Meringue Snowflake Magic – Sunday Snippet – New Release
Happy holidays to all. Welcome to Sunday Snippets. Each week I’ll spotlight one of my books, tell you what’s unique about it, and highlight an excerpt. Join me for this #fun #adventure. This week it’s my new release, MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC, part of the Christmas Cookies Series. Available for preorder NOW, release date November 14, 2022. Will Blaze and the town come to Wynter’s rescue once they learn who and what is after her?
You can 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. Let’s see what MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC has in store for us. An exciting, fun, holiday tale about a witch in the wrong place at the wrong time ending up in Raven’s Hollow, a small town with secrets of its own.
Lets take a look at 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 sneak peek between the pages of MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC: New
The wind had changed direction, and the pretty ice crystals were like tiny needles buffeting her face. She looked up and down Main Street and saw only one stoplight. Finally, she turned around and walked backward for a few yards. Glancing over her shoulder, she could see her street. She started to turn around, her foot slipped on the curb and arms flailing, down she went with a thud. Clutching her precious box of goodies in front of her, they were safe. However, the mug of hot chocolate popped the lid and sent hot chocolate in all directions, including all over her brand new bright-colored parka and the sidewalk. When she tried to get up, each foot went in a different direction, then down she went again. Getting to her knees, she crawled to the sidewalk, carefully got to her feet, and tried to brush the wet snow off. The damp material stuck to her. She began to shiver as the wind whipped around her.
“Hey lady, you all right?” A man stopped his SUV in the middle of the road and jumped out. “That was quite a spill you took.” He smiled wide, picking up her mug and lid. “But I see your goodies from Candi’s place are still intact. Let me give you a ride. You’re going to freeze as wet as your clothes are.” He held out his hand. “Braydon Nightwing, but everyone calls me Blaze. I own the pizza place a few blocks down the way.”
When she reached for his hand, her arm shook. Her teeth chattered as she tried to say her name. “Wynterrr.”
“It’s warm in my SUV. Please tell me where you’re going. I’ll get you there.” He pried her fingers from the box, helped her over to the vehicle, and opened the passenger door. Warm air rushed out of the SUV, caressing her face.
Please don’t let him be a serial killer. Slowly, she reached behind her and patted her waistband. Shit. Why didn’t I bring my weapon? Getting in a car with a stranger wasn’t smart. But the warmth emanating from the vehicle was inviting. Death by serial killer or freeze. She crawled into the SUV and huddled in front of the heater vents
Thank you for stopping by and taking a peek at MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC! Join me next week for another exciting Sunday snippet. Happy Holidays!
Views: 7
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Christmas, Christmas Cookie, Holiday, magic, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Meringue Snowflake Magic #MFRWHooks
Yippee!! #MFRWHooks presents MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC, from the Christmas Cookie Series. Available for preorder NOW. Release date November 14, 2022. #mystery #fantasy #romance. Join the #holiday #fantasy#adventure, reserve a copy or two today! Makes a great holiday gift. The people of Raven’s Hollow and Blaze have secrets of their own, will she discover them before it’s too late?
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:
After toting the last cardboard box into her new cottage in Raven’s Hollow, Colorado, she kicked the door shut with her foot and collapsed into the purple recliner. She’d bought the chair along with its matching sofa at a thrift store before falling off the grid. Both pieces of furniture were in perfect shape. She pushed the button, and the footrest came up. She sighed. Guess the color was off-putting to some. Resting her head against the soft back pillow, she glanced reassuringly at the 9mm pistol she’d taped under the coffee table next to the chair and closed her eyes for only a moment.
An insistent pounding startled her out of an impromptu nap. She kicked the footrest down and bounded out of the chair. Who the hell is at my door? A door belonging to her that no one should know existed. Silently padding to the door, she grabbed the weapon and stared out the peephole. You got to be kidding! She rubbed her eyes, peeked again, snapped the tape from under the table, and then tucked the gun in her waistband.
A large woman in a floral dress holding a basket stood on her porch. The woman peered over wire-rim spectacles at the door. Her dark hair wound up in a towering bun on top of her head. Glancing to the right, then to the left, she paused for a moment to glare at the pickup truck parked in the driveway, then pounded once more.
“Wynter Dahl, you in there?” The woman scooched to the left and peeked in the large bay window, and pressed her nose against the pane steaming the glass.
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.
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!
Thanks for stopping in for #MFRWHooks.
Views: 7
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, Christmas, Holiday, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, small town, Tena Stetler, Witches, Witness Protection by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
My Favorite Things About Christmas & Holidays!
With the holiday season in full swing, Thought I’d mention a few of my favorite things. I love Halloween, it’s by far my favorite holiday and decorate for the All Hallows Eve almost as much as I do for Christmas, which comes in a close second. Did I mention, I LOVE to decorate! LOL At Thanksgiving the aroma of turkey, candied sweet potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie made the house smell so inviting. My mouth waters just thinking about it. But Christmas…well… Bright lights adorning neighborhoods, Christmas Carols playing in the malls, Christmas cards from near and far, and Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays on everyone’s lips makes the holiday season special. Here’s what makes my family’s holiday special.
1. Decorations. First of all, we start decorating the Friday after Thanksgiving. First the outside decorations go up. Then the tree, it’s lights, especially the bubble lights they are mesmerizing to watch. Several years ago, I brought the cutest colorful lifesaver shaped garland that I wind up the stairway banister. The tiny Precious Moments nativity is one I found years ago, along with Sam’s town, the soft lights from their windows are my 
parrots night light during the holidays. 
2. Food. Christmas is turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, rolls, candied yams and pumpkin pie swirled in whipped cream. Yummmm! The leftovers are even better. Sometimes we freeze the turkey leftovers and weeks or even a month later, yummy turkey sandwiches are wonderful. I’ll be putting one of those sandwiches together for lunch today. Left overs from Thanksgiving. LOL
3. Music. While we decorate the tree, we play a wide variety of Christmas Carols from the traditional to Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. The carols are sung by rock and roll artists, county western or classical renditions. It has been a family traditional as long as I can remember. We reminisce where the beloved tree decorations passed down generation to generation originated and the funny stories each spark.
4. Movies. It’s officially the Christmas season when we watch Miracle on 31st Street and How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carey. He is such a hoot. Then its Scrooged with Bill Murray. Afterward most nights we enjoy watching the variety of Christmas movies collected. Yep, get my Christmas movie fix. Then of course there is always the Hallmark channel heart felt Christmas movie magic.
5. Christmas Light Looking. It isn’t Christmas without getting in the SUV and driving through town admiring everyone’s decorations. Some lighting displays are synchronized with popular holiday music wafting through the crisp night air as you drive by. It’s beautiful and we enjoy it every year with a mug of hot chocolate and Christmas cookies we pack with us for the drive.
6. Family and Friends. The best part of the holidays is connecting with family and friends, whether it’s a long over-due phone call to catch up or a board game with friends. Years ago, I started writing a Christmas letter with our family’s actives for the year, complete with pictures. Since then it’s become a tradition. Friends and family look forward to that letter and make sure updated address are in my hands by Thanksgiving. There have been scary times, happy times, sad and in-between times, but keeping in touch seems to help everyone weather the preverbal storms. It’s been a rough year for many.
One last favorite thing of mine is to curl up in front of a crackling fireplace with a good book and a mug of homemade hot chocolate. Speaking of good books, A Witch’s Holiday Wedding part of A Witch’s Journey Series is a heartwarming holiday tale, Only 99cents. Tales of redemption, magic, wildlife rescue, true love and paying it forward will leave you breathless.
If you already have these, you are going to want to check out A Witch’s Quandary, new on audiobook. A Broken Engagement leads to the discovery of stolen magic and malice with a little blackmail mixed in. Can they weather the storm and find a future together?
CHARM ME AGAIN audiobook. Two families long divided brought together through love and understanding. But there’s more, breaking the curse is only the first step to forever.
HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC on audiobook. The consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic could forever alter life as they know it! A trip to the past added a twist to the Salem Witch Trials. Be sure and take a listen.
So there you have it, a few of my favorite things along with a few gift ideas. What are yours favorite things?
With that, I’ll wish you all Love and Laughter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Got any resolutions? Come on, you know you do. LOL What do you plan to change and what do you hope to see in 2022? I look forward to hearing from you! See you next year. I know it’s an old cliché, but couldn’t help myself!
Views: 10
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, A Witch's Quandary, Charm Me Again, Christmas, Colorado, magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Time travel by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
Christmas/Holiday Traditions Around the World!
Fun things about Christmas/Holiday traditions. Take for instance, the Land Down Under, because, well, someday I want to visit there, just probably not at Christmas. The English and Irish predominately settled Australia so it stands to reason their traditions reflect those countries. Here’s a few of of their Christmas Traditions.
Aussie’s decorate their homes with ferns, palm leaves and evergreens along with 
blooming flowers of Christmas Bush and Christmas Bell Flower. It’s summer time in December down under, when most of the United States is looking forward to big flakes and blankets of snow for a white Christmas.
Carols by Candlelight is one of the popular events in Australia. People come together under the stars at night to light candles and sing Christmas carols. Seems to me, it’s not far from our own tradition of Christmas carolers. I just can’t imagine Christmas/holiday without snow, that’s why I live in Colorado. Hehe!
Christmas Day is when families and close friends gather from all over Australia for a holiday midday dinner. Some enjoy a traditional British Christmas dinner of roast turkey or ham and rich plum pudding doused in brandy and set on fire before it is brought to the table. Other families head for the backyard barbie to grill their Christmas dinner, maybe shrimp, in the sunshine or go to the beach and enjoy a picnic of cold turkey or ham and a salad. To the delight of children, Father Christmas in shorts may appear to greet children at the beach on Christmas/holiday! If you can’t have snow, that’s the way to celebrate Christmas.
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 AND it’s on sale #99cents. A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING. A small town paranormal romance/mystery paired with hope of wildlife rescue, second chances, the magic of family & friends make this a must read. Check out my other paranormal romance/mysteries here!
Next week My Favorite Things About Christmas. 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!
Views: 10
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, Christmas, Christmas Traditions Around The World, fantasy, ghosts, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, small town, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 5 comments.
