My Say What Blog Archives - Page 22 of 53

Apr 1st #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-1-20. Favorite Books Series & Why

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 4-1-20. Favorite Books Series and Why. I love series and that’s no April Fools’ joke. Getting to know the characters and their adventures, then enjoying an on going story with new characters is the best. Like welcoming home old friends. Please have a seat, grab a hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started.,

First of all, I gave this quite a bit of thought. I enjoy several series for different reasons. All paranormal because that’s the way I roll. So here’s my list in no particular order. I’ll start with Molly Harper’s werewolf series. How to Flirt a Naked Werewolf, How to Run with a Naked Werewolf and The Art of Seducing a Naked Werewolf. I know you’ve heard me talk about them before, but they are feel good reads with lots of giggles you can’t beat in times like these.

Next would bet IIona Andrews – Kate Daniels Series. There are ten books in this series. I’ve listened to each one several times, yep, I love the audio books. Her characters (there are a lot of them) are bigger than life and complex. Their adventures are gut wrenching but some times laugh out loud too. An entertaining series to say the least.

Let’s talk about Deborah Harkness’ All Souls Trilogy. A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night and Tree of Life. These books follow a witch and vampire through their courtship, timetravel to the 1590’s and back to present day. I was surprised that I enjoyed the historical aspect of Shadow of Night. Not really a historical buff but her vivid descriptions of the setting and the characters actions and reactions kept you turning pages and engaged. Again I’ve read this series several times.

Yep you guessed it, no series listing of mine would be complete without Nora Roberts. She has numerous series I’ve enjoyed but none more than the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy. Dark Witch, Shadow Spell and Blood Magick. This is a paranormal series about witches and the trouble they get into. In true Robert’s fashion it’s lively, fun, dangerous and romantic. Not to mention lots of good old fashion magic, plus horses and falconry. What more could you want.

How about the Harry Potter Series. I have these in hard back book, audio book and the movies. This series is another of my feel good series when things get rough. I along with my hubby been known to binge watch them all.

Now we go back a few years to The Dragon Riders of Pern Series by Anne McCaffery. On a beautiful world called Pern, an ancient way of life is about to come under attack. Can the Dragon Riders of Pern save their world and way of life? This is a fantastic Science Fiction Series I’ve enjoyed over and over.

While I could go on and on with series from Nora Roberts, J.D. Robb (finally started from the beginning and found I do enjoy the series) and many others.

I just can’t name favorite series with out mentioning my own award winning A DEMON’S WITCH SERIES. Forgive me! This spicy romance series has it all intrigue, humor, thrills, danger and a splash of magic to keep you on the edge of your seat. So why not leave your ordinary world behind… be swept away into a magical romantic fantasy with a touch of mystery and suspense. Warning: You may never want to leave. LOL

So there you have it, Favorite Books Series and Why! I’d love to hear from you. What’s your favorite series? List them in the comments below.

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their Favorite Books Series. L&SR

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

Charm Me Again – Breaking the curse is only the first step to forever. Two families long divided brought together through love, understanding & an adventure of a life time! Join the magical, fantasy adventure, grab your copy today! https://www.amazon.com/Charm-Me-Again-Tena-Stetler-ebook/dp/B07ZDKKC4N

A Little about Charm Me Again!

For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.

As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.

Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, April 8, Topics I Could Give an Impromptu Speech On. Boy that’s going to be interesting! I’m not sure I have one. Do you?

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge, Anne McCaffery, Charm Me Again, Favorite Books Series & Why, J.K. Rowling, llona Andrews, Molly Harper, Nora Roberts, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 19 comments.

Mar 25th Spring Things – #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 3-25-2020 Favorite Things to Do In The Spring. Wow, so many so little time. LOL Please have a seat, grab a hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started.,

First of all, as I write this there is still snow on the ground in Colorado. In fact there has been snow on the ground since October. Now granted, I live in Colorado where snow is a given. I have lived here for most of my life and never have we had so much snow for so long as this year. I have to admit that two days ago, I actually strolled around my front yard and found green sprouts of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. Then the next day three inches of snow and blizzard conditions, so much for Spring. Not sure what happened to my crocus. Usually the pert little yellow, white and purple blooms greet me mid- February. Not this year, I believe they simply gave up. Can’t say as I blame them.

Back to my favorite Things to do in The Spring are walk my dog in the early morning, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and watch the sun rise in spectacular colors.

daffodils sprouts

Tulip & Hyacinth sprouts

Second is to watch for all the green sprouts awaken from their winter sleep knowing the beautiful blooms or lush lawn they’ll add to the landscape in the coming months. Watch my roses come to life. This year I am so excited. For years I have tried to get a Perfect Moment Rose. They’re reserved in March by our local nursery because they are in high demand. I always forget to call and have one held for me. This year I remembered and have one on reserve for me to pick up in May. Yippee!!

Third – Get our fifth wheel out of winter storage and prep it for upcoming camping trips. Colorado is one of the best places to go camping. We have several camping reservations set up in national and state parks. I can’t wait. (Hope COVIN-19 doesn’t disrupt our plans.) Yep, along with my dog, parrot and turtle, hubby and I have cabin fever.

So there you have it, Favorite Things to Do In The Spring!

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as their Favorite Things to Do In The Spring . L&SR

What is your favorite Things to Do In The Spring. Please list them in the comments.

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

Click on the cover to read more or purchase!

One of my favorite award winning books, A WARLOCK’S SECRETS e-book is on sale for 99¢. Yippee!! Writing this book was an adventure in and of itself. A Warlock’s Secrets came to fruition after several readers and a couple of reviewers asked or assumed Tristian’s story was next in the Demon’s Witch Series. In truth, I’d never considered writing his story. He was the Demon Overlords enforcer/assassin, for heaven’s sake. After delving into who he really is and what he wants, come to find out, he has a strong moral compass and when love comes his way he is fiercely protective and everything Hannah is looking for in a forever relationship. A Warlock’s Secrets, second book in the Demon’s Witch Series is on sale for 99¢ for a limited time.!Join in the adventure and download your copy today!

A snippet –

Inside the house, a shadow passed by the huge bay window. She held her breath. Am I really going to go through with this?

Walking up the steps to the house, she paused. Why would he leave such an expensive car sitting out when he had a four-car garage? She was stalling. Straightening her shoulder’s she used the brass doorknocker. There was no answer. She knocked again.

The heavy oak door creaked open. Tristian stood shirtless, his abs rippled as he raised one muscular arm to lean on the doorframe. The skintight blue jeans hung low on his hips and his hair tousled as if he’d not been awake long.

When he stared at her, with those huge blue-gray eyes, tingles careened up her spine. She covered her mouth in case drool pooled in the corners her mouth. He was one sexy male. She sucked in a breath and opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. A brow arched, he peered questioningly at her then twisted to glance backward into the house. The sunlight streaming through the doorway accentuated several scars across his chest, rib area and a healed slash across his back. Who gets those kinds of battle scars and lives to tell the tale? Not going to ask. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

The corner of his mouth curved up in an inviting sexy-as-hell grin. “Good morning, Hannah. What a surprise.”

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, April 1st, Favorite Book Series and why. Boy that’s going to be interesting! I love series, don’t you?

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged #L&SR's #Wednesday's Blog Challenge, A Warlock's Secrets, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 20 comments.

Mar 18th #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 3-18-2020 The Weirdest Thing I Learned Reading Fiction

Welcome to #L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 3-18-2020 The Weirdest Thing I Learned Reading Fiction . Wow, so many so little time. LOL Please have a seat, grab a hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookie. Lets get started.,

Okay now you have to understand that I never been considered normal. From that beginning point I’d have to say I learned I love magic and dragons. Regardless of the form magic takes, sparks from the finger tips, huge fireballs of flame lobed at an enemy, disappearing individuals, fire breathing flying dragons, I love them all. Just making that statement “normal people” raise an eyebrow and scurry the opposite direction. Kinda like when I say I’m an author, then they ask what I write, I say Paranormal Romance/Mystery. But I win them over. After all, who doesn’t want to be swept away from your ordinary world into a magic, fantasy adventure?

I also learned it’s not nearly as easy to wield a Claymore Sword as those Scottish tales lead you to believe. Not telling how I know this, just take my word for it. LOL

So there you have it,The Weirdest Thing I Learned Reading Fiction!

Alas, I must return to my writing cave where deadlines loom on a new WIP (very exciting and coming along very well) so let’s see what other authors list as The Weirdest Thing They Learned Reading Fiction . L&SR

What’s the Weirdest Thing you Learned Reading Fiction. Please list them in the comments.

Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.

Click on the cover to read more or purchase!

One of my favorite award winning books, A WARLOCK’S SECRETS e-book is on sale for 99¢. Yippee!! Writing this book was an adventure in and of itself. A Warlock’s Secrets came to fruition after several readers and a couple of reviewers asked or assumed Tristian’s story was next in the Demon’s Witch Series. In truth, I’d never considered writing his story. He was the Demon Overlords enforcer/assassin, for heaven’s sake. After delving into who he really is and what he wants, come to find out, he has a strong moral compass and when love comes his way he is fiercely protective and everything Hannah is looking for in a forever relationship. A Warlock’s Secrets, second book in the Demon’s Witch Series is on sale for 99¢ for a limited time.!Join in the adventure and download your copy today!

A snippet –

Inside the house, a shadow passed by the huge bay window. She held her breath. Am I really going to go through with this?

Walking up the steps to the house, she paused. Why would he leave such an expensive car sitting out when he had a four-car garage? She was stalling. Straightening her shoulder’s she used the brass doorknocker. There was no answer. She knocked again.

The heavy oak door creaked open. Tristian stood shirtless, his abs rippled as he raised one muscular arm to lean on the doorframe. The skintight blue jeans hung low on his hips and his hair tousled as if he’d not been awake long.

When he stared at her, with those huge blue-gray eyes, tingles careened up her spine. She covered her mouth in case drool pooled in the corners her mouth. He was one sexy male. She sucked in a breath and opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. A brow arched, he peered questioningly at her then twisted to glance backward into the house. The sunlight streaming through the doorway accentuated several scars across his chest, rib area and a healed slash across his back. Who gets those kinds of battle scars and lives to tell the tale? Not going to ask. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

The corner of his mouth curved up in an inviting sexy-as-hell grin. “Good morning, Hannah. What a surprise.”

Thanks for popping in. I really appreciate it. Next week, March 25th, we take a look at my favorite things to do in the Spring. Boy that’s going to be interesting! I have to admit I don’t think it’s ever going to be Spring in Colorado. I still have a backyard full of snow!

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged A Warlock's Secrets, I, L&SR’s #Wednesday’s Blog Challenge 3-18-2020, Mystery, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler, The Weirdest Thing I Learned Reading Fiction by Tena Stetler with 18 comments.

Mar 17th Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations & Irish Fun Facts!

Every year on March 17, the Irish & the Irish-at-heart across around the world celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. The holiday started out as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland but has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture. From parades and yummy Irish foods to dancing, and green everywhere you look, its a party. Not this year. Life has become just a little, okay a lot, unpredictable. Better safe than sorry is the mantra this year.

My hometown usually welcomes Spring with its annual St Patrick’s Day Parade. The celebration started 33 years ago, and this year the Irish downtown celebration has been cancelled, as with many across the country Cov19 virus is to blame. I’ll still be wearing my green! How about you?

I’ve got ten Saint Patrick’s Day fun facts to make you smile!

#1 Did you know that we celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day on the day of the saint’s death, March 17th. He spent most his life converting pagans of Ireland to Christianity. His entrance to heaven was March 17, 461AD.

#2. How about this, Saint. Patrick wasn’t even Irish, nor was he born in Ireland. His parents were Roman citizens living in either England, Scotland or Wales, the scholars can’t agree which country, there’s something unusual, NOT.

#3. Here’s a shocker, Saint Patrick was a slave. He had the misfortune of being kidnapped at sixteen years old by Irish raiders. They sold him as a slave. For several years he herded sheep and learned about the Irish people. By age twenty-two, he’d escaped and made his way to a monastery in England.

#4. Ever wonder why the shamrock became part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? Because, Saint Patrick used the shamrock to preach about trinity. Now whether it was supposed to represent faith, hope and love or the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, remains a mystery. However, St Patrick must have been quite the inspirational speaker because Ireland’s pagan rulers at the time quickly converted to Christianity.

#5. Supposedly, St. Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland. But I have to ask, if it was the reptiles “snakes” referred to or… a more figurative reference meaning pagan practices and their religious beliefs. I find it interesting to note that there isn’t any evidence that snakes, the reptile, ever existed in Ireland. Seems the weather is too cool for snakes to survive. This is all conjecture on my part, having never been to Ireland, but it’s on my bucket list!

#6. Everyone knows the color associated with St. Patrick’s Day is Green. Right? Not so fast. Originally the color blue represented St. Patrick. He was depicted in artwork wearing blue vestments. Also King Henry VII used the Irish harp in gold on a blue flag to represent the country. However, now days green is associated with Ireland, maybe due to the plentiful rainfall, creating the green countryside. Today, many refer to Ireland as the “Emerald Isle”.

#7. Nope, the Shamrock is not the symbol of Ireland. Surprised you didn’t I? Actually, since the medieval period, the harp has represented the nation. King Henry VII as early as 1534 used the harp on coins. Later the harp appeared on Irish flags, and Irish coats of arms. During Ireland’s struggle for freedom, the Irish people used harps on flags during rebellions against England. In 1921, Ireland became an independent country and adopted the harp as the national symbol.

#8. Did you know there are more Irish in the United States than in Ireland? ‘Tis true. No blarney. They may not all be pure-blood Irish, but of Irish ancestry just the same. Mixed ancestry could be due to the troubled history of Ireland and millions of Irish left the country for the US during the potato famine in Ireland. This exodus continued through most of the 19th century until the economic boom of the 1990’s, when more Irish stayed in their native country rather than searching for better opportunities abroad.

#9. What is your drink of choice on St. Patrick’s Day? A Shamrock milkshake? Green Beer? Bet you didn’t know that from 1903 to 1970, Irish law declared St. Patrick’s Day a religious holiday. That meant that all the pubs were shuttered for the day. In 1970 the law was overturned and St. Patrick’s became a national holiday, allowing the beer to flow once again.

#10. Bet you don’t know what the odds of finding a four-leaf clover are. I do, approximately 1 in 10,000. That’s way better than the lottery, may the luck of the four-leaf clover flow your way on this Saint Patrick’s Day!

How about a little luck of the Irish adventure? A MAGIC REDEMPTION – Synn has extraordinary magic and power. Could she really be descended from the elite Guardians Guild made up of magical creatures formed over a millennium ago in Ireland? Leave your ordinary world behind. Be swept into a magical fantasy adventure you won’t want to leave. Download your copy today! http://a.co/d/hQ2qTXa