Mystery Archives - Tena Stetler

Dec 15th Christmas/Holiday Traditions – Sunday Snippet

Fun things about Christmas/Holiday traditions Around the World. 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 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!

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Christmas, magic, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.

Sep 22nd Meringue Snowflake Magic – Sunday Snippet

This week’s Sunday Snippet is Meringue Snowflake Magic. Celebrating the unconventional little town Raven’s Hollow and all the Mother’s, with cool off, feel-good read from the Christmas Cookie Series. #mystery #fantasy #romance. Join the #beachread #fantasy#adventure, download a copy or two today! Pssst… makes a great #Mother’sDay gift. The people of Raven’s Hollow and Blaze have secrets of their own, will Wynter discover them before it’s too late?

A tidbit about my inspiration for Meringue Snowflake Magic. I wanted to write a fun, exciting Christmas Cookie book for the holidays. As I thought about it, a unique small town came to mine with quirky characters. The town of Raven’s Hollow was born. Yet, when I finished the book and submitted it, I knew I wasn’t done with Raven’s Hollow or it’s people. With Spring headed our way, my imagination took off along with the characters and Raven’s Hollow Spring Magic was born. An ancient Jelly Bean machine is involved along with a missing witch and time travel. What could be more fun? If you have a chance check it out too.

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 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.

He slid into the driver’s seat and turned to her. “Where do you live?”

In between bouts of chattering, she recited her address and pointed down the street.

“You moved into the old Sawyer place?” He turned the corner and rolled to a stop in front of her house. “Nice little cottage.”

“I guess.” So far, so good. Still alive.

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.

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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!

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Meringue Snowflake Magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, shifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.

Sep 8th Terrabyte Security – Sunday Snippet

Sunday Snippet a preview of the soon to release, Terrabyte Security, September 9, 2024. Missing persons, stolen identities, and international intrigue in a sleepy little town in the Colorado Rockies will keep you on the edge of your seat. Second book in the Mountain Town Mysteries Series. A riveting #paranormal #romance, #mystery, you’re going to love!

My inspiration for this second book in the Mountain Town Mysteries Series is that the characters in Security Force for Two weren’t done telling their story. As I finished that book, Candle and her contingency keep in my mind and dreams their stories where not finished. In fact they claim there are at least three maybe four more stories to be told before the profession is brought to justice. Who am I the argue with my characters. I always lose anyway. So here’s book number two.

Lets See What Terrabyte Security is all about:

A sleepy little town, Aspen Ridge, nestled in the Colorado Rockies, is experiencing major growing pains. As is Candle’s adorable pup.

Former CIA agent, Candle Bearclaw’s new security firm, Terrabyte is expanding by leaps and bounds. When her best friend’s husband, a high-profile software entrepreneur, comes up missing, Candle and her husband, Miacoh, also the new chief of police, find themselves knee-deep in international intrigue.

The same day, an Indigenous woman, Molly Reacher, pleads for Candle to take her convoluted case with identity theft overtones. Come to find out, Molly’s friend, a Native American woman, is also missing.

Cayson, an employee of Terrabyte Security is assigned to protect Molly as the company works through the intricacies of her cases.

Law enforcement are supposed to be all over both missing person cases until Miacoh discovers the indigenous woman’s case is nearly invisible. Will either be found alive?

A Sneak Peek Between the Pages of Terrabyte Security:

The door banged open and Gabby rushed inside, wind scattering the papers again. Terra jumped up and barked, circling Gabby. This time Miacoh scooped up the papers, put them on Candle’s desk, and plopped a procedural manual on top, winking at his wife.

Gabby paced the floor between Candle’s desk and her own flinging her arms in the air as she talked.

Gabby couldn’t talk if you tied her hands down. Candle’s smile faded as she became aware something was terribly wrong.

“Ben is missing. There’s no one to run his office since he and his ex-partner, Ken, parted ways over a major disagreement. I dropped Natalya and Nash off at school and checked the office to see if he returned early, but no. He’s missing,” she wailed. “What am I going to do?”

“Whoa, slow down, Gabby. How do you know Ben’s missing?” Candle jumped up from her chair to catch her best friend mid-stride.

Tears rolled down Gabby’s cheeks. “He caught a red-eye last night to Las Vegas to tie up loose ends from Ken’s unauthorized dealings. Ben never arrived in Las Vegas. Airport security showed him boarding the plane, but he didn’t get off the plane in Vegas. If he’d had a change in plans, he’d have called me. I haven’t heard a thing from him.”

Miacoh stood and offered his chair to Gabby. She plopped down in the seat and began to sob.

“Gabby, we are going to need your husband’s calendar, itinerary, flight number, and hotel reservation. I’ll have Cayson start tracking down his movements.”

“Did I hear my name?” Cayson, a tall Aussie with the high cheekbones of a Norse god and shaggy blond hair of a Swede swaggered into the office. His cocky smile faded as he surveyed the faces in the room. “What’s wrong?”

About the Author:

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

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

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged magic, Mountain Town Mysteries Series, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, seers, Tena Stetler, Terrabyte Security by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.

Jul 28th A Witch’s Holiday Wedding on Sale $1.99 for Sunday Snippet

Yippee!! #SundaySnippet joins Christmas in July Celebration to present A Witch’s Holiday Wedding on sale for $1.99 #paranormalromance #fantasy #adventure. Set in the small town of Lobster Cove and 2nd in the Witch’s Journey Series with some of the same characters, plus new ones you’re going to love. Torn in too many directions, with a covert military mission thrown in, will Pepper and Lathen make it to the alter?

I had so much fun writing this book. With ghosts running amuck spilling family secrets and making roses bloom in the dead of winter. The werewolf pack creating havoc ever where they went. It’s a wonder Pepper and Lathen didn’t elope. But they didn’t, so pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and come along for the hilarious ride of A Witch’s Holiday Wedding. 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 A Witch’s Holiday Wedding all about?

Elemental witch, Pepper McKay and former Navy SEAL, Lathen Quartz have built Lobster Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on enchanted McKay land. During a romantic interlude on Halloween night, Pepper happily agrees to become Lathen’s wife. What better day than Winter Solstice for their wedding in a town that loves celebrations and Christmas. However, planning a wedding and operating their wildlife center takes a toll on both Pepper and Lathen.

When the couple takes a much-needed break for Thanksgiving with family in Colorado, a Maine snowstorm fills the center with injured wildlife. Lathen finds himself drawn into a covert military mission, while trying to deal with issues concerning friends and family. Pepper wants to cancel the wedding. Is she having second thoughts? Will the nosy McKay ghosts, Lathen’s werewolf pack, Pepper’s parents, and her best friend help or hinder the wedding and holiday plans?

Sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Holiday Wedding:

After she set her glass down, Lathen brushed a couple strands of hair out of her eyes and searched her face. “Are you all right?”

“I’m tired, my wedding is in a couple weeks, I have ghosts fighting over who is going to do what. Guests that have no idea the place is haunted and… Your family and pack, my parents, Gwen… To top it all off, the head of my clan, who is a ghost, is sitting in front of me wanting to know who is coming to the wedding and whether the ghosts will be outed. How could I possibly be all right?”

“When you put it that way.” Lathen chuckled. “It sounds just a bit… I don’t know…crazy?” His right eyebrow winged up. She saw mischief sparkle in his eyes. “We could still elope,” he offered.

“No sir. Not after all the trouble—Not on me watch.” Aidan shook his head so vehemently his upper torso blurred.

Pepper smiled, glanced at Lathen. “What do you think—about twenty-five to fifty close friends and family at the ceremony?”

“I doubt the pack will be there, they’ll be more interested in the food and tall-tale telling at the reception. Not to mention questioning why the dinner wasn’t before the ceremony. So you are close on that count.” He snatched the wine glass from the table and took a gulp.

“The seating area should be at the end of the pond by the benches. Ashling mentioned purple rose bushes around the pond. Lathen and I are going to get the arbor first thing in the morning, weather permitting.”

Lathen’s stomach gurgled. “You know the timer for the meat pies went off a while ago.” He glanced toward the kitchen. “Want me to go get them?”

“Oh crap, I forgot. They’ll be ruined, all dried out.” She thought for a moment then waved her hand toward the kitchen. “They’ll be fine.”

“I’ve got what’s needed.” Aidan rose from the chair, lifted his hand in a wave and faded away, the mist crawling along the floor disappeared entirely.

“Never a dull moment around here.” Lathen took the tray of pies from Pepper and set it on the coffee table. The silverware clattered as he slipped the napkins out from under them, inhaling deeply. “I’m starved.”

“Marrying a McKay witch may be more than you bargained for,” she teased. “Too late to change your mind.”

“Don’t intend to.” He forked up a bite of meat pie, blew on it for a minute as the steam rose, and popped it in his mouth. “Mmmmm. Delicious! Life with a witch can be quite satisfying. If you know what I mean.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

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

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, Christmas In July, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.