Memorial Day Thoughts
Memorial Day isn’t just the first three-day weekend of the camping season. Historically, Memorial Day is the U.S. federal holiday dedicated to the remembrance of those brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
We celebrate Memorial Day yearly on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day and created after the American Civil War to remember the Confederate and Union soldiers who died in that war.
On May 5, 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, the head of the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration Day to honor the war dead and decorate their graves with flowers. May 30th was the date chosen by Major General John A Logan, possibly because by then blooming flowers should be available all over the country. Across the Potomac River from Washington D.C., Arlington National Cemetery was the site of the first large observance in 1868.
I find it interesting that according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs the crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was about the same size as those that attend today, about 5,000.
After World War I, Memorial Day expanded to honor the men and women who died in all American wars. Memorial Day, often still called Decoration Day, became a national holiday by an act of Congress in 1971 and moved to the last Monday in May.
On Memorial Day, small flags are placed on each grave in Arlington National Cemetery, a tradition that many national cemeteries around the county observe today. In fact, the flag custom has grown to include many families that decorate the graves of loved ones as well.
To make sure that we never forget America’s fallen heroes, U.S. Congress passed in December of 2000, and the president signed into law, “The National Moment of Remembrance Act”. On Memorial Day, at 3:00 p.m., all American’s are encouraged to pause for a minute of silence, wherever they are to honor and remember those fallen heroes that made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom.
No matter how bleak things look, I still believe we live in the greatest nation in the world. If you don’t feel the same, maybe you should reconsider your locale. I can say that because I live in the greatest nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Happy Memorial Day!
If you happen to be looking for a great, feel-good, long weekend read check out A WITCH’S JOURNEY!
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
Available at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble KOBO Itunes
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, animal rescue, Memorial Day, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
A Magic Redemption #MFRWHooks
#MFRWHooks presents award winning A Magic Redemption part of A Demon’s Witch Series All books can be read as a stand alone. A Magic Redemption Synn is a demon of extraordinary magic and power, but there’s more to her than even she is aware. Gavin knows her faults but she’s captured his heart. Could she really be descended from the elite Guardians Guild made up of magical creatures formed over a millennium ago?Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Shall we find out a little about A Magic Redemption ?
What’s A Magic Redmemption about you ask:
Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.
Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub. He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past. He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.
When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?
A peek between the pages of A Magic Redemption.
Snuggled deep under the covers, she drifted off to sleep. She tossed and turned through several nightmarish scenarios, waking often, until… surrounded by evil she couldn’t identify, she screamed herself awake to find a gleaming silver sword floating over her. Storm howled in her crate, and Gavin burst through the door to the room.
“What in the hell?” He skidded to a halt at the foot of her bed.
In all the chaos, she was calm. Her sheets damp from sweat that beaded on her forehead. The sword glinted in the ray of sunlight streaming through the curtains. The jewels encrusted on the handle sparkled as the weapon slowly lowered toward her, handle first. When she reached out, Gavin made a strange sound in his throat. She touched it and wrapped her fingers around it. It was warm. A sudden sense of well-being flooded through her, then the sword disappeared.
“Well, that’s quite a rush first thing in the morning. What the hell was that?”
“I’ve no idea.” She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. “Came with some of the ancient magic I inherited? Didn’t feel like demon magic. Maybe we should contact Tristian.” “No. No way. Today we’re going to have fun and forget all about magic, power, and dire consequences. Besides, Ma’s waiting for Storm.”
A little about the author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
This is a blog hop! Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks – Your next GREAT read is waiting!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, A Magic Redemption, Demon, Ireland, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, shapeshifter, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance – #MFRWHooks
#MFRWHooks presents award winning A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance part of A Demon’s Witch Series All books can be read as a stand alone. A VAMPIRE’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE–Not what you’ve come to expect from a Vampire Tale! Exciting romantic fantasy where mystical creatures work together for the survival of man and magic kind alike. But will their intervention be too late?Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Shall we find out a little about A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance?
What’s A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance about you ask:
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unraveling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
A peek between the pages of A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance.
It was nearly midnight when he cut across the Sun Road to another trailhead, so intent on his goal that he nearly collided with an attractive young woman. He skidded to a stop, spraying gravel, rocks, and small twigs down the road in front of him. A pinecone dislodged and bounced along the road past her. Tall and slender, she had miles of fiery-red hair that hung down her back in a cascade of curls. Intense emerald eyes stared back at him as he attempted to regain his composure, not to mention balance. What the hell was she doing here at this time of night?
““Whoa.” She stepped lightly to the side to avoid the flying debris. “You really should watch where you’re going, especially at that speed.” Her voice scolded, but the smile on her lips teased. “Someone could get hurt.”
Pretending to pant, he shrugged, holding his palms up in surrender. “Just trying to get my run in before work. Stefan Talltree, at your service.” He stepped closer, leaned over in an exaggerated bow, and caught her hand, brushing his lips over the palm and wrist, inhaling her sweet scent. AB negative with a pulse of adrenaline. Perfect. Her pulse beat a tattoo against his lips. He backed away.
Her heart thundered as she drew her hand from his grasp. “The name’s Brandy. Pleased to meet you, Stefan.” Her smile reached up into her bright eyes as they swept over him with an appreciative glance, an experience he enjoyed.
Her voice had a hint of Irish lilt to it. He liked that too.
“Where do you work that requires you to report in at—” She glanced at her watch. “—midnight?”
Nostrils flaring, he paused. Blood? Not hers. The sound of Brandy’s voice brought his attention back to her and the situation at hand. “Oh, shit, I’ve gotta go!” He sprinted off, leaving her standing alone.
As he started down the trail, the tree branches swayed in the silvery moonlight, casting eerie shadows across the trail’s edge. The breeze brought with it the coppery scent of fresh blood mixed with sulfur. He turned for one last look at her as she wrinkled her nose before silently creeping into the wind, tracking the source of the stench.
A little about the author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
This is a blog hop! Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks – Your next GREAT read is waiting!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Vampire, Witches by Tena Stetler with 7 comments.
Chocolate Raspberry Magic #MFRWHooks
Yippee!! #MFRWHooks presents Chocolate Raspberry Magic, an award winning #mystery #fantasy #animalrescue. Part of A Witch’s Journey Series. All books can be read as stand alone and are in audiobooks. Fund-raising, Ice cream social, furry and feathered babies, romance, mystery, and magic what more could you ask for in a paranormal romance/mystery?Join the #fantasy#adventure, download a copy or two today! Psst… available in audiobook too!
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Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Chocolate Raspberry Magic. fourth book in A Witch Journey Series. All books can be read as stand alone. Go ahead you, know you want to, grab a copy and join the #magical #fantasy, #adventure today! You’ll be so glad you did.
What is Chocolate Raspberry Magic all about?
Prim and proper Trinity Shilo is the assistant manager for Salem’s Wildlife Sanctuary. She hasn’t had much luck in the boyfriend department, but the new employee Paul is different. Deep and brooding she sees something special hidden below the surface. Besides she has secrets of her own.
Paul Thorp is a wounded Special Forces veteran now working in security and computer support. He’s fought hard to keep his demons in check and for the first time feels he is ready for a real relationship.
When a fire breaks out at Puffin Cove Rescue they are called in to help with the recovery and ice cream social fundraiser. Sometimes things are not what they seem, and neither are people. When magic is unleashed will what they learn bring them closer together or push them apart?
Sneak peek between the pages of Chocolate Raspberry Magic:
As Paul exited the vehicle a trickle of sweat rolled down the side of his face. Scenes from a far-off place blurred his vision. Explosions, gunfire, and the smell of death drowned out the present. Resting a shaky hand on the vehicle, he leaned against it, his pulse ratcheting up several notches.
Get a grip. I can’t let this go sideways. Drawing in deep breaths, he tried to gain control. Finally, his pulse slowed, and he swallowed hard. I can do this. Wiping away the sweat now streaming down his face, he closed his eyes willing the flashback away.
“Paul…Paul are you all right?” Trinity’s urgent voice brought focus to his mind. A soft but firm hand on his shoulder gave him a little shake. “Lathen and Pepper are heading toward us. Maybe they can tell us where Gwen and Brock are.”
“Yes. I’m fine. Give me a minute.” Straightening, he opened the back door to the vehicle, and began removing boxes of medical supplies and lockboxes of medicine. He mopped his face again with the sleeve of his shirt. Going through the motions until…
“Oh, wonderful, you’ve brought the supplies.” Pepper’s cheerful voice cut through the chaos. “We’ll need these…” She paused lifting an eyebrow. “You all right Paul?”
“Yes, yes, just give me a minute.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Pepper’s concerned expression then her waving Lathen over. Shit, that’s all I need. Trinity stood beside helping him take the boxes out of the SUV.
He saw concern reflected on his friend’s face. “Paul, you’re okay. Let’s get going.” Lathen gave him a shake, then turned and got in his face. “Don’t give in to it. Push it away. Get moving. People are counting on you.”
Was it sheer will? Or—what he wasn’t sure. But as suddenly as the visions began, they faded leaving him shaky but in control. “I’m good,” he assured Lathen, picking up a box of medical supplies and following Pepper to a tent they’d set up to evaluate the animals.
Available from Amazon, Ibooks, Barnes and Noble, Audible, Kobo, and Google Play
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
This is a blog hop! Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks – Your next GREAT read is waiting!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged animal rescue, Chocolate Raspberry Magic, magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 6 comments.
