SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY

Please welcome Lynn Winchester, and author and editor I met through our work in Montana Skies Kindle World. Lynn has the most gorgeous book covers. 

Remember to comment to be eligible for the Kindle Fire 7 giveaway on December 24.

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

I loved waking up in the morning and tearing into the presents. As a single mom, my mother couldn’t afford too many gifts, but what we did get, we loved. 

What is your favorite adult Christmas memory?

I love watching my children open their gifts; the squeals of delight, the gasps of surprise, and the “thank you, Mom” will always make me smile.

Is there a Christmas song that’s your favorite?

A.   Secular – Any Christmas song sung by Michael Buble

B.   Religious – O’ Holy Night

Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions.

Every Christmas morning, we have the in-laws over for a breakfast of homemade quiche. After breakfast is consumed, we open the gifts, one at a time. We take turns watching each other open our presents. Once presents are opened, we clean up the wrapping paper shrapnel, and enjoy the rest of the morning. Around lunch time, we head to my in-law’s house where we prepare Christmas supper, then eat it! We spend ALL day together, and I love that.

What about Christmas do you most enjoy?

Spending time with my family.

Is there something about this holiday that drives you crazy?

The commercialism.

What do you hope for this Christmas?

My husband is on-call for his job. I hope that he doesn’t get called out, I would hate for him to miss the day with his family.

Do you have a treasured Christmas food? Would you share the recipe?

Campbell's green bean casserole

I REALLY love green bean casserole! I use the Campbell’s recipe from the mushroom soup can, LOL.

Do you have a book you’d like to share?

My latest is HEARTSONG, one of the Montana Skies Series for Kindle World.

​HEARTSONG Synopsis:

After years of living in her vibrant twin sister’s shadow, shy and awkward Henrietta ‘Rhetta’ Hanlon is ready to spread her wings, and that means heading north to Morgan’s Crossing, Montana. Maybe she'll be able to be herself in the wide open spaces...

The child of a Lakota woman and an American Army Colonial, Mahkah 'Mac' Solomon is caught between two worlds, seeking a place of his own, a place where he can find that one thing his heart is missing. Working at the Wheeler Hills ranch, his heart yearns for something more, and he finds it when lovely, sweet Rhetta comes to visit.

Unused to any man’s attention, Rhetta can’t seem to shake her growing interest in the handsome, brooding ranch foreman. His rare smiles light her afire, and his gentle touch makes her soul sing. But is it her he's really interested in, or the woman who looks like her? 

Though wary of her own feelings, when her sister is kidnapped, Rhetta must depend on Mac to help save her sister’s life. When these two burdened spirits are thrown together, will they find love under the big blue sky or will they allow their fears to silence the song of their hearts?

https://www.amazon.com/Montana-Sky-Heartsong-Kindle-Novella-ebook/dp/B0787GKVH2

Lynn Winchester, Author

Lynn Winchester is the pseudonym of a hardworking California-born conservative, now living in the wilds of Northeast Pennsylvania. Lynn has been writing fiction since the 5th grade, and enjoys creating worlds, characters, and stories for her readers.

Lynn writes charming, romantic romance that focuses on the growth of the relationship and the power of true love. Lynn's historical western Dry Bayou Brides series is a highly acclaimed, bestselling sweet romance series. Keep an eye out for her upcoming releases.

When Lynn isn't writing, she is running a successful editing business, reading whatever she can get her hands on, raising her four children, making sure her husband is happy, and binge watching shows on Netflix.

CELEBRATING WITH CHILDREN IS SPECIAL

Please welcome award-winning author and special friend, Beth Trissel. Beth is very generously giving away three e-copies of THE WHITE LADY, one each to three persons who comment today. Your comment also enters you in the Kindle Fire 7 giveaway on December 24.

Beth Trissel, Author

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

I have wonderful memories of celebrating Christmas at my father’s family homeplace in the Shenandoah Valley with my mom, dad, brothers, grandmother, aunt, uncle, and cousins. The house, called Chapel Hill, is a wonderful old home that is the inspiration behind the old homes in my ‘Somewhere’ time travel series.

Chapel Hill

What is your favorite adult Christmas memory?

I love celebrating Christmas with kids, so holidays when my children were young, and now with my grandkids are very special. We do have an enthusiastic puppy, Cooper, this year who will add to the festivity. Cooper is like a kid.

Is there a Christmas song that’s your favorite?

That hauntingly beautiful carol Lo How The Rose Ere Blooming is a favorite, and I love the theme song from Home Alone, Somewhere in My Memory.’

Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions. 

We used to all go to a tree farm and cut Christmas trees. Now that many of us have allergies and purchased artificial trees, fewer are going and I miss doing that. We should just go anyway.

What about Christmas do you most enjoy?

I like to sit and watch Christmas movies with daughters Elise and Alison, and the small people.

Is there something about this holiday that drives you crazy?

It’s too expensive. I would like to simplify.

What do you hope for this Christmas?

A new grandbaby safe and healthy. Daughter Alison is expecting in December.

Do you have a treasured Christmas food? If so, would you care to share the recipe?

These are old-time Mennonite molasses cookies you roll out and cut into shapes. I am gluten-intolerant so substitute alternate flour.

Mennonite Molasses Cookies

1 cup shortening, 4 cups flour, 1 tsp. salt, 1 cup dark molasses, 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1/4 cup hot water, 1 1/4 tsp. soda

Sift flour and salt together and cut in shortening as for pastry. In another bowl, combine molasses and sugar. Add egg and beat well.  Dissolve soda in hot water and add to molasses mixture.  Combine crumb and molasses mixtures and stir until well blended.

Chill dough for several hours in refrigerator.  Turn out on a lightly floured board.  Roll to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.  Place 1 inch apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 until a deep rich brown. After baking these cookies will be cracked on top.  Makes 4 dozen cookies.

Do you have a Christmas book you’d like to share?

I have three novellas set at Christmas, but am featuring my newest. My November 2017 holiday romance release with The Wild Rose Press, THE WHITE LADY (Book 2 Ladies in Time) is a New Adult ghostly time travel.

I am giving away three kindles e-copies or PDF’s of THE WHITE LADY.

THE WHITE LADY Blurb.

Avery Dunham has always been ready to follow her friend, time-traveling wizard, Ignus Burke, on incredible adventures. This time, though, she has serious misgivings. It's just one week before Christmas, but she cannot get him to change his mind. The usually cool and collected magic-wielding leader is wholly obsessed by the portrait of the White Lady whom he is bent on rescuing.

Almost as soon as they begin their journey, it becomes clear their mission is a trap.

Avery was right: this adventure is not going to be like any other.

THE WHITE LADY Excerpt:

Avery had a few queries on the tip of her tongue, like, “Are you out of your freaking skull?”
If she didn’t ask, Stan probably would. They’d graduated from high school this past June and worked part-time ‘nothing’ jobs, taking a break before college while finding their way, as Avery’s mother put it. Mostly, they were drawn to Ignus like moths to a flame, especially Avery. Not that he noticed.

If only he’d look at her the way he did the white lady. More and more, the portrait seemed to dominate his thoughts. How could a petite, okay short, girl in a sparkly pink sweater and unicorn leggings compete with this tantalizing beauty?

Avery wasn’t plain, some even referred to her as cute, but exotic didn’t describe her. Quirky, sure. She wouldn’t term her brown eyes deeply affecting, and her face wouldn’t compel men through centuries to her side. The best she could do was plead with him.
“Ignus, be reasonable. Please.”

No reply. He wore his stubborn look. Crossing his arms over a lean chest, he tilted his head to better view the femme fatale on the wall above them. The tousled brown hair covering his ears and forehead needed a trim. In his red Zombie Preparedness hoodie with a white rescue logo, gray dress pants, and white high-topped sneakers, he was the quintessential nerd. Most importantly, he was a wizard and time traveler with a passion for rescuing lost souls. His fervor for this particular lady was alarming.~

Get THE WHITE LADY in kindle at: https://www.amazon.com/White-Lady-Ladies-Time-Book-ebook/dp/B075XBTY1J

****Follow my Amazon Author Page and keep up with my new releases: https://www.amazon.com/Beth-Trissel/e/B002BLLAJ6/

***The Ladies in Time stories do not need to be read in order.

For more on my visit my blog: https://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/

CUPID SANTA!

Please welcome my longtime friend and a bestselling author, Sylvia McDaniel. Sylvia has a giveaway to someone who comments. Commenting also enters you for the Kindle Fire 7 giveaway on Christmas Eve!

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

When Santa brought me my bicycle. We lived in a small house in San Angelo and had gone to my grandparents. I didn’t think I would get a bicycle that year, but I was surprised. I had to be 5/6 years old.

What is your favorite adult Christmas memory?

The first year my husband and I went to Christmas Mass - we weren’t even married, but that night, I knew he was the one.

Is there a Christmas song that’s your favorite?

A.   Secular — The one by the Carpenters – “Merry Christmas, Darling” — makes me cry every time I hear it.

B.   Religious — “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem”

Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions.

We’re an odd bunch and really don’t have many. My grandmother, my mother and myself use to give our presents to each other in the same box. One year I received it, the next year my mother, then my grandmother. We passed that box around until it fell apart.

What about Christmas do you most enjoy?

My family has shrunk tremendously, though I love being with them, my favorite parts are the decorations and the lights. I think it’s because when I was a kid we would spend Christmas Eve driving around looking at the lights.

Is there something about this holiday that drives you crazy?  

People at the mall.

What do you hope for this Christmas?  

My year is crazy this year and it’s going to be a quiet Christmas. I’m praying for less stress and for Spring to get here quick. As for a gift…I’d like a smaller lighter Apple laptop computer from Santa.

Do you have a treasured Christmas recipe you’d like to share?

         Cheeseball

          1 8 oz Cream Cheese

          1 Flat can Crushed Pineapple drained very well —this is the most important step

          1/2 Cup Bell Pepper chopped fine

          1/2 Tablespoon Seasoning Salt

          2 Tablespoons onions minced

          1 1/2 cup chopped pecans

         

          Let the cream cheese soften then squish all this together except for the pecans - then chill the cheese ball. Once it’s firm again, roll in the chopped pecans.

          If you like it spicy - add finely chopped Jalepeños.

Do you have a Christmas book you’d like to share?

I'll give away a copy of CUPID SANTA!

Blurb: CUPID SANTA

Determined to find her perfect match, Brie Simpson sets out for Cupid, Texas to test the superstition of dancing naked around the statue and discover true love. Only, to learn destiny betrayed her when she gets handcuffed and hauled to jail.

After complaints about the silliness of people dancing naked around the statue, Deputy Stephen Austin doesn’t believe in the magic of Cupid with good reason. When he finds himself in a jam, with no one to help plan the annual Christmas party, he’s forced to turn to his prisoner.

Can Cupid help a pessimist and a perfectionist come together for the sake of the children and save Christmas?

CUPID SANTA Excerpt:

Brie glanced around the town square at the boy in a diaper with his arrow drawn back. What was a practical, logical woman like herself doing standing naked in a park waiting for the clock to strike the dancing hour? Never one for crazy stunts, she feared if seized by the law, her friends and family would assume she finally went off the deep end. 

Her luck with men was like a bad hand of craps in Vegas. Lucky seven appeared at the wrong time. Sure, this was a superstition. One that could find her looking out between bars. 

But the numbers of couples who admitted to having met because of the Cupid Stupid run proved something about this dance brought people together. Enough people, that here she stood in her birthday suit, hoping the man she encountered would accept her plus size body. 

The clanging gong struck midnight, the ding dong resounding through the park. Ready to get this process started, she began to jog, shivering in the cold as she chanted the words the legend required you say. "Oh Cupid, find me my true love. Oh Cupid, find me my true love."

According to the superstition you had to make it around the boy in the diaper at least three times, more if you were desperate. At the ripe old age of thirty, even the sixty-year-old janitor in her building looked appealing. Eager to marry and have the family she dreamed of, she was willing to risk it all tonight.

On the third lap, she spotted a figure coming around the statue and sped up. 

"Stop," he called. "Halt."

Taking a glance behind her, she detected a man dressed in a Santa suit chasing her and busted out laughing. 

"Stop, I'm the law."

"Law? Where's your badge and gun?"

The jolly old man huffed and puffed. Seemed Santa skipped the gym lately. 

"Deputy Stephen Austin."

The father of Texas? Sure, and she was Pocahontas.

“And I’m Barnie Fikes. Leave me alone, I'm finding true..."

Stunned, she stopped, staring at the man running toward her. "Oh my, you're my true love. But you're old."

As he ran up to her, he slapped the handcuffs around her wrist.

"I'm your worst nightmare. You're under arrest for public indecency," he said. 

His hat fell to the ground and she saw that he wore fake whiskers and his hair was a dark brown.

"Wait, I'm your true love," she said. "No, you can't arrest me."

"Watch me," he said. "Santa is taking you to jail."

"I knew I should have gone to Bride, Texas," she said with a sigh.

Click here to continue reading Brie’s story CUPID SANTA

Sylvia McDaniel. Author

USA Today bestselling author Sylvia McDaniel has published more than thirty western historical romance, contemporary romance and even a few sci-fi novels.  Known for her sweet, funny, family-oriented romances,  Sylvia is the author of The Burnett Brides a historical western series, The Cuvier Widows, a Louisiana historical series, Lipstick and Lead, a western historical series and several short contemporary romances.

Married for over twenty years to her best friend, they have one dachshund that reigns Queen Supreme over the house, a new puppy who is challenging the queen and a good-looking, grown son who thinks there’s no place like home. She loves gardening, hiking, shopping, knitting and football (Cowboys and Bronco’s fan), but not necessarily in that order.
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MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY LOVE

Please welcome Callie Hutton, a bestselling author in two genres--Regency and western historical. Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in Callie's giveaway and to be entered in the Kindle Fire 7 giveaway on Christmas Eve! 

What is your favorite childhood Christmas memory?

Every year my dad would read “The Night Before Christmas” to me and my three siblings right before we went to bed on Christmas Eve. When I look at that book (Yes, I still have the original book he used) those same feelings of excitement tickle my stomach.

What is your favorite adult Christmas memory?

All the Christmases my kids were little. Now I have my twin grandsons, the Twinadoes, to enjoy Christmas with.

Callie's Twinadoes

Is there a Christmas song that’s your favorite?

A.   Secular: "Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart" by both George Michael and Taylor Swift, as well as "A Colorado Christmas" by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

B.   Religious: "Christmas Canon" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and "Mary, Did You Know?" By Pentatonix

Tell us about your family’s Christmas traditions.

I always give a book to each family member every Christmas. My kids and husband are used to it, but when my daughter-in-law joined the family, she was thrilled. She told me last year she looks forward to her book every year.

What about Christmas do you most enjoy?

The music, the decorations, the movies we watch every year over and over, the food, cutting down our Christmas tree each year. And for the past three years, my twin grandsons.

Is there something about this holiday that drives you crazy?

When the stores start it all in September.

What do you hope for this Christmas?

That all of my family is able to gather, in good health, to be together.

Do you have a treasured Christmas food? If so, would you care to share the recipe?

My most requested recipe is for Christmas Crack. Here it is:

CHRISTMAS CRACK

(Saltine nougats)

·       Boil 1 cup of butter with 1 cup brown sugar, about 3-5 minutes until it pulls from the sides.

·       Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray it with pam. Line the sheet with 1 sleeve of saltines.

·       Pour the butter/sugar mix on top and bake in a 375 oven for 7 minutes.  Take it out and put 12 oz. bag of Chocolate chips on top and return to oven (oven off) just to melt.

·       Spread the melted chips with a knife. Cool, then put it in the fridge for 3 hours to set. Then crack it up with your hands.

·       DELISH and very addicting!

Do you have a Christmas book you’d like to share?

Yes, my Christmas Boxed Set with all three of my Christmas stories in it.

Three stories of love at Christmas . . .

A WIFE BY CHRISTMAS: Oklahoma, 1906. Can high school principal Max Colbert marry off that pesky history teacher, Ellie Henderson so he can have some peace? Why is it no one he introduces her to is good enough?

A DOGTOWN CHRISTMAS: Colorado, 1912. Priscilla Cochran has arrived in Dogtown, Colorado to fulfill her teaching contract, but Mitch Beaumont, the man who hired her, was expecting a much different woman. She said in her application she was a woman of mature years. Twenty year old Priscilla steps off the mail coach and falls at Mitch's feet.

MISS MERRY'S CHRISTMAS: Hamptonshire, England, 1813. The Duke of Penrose is not happy with Miss Meredith Chambers, the American governess his new wards have arrived with. He quickly replaces her, happy to have his unwanted attraction to the unsuitable woman behind him. Until his mother hires her as a companion.

BUY LINK; https://www.amazon.com/Merry-Christmas-Love-Callie-Hutton-ebook/dp/B0WMSVSTPE/ 

To one person who comments, I'm giving away any one of my Christmas e-book novellas, either MISS MERRY'S CHRISTMAS, A DOGTOWN CHRISTMAS, or A WIFE BY CHRISTMAS.