and the cats, dog, and I sit and gaze lovingly at the joyful sight.

Then I start on the house. Wreaths on most every door, swags of fake evergreen, nativity sets everywhere (did I mention I collect them?), Santa and snowmen spread throughout the house. Then there’s the outside--the plywood cut out of Santa in his toy-filled train, the lighted reindeer, and the lights on the hedges. (I eliminated the lights along the eaves after that little falling-off-the-ladder incident that almost broke my husband’s leg.) Once all the decorations are in place, I take delight in our home’s Christmas clothes. My sweet, tolerant husband is just happy I’m happy and will leave him in peace until time to put all this stuff away. What a guy! No wonder I call him Hero on my blog, right?

I send lots of Christmas cards. I mean lots. Many people have quit sending cards due to the expense. Others only send to people out of town. Not me. I love sending cards and my Hero is with me here. We enjoy receiving greetings and I reread them several times. I love those long (okay, one or two are boring) letters that some people include. My favorite cards come with a photo or two. I can’t figure out how relatives’ kids grow up when I haven’t aged a day since last year. And why are some of my younger relatives sporting gray hair? It’s one of the season’s mysteries.

And thinking of happy occasions and giving gifts reminds me of my books. I love writing and love when readers tell me they’ve enjoyed one or more of my books. (I love to hear from readers at caroline@carolineclemmons.com ) So, I’ll let you in on a secret. I have seven of my backlist books and novellas in historical and contemporary romance and a mystery at only 99 cents each on Amazon Kindle and Smashwords.

I sat slaving in my desk chair for months to produce these books (remember--sympathy!) and here I’m offering them to you for the bargain price of 99 cents each. What a deal! In the next month or so, I’ll be adding a western historical, BRAZOS RIVER BRIDE, that’s the first of a Men of Stone Mountain trilogy to my 99 cent books. And I’m placing one of these books under Sky’s Christmas tree for her to give away, winner’s choice. I’m also placing one of my releases from The Wild Rose Press under the tree, HOME, SWEET TEXAS HOME, a sweet contemporary romance that a modern day Cinderella story that has received rave reviews.

Purchase the .99 cent books at Amazon and Smashwords.

Purchase my The Wild Rose Press books HERE.

And while I have your attention, let me invite you to surf on over to my blog or catch me on Facebook. Follow me at Twitter.

Thanks to Sky for letting me share my love of Christmas, my books, and writing with you. Merry Christmas and I hope it precedes a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year!

Sky here. What a lovely post, Caroline! I give you and your daughter ALOT of credit for standing out in the cold at 5 AM to scoop up a deal. I'm totally not a morning person so I beyond sympathize! Wishing your and yours a wonderful holiday season this year.

Don't forget to comment for a chance to win! Contest ends Friday, December 9th. 12 AM, EST.

Gifts and Scents of the Season. Skhye Moncrief. Blog Event.

It’s officially December and my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event is in full swing! Every two days a new author or vendor stops in to share a holiday story and offer giveaways. In addition, all comments on posts between now and Christmas Day are entered for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

Today I’d like to welcome over author Skhye Moncrief. She’s graciously offering an Ecopy of FERAL FASCINATIONS to one lucky commenter. Also up for grabs to one lucky commenter between now and Christmas, a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

From Skhye’s lips to this blog…

Giving gifts: What’s Christmas without searching for that perfect gift for someone and finding it on SALE? I spend most of each year on that mission! I’m one of those sick people who has to give gifts to everyone. My 6-year-old daughter’s second Christmas was a toughie. Between her friends and cousins, I had to buy for nineteen children! So, now we don’t give adult gifts. LOL

Baking cookies: There’s nothing like cookie dough! I used to bake about fifteen kinds of Christmas cookies. Then my wrists went bad on me. I couldn’t squeeze the icing bag! So now, it’s chocolate chip and pumpkin oatmeal cookies. The most amazing chocolate-chip recipe is on the back of the Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate chips. Use butter-flavored Crisco instead of butter and add ¼-1/3 cup of molasses. I take them out of the oven when they’re still a tiny bit damp and wet to the touch as well as barely brown. They continue to cook on the cookie sheet for a minute as they cool and are extremely moist when eaten. Perfect! People tell me these are the best cookies ever. And my friend’s husband gets mad if I don’t send him a cookie when she and her kids come over to play and have the cookies for a treat. ;) And then, there’s all the homemade candy!!! I have a recipe for what we call coconut candy—a homemade Mounds Bar candy. Covered in dark chocolate, just like fingers when dipping things in the melted chocolate!

The scents of the season: Don’t you love the way Christmas dinner smells? And Yankee Candle has every kind of candle you could want to burn during the holiday! My favorite Yankee Candle scent that I can’t find any longer is Yankee White Christmas. Now, I have to go with pine trees and cinnamon.

Sky here. Great recipe, Skhye! Yummm. Thanks so much for sharing!

Skhye Moncrief’s Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Werescape Book 1: COUGAR

Post-apocalyptic Earth: after alien invasion, AEI, 2064 AD, The Wild

With her beloved Shifter mate two days in the Oregon’s ground, Sierra must choose to live or die. She has two options—join a Shifter clan by choosing a mate or live alone. Life is dangerous for a woman, AEI. Women choose protection in a group or are sold into slavery, even to the aliens. She opts for the protection of the clan, him.

He’s glorious. Empathetic. And resolved to mark her. He will not lose her. Jackal, the powerful right-hand Shifter of the clan’s leader, her brother-in-law, is determined she will be taken care of properly as mates aren’t easily come by. Especially in The Wild. But they just met, and she fights mating in her early stages of mourning. Honor-bound with a vow made over his brother’s death bed to see her safe, he internally swears to win her love. Whatever it takes.

But she harbors a dangerous secret. Born a Cougar, she dares not risk revealing she’s a Shifter, or bounty hunters will descend upon the remote mountain village to capture her for extraterrestrials. Villagers would die in the attacks. However, her Cougar rises up to claim Jackal for its mate. Shifter meets Cougar. Cougar claims her mate. Never-ending fireworks mark their raw attraction. But when the post-apocalyptic world is determined to tear them apart, will Normals, Shifters, or aliens win? Bet your money on COUGAR.

Purchase COUGAR at Amazon.

Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win an e-copy of FERAL FASCINATIONS. (blurb and reviews at the link) and whatever romance trading cards Skhye has. See her website for the cards she’s created to get an idea of what she might have on hand. ;)

A Humorous Christmas Tale. P.L. Parker. Blog Event.

My 'What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event continues. So far it’s been a total blast! Just popping in for the first time? Well, this event hosts a new author or vendor every two days between now and Christmas Day. So sixteen features and over sixteen giveaways. Everyone who comments between now and December 25th is entered for a chance to a win a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

Today I’d like to welcome over romance author, P.L. Parker. One lucky commenter will win an Ecopy of her latest tale, Will O’ the Wisp.

A little Christmas tale of humor from P.L. Parker’s lips to this blog…

He was exciting and fun, handsome and very masculine, but self-centered and self-serving. Stubbornly, my mind refused to accept those little warning signs. He was after all…so perfect.

Christmas season was upon us and it would be my first Christmas with a boyfriend in a very long time. It was to be a very special time. He’d given subtle hints about the present I was to get and my mind whirled with all the thrilling possibilities. We’d been dating long enough—it could be something really special. Christmas Eve and Day would be spent with my kids and my parents, so my friend and I decided to have our own private Christmas celebration a week in advance.

He invited me to his place for dinner, drinks and the exchange of gifts. I was so on edge with anticipation, nervous and excited, and when he told me early in the evening that my gift was “round,” I knew what it was! A ring! It had to be a ring! I could barely contain myself I was so keyed up! Surreptitiously, my eyes searched every corner, looking for that small white box I knew had to be here somewhere. Dinner seemed to take forever! Would he ever bring me my gift?

Finally, he stood up. “Your gift’s in the other room.” He smiled mysteriously and disappeared into the spare bedroom.

My heart pounded! I would throw myself in his arms and cry “Yes, Yes,” when he popped the question.

Banging and rattling came from behind the closed door. He must have hidden it well! Seemed to be taking awhile or perhaps it was just my own impatience making it seem longer than it really was.

The door slid open and he stepped out! My eyes bugged out. I froze. In his arms was a giant round thing! He dropped it on the floor and…it bounced. An inner tube?

I stared at the object. “Wha…? What is it?”

He gave me an odd look. “It’s a float tube! For fishing!”

“For fishing?” My elation took a huge nose dive.

“Yeah. Soon’s the weather warms up, we’ll take this baby out for a run. You’ll love it!”

“But I’ve never been fishing in a float tube!” And I didn’t want to either. Granted, the tube was pretty fancy. Had it’s own little mesh seat and a back rest, but it was still just an inner tube. Not what I was expecting! And definitely not something I’d ever wanted or would ever dream of buying for myself! I. Wasn’t. That. Person!

“You should be excited,” he exclaimed, animated. “This one was used in the TV commercial for the company.”

"Oh,” I muttered, feeling even more…crushed. “So it’s a used float tube.”

“Well, yeah. New ones cost about $150. You’ll need to pick up a pair of waders and some flippers, too. That’ll cost you about $75.”

Oh, so he couldn’t spend that much on me! I had spent almost $200 on his gift! And he was an engineer—at least that’s what he told me!

“Oh, and you’ll have to learn how to fly fish! Only way to fish in a float tube.”

“I’m sort of a bait fisherman. Nothing more exciting than trying to skewer a worm with a hook!”

“My woman needs to fly fish!”

“You know what?” I gathered up my things. “I need to get home. My babysitter can’t stay late tonight.”

“I thought you said she could.”

“I was wrong.” I headed out the door with him trailing behind, the float tube bouncing along beside him.

“I’ll carry this out to the car for you,” he offered. “You can play around with it, get used to the feel before we go fishing.”

“I can hardly wait,” I murmured. “Feeling all goose bumpy just thinking about it.” Chill bumps more like it!

He kissed me goodbye and I left.

A few months later, I got the chance to give that baby a run! My first try, the flippers stuck in the mud, I flipped upside down and almost drowned—saved by a nice older gentleman who actually cared!

Sadly, the relationship with Mr. Fisherman ended soon after that! Sadly? I probably should say happily!

Sky here. OMG, that was funny, P.L.. Love it! Thanks for sharing!

A bit about P.L.’s giveaway, Will O’ the Wisp…

Stalked across the vast reaches of the universe, Tannis, the last fecund female of the clan Light Bringers, takes refuge on Earth, veiling herself within the dying form of a human female. Her energy forces are flagging and to rejuvenate, she must seek the healing properties of the sun’s rays, but by doing so, she risks discovery by the hunter. Time is short and Kadin—the most feared assassin of all—draws near!

Purchase Will O’ the Wisp at Amazon.

P. L. Parker
Romantic Adventure at its Best

Website ~ Blog ~ Myspace

Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win an Ecopy of Will O’ the Wisp and a $100 gift certificate to Amazon! Contest ends Thursday, December 1st, 12 AM EST.

What's Under Your Christmas Tree? Blog Event. Hywela Lyn.

Welcome! For those of you just joining me, it’s all about Christmas at this blog. Now through December 25th, sixteen authors and jewelry vendors are visiting A Writer’s Mind to share some heart-warming holiday stories and offer some fabulous giveaways. As an added bonus, everyone who comments on any of the posts between now and Christmas Day is entered for a chance to win the grand prize, a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

It's time to continue my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree’ blog event. Today and tomorrow I’d like to welcome over romance author and dear friend, Hywela Lyn. Lyn is graciously giving away to one lucky commenter a PRINT copy of Dancing with Fate and a hand-crafted Christmas ornament from the Christmas Tree Farm in the UK.

Let’s hear from Lyn now! From Lyn’s lips to this blog…

THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

I love Christmas – as long as it doesn’t start too early! I like to have the ‘magic’ feel fresh and new, so we don’t put the decorations up until a week before the great day and in keeping with tradition, don’t take them down until 5th January, 12th Night.

I really enjoy the build up to Christmas, and one of the things that makes me feel Christmas is really close is choosing our Christmas tree from the CHRISTMAS TREE FARM. After our artificial Christmas tree at last gave up the ghost and went to the ‘great artificial tree farm in the sky’ my husband and I decided, to revert to the real thing.

There are a number of reasons why we decided to go ‘real’. For each tree sold from the farm, another is planted, Since it absorbs carbon dioxide and 'breathes' out oxygen, each tree is helping reduce our collective carbon footprint. Although an artificial tree can be used for several years, the noxious chemicals produced in their production do nothing to help the fight against global warming, and they are certainly not biodegradable like a real tree. Also, it’s a great day out and we can take our dog Bouncer as well.

At the entrance to the farm is a full size Father Christmas. A little wooden fox greets visitors as they go through the gate and we pass by the little workshop where animated elves are busy making the gifts for Christmas and preparing Christmas trees. (Although one in this picture seems to have decided it was time for a mug of tea!)

The Farm uses two Shire horses, Thomas and Ambassador, who are working forestry horses. They are owned and trained by Steven Jones, who is a highly skilled forester based in Wales. Shire horses are a breed of horse which was used as draft animals on English farms for centuries. They are believed to be descended from English "Great horses" which were also used to carry armored knights in medieval times. Shires stand at least 17 hands tall (5ft 8in - 6ft/1.7m-1.8m) and weigh slightly less than one tonne.

Despite their size, the horses have a very gentle temperament. The horses leave the fields in much better condition than modern tractors. Tractors running over the ground can damage the soil structure and reduce its fertility by compacting it. Horses weigh less than tractors and their hooves spread that weight over a larger surface area. As a result, even in wet weather, the field is not damaged by the use of the horses, and the farm tracks are left un-rutted.

At the end of the rows of trees is a corral where we love to make friends with the horses, who, in this picture, were having a well deserved rest.

We spend a long time choosing our perfect tree. There are many different varieties and sizes to choose from. Choice made, while our perfect tree is being ‘netted’, we visit the Christmas Tree Farm shop. It is always like a fairy land, with a huge selection of beautiful ornaments and decorations - and close to the counter, a full size sleigh with a moving Santa on his sleigh drawn by a beautiful reindeer.

There are also woodland animals in various places around the shop, with twitching noses and paws, looking very realistic. They also sell things like magical reindeer food and special keys that only work for Santa, for houses with no chimneys. The display changes slightly each year, but it is always full of enchantment.

Before I leave, do you know the legend of the Christmas tree? This legend comes down from the early days of Christianity:

In Britain, Saint Wilfred was a monk who was helping to spread Christianity among the Druids. One day he struck down a huge Oak tree, which in the Druid religion was an object of worship.

As the tree fell to earth, it split into four, and from its centre grew a young Fir tree, pointing its topmost branch towards the sky. The crowd gathered around the monk gazed in amazement.

Wilfred dropped his axe and turned to the watching people. "This little tree shall be your Holy tree tonight," he said, "It is the sign of eternal life, for its leaves remain green all year round. See how it points toward the heavens. Let this be called the tree of the Christ Child. Gather round it, not in the wilderness but in your homes, surrounded with loving gifts and gestures of kindness." And so it is, to this day.

Sky here. Oh, I’d love to visit the Christmas Tree Farm! It certainly sounds like my kind of place. Thank you so much for sharing these stories, Lyn. I didn’t know the tale behind the Christmas Tree. While I mourn to hear of any Oak being chopped down, I love the part about the fir being a sign of eternal life.

AUTHOR BIO

Hywela Lyn lived in Wales for most of her life, and the beautiful countryside and legends inspired her to write. Although she now lives in a small village in England, she is very proud of her Welsh heritage and background. She enjoys weaving romantic tales of the future, and distant, mysterious worlds. Her pen name is a combination of her first two names.'Hywela’ is Welsh and her first name but it was never used and she has always been called by her second Christian name, Lyn. One thing remains constant in her writing: The power of love. Love, not only between her hero and heroine, but between friends and siblings, and for their particular world and the creatures that share it.

She is crazy about all animals, especially horses. She lives with her long suffering husband, Dave, and her animal family includes two horses, two ferrel cats and an adopted Jack Russell terrier called Bouncer.

Lyn’s first novel, 'Starquest', a futuristic romance, and and the sequel ‘Starquest’, 'Children of the Mist' are available in Ebook format or print from the Wild Rose Press and she is currently working on the third stories in the series. (Please watch her blog for more details) She has recently self published her fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' featuring Terpsichore, Muse of Dance, on Smashwords.

This was originally one of nine stories in the Wild Rose Press anthology ‘Song Of the Muses.'

Lyn loves to hear from fellow authors and readers and can be found at her...

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

VIDEO: ‘DANCING WITH FATE’

Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win a print copy of Dancing with Fate, a Christmas tree ornament from the Christmas Tree Farm and a $100 gift certificate to Amazon. Contest ends Tuesday, November 29th, 12 AM, EST.

Mega Christmas Blog Event. Ruby Vines. It Begins NOW!!!!

Season's Greatings! At long last my ‘What Every Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree Blog Event’ has arrived. If you’re joining me at A Writer’s Mind for the first time this event is all about what we girls REALLY want beneath our trees this year. Not sure about you, but books and jewelry sound great to me. That in mind, I’ve decided to host an event that welcomes sixteen authors and jewelry vendors within thirty days. Prize after prize after prize. All for the taking. All for you. Every two days, a new face and a new goodie to be won! Don't forget, everyone who comments is also entered for a chance to win the grand prize on Christmas Day, a $100 gift certificate to Amazon!

Each visitor will be sharing a holiday story or blurb that they hold close to their hearts. Did I hand select these ladies to share in such a momentous event? You bet. Each and every one is incredibly talented. So wrap a warm fuzzy around your shoulders, crank up that holiday music, bury yourself in a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy.

Today, I’d like to welcome the fabulously talented Ruby Vines (AKA- Alisha Paige).

From her lips to this blog…

Christmas and romance tend to go hand and hand for me, let me tell you about it.

It was early December when I went into labor with my baby boy. I woke up on a Sunday morning with serious labor pains. My husband rushed me to the hospital and we were both very nervous because the baby was breech. Once at the hospital they prepared me for an emergency C-Section. This was my third baby but I had had a VERY DIFFICULT birth experience with my second daughter so I was pretty much a fraidy cat. BTW, I had my second daughter totally natural and it wasn’t by choice either…and because she was eight years after the birth of my first daughter, the doctor said it would be like a first birth again, a very long labor. Put it this way, I arrived at the hospital near midnight with my first daughter and she was born five hours later. That isn’t a tough first labor so I was NOT prepared for the nineteen hours of labor from hell when I had my second child..so yeah…I was scared to death.

I remember being in pretty terrible pain sitting on the edge of the bed as my husband held my hands while the anesthesiologist stuck needles in my spine for my epidural. Tears started to flow and I was shaking like a leaf. My husband was so adorable in his scrubs and blue cap. He wore a mask too and all I could see was his big chocolate brown eyes staring back at me. He said, “Don’t be scared, baby.” About that time I felt warm liquid entering my spine. My husband kissed me through the mask as they laid me down. He squeezed my hand and I squeezed back, holding on. His strength gave me strength and I could just feel his love surrounding me. Or maybe it was the good drugs..nope..I’m pretty sure it was him..lol.

Pretty soon I couldn’t feel anything on my lower half and the doctor and nurses came floating in. Everyone was talking about Christmas shopping and seemed to be in a cheerful holiday mood. The doctor told a nurse to put the Christmas CD on. All of the sudden I heard the voices of angels singing.

It was beautiful.

Almost spiritual.

Wait. It WAS spiritual. I felt like it was a message from God that everything would be okay. My husband looked down at me and smiled with his eyes. I told myself I could do this. As they cut into my belly, the nurses and doctors continued to blab about the holidays as if they weren’t cutting into a human body. Within five minutes, they were trying to pull my son out but he was stuck. The cord was wrapped around his neck. The doctor instructed them to put him back in. Really? How crazy is that? And then the doc told a learning intern to roll the baby over and try to pull him out again and I’m not kidding when I say that the doctor checked his freaking black berry at this point and then glanced over to nod, as if everything was okay. Pretty soon I heard my son cry and they handed him to my husband.

The angels kept singing and my husband smiled over at me as he held our new born son in his arms. That was hands down the most romantic moment of my life and the most spiritual moment. It was like I was in a room with God AND my husband AND my new son. Benjamin was absolutely the best Christmas present ever!!! And three days later as my husband wheeled me out in a wheelchair to our waiting car with my son in my lap, we passed enormous Christmas trees in the lobby. The wide doors swung open and a gust of cold air hit us. Yep. Getting a baby for Christmas is just about the coolest thing ever. And I will never ever forget the romantic moment my husband and I shared. I swear, with each kid, I have fallen deeper and deeper in love with this special man. A nurse commented that she’d never seen a more in love couple. I have to agree. Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope your Christmas is full of love and romance and you get all your heart desires!

~Alisha Paige/Ruby Vines

Sky here. What a wonderful story! I got chills reading it. Absolutely astounding. Your son was indeed a wonderful Christmas present. Wishing you and yours many, many more wonderful holidays together, Alisha.

Ruby Vines/Alisha Paige's Website ~ Blogspot ~ Twitter: @Alishawriter

CHANCE TO WIN a copy of Deadly R&R Ebook!!!

Leave a comment by Sunday, 12 AM EST to be entered into Ruby's contest. Please leave your email addy in a comment so that the winner can be contacted.

Time to relax with a good book trailer....



Swing back in Sunday, November 27th as I welcome author Hywela Lyn to A Writer's Mind, Christmas Blog Event. Lyn's Prize: A paperback copy of Dancing with Fate and a hand-crafted tree ornament from the Christmas Tree Farm in The United Kingdom.

Happy Holidays,
Sky