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.
Skeleton Squad tracked down the Halloween Spirit
It has been a long, exhaustive, search, winding through New Mexico, and several towns in Colorado, but the Skeleton Squad tracked down the Halloween Spirit right here in their own front yard. Can you believe it four days before Halloween? It’s a record! Yep, if you remember Octiva, the octopus was searching in this area earlier this month. The Squad is sure that the Spirit wasn’t always in their front yard, but hiding behind the tombstone on October 27th, the Halloween Spirit was found dancing and singing with another couple of spirits. The Spirit saw no reason to stay hidden so the Squad caught the Spirit on camera in its disguise.So Happy Early Halloween to all of you who have followed the third annual adventures of the Squad’s search for the Halloween Spirit. We appreciate your interest and comments. The Skeleton Squad promises to be back next year for another fun filled Halloween Spirit Search and adventure! We hope you’ll join us!
Speaking of Halloween Party. Check out Hidden Gypsy Magic, one of the A Witch’s Journey Series. You aren’t going to believe what happens at the Halloween party.
So lets take a peek into Hidden Gypsy Magic!
Gwen a wildlife rehabilitor, and Brock a veterinarian, discover the consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic.
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
A peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic:
Seven minutes until midnight. Brock opened his mouth to speak, but Pepper beat him to it.
“Isn’t there some way to banish him forever while he walks among the mortals? I don’t have my spell book with me. Guess I should travel with it after all the recent experiences with you gypsies.” A slight giggle slipped out between her lips.
The somber tone in the room eased for a minute. “I mean, in your painting don’t you…”
“You’re on the right path. That’s why I’m here.” Beth smiled wide. “You can’t battle him outside this house. But with the protections afforded us inside the abode, with our combined magic and grandmother’s grimoire we would be able to do exactly as you suggest. Do we have your full support?”
“Of course.” The group chorused with the exception of Jeremiah, still shell shocked leaning against the wall. But Morgan was all in pumping her fist in the air.
Lance stuck his head out of the upstairs room. “Need us to help?”
“No,” Dylan called up to him. “Protect the children. We got this.”
“Good enough.” Lance slammed the door shut.
A trail of mist floated out of the picture, around the room, and settled beside Beth taking the shape of an older woman holding a thick book spread open. “Granddaughter. Are we ready then? We’ve located the…um….” The elderly ghost switched her gaze from the pages of the book to outside the window. “…proper page.” Then the ghost jerked her chin toward the painting where previously all the Colson family had been but now they gathered in the center of the room inside the painting.
“Let’s do it.” Gwen shared a glance at the clock with him. “Only—”
Beth again put her finger to her ghostly lips and shook her head.
The elderly ghost began to read from the book.
“We are witches, this is our creed. We will help where there is need. Days of old, wrongs to right. Let the truth be known this night. Forever banish from all realms Judge John Hathorne’s spirit and soul are bound. So mote it be.”
I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek into Hidden Gypsy Magic. A great Halloween read!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged fantasy, ghosts, Halloween, Halloween Spirit Search, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Salan Witch Trials, Skeleton Squad, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
Hidden Gypsy Magic – Sunday Snippet
Welcome to Sunday Snippets – Hidden Gypsy Magic. Each week I spotlight one of my books, tell you what’s special about it, and highlight an excerpt. Join me each week for this fun adventure.
This week is the award-winning Hidden Gypsy Magic part of A Witch’s Journey Series revolving around animal rescue, magic, second chances, and paying it forward. I’m sure you’ll love this feel good series! Let me tell you a little secret. I’ve always wanted to visit Salem, Massachusetts, own a cabin in Maine, and live in a lighthouse. Sure enough I live out my fantasies in my books.
I love all my books, but Hidden Gypsy Magic is one of my favorites. A house and cabin that clean and fix dinner. What more could you want? Maybe wildlife rescue? Magic? A handsome veterinarian? AND it available in audiobook! Yep this book as it all.
So lets take a peek into Hidden Gypsy Magic!
Gwen a wildlife rehabilitor, and Brock a veterinarian, discover the consequences of awakening hidden gypsy magic.
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
A peek between the pages of Hidden Gypsy Magic:
Seven minutes until midnight. Brock opened his mouth to speak, but Pepper beat him to it.
“Isn’t there some way to banish him forever while he walks among the mortals? I don’t have my spell book with me. Guess I should travel with it after all the recent experiences with you gypsies.” A slight giggle slipped out between her lips.
The somber tone in the room eased for a minute. “I mean, in your painting don’t you…”
“You’re on the right path. That’s why I’m here.” Beth smiled wide. “You can’t battle him outside this house. But with the protections afforded us inside the abode, with our combined magic and grandmother’s grimoire we would be able to do exactly as you suggest. Do we have your full support?”
“Of course.” The group chorused with the exception of Jeremiah, still shell shocked leaning against the wall. But Morgan was all in pumping her fist in the air.
Lance stuck his head out of the upstairs room. “Need us to help?”
“No,” Dylan called up to him. “Protect the children. We got this.”
“Good enough.” Lance slammed the door shut.
A trail of mist floated out of the picture, around the room, and settled beside Beth taking the shape of an older woman holding a thick book spread open. “Granddaughter. Are we ready then? We’ve located the…um….” The elderly ghost switched her gaze from the pages of the book to outside the window. “…proper page.” Then the ghost jerked her chin toward the painting where previously all the Colson family had been but now they gathered in the center of the room inside the painting.
“Let’s do it.” Gwen shared a glance at the clock with him. “Only—”
Beth again put her finger to her ghostly lips and shook her head.
The elderly ghost began to read from the book.
“We are witches, this is our creed. We will help where there is need. Days of old, wrongs to right. Let the truth be known this night. Forever banish from all realms Judge John Hathorne’s spirit and soul are bound. So mote it be.”
Jeremiah rushed to the window, touching the glass with his fingers. The rest of the group followed in time to see the tendrils expand and circle a ghostly shape in top hat and suit, the ground beneath its feet glowed as if molten lava bubbled up from the earth’s core. With a snap, the tendrils and their prisoner sank into the ground leaving no trace except a stench of sulfur seeping into the old house.
The elderly ghost slumped against the wall that held the picture and turned into a white mist returning to the painting.
The door locks clicked, the shutters banged open and the full moon shone brightly in a cloudless star-strewn sky.
Anyone care to take a peek outside?” Brock asked cautiously reaching for the door handle.
Beth’s ghostly hand rested on his. “Give it a minute.” She bent over and picked up a poppet that lay singed on the floor. It crumpled in her hand and turned to ash. She gently blew the ashes into the fireplace. “It is done. We will take our leave but our gratitude will be forever yours.” The ghost faded away.
Next week, a new snippet! I look forward to our next visit!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged animal rescue, ghosts, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Salem, Tena Stetler, Time travel by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
And Their Are Off Again – Skeleton Squad Search
Happy Friday the 13th!! Welcome back to another installment of the Skeleton Squad Search for the Halloween Spirit. The Squad has been eves dropping again. This morning we came downstairs to find the Squad set up on the kitchen island, preparing oatmeal to fuel up for our camping trip.
Finish breakfast, and the Squad has disappeared. We walked outside to finish 
packing. Darn if they hadn’t split up. Half were crawling over the clothes and wagon into the trailer. How they knew our plans, we’ll never know. We certainly didn’t tell the little buggers. The others, Olivia, Toil, and Trouble were searching behind the tombstone for the Halloween Spirit, but quickly diverted to the trailer. Wait until it snows on ’em as predicted tomorrow. <grin> Good thing we have a four season 5th wheel.
Ever heard of the Victor, Colorado Troll? (Pictured above) You’re in for a treat. The Skeleton Squad will have pictures and tales all about it next week so check back as the search for the Halloween Spirit contiues.
Speaking of Halloween, what is more Halloween than a vampire? Only not what you’ve come to expect of a vampire or his stories. My halloween treat, A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance is on SALE for $1.99. What a spooktacular deal!
Let me explain how A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance came to fruition. You know my family loves to camp. Right? During a camping trip we stayed right smack dab in the middle of Glacier National Park. At night around the campfire under a full moon you could hear the wolves howl and the coyotes call. I imagined a vampire running through the bush over the trails, but it couldn’t be an ordinary vampire. And who would he meet on the trails?
Stefan, a Native American vampire, was a character from my first book in A Demon’s Witch Series, A Demon’s Witch. It became a best seller five months after its release. For A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, I wanted to write a different vampire tale, so rather than leave him as the Vampire Council’s assassin, I released him from service and he moved to Montana, took a job as the midnight DJ for a small radio station on the outskirts of Glacier National Park. Different huh? Research for this book was a trip to Glacier National Park and I drew upon my time as a DJ at a local classic rock station KKFM in Colorado Springs. Not to mention several virtual trips to the enchanting land down under, Australia.
Won’t you join Stefan and Brandy on an exciting romantic fantasy where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries walk among us? Some creatures are willing to put aside their differences to work together for the good of man and magic kind, other’s will stand in the way. Makes a GREAT Halloween Treat!
A little about A VAMPIRE’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE:
Stefan is a Native American vampire, former assassin for the Vampire Council. In a twist of fate, he now DJ’s the midnight shift for a small radio station in Whitefish, Montana, on the edge of Glacier National Park where his secret is safe until…
Born in Ireland, Brandy now works as a park ranger and trail guide in the park. During a full moon, Stefan and Brandy’s paths cross in a near physical collision on a trail. Their attraction is immediate and undeniable, almost as if fate demanded it.
Their union was foretold long ago in Irish folk tales where vampires and gryphons, warlocks and demons, witches and faeries must work together for the good of man and magic kind. Is a trip to Ireland the key to unravelling secrets and returning the magic? And even more importantly, will their love survive the trip?
Available at Amazon Amazon UK , Amazon AU, itunes, and Barnes & Noble.
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is an international 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.
See you next week for another Skeleton Squad adventure! Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Vampire's Unlikely Alliance, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Skeleton Squad, Tena Stetler, Vampire by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
