Because I am of Swedish descent, let’s take a peek at Christmas Traditions in Sweden where in December the days are quite short, the nights long and the ground is usually snow covered. The Christmas/holiday season begins at church on the first Sunday of Advent, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Children use an Advent calendar to keep track of the first day of December until Christmas, just like some of ours do. Each morning, they open a flap in the calendar’s Christmas scene to see the charming picture behind it. This year, I have a Victorian Advent calendar on my computer and enjoy a surprise behind each door daily.
The festivities in Sweden really begin with St. Lucia’s Day, December 13th, a celebration of the patron saint of light. A Christmas market held in the old medieval section of Stockholm is where you can find handmade toys, ornaments, and candy. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? Some people write a special verse to accompany the gift and even seal the package with colorful sealing wax. I have enough trouble with scotch tape and wrapping paper, I can’t imagine what would happen with hot sealing wax. Not a pretty sight, I’m sure. A Christmas tree is selected by the whole family just a day or two before Christmas and decorated, while the delightful aroma of gingerbread cookies in the shape of hearts, stars, or other festive shapes waft through to house. Christmas Eve is when the main feast is eaten. Presents might be brought by Santa (Jultomten) or  by gnomes/elves  named Tomte or Nissar. Many families set out a sheaf of grain on a pole for hungry birds. My hubby and I always put out special treats for the wild birds in our Aspen grove on Christmas.

As for my family, we put up the tree, Christmas decorations inside and out, the weekend after Thanksgiving. Or try to. No it’s not a real tree, only because I’m allergic. <sigh> We watch Christmas movies throughout December and make candy such as Divinity, Fantasy Fudge and Beaver Dams. What are Beaver Dams, you ask. Well, take a package of butterscotch chips, melt them in a double boiler, stir in half-package of crispy Chow Mein Noodles and one half can of cocktail peanuts. Spoon the concoction onto foil in small mounds and let set. They look like beaver dams hence the name. YUMMY.

This year I’m going, to once again, try my hand at gingerbread cookies. Its become a Christmas Tradition of sorts, an make my family cringe. Why you ask?  I haven’t had a lot of luck in previous years getting a good tasting cookie. But last year, thanks to a great recipe, not only did they turn out, but it’s become a beloved tradition now. Goes great with hot chocolate and marshmallows. LOL

Speaking of things that go good with hot chocolate. A heartwarming holiday tale, fits the bill!  I’ve got just the one for you  Meringue Snowflake Magic AND it’s on sale #99cents.

A Snippet of MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC for your holiday enjoyment –

“What the hell?” burst from her mouth before she could stop it. She slapped a hand over her mouth and glanced around.

He took her hand. “Follow me. It’s not safe out in the open for you.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Where are we?” She stared at the surrounding area.

“I’ll explain all in good time. Right now, it’s imperative you follow me.” He started to tug her deeper into the woods.

Refusing to continue, she dug her heels in the damp ground covered with decaying leaves. “I’m not going any farther until you tell me what’s going on.”

He shrugged. “Suit yourself.”  Whirling around, he slung her over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes, then sprinted into the woods.

She squealed. “Put me down this instant.”

Paying no mind to her, he set her feet on the path at the foot of a large oak tree.  He pushed aside vines and plants to reveal a door in the ground.  When he pressed his hand into the rough bark on the side of the tree, a keypad appeared. He punched in a number. The door sprang open to reveal steep winding steel stairs.  Crouching over, he swept his arm toward the entrance. “You first.”

She stood hands on hips. “You expect me to—”

“Or I can haul your ass over my shoulder again. Unfortunately, the stairs are a bit tricky to navigate in that manner, but….” He jerked his head toward the stairs. “All will be explained once we are safe inside.”

“I’m not— ”

He took a step forward. “Your cover’s been blown. Handler is missing. Now move!”

What Christmas or holiday traditions do and your family observe during the month of December? I look forward to hearing from you. I’d love for you to tell me about your traditions in the comments! 

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A little about Meringue Snowflake Magic:

After being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Wynter Dahl finds herself with a new name and new home. Whisked into the Witness Protection program she finds herself in the Podunk town of Raven’s Hollow, Colorado. She has more than one secret to keep and is not sure who she can trust, though the deputy sheriff is hard to resist.

Braydon “Blaze” Nightwing, owns Dragon Fire Pizza and takes his job as deputy sheriff seriously. He means to protect his town and its residents, including the mysterious newcomer. He rescues her after a tumble and finds himself in over his head. He senses she’s more than she seems but so is he.

When her cover is blown and her life is in danger it will take the whole town to save her and their annual holiday festival and cookie contest. What is Christmas without a little magic?

A new peek between the pages of Meringue Snowflake Magic:

The sun was warm through her large side window as she stood sipping her tea and admiring the newly fallen snow sparkling like iridescent glitter over the ground. Glancing at her bag, where she’d secreted her cell phone and battery inside the lining when her handler requested she turn it over she sighed. Never take for granted what you have, for it can be gone in the blink of an eye.

Setting her tea mug down, she picked up the bag and unzipped it, released the cell from its hiding place, installed the battery, and paused before powering it up. Her handler’s last words flowed through her mind. Whether or not your phone actually is missing, remember you can be tracked if you try to use it. A mistake that could end your life. These people are not playing around. She shoved the phone back in its hiding place and turned her attention back to the window.

Several children were running up and down the hill diagonally across the street with old-fashioned wooden and newer sleds that looked like strips of brightly colored plastic. They flew down the hill at break-neck speed. She took another sip of tea, choked, and spit it all over the window, blinds, and herself.

Did that little girl just unfurl iridescent blue wings and hover above the others throwing snowballs? She blinked, rubbed her eyes, and stared at the scene outside. Sure enough, there were now three children hovering in the air waging war with snowballs on the others sliding down the slope. One had fallen off a sled and transformed into a furry wolf rolling down the hill. What kind of a place is this?

Suddenly the doorbell rang. She bobbled her mug spilling more tea on the light gray carpet in front of the window.  Geez, what now? On her way to the door, she tore off a couple of paper towels and dropped them on the stain. Pausing to look through the peephole, she hissed out a breath and yanked open the door. The child with wings, pointed ears, and fur was temporarily forgotten.

Deputy Blaze Nightwing stood on her porch.

About the Author:

Tena Stetler is an internationally best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget.  Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.

Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-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.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.tenastetler.com

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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tenastetler.author

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Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click  here.  Please check back next week for another Sunday Snippet!

Merry Christmas!

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Illustration of Happy Thanksgiving Turkey presenting

I have to admit that this year has been fantastic.  We finally got to take the RV adventure that my husband and I have been planning for years. (Keep an eye on my facebook page for details of our three-month RV adventure). But when I sit down and think about it, I have many things to be thankful for. My husband finally retired allowing us to travel, when and as long as we want. The catastrophic softball-size hail storms missed us this year. Yippee!

My wonderful readers are fantastic and I am so thankful for them. I sincerely hope my tales of paranormal creatures help them forget their troubles and relax by slipping into worlds of magic fantasy & romance if only for a few hours.

I still wake up and pinch myself every morning, thankful to be living my dream of being published.  A dream made possible by my supportive, extraordinary husband of many moons and The Wild Rose Press my amazing publisher. My editor, Diane, well, let’s just say…SHE ROCKS! I’m so thankful for her patience and understanding. (Discovering new and creative way to screw up seems to be my lot in life.) Yep, my face turns bright red every time I think about it. Oh, yeah, and I’m thankful for the helpful, supportive authors of The Wild Rose Press!  They’re always willing to lend a hand.

When my characters run amuck, the story plot flows in ten different directions and none of them what I had in mind AND a deadline looms.  (Yeah, I know you plotters never have that happen, but us pansters… well just saying.) Three little words, “You’ve got this” are music to my ears from my family and friends. I am eternally thankful for their encouragement and support.

I am thankful for the unconditional love of my chow dog, Mystic; spoiled parrot, Taco; and box turtle, Sammie. No matter how bad I feel or goof up, in their eyes, I’m darn near perfect. And I’m certainly not going to tell them any different!

Finally, a day never passes without my thanks to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces whose dedication keeps our great nation free. (I know you’ve heard me say this before, but I can’t help it. Comes from living in a military town all my life & marrying a soldier.)  We are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may not agree with me, but that’s what is great about this nation.  You don’t have to.  I’m entitled to my own opinion, as are you. I can write books on any topic I choose without fear of a midnight knock on my door or being carted away. Unless of course my characters come to life, then we’re all in trouble. <Giggle>

While I have a lot more to be thankful for, roof over my head, food in my house, etc., I’ve listed the biggies. I wish you all love, laughter and Happy Thanksgiving!

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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 what inspired A Magic Redemption ?

Synn appeared first in A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, where she was befriended by the Demon Overlord himself, giving her a second chance. Though I left her in that book, she continued to dance around the fringes of my mind as I wrote other books in The Demon’s Witch Series. Sharing other characters stories and a chance at their happily ever after.  Finally, Synn became demanding claiming she had a story that would tug at the readers heart strings and needed a happily ever after.  As it turns out, she actually did.   I hope you’ll take a chance and pick up a copy of A Magic Redemption.

What’s A Magic Redemption 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.

He showered, pulled on sweats, and stretched out on his empty king-sized bed. After his long flight, a peaceful sleep came quickly until Synn’s nightmare invaded his dream world. Gut wrenching terror tore through him until he was able to disengage himself from the nightmare. There’d be no phone call this time. For a moment he considered shifting, but he might need a vehicle after arriving at her home. He yanked off his sweats and pulled on jeans, a sweater, donned a coat, and grabbed his keys.

He found her sitting cross-legged on the bedroom floor. Storm curled in her lap. The usually active pup was lying still just peering up at her. When Gavin approached, Storm moved one ear forward and turned her head to look at him. “It’ll be okay, girl.” He knelt in front of Synn, brushed the hair away from her face. A vacant stare met his gaze into her eyes like she was in a trance. This couldn’t be good.

He’d seen her nightmare. Something was trying to control her. He wouldn’t let it happen. Releasing a breath, he took hold of her shoulders. She’d been like this once before. When she came out of it anyone within arm’s reach could be in danger. Though her magic was tempered these days, it wouldn’t be for long… Changing strategy, he repositioned himself behind her, caught her up in a bear hug, and pushed the pup out of her lap. Storm yelped and went grudgingly but refused to leave her side.

“Synn, it’s me Gavin; you’re safe.” He gave her a little shake. Arms and legs began flailing. She let out a blood curdling scream and kept screaming until he thought the neighbors a few miles away would hear and call the police. He held her tightly, sat down on the floor, and pulled her into his lap. “Synn. Synn. You’re all right. We’re at the cottage.” The screams turned to sobs. She leaned her head back and blinked.

Panic seized her. “Gavin, you’ve got to get out of here. He’s coming for me and will kill everyone associated with me, including Storm.” She reached for the pup cuddling her close to her chest. “I’m so sorry. I knew this would never work. I don’t deserve a normal life.”

“That’s enough. It was a nightmare. That’s all.”

She turned her large aqua eyes on him and raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

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/mystery series click  here.

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The post A Magic Redemption – A Sunday Snippet appeared first on Tena Stetler.

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 An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement?

My inspiration for AN ANGEL’S UNINTENTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT. 

My husband and I go glamping from May thru October.  This one year the weather was beautiful and we decided to go over Independence Pass.  Half way up to the top there are ruins of miners cabins from the gold rush days. The area was way to harsh an environment for settlers.  As we explored the cabins, I came around the corner of one and a scene played out in front of me, probably from my over active imagination. An Angel was stretching his wings on the edge of a trail. Behind him a large 5th-wheel trailer and truck was nestled at the face of a rock wall. A canyon spread out to the side of it providing a breath-taking view and protection from the harsh elements even in summer. The expression on the angel’s face changed and I followed his stare. Something was hidden in the scaggy brush. The scene began to fade. People’s voices broke though my concentration.  I rushed back to our truck and wrote everything I remembered on my note pad I keep in the truck. An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement was born.

What’s An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement about you ask: Where Warrior Angel, Caden goes, trouble follows until he discovers a badly beaten woman barely clinging to life. Unprepared for the entanglement she brings to his doorstep, will he move heaven and earth to save her?

Fallen warrior angel, Caden Silverwind, lives alone in Colorado’s rugged Rockies, healing from physical wounds as well as the mental anguish suffered during battles with dark demons. Then he finds a woman barely clinging to life after a horrendous beating. He is not prepared for the entanglement she brings to his life, nor the feelings she awakens in him.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Agent, Mystic Rayne’s personal dilemma and assignment nearly gets her killed. Divine intervention is a complication she never expected and her growing attraction to Caden is undeniable. Can she trust him with her secret?

Their quest to uncover her attacker takes them from the pristine mountains in Colorado to the wilds of Wyoming. Along the way, they find answers which may place them in more danger. Determined to solve the mystery, they must also navigate their feelings and fears to find love and unite heaven and earth.

A peek between the pages of An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement.

“During my walk, I discovered a couple of men searching the area where I found you. It sounded like they were involved with what happened to you. Feel up to looking at a couple of sketches to see if you recognize them?”

Her eyes rounded, and she drew her bottom lip though her teeth. “I don’t know,” she said wincing again, her voice trembling.

He considered her response for a moment. “Well, I’m afraid, you really don’t have a choice. Someone wants you dead and enlisted the help of the two men I saw to make sure the deed is done.”

Any color that had returned to Mystic’s face drained away. Her eyes filled with tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. She blinked rapidly but was past the breaking point. The battle was lost as tears trickled down. She wiped them away with the back of her hand. “Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. Most people don’t come back from the brink of death without some kind of emotional release.” He touched her arm gently.

She looked up at him and relaxed a little, some of the fear left her eyes, replaced by caution. “Thanks.”

“You bet ya. Now about those sketches.”

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. Your next GREAT read is waiting!

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