Meringue Snowflake Magic #MFRWHooks
Yippee!! #MFRWHooks presents MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC, from the Christmas Cookie Series. Available for preorder NOW. Release date November 14, 2022. #mystery #fantasy #romance. Join the #holiday #fantasy#adventure, reserve a copy or two today! Makes a great holiday gift. The people of Raven’s Hollow and Blaze have secrets of their own, will she discover them before it’s too late?
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:
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.
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.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
This is a blog hop! Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks – Your next GREAT read is waiting!
Thanks for stopping in for #MFRWHooks.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, Christmas, Holiday, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, small town, Tena Stetler, Witches, Witness Protection by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
Christmas/Holiday Traditions Around the World!
Fun things about Christmas/Holiday traditions. 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 AND it’s on sale #99cents. A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING. A small town paranormal romance/mystery paired with hope of wildlife rescue, second chances, the magic of family & friends make this a must read. Check out my other paranormal romance/mysteries here!
Next week My Favorite Things About Christmas. 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!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, Christmas, Christmas Traditions Around The World, fantasy, ghosts, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, small town, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 5 comments.
A Witch’s Journey & Holiday Wedding #MFRWhooks
This week I have two #MFRWhooks for you. A WITCH’S JOURNEY and A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING.
So pull up a chair and get comfy, 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 A MAGIC REDEMPTION and CHARM ME!
Shall we start with Award winning A Witch’s Journey first book in A Witch’s Journey Series! The book takes place in the small town of Lobster Cove, Maine where things are not always what the seem.
Click on the Cover to read more or purchase.
A little about A WITCH’S JOURNEY – .Former Navy Seal, Lathen Quartz helps Pepper, a powerful witch, achieve her life-long dream of a wild life rescue, but can they save the McKay magic & their love?
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
A peek between the pages of A WITCH’S JOURNEY:
“What the hell are you doing here, and what have you done to my dog?” Pepper shouted flinging the log to the ground and yanking her cell phone out of her pocket. She tapped in 9-1-1, the operator answered on the first ring. “This is Pepper McKay.” That was all she had time to say, so she left the line open. When she circled her arm above her head, the wind picked up. As she spread her fingers wide, the rain came down in sheets, lightning streaked through the night sky, and thunder shook the ground. The dog glanced up at Pepper, blood clouding its eye, barked once, and barreled into the woods. Mr. Green started to get up off the ground, and Pepper shoved her foot on top his chest. “Don’t move. Or I’ll…”
“You’ll what?” Mr. Green rolled to the side and grabbed Pepper’s leg. Slick due to the rain, he couldn’t hold on and Pepper kicked his side and jumped out of reach.
She sliced her arm through the air. Unseen forces slammed Mr. Green to the ground. His eyes glowed an eerie green. Pain erupted in Pepper’s head. He was drawing on her magic. Suddenly, a rainbow shower of knife-sharp feathers zoomed out of the cabin door, across the air, and sliced through the man’s clothes, pinning him to the ground. Red and blue flashing lights reflected against the cabin’s wet exterior. The sirens’ wail echoed all around her, and Kaylee’s scream broke through the chaos, then everything went black.
Lathen slammed on the brakes as he turned into the driveway behind the police vehicle. A rainbow of slivers rose from the ground and streaked into the cabin. He rubbed his eyes, shook his head, and jumped to the ground searching for Pepper. The 9-1-1 call came in at the police station as he’d finished the wiring and was testing the computers. When he arrived, she was lying on the ground, and Kaylee circled above her screeching. As he knelt over her, she bolted upright.
A little about the second book in A Witch’s Journey Series, A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING –Torn in too many directions will Pepper and Lathen make it to the alter?
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?
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.
There’ll be two more books out in this series by summer’s end. Hidden Gypsy Magic and Chocolate Raspberry Magic. More about them in the coming weeks. Watch for theml
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, A Witch's Jounrey, Lobster Cove, magic, small town, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 10 comments.
Connie Bretes Author of Blue As Sapphires
Give a warm welcome to Connie Bretes, author of Blue As Sapphires released February 16, 2017!
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 Connie and Blue As Sapphires.
National Statistics. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. … 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.
Boy those are scary stats.
Statistics – National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Blue As Sapphires was born from my love of sapphire digging, and gold panning in the beautiful Gem Mountains and Rock Creek River that runs through Philipsburg, Montana. Another issue that I’m passionate about is doing away with domestic abuse. I took the two subjects and combined them into a story that made Marissa determined to survive and overcome her ex-husband’s physical and emotional abuse, and the sheriff, Riley McCade, who is determined to love and protect her.
Tell us a little about Blue As Sapphires:
Escaping from her abusive ex-husband, Marissa Simpson came back to her hometown to start over. She had no intention of getting involved with another man, or with the community she left behind all those years ago. That is, until Riley McCade showed up.
Riley was the Sheriff of Granite County and he commanded a work force of fifteen deputies. He loved his community and went out of his way to protect and serve. When he met up with Marissa, he was bound and determined to get to know her even though she said she wasn’t interested.
The more he got to know her, the more he learned of her past. Could he protect her and earn her love?
Buy Links: Amazon Beachwalk Press Barnes & Noble
A Word About The Author
Connie began her career as a secretary in 1977 for the State of Michigan as a civil servant. She retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation after 38 years as the department’s forms analyst. She has an MBA in Business Administration – Leadership Studies, and a BA in Business Management.
She has six books published, with five more on the way.
Connie spends most of her time behind her computer, writing, editing and researching for her next story. When she’s not there, she can be found checking out ghost towns, sapphire mining, and gold panning with her best friend and husband, Jim. Her other hobbies consists of basket weaving, and jewelry making.
She is a member of RWA’s From The Heart Romance Writers, and Kiss of Death Romance Writers, and lives in Basin, Montana
You Can Find Connie Bretes on:
Website: www.constancebretes.com Blog Twitter Facebook Goodreads
How about a peek into Blue As Sapphires?
Marissa laid back and wrapped her arms around Riley’s neck. She brought her lips to within an inch of his. She stared into his eyes and noticed how tender they looked. She moved in a little more, and her lips met his. He moved his mouth over hers, devouring it. While the fireworks were going off in the sky, Marissa felt her own fireworks. His kiss sent a shock wave through her entire body. Riley guided Marissa so she was on her back and he was partially on her. His Stetson concealed their faces. They continued to kiss and touch, looking lovingly at each other, and then kiss again.
The fireworks lasted for fifteen minutes, and suddenly a flashlight shone on them and voices interrupted them. Three firefighters stood in front of them singing a line from Burning Love.
Riley and Marissa quickly broke apart.
“What the hell?” Riley said. A hint of irritation laced his voice. He abruptly stood up, grabbed Marissa’s hand, and pulled her up.
“We were told that there was sparks on the ground, and we were asked to put it out,” Mitch said, laughing.
“Just who the hell told you that?” Riley asked.
“Heidi,” John, second firefighter, said with an amused smile on his face.
Riley and Marissa shot Heidi a glance.
“We can see that the sparks have been put out so we’ll head back to the truck.” Mitch smiled even wider.
Dave and Cindy stood off to the side chuckling. Someone from the crowd that had gathered around them asked, “Hey, Sheriff, got a new girlfriend?” Ripples of laughter rang through the crowd.
Marissa continued to glare at Heidi. She couldn’t believe her friend would do something like that. As the party broke up, Marissa said to Heidi, “We will talk later.”
Stop by here, http://www.constancebretes.com/news–things.html for a chance to win a free copy of Blue As Sapphires.
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Blue As Sapphires!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Connie Bretes, Contemporary, Domestic Abuse, Romance, Sapphires, small town by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
