Thankful Author
I have to say this year has been difficult from beginning to end. But when I sit down and think about it, I have many things to be thankful for. Still have lingering effect from COVID, we survived but left me with a serious hip problem. October 5, 2022, had a total hip replacement, which fixed the problem and I look forward to hiking and biking this summer. So I’m thankful!
My wonderful readers are fantastic and I am so thankful for them. I sincerely hope my tales of paranormal creatures sweep them away from their ordinary world into a magical, romantic fantasy adventure or mystery if only for a few hours. We all need fantasy these days. Don’t you agree?
After two looong years, I finally was able to attend a book signing at the Colorado Country Christmas Craft Fair. What fun. While space was limited, met lots of readers, sold and signed lots of books. Yippee!! What a blast! Hope to be able to do more in 2023. Fingers crossed
Eight years and seventeen books later, 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, Lill, well, let’s just say…SHE ROCKS! I’m so thankful for her patience and understanding. (Discovering new and creative ways to screw up seems to be my specialty.) 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 authors! 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 such as a roof over my head — About the roof over my head, I’m still waiting for a self-cleaning house. LOL I am so enjoying my kitchen remodel we muddled through last January. New granite counter tops, chef’s sink, flooring, and cupboards.
Love it!! I’m thankful to have enough to eat and clothes on my back. Having listed the biggies, I wish you all love, laughter and Happy Thanksgiving!
After the big dinner is done and you sit down to relax, I have a suggestion. MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC! A heart warming holiday tale, with twist and turns you won’t see coming.
What’s MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC about you ask?
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?
Universal buy link: https://books2read.com/u/bzVO19
Amazon, ibooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo
Views: 150
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged fantasy, holilday, magic, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Thankful Author, Thanksgiving by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Meringue Snowflake Magic – 5star review Yippee!
Wow what a way to start Monday! I woke up to release day 5-star review from the Paranormal Romance Guild for Meringue Snowflake Magic! WooHoo! I love holiday stories and this one you’ll love.
A witch in the wrong place at the wrong time winds up in witness protection. Relocated to a small town with strange but friendly townsfolk. Their huge Christmas/holiday festival is centered around an annual cookie contest and tree lighting ceremony. Will they learn her secrets that put the town in danger before she discovers theirs?
I am so excited to share the review with you. The release reads in part – “This was such a fun short story and worth the price of admission to get the most amazing cookie recipes. A Christmas Cookie Contest, mobsters, romance, amazing characters and delicious cookie recipes what’s not to love.” The read the complete review here’s the link. https://paranormalromanceguild.com/release-day-review-short-story-meringue-snowflake-magic-christmas-cookies-tena-stetler/
Then I discovered a spotlight on my new holiday release, MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC from N.N. Light Book Heaven. Take a peek for more info and except. https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/meringue-snowflake-magic-bs
Another exclusive sneak peek between the pages of MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC.
The street lights blinked on while shadows spread across her floor from the impending dark of night. She backed against the wall out of sight of either window.
Someone pounded on her door again. “Wynter, are you in there? Are you all right? I’m coming in.” Something big hit the door. Hard.
She sidled along the wall over to the back door as it burst open. Standing in front of her was an iridescent turquoise dragon. He hunched over to enter the room. The dragon swung his head from side to side as if looking for something, then reached out, grabbed her arm, and swung her up on his back.
She clutched her go-bag to her chest and opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out.
He retreated out the door and took flight into the starless night.
The last thing she saw was vehicle headlights flashing across her yard as a car rolled to a stop. Teeth chattering, she clung tight to the back of the dragon. At least I’m not dead yet. Her mind whirled, trying to make sense of the last hour.
In the thick woods outside of town, the dragon circled and gracefully landed in a small clearing. He leaned to the left and lowered his massive body so she could jump off. His form shimmered and blurred for a couple of beats then Blaze stood in front of her naked. Her eyes wide, she blinked and gawked. Wow, what a body.
A grin broke through his grim expression. “Hold that thought.” Sprinting into the forest, he disappeared. After a few minutes, he returned fully clothed. “Well, I guess that dragon is out of the bag now.” He chuffed, tucking his shirt in his pants and buckling the belt.
About the author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling Colorado author of award-winning paranormal novels. 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.
She shares her life with her own hero of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-year-old box turtle.
A great way to start the holiday season or makes a great gift for those book lovers on your list! Download a copy today and join the fantasy, romantic, mystery, adventure. Available from Universal buy link Amazon Ibooks, Barnes&Nobel and KOBO retail sellers to name a few. Happy Holidays!
Views: 151
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Colorado, Holiday romance, magic, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
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: 124
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 – Sunday Snippet
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:
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.
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: 170
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Hidden Gypsy Magic, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
