Thankful Author
This week’s Sunday Snippet will be preempted in lieu of my Thankful Author ramblings. I hope you don’t mind. Sunday Snippet will return next week with a scathingly entertaining excerpt. So without further ado:
What am I thankful for? First and foremost, I’m thankful for the ability to record my favorite TV programs and fast forward through all the political ads! The mudslinging, public airing of dirty laundry (we all have some, but know better than publicly declare it), outright lies, and finger-pointing by all involved are fast-forwarded away.
Regardless of your candidate or their platform, we all have to pull up our big girl and boy pants and support this country. It may not be perfect, but in my book, it’s still the greatest nation in the world, just my humble opinion, and don’t you forget it. <giggle>
Jamming my soapbox back under the bed. (Whew) Now let’s get on with the other things this thankful author is thankful for. First of all, I’m thankful to have food on the table, I am nearly healthy enough to enjoy life (had a bout of health issues the last couple of years), and for the roof over my head.
Bless the hearts of my wonderful readers, I am so thankful for them. I hope my tales of paranormal creatures have helped them forget their troubles or relax by slipping into worlds of magic, fantasy, and mystery, if only for a few hours. Though it’s been nearly ten years and eighteen books published, I still wake up and pinch myself every morning, thankful to be living my dream of being a published author. A dream made possible by my supportive, extraordinary husband of many moons, and The Wild Rose Press, my amazing publisher. My editor, (though she’s retired now), well, let’s just say…she rocked! I’m so thankful for her patience and understanding. Next chapter of publishing will be with a new editor. He/she’s got some big shoes to fill, but I’m sure they’ll be up to the task. Oh, yeah, and I’m thankful for the helpful, supportive authors of The Wild Rose Press! They are 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. Like my recently completed manuscript and soon to be submitted. (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, spoiled parrot and box turtle. No matter how bad I feel or screw 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. (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, our characters come to life, then we’re all in trouble. ROFLOL
While this thankful author has lot more to be thankful for, those are the biggies. I wish you all love, laughter and happy Thanksgiving!
Okay, one more shameless promo for my feel-good Christmas tale, 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?
Tiny Sneak 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 that sparkled like diamonds on the ground. 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 blue iridescence wings and hover above the others, throwing snowballs? She blinked, rubbed her eyes and stared at the scene outside her window. 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 have I been relegated to?
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 children with wings, pointed ears, and fur were temporarily forgotten.
Meringue Snowflake Magic makes a great Christmas gift for book lovers kindles or other electronic devices.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Christmas, Holiday, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Thankful Author, Witches by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
A Witch’s Holiday Wedding – Sunday Snippet
Happy Holidays! The Sunday Snippet this week is A Witch’s Holiday Wedding on sale for #99cents. As you know, 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 into the paranormal realm. A Witch’s Holiday Wedding is the best-seller, and is part of the award-winning A WITCH’S JOURNEY SERIES. A small town paranormal romance/mystery.
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 A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING has in store for us. An exciting, fun, holiday tale about a couple torn in too many directions, with a covert military mission thrown in, will Pepper and Lathen make it to the alter?
A little about me before I tell you the unique twist of this holiday tale. I grew up in a military town that is home to five military installations. My husband, three uncles, and one cousin served in the military. So the military runs deep in my world. In this story you get a glimpse of the often forgotten vet. While the book is paranormal, the military vet’s problems are very real.
Part of this tale is one of second chances. Mike, a military vet with problems and Lathen is part of his support system. Giving Mike a job at the Wildlife Rescue Center brings his life out of a tailspin and puts him on a path to success. Check out this book for a different kind of second chances, a feel good book you won’t want to miss.
Lets see what A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING is 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?
Universal Buy Link books2read.com/u/4DE0jr
A sneak peek between the pages of A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING:
“Couldn’t be helped. Besides that’s what the emergency fund is for.” Pepper rubbed Timber’s ears. “Dad and mom will understand. Your family is leaving tomorrow anyway. Right?” She paused for a couple beats. “You ready to tell me what’s going on and who is Mike?”
Lathen sighed heavily. “Yeah. He’s one of the veterans on my radar, kinda like a support tree. Mostly, Jay handles it, since you and I got together, but…well…things happen. Mike’s been out of work for a while, trouble holding down a job because of his combat PTSD. Didn’t stay on his med’s, no money, couldn’t get into the VA…just a series of things sent him into a downward spiral.”
“I see… You never mentioned this part of your life before. Don’t you think…”
“Yea, probably should have, but knew it wouldn’t make a difference to you. You don’t mind that I offered him a job, only for a little while?”
“If we take time to train him and he works out, he can stay as long as he wants. Look how well our other vet, Alec’s done.”
Lathen nodded, raised a brow. “But Alec had less baggage than Mike, like me he was single. Injured physically and psychologically, but no one depended on him… but Mike. It makes a difference.”
“Isn’t his wife…I mean he’s got support…”
“No what he has is a young wife trying to cope with a colicky baby, who cries for hours, day and night. On top of the baby, she’s got a husband who is more of a weight than a help and they’re struggling financially. He couldn’t get his meds and was ready to end it all. I think we brought him back from the brink. That’s why Alec will probably stay the night. A job will help in a lot of ways.” Lathen scrolled through the numbers on his phone.
“Financially, but shouldn’t the VA help with his medical care, prescription costs?”
“In an ideal world, but the VA system is broken, it’s getting better — but not fast enough for people like Mike. So guys like Jay and I step in to fill the gaps as best we can. Speaking of Jay, I need to make that call.” Lathen winced. “At least Jay got a few days with family.” He tapped the screen and put the phone to his ear. The phone rang only once. “Jay, Lathen, we got a situation with Mike.”
Thank you for stopping by next week we will return to Sunday Snippets. Please check back next week for another exciting adventure!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, fantasy, ghosts, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
A Witch’s Holiday Wedding Sunday Snippet
Happy Holidays! The Sunday Snippet this week is A Witch’s Holiday Wedding . As you know, 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 into the paranormal realm. A Witch’s Holiday Wedding is the best-seller, and is part of the award-winning A WITCH’S JOURNEY SERIES. A small town paranormal romance/mystery.
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 A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING has in store for us. An exciting, fun, holiday tale about a couple torn in too many directions, with a covert military mission thrown in, will Pepper and Lathen make it to the alter?
Lets see what A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING is 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?
Universal Buy Link books2read.com/u/4DE0jr
A 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.
Thank you for stopping by next week we will return to Sunday Snippets. Please check back next week for another exciting adventure!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, A Witch's Journey, animal rescue, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Security Force of Two – Sunday Snippet
Welcome back to Sunday Snippet! This week we take a look at the Halloween party hosted by the town of Aspen Ridge, Colorado in Security Force of Two, a paranormal mystery with a touch of romance. Makes a great Halloween read! Take a peek, you’ll be glad you did! 
What’s Security Force of Two all about? I’m glad you asked.
A former CIA agent and a Special Forces vet return to their small hometown only to discover a murder complicates their lives.
Miacoh Zane, a Special Forces veteran, returns to Aspen Ridge, Colorado a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to settle his beloved grandmother’s estate. But the town holds painful memories and family secrets he wants to leave behind for good.
Candle Bearclaw, a gifted computer analyst/programmer with talents she’s buried when recruited out of college by the CIA. After fifteen years, she abruptly resigns her position with the agency. She returns to her sleepy hometown only to discover her childhood crush has also returned and a violent crime has been committed.
Due to their covert operations experience, Candle and Miacoh are thrown together to assist Homeland Security, FBI, and her father, former chief of police, with a murder investigation. As they search for the perpetrators, will their secrets be revealed as the investigation takes an unusual twist that could blow the case wide open.
Buy Links: Amazon Barns&Nobel ibooks Kobo
Book Trailer
Sneak peek between the pages of Security Force of Two:
“Now, what was that all about?” she wondered out loud. First, the man is all irate, then he… and they say women are moody. Candle finished installing the batteries in the little candle lights, made sure they worked, and finally put each one in a pumpkin. Someone turned off the overhead lights. The lit pumpkins transformed the darkness into a magic Halloween kingdom. The crystal skull’s green glow added an eerie feeling to the room. Candle checked the skull’s light and timer. She held the remote that controlled all the candle lights, turning them off and on several times to make sure everything worked correctly. Satisfied, she handed the remote to Gabby.
Brushing the cobwebs and dust out of her hair, Candle peered at Gabby. “If you’re finished with me, I gotta go home, and let the puppy out, exercise her, then get ready for the Halloween Ball tonight. You know, I am kind of excited about it. Over the years, I may have forgotten how to have fun.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” A giggle bubbled up through Gabby’s throat. “Now get out of here. See ya tonight.”
Arriving at the cabin, Candle unlocked the door only to be greeted by a wiggling, whining ball of tawny fur. “How did you get out again?” Looking around the room, she saw the baby gate formerly wedged in the doorway between the kitchen and living area now chewed on one side, allowing it to fall over. Candle shook her head, watched the bright-eyed, happy to see her, and swept Terra up into her arms, cuddling her close. No use scolding her now. The deed was done. Crossing to the back door, Candle surveyed the area for any other damage and found none.
Terra made a mad dash out her dog door for the far corner of the yard, did her business, and stared at Candle. Her duties done, she raced around the yard, waiting for Candle to join her. Then Terra nipped at Candle’s pant legs and ran away again. She would surely be glad when this puppy phase was over. All her pants had tiny holes all around the bottom from puppy teeth. Terra grabbed a ball, squeaking it as she raced around the yard, finally bringing it to Candle to throw. After several minutes of playing ball with the pup, Candle returned to the house to don her costume and get ready to go.
An hour and a half later, Terrabyte rushed into the house and skidded to a stop barking furiously two feet from where Candle stood dressed in her costume. “Hey, it’s just me,” Candle laughed as the puppy stood there, head cocked to one side. She scooped the pup up and held her. “See, it’s just me.” Candle said soothingly. “Don’t you like my costume?” She chuckled again and put Terra in her crate with food, water, and the treasured bully stick. This time made sure the lock was engaged properly and left the radio low.
Candle arrived at the ball a few minutes early, but it looked like the whole town was in attendance. Fog floated across the floor. Shadows from the lit pumpkins danced on the walls and ceiling as she made her way to where Gabby was standing with her family. “Very nice, Gabby. You did a great job with the decorations. Your costume isn’t bad either. You’re the good witch in the Wizard of Oz?”
Gabby nodded, dressed in a golden ball gown with glitter in her hair and a crystal wand in her hand. “Thank you. Candle, I’d like you to meet my husband, Ben.”
“Oh, let me guess, you’re the Wizard of Oz, right?”
“Yes, Gabby’s interpretation.” Ben laughed, striking a pose in a dark emerald green suit with sequined lapels and a light green shirt with a black tie.
Thanks for stopping by for a peek at Sunday Snippet Security Force of Two! Hope you’ll check the novel out. See you next week for another segement of Sunday Snippets!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Mountain Town Mystery Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Security Force of Two, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
