Welcome Author Pamela S. Thibodeaux
Happy holidays to all! Give a big welcome to Pamela S. Thibodeaux, author of Keri’s Christmas Wish. Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick a Snicker-doodle and Gingerbread cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see what Keri’s Christmas Wish is all about. Thanks for joining us!
Pamela tell us what inspired this particular story?
I am 100% panster so when I sat at the computer with one scene in mind, Keri scrolling through her newsfeed and grumbling “bah humbug” over the ‘Christmas in July’ propaganda, I had absolutely NO idea where the story was going or what would happen. I was introduced to Energy Medicine a couple of years ago and find the whole concept of healing the body – or actually the body healing itself by correcting energy imbalance–fascinating. Along with EM, I’ve discovered the power of positive thoughts and prayers (see: You can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay). Add to that, my belief in the afterlife and the books & movies affirming those beliefs, and well, this story practically wrote itself. What is so amazing and encouraging for me is that Keri’s Christmas Wish is the first romantic story I’ve written in its entirety since my husband passed away in 2009. Oh, I’ve had things published that were already in the works, but other than a couple NF pieces, it is the only thing written from start to finish. Hopefully this means I’m in a much better place emotionally and other books/novellas/stories are sure to follow.
To discover more about Pamela:
Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com
Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux
Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/pamelasthibodea/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jUVcdU
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamela-s-thibodeaux
What can you tell us about Keri’s Christmas Wish:
For as long as she can remember, Keri Jackson has despised the hype and commercialism around Christmas so much she seldom enjoys the holiday. Will she get her wish and be free of the angst to truly enjoy Christmas this year?
A devout Christian at heart, Jeremy Hinton, a Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Spiritual Mentor and Energy Medicine Practitioner has studied all of the world’s religions and homeopathic healing modalities. But when a rare bacterial infection threatens the life of the woman he loves, will all of his faith and training be for naught?
Find out in Keri’s Christmas Wish
Snippet: She awoke in another dimension. Keri had no idea if she was in Heaven, but neither did she fear Hell. Her surroundings were reminiscent of a dense forest at dusk. Shadows danced against a sunset where brilliant colors bled from the sky. A light shone in the distance but as she moved toward it, Keri felt as though she plowed through molasses. Unease pricked her skin. The sound of water drew her deeper into the woods until she stood at the base of a vast waterfall and rapids so swift she dared not attempt to cross the river.
The light grew stronger, brighter. Beckoning.
I need to get to the light.
Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”
Buy Link: Amazon
Pamela thanks so much for popping in today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. I wish you the best in life and with Keri’s Christmas Wish. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Views: 1
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Christmas, Holiday, Romance by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Happy Holidays! Author Lori Sizemore With Infamous!
Happy holidays to all! Give a big welcome to Lori Sizemore, author of Infamous. So get settled in, grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot coco, hot cider and coffee choose
your pot, they’re labeled. Pick a Snicker-doodle and gingerbread cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see what Infamous is all about. Thanks for joining us!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Lori and Infamous.
Lori Sizemore grew up in the mountains of West Virginia and never quite managed to escape them. Lori lives at home with her husband of twenty-plus years and two of her three daughters. She also lives with two dogs, a cat, and five hermit crabs. Yes, five of them. This menagerie and her family keep her busy.
She worked in mental health as a social worker for ten years before making the choice to write full-time.
What defines you as an author? As a person? Are they one in the same?
Perseverance. It’s all tied up together. I came from a dark place when I was no longer able to work again due to illness. I’d been writing for years, but suddenly the words weren’t coming, I couldn’t work outside the home. I felt useless and hopeless.
Then a beautiful thing happened: I realized that while my illness limits me physically, it couldn’t take away my writing. So, I began a journey of writing several novellas that brought me out of that dark place. I further honed my writing commitment to every day, 7 days a week. Writing is my job now and it’s the best job ever.
Did you tell friends and family that you were writing a book? Or did it take a while to come out and tell friends and family you were a writer?
I told them slowly. I asked for craft books for Christmas that first year, and I don’t think any of them thought it would be something I’d commit to as fully as I have. However, it took me a long, long time to own the term writer. I didn’t consider myself a writer until I was writing every day. Published or not, when you commit to a writing schedule and you produce on that schedule, you can’t call yourself anything else.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
I see a little bit of me in all of my characters. Mostly the screwed up parts. I tend to write tortured but snarky characters, and I really identify with that in that people are just really like that. At least, my favorite people are. I wouldn’t consider myself tortured, but I’ve seen some hard times, like everyone else. I just take those dark times and funnel them into my characters.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
Hope. It doesn’t matter what we’ve been through, who we are—everyone deserves to be loved for exactly the person they are. Love doesn’t change us, it helps us become better at being ourselves. I want people to read my stories and say, “I can have a happy ending, too, regardless of what’s happening in my life right now.”
You can find more information about Lori Sizemore below:
Website | FB Author Page | Twitter
Amazon | Goodreads
Lori, tell us a little about Infamous.
Justine Montgomery, daughter of a divorced beauty queen and TV magnate, is a tabloid disaster after her infamous sex tape. She’s so desperate to help save her family’s home she turns to her deal-making dad. Can she prove to him she’s cut out for a career in television or will she lose it all?
Sawyer has his own past and a successful career is his only goal. Seeing Justine fail would mean the promotion of a lifetime, but things get complicated when he develops feelings for her. Suddenly, the lines between work, life, sex, and love are blurry.
They will have to overcome the bitterness of a rejected ex, the controlling actions of her father, and the half-truths they’re telling one another to forge a lasting partnership both on the job and off the clock.
How about a sneak peek into Infamous?
She tangled her fingers through the hair that covered her face and pushed it away. Next thing he knew, she’d wrapped her arms around his waist.
“Justine? Um… what are you doing?”
“I’m hugging you. Taking emotional comfort.”
“Like a leech.”
“Haven’t you ever hugged before?”
“I’ve never hugged anyone I wasn’t going to have sex with.”
“We’re not having sex.” She squeezed him tighter and rested her head on his shoulder. “Hug me back.”
Sawyer lifted his arms and wrapped them around her, his hands cupping her shoulders, pulling her closer. He dropped his head to rest on hers, and parts of him, so deep he couldn’t name them, pulled free and demanded his attention. Her hair smelled like fruit, the kind kids eat in the summer, juice dripping down their chins. “I’m fine with the hugging, but, just saying, I’m not responsible for any physical reaction hugging may induce.”
“Okay.” The word drifted out of her on a sigh.
He wasn’t equipped for this. There hadn’t been a lot of touching growing up, at least not the kind that didn’t end in a busted lip or a cracked rib. As an adult, there’d been lots of touching. But, not like this. The tighter he held her, the closer he wanted to be.
Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
All Romance | Bookstrand | Goodreads
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Infamous. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Views: 2
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Hollywood, Romance, Suspense, Television by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Welcome Author Dee Gatrell
Happy Holidays to all! Looking for Holiday/Christmas reads? Give a big welcome to Dee Gatrell, author of Sweet Sunset releasing December 16, 2016! It’s
available for pre-order at Amazon. So get settled in, grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot coco, hot cider and coffee choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick a Snicker-doodle and gingerbread cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Let’s find out a little about Dee and what she refers to as her dysfunctional family book. But up first, Zack the hero in Sweet Sunset. Thanks for joining us Zack?
Well, I wouldn’t call me a hero, just an average guy looking for someone special.
Zack, tell us about the real you.
What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?
Two of my college buddies were robbed and murdered by two thugs.
Wow, that would make an impression. Did that event change your outlook on life, or your values?
“Change, I wouldn’t say that, but it made me realize how important my family is to me.”
What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?
“I was married to one who liked to rule me. She passed away. Since meeting Myrtle Sue, I realized how much I enjoy her company. She’s zany, sharp witted, and loves deeply.”
What do you consider most important in life?
Helping others. That is why I became a pschcologist.
What is your biggest secret?
I’m not as brave as I pretend.
So you put on a brave front for Myrtle. Good for you. I know you are short on time, so thanks so much for stopping by Zack.
He waves and hurries out the door as Myrtle Sue ambles in the side door.
You just missed Zack. I guess that’s a good think, since I have a few questions for you while we wait for Dee. Tell me a little about yourself.
Who were the biggest role models growing up?
My role models were my mother and my fifth grade teacher.
What kind of man do you want to spend the rest of your life with?
I was married to a man who liked to control me. Now I want to be with someone who is my equal and doesn’t want to control me.
Boy is that totally understandable. So now what is most important to you in life?
My family.
You and Zack have a lot in common. What is your biggest fear?
Not being the best person and not being able to help others.
Thank you for giving us a little insight into your character. Hi Dee, have a seat next to Myrtle.
Dee is married with four children, 12 grandchildren and three dogs, and having many aunts, uncles and cousins, writing about dysfunctional families is a natural for her.
Born in Akron, Ohio, and growing up in Central Ohio, she and her cousins used to entertain themselves by writing plays and charging a few pennies to the neighbor kids to watch them. Once she married and had her own children, she moved to several states with her Air Force husband. To keep her sanity when the children were running wild, she wrote to all her family and friends back in Ohio. She didn’t know she kept them entertained until years later.
When they moved to Florida, she decided it was time to attend college. In her creative writing class she was often told her writing reminded them of Erma Bombeck. When she worked as a reporter for the Galion Inquirer in Ohio, she proofed stories that were sent in. The day she proofed Bombeck’s story and learned the story was about making shell frames from seashells gathered at the beach, she realized Erma was talking about the story she sold to a craft magazine. How wonderful to know her idol actually read “her” story in the craft magazine. She also wrote for the confession magazines and Chicken Soup for the Soul.
In addition to writing, Dee worked for many years as an educational advisor at Seminole State College in FL. Since retiring, she finally fulfilled her dream of writing a novel. She hopes you will read Sweet Sunset and enjoy spending time with Myrtle Sue and her family.
Dee won’t you tell us a little about writing this story. Was it fun or difficult?
It was difficult to write. I tried not to put too much of my real family into it, but some slipped in. I took a class from Mary Buckham and she helped a lot.
Do your characters always act as you expect? Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?
No, my characters do not always act like I expect. I write by the seat of my pants, but wish I could be a plotter.
Oh, I hear you! I’m a panster myself. I tried plotting once, it like to drove me crazy!
Dee, tell us a little about Sweet Sunset.
Myrtle Sue Henderson, widowed, didn’t count on her mother-in-law moving in with her when her husband passed over. But Myrtle Sue’s loopy in-law troubles aren’t her only family baggage—she’s ailed with three adult children who use her like she’s a pair of Depends. With a daughter and two grandchildren attempting to escape an abusive husband, a second unmarried daughter who is pregnant with twins, and a son who refuses to grow up, she’s at her wits end.
Myrtle Sue didn’t figure she’d ever meet another man she’d care for, until she went to church to get away from her troubles, only to find more when her mother-in-law causes chaos and hits an elderly man with her cane and helps herself to money out of the collection plate. That’s how she meets Zack. She figures once he meets her dysfunctional family, he’ll run as fast as he can—away from them.
To learn more about Dee’s adventures, you can find her at – http://deesnews.blogspot.com/ and http://dgatrell.wixsite.com/author
Sounds entertaining. How about a sneak peek into Sweet Sunset?
- Sonja’s eyes widened, and she grinned.I thanked God Adam was blind to Hazel’s faults. “Thank you, Adam. You have no idea how happy I am that you’ll be here for Hazel.” And I really meant what I said.Hazel walked into the kitchen and glanced around. “Who’s here? Oh my goodness! It’s my son Harold. How are you, honey?” She bent over and kissed Adam’s cheek. “And why don’t you ever visit your mommy, you naughty boy?”I rolled my eyes and waved toward Adam. “Hazel, Harold’s been dead for twenty years. This is Adam, Sonja’s friend from the hospital. Remember? He’s a nurse, and he stays with you while I work.” I should’ve added whatever we paid him was worth every penny. He really was good to her.“Oh, yes, Adam, dear.” She frowned at me. “Why can’t you be kind like Adam, Myrtle Sue? You’ve always been so mean to me.”Sonja grinned. “Hi, Nana. How are you?”“I’m fine.” She took a seat and grabbed a muffin. “Who are you? Are you Violet’s daughter?”Sonja narrowed her eyes at her grandmother. “Nana! I’m Sonja, your granddaughter. Myrtle Sue and Don’s daughter.”“Of course.” She laughed and pointed at her head. “You know how it is when you get old. Someday your mother will be just like me.”
Shuddering, I mumbled, “God forbid.”
“I hope you made roast beef for Father,” Hazel said.
“Yes, of course, and I made garlic rolls,” I lied, and then whispered, “Sonja, want some garlic tied around your neck?”
“Mom!”
Hazel pointed at the stove. “Good. And remember, he likes carrots and noodles around his roast beef.”
Adam stood and smiled. “Well, I’ve got to go now. I’ll see you on Monday, Nana.”
“Okay, honey.” She reached into her pocket. “Here’s a dollar. Get yourself something to eat. You’re rather skinny, you know.”
“Thanks,” he said, kissing her cheek.
I walked him to the door.
He handed me the money. “I’ve tried giving her the money back, but she gets mad. You take it.”
I brushed away his hand. “No, Adam. You keep the money. Whatever you get, you deserve. You’re very good with Hazel. Good luck with your new friend.”
Five minutes after Adam left, my son, Terry, arrived.
Terry kissed my cheek. “What’s to eat, Ma?”
I hugged him. “Muffins.” Terry wasn’t pretty like Adam. Instead, he had a rugged look, more like a cowboy. He had those fabulous blue eyes but not the long lashes. His nose showed signs of his youthful fist fights, and his dimples added to his charm. I can’t tell you how many girls called the house for him in his teen years. And yet at the age of twenty-three, he still hadn’t found a special woman.
He grabbed a chair and sat. “Muffins? Don’t you have any real food?”
Sweet Sunset is available for pre-order right now at: Amazon.
Views: 1
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged books, Dysfunctional, family, Romance by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
Joy of the Season Blog Hop & Highway Cafe Christmas Blog Tour from the North Pole!
Direct from the North Pole, welcome to the Joy of the Season Blog Hop and Highway Cafe Christmas Blog Tour (links to participants and rafflecopter are at the bottom of the post)!
Here at the North Pole it’s extremely busy, but we still have time for a little holiday fun and shenanigans.
Let me introduce myself. I’m an elf and my name is Twinkle Bright because my elf hat has twinkle lights wound all around the scalloped edge and the pointy top.
I make yummy Hot Chocolate for Santa and the elves from a secret family recipe passed down from generation to generation. My hot chocolate keeps everyone warm and toasty inside at the North Pole. There is even an automatic dispenser in Santa’s Sleigh providing him with hot chocolate during his travels on Christmas Eve. It goes good with the cookies the children leave for him.
While I am mixing up large batches of hot chocolate, I listen to Christmas Carols from a variety of pop, country and rock artists. I always taste each batch to insure its up to elf standards.
. You would think I’d get tired of hot chocolate, but no — never. I love the steaming chocolaty drink. I usually keep mine in an insulated mug so it stays warm while sampling the cookies in the elves’ bakery. Frosted sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies are my absolute favorites.
Now, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. But you must promise not to tell…anyone. We do a secret Santa gift exchange around here and this year I got Bob, her job at the North Pole is name checker to make sure Santa has all the correct spellings of the girls and boys. One year she spelled Chrys’ name Chris and wow what an uproar. Luckily Santa caught it, but we had to rush to change all the tags on her packages. Whew! I’m getting Bob a package of 120 different color markers in a jewel encrusted case for marking off the correctly spelled names after she checks them. Do you think she’ll like that?
Do you like fudge? Great, I’ll share with you my favorite Fantasy Fudge Recipe.
3 CUPS OF SUGAR
3/4 CUP BUTTER OR MARGARINE
1 – SMALL CAN (5OZ) EVAPORATED MILE (ABOUT 2/3 CUP)
DON’T USE SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK)
1 – 12 OZ PACKAGE OR NESTLES SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS
1 – 7 OZ JAR OF MARSHMALLOW CREME
1 TEASPOON OF VANILLA
YOU CAN ADD CHOPPED NUTS IF YOU WISH.
BRING SUGAR, BUTTER AND EVAPORATED MILK TO A FULL ROLLING BOIL IN A LARGE SAUCEPAN OVER MEDIUM HEAT, STIRRING CONSTANTLY. (COOK 4 MINUTES OR UNTIL CANDY THERMOMETER REACHES 234 DEGREES. HIGH ALTITUDE IT TAKES ABOUT 5 MINUTES). REMOVE FROM HEAT AND ADD CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND MARSHMALLOW CREME, STIR UNTIL MELTED. ADD VANILLA AND NUTS, STIR UNTIL WELL BLENDED. POUR INTO A GREASED (I USE BUTTER) 9 X 13 INCH PAN, SPREAD EVENLY. COOL COMPLETELY. CUT INTO SQUARES AND ENJOY!
For leaving a comment on my blog, you will be entered into a drawing for a $5.00 amazon gift card.
Tales of redemption, magic, wildlife rescue, true love and paying it forward will leave you breathless. A Witch’s Holiday Wedding
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?
Available from Amazon, Kobo, The Wild Rose Press, All Romance, and Barnes & Noble,
I am participating in Joy of the Season Blog Hop and Highway Café Christmas Blog Tour with prizes, giveaways, fun
and games. Please click on the links to visit the other blogs on the hop and tour for more holiday tales . You don’t want to miss out!
We are giving away prizes to two randomly selected winners: 1) an ebook bundle, including books in various genres by various authors participating in the hop; or 2) a $50 Amazon gift card. Please visit the main hop page here to see a list of books included in the bundle.
Enter now for your chance to win!
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Posted in Holidays, My Say What Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, Christmas, Elves, Giveaway, Highway Cafe, Holiday, Holiday candies, Joys of the Season, North Pole, Paranormal, Romance, wildlife rescue by Tena Stetler with 36 comments.
