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

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

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

Let’s hear from Masha…

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

Kindle Fire 3G?! MERRY CHRISTMAS from Caroline Clemmons, author of SNOWFIRES.

Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event!  Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over wonderfully talented author, Caroline Clemmons to share a little holiday cheer with us. Caroline is graciously away an eCopy of Snowfires. And just look what's up for grabs at her blog!!!

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

Let’s hear from Caroline…

Ho, ho ho! I hope you’re looking forward to all the things you want under your tree this Christmas.

What’s better on a wintry day than curling up with the one you love? I’m so happy you asked. When the weather outside is frightful, all I want is to snuggle with my sweetie, my favorite beverage, and a sizzling book. If you feel the same way, I have a book to suggest, just as you knew I would!

What is Real? What is Illusory? The Transformation Series by Ann Gimpel.

Today it’s my pleasure to feature Ann Gimpel, author of The Transformation Series.

 

The Transformation Series is about finding out who we truly are when the chips are down. About what is real and what is illusory. About what matters and what doesn’t. It’s easy to show our best side when everything is going well. How about when the world is disintegrating around us? What happens then?

Psyche’s Prophecy
Book One of the Transformation Series
By Ann Gimpel

What if your psychotherapist could really see into your soul?  Picture all those secrets lying hidden, perhaps squirming a bit, just out of view.  Would you invite your analyst to take a peek behind that gossamer curtain?  Read your aura?  Scry your future…?

Classically trained at the Jung Institute in Zurich, Doctor Lara McInnis has a special gift that helps her with her patients.  Born with “the sight” she can read auras, while flirting with a somewhat elusive ability to foretell the future.  Lara becomes alarmed when several of her patients—and a student or two—tell her about the same cataclysmic dream. 

Reaching out to the Institute for answers, Lara’s paranormal ability sounds a sharp warning and she runs up hard against a dead end.  Her search for assistance leads her to a Sidhe and ancient Celtic rituals blaze their way into her life.  Complicating the picture is a deranged patient who’s been hell bent on destroying Lara ever since she tried to help his abused wife, a boyfriend with a long-buried secret and a society that’s crumbling to dust as shortages of everything from electricity to food escalate.

Amazon Paperback  Amazon Kindle   BN    Smashwords   

ARe        Books on Board   Gypsy Shadow Publishing  

Official Trailer

Be Bad, for Goodness Sake! Christmas with Tara Lain.

Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. If this is your first time here, let me catch you up. This event will be welcoming over twenty-two authors and an editor between now and Christmas. Expect tons of fun and lots of giveaways!

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize. Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over author Tara Lain who will be doing a little festive sharing and graciously giving away TWO eCopies of Be Bad,  For Goodness Sake.

Tara, the floor’s yours…

Happy holidays everyone! I’m so happy to be here with Sky celebrating our busiest, most mystical and magical time of year. Sky asked us to share thoughts or memories of the holidays and I’d like to tell you about my very early Christmas in Vienna, Austria. I was only about three, but I remember it so well. In Vienna at that time, they had a holiday tradition that brought not only Saint Nicholas out into the streets, but also the frightening beast-like Krampus. While Saint Nick gives children presents, Krampus gives them switches and coal and is said to take a particularly bad child back to his lair for Christmas Dinner--and they are the feast!

On the day I remember, Saint Nicholas and Krampus came to our door! Krampus bellowed in German, “Are there any bad children here?” I hid behind my mom as she assured him that all the children in our household (me) were very, very good. And so Saint Nicholas gave me two cookies. One looked like him and one like Krampus.  I had a good friend -- a Viennese boy named Heinrich. I wanted to share my cookies with him. I looked carefully, and made a fateful decision. I gave Heinrich the Saint Nick cookie and I kept Krampus. Even then I must have known that the villains are often the most interesting characters! Hmm, I wonder if that choice molded my character.  LOL

I’ve had a good time writing holiday stories in my short career. Last year I created a quirky book called Mistletowed with a cast of seven characters who mix and match under the influence -- maybe-- of some magical mistletoe. This year, I’ll be introducing my new book, Snow Balls, in time for the holidays. While the book isn’t truly a “holiday” story, it does take place during the holidays so I got to include the famous Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite at Christmas time. This year, I also have a fun and unexpected holiday story called, Be Bad, for Goodness Sake. It’s my first ever MF love story.

I hope all of us have the best holiday yet! Full of laughter, bounty, and most of all, LOVE!

Be Bad, for Goodness Sake by Tara Lain

Available at Amazon  and  Smashwords

Christopher “Kit” Merchant is a metrosexual. Though he’s great at his job in product marketing for a high tech firm, he loves fashion, grooming, design and planning parties. Sadly, he also loves the CEO of his company, Elizabeth “Bett” Harding, who is nine years older, ten times richer, and has a big successful CEO as a boyfriend. When Bett asks Kitt to plan the big company holiday party at her house, he’s thrilled. Maybe she’ll come to see him as eligible. But when Bett’s boyfriend finds them together in bathrobes sipping wine, Kit discovers Bett thinks he’s gay. On top of that, the boyfriend is trying to take over Bett’s position as CEO “for her own good”. Some serious holiday magic is required. Will Kit and Bett ever get the chance to be bad, for goodness sake?

Visit Tara Lain at her Website ~ Author Blog ~ Facebook ~ Book Blog

Sky here. Tara, thanks so much for sharing! I loved your childhood memory of Christmas in Austria. Very cool! And I 'get it' about the villian. They can indeed have a certain appeal. *grins* Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season. Thanks so much for spending some of it at A Writer's Mind!

Readers, don't forget to comment for a chance to win an eCopy of Be Bad, For Goodness Sake. Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter to win even more!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

Could the End of the World be Near?

It's almost the end of the world. Winter Solstice is right around the corner. Are you ready to survive and thrive?

Welcome to the BUG-IN WITH ROMANCE BLOG EVENT!

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

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

And don't forget to pop over tomorrow to learn some interesting survival info and enter to win a prize!

Sheree Coleman--bug-out bags http://cheri-spincycletexas.blogspot.com/
 

"Get Under the Mistletoe by Christmas Eve" with Meg Mims', SANTA PAWS.

Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event! Just popping in for the first time? Here’s the scoop. This event runs now through Christmas day, featuring over twenty-two authors, an editor and tons of giveaways!

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize. Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012.

Today it's my pleasure to welcome over author Meg Mims to share a little Christmas post with us, including a scrumptious holiday recipe.

Let's hear from Meg...

Who doesn't LOVE a dog at Christmas time? Okay, cat lovers maybe -- but seriously, I just attended a tree lighting ceremony in Reston, Virginia, and saw a lot of dogs with their loving owners. If I'd brought my dog, I would have put his jingle bell collar on! Anyway, because I love dogs, and because I took in a rescue dog (a Lhasa Apso-mix) to be company for my Malti-poo, I wrote SANTA PAWS as a Christmas Novella.

Here's what it's about:

The last thing Lacey Gordon—divorced with a teen daughter and two cats—needs is a rescue dog coming into her life. To top it off, she's rooked into a "Get Under the Mistletoe by Christmas Eve" dating contest. Since Buddy the dog prefers to be the only "new guy" in Lacey's life, will Santa Claws ruin her holiday for good?

Because my year has been topsy-turvy like Lacey's (my daughter moved to a different state for a new job!), I've had to "skimp" on the holiday prep. But it's okay, because we still enjoy the little things like going to a tree-lighting, driving around to see Christmas lights, enjoying some mint mocha together -- the cookies will most likely come from the bakery this year. But I'd love to share one of my mom's favorite recipes, and one of the easiest to make too!

While you're making these cookies, enjoy this brief excerpt from SANTA PAWS  (available at Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, Smashwords) and leave a comment if you want to win a copy! If you don't win, hey! Download your copy for only 99c!

Merry Christmas and may blessings abound for you in 2013!

NUTTY CHOCOLATE "TOFFEE" BARS

2 sticks butter or margarine, at room temperature
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

CREAM butter and sugar together, add vanilla and mix in flour and salt to make "dough" -- spread on bottom of jelly roll pan. (Line pan with foil if you wish)... BAKE for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees, till golden brown. IMMEDIATELY TOP WITH 1 pkg semi sweet chocolate chips (milk or dark, your choice! Nestle or Hershey)  -- SPREAD WHILE COOKIE LAYER IS HOT. Top with 1 cup finely chopped walnuts. Let cool before cutting into squares. YUM!!! These cookies will freeze beautifully too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

The afternoon wore on, and the only bright spot was a cryptic text message from her daughter. She preferred talking on the phone. Texting was convenient, although she had to chunk up their cell phone plan to unlimited messages and web access for Deena. The girl seemed to spend hours on that Smart phone. Was that a good thing, being so hooked into the ‘net? Lacey’s guilt was already high given the divorce. She had no idea if Deena did her homework in the hours between getting home and Lacey’s return from work.

Lacey eyed the phone’s screen, skeptical, trying to puzzle out the message’s meaning. ‘Dad drove me home from skl, brt sprize, cant wait 2 see u & him 2gthr.’ Why would Deena be excited for her to see Todd? She understood and sympathized with Lacey about the reasons for divorce. She never made excuses for her father, and seemed disappointed when he didn’t come through for her. Odd that Todd drove Deena home. But what did ‘brt sprize’ mean? It couldn’t be ‘bought.’ He didn’t usually buy Deena any surprises. Unless he brought a check for his belated child support. She hoped so.

Lacey could go grocery shopping Saturday—uh oh. She’d promised to think about attending the ‘dating contest’ at Fresh Grounds. She did love their mocha lattes. Hm. She hurried through the rest of the paperwork piled on her desk, turned off her lamp and computer, then ran into April on the way out to the parking garage. The elevator’s chill set them both shivering.

“I’ve got you down for noon at Fresh Grounds.”

“Why so early? I thought you had the whole afternoon reserved.”

“You’re quality, remember.” April dashed to her truck.

Lacey clutched the top of her coat together to shield against the bitter wind. Two days till Saturday. Anything could come up and sabotage her plans. She hurried to her car in the growing dusk, grateful to see the sunset courtesy of Daylight Savings. Then again, mornings were pitch black. Lacey drove toward home, half-listening to the news, hoping Todd wouldn’t ruin her evening. And that she didn’t get stuck in traffic. Pure luck she zipped home in half an hour.

And nearly ran down a burly man in a Sherpa jacket and baseball cap, walking a dog across the street. Not just any dog, but a beige and white pit bull. Lacey shivered. She pulled into the condo complex in relief. Home, sweet home. Even if it was a bit cramped compared to a house in the ‘burbs where she’d spent her marriage. The frame and brick condominiums, surrounded by tall oaks and maples, had four two-story units joined together with a one-story ranch on the side. Most neighbors here were retired, walking their dogs through the narrow streets and parking lots to the woodier paths beyond the complex.

But she cursed aloud seeing Todd’s car in her sheltered parking spot. Lacey warned him the last time not to do that. He never listened. Not now, not back when they’d been married—until she dangled a satin thong in his face. Lacey had found them stuffed in his jacket pocket, and refused to listen to his half-hearted, lame excuses. He hadn’t fought the divorce. Perhaps he preferred running around, since he’d been doing just that since high school. Why hadn’t she realized that long ago? Trust was important to her.

Not to him.

She slung her briefcase over one shoulder and walked around her condo to the front door. Lacey fumbled for her keys in her purse. Her briefcase slipped off her shoulder, its hefty weight dragging her down, and her feet burned inside her new pumps. She heard an odd scratching sound. That couldn’t be the cats. They weren’t at the window as usual, watching for birds.

“Deena? Is that you?”

Lacey unlocked the door. Once she opened it, a hairy beige dog barreled into her, knocking her onto her bottom, spilling her briefcase and purse into the snow. She shrieked, her backside aching, one shoe on and one shoe off. Lacey stared in horror when the dog lifted his leg and piddled in an arc over her leg. A few warm wet drops dribbled on her pantyhose.

Deena appeared in the doorway and clapped a hand over her mouth. “Buddy! Bad dog—oh, Mom, he’s really very sweet. Just wait till you—no, Buddy!”

Lacey watched the dog snatch her purse and duck between her daughter’s legs, then race inside the house and up the carpeted steps. Leaving a trail of muddy footprints.
Meg Mims is an award-winning author and artist, who loves Christmas time -- the lights, the carols, the family time,  the tree decorating, but not the shopping!

Purchase SANTA PAWS at -- Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, Smashwords.

Visit Meg Mims at her Website ~ Facebook ~ Blog

SKY HERE. Meg, thanks so much for spending some of your holiday season at A Writer's Mind. I'm actually considering 'saving' a dog this Christmas so I found this post especially touching. And that recipe? YUM!!! Wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday!

Readers, don't forget to comment for a chance to win SANTA PAWS. Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

Find A Little Romantic Suspense Beneath Your Christmas Tree! Make Welcome, J.D. Faver.

Welcome! You’ve arrived just in time. Why? Well, today marks the first day of A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. What does that mean? Simple. Between now and December 25th, many authors will be visiting to share a little festive cheer with you. This event is all about having fun, holiday chat and of course, lots and lots of giveaways!

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print books. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012.

Today I’d like to welcome over featured author, J.D. Faver.

The floor’s all yours J.D….

Black Friday! Celebrate with a look at J.D. Faver’s romantic suspense, a great recipe and a free download.

Thank you so much for inviting me to kick off this exciting event, Sky. Today is Black Friday and I’m certain everyone has gotten all their Christmas shopping done…Yeah, me neither.

I hope you aren’t going out into the chaos that is Black Friday to elbow your way through the crowds and fight for those amazing bargains. If you do, I hope you’re prepared to scratch and pull hair with the best of them. I’ll be rooting for you…while I’m snuggled here at home with my friends, Visa and Mastercard. I’m pretty sure that these guys can open most doors for me.  And I’ll avoid all that hair pulling. Since I write romantic thrillers, I know a lot about hiding the bodies. so it doesn’t pay to get on my bad side. I might virtually kill you in a most heinous manner.

Today I want to share my romantic suspense, KILL SHOT with you. It’s a reunion story. Readers have fallen in love with Oz, my hero, an Alpha-male cop. When someone starts taking pot shots at Micki, his childhood sweetheart, Oz tries to protect her.

How YOU can HELP this Holiday Season.

It’s hard to believe that another year’s gone by and Thanksgiving is nearly upon us. In my world that means cleaning the house for company, grocery shopping, then spending Thanksgiving day cooking and visiting with family.

But is it that way for everyone?

Definitely not.

I recently shared an experience about losing reviews and how it took what felt like such a depressing situation to make me realize that things could be far worse. I should be grateful for the things I have. After all, so many people in the world are in need.

As promised, I’ve compiled a list of groups and charity’s that could use a little extra help this holiday season, whether by donation or volunteering.

The first thing that came to mind above all the rest were those who suffered as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Here in New Hampshire we were spared the brunt of the storm but in states such as New York and New Jersey, the storm ripped a path of devastation. Many are STILL without power and many lost everything they had.

So how can you help? Consider donating! I’m providing two sources that I trust.

The American Red Cross- Sandy Relief.

The Salvation Army- Sandy Relief

Who else could you help this holiday season? Soldiers currently in active duty overseas and of course, our veterans!  Here are some great sites I found.

What Losing Sixteen 5-Star Reviews Feels Like. How to Turn a Negative Into a POSITIVE!

 

Losing so many reviews made me sad. And bloody angry!

 

at first…

 

Can you blame me? Never in my wildest imagination would I have believed that one of my retailers would have allowed such a thing to happen. But it did. Can I explain it? Not to this day. Who is that retailer? I’ll never say.

 

Regardless, it happened.

I lost sixteen 5 star reviews from nine titles between October 18th and October 28th.

Lord, was I depressed. It wasn’t fair. At least not in my book. Funny thing, after a few days of hanging my head and feeling sorry for myself, something occurred to me…

Is that all I have to be depressed about?

Seriously?

Here I was all bummed because I’d lost a few reviews. Aye, perhaps a wee bit more than a few but still. In what I thought my ‘darkest hour’ I was mourning the loss of a few stars and words when so many would do anything to be in my shoes.

What do I mean?

Betrayal. Risk. Love. Dariel Raye's, Jordan's Wings.

 

Today it's my pleasure to feature Dariel Raye's, Jordan's Wings.

 

“The Alerians – Dark Progeny: Jordan’s Wings”

Jordan Taylor is a feisty, take charge, Rubinesque beauty with a tough façade, but after a string of lackluster relationships, her dream of a man who truly loves and appreciates her strength seems impossible…Until she meets Canaan, the man her fiancé claims is his best friend! Instinctively, she knows her neat, if lackluster life is about to change.

Born more than 200 years ago, Canaan looks like an angel but he’s far from it. In his world, the ratio of men to women is 500 to 1, and although he’s a superior being, he’s willing to break the most sacred law of his brothers, even drink human blood, to have one meant for him alone.When he meets Jordan, he knows she’s the one he’s been searching for.  To claim her, Canaan will have to betray his friend, humble himself enough to win her love, and risk his very life.

Excerpt

 

Jordan woke suddenly and sat up in her bed. She rubbed at her eyes to make sure she saw what she thought she saw. “You! What are you…? How did you…? Get out of my room!” She stood up and stalked toward him when he just sat there, that smirk apparently tattooed on his face, a face too handsome to belong to such a lowlife.

Canaan’s smirk-smile widened as she got closer. He was looking at her body, and some of his teeth didn’t look right. She didn’t have the presence of mind to identify just what was wrong, though. Jordan glanced down and was immediately reminded that she had slept in the nude.

Find Dariel and her books on the net...

 

Red Rose Publishing: http://redrosepublishing.com/books/product_info.php?products_id=1302

 

Blogs: http://www.pendarielraye.blogspot.com

http://www.darkparanormalromanceseries.com

 

Goodreads: : http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8640181-dariel-raye

 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@Pendarielraye

 

Click here to visit Dariel's site for more information about her books and music!

 

 

Boston Witches. Unleashed Magic. Jessica Gibson's, Mark of the Witch.

 

Today I'll be featuring, Jessica Gibson, author of Mark of the Witch (Boston Witches Book 1), a Paranormal Romance. Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter at the end of this post for a chance to win a Kindle or Amazon gift card!

 

ISBN: 10: 1475119836
ASIN: B0087GFJ9Q

Number of pages: 192
Word Count: 51,520

 

Cover Artist: Russ Turner Photography

Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Paperback

Book Description

Magic flows through Jillian Proctor's veins as surely as blood, but so far her life outside Boston has been peaceful. William Morgan blows into Jilly's life like a hurricane, unleashing her magic and sending her out of control.

Unknowingly, William brings an enemy who only wants to posses the power of the witch. Jilly must learn to harness her magic before she loses it - and everything in her life is destroyed.

Romance Lurks In The Shadows... Ruined by Kinley Baker.

 

Today it's my pleasure to welcome over Kinley Baker, author of DENIED SHADOWED LOVE, BOOK TWO, a Fantasy Romance.

Publisher: Crescent Moon Press

 

When invaders brutally massacred the women and children of the Varner, Caleb witnessed loss and destruction on a scale few can comprehend. As the leader of a race on the brink of extinction, his only hope for survival is gaining acceptance into the Shadow Shifter Kingdom. Struggling with new customs, he meets Tabitha, a woman who challenges his limits.

Refused the right to join the king’s guard because of her gender, Tabitha must be stronger than the men to prove she deserves to be the first accepted female Warrior in the kingdom. She believes Caleb will help improve her abilities, until she learns her goals conflict with the foundation of his culture.

When the realm is attacked, Tabitha and Caleb must come together not only to fight, but to find the strength to win against an evil with the potential to destroy everything they revere most--including each other.

Add DENIED as To-Read on GoodReads!

Before we learn more about these fantastic books we're going to hear directly from Kinley herself.

SKY: Thanks for joining us, Kinley!

KINLEY: Thank you for allowing me to visit today, Sky!

Make Welcome Hollywood Film Director, Editor and Writer, Hubert de La Bouillerie. OF LOVE AND EVIL: THE BIRTH

 

Today I'll be featuring OF LOVE AND EVIL: THE BIRTH by Hubert de La Bouillerie.

 

Infinity Publishing

September 26th, 2012 (print)

ISBN-10: 0741478838

ISBN-13: 978-0741478832

 

Amazon Kindle   Amazon Print

 

Description

This epic love story, that began over 400 years ago with a pact made with the Devil in the name of love, is played out against the backdrop of today's world of high technology and social media.

Brooke Mirande, a beautiful young heiress, has just inherited full control of a multi-media empire. She rapidly finds herself torn between a love affair, with the gorgeous dot-com entrepreneur Robert Redman, and the strange, dark legacy of her mother.

Brooke begins a desperate search for the truth of her heritage. A truth that reveals a conspiracy that could even include the love of her life, Robert Redman.

Hubert de La Bouillerie’s debut novel, Of Love And Evil The Birth, is the first book in the Of Love and Evil trilogy published by Infinity Publishing. The second and third titles, Of Love And Evil The Pact andOf Love and Evil The Final Battle, have an anticipated release date of spring and fall of 2013. 

Let's hear a little from Hubert...

Paranormal Romance, What do you think about it?
By Hubert de La Bouillerie

Let's Talk Gypsy's. The Gypsy's Dance by Charlie Daye

Today I'm featuring Charlie Daye, author of The Gypsy’s Dance (The Hunter’s Series book 1), a paranormal romance.

ISBN: 978-1478278634

ASIN: B008NZ1KYY

Number of pages: 334 approx

Word Count: 81,888

 

Amazon     Barnes and Noble

Book Description

Oralia Simone just turned eighteen and discovered that she has been promised to someone by her parents for marriage. Not wanting to shame her family she agrees to participate in the matching celebration where she will dance for her betrothed.

Niko Raydon is a Hunter. He and his kind are what police the magical community and make sure that no one uses dark magic to harm another. Niko finds himself drawn to a small Gypsy village on the night of their annual matching celebration because of the use of dark magic.

Tobias McGrath is next in line to lead his clan of Gypsy's. He's been promised Oraila Simone - the most beautiful woman in the clan and intends to make her his no matter the cost.

When Oralia meets Niko the connection between them is instant and despite her impending marriage to Tobias she wants to be with Niko and he with her. But will their love be enough to set her free or will Tobias's use of evil magic tear them apart for good?

My Victorian. My True Ghost Stories. Segment #6.

I’m so glad you decided to pop in. Why? Because today I’ll be sharing the rest of my results when investigating the paranormal in my very own haunted Victorian.

Keep scrolling after this post to read the first part, My Victorian. My True Ghost Stories, SEGMENTS four and five. To read segments one through three click HERE.

To catch you up a little, allow me to share some about the house in which I live. Built in 1901 by my husband’s great-grandfather, this Victorian has seen many residents over the years and has many tales to tell.

Ready to hear the rest of my experience investigating this house?

Brief Recap: Before I continue allow me to share with you what equipment I used when I made contact. My weapon of choice was an EMF detector. This device is commonly used by electricians but has also become a very popular tool for paranormal investigations. Why? Because most in the field believe that spirits not only have a magnetic field but can use it to communicate with the living. My particular device reads on a scale of 0-10 Milligauss at 50/60 Hz. The way in which paranormal investigators use this device is by first establishing the magnetic field readings of the location. Once the magnetic fluctuations of a particular building are mapped out, the investigator can then narrow down the best areas to investigate. In point, those free of pre-existing magnetic activity. Examples of potentially higher magnetic readings in a home might include light fixtures, wiring, etc.. Once ready to use an EMF detector, only yes or no questions should be asked. A spike in the meter insinuates a ‘yes’. No spike in the meter insinuates a ‘no’.

Continuing where I left off yesterday, I’d just made contact with a man who claimed he’d built my house. As it turned out he was not my husband’s great-grandfather but someone else. I am now of the assumption that he was a worker on the site.

I have to admit I’d become pretty excited at this point. Why? The previous year I’d awoken to a transparent man standing over my bed. Dressed in early twentieth century clothing, I’d approximate his age to be late twenties, perhaps even early 30’s. Could that man be the very same that I was communicating with now?

My Victorian. My True Ghost Stories. Segment #5.

Welcome! If you’re joining me for the first time you’ve arrived in time to hear some of my incredible experiences when paranormal investigating the very house in which I live. For those of you who frequent this blog, glad to have you back.

As a brief recap, let me explain what my Halloween Extravaganza is. Last year on October 29^th, 30^th and 31^st I shared segments one, two and three of my true Victorian ghost stories.  As promised, I’m continuing my stories on the same dates this year in segments four, five and six. Interested in checking out the first three? Click HERE.

So let’s continue. Today, as aforementioned, I’m mixing it up a bit and sharing the unbelievable results I had when investigating the paranormal in my Victorian. Build in 1901 by my husband’s great-grandfather, this house has seen a lot over the past one hundred and eleven years.

That said… here are my initial results.

By investigating, I’ve learned first-hand what it feels like to get an actual response from an unseen entity. So far I’ve had several responses during multiple investigations. But I’m not all that surprised considering how active this house has been in the past.

Before I continue allow me to share with you what equipment I used when I made contact. My weapon of choice was an EMF detector. This device is commonly used by electricians but has also become a very popular tool for paranormal investigations. Why? Because most in the field believe that spirits not only have a magnetic field but can use it to communicate with the living. My particular device reads on a scale of 0-10 Milligauss at 50/60 Hz. The way in which paranormal investigators use this device is by first establishing the magnetic field readings of the location. Once the magnetic fluctuations of a particular building are mapped out, the investigator can then narrow down the best areas to investigate. In point, those free of pre-existing magnetic activity. Examples of potentially higher magnetic readings in a home might include light fixtures, wiring, etc.. Once ready to use an EMF detector, only yes or no questions should be asked. A spike in the meter insinuates a ‘yes’. No spike in the meter insinuates a ‘no’.

On to the spooky stuff!

My Victorian. My True Ghost Stories. Segment #4.

Welcome! Leaving off from last year, It's time to share more of my own true haunted ghost stories.

For those of you who joined me last year I started sharing true ghost stories about the very house in which I currently live. On December 29^th, 30^th and 31^st of 2011, I shared the first three segments. Well, it’s time for the next three! This time I’ll cover segments three, four and five on the same dates of 2012. This year I’ll be sharing not only more stories but my very own experiences when paranormal investigating in this house.

Just joining me for the first time and love true haunted stories? Be sure to check out the 'Flip Side' of A Writer's Mind where you can read segments one, two and three.

So, let’s begin.

First, allow me share with you a little about my Victorian taken from the ‘Flip Side.’

Owned by my husband’s family since its very birth, construction began in 1901. In 1903 my husband’s great grandfather walked his wife into her brand new house for the first time.

I still try to envision what it must have been like for her to walk into this house for the first time. How she must have been in awe by its grandeur and charm. By its oval handmade windows and sliding pocket doorways. The charm she must’ve felt as she strolled through the house, her long dress swooshing over the gleaming hardwood floors, finding all the wonderful little nooks and crannies her husband had built into the rooms.

I’ll never forget the first time I walked into this house 100 years later. The way I felt when I first entered the foyer and looked at the arched doorways and elegant balustrade lining the stairs. I was instantly, irrevocably in love. The feeling was almost…surreal. Even as a writer, I can’t convey how powerful that first moment was. Perhaps I was always meant to walk through the front door. Perhaps I was always meant to live here. It’s ten years later and I love this house as much as I did that very first moment.

As well as all its ghosts.

Oh yes, this is one very, very haunted house. In fact, my husband went to the store the other day. The cashier saw his home address and her eyes widened. She promptly asked, “Do you live here?” He said yes. (This house was rented out for many years in between) She responded, “I used to live there when I was a kid. Wow, that house is so haunted! I tell all my friends when we drive by about how haunted it is!”

How right she is.

Magic, Spells and Recipes. Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery by Kris Bradley.



Today I'd like to welcome over, Kris Bradley, author of Mrs. B’s Guide to Household Witchery: Everyday Magic, Spells, and Recipes. GIVEAWAY! Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter at the end of this post for a chance to win a PRINT copy of Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery. Contest open to US residents only.

Genre: New Age/ Wicca

Publisher: Weiser Books, an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-57863-515-3

Number of pages: 224
Word Count: 49,000

Cover Artist: Jim Warner

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Book Description

For domestic goddesses everywhere—add some magic and fun to those mundane household chores with Mrs. B.'s Guide to Household Witchery. Whether you're sweeping the floor, making a meal, or cleaning out that junk drawer, domestic witch Kris Bradley, creator of the popular blog, Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, will show you how to create spells and magic to bring happiness and balance into your home.

Bradley offers ideas and solutions to make the most out of everyday items, activities, and obligations. From Anchovies to Broccoli, and Wine to Yeast, from sweeping the floor to blow-drying your hair, you can change your outlook on life with a pinch of knowledge and a dash of magic! The book includes simple rituals, spells, and ways to connect with the spirits that watch over your home and family. Includes an appendix of herbs and a complete materia magica from the kitchen pantry.

Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery features:

ROOM BY ROOM: How to create magic while you cook, set up a family altar in the living room, or do a junk drawer divination

THE ELEMENTS FOR THE DOMESTIC WITCH: a primer on the 4 elements and how to balance them in your home

THE DOMESTIC WITCH'S HERBAL: Magical uses for every herb and food in your pantry, as well as instant magic with prepackaged spice mixes

SIMPLE SABBATS FOR THE BUSY WITCH: simple ways to celebrate the passing of the seasons

Introduction

 

When I started on my path as a Pagan, I read book after book after book. With no Internet and no idea where to even think of finding another Pagan or group to learn with, putting information together for myself was the only thing I had back then. I was strongly drawn to anything based on the domestic part of magic and deity: gods and goddesses of the hearth, kitchen witchery, recipes of all sorts. Over the years, I worked out a system that allowed me to include magic in my everyday life as a wife and stay-at-home mom. With three kids, a houseful of pets, and not a lot of money, these methods had to include things that were already in my home and that could be done in a short amount of time. I came to consider this collection of methods “domestic witchery,” and I eventually started a blog called Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, where I shared my ideas and thoughts on the subject.

This book contains the basics of it all, though I do not consider it a “101” book. While I hope it will help point the way to beginners who are interested in taking a domestic path, it’s based on the idea that readers have a general knowledge of magical practice and Pagan religious traditions already. This book won’t teach you how to be a Pagan, but it will hopefully lead you to some ideas on creating a house filled with magic and give you a broader view of what it means to be domestic. And though it mentions the holidays that I personally take part in, I believe that many of the ideas in this book can be incorporated into any spiritual practice. I hope you enjoy!

What Is a Domestic Witch?

Domestic witchery is a magical practice based on bringing magic and deity into the mundane of everyday domestic life. It’s the realization that even the simplest household chores can be transformed to influence the energies in our home and lives; every chore can honor our families, deity, and ourselves.

Does that mean working like a slave to carry out the every whim of our families? Or turning into the stereotypical 1950s housewife with a pristine house, dishpan hands, and a smile plastered on her face (not to mention a flask tucked into her apron)? Not at all. Many domestic witches do set their sights on being similar to that fifties mom in the sense of being available to their children, taking pride in their home, and cooking family meals. They are attempting to restore things that have started to get put on the back burner in this busy, often chaotic world. However, being a domestic witch is still about being a modern witch who works as an equal to their partner and with their chosen deity to make a warm, welcoming environment in their home. For those who choose to be parents, it’s also about bringing up healthy, happy children who are self-sufficient, self-assured, and who have a well-rounded spiritual upbringing.

Can a man be a domestic witch? Sure! Any man who wants to create a home that is a haven can work with magic to create the place he craves. Whether single or in a partnership, there is no reason why today’s modern male can’t take on the role of creating a magical household. Male domestic witches take pride in their homes, their land, their families. Domestic witchery is all about a love of caring for their hearth, home, family, and the deities who oversee them—not about gender!

In this book we’ll explore deities that traditionally watch over the home, find out ways to use your ceiling fan as a tool of the element of Air, learn to mix up a prosperity oil straight from your kitchen cabinet, and much more!

She Picked The Worst Guy To Have An Affair With! The Necromancer by PM Richter

 

 It's my pleasure to welcome over PM Richter, author of The Necromancer.

 

***GIVEAWAY! PM Richter is graciously giving away four eBooks (PDF or Kindle) to one lucky winner. The titles included are The Necromancer, Midnight Reflections, The Living Image and Deadly Memories. Enter by leaving a comment. Be sure to include your email addy. Contest ends Wednesday, October 24th, 6 PM EST.***

ISBN-13: 978-1478349501 
ISBN-10: 1478349506
ASIN: B004AYDGVM

Number of pages:  346
Word Count:   121,705

Amazon Kindle       Amazon Print       Barnes and Noble
 

Book Description 

 

She picked the worst guy to have an affair with! -  Evil stalks in Hawaii

 

Michelle was brutally attacked in her locked hotel room in Las Vegas. The police didn't believe her and thought she must have lured a man up to her hotel room for a little sexual adventure, which went dangerously out of control.

Michelle sustained visible scars from the terrifying and almost lethal attack, but pure fear motivated the move from her home in California to Hawaii. She's scared her attacker will come back. She's sure the next time he'll kill her. Now she has a successful career and she figures abstinence is an acceptable, if lonely, way to live.

Michelle decides that an affair with a wickedly handsome man who moves into her building might cure her of the humiliating, embarrassing, and uncontrollable anxiety attacks which plague her whenever she finds herself alone with a man.

How could she know she made the worst possible choice?

Omar Satinov, the man Michelle has chosen, is a secret, whispered legend across several continents. His lure is a mystical religion based upon Witchcraft; his hook, the addictive herbal products he sells his followers. But does he really have supernatural powers, as many of his disciples believe?

Today PM Richter will be chatting about the way writer's think. Great topic! *grins*

The SCIENCE Behind Remote Viewing. Artificial Intelligence. Reincarnation. Impossible Realities by Maureen Caudill.

Today it's my pleasure to interview, Maureen Caudill, author of Impossible Realities: The Science Behind Energy Healing, Telepathy, Reincarnation, Precognition, and Other Black Swan Phenomena. This book is a non-fiction/new age/paranormal published by Hampton Roads Publishing, an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC.

ISBN: 978-1-57174-663-4

Number of pages: 256
Word Count: 66,377

Cover Artist: Jim Warner

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Book Description

Impossible Realities is the first book to examine the science behind psychic and paranormal activity. A former Defense Department expert on artificial intelligence, Maureen Caudhill provides evidence for a wide range of paranormal phenomena.

Impossible Realities presents a wealth of anecdotal and empirical evidence to prove the existence (and power) of:

• psychokinesis (most famously spoon bending)

• remote viewing

• energy healing

• telepathy, animal telepathy

• precognition

• survival after death

• reincarnation

Caudill presents the strongest case yet for bringing paranormal phenomena from the margins into the realm of the normal and credible. This is a book both for true believers and skeptics alike.