A TISKET A TASKET, PUT ROMANCE IN YOUR BASKET contest!

A TISKET A TASKET, PUT ROMANCE IN YOUR BASKET

Spring is in the air! Bees are buzzing. Children anxiously await the big morning where they can graze on candy all day. What about mom? We've got a treat for you! Come join a group of romance authors in celebration of spring. Enter to win a prize a day as well as enter to win the grand prize. All you need do is begin at Silver James' blog on April 1st at http://www.silverjames.com.silver/ will host the day's contest and provide the link to the next day's location. Don't forget to enter to win the grand prize! Here's the dirt...

A TISKET A TASKET, PUT ROMANCE IN YOUR BASKET Grand Prize:To enter to win prizes from the authors donating treasures to the grand prize (see each day's post for what an author is donating to the grand prize), find the four Easter eggs in the A TISKET A TISKET, PUT ROMANCE IN YOUR BASKET blog event.

You will be searching for the above egg. Just visit all of the authors' websites, locate the 4 eggs, make a list of their locations by pasting the urls to the website pages in an e-mail, then send the entry to http://us.mc632.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=happyendings2007@aol.com by midnight CST on March 1st, 2009. The winner will be randomly drawn and announced March 2nd at http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/. Tip #1, subscribe to http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/ to learn if you're the winner! And don't worry. If you start in on the blog event late, just head back to Silver James' blog on April 1st to begin your website search for the Easter eggs. Don't miss the fun! See you next to the burgundy tulips. ~Sky

I'm back on the blogging scene

Good morning all!

I haven't been able to post in some time and apologize to any of my readers that may have popped in to see what I'm up to. Mostly, I've been knee deep in edits for both Sylvan's Mist (Book three in my Scottish trilogy) and The Victorian's Lure (Hopefully another addition to The Song of the Muses anthology/series). I'm working with a wonderful new editor on Sylvan's Mist and can't wait to be able to announce a release date! As far as The Victorian's Lure goes, I'm still making some minor adjustments but will be submitting it soon. If you had a chance to read Highland Muse then you already know half the characters in The Victorian's Lure.

It's starting to warm up a wee bit here in New Hampshire and I can't tell you how much I look forward to that first spring day in which the jackets can be shed and the Tulips make their first appearance. Of course, that means it's time for spring clean-up but even that won't be half bad considering the winter we've had!

I hope everyone's enjoying the month of March. Did I mention that I'm part of another fantastic Blog event happening next month? This one is bigger and better than ever so swing in soon to learn more!

My best to you all,
Sky

And the winner is...

Good morning everyone!

Though I was able to promote quite a bit for the Romancing February blog event at its start I was able to do very little for my contest yesterday due to a family crisis. Having said that I was thrilled to see those of you who were able to make it!

Every response was beyond wonderful and warmed my heart to read. With a random point made by my three year old, I’m pleased to announce that HouseMouse88 is the grand winner! Congratulations!!!!! Please contact me at SkyPurington@live.com.

Again, thank you to everyone who participated.

Have a lovely week!
Sky

Romancing February...

Thanks for popping in…you’ve landed at ground zero ‘Sky’s in a loving mood’ blogspot. As many of you may know, I’m part of the Romancing February blog event finding its heartfelt way through cyberspace. There have been so many great topics and super giveaways thus far I can only hope that I measure up. These romance writers know how to throw a blog event!


As you know if you’ve been here before, amongst other things, I’m a big softie when it comes to matters of the heart. Be it promoting charity for those less fortunate… promoting healthcare awareness, and of course…promoting good romance stories.

So, naturally, thinking along these lines I thought to give away one grand prize. The first part of the prize will consist of a print copy of books one and two in my trilogy, Fate’s Monolith and Destiny’s Denial. The second, and most important, will be a $25 dollar donation to the Boston Heart Foundation from me in your name. I know, the second aspect of this prize strays a bit from what we all think about when we think ‘Valentines’ but technically, it's a few days after Valentine's! I lost a dear family member to a cardiac event and would like to help promote research in the area.

What do you need to do to enter and qualify for this prize? Simple. Share an event that touched your heart. It can be something romantic or it can be a moment with someone you hold dear, a child, a friend, grandparent, just as long as it touched your heart. If nothing comes to mind, I'd even love to hear about a particular book you've read that touched your heart like no other.

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines and that the sentiment stays with you throughout the year. Remember, on February 28th, one person will be awarded the grand prize of a $75 WRP gift certificate. All you have to do to enter the grand prize contest is make a list of each author in this blog event and name one title she has available. Submit your list to http://us.mc632.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight CST, February 27, 2009. The winner will be announced on February 28th--just in time to warm up that person's February.

Check this blog tomorrow to find out who won my contest!

Don’t forget, this heartfelt blog event doesn’t stop here. Be sure to check out http://chellehicks.blogspot.com/ tomorrow, it’s bound to warm your heart even more!


Until next time.
Sky

Romancing February blog event is almost here!

ROMANCING FEBRUARY

28 romance authors invite you to participate in a month-long event of love and laughter. Each day starting February 1, 2009 an author will throw a romance party at her blog and host a contest with a prize. The link to the next day's blog location will also be provided at each location. Just drop by and enter the contest. And get ready to heat up the cold wintry days of February. You could win a prize a day!

On February 28th, one person will be awarded the grand prize of a $75 WRP gift certificate. All you have to do to enter the grand prize contest is make a list of each author in this blog event and name one title she has available. Submit your list to Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight CST, February 27, 2009. The winner will be announced on February 28th--just in time to warm up that person's February. Visit http://www.amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com on February 1st to begin.

Good luck and have a blast everyone!

Sky

What I'm up to now

Hi Everyone,

I've been a bit "MIA" lately, so sorry. New Hampshire is having a heck of a winter and when not grumbling about shoveling I've got my son outside enjoying the endless snow. We still haven't had that perfect snowman snow yet, just the fluffy or icy stuff, but fingers are crossed we will soon...for his sake anyway!

I'm still busy writing and look forward to some new releases soon, 2009 looks to be a productive year!

While I have you I'd like to let you know that I'm part of another super cyberspace Valentine's blog event in the month of February. We're talking 28 romance authors coming together and dishing out some great giveaways and lots of romantic fun throughout the month. Check back soon to learn more!

Until we meet again...Sky

Happy New Year

Well, it’s that time again, we’re waving goodbye to another year. I hope 2008 proved to be one to be remembered by all. For me, it’s been all about watching my son grow another year older, having a few more stories published and of course, writing new things. I should be finished the first draft of my muse story, the sequel to Highland Muse, part of the Song of the Muses Anthology, by the end of January. After that it’s on to a novel that's connected to my Scottish trilogy.

To my readers and friends, may 2009 be filled with new beginnings and “happily ever after” endings.

I’d also like to say a special Happy New Year to those soldiers still overseas and all the families without their loved ones this holiday season, my heart goes out to you.

Happy New Year All,
Sky

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. May the the holidays find you

warm and happy and surrounded by loved ones!

Sky

And the winner for my Christmas Ride is...

Oh, it was so wonderful reading all of your Christmas memories. I'm still smiling, thank you!

It's been a very long weekend up here in New Hampshire after that big ice storm hit us Thursday night. I was lucky enough that I didn't lose power so I was able to post. Many in my state are still without power today!

Okay, back to business. Drum roll please...Congratulations Mindy, you won the Highland Bagpipe Christmas CD! Please contact me at Sky@SkyPurington.com.

Another big round of applause for Kim S., you won a free download of Destiny's Denial as well as a $10 Gift Certificate to The Wild Rose Press, congratulations! Please contact me at Sky@SkyPurington.com

Again, thank you all so much for swinging by my blog and sharing a little piece of your Christmas with me. Happy Holidays to all and don't forget to gather Christmas carols along the Christmas Ride for a chance to win the grand prize, a $75 Gift Certificate to The Wild Rose Press!!!

Merry Christmas,

Sky

Christmas Blog Ride-December 14th

Welcome everyone! If you haven’t been here before today you've stuck gold because this blog is part of a Christmas Ride that has been flying through cyberspace. For those of you that have been Ho Ho Ho- ing along, I hope you’ve had a blast thus far! Those of you just joining, hang on tight because the sleigh’s full and everyone is giving away some great prizes!

Christmas happens to be my favorite holiday of the year. With a small child underfoot I spent the first week of December decorating. I’m still in that bizarre transition where I have all my elegant decorations intact but they’ve started to blend with everything a three year old would find acceptable. You know what I mean…the big Mickey Mouse face ornament now hangs alongside my crystal reindeer. The expensive Scottish Santa (yes, I have a Scottish Santa, are you really that surprised?) now stands alongside Christmas SpongeBob Squarepants. But I’m loving every minute of it. If you’re a mom, you know what I mean.

Well, I’ve a few presents stashed away in my sleigh and feel like giving them away! The first is a copy of the Highland Bagpipes at Christmas. If you visited back in the Christmas in July event you’ll remember how much I loved this CD and it only made sense that I’d give away a copy now. For a chance to win this CD simply play the video below (Highland Bagpipes of course!) and tell me what song is playing in a comment.

My sleigh’s not empty yet. I have more to give away! For a chance to win a $10 Gift Certificate to The Wild Rose Press and a free download of the second book in my Scottish trilogy, Destiny’s Denial, I’d like to hear a Christmas memory. I shared my thoughts about having my son’s decorations blending with mine, this year is definitely a memory that will stay with me forever . What about you? Tell me in comment for a chance to win. It can be anything at all, a sentimental moment that made you remember a loved one or a humorous moment when the lights all blew out. It’s up to you!

So, quick recap, you have a chance to win a few things. If you want to try for all of them simply leave multiple comments!

And to spread more Christmas cheer, everyone hosting the CHRISTMAS RIDE came together and we’re giving one lucky person a $75 Wild Rose Press gift certificate! All you need to do to enter is attend each day's blog post, identify the carol, and make a complete carol list to submit after the final blog post of Christmas Eve. Don't forget to check the list twice! Send it to http://us.mc632.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight, CST Dec. 31st 2008!

Here’s a hint from my carol….

Peace on earth and mercy mild...God and sinners reconciled

Joyful all ye nations rise...Join the triumph of the skies

(Smile, snicker, I've made this quite easy for you my friends!)

Remember, the first blog connects to them all so scroll down two posts at this blog to begin the easy research that will lead you to a quick win!

Well, I hope you enjoyed visiting my blog today. The next stop on the CHRISTMAS RIDE (and it’s bound to be a blast!) is http://alishapaige.blogspot.com/. So pop on over tomorrow for a chance to win more great stuff!

Merry Christmas all!

Sky

Busy with the holidays!

Swinging in to say hello!

I've been pretty silent so far this month but December is super busy in my household.

We bought our tree today and it's all decorated, lights blazing blue. Me with blue Christmas lights, who would have thought? Wide grin.

When I haven't been busy with my family I've been working on my latest Song of the Muses story and really like how it's coming along. In fact, I'm halfway through it! With this one, think an old Victorian New England home, ghosts and a hero and heroine with more internal issues than any character has a right! She's Greek American, he's a Scot in denial...again, grin.

Anyway, I did create a book trailer for the story that I wrote before this one, Highland Muse. That tale leads into the one I'm writing now. If you want to check it out just click this link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5pfw3KBAOQ

Also, while I have your attention, the CHRISTMAS RIDE arrives at this blog on Sunday, December 14th so if you have a second and want to pop in for a chance to win some great prizes, mark me on your calender now. I plan on giving away not only a Gift Certificate but some fantastic downloads!

I look forward to seeing you all soon. Until then, enjoy the holiday season!
Sky

The Christmas Ride has started!

JUMP ABOARD THE CHRISTMAS RIDE!

SEE THE SIGHTS.
HEAR THE MUSIC.
NAME THAT CHRISTMAS CAROL!

This is your chance to win a prize a day through Christmas Eve and one grand prize... a $75 Wild Rose Press giftcard. Are you getting an e-reader for Christmas? Well, what better than to fill it with e-books from sweet to erotic!!!

How do you begin this incredible journey?

Start at http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/

Each day, the link to the next blog destination will be posted.To enter to win the grand prize, you make a list of all the Christmas carols and submit the list as instructed. With 28 prizes, what have you got to lose? At least the cookies and drinks are calorie free

I do apologize as I was offline for the holiday so I'm posting this a few days late. Just to get you caught up, the ride started at http://www.elainepcantrell.blogspot.com/, then moved on to http://plparker.blogspot.com/ on the 29th. It's at http://lynnreynolds.blogspot.com/ today so swing by and join in some holiday fun. Keep your eyes peeled at lynn Reynold’s site for the next stop on the blog ride.

It just started snowing and I’ve lots of decorating to get done so I must be off. Have a super time on the Christmas Ride!

Sky

Destiny's Denial is available in print

Great news!

Destiny's Denial, the second novel in my Scottish trilogy, is now available in print. This story is especially close to my heart so I'm beyond pleased.

Interested in watching a book trailer? Click here... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z143no4wwJQ

For any new readers popping in, here's a blurb:

Caitlin Seavey relives the same nightmare every night for three years. Then one day, the dream seeps into reality when an ethereal Scotsman visits. Horrified, she confides in her grandmother who then gives her a two hundred year old novel titled Fate's Monolith. It tells the tale of her distant relative's journey to medieval Scotland and can only be a myth. When Caitlin discovers a family heirloom in the attic she soon learns the book is based on truth.


Chieftain Ferchar Mac'Lomain found what he was looking for. Caitlin. He should have left her alone. For to bring her to Cowal will spell disaster-a foreseen threat to himself, his clan, and Caitlin. As a visionary, it's his obligation to protect her. As a man, he's determined to ignore his heart. Can he thwart his destiny? Or will he forever be a slave to the gods of old.


And, of course, an excerpt!

“I didn’t realize I was doing anything to your men or otherwise.” She took a step back as he took a step forward.

“Unlikely,” he replied.

“Why do you doubt me? You don’t know me.” He had her backed up another step.

“I know enough about you just by watching your actions.”

Both his tone and his assumption annoyed her. Blast his ice blue eyes. She wanted to look away but that would be giving in. “And I you.”

“It’s unwise to compare us.” He almost had her against the wall between the room of claymores and battle-axes. “But if I were to humor you, what do you mean by that?”

Ah, she had gained ground. “Just that my appreciation for the male species is obviously equivalent to yours for the female.”

One corner of his lip pulled up and his eyes flickered over her face until they landed on her lips. “You could only be referring to Emma.”

Caitlin willed the fire from her face even as it flooded in. She was as transparent as a newly cleaned window. “I’m referring to the fact that I have as much right to entertain a man as you do a woman.”

His hands fell to the wall on either side of her head and Caitlin’s breath switched pace. What was he doing? She could duck beneath his arm and escape but would again give him the upper hand. His leaned so close she could make out the little flecks of silver caught in his eyes.

“Our situations are very different,” he whispered.

His luscious mouth was within inches of hers and the nearness of his heat began melting the muscles so crucial to holding her legs up. She suddenly rethought things. It’d be best to move away from him. Caitlin sprung into action and dipped to move under his arm.

Too late, the skin on their arms touched.

That was all it took.

Interested in learning more, perhaps purchasing? Click here...http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=825

Thanks for popping in to celebrate with me!
Sky

Reincaration?

I normally wouldn't post something like this, but I do believe in reincarnation, and I do believe we all deserve to take a break at one point or another and have some fun! Sooooo....if you have all of 20 seconds to spare, click on this link...http://www.thebigview.com/pastlife/

Please feel free to post your results here everyone!

I'll gab more soon, promise.

Sky

I'm in the Spotlight at Raine Delight's site.

Another round of big news!

Today, alongside my fellow authors in The Song of the Muses Anthology, I’ll be in the spotlight at Raine Delight’s site. It’s all about crawling inside each author’s head and figuring out what makes them tick, so if you have a second to spare, come on over and learn more…feel free to start with with my interview at http://authorrainedelight.com/2008/11/in-the-spotlight-sky-purington/#comment-427

Don't be shy, leave a comment, I look forward to seeing you all there!

Thanks,
Sky

Halloween contest winners.

I hope you all had a spooky Halloween yesterday and enjoyed romping through the different blogs in search of All Hallow's Eve fun. Now it's time to announce yesterday's winner...bat wings flutter, fangs appear...congratulations Alisha, you won a $10 Gift Certificate to The Wild Rose Press!

And, because I love Halloween, I feel like giving away a little something extra. Jane, when Darkest Memory hits digital, you have one free copy coming your way.


All winners must contact me at Skypurington@live.com.


Thanks so much for playing and have a fabulous weekend!

Sky

Halloween Blog Bash!

HAUNTED BLOG!

Welcome, I wish you a very spooky All Hallow’s Eve! I’m part of a super Halloween Blog bash contest that runs all day, Friday, October 31’st.

I debated long and hard about what to cover as a topic for this post. Fate’s Monolith takes place on October 31, 1799, so should I have covered New Hampshire’s hauntings? Destiny’s Denial has a ghost in it, so should I have covered haunted Scottish Castles? You see where I’m going with this. In the end I decided to announce that my vampire story, Darkest Memory, will indeed be published and naturally, to celebrate, will devote my post to Vampires! Evil grin, after all, when one travels to the dark side, what better creatures are there than the vamps?

Instead of going into the myths and legends of the vampire, I’d really rather simply promote another author and all that her work has entailed. Yep, you heard me right! So a special 'shout out' to author Charlaine Harris and her Sookie Stackhouse books which are now featured in an HBO series called True Blood. Have you watched the True Blood series? Wow, if not, you should. It’s chock full of suspense, dynamic vampires, multiple storylines and…unbelievable sex! (Definitely Rated R Folks)

The premise of this series is that vampires ‘came out of the coffin’ two years prior and are living amongst humans. Suffice it to say, the setting is New Orleans (where else would it be? Smile) and prejudice against the vampires runs rampant. Of course, you have your vampire followers as well as vampire blood sold on the black market. (When taken by a human, it’s supposed to be beyond intense) The whole concept is wonderfully imaginative but holds tight to a feeling of realism. I mean, if you found out vampires existed and were suddenly part of society, what would you be thinking? What would you be doing? Would you be curious enough to hit a vampire bar? Or petrified at the mere concept?

Okay, this is how much I love this series and think it’s a worthwhile Halloween treat to promo. I’m offering one prize to one winner with a chance to improve that win if you want to go the extra mile! I will be printing the list of contestants without answers for one of my family members to randomly choose, so there is NO chance of a single answer contestant winning over a double answer contestant purposefully, promise. Fair’s fair. I just thought it’d be fun to up the jackpot!

For a chance to win a $5 dollar Gift Certificate to The Wild Rose Press watch the following trailer and tell me in a comment what Sookie, the girl with the blond ponytail (that can hear people’s thoughts) does for a living. Make sure you turn up your volume! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd5E-pHzXGI

Okay, that was easy, huh? Now, for a chance to turn your $5 Gift Certificate into a $10 Gift Certificate to The Wild Rose Press tell me what part of Vampire Bill’s body, Sookie sucks blood from in the following video? . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6bh4ka3Roc

Well, I’ve had my vampire fix for today, I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about True Blood and that your All Hallow’s Eve is loaded with chilling fun. Don’t forget to swing by the following blogs for more chances to win prizes!!!

http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/
http://alishapaige.blogspot.com/
http://www.myspace.com/betty_hanawahttp://michelehart.blogspot.com/
http://www.marlymathews.blogspot.com/
http://elizabethmeltonparsons.wordpress.com/
http://www.brendaweaver.blogspot.com/
http://alienplaces.blogspot.com/
http://www.hywelalyn.blogspot.com/
http://sherilewiswohl.wordpress.com/
http://sisterwriters.blogspot.com/
http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp
http://bethcaudill.blogspot.com/
http://myblog.susannesaville.com/
http://www.dayanaknight.blogspot.com/
http://plparker.blogspot.com/

Feel free to pop into Charlaine Harris’s website to learn more about her upcoming releases http://www.charlaineharris.com/

Join me tonight between 10 and 10:20 PM EST at The Wild Rose Press's Halloween Ball! I'll be giving away more great prizes so come be part of the fun! Click this link to enter the chat room... http://thewildrosepress.com/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=194&Itemid=81

ALSO…Through December 15’th, if you purchase one of my tales, you’ll have the chance to win a SONY eReader!

If you buy one of my stories, simply send an email to SONYREADER@thewildrosepress.com and include your name, the date of the purchase and the order number. You can do this even if you bought it at a distributor, simply indicate where and when you bought the title and the order number so that my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, can verify you did purchase the story.

Thanks and Good Luck!

Sky

I'm back, up for some Halloween fun?

I'm back from Aruba! I know I never mentioned I was heading there...hey, a girl has to have secrets, smile. My family and I had a super time. Regrettably, a tropical depression hit the island on Tuesday and Wednesday, but, well....one can weather anything when they're on vacation! Now I can officially report what it's like to drive through two feet of water....more scary than you'd think!

Anyway, the first frost hit here in New England when I got home and I can say that it's officially 'Halloween Time' here in New Hampshire. So, I'll just throw up a fun link for now. If you have a sec and want to strain your brain with your family click here....http://www.dedge.com/flash/halloween/

Talk to you all very soon, there will be alot going on soon!

Sky

Song of the Muses, Book 1 Hits Print!

Great news! The first book in the Song of the Muses Anthology has hit print. I’ve posted the blurbs below as well as some additional information!

ANCIENT MUSINGS by Skhye Moncrief:

When the muse of writing, Calliope, challenges Zeus to end her immortal existence, she faces the reality of death in Hades. Only Jake Genoese, an archaeologist' s soul, can outwit Zeus's Harpies and help her find new purpose. Far more is at stake when both realize they are no more than pawns for Ancient Musings.

HIGHLAND MUSE by Sky Purington:

Melpomene, Muse of Tragedy, risks everything to save Rowan Stewart's life. Devoted to Scotland in life and the God of War in death, Rowan struggles to understand her undying devotion to him. Can a melodramatic Grecian Goddess and a resolute Scotsman truly love one another? Find out in Highland Muse.

DESTINY'S LIGHT by Robyn Wren:

Hades, Zeus, Hestia and the chaos of a forgotten memory, Eutrepe hurries to fulfill her quest to unlock the buried words to complete Ceris' unfinished song. Their bond forged the night she's almost killed, Ceris must venture to the underworld to save her and bring them both into Destiny's Light.

Read an excerpt from my story, Highland Muse, click here: http://www.skypurington.com/muse_excerpt.html

Learn more about the entire trilogy! http://www.skypurington.com/muses.html

Interested in purchasing the first Song of the Muses book to hit print? Click here…http://www.amazon.com/Song-Muses-Book-Robyn-Wren/dp/1601543662/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223640880&sr=1-2

Have a super weekend!
Sky

Spotlight on Beth Caudill's Informally Yours

Back in July I hosted an author appreciation week. Since then, on occasion, I still like to devote posts to different romance authors that I believe deserve a little extra appreciation. Today’s post is dedicated to Beth Caudill, author of Dragon’s Mate.

Congratulations to Beth on the release of Informally Yours, available today through The Wild Rose Press!

Below I’ve listed the blurb for Informally Yours.

BLURB:

Everyday Melinda Jenson goes to work at Formally Yours, a high-end formal wear store, unaware the customers and owner are members of the local supernatural community. On Halloween night, Melinda's boss asks her to make a simple delivery. Unwilling to disappoint her niece and nephew, she arrives late and has an unexpected encounter with a wolf. Now she's chasing cute, furry forest creatures, and mated to a man she barely knows. "May you live in interesting times," just took on a whole new meaning.

If you’d like to learn more and read a super excerpt for this story visit Beth at http://www.bethcaudill.net/)

BUY Informally Yours, click here...http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=997&zenid=87c825bf1300310ccaaf17a8bb4e10e4

Thanks for stopping by!
Sky