New Year’s Eve! How magical those words were to me when I was a child. Without fail, if my mother, an RN, was at home and not at work, we would have a small celebration on New Year’s Eve. This party featured Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, live from the Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City on our television and the inevitable countdown just before midnight. Mom would buy cheese, crackers, and sometimes canned shrimps and oysters. She would have the occasional beer, but for me of course the celebratory drink had always been ginger ale.
I remember watching all those people, dressed up in fabulous evening wear, jewellery sparkling as they danced to the big band sound of Lombardo’s orchestra and imagining how wonderful it must be to actually be there.
I don’t believe I ever asked my mother if she’d ever attended a New Year’s Eve party. But I know that she and my father would sometimes have an evening out at a place called the Brant Inn that featured live music and dancing.
Mr. Ashbury and I married and began our family right away, but still we managed a couple of New Year’s Eve parties. Only a couple, for as our family grew, we instead invested what spare money we had in the children’s Christmas as opposed to a New Year’s Eve party for ourselves.
Haven’t really been out to such a gathering in more years than I feel comfortable admitting. But I still think the moment itself is magical, rarely miss tuning in to watch the dropping of the ball in Times Square, and I still get excited.
I can’t seem to help myself. Here comes a whole new year, a chance for everything to be new again, and anything, absolutely anything is possible! How can I not be excited by that?
Oh, sure, the crap I’m going to be dealing with today is still going to be there tomorrow. Nothing really changes, from one moment to the next. But if I didn’t have hope, where would I be? If I thought that nothing would ever get better, that nothing could ever be new or fresh or a second chance given…I don’t know if I could soldier on. Don’t know, really, if I’d want to.
I believe with all my heart that hope, that having a dream, is as necessary to life as is oxygen, food and water. Those three nourish the body, but hopes and dreams nourish the spirit. This isn’t a new-fangled philosophy, of course. It’s at least as old as the book of Proverbs. Chapter 29, verse 18 reads that without vision, the people perish. And that is very, very true.
Yes, the next few months may be difficult for many. The economy is still in the dumpster and people are still waiting to be called back to old jobs, or to secure new ones. People are still struggling to hang onto their homes, and their sanity. Things will get better, but not over night, and if you’re in distress then months can feel like years. I know that because I’ve been there.
But in the history of the world so far, bust times are inevitably followed by boom times. I’ve experienced such on a personal level, so I know that’s true, too.
In the meantime, why not make a list of dreams and goals and aspirations? If you are in need of a list of dreams to visit from time to time, just to lose yourself in the imagining of them, then those dreams can be anything at all. If, however, you’ve decided that you are going to take charge of your life and create reasons for celebration despite the unhappy circumstances you might be in, then make your list of dreams and goals achievable.
I have a list of dreams and goals. I want to continue to write intriguing stories, experimenting in different genres. I want an agent, and a New York contract (that one’s kind of obvious, isn’t it?). I want to buy a new house that is big enough to give me the illusion of solitude and I want it to have lots of flat land around it! I want to get into a size 14 and I want to dance at every one of my grandchildren’s weddings.
All of my dreams are possible. And having those dreams, believing in them, gives me a solid reason to get out of bed ready to greet each new day.
I wish for all of you every good thing that life can give you, and I wish you peace. Happy New Year!
Love,
Morgan
Coming early 2009 ~ A scorching ménage from Morgan Ashbury
THE LADY MAKES THREE
www.sirenpublishing.com/morganashbury
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday's Words for December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Trinity Magic Coming January 1
For Arleigh Donovan, the year 1639 doesn't pose a problem, but being cursed bothers her a lot. Draped in a newly mortal form, Arleigh believes she still possesses the ability to kill men with love—a throwback to the time when she roamed through the centuries as a beautiful and powerful faery. The Leanan Sidhe spirit within her can rise at inopportune moments and steal the life of any man it chooses. She knows its effect because the death of the latest victim sent her to colonial Virginia as a convicted murderer. When Ryder Kendall magically appears in Caindale cottage on Trinity Island, the enticing but lunatic stranger is the last thing she needs because she has sworn to never love again. Ryder offers a temptation almost impossible to resist but succumbing to her desires might kill him.
For Ryder Kendall, the year 1639 poses an endless parade of problems. His "Weird Sisters" have sent him to 1639 to be a hero, find the woman of his dreams, and continue a dynasty. Arleigh Donovan is the woman he's been waiting for his entire life, but there's a slight problem. She's determined nothing will happen between them and she might be a little crazy. Dealing with a delusional woman and traveling through time are confusing enough, but to see his sisters over and over and over is mind-boggling. He begins to believe they might truly be what they claim—a Trinity of witches that has existed for 800 years. Contributing to his dilemma are the frustrating neutrality of a bantee, a flock of whimsical faeries, and banshees that shriek at the first drop of blood. But the biggest headache by far is his charismatic rival, Cameron Flynn, an immortal known as the Ganconor. Flynn hates the Caindale family with a 400 year old passion. He wants Ryder dead, wants Arleigh for himself, and has a plan to accomplish both.
Now all Ryder has to do is convince Arleigh he won't fall victim to a "curse", find a way to defeat an immortal, save his three "sisters", secure an inheritance and survive the everyday horrors of the 17th century. 1639 is a nightmare for Ryder, but for Arleigh it is a dream come true.
Being dropped into the past creates problems, but dying from sex shouldn't be one of them.
Trinity Magic will be released from Siren-Bookstrand Publishing on New Year’s Day but can be pre-ordered. Information can be found here:
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-trinitymagic-13858-192.html
Thanks!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Angelic Forecast ~ XVII
“Happy New Year,” I say to the heavenly one, once he emerges from a translucent golden sphere. His smile is extra wide and smug. I guess that he and his Sedona have engaged in an act of passion...or several acts of passion. Raising my eyebrows, I don’t ask.
Besides, being the author, I don’t need to. *Insert smug smile here*
“Happy New Year.” His purply eyes tease and glow adorably. “Do you know 2009 is the Year of Two?”
“I do. I do,” I repeat, liking the rhyme. “Will more couples be saying, ‘I do, I do’ in this year of love and romance...in this year of 9 increasing the energy of 2?”
“Hmmmm...that I do not see. It’s more the energy 2 increasing the energy of 9. Although the opportunity for love will abound, despite the downturn in the world’s economy. Universal love between people will come into expression more and more, which is the salvation for All on Earth.”
“Yes, I hope to see that occur.” I sigh, despair tugging at me, despite the cherub’s sweet vibration enveloping me, and his words of hope.
“The more people look to one another to form new ways of community, the faster the state of the world will improve.”
His tone is boldly serious. I nod.
The following week of the New Year brings subtle opportunities for growth in your spiritual direction and in the direction of your heart. Also, look for those lovely subtle ways to move toward your goals, ways which will make you and others smile or simply glow with appreciation for each other. The time for community has come. Every skill you develop toward creating communities during this upcoming year will serve you and others in the future, and in ways which will become profound.
Happy New Year & Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
Help Bring in the New Year of 2013...
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html ~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Kiss from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ http://savannakougar.com ~
Here's this week's astrological fortune cookie:
From Claire, the Mudflat fortuneteller:
12/29 Monday: FEEL CREATIVE? THIS IS A GREAT WEEK TO START A NEW PROJECT. VENUS THROWS IN ARTISTIC NUDGES. IF YOU ARE TEMPTED TO OVERDO, DON’T. COUNT ON SOME HELP FROM THE STARS AND RETURN THE FAVOR TO YOUR FRIENDS. EVERYBODY NEEDS A COMPLIMENT NOW AND THEN.
TARBABY TROUBLE, Mudflat book 1, 2009 Eppie Fantasy finalist
WELCOME TO MUDFLAT, BABY, Mudflat book 2, 2009 Eppie Fantasy/Paranormal Romance finalist
4 Headstones for Nine Inches of Snow and the Ebony Princess!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Romance Junkies gives Forbidden Desires 5 Blue Ribbons
I just received my review for Forbidden Desires from Romance Junkies. Forbidden Desires is the second book in my Tri Omega Mates series and it received 5 Blue Ribbons. For more information on this book and the others in the Tri Omega Mates series visit to my author's page or my website.
Ryland is running out of ideas of how to show his mate that he is ready to be claimed. Deciding to take the bull by the horns, he tells Gregory, the man who saved him years earlier and has been there for him through thick and thin – that he is ready to be claimed. This, however, evolves into a situation that has far reaching consequences.
Gregory is out of his mind with lust for his little mate, but wants to wait until he is ready. Knowing that he cannot have what he wants, he does the next best thing. This results in him having to face up to what was directly in front of him and laying claim to his mate.
After a night of passion, they find out that all is not perfect with their joining –as not only is Ryland unable to talk to Gregory, but they find out that he is a Tri-Omega and if his second mate is not found soon – Gregory may not have a mate at all.
Getting away from the pack for some much needed R&R seems to be the most logical thing to do – allowing Ryland and Gregory to spend some quality time together. However, they get more than they bargained for as not only does Ryland find his second mate, but his mate's wolf is in no mood to share.
After reading a wonderful first book in a series, it is always with a sense of trepidation that I read the second without comparing it to the first. Stormy Glenn has done what few authors have been able to do. She has given us a better book with FORBIDDEN DESIRES, the second book in The TRI-OMEGA series.
This book is a character driven book, it delves into the dynamics of two men who have waited what feels like an eternity to be together, only to find out that in their eagerness to be together they have set in motion a chain reaction that is unstoppable without a third to complete their partnership. Their third is not open to sharing and finds great difficulty in accepting that he is a part of an already established union.
Stormy Glenn has given us a plot, which will have readers putting The Tri-Omega series in their diaries for future release. Sex scenes are definitely not vanilla – they are hot, aggressive and in some case very much unexpected. I absolutely love this book and look forward to seeing where Ms. Glenn goes with this series.
If you're interested in the rest of the titles of the TRI-OMEGA series here's a list of them in order: SECRET DESIRES, FORBIDDEN DESIRES, and HIDDEN DESIRES which is due to be released in early 2009.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Good morning!
It's Christmas, the sun is shining, and last night my new book Syren Song released in the Menage Amour line. Can it get any better? I hope everyone reading today has a bit of Christmas magic touch their lives in some positive way.
Later today, after the family meals, when the kids are playing with their new video games, when your other half is snoring on the sofa, your relatives have all left, take some time for you, indulge, lose yourself in a sexy read from one (or more) of our talented authors here at Siren/BookStrand.
If you'd like something quick (and hot, very, very hot) to break the chill of winter, check out the excerpt for Syren Song, its guaranteed to warm you up a bit (and add a touch of spice to your holidays).
http://www.sirenpublishing.com/blazeballantine/ss.asp
Remember, treat yourself nice this holiday season. You deserve it.
Happy Holidays!
Blaze Ballantine
http://www.blazeballantine.com/
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
It’s Christmas Eve! And yesterday was the eve to Christmas Eve. Yes, that’s silly, and that’s me. Sometimes I can be like a kid, I get so excited in anticipation of things—be it vacations, lottery draws, or Christmas. And yes, it’s about fifty-fifty, how many times I’m disappointed as opposed to how many times I have my expectations fulfilled. But that’s me, too, and at this stage of my life, I’m not going to change.
Since Christmas is the season of love, I wanted to give you some of my thoughts on what love is. I feel as if I have credentials in this area, because I’ve been married for 36 years. Also, I have now published nine different titles and they are all romance books. So, here goes.
Love...is a choice. Yes, it is. It’s not a magical feeling that looks like pixie dust, it’s not music that sounds like violins. It’s a choice. With romantic love, in the beginning we have distinctive feelings inside us when we meet someone. A flutter, or a stirring, or an outright arousal. That is the natural animal inside us coming to the fore, those nature-born instincts that have allowed our species to survive by setting us on the road to procreation. But the purpose of those flutters is short lived. They don’t stay a fluttering all the time inside us forever after. Some of us are lucky enough that we get those flutters now and then through our years together. But that really is rare. So, love is a choice. You can choose to love your spouse...or not.
What do I mean by that? Well, love is a verb. Yes, it’s a noun but it’s also a verb and verbs, as we all know, are action words. So, love is an action! What kind of action? Well, yes, of course hugs and kisses and other physical expressions qualify. But there are other actions we can take throughout the day that qualify as love.
Offer help with a chore, or space so that a favorite hobby may be pursued. Take young children out for an afternoon to give their frazzled care-giver some much needed peace. Bestow a hug out of the blue, or a flower, or a small gift. Think of something your loved one would really like, and then do it for them.
Years ago, when my beloved first got the job he has now, we lived right close to his place of employment. Our property bordered the Quarry, and he would drive one of the company vehicles up for lunch, especially in the winter. Each day I would have a hot lunch waiting for him, as well as warm and dry clean socks. He would take off his boots, then his socks which would be wet from either perspiration or leaky boots, dry his feet on a towel then slip on those warm socks. His eyes would close and he would sigh...and I knew that I had done a loving thing.
So do loving things for your loved one.
Love....is a blessing. It’s not just a blessing for the recipient of the love, it’s a blessing for the giver of the love, and in truth for anyone in close proximity to it. When you are a person unafraid to love, you enrich the lives of everyone in your family. I’ve heard it said more than once that if a man wants to give his children a fine gift, he should love their mother—and vice versa. A home filled with love is a home that nurtures every heart within it. A home where the parents are in love with and behave lovingly toward each other is a home that is absent of anger, fights, and resentment. Those negative emotions steal all the oxygen, so that the young ones in the home where they thrive cannot, themselves.
Love.....isn’t, despite what songs may say, free. In fact, love is likely the most expensive commodity we could ever give another, for it requires us to take our eyes off ourselves and place them on someone else. It demands that we leave selfishness behind and take up unlimited generosity. It means putting the needs of your spouse ahead of your own, and the needs of your relationship as a couple ahead of you both. Love is not for the miserly, or the faint of heart.
But if you can pay that price, then love is also the most priceless treasure you will ever possess.
From my family to yours, may you have a blessed and Merry Christmas—and to those of you who celebrate it, a Happy and blessed Chanukah.
Love,
Morgan
www.sirenpublishing.com/morganashbury
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sandstone Legacy by Rachel McNeely just released
Sandstone Legacy
by Rachel McNeely
Jake Andrews and Katie Weber are the only beneficiaries set to inherit the valuable Sandstone Ranch property. But who wants it more? Jake needs the property to further his successful business and plans to tear down the old house. Katie wants the house to remain and is willing to fight for it.
The people of Treehaven believe the old farmhouse is haunted. Katie and Jake have thirty days to discover the truth and print the findings in the local paper.
Jake doesn't believe in ghosts, but since Katie's first visit to the old farm house, she's been convinced that not only does a ghost reside there but also it doesn't want company.
Together they battle the growing attraction between them, a not so friendly ghost, and the hidden secrets that will expose an enduring love story and a person willing to kill to keep the secrets of Sandstone hidden forever.
"For several years, I've been writing stories set in Regency England. When the idea for Sandstone Legacy popped into my head, I decided to try writing a contemporary novel, but as my critique partners said, I couldn't leave out a tad bit of history.
Having lived in the south most of my life I've always been fascinated by the big old houses. The architecture has personality. I've imagined sitting on the wide porches and listening to the stories of past residents and their lives. So, I wasn't surprised when the beginnings of Sandstone Legacy took form in my mind.
But what about my ghost? My husband has often talked about civil war battle fields near his boyhood home in Virginia and this tweaked my interest. I did some research looking at books about the war and stories of ghostly appearances, visited a Bed and Breakfast, heard their tale of a possible ghost, and started writing." ~ Rachel ~
To read the EXCERPTS for Sandstone Legacy CLICK HERE
New Year Weekend Party
Hi! Recovered from last week's party yet? Well, here's another one.
Join us for a full weekend on December 27 and 28th! There's a new year coming, so -
Look Back. Be with us as we share our favourite excerpts
and chat about how 2008 has been for us.
Look Forward. Be with us as we share our forthcoming
releases and chat about our goals and hopes for 2009.
Share your New Year dreams. Share your hopes and wishes for this festive season. What do you hope for in 2009? Come and tell us!
All welcome! Tell your friends. This is going to be informal and
easy, low key and casual, so come as and when you can.
It's all happening on December 27-28, right here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SirenBookstrand/
Lindsay
http://lindsaysbookchat.blogspot.com
Monday, December 22, 2008
Angelic Forecast ~ XVI
“Happy Winter Solstice,” I say to the Heavenly One. He surfs next to me, riding on a stream of stars.
“Good timing, right?” He grins, lighting up my dark bedroom with a golden glow.
“Darn right, since I was about to visit dreamland.”
“The time of the Winter Solstice is always busy,” he explains.
I lift my eyebrows in question while bathing in the sparkling tiny globes of light falling down on me like rain.
“It is a time when people open themselves to hearing our sacred messages, and call upon us.”
“They receive your light as they receive the longer days of light.”
He smiles from ear to ear, waves his hand and a cascade of jewel-colored sparkles float downward.
I smile, feeling utterly blissful. “This year Christmas day breaks down to the number eleven, then two. A day of destiny and love.”
“Yes. Now is the time to gather all those you love as close as possible. The time for community has arrived, a renaissance of community. The more people learn to live and work together for the benefit of all, the brighter their days.”
“I can believe that,” I mutter, wishing it would occur over night, as I watch him surf from my bedroom, the stars forming like an ocean wave.
The following week brings many moments of great highs and great lows...great joys and great sadness on the world stage. Although, this is a week for giving and receiving gifts from each other, a time for celebrating that we are able to give from our hearts to each other, it is also a time of cleansing, for letting go of those old gifts which no longer suit us, as certain styles of clothing may no longer suit us, or suit the direction of our lives.
Indeed, release the old and receive the new gifts Spirit has for you. Smile often at each other. Enjoy what those you love give you. Look at their hearts for you. And let them look at your heart for them. For that is the heart of our holidays.
Happy Holidays & Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS IN 2012, THAT IS...
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Kiss from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ http://savannakougar.com ~
Friday, December 19, 2008
A Christmas "Ghost" story
In Britain, there is a tradition of telling ghost stories around Christmas.
Here is mine. It's not a traditional ghost story but I hope you enjoy it. It begins like this....
THE BEACH.
I was born seventeen years ago, in the year of our Lord 900. I give the Christian date because I respect Jesus Christ, who cares for slaves, although I will never worship him. Forgiveness is a creed I do not understand.
The name I was given at birth is not important; the villagers of Oslo never used it. They called me a charmer. Or a witch.
Perhaps I was a witch. I hated water and was afraid of the sea. Once, running along the beach with apples, fleeing the tide, I fell and turned an ankle.
A Viking found me. We knew each other by sight, Bjorn Askson and I. Once, on market day in Oslo, he blew me a kiss. He had been drinking, but I did not care. The way he looked at me then passed straight into my memories. Bjorn was handsome, with the piercing glance of a dragon ship. As different from the man who owned me, the paunchy wizard Gagnrad, as a body could be.
Now Bjorn swung down from his horse and lifted me out of that mess of crushed reed-weave, sand and apples. Gently, as if I was one of his precious bales, the silk-stuff which he traded and which made him rich. He set me on his mount before him.
Neither of us spoke. Gagnrad was always scolding me to take care, not to rush so recklessly, nor speak so boldly, forthright as a free-woman. I was silent and still. I tried not to think about Gagnrad. I leaned back against Bjorn Askson's body, imagining, in as many ways as possible, what it would be like to enjoy that well-shaped mouth.
Bjorn smiled, brushing back the tendrils of blonde hair plastered against my cheek by water. I felt his fingers tighten round my waist. He bent his head.
'You are free to choose.’ He slackened his grip. 'I am not Gagnrad.'
Read the rest here.
ESCAPE TO LOVE- SIZZLING EROTIC ROMANCE! OUT NOW!
http://www.sirenpublishing.com/lindsaytownsend/etl.asp
FLAVIA'S SECRET - sensual historical romance set in Roman Britain.
Bookstrand www.bookstrand.com 4.5 Red Roses and Blue Ribbons. 4
Books. Book of the Week at LASR 4 Stars.
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-flaviassecret-11087-330.html
A SECRET TREASURE - romantic suspense set on Rhodes. Bookstrand. The
perfect holiday read. 5 Stars. 4.5 Red Roses. 4
Cups. 5 Angels. 4 Books. 4 Bookmarks
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-asecrettreasure-11086-330.html
A KNIGHT'S VOW - Kensington Zebra and Kindle editions. Passionate
medieval romance. 5 Red Roses. 4.5 Blue Ribbons.4 Stars
A KNIGHT'S CAPTIVE - Kensington Zebra. Forthcoming, April 2009.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
The party is on its way!
Saturday and Sunday we'll be doing an all weekend holiday party. I will be hosting on Sunday afternoon. Lots of hosts, lots of fun stuff!
LAST MINUTE ON LINE GIFTS, no shipping delays - those little robots at the online stores work 24/7 -
If you have fantasy fans in your family, introduce them to the Mudflat series. This urban fantasy is set in present day Seattle with other world elements. Mention names like Harry Dresden and Morganville. Get a response? Right. But fantasy fans already have all the books in those series.
So gift them a new series to download on their eReader or computer. The Mudville series is PG13. The books combine sword and sorcery action with romance. In the Mudflat Series by Phoebe Matthews, the first two books are available now (more in 2009) and are:
TARBABY TROUBLE, 2009 Eppie Fantasy Award finalist
WELCOME TO MUDFLAT, BABY, 2009 Eppie Fantasy/Paranormal Romance finalist
Order at http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/phoebematthews
The Science Behind The Twist
Zane Tollison's wife is running through their cash faster than he can make it. A "Hail Mary" contract with Clearwater Tobacco arrives in the nick of time to keep his fledgling consulting firm afloat, and to unchain him once and for all from his narcissistic wife. Beautiful, brilliant, and estranged Kathy Davis is desperate for a new beginning. The feisty post doc bio-geneticist jumps at an offer from Clearwater, pouring her soul into a development that will revolutionize the tobacco industry. The two are unwittingly reeled into a convoluted plan to steal $12 million. Zane is changing into a carbon copy of Kathy, a pawn in a bizarre genetic metamorphosis, entangling Kathy in a sinewy web of seduction and deceit. Forging a bond that will set the course of their destiny, they fight to overpower the diabolic hold that has taken over their lives. The transformation in The Twist is pure sci-fi, but what if it were possible? As an engineer, I’m trained to come up with a way to make things work. I wanted a heroine who would stand toe to toe with the leading man and a plot that would keep a reader on the edge of his seat. Setting a romance in the framework of high tech intrigue, my technical background turned out to be my best friend. I really had to get into Zane’s head to write The Twist. Women are so different...our emotions, what’s important to us, how we relate to each other. And then there’s the things we take for granted. Hair, nails, putting on your face, the whole bit. It would all have to be pretty strange for a guy. Trying to stuff all of that into a guy’s head was a challenge. Male characters just don’t have the range of emotion for you to work with. I guess that’s part of what makes them guys. As Zane begins his transformation, everything he is grappling with bubbles to the top as a confused mix of humor and rage. After the change it’s like he’s got the hormones of a squad of teenage cheerleaders. Yup, we finally get our revenge on the guys in THE TWIST :)
Can you imagine a world in the near future where it would be possible to become another person? In my new romantic suspense, THE TWIST, the hero actually turns into a carbon copy of the leading lady!
*FIVE STARS* KaseysView
*4 1/2 HEARTS* The Romance Studio
*FOUR STARS* ReviewYourBook
THE TWIST, BookStrand #1 Bestseller
***Available in Paperback & E-book***
($11.69 paperback) (ON SALE $4.49 e-book)
A clever and witty sci-fi romp through big corporations, marriage and the gender wars.
Dee S. Knight , author of Heat Wave
Best Wishes for the Holidays!
Lee
Lee Silver
"Romance with a Twist"
THE TWIST, BookStrand #1 Bestseller
www.LeeSilve
Wednesday's Words for December 17, 2008
It’s that time of year when I once more must come face to face with the two most dreaded words (by me, anyway) in the English language: Christmas shopping.
Even thinking those two words sends a ripple of revulsion down my back. Images flash in my anxiety-heightened brain: crowds and confusion; malls and mayhem; noise and nut bars—and not the kind you eat, either.
If I was half as smart as I think I am, I would begin sometime in January to purchase the items I need here and there so that I wouldn’t have to go through this every year. But a lifetime of living in denial when it comes to unpleasantness kicks in on December 26th, so that I actually forget that such a thing as Christmas shopping exists – until about December 15th of the following year.
I did briefly consider my beloved’s annual suggestion: The Dollar Giant, where 20 dollars gets you 20 gifts for 20 relatives. I think maybe I’ll wait until I’m somewhat older before I do that. Then said relatives can shake their heads sadly and say, “poor Granny’s turned curmudgeonly with age”.
So I have made my first foray into the world of Christmas retailing, but this time instead of the mall, I went to a few of the stores that are right here in my own home town.
I should tell you first that my town (modest community that it is) advertises itself as the “prettiest town in Canada”. With a population of around 9000, like most small communities it is comprised of basically two groups of people: citizens and new-comers. I’ve lived here since 1987. I have found that being a new-comer doesn’t seem to have any permanent negative connotations attached to it. If the matter does come up I have a fail-safe tactic. My brother has lived here since 1967, his wife used to be one of the town librarians and he himself served several terms on town council. All I have to do is say, “I’m Chuck’s sister”, and that usually takes care of any problems before they arise.
Small towns really are, though, what you make of them. I suppose if we had been the kind of people who dive right in to civic affairs, then this unique and picturesque community that has not one but two rivers running through it would sparkle more for us than it does. But Mr. Ashbury and I are both loners and shy at heart. In our beginning years here we worked full time and would come home each night to three kids and various pets. By the time dinner and kids were seen to, our energy was gone.
It’s kind of sad to think that basically we let life pass us by because we were too consumed by the everyday to do much else, but there you have it.
However, we have always tried to shop locally when we could. For the most part we get our groceries here in town, and whenever we need to run to a hardware store, bakery, or even liquor or beer stores, we do that right here too.
We’ve never really gone Christmas shopping in town, though, because we’ve always been in the position of having to get the most “bang for our bucks”—which means going to the near-by mall that features a discount department store.
But this year I decided it would be nice to visit a few of the stores right here in town. And I was looking for something in particular. Something, actually, for myself.
Somehow in the last year or so the plastic sheet I used for rolling out pie dough has vanished. So I have been looking for a replacement, and alas, have been disappointed by the larger chain stores at the mall. So I got it in my head that maybe I could find such an elusive item here in town. What I really wanted, to tell you the truth, was an old fashioned pastry cloth. Do you remember them? My mother had one, and it was wonderful.
The stores in town have it all over the mall, in my opinion. The clerks are friendly and do their best to help you. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they’re quick to suggest who else in town might. They carry a lot of the same items you can find at the mall, although yes, they cost a few dollars more.
But the stores aren’t crowded, and your fellow shoppers know how to say, “excuse me, please,”, “thank you very much”, and “here, let me get the door for you”.
No one had what I was seeking, but when I made my final stop at the largest store in town—one that has been around for more than a generation and features linens—the owner tilted his head in response to my query and asked, “would a piece of canvas do?”
It’s lightweight and unbleached. I bought a piece that is one yard square. I’ve washed it, and I’m going to cut it down to the size I need. And I’ll let you all know how it works out.
If you’ve got a bit of time on your hands this Saturday evening, December 20th, from eight to ten pm eastern, I would be delighted if you would join me for my second annual “Christmas with Morgan Ashbury and friends” chat. There will be prizes and some Christmasy- thoughts, and some book excerpts. I’m being joined by Lara Santiago, Raina James, and my special guest Sharon Ashwood whose first novel is being released early next year through Signet. In those loops that will allow me to advertise a chat, the address and times are below. Otherwise, feel free to e-mail me.
Love,
Morgan
www.bookstrand.com/authors/morganashbury
Please join me for Christmas with Morgan Ashbury and friends
Saturday December 20th 8pm to 10 pm eastern at Chatting with Joyfully Reviewed
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Chatting_with_Joyfully_Reviewed/?yguid=279751114
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thanks to all who voted for my short erotic excerpt in the Midnight Seductions Endless Romance Writing Contest.
I am thrilled to announce that I took Second Place for an excerpt from For One Night Only.
Please visit http://www.sirenpublishing.com/luxieryder/fono.asp for purchase details and more info.
Forbidden Desires - Tri Omega Mates 2
Gregory knew the moment he saw Ryland six years ago that they were mates. Ryland just wasn't old enough to be claimed. So, Gregory bided his time, waiting for Ryland to grow up. But as his desire for Ryland builds, he wonders how much longer he can wait.
Gregory finally claims Ryland only to learn that by doing so, he has endangered his life. Ryland is a tri-omega and needs two mates to keep him grounded and safe. But he hasn't met his other mate yet, which could be a problem. It could mean Ryland's life if they don't find him.
His life at this moment would be so much easier if Ryland would stop working outside without a shirt on. Looking out at his perfect little body he wondered if even that would be enough tonight. His cock was so hard in his pants that he was pretty sure he was going to have zipper marks.
Oh, sweet hell!He groaned to himself as Ryland bent over. His faded blue jeans were straining across his tight little ass. Gregory reached down and rubbed his hand across his aching cock, feeling a small damp spot appear.
Ryland really needed to stop. It seemed that every time Gregory turned around he was doing something that had him all tied up in knots and hard as a rock. Today was no different.
He quickly averted his eyes when Ryland turned in his direction. It wouldn't do to let Ryland see him drooling. He might get it into his head to do something even more aggressive—like drop his jeans. Gregory could always hope anyway.
"Hey, Gregory, I didn't know you were out here." Yeah, right!
"Hey, Ry. I was just cleaning up some of the tack and heard some noises out here. You about done here?" Gregory prayed that his voice didn't betray the arousal he was feeling. It wouldn't do at all for Ryland to figure out how much he was turning him on.
"Almost. I have a little more to do then I'll be done. Jake wanted both pens cleaned up today but I already got the other one done. Why? Did you need me?"
Oh, that wasn't nice! But if Gregory wasn't mistaken, there was a clear invitation in Ryland's voice, one that was very hard for Gregory to ignore.
"No, I just wondered how much longer you'd be. I wouldn't want you to fry out here in the sun. It's a little warm today," Gregory replied, pulling at the collar of his blue cotton shirt.
Warm was an understatement. It was blistering hot and not because of the bright afternoon sun shinning down on them. It was the perfect little body standing right in front of him.
Gregory just couldn't take it any more. He was going to go into town and find someone to relieve the ache Ryland was creating in his pants. He would rather just claim his mate but Ryland still wasn't old enough, not for him. Not for what Gregory wanted from him.
"Look, Ry, I need to go. I have some stuff to do. Don't stay out here too long," Gregory said quickly as he looked away from the tempting chest in front of him.
Gregory turned and shut the tack room door and headed for the house. He needed to go get ready. Get a shower, some clean clothes, and maybe a little cologne. It had been so long since he had tried to attract someone, that he wondered if he even remembered how it was done.
With a little chuckle, Gregory walked into the house and headed for his room. Maybe tonight was just what he needed to get him through the next couple of years until he could claim his mate.
Ryland watched Gregory walking into the house. Now where in the hell was he going? Ryland had specifically waited until Gregory came outside to take his shirt off. He was sure that Gregory would see him, maybe want him. Maybe claim him.
He had been waiting nearly two years for Gregory to claim him. He knew Gregory was waiting until he was old enough. He even respected the boundaries that Gregory had set down.
He had still looked forward to his eighteenth birthday with anticipation. He had been so sure that Gregory would finally claim him. But the day had come and gone, along with a lot of others. And still Gregory made no move toward him.
He had tried everything he could think of to let Gregory know he was ready, baring telling him to his face. Nothing seemed to work. Maybe he should just tell him. Maybe that's what Gregory was waiting for.
Ryland shook his head, laughing quietly to himself as he thought about how he might have been able to skip the last two years of longing and misery just by talking with Gregory.
Setting his shovel against the side of the barn, Ryland grabbed his shirt and pulled it on, leaving it unbuttoned. He just needed to go talk with Gregory and they could get this whole thing worked out.
He didn't know why he hadn't thought of this before. It made perfect sense. Gregory had always been so patient with him. He must be waiting until Ryland felt that he was ready before claiming him.
With a little spring in his step, Ryland made his way into the house and upstairs toward Gregory's bedroom. He would just go in and tell Gregory he was ready to be his mate and everything would be okay.
5 Star Review for Kentucky Woman!
I'm happy to say I've received a 5 Star Review for Kentucky Woman from JERR!
Title: Kentucky Woman
Author: Amber Carlton
Reviewer: Stefani Clayton
Rating: 5 Stars
Heat level: O
A recent widow, Jessie McGee discovers her father has died, her twelve-year-old brother Martin is terrified, her childhood home is in shambles and everything her dad had requested upon his death was ignored thanks to his second wife, Ellie. Jessie doesn’t have time to grieve. Instead she loads her brother and what she can of his belongings and heads home to try and come up with a plan. Along the way, she gets a little more than she bargained for when she happens upon two bounty hunters Cutter Raines and Billy Marlow. Jessie mind whirls and a new plan takes shape, but it is dependant upon these men agreeing to her terms.
This is erotic romance taken to an all time high! During the Confederate war, the South was a battlefield for the passionate. This story manages to combine every element of the Confederate war into an exciting love story entwined in a web of lies, secrets, and happy ever after. I laughed, cried and celebrated every achievement with these characters. Jessie is a wonderful character. Strong, smart but vulnerable at times- she was very real and someone I would have been proud to call a friend. Cutter Raines and Billy Marlow will blow your mind! These two have such depth and so many layers to their characters that I found myself falling in love with them more and more throughout. Martin is twelve but I found him charming in his boyish ways. There were other characters, so many in fact I couldn’t begin to name them all, but they made this story come to life. The sexual dynamics started as a bargain and ended up becoming the sweetest reward. Hot, heavy and sometimes a little kinky but always remained secondary to the storyline. By far, one of the best reads of the year! Add Kentucky Woman to your Christmas list, you won’t be disappointed!
Please follow the link for more information:
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-kentuckywoman-13857-200.html
Thank you!
Amber
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Angelic Forecast ~ XV
“O the weather is frightful, inside your bubble sphere is so delightful,” I say to the heavenly one, as we gaze at the slash of icy pellets with tiny snowflakes interspersed.
“Yes, weather wars are partly responsible,” he states seriously.
I sigh long and deep. “Yes, these days who knows what’s real weather and what has been manipulated.”
“In the long run of time, it will work against them. Those who are responsible. So it has been written by the Divine of Divines.”
“I hope so,” I murmur, wishing things were different, better for all us on planet Earth.
“You will notice as the magical date of Christmas approaches, the light will gradually increase in the skies.”
“The Winter Solstice? When the days lengthen again?” I ask for clarification, although I don’t think that is what the cherub refers to.
“The Winter Solstice is a *7* day this year...highly spiritual.” He pauses, casting forth a golden ball of light which illuminates the inside of the sphere and makes the raining ice crystals appear like tiny striking golden stars. I stare in wonder. “That is, the opportunity to reach for your highest spiritual self and discover a new, bolder way to live,” he continues.
“Yes, we could all glow brighter in our world. Cast our light over each other.”
“Like larger and brighter candle flames.” He waves his hand and for an instant the ice pellets become the brightness of flame, thousands of them.
“Wow,” I whisper. “Trippy.”
“To answer your question,” he croons angelically, “more sacred light is being sent. It will make the skies of beloved Earth appear more radiant...ever more radiant.”
I smile...
For the following week expect the unexpected. Whenever the ‘unexpected’ is the kind you find difficult, turn to your higher self and seek the guidance which is always available. When those you love face their unexpected challenges, advise them from your own knowledge and encourage them to seek spiritual guidance. For now is the time for all of us to share our knowledge and our experiences with each other at an even deeper level. This will bring about new and better ways for us all and lighten whatever our personal burdens are. Such gifts to each other cannot be underestimated in this time of turmoil on the world stage.
Happy Holidays & Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS IN 2012, THAT IS...
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Kiss from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ http://savannakougar.com ~
Next week's fortune cookie from Mudflat -
12/15 Monday: ICE, SNOW, BLIZZARD, ALL THAT WEATHER STUFF, BLAME IT ON A STRONG SUN OPPOSED BY A FULL MOON LAST FRIDAY. ON THE PERSONAL SIDE, BE REALLY CAREFUL BECAUSE THIS WEEK IS PRONE TO ACCIDENTS. YOUR INTUITION IS SHARP NOW. MAYBE YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO IT. - The Mudflat Fortuneteller
TARBABY TROUBLE, Mudflat book 1, 2009 Eppie finalist in Fantasy category
WELCOME TO MUDFLAT, BABY, book 2, 2009 Eppie finalist in Fantasy/Paranormal Romance category
The winners will be announced at the national EPIC convention in Las Vegas in March.
For more predictions from Claire, the Mudflat fortuneteller, and for chapters and blurbs about the 2009 Eppie finalists, seeya at http://phoebematthews.com
Siren-Bookstrand Christmas Party
Hi! Join us for a full weekend on December 20 and 21st when we party away for Christmas!
It's all happening next weekend on the Siren-Bookstrand Group:
Christmas Crackers - Contests. Prizes. Hunks. Christmas Stocking Fillers. (Need a last minute gift? Our Stocking Fillers could give you that perfect present - especially to yourself. There will be excerpts galore to savour, from Christmas -themed stories and from other stories.)
Christmas Dreams. Share your hopes and wishes for this festive season. Be transported as our writers share their 'Couples' First Christmases.' What happens to your favourite characters at Christmas? Here's a chance to find out!
Christmas Times. Come and join in as we chat about Christmas past and present and share good memories and stories. Tell us your favourite Christmas song. Wow us with your best Christmas memory.
Christmas Fun. Recipes. Candies. Drinks. Chatter. Jokes.
All welcome! Tell your friends. Come as and when you can - it's all weekend on December 20-21st, right here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SirenBookstrand/
Best wishes, Lindsay
Lindsay Townsend
ESCAPE TO LOVE- SIZZLING EROTIC ROMANCE! OUT NOW!
http://www.sirenpublishing.com/lindsaytownsend/etl.asp
FLAVIA'S SECRET - sensual historical romance set in Roman Britain.
Bookstrand www.bookstrand.com 4.5 Red Roses and Blue Ribbons. 4
Books. Book of the Week at LASR 4 Stars.
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-flaviassecret-11087-330.html
A SECRET TREASURE - sweet romantic suspense set on Rhodes. Bookstrand. The
perfect holiday read. www.bookstrand.com 5 Stars. 4.5 Red Roses. 4
Cups. 5 Angels. 4 Books. 4 Bookmarks
http://www.bookstrand.com/product-asecrettreasure-11086-330.html
[Mistletoe and ribbon from http://www.clipartof.com]
Friday, December 12, 2008
Midnight Rodeo
When the rodeo rolls into town, bar owner Talia's only interest is the extra money the increase in trade will bring. What she doesn't yet know is how the sexy blond Reb and the dark, mysterious Cody will make her question everything she ever believed about men, sex and her own desires.
Not only are the cowboys lifelong buddies but they also seem to have the same taste in women--each sending her clear and persistent signals that they want her while fully aware of the interest of their friend.
Unable to resist the lure of her own private rodeo, she succumbs to the cowboys' overwhelming mutual seduction. The relationship intensifies, sparking a rivalry between the friends that forces Talia to choose between them.
As the Rodeo leaves town again, will Talia have nothing but hot memories to remember it by--or will she be giving the cowboy of her dreams a Midnight Rodeo of his own?
Watch a video of Midnight Rodeo
"This story was fun to write! Who wouldn't love not one but two sexy cowboys, both determined to drive you wild? Cody and Reb are as visually different as two men can be - one blonde and serious, the other dark and brooding - but they have one important thing in common. They both want Talia!" ~ Luxie
Thursday, December 11, 2008
New trailer for Serena's Song, by Raina James
Good afternoon,everyone.
Congratulations to the Lovely Lara on her new release, The Mistletoe Mistake. That cover sure is tantalizing -- yum! -- and I have no doubt it will be an exciting read. Lara sure knows how to keep the words sizzling on the page.
I'm just going to slide in quickly with an invite to check out the new video trailer for Serena's Song, my contemporary romance. I am so thrilled with what my friend, Andy Tomec, came up with, I just had to share. Please don't hesitate to tell me what you think. :)
Raina
:)
http://rainajames.com/
The Mistletoe Mistake by Lara Santiago Releases Today!
Blind Date After Dark 3
The Mistletoe Mistake
By Lara Santiago
Erica Porter's new job might be her last. Kissing your married boss has a way of getting you fired. But the man under the mistletoe isn't who he seems and as their relationship grows, so do the secrets. How much longer will she have to pay for her mistletoe mistake?
Quentin Thorne has successfully avoided getting caught under the mistletoe for the bulk of his adult life without regret. However, his brother's new employee is about to change his views on Scandinavian legend.
Sensuality Rating: SCORCHING
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Length: 19,000 words
"Have you ever been on a blind date? Chicken that I am, I never went on one so now I explore the concept of blind dates and their infinite possibilities in my writing. Hope you enjoy my vivid imagination in the Blind Date After Dark series." ~ Lara ~
This is my latest "holiday" story. :)
Check it out.
L
To read an EXCERPT CLICK HERE
To purchase The Mistletoe Mistake CLICK HERE
Glowing Review for "Mucho Caliente!"
Reviewed by Terri for Night Owl Romance, December 2008 (www.nightowlromance.com)
Score: 4.75 / 5 Hearts / Reviewer Top Pick
Gemma Talbot is beautiful, intelligent, on her way to Ibiza, and recently divorced. Her ex, Richard, left her for an older woman telling Gemma that she was too immature and impulsive. It didn’t help that Gemma instead of listening to the music popular in her 20s listened to the current popular music in her late 30s. Now, she’s ready to take control of her life and start a new chapter. She’s off to stay with a friend and earn living painting old chandeliers. Little did she dream or imagine that her life was about to change sitting in coach on an airplane.
Latin heart-throb, Emilio Caliente, decided on the spur of the moment to run away from his manager, his last single flopping and his recording label not happy with his new album. That’s why he is sitting in coach in a not very good disguise. All he wants is a little peace and quiet. Talking to the woman next to him on the plane wasn’t on his agenda but he was taught to be polite.
Upon landing, a mix up of bags and a need of a ride seem to force these two very unlikely people into each others company where they find themselves wanting to know more about the other. Add several members of a fan club, the ex husband, a psycho manager and a lot of misunderstandings and you end up with a seriously fun book to read with more twists and turns than expected.
This book doesn’t just gloss over the insecurities of either main character but lets the reader live through them with the characters. What woman doesn’t worry about those extra pounds and sagging especially when standing next to some young thing? How do you deal with a morning after with a rock star? And is she after me or my fame? And how do I find out without seeming like an egotistical jerk? Better yet, how do you deal with your ex when you’re with your new friend? These problems and more are realized and resolved though not always easily, quickly or in the way expected.
Because you saw the characters flaws and concerns, they became real. Not only did the main characters seem real but the other characters were given enough depth that you felt as though you knew them. The secondary characters added interest and gave a more rounded feel to the story. Emilio’s band was important to his life so it makes sense that they should interact with him. Gemma was going to live with a friend so having her around was natural. These personal relationships made the give and take of daily living and the rough road of a new relationship have a context.
My only confusion was the references to high school. High school is a US school and though Gemma being in the US was briefly mentioned most of her past was European based making a US upbringing hard to imagine. Still, it was a very small issue and didn’t really distract from the story. I’m thinking this was to appeal to US readers who for the most part don’t understand or know anything about schools in other countries. But, it is pretty much a minor detail.
I loved the way Gemma’s thoughts and fears were made known and shown. I loved that she was a regular woman just like me and my friends. I liked that there were problems and life didn’t go smoothly. I think the best part was the ending and that I’m not sharing! This was one twist and turn that I didn’t expect and fully appreciated."
"MUCHO CALIENTE! - Wish upon a Latino Superstar"
An effervescent romantic comedy
http://www.francescaprescott.com/
Amazon.com: Mucho Caliente!: Francesca Prescott: Books
Mucho Caliente! - BookStrand.com
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I'm So Excited!
~Keta Diablo
Wednesday's Words for December 10, 2008
As the Christmas season approaches, I’m reminded of the opening line of a Dickens’ classic. No, not A Christmas Carol, but A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
That’s what this season is for a lot of people, and I suspect that this year it will be more of the latter than the former, and for a lot more people than in years past.
Being laid off from a job is bad, but it feels a lot worse when it happens just before Christmas. We all know that we’re supposed to live wisely, putting money away for ‘a rainy day’. We all know that, but really, few of us do. So when life decides it’s time to kick us in the butt, we’re left woefully unprepared.
Christmas is also a time for family and friends, and so consequently a time when we miss our departed loved ones the most. This is something I know about firsthand. At this time of year, there is always at least one day when I simply break. So many of my loved ones are gone. My mother, my father; my mother-in-law, my father-in-law. My best friend Jim, who has been gone twelve years already! A granddaughter who never got to see even her first Christmas, and of course, her daddy—my son.
As much as I’m a care-taker, as much as I enjoy doing for others, December more than any other month sees days when I wish I was tucked away in a mountain cabin somewhere, with books to read, music and a fireplace, a bit of food—alone.
That’s normal, I think, and something that those who’ve never suffered real loss have difficulty understanding. Usually, when we encounter people who are suffering the blues this time of year, our first instinct is to cheer them up. That’s a good instinct, one worthy of pursuit. Just don’t be overly upset if the cheering doesn’t work one hundred percent. Sometimes, no matter how long it’s been since our loss, it’s necessary to grieve just a little bit more from time to time.
How I feel about Christmas has changed through the years. Is it like that for you, too? We look forward to the holiday with almost euphoric joy when we’re kids, because Santa Claus is coming! We believe in magic, that anything is possible.
Then as we become teens and young adults, we still look forward to the holiday with some anticipation, for although Santa no longer brings us toys, hopefully Mom and Dad got the hint and got us that one really great present we want. If we’re in our early twenties, newly employed, we’re also excited waiting to see what Mom and Dad think of the gift—sometimes the first real gift—we got for them.
Then when we are beginning our families, and our children are small, Christmas is once more joyful, as we do everything in our power to surprise and please our little ones. For us at that point, it’s all about the smiles and the eyes wide with wonder.
Then sometimes, providing a bountiful Christmas for our growing families can be a bit stressful. It seems as if each year things cost more, and sometimes our means don’t quite match our ambitions. We do our best, but sometimes we’re left feeling inadequate—and for a few years, we may dread the Yuletide for this very reason.
I’d like to think that as we continue to age, and as we become grandparents that our pleasure and anticipation of this holiday comes full circle. Because we’ve lived and struggled, lost and endured, our pleasure is deeper, more meaningful now—joy tempered with every other emotion under the sun, yet still sparkling with just a touch of magic.
Our enjoyment of the holiday no longer comes from things wrapped and placed under the boughs of a decorated tree, or items purchased at the local mall. Our pleasure comes instead from time spent together, the music of conversation and laughter, and memories we make that will last the rest of our lives.
Love,
Morgan
AVAILABLE NOW!
A LITTLE R & R
A mainstream romance
www.bookstrand.com/authors/morganashbury
Monday, December 8, 2008
THIS WEEK'S PREDICTION FROM CLAIRE -
The heroine of the Mudflat series is a fortune teller and this is her prediction for this week:
12/08 Monday: THE SUN MAY NOT BE SHINING IN YOUR PERSONAL SKY BUT IT GIVES STRENGTH AND GENEROSITY TO THE WEEK. YOU COULD SPEND TOO MUCH, BUT HEY, ISN’T THAT ALWAYS TRUE THIS TIME OF YEAR? CREATIVITY PEAKS SO TRY OUT YOUR NEW IDEAS.
The first two Mudflat books are finalists for Eppies. TARBABY TROUBLE is in fantasy and WELCOME TO MUDFLAT, BABY is in the fantasy/paranormal romance category. The winners will be announced at the EPIC convention in Las Vegas in MARCH, 2009.
For more info, video, Claire's predictions, and a bunch more stuff, check my website at http://phoebematthews.com
Or just go ahead and order the books at http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/phoebematthews
Sex Or Suffer by Lara Santiago Releases Today!
Dark Colony 1
SEX OR SUFFER
By Lara Santiago
Devastated to discover she harbors the SOS virus, medical researcher, Dr. Penelope Drake hires Captain Gray Wyckoff to take her across the galaxy to the cure on Parsec Five. As Penelope fights for a permanent remedy to cure this monstrous disease, the deplorable question in her mind repeats: How did she contract the virus in the first place?
Captain Gray Wyckoff burns every bridge he's ever built to get Penelope there, only to find she can't deliver the payment she's promised. Serving as her temporary sexual cure along the way only adds to his feelings of betrayal. He thought he loved her. Now he's not sure he can forgive her. Love her? Leave her? The choice between sex or suffering has never been so hard to make.
Especially when he has to watch her have sex with another man.
Sensuality Rating: SCORCHING
Genre: Erotic Sci-Fi Romance, Multiple Sex Partners
Length: 71,322 words
"Being a romantic at heart, my favorite stories are those where love is discovered between a hero and heroine and the ultimate struggles they face to be together. Why then would a woman decide to sleep with two different men? That provocative question began this book and my answer came in the form of a virus called Sex or Suffer. Enjoy." ~ Lara
To read an excerpt CLICK HERE
To purchase Sex Or Suffer E-Book CLICK HERE
Angelic Forecast ~ XIV
“Happy Holidays,” I greet the heavenly one, as he dismounts from his cloud shaped like a bad-boy motorcycle.Why I offer that standard sentiment I’m not sure, of course, because it does seem redundant. “Although,” I add, “aren’t cherubs always in the Christmas spirit?”
“Do you mean in the spirit of giving and receiving?” he asks, a twinkle in his otherwise serious gaze.
“Partly, yes. But there is a magic to this time of year.” I pick up a pine cone, and finger it gently.
“Yes.” He hunkers down beside me. “But not as it is generally understood and practiced. The magic or spiritual meaning is much deeper in nature. Unravel the mystery of the pine cone itself, and you will understand the true magical time that is upon us.”
“Frequencies,” I murmur, focusing on the rough feel of the pine cone. “Do you mean the frequencies at this time of year offer spiritual opportunities we’re not aware of?”
“Many. The angle of the sun is lower as it crosses the horizon. Or the celestial is in closer contact with Earth. Now is the time to join spiritual energies with the energies of Earth and rise anew. Rise as a new being. Just as the dormant seeds will begin anew in Spring.”
“Hmmm...it is important to rest then,” I say.
“Seeds rest to grow when their time comes.”
The cherub places his palm over mine, so that our hands are joined over the pine cone. I feel a delicate flow of tingles. As his hand slowly departs from mine, I see a baby pine tree.
The following week brings the opportunity to confidently move in a direction that you’ve been contemplating for several months now. Whether it is a first step, or several more large strides toward your goal, this is the time to expect results. Also, assist others with their confidence. A pat on the back, a smile of encouragement, a simple suggestion – it will all bring about wonderful results. And this will be a true gift given, or a true gift received when someone assists you. Look for those gifts, recognize them when you enjoy moments of quiet solitude. For that will be of great assistance to you this week...a time of quiet and sweet reflection.
Angelic blessings from Volcano & Sedona
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS
Where angels fear to tread, 2012 Earth ~
Is a stranger on a superspeed motorcycle her savior from the brutal endtimes?
Blurb: Winter Solstice, December 21, 2012 – The end of the Mayan Calendar
What happens when a world weary, worn out incarnated angel, Sedona, who believes she is merely human has three choices after her old van breaks down? ...more
Author Discovery by Lindsay Townsend, BookStrand author of FLAVIA’S SECRET and A SECRET TREASURE ~
http://sirenbookstrand.blogspot.com/2008/08/author-discovery-savanna-kougars-when.html
WHEN A GOOD ANGEL FALLS ~ adventure fantasy erotic romance ~ available from BookStrand ~
http://www.bookstrand.com/authors/savannakougar/wagaf.asp ~ http://www.bookstrand.com/ ~
Kiss from Savanna Kougar...
~ Run on the Wild Side of Romance ~ http://savannakougar.com ~
