Winter Blogfest: Aliyah Burke

December 24, 2024 By 18 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win $25 Amazon gift card.

Getting ready for Christmas

When I lived out in Albuquerque for a couple of years, I wisely got into the habit of going to look at all the Christmas decorations that were set around. One of my favorite things to attend was heading down to and walking around Old Town Plaza for the Luminaria Tour. You, can also, simply head down there and walk around on your own without taking a guided tour. Either way, it’s a night to make memories.

If you weren’t aware, the luminarias are paper lanterns which stem from a tradition that goes back over a few hundred years. Sand in the bag that you’ve folded at the top, in goes a votive to sit in the sand. While it sounds simple (and is) the visual it presents when there are thousands of them along the streets, driveways, etc is incredible.

People and their kids, pets are out. I’ve seen friends gathering there to make their own tour, visit their favorite places in Old Town Plaza.

It is an experience I won’t forget. Also, if you decide you don’t want to go there, many of the residents in the city have put together some design of their own in their yard and by their homes, so if you’re wanting to drive/walk around to see some holiday light displays, I feel you just can’t do wrong.

While I’m not generally a larger crowd fan, something like this where I am plied with hot drinks and get to see pets who are out and about, it was always something I got to enjoy.
If you happen to be there during this time of year, take a chance and check it out.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from my home to yours!

Sometimes past demons need to be faced before one can embrace what the future offers, and who better to slay them than a Marine?

Gunnery Sergeant Sam Hoch travels to the Pac Norwest upon receiving word his mentor and the closest thing to a father he’s had, has taken a turn for the worse and is in the hospital. Once there he meets a woman who is unlike any he’s ever met before. A former Marine herself, she opens up her home to him so he can be near his family.

Roxi Mammon isn’t positive it’s smart to allow Sam to stay with her, not with her immediate physical reaction to him. She’s heard tales of him from her best friend, his sister, and now having met him she is even more impressed by the man the Corps has turned him into—a silent, strong type. Passion grows between them and soon she finds herself falling for the Recon Marine. And falling hard.

As things escalate between them, Sam has to accept his past doesn’t control him if he plans on keeping Roxi in his future. Can he understand that this is the one woman who can give him something more? Will he silence the fear within him and tell Roxi she’s the one for him? Will he realise that he deserves more than just a temporary home?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She is happily married to a career military man. They are owned by six Borzoi. She spends her days at the day job, writing, and working with her dogs​. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached here. She can also be found on social media.

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Winter Blogfest: Nan Reinhardt

December 24, 2024 By 3 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win e-book copies of reader’s choice of any two of my five River’s Edge holiday romances. One reader, two books. 

Repeat the Sounding Joy by Nan Reinhardt

I love to sing. I can’t sing. I mean I have a truly terrible voice, but I love to sing. Especially at Christmas. So Pandora’s Christmas Classics starts playing at our house before Thanksgiving and NPR gets switched to the Christmas station on the car radio as soon as B104.5 becomes all Christmas music all the time. I’ve played James Taylor’s holiday CD so many times I’m surprised it isn’t worn through and at least four times a week, I hunt for the Eagles version of “Please Come Home for Christmas” on YouTube and play it while I’m working.

Hello, I’m Nan and I am a Christmas music junkie.

It’s not just the holiday tunes that we all know and love—you know, the ones that send warm little snuggly hugs throughout your whole being? “Winter Wonderland.” “The Christmas Song” (Nat King Cole’s version, of course). “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” “Jingle Bells.” Even the more up-to-date ones like “All I Want for Christmas” and Leonard Cohen’s haunting “Hallelujah,” make me happy.

But it’s the Advent singing that takes me into the holidays with the gladdest heart. All the lovely carols we sing as a part of Sunday worship in December and the special music. “Mary, Did You Know?” “Who Comes This Night?” “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” And of course, “Oh, Holy Night.” My Aunt Ruth Audrey used to sing that beautiful carol every Christmas Eve while my cousin Susie accompanied her on the piano. Aunt Ruth had a gorgeous contralto that sent shivers down your spine when she hit that first “Oh night divine…” As a kid, that’s when I knew it was truly, truly Christmas.

I miss her. I miss those family Christmas Eves and the singing around the piano and lighting the advent candles and Mom reading to us from the second chapter of the gospel of Luke and my grandfather’s turkey dinner on Christmas day. I do what I can to make our Christmases as special as they felt when I was a kid, but even today, it’s the music—the carols, the songs about snow and pie and winter wonderlands and silver bells that truly bring the spirit of the holiday to life for me.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours and if you need a little holiday boost, turn on some Christmas music and sing along. Your heart will thank you.

 

This Christmas he has big plans until he meets a beautiful distraction….

Army reservist Cameron Walker loves everything about the holidays in River’s Edge—celebrating with his big family and carving out more time to work on his custom design furniture in his studio. But when he meets a visiting artist and niece of a family friend, he’s eager to break his work plans for play. He knows first-hand life’s short.

Teacher and artist Harper Gaines is bowled over by the handsome and friendly finish carpenter she meets during her vacation. His admiration for her art and his enthusiasm for life light her up, and remind her of how much she’s been missing since her soldier husband’s death. But when she discovers Cam’s also a soldier, she retreats, unable to risk another loss.

Cam has never felt such a strong connection, and he won’t give up without a fight. But will Cam’s persistence and the magic of Christmas be enough to convince Harper to take a chance on them?

 

Nan Reinhardt is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet, small-town romantic fiction for Tule Publishing. Her day job is working as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, however, writing is Nan’s first and most enduring passion. She can’t remember a time in her life when she wasn’t writing—she wrote her first romance novel at the age of ten and is still writing, but now from the viewpoint of a wiser, slightly rumpled, woman in her prime. Nan lives in the Midwest with her husband of 50 years, where they split their time between a house in the city and a cottage on a lake.

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Winter Blogfest: Mariah Lynne

December 24, 2024 By 3 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an e-book copy of “A Christmas Wish for Love.”  

 

A Taste of Christmas by  Mariah Lynne

Each year, as I unwrap precious ornaments from my childhood, I am reminded of past family holidays. My father immigrated to the US from Naples, Italy and brought this holiday tradition with him. I find it ironic that I now live close to Naples, Florida.

​Southern Italians especially Neapolitans begin their holiday on Christmas Eve with a very special meal, The Feast of The Seven Fishes. Growing up in New Jersey, I remember my mother and father taking me to my Aunt Maggie’s (Michelina’s) on Christmas Eve to celebrate with cousins, aunts and uncles. As we walked through light snow, past bushes filled with colored lights, to climb the two steps up to her front door, aromas of fresh bread, sauces, and homemade desserts greeted us from her kitchen.

​Once everyone had arrived, we gathered in her dining room. Laughter, homemade wine and animated conversations filled the room. An ecru lace tablecloth crocheted by my grandmother covered her long dining room table. Red poinsettias and a special nativity from Italy decorated her sideboard. All the children gasped when we saw the colorful packages underneath her Christmas tree knowing she always had a present for each of us,

​This special night, all problems were left at the door. Only love and happy thoughts of Christmas filled our minds as we eagerly anticipated dinner. My aunt and grandmother cooked all day. My mother brought her homemade biscotti to serve for dessert along with her homemade cannoli.

​The oohs and aahs became louder as my aunt and uncle carried in the platters filled with The Feast of The Seven Fishes. The menu remained constant.: calamari, baccala (salt cod), clams with linguini, crab in a tomato sauce with angel hair pasta, anchovies, baked flounder, and shrimp cooked in olive oil with lemon butter. I’ve watched the Feast cooked by professional chefs on TV, but none could ever compare with Aunt Maggie’s labor of love.

​Living by the sea, I kept the tradition of serving fresh seafood on Christmas Eve. Not as big as the Feast but one appropriate for our smaller gathering: homemade New England Clam Chowder, baked stuffed shrimp or Shrimp Scampi, Parmesan Crusted Grouper and my mother’s homemade biscotti.

RECIPE FOR SHRIMP SCAMPI: ENJOY!

​Ingredients

1 POUND OF LARGE SHRIMP (16-20), peeled and de-veined

SALT and FRESH GROUND PEPPER TO TASTE

3 GARLIC CLOVES CHOPPED– OR MINCED

2 TABLESPOONS FRESHLY CHOPPED PARSLEY

2 TABLESPOONS OLIVE OIL

3 TABLESPOONS BUTTER

½ CUP WHITE WINE

RED PEPPER FLAKES TO TASTE

1 ½ TABLESPOONS OF LEMON JUICE

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side until they begin to turn pink, then flip.  Pour in wine, add red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes or until wine reduces to half and shrimp is cooked through but not over– cooked.  Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley and take off heat immediately. Serve over rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Have you ever had a holiday cookie that came with a set of instructions? You’re about to.

In this sweet, heart-warming holiday romance, a precocious twelve-year-old named Luci, short for Lucia, never met her mom because she died giving birth. Her dad, a Florida Gulf Coast Island veterinarian, loved his late wife so much that he does not date or look at any other woman even though women are attracted to him. He still wears his wedding ring and, every Saturday night, shares a box of her mom’s memories, hoping to keep her alive in Luci’s heart.

Luci’s elderly Swedish next-door neighbor Meta loves Luci like an adopted granddaughter. When Luci’s dad gets called in for an emergency on her birthday which happens to be Saint Lucia’s Day, Luci and her dog Chester visit Meta.

Meta gives Luci a surprise birthday gift as she leaves to take home and open later with her dad. Then the holiday magic begins.

A CHRISTMAS WISH FOR LOVE is an enchanting and inspiring story you will want to share with others!

 

 

Mariah Lynne takes her readers on exciting adventures. Travel through time to catch a thief or be rescued by a handsome knight, outsmart murderers who think they are invincible, and fall in love again with romances that will make you smile and melt your heart. Her heroines are fearless, strong- willed independent women whose stories are sure to entertain you . 

A resident of a beautiful Florida Gulf Coast barrier island for more than thirty years, she loves to weave the local color of islanders into her characters as well as set her stories in the scenic island backdrop that serves as her back yard. An animal lover, all her heroines have pets. Her books include: The Love Gypsy, Shadows Across Time, The Duchess’ Necklace, A Gem of a Murder, Claws for Justice, Paws for Christmas, Max Canine Concierge of Love, and A Christmas Wish for Love.

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Winter Blogfest: Harley Wylde

December 24, 2024 By 5 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an Ebook copy of Venom (Dixie Reapers MC) and swag (bookmarks, character cards, and stickers).

Christmas is a time for miracles, and a time of joy. Seeing the Christmas lights, listening to the songs, or sipping hot cocoa on cold nights fills me with warmth. Despite the chaos of the stores, I enjoy buying gifts for my family. Even when I’m “done” shopping, I still run across things I just know they’ll like or might need, so I end up getting more. My husband tells me I go overboard every year. And I do, but I don’t see the harm in doing that once a year.

I love taking the kids to look at the large light displays. There are two about an hour away from us, but sadly, they seem to do the same lights every year and I think the kids are a little tired of it. So, this year, I’m hoping to find something new for them to do. It’s something we’ve done since they were little, and even though they’re all grown up now, I still like to do those sorts of things with them.

In the past, we’d visit family on Christmas Eve. Over the years, our family has shrunk one person at a time as we’ve had to say goodbye to them. I’d like to think they’re still watching over us. So, the traditions we once had, have changed a bit. But I still let my kids open one gift on Christmas Eve. It’s something I always did growing up, and my mother as well. So, now my children do it too. Even when things are tough, I know we’re blessed and don’t struggle as much as others, because someone has always been there to lend a hand when we’ve needed it.

For some families, this is a stressful time. There are no light displays, possibly not even a tree in their home. They don’t know how they’re going to feed their children, much less buy gifts for them. And if they do manage to get things, it ends up being necessities and not fun stuff. It breaks my heart knowing there are children who won’t get to experience the same things my children can. Those who feel left out when they go back to school and their friends talk about all the amazing things they received or did over the holidays. Which is why I do my best to look for ways to help out, whether it’s a Toys for Tots donation box, picking an angel off the tree at Walmart, or helping out a friend who’s struggling. Sometimes I do all of the above. I’ll even donate items to shelters and rescues. Homeless kitties and puppies need love too.

I incorporated some of that int one of my Christmas romances – Heart of a Hero. It ties into my Dixie Reapers MC series, but it’s book one in an all new series (Swift Angels MC). Dawson is truly a hero at heart, and proves it by saving a single mom and her daughter from a burning building, then welcoming them into his home. The story is a slow-burn romance with suspense, hope, and love – all set around Christmastime.

What’s your favorite thing about this time of year? Do you have a special holiday tradition? Or is there something you enjoy doing for others? Leave a comment and let me know! I always love hearing what other people enjoy about the holiday season.

The unexpected twists and turns in life often lead to the most beautiful surprises.

Nora: If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that life never goes according to plan. But having my apartment burn down was certainly not on my to-do list. Being trapped with my daughter, the flames drawing closer, was the most terrifying thing I’d ever experienced. Until the sexiest firefighter I’ve ever seen came swinging through my window and saved us.

I should have known our heroic rescuer wouldn’t just sit back and do nothing when he heard we had nowhere else to go. So now we’re staying with him, and the more I learn about Dawson Kane, the harder I start to fall for him. But what if he breaks my heart just like all the others?

Dawson: Growing up as the son of a Dixie Reaper, I’ve seen so many couples come together, having fallen in love at first sight. Never thought it would happen to me. Now that it has, I’m going to hold onto Nora and her daughter Taylor with everything I have. Even finding out she’s three months pregnant isn’t enough to scare me off. Her ex causing trouble doesn’t either. I’m going to prove to her she’s worth fighting for.

Now I just have to confess to my dad that I not only helped start my own motorcycle club, but I’m the VP. The holidays are supposed to be the time for miracles, and I’m going to need several! One to ensure my dad doesn’t kill me when he finds out what I’ve been hiding from him, another to make Nora stay with me forever, and the last one to get rid of her psycho ex once and for all.

Uncover a tale of love that defies the odds in “Heart of a Hero,” perfect for fans of romance with a touch of danger.

WARNING: Heart of a Hero is intended for readers 18+ due to adult situations, bad language, and violence. This story is what I like to call MC-Lite and is a slow burn romance. But there’s a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still managing to end on a satisfying note each time.

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book. She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies. Visit Wylde’s website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and other exciting perks.

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Winter Blogfest: Garth Pettersen

December 24, 2024 By 2 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook copy of The Swan’s Road (book #1 in the Atheling Chronicles). 

 

Christmas in the Eleventh Century by Garth Pettersen 

I have been wondering about Christmas in the early part of the 11th century when my characters in The Atheling Chronicles lived. I finally found some information. Here is a quick summary. 

In the early 11th century, the good folk of Engla-lond were either Anglo-Saxons (Germanic) or Danes. Both groups had originally been pagan, believing in a whole pantheon of delightful gods and goddesses.

In 597 c.e. Pope Gregory the Great sent missionaries to Engla-lond with the PR strategy of continuity, i.e. keep as much the same as it was. Yule was a pagan festival (not connected with the Winter Solstice) with an association with fertility⸺it may have involved some ceremonial copulation.  

The Church had decided (in the 4th century) that December 25 would be celebrated as the birth day of the Christ Child, so they turned the Yule fertility festival into a Christian feast day. In Anglo-Saxon the word was “Cristesmæsse.“ Easter was the more important festival for the Church, but around Christmas, the English would take part in fasts, vigils, prayers, and the giving of alms both to monasteries and to the common people, for the full twelve days before Christmas. The copulation part was dropped. 

So there we have the beginning of celebrating the birth of Christ and the origin of gift-giving. The last tradition added during the Anglo-Saxon period was the holiday (holy-day) part. One of Alfred the Great’s laws (there were a lot of “Greats” in those days⸺we’ve forgotten all the “Not So Greats” such as Sven the Slackard) stated no one should work during the Twelve Days of Christmas.” This gave the hardworking folk of Engla-lond a much-needed rest and a reason to celebrate. So there you have it.  

Gesælige Cristesmæsse! 

 

In 1030 C.E., Cnute, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, sends Harald, his middle son, to the Kingdom of Dublin to meet with his Norse-Irish allies. Harald’s mission is to coordinate an invasion of the northern Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd, to replace King Rhydderch who is growing too powerful on England’s borders. Harald is reluctant to be involved in affairs of state, but agrees to go, even though his beloved wife, Selia, is unwell. Harald tells Selia he will not have to take part in the fighting.

Harald becomes involved in a conflict with Dublin’s neighbor, and to appease the king of Dublin, he commits to leading their combined forces in the attack on Wales. The plan is to replace King Rhydderch with Iago, the weaker King of Anglesey. The more Harald learns of these monarchs, the more his allegiance leans toward the man he has been sent to kill. 

Will Harald unseat a strong and just ruler to carry out his father/king’s commands, or will he tread a more righteous road, which will destroy the life he and Selia have built in England?

 

Garth Pettersen is an award-winning Canadian writer living in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, BC, where he and his wife board horses. Pettersen has a BA in History from the University of Victoria and is a retired teacher. His short stories have appeared in anthologies and in journals such as Blank Spaces, The Spadina Literary Review, and The Opening Line Literary ‘Zine. Garth Pettersen’s historical fiction series, The Atheling Chronicles, is published by Tirgearr Publishing and is available through most online outlets. The latest book in the series, The Sea’s Edge, received a first-place Incipere Award.

 

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Winter Blogfest: Megan Slayer

December 24, 2024 By 2 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a bracelet made by the author.

My Christmas Playlist by Megan Slayer 

I thought I’d pull together a list of my favorite Christmas songs. I’m kind of picky about what I like at Christmas. I’m not wild about much of the newest versions of the old songs. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order)

“Jingle Bell Rock” ~ Bobby Helms – It’s just classic.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” ~ Bing Crosby – this one makes me sad and think about the people in my life that aren’t there any longer. But it also makes me glad I knew them.

“Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” ~ Burl Ives – now that I know he was blacklisted, I love it even more.

“Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)” ~ Gene Autry – we sang this song at school. It reminds me of being in the first grade.

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” ~ Brenda Lee – doesn’t she have the best Christmas songs? Besides, how can you not love it and not think of Home Alone?

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” ~ Judy Garland – makes me sad, yet Christmassy, too.

“White Christmas” ~ Bing Crosby – it’s just a classic

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” ~ Bruce Springsteen – okay, I love how he asks how many have behaved and when he gets a poor response, he says, ah…not many, not many. Cracks me up.

“Santa Baby” ~ Eartha Kitt – she makes Christmas sexy 😊

“The Chipmunk Song” ~ How can you not like the Chipmunks at Christmas?

“Little Saint Nick” ~ The Beach Boys – I learned the Muppets version of this song and love both versions.

“When the River Meets the Sea” ~ Paul Williams, but sung by Robin the Frog and Denver with the Muppets

And….

“The Peace Carol” ~ Traditional ~ John Denver and Scooter with the Muppets

I know I left off the Drifters, Otis Redding and Darlene Love among others. They’re on the longer list. What are your favorite Christmas songs? Do you lean classic or contemporary? I’d love to know.

 

Two hearts, one child and the chance to make everything right.

Jamie Starkey has started to wonder about having kids. He thought he had his life sorted out—the job, the life and the house—but he doesn’t have it all. And there’s one man he never forgot. Haddie Clay. Jamie’s long had his heart set on him, except Haddie isn’t interested in him—until now.

Haddie Clay has always known Jamie was the father of his kid. Haddie’s raised his nephew, Chris, for the last ten years, but it’s time Chris knew the truth, that Haddie is Chris’ uncle and Jamie is his biological father. He’s also never forgotten the attraction to Jamie.

Now that they’ve got to work together to raise Chris, they’re going to have to figure out if they want to give in to the desire between them…and be a real family.

 

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

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Winter Blogfest: Susan Howell

December 23, 2024 By 3 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of The Spirit of Vanderlaan.

The Gift

As we enter the holiday season, I’m thinking a lot about my dad who died this time last year. I wonder what he’s experiencing in his new life, while our family adjusts to his absence within our own. I think of Heaven as a place of peace, joy, and the culmination of all we’ve hoped for during our time on Earth. While mansions, streets of gold, and pearly gates come to mind for many, others claim that figurative images can’t begin to capture an afterlife much grander than any of us could dream. Some believe those who have gone before us are with us still, rejoicing in our happiness and comforting us in sorrow; others believe in a separation – albeit temporary – between us and them. Some assume that in Heaven we immediately become all-knowing; others, that our learning will continue throughout eternity.

Like most things faith related, I don’t suppose we can know for certain what the next life holds until we experience it ourselves. I find that frustrating. I would much prefer knowing the specifics. In fact, I really wish Dad would just send me a sign. Maybe a balloon drifting from a cloud with a message inside giving me a hint of what to expect. Or more likely – since this is Lowell Harris we’re talking about – a recording of him strumming a guitar and singing about what he’s seen so far. Oh, how I would love that!

It seems a lot like waiting for Christmas morning to find out what’s inside those packages under the tree. You pick up the one with your name on the tag and examine it. You shake it, consider the size, and try your best to figure out what’s inside – ruling out some ideas and considering new ones based on what you hear shifting around in there. Even when we have no idea what’s under the paper and the bow, if we’re confident in the giver, we anticipate good things. In fact, the anticipation and pondering of possibilities is a big part of the fun.

I believe the same is true of Heaven. Even though we don’t yet know what it holds, we can enjoy the anticipation while pondering the possibilities, knowing the gift of Heaven will reflect the goodness of the giver.

I hope your holidays are filled with the anticipation of good things – both on Christmas morning and in the life to come.

Was it coincidence that brought them together – or a ghost with a purpose?

Susan Harris Howell is a psychologist on faculty at a small university in Kentucky where she has taught and mentored young adults for over thirty years. The Spirit of Vanderlaan draws on that career to capture the camaraderie and warmth between a professor and the assortment of personalities which inhabit her office. While The Spirit of Vanderlaan is her first work of fiction, she has published extensively on equality between men and women. Her first book, Buried Talents, explores gendered socialization and was published in 2022.

Susan is married to Dwayne and has two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle, named Doc.

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Winter Blogfest: Kate Damon

December 23, 2024 By 11 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a digital copy of my book. 

 

My Most Meaningful Christmas Gifts by Kate Damon

At age eight, I received a most meaningful gift. It was a beautiful doll with blond hair and eyes that opened and closed. I had worked hard for that doll. To get on Santa’s “good” list, I cleaned my room and did my chores, along with everyone else’s chores. When I opened the box Christmas morning and saw two big blue eyes staring back at me, I was elated.  I felt as if I could make every dream come true if I wanted it bad enough and was willing to work for it.

At twelve, I received a most meaningful gift.  It was an angora sweater. A year earlier, I had received toys for Christmas. “Graduating” to clothes was a big deal. I remember feeling so grown-up and that gift told me that others saw me that way, too.

At seventeen, I received a most meaningful gift.  It was a heart-shaped necklace from my boyfriend.  I believed at that moment that love would last forever. The chain snapped less than a week later, and we broke up soon after. That gift taught me that some things are meant to last for only a short time, and that we must enjoy them while we can.

In my twenties, I received a most meaningful gift.  Our oldest son was born just before Christmas. It was a gift that both elated and humbled me and I wanted so much to be the perfect mother.  But as I walked the floor that Christmas day with a colicky baby, I realized the futility of that goal. I soon learned that no child ever said that his or her mother was perfect, only that she was the best.  

In my thirties, I received a most meaningful gift.  That Christmas my husband’s company was on strike, and we were down to our last fifty cents.  As I filled our three children’s stockings with nuts and oranges, I dreaded the following morning when they would see how little Santa had left.  Much to my surprise and delight, I never heard one of them complain. If anything, they seemed to be more appreciative of the few gifts they did receive.  That was the year I learned that sometimes less is more.  

I received the most meaningful gift during our saddest year. Our oldest son died a few months before Christmas, and I couldn’t even bring myself to put up a tree.  I cried most of that day and I don’t remember what presents I received, but I do remember one important gift.  For it was that year that I learned that we’re stronger than we think we are, and though we lose so very much with the death of a loved one, we can’t possibly count all the blessings that remain.      

I don’t know what gifts are in store for me this Christmas, but I do know this: the gifts that touch our hearts are the ones that stay with us the longest.

 

The verdict is in; a famed athlete is headed for prison. The jurors have done their job and are free to go back to their lives.

But after being sequestered for three months, life as most jurors knew it, no longer exists. 

HAROLD ASHMAN’s house is almost destroyed when a reporter drives through it. Exotic dancer, CEECEE LAINE, discovers that her boyfriend is two-timing her, and she no longer has a job. Actor ALEX MANNING learns his career is down the tubes, and 72-year-old, HELEN RYDER, discovers her family is plotting to put her in an old folks home.

Then things take a turn for the worse. When jurors start dropping like flies, CeeCee, Helen, Harold and Alex are convinced there’s a killer on the loose. Now the feuding foursome must find the killer before he finds them—or before they save him the trouble by killing each other.

 

When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge. Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita  finalist. Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery

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Winter Blogfest: Wendi Zwaduk

December 23, 2024 By 1 Comment

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win a bracelet made by the author.

The Great Christmas Tree Hunt

Every year my family goes for our annual Christmas tree hunt. Now, this doesn’t seem like it would be that hard, but it can be. We have a couple of fake trees, but there’s something about the smell of pine, the feel of the real needles and the idea of going out to find just the right one that’s fun.

I know, I know. It’s tree cutting. The thing about where we go is that the tree farm really does plant new trees every year, two for every one cut down. So there’s at least that.

Now this story has to do with a couple years ago. We were hunting for that illusive tree and it was a particularly soggy day. I mean like, it’d been raining most of the day. Yuck. But it’d stopped when we set out and we opted to hunt for the tree because it was one of the few days we could all go together. I mean, why not go together as a family? So we head out and it’s mucky. We start strolling and I find a decent tree. I point it out and as poor DH heads over to it…he found a huge puddle. His boots gave way in the mud and before we know it, he’s down. Now, I’m the type of person that physical comedy makes me laugh. I can’t help it. So, I’m laughing. The tot is laughing. DH? He’s laughing, too. Shrugs. We’re strange. But we decided it was THE tree, so we cut it down and made the sojourn home. Thank goodness the seats in the truck are plastic and we could get the mud off.

What about you? Fake or real trees? Got any good stories about going after that illusive real or fake tree? I want to hear ‘em!

The objective—keep her safe. No one said anything about falling in love.

All she wanted was a pint of ice cream, not to be a witness to a double murder. Good thing Emma’s got not one, but two, sexy men willing to keep her safe. As long as she can keep her hands to herself.

Sam’s mission? To find the man responsible for the murder. He’s not going to rest until the streets are safe, even if it means having his best friend guard his best girl. It’s the best option, right?

Quint never dreamed he’d be attracted to his best friend’s wife…and his best friend. He’s got to keep his hands to himself all while figuring out what he wants from life, even if love equals Emma and Sam in Quint’s bed. Is love in the cards or are they going to go up in flames before they get started?

Wendi Zwaduk is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to BDSM and LGBTQ themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com and other websites. She also writes under the name of Megan Slayer.

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Winter Blogfest: Randy Overbeck

December 23, 2024 By 2 Comments

This post is part of Long and Short Reviews’ Winter Blogfest. Leave a comment for a chance to win an e-copy of Scarlet at Crystal River, a Christmas Mystery or any of my novels. Winner’s choice.  

Which Giving Reflects the True Meaning of Christmas? by Randy Overbeck

Christians have been celebrating Christ’s birth for more than 2000 years, honoring this event by doing what God did, showering those we love with gifts. According to the Biblical legend, the Magi may have started it with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, but by now, the giving of presents to show our love and appreciation of those around us has become an accepted, and expected, part of the holiday celebration. (Some might argue this tradition has simply caused Christmas to become overly secular and super-commercialized, but that’s a discussion for another time.)

But what about the practice of giving to those less fortunate?

It would be logical to think this tradition of generosity is a natural development of the true Christmas spirit. After all, Christians believe God did give the ultimate gift—his only son—to those less fortunate, all of us on earth. Those of us who grew up with Salvation Army Santas manning the kettle and ringing the bell for donations or who participated in school canned food drives or who contributed to the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” program at Christmas were taught that such altruism was simply an extension of the real Christmas spirit. Lately, even companies and corporations have gotten into the act of philanthropy at Christmas. Not only do they donate to the poor, but companies like Subaru, Amazon, Target and Chick-Fil-a spend millions in advertising each Christmas to promote their efforts to bring families together, to feed the hungry, to help animal shelters—in other words, to give to those less fortunate.

However, according to annuls of history, this practice of altruism has a more recent origin—though 180 years is only recent compared with twenty centuries. In mid-nineteenth century England (and much of the rest of the civilized Christan world) Christmas was celebrated mostly in small towns, where life was close and interactions were personal. In the crowded, major cities of the time, where life was impersonal and interactions often anonymous, Christmas was largely ignored.

One author and one novella changed that. In 1843, Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol, a runaway bestseller, and it became so popular, its message changed the culture. Before this, the idea of sharing your time and treasure at Christmas with those less fortunate was not a thing. But Dickens’ exposure of the parsimonious and money-hungry Ebeneezer Scrooge struck a chord that still reverberates today. Slowly, in the 1850’s beginning in London and spreading outward, the idea of Christmas started to take on a different, more layered message. Not only was the holiday the time to celebrate those you love and cherish, but it also became the time of year to share your bounty with others in need. (For a more extensive discussion of this transformative Christmas tale, you might want to check out this episode of my podcast, GREAT STORIES ABOUT GREAT STORYTELLERS https://www.authorrandyoverbeck.com/podcast/episode/7f9d3d6e/what-you-didnt-know-about-dickens-a-christmas-carol

It may not have as long a history, but I’d argue this practice comes closer to the true meaning of Christmas than giving your wife another bottle of cologne or gifting your teen son or daughter with another video game. That’s why each Christmas I select several charities who serve those less fortunate and give them a special donation. Now I’m not rich. After all, I’m living on a teacher’s pension and I’m a struggling author, but I do what I can.

In the true spirit of Christmas, I suggest you do the same.

All Darrell Henshaw wanted was to enjoy his honeymoon with his beautiful wife, Erin, in the charming town of Crystal River on the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida during the holidays. Only a pair of ghosts decide to intrude on their celebration. And not just any ghosts, the spirits of two young Latino children. Unwilling at first to derail the honeymoon for yet another ghost hunt, Darrell finally concedes when a painting of the kids comes alive, weeping and pleading for his help. 

When he and Erin track down the artist, they discover the children’s family were migrant workers the next county over. But when they travel there, their questions about the kids gets their car shot up and Erin hospitalized. Torn between fear and rage, Darrell must decide how far he will go to get justice for two young children he never even knew.

Dr. Randy Overbeck is an award-winning educator, author and speaker. As an educator, he served children for more than three decades and has turned this experience into captivating fiction, authoring the bestselling series, the Haunted Shores Mysteries, winner of nine national awards. Last year, the Wild Rose Press released his newest work, an atmospheric amateur sleuth mystery, CRUEL LESSONS, which has captured two more national awards including mystery of the year. He hosts the popular podcast, “Great Stories about Great Storytellers,” which reveals the unusual and sometimes strange backstories of famous authors, directors and poets. He is also a speaker in much demand, sharing his multi-media presentations about ghosts and the world of writing with audiences all over the U.S. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Dr. Overbeck is an active member of the literary community, contributing to a writers’ critique group, serving as a mentor to emerging writers and participating in writing conferences. When he’s not researching or writing his next thriller or historical suspense or sharing one of his programs, he’s spending time with his incredible family of wife, three children (and their spouses) and seven wonderful grandchildren.

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