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 1 comment.

Dec 8th Meringue Snowflake Magic #99cent sale Sunday Snippet

This week’s Sunday Snippet is on sale for #99cents Meringue Snowflake Magic. Celebrating the holidays with a feel-good read from the Christmas Cookie Series. #mystery #fantasy #romance. Join the #holiday #fantasy#adventure, download a copy or two today! Pssst… makes a great holiday gift. The people of Raven’s Hollow and Blaze have secrets of their own, will Wynter discover them before it’s too late? I created this tale from a “what if” brain storming session with my husband. Turned out to be a very productive session. Check out the product of this session. Many more adventures may take place in Raven’s Hollow. Such as Spring Magic in Raven Hollow, and another story yet to be finished. Happy Holidays!

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 sun was warm through her large side window as she stood sipping her tea and admiring the newly fallen snow sparkling like iridescent glitter over the ground. Glancing at her bag, where she’d secreted her cell phone and battery inside the lining when her handler requested she turn it over she sighed. Never take for granted what you have, for it can be gone in the blink of an eye.

Setting her tea mug down, she picked up the bag and unzipped it, released the cell from its hiding place, installed the battery, and paused before powering it up. Her handler’s last words flowed through her mind. Whether or not your phone actually is missing, remember you can be tracked if you try to use it. A mistake that could end your life. These people are not playing around. She shoved the phone back in its hiding place and turned her attention back to the window.

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 iridescent blue wings and hover above the others throwing snowballs? She blinked, rubbed her eyes, and stared at the scene outside. 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 is this?

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 child with wings, pointed ears, and fur was temporarily forgotten.

Deputy Blaze Nightwing stood on her porch.

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!

Merry Christmas!

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Colorado, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Raven's Hollow, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with no comments yet.

Nov 24th A Magic Redemption – A Sunday Snippet

Sunday Snippet presents award-winning A Magic Redemption, part of A Demon’s Witch Series All books can be read as a stand-alone. My favorite time of year, autumn!

A Magic Redemption Synn is a demon of extraordinary magic and power, but there’s more to her than even she is aware. Gavin knows her faults but she’s captured his heart. Could she really be descended from the elite Guardians Guild made up of magical creatures formed over a millennium ago?

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. Shall we find out a little about what inspired A Magic Redemption ?

Synn appeared first in A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance, where she was befriended by the Demon Overlord himself, giving her a second chance. Though I left her in that book, she continued to dance around the fringes of my mind as I wrote other books in The Demon’s Witch Series. Sharing other characters stories and a chance at their happily ever after. Finally, Synn became demanding claiming she had a story that would tug at the readers heart strings and needed a happily ever after. As it turns out, she actually did. I hope you’ll take a chance and pick up a copy of A Magic Redemption.

What’s A Magic Redemption about you ask:

Synn, a demon, carries extraordinary magic and power, but there is more within her than she dreams. Kidnapped as a child, her captors murdered her family and forced her into training as a warrior assassin. When an assignment goes horribly wrong, she finds herself at the mercy of the friends and family of her intended target. Offering valuable information in exchange for protection, she gains her freedom, but it is not without its challenges.

Gavin Shaughnessy is the publican at his family’s Irish pub. He is certain Synn is meant to be his and isn’t bothered by her past. He must find a way to convince her, their future together is stronger than the dark memories that haunt her dreams.

When her past comes calling for revenge, will their love survive the raging inferno she brings down upon them? Or will the searing path of destruction destroy all they hold dear?

A peek between the pages of A Magic Redemption.

He showered, pulled on sweats, and stretched out on his empty king-sized bed. After his long flight, a peaceful sleep came quickly until Synn’s nightmare invaded his dream world. Gut wrenching terror tore through him until he was able to disengage himself from the nightmare. There’d be no phone call this time. For a moment he considered shifting, but he might need a vehicle after arriving at her home. He yanked off his sweats and pulled on jeans, a sweater, donned a coat, and grabbed his keys.

He found her sitting cross-legged on the bedroom floor. Storm curled in her lap. The usually active pup was lying still just peering up at her. When Gavin approached, Storm moved one ear forward and turned her head to look at him. “It’ll be okay, girl.” He knelt in front of Synn, brushed the hair away from her face. A vacant stare met his gaze into her eyes like she was in a trance. This couldn’t be good.

He’d seen her nightmare. Something was trying to control her. He wouldn’t let it happen. Releasing a breath, he took hold of her shoulders. She’d been like this once before. When she came out of it anyone within arm’s reach could be in danger. Though her magic was tempered these days, it wouldn’t be for long… Changing strategy, he repositioned himself behind her, caught her up in a bear hug, and pushed the pup out of her lap. Storm yelped and went grudgingly but refused to leave her side.

“Synn, it’s me Gavin; you’re safe.” He gave her a little shake. Arms and legs began flailing. She let out a blood curdling scream and kept screaming until he thought the neighbors a few miles away would hear and call the police. He held her tightly, sat down on the floor, and pulled her into his lap. “Synn. Synn. You’re all right. We’re at the cottage.” The screams turned to sobs. She leaned her head back and blinked.

Panic seized her. “Gavin, you’ve got to get out of here. He’s coming for me and will kill everyone associated with me, including Storm.” She reached for the pup cuddling her close to her chest. “I’m so sorry. I knew this would never work. I don’t deserve a normal life.”

“That’s enough. It was a nightmare. That’s all.”

She turned her large aqua eyes on him and raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

A little about the author:

Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-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.

Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.

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

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Demon's Witch Series, A Magic Redemption, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with no comments yet.

Nov 10th A Witch’s Holiday Wedding – Sunday Snippet

As some of you may have noticed, or not, I’ve been sorta MIA on social media for about three months. My hubby retired in November of 2023. We finally got to take the RV road trip we’d been planning for years. So places we landed had wifi and internet, some places didn’t. So… did the best we could with what we had which was sadly inadequate. Good news is that we are back home and will be posting over several weeks about our three-month grand adventure from Colorado through Kansas, Missouri, down south to Mississippi, Georgia, across to North Carolina, and on up New England to Maine with numerous stops in between on my facebook page. We encountered tornadoes, was chased by hurricanes, it was an adventure! We loved every minute of the trip. Please feel free to check it out in the near future at https://www.facebook.com/tena.stetler/ Now I return to you to this week’s Sunday Snippet.

Yippee!! #SundaySnippet presents A Witch’s Holiday Wedding #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. Then there is the matter of the military mission. 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.