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!
Views: 1
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!
Views: 1
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!
Views: 0
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.
Charmed Cocktail Cozies by Maureen Bonatch
Give a Spooktacular welcome to Maureen Bonatch, author of Charmed Cocktail Cozies.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Maureen and her Charmed Cocktail Cozies.
Who loves Halloween more than witches? While writing my Charmed Cocktail Cozy books I thought about how Willow Hill’s retirement community of witches might embrace this time of the year by going all out for Halloween. But there is one problem with wearing costumes and disguises — it’s the perfect cover for a crime. What’s worse than a bunch of elderly witches in provocative Halloween costumes? One dead one.
I can’t wait to hear about Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
What’s worse than a bunch of elderly witches in provocative Halloween costumes? One dead one. Hi, I’m Marissa Hale. I should’ve known that mixing cocktails, costumes, and meddling would end with a corpse.
One of the best things about living at the Willow Hill retirement condos with Gran is that Halloween is a month-long celebration. One of the worst things is that the elderly witches gorge on more gossip than treats. These magic mavens love to get the scoop, as long as they aren’t the headline.
When the informant for the condo newsletter ends up dead at the Halloween party, there are more suspects than skeletons in these closets. While I’m trying to figure out whodunit to the hostess most likely to be stabbed, the thirsty rambunctious residents raid my charmed cocktail station.
My furry sleuthing side-kicks and I might need a few tricks to ensure that things don’t get even more deadly…
“I didn’t realize they were going to clear the shelves of the cheap, provocative costumes from the discount store.” I turned and got my first look at Gran crammed into my cocktail waitress uniform. Her abundant bust was straining the seams. “You could have at least taken off my name tag.”
She put her hands on her hips and shimmied to and fro. “You don’t think people will think I’m Marissa?” She winked and then gave me a once-over. “What are you supposed to be?”
I pulled the hard white hockey mask over my face. My pink hair made it hard to fool anyone since, well that, and being the youngest resident by multiple decades since I’d temporarily moved in with Gran. “I’m a Halloween horror character.”
Gran shook her head. “Why didn’t you wear a sexier costume than those coveralls and boots?”
“Wait, my costume isn’t complete.” I scanned the table where I’d gathered a variety of glasses, alcohol, mixers, and spelling ingredients. “Where’s my machete?”
Gran waved me off. “Let’s hit the dance floor.”
“I’ll stick with mixing drinks.” Not much could keep me from shaking my groove thing, but I was in my element mixing my charmed cocktails. Sometimes the unexpected side effects could be good, like the magical mishap that enabled me to communicate with my cat, Jasper. Other times, well, I was still learning.
“I’m ready for more shots.” Fran Stokes filled her tray as if she were actually delivering medicine with her nurse costume. She didn’t fool me. That prescription pad was nothing more than a place to compile gossip for her next edition of the Willow Words newsletter.
Gran rushed back from the makeshift dance floor and gripped the edge of the table. “Marissa, did you bring a real machete?”
I set the tequila bottle down. “Yes. I wanted my costume to be authentic, plus I needed something to cut the lemons and limes. Why?”
Gran peered over her shoulder and then worried her lower lip between her teeth. “I think I found it.”
I followed Gran’s gaze and gasped. Martha was face down in what looked to be a plate of rum cake. This was an early-to-bed, early-to-rise group, although Martha hadn’t even made it to bed. “Maybe she’s sleeping it off?”
I abandoned my post to follow Gran. When she bent to shake Martha I thanked the goddess she wasn’t wearing a thong today or we’d all be subjected to a full moon.
Martha slumped over, spilling her drink. The ruler she’d been clutching to accent her teacher costume fell from her grip.
It appeared Martha had her last Murderous Marissa Martini. I now regretted using my name for the cocktail, even though it didn’t appear to be the cause of death—not with my machete protruding from her back.
“Maybe this is someone’s idea of a joke,” I said with a tremble in my voice. I’d been fooled by spells before when one of the witches started with the shenanigans. Halloween was one of the biggest holidays for pranks and especially for paranormals. “Are you sure that Martha isn’t trying to combine the sexy and scary look as a bloody teacher?”
“Nope. That’s real blood.”
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbonatch.author/
Newsletter: https://www.maureenbonatch.com/free-book/
It’s been great having you with us today. Good luck with Charmed Cocktail Cozies!
Happy Halloween!
Views: 3
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Charmed Cocktail Cozies, Halloween, Maureen Bonatch, Mystery, Paranormal, Shih Tzu dog, Willow Hill retirement condos, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
