My talented husband!

I wanted to wait until after Christmas before showing pics of those things my hubby made for the family this year. He loves to work with wood, and it shows in his work.

Earlier this year, he made me some book-cases for my books!

My brother-in-law loves motorcycles, so hubby made him a clock that looks like the front of a motorcycle!

My daughter's friend loves to fish, so hubby made him a fishing-reel clock!

My daughter's friend had some nice plates that she couldn't display for fear they would break. Hubby made her shelves for her plates.

Hubby made me a book shelf to display all my print books. Believe me, in a few months he's going to have to add to this shelf... lol

Our granddaugher's 4th Birthday was on the 10th of Dec. Hubby made her this kitchen - all out of wood!

For the Mothers and Sisters, and some of my friends - hubby made this candle holder.

There is a mirror on one side to make the light shine brighter. On the other three sides, he has glass.

Best of 2012 Giveaway Hop

WOO-HOO!  It's time for another hop.  The purpose of this hop is to give away books that I have read in 2012. The hop will start on Dec 27th and go through the 31st.  All you need to do to enter this contest is follow my blog and leave a comment with your name and email, telling me which book you'd like to win.

After you've done that, go to this link to find other Giveaway Blogs! http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/best-of-2012-giveaway-hop-sign-ups.html

 

Here are the books I'm giving away:

Table For Two  - LDS Romantic Comedy

Being a legal secretary is not exactly Jana Barrowman’s dream job, so when recently widowed Alex Steadman contacts her about the résumé she sent in more than a year ago with a job offer for a creative consultant position, she puts some serious thought into accepting it. The problem is, if she takes the new job, she will have to move to another state and leave her mom and dad behind. But when Jana determines that the move can help her get away from Brad—the overly adoring man in her life who she really doesn’t have any feelings for—she decides to go. When Jana arrives for her new adventure, both Alex and his young daughter, Elise, are easily enamored with her— as is Jeff, the ward member who becomes Jana’s first date in her new town. However, Jana is not so sure about her feelings for any of them. And as she works side by side with Alex to transform a shabby house into a charming boutique, it becomes clear to her that Alex wants more than a friendship. Though Jana resists, she knows she has to work out her confusion before she loses everything that is becoming so dear to her. Will she be able to come to terms with the fact that Alex’s deceased wife, Vanessa, will always be a big part of his life, as well as Alex’s and her differing religious convictions and so many other complications that might not fit at a table for two?

 

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Illuminations of the Heart - Medieval Romance

 

“Clothilde.”

He spoke the name on a breath like a prayer. Then he lowered his head and kissed her.

 

Her heart is lost in that first embrace, her world shaken to its foundations. There is just one problem: her name is not Clothilde. It is Siriol de Calendri.

 

Trained in the art of illumination in the far-off city of Venice, Siri is directed by her late brother’s will to the county of Poitou in France, where she enters the guardianship of her brother’s friend, Sir Triston de Brielle. Once in Poitou, Siri hopes to find employment in an illuminator’s shop—until Triston unexpectedly snatches her heart away with a kiss.

Triston is a man of quiet honor and courage, but the guilt he carries for the death of his late wife, Clothilde, has left him numb and hesitant to love again. Worse yet, Siri bears an uncanny resemblance to his lost love. Or does she? Her merry laughter and twinkling eyes are very different from his late wife’s shy smiles and quiet ways. Yet when he gazes into Siri’s face, all he sees is Clothilde.

Then Triston’s past returns to threaten them both. Will his tragic life with Clothilde be repeated with Siri? Trapped between the rivalry of the king’s sons on the one hand and a neighbor out for vengeance on the other, Triston realizes it would be safer to send Siri away. But how can he bear to lose her again?

Siri is determined not to be cast off and not to live in another woman’s shadow. She has illuminated many a priceless book with pen and paint. But can her own vibrant spirit illuminate the darkness in Triston’s soul and make his heart beat for her alone?

 

 

 

Mid Winter's Eve Blog Hop

It's that time of year when the world falls in love every song you hear seems to say.... Merry Christmas! http://youtu.be/g7sYCoIqeqI









I love that Christmas song by Karen Carpenter!  It's also 'that time of year' when I've joined with several other blogs to have a giveaway hop!  What does this mean to you? Well...you can enter to win LOTS of giveaways!  We are all in the giving spirit this year!  So...let's GIVE! 

I will be giving away a print copy of my sweet Regency, "The Sweestet Kiss" To enter, all you have to do is "follow" my blog and leave a comment. The hop will go from Dec. 21st to the 27th.

"The Sweetest Kiss"

Lord Trey Worthington isn’t about to give his heart to a woman. He does not want a marriage like his parents. But when his mother brings a childhood acquaintance into the home to sponsor into society, Trey has to get Miss Faraday trained properly. The more he gets to know Judith, the more he yearns for something he doesn’t dare reach for. Judith is after a faithful husband—something Trey has been convinced most of his life he’ll never become.

Judith Faraday is only after one thing—to marry her Naval Officer and enjoy a life full of love. She’s doubtful her dream will ever come true while living as the ward to the dowager duchess. However, the longer Judith is with the dowager’s son, Trey, an attraction blossoms. Judith now wonders if God has different plans for her life, because Trey doesn’t believe in the sanctity of marriage…the very thing Judith cannot do without.

Now...go to this link to find other great blogs participating!  http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/

New Book Cover! YEAH!

I'm still working on this story. I don't know if I'll have it done this month or next...but hopefully by the end of January. This one is an American Victorian era sweet romance. Thank you Sheri McGathy for creating another AWESOME book cover for me!

Ladies' man Anton Romero is smitten with Vivian Wentworth from the very beginning. He wants nothing more than to get to know the stiff Miss Wentworth—and perhaps make her so she’s not so uptight—until he learns she's investigating him for a crime he didn't commit.

Innocent and naïve, Vivian is convinced Anton is the villain her superiors have painted him. But her over-zealous determination places both of them in danger and he is forced to play the honorable rogue.

Sweeping her away to Padre Island off the coast of Spain seemed like a clever idea at the time. But how can he protect them both from his uncle's murderous games when Anton's heart falls victim to a woman as full of independence as she is desire.

Welcome Sara Fitzgerald

Today I am interviewing a lady I've known for several years - Sara Fitzgerald. She will be giving away a free PRINT book "Saving Savanna". To enter the contest, please leave a comment on this blog with your name and email addy for her to contact you.


Sara, tell us a little about yourself.

I have been married for twenty years to a wonderful man.  We have a beautiful little girl, who we consider to be our own miracle, named Savanna.  Yes I named one of the main characters in the book, Savanna:)  My daughter was so excited to see her name on the front cover.  I was named Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers in 2006.  I love spending time with family and friends.  I love going to the movies, reading, watching TV with my husband, and walking our dog.

Tell us about your new release, "Saving Savanna".

I am not sure what inspired me to write this book. It sort just came to me..
Devan can’t help but blame God for his wife’s death, so the last thing he wants to do this holiday season is celebrate.  But when his daughter, Savanna, makes a special Christmas wish, their little family will never be the same.  Filled with faith and tenderness, this heartwarming story is sure to remind you of the real power behind the magic of Christmas.“A story of shattered faith touchingly restored by a little child and a reminder that, through the Atonement, love surpasses even the grave.  Sara Fitzgerald’s Saving Savanna will bring tender tears to your eyes.”  Joyce DiPastena, author of Dangerous Favor

Have you fashioned your characters after anyone? If so, who and why?

Yes the five-year-old girl, I used my six-year-old daughter traits..  And the main character, Devan is a lot like my husband.  It was easy to write about people I loved.

How did you become a writer? What - or who - inspired you?

I always wrote every since I was a child.  I was extremely shy and writing gave me a way to express myself and live outside of myself.  If that makes sense.

How can your readers get in touch with you?

www.Sarafitzgerald.com

http://Savingsavanna.blogspot.com

www.facebook.comsavingsavannafitzgerald 

Here's an excerpt from "Saving Savanna"...

The wind whistled down the avenues that cold December night as Devan Smith trudged across the murky, slush-filled street with his little girl, Savanna, by his side. The street’s curbs were covered with dirty piles of snow from yesterday’s storm. The blackened snow reminded him of how dark his soul felt without Vivian.

“Look, Daddy,” Savanna said, tugging on his sleeve. “Look at all those shining lights. Mommy would love to see them. Do you think she can?”

Devan glanced down at her tiny face dominated by big, innocent eyes that were the same shade of blue as her mother’s. He paused for a moment, deciding what to tell her. She looked at him with such divine trust, a trust unlike any he had ever experienced, except the trust his wife had in him. He had failed Vivian.

“Daddy? Can Mommy see the lights?”

He bit his lower lip and stooped by her. He fought back the lump forming in his throat. He wished that she would stop talking about Mommy. Each time, no matter how much he thought he was prepared for the subject, the pain threatened to destroy his soul.

He inhaled deeply and then slowly exhaled. Fog circled around Savanna’s head; for a split second she looked like an angel as the cold from his breath danced around her brown curls. She was waiting for him to tell her everything was going to be all right, that Mommy was in heaven looking down at them, but how could he? He no longer believed in heaven and hell. No loving God would have allowed what had happened to Vivian to take place. Devan couldn’t let Savanna become disillusioned.

Savanna placed her arms around his neck. “Grandpa says she’s in heaven watching out for us.”

He swallowed and then changed the subject. “We’d better go shopping, or else we won’t be done before Christmas. We only have three days left until Santa comes down our chimney. What do you want him to bring you?”

“There’s only one thing I want from him,” she whispered, leaning toward him.

He forced a smile. “And what’s that?”

“I want Mommy back.”

Tears blurred his vision. He wanted her mommy back too, more than anything in the world, but not even Santa Claus could do that. Vivian was dead, buried in a cold cemetery with only the snowfall as her blanket against the blanket against the storms of winter.

To buy from Kindle click here

To buy from Cedar Fort click here
To buy from Books and Things click here

Thanks Marie so much for hosting me on your blog.  I so appreciate.  I have been a huge fan of yours from day one.  You are amazing writer and beautiful person.

Best wishes with all of your writing and success.

Happy Halloween!!

My family has always been ones to dress up. We would always decorate the house and have fun. It actually wasn't until I started working (when my youngest was in Kindergarten) when I started dressing up myself for Halloween. I think I'll always do this now. :) It's too much fun to stop!

So I'm sharing some pics with you of my family. Enjoy!

Me and my adorable grandkids, Xavier & Gracelyn

Such silly kids!

YIKES! Don't look too close... SCARY!

Me, my oldest daughter Chrystal (standing next to me) and her two friends by her.

I know...you're thinking this is one crazy bunch of people. You're RIGHT!

She's such a little princess/fairy! She doesn't know which one she likes better. lol

Dreaming of You

I have a new story coming soon. This is a romantic comedy / Inspirational. Hopefully I can get it published in the next week or so for you ereaders. PERFECT for Christmas!  And yes, I'll soon have a print copy available, too. Although the theme of this story isn't centered around Christmas, it does take place during the holiday season.

Katelyn Palmer never believed any harm could come from using her college crush as the hero in her first romance novel--the novel that jumpstarted her writing career. However, when Shane Hunter storms into town, demanding to meet the writer who used his idenity Katelyn is confronted with more than her long silent emotions. If Shane takes her to court she could her career would be over.

Shane is locked in a custody battle for his four-year-oldtwins. After the death of his ex-wife, his former sister-in-law insists he is an unfit father and had an affair while married. Her proof – a romace novel with striking similarities to Shane's life within the pages. He must convince author, Katelyn Palmer, to confress the truth or he'll loose his children. Katelyn insists the book is nothing more than coincidence, but the excuse is not enough to appease his sister-in-law. Desperate to get to the truth Shane befriends Katelyn but he does not expect to be attracted to her, even more unexpected is the joy he finds watching his twins fall in love with the woman who is stealing his heart, too...

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

I'm part of another book giveaway hop!! There are over 400 other blogs participating in this hop, so don't forget to hop on over to this blog and find them all! http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/08/spooktacular-giveaway-hop-sign-ups.html

For this hop, I'll be giving away some of my ebooks! Please leave a comment to which book you would like to win, along with your name and email - and become a 'follower' of my blog!

For those who love to read Inspirational romances, I'm giving away "Love Me Always" (book 1 in series) (PDF).

No Way Out – Catherine Martin is trapped. Either she wed an elderly man and commit to a marriage without love, or continue living with the father who believes her guilty of murder and one foot outside the asylum. Catherine picks marriage to the Duke of Ashton, Grant Fielding. However, when she stays with the Fielding family before the wedding, she doesn’t plan on falling in love…with Grant’s nephew, Nicholas.

Destined for a lonely life – Nicholas Fielding loves his uncle’s soon-to-be bride, and has loved her since they were children. Now Nick must choose between his dying uncle's last wish to marry, and the woman who will make Nick happy for the rest of his life. No matter how hard Nick tries, he cannot stop his love for Catherine.

A flurry of accidents begins to happen around the Fielding estate and soon all accusing eyes turn to Catherine. When accidents escalate to murder, suspicions expound and even Catherine’s father believes she’s gone mad. Does Nick love her enough to discover the truth?




For those who love to read humorour historical romances, I'm giving away "The Sweetest Kiss" (PDF).

Lord Trey Worthington isn’t about to give his heart to a woman. He does not want a marriage like his parents. But when his mother brings in a childhood acquaintance into the home to sponsor into society, Trey has to get Miss Faraday trained properly. The more he gets to know Judith, the more he yearns for something he doesn’t dare reach for. Judith is after a faithful husband—something Trey has been convinced most of his life he’ll never become.

Judith Faraday is only after one thing—to marry her Naval Officer and enjoy a life full of love. She’s doubtful her dream will ever come true while living as the ward to the dowager duchess. However, the longer Judith is with the dowager’s son, Trey, an attraction blossoms. Judith now wonders if God has different plans for her life, because Trey doesn’t believe in the sanctity of marriage . . . the very thing Judith cannot do without.





And for those who love to read just a little more sensual stories with a LOT of suspense - "In The Arms of Danger" (PDF).

Taylor Marshal and her daughter need protecting, yet the bodyguard assigned is the one man she fears the most.

Four years earlier, Taylor gave her heart to a stranger – and married him in a quick Bermuda ceremony. A week later her hopes were crushed when she finds out her new husband, Cory Ross, was a hit man. When she witnesses him take another man’s life then watches her new found love fall from a cliff after being shot, her heart shatters. Now she sees Cory Ross is alive – and back in her life as her own personal bodyguard, yet how can she trust him?

Cory thought his luck had changed after his near death experience in the Bahamas. But when he looks into the eyes of the woman who he suspects had something to do with his accident, he realizes his new assignment to protect Taylor and her young daughter will be a literal nightmare. But to fall in love all over again with Taylor Marshall will be sheer torture.

We have WINNERS!!

I want to thank everyone who entered my contest. THANK YOU!!

So, I picked the winners, and here they are...

(drum roll)

Winner of "Secrets After Dark" - Gayle! (@byu)

Winner of "The Sweetest Kiss" - Amy Campbell

Winner of "A Walk In Heaven" - Dawn Lefleur










THANKS AGAIN!!

Happily Ever After - Giveaway Hop

Yeah! I'm part of another giveaway hop!  I'm excited for this one.  I'm going to give away a PRINT book that has a "Happily Ever After".  Hmm...which one should I pick - since ALL my books have that kind of ending.

Okay, I've decided to give away THREE of my print books.  All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with your name and email and which book you would like for a chance to win.  Oh - and it would be nice if you follow my blog, too. :)  The contest goes from Oct. 9th to the 14th so I'll pick winners on the 15th and I'll post the winners on my blog.

"A Walk In Heaven" (Christian historical romance)

In the early hours of the morning, Careen becomes Matthew Grayson’s wife…and then in a blink of an eye, his widow. How can she tell the family she’s never met that her own cousin is responsible for their son’s death? While she waits for the right moment to admit the cousin’s guilt, a budding attraction grows between Careen and her new brother-in-law, Joshua. But this will only complicate matters, especially when the truth finally comes out.

Joshua Grayson could never understand why his brother left the family ranch to wed – in secret – a woman he’d never met. And now Matthew is dead. Killed just moments after taking his wedding vows. Joshua struggles with both resentment and a growing attraction for his mysterious sister-in-law. He knows Careen is hiding something, but can he give love another chance or is he just setting up his heart for another break?

"The Sweetest Kiss" (clean Regency romance)

Lord Trey Worthington isn’t about to give his heart to a woman. He does not want a marriage like his parents. But when his mother brings in a childhood acquaintance into the home to sponsor into society, Trey has to get Miss Faraday trained properly. The more he gets to know Judith, the more he yearns for something he doesn’t dare reach for. Judith is after a faithful husband—something Trey has been convinced most of his life he’ll never become.

Judith Faraday is only after one thing—to marry her Naval Officer and enjoy a life full of love. She’s doubtful her dream will ever come true while living as the ward to the dowager duchess. However, the longer Judith is with the dowager’s son, Trey, an attraction blossoms. Judith now wonders if God has different plans for her life, because Trey doesn’t believe in the sanctity of marriage . . . the very thing Judith cannot do without.

"Secrets After Dark" (clean Historical paranormal romance) just in time Halloween, right?

Will Hannah be Thornton Manor's latest victim?

Residing at Thornton Manor under the premise of courting Jonathan Thornton, Hannah Forester intends to find out who murdered her father - and why. After all, Jonathan's brother Morgan was the last person to visit Peter Forester before his demise. But upon her arrival at Thoronton Manor, Hannah is informed that Morgan perished the previous year in a house fire. She soon learns the manor is full of secrets: a ghost haunting the East Wing, a white wolf that roams the grounds by night, and the story of a curse-protected treasure on the neighboring island. Most disturbingly, Hannah discovers that numerous young women have visited the manor only to vanish without a trace.

When a hooded, deep-voiced man visits Hannah's bedroom late at night, warning her to leave the manor for her own safety, she realizes he must be Morgan Thornton. But why does he hide in the East Wing, and why does his family insist he is but a ghost? As Hannah falls in love with the handsome older brother, she must continue to court Jonathan in order to remain at the estate. Can she convince Morgan where her true loyalties lie? And will she uncover the Thorntons' secrets quickly enough to solve her father's murder before she loses her own life?


Now...to find MORE giveaways - click on this link - I Am A Reader Not A Writer

Unveiling new covers!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!!!  Yeah, that's how I feel every time I get a new book cover.  Well...two of them aren't really new - at least the stories aren't - but I've given these books a face lift. I wanted all my stories in a series to resemble each other, so I asked my wonderful cover artist - Sheri McGathy - and this is what she came up with.  I am sooooo pleased!!

Book #1

Switching roles and the pursuit of freedom come together in the hunt to discover who can be trusted and who is really the traitor during the Colonial times. Mercedes Maxwell’s sister’s last wish was for Mercedes to find evidence against Kat’s husband, William Braxton, and have him hung as a traitor to the crown. Mercedes isn’t naïve when it comes to capturing traitors, because her own deceased husband had once been an agent for the King when they lived in England.

When she meets William Braxton for the first time, all is not as it seems. Portraying her twin, Mercedes knows this is the only way to get close enough to William to discover his secrets. What she finds along the way are little surprises she hadn’t counted on, especially when she begins to give her heart to a man who may be a spy against the crown.

Book #2

Seeking revenge from the man who betrayed him and had him almost hung for piracy, buccaneer turned highwayman Marcus Thorne kidnaps his enemy’s daughter. Although captivated by her enchanting beauty, he’s forced to let her go when he discovers Isabelle is a Navy spy with the power to endanger the lives of his men.

After her release, Isabelle can’t stop thinking about her masked abductor, Captain Hawk, the pirate who stole her heart but whose face she’s never seen. Affianced to a man who strangely reminds her of the man whose kisses set her ablaze, she marries him, only to discover he’s not who he seemed to be. But then…neither is she.
 

Book #3 (not yet published)

In a world where freedom is questioned and everything in in turmoil, Lady Sarah Emiline Townshend needs to hide her identity for fear mobs will kill her and her family after her uncle—a political leader—passed laws that the good citizens in Boston did not approve of.  Her father sends her to stay with some longtime friends of his in New Hampshire. Before she arrives, she decides to switch places with her maid. Now her name is Emmie, not Lady Sarah. This way she won’t have to look over her shoulder constantly, and she’ll be free of the restricting title of “Duke’s daughter”. But when she meets a handsome man, she suddenly wants him to look at her as a woman—not a servant. Protecting her life is more important.

 Gabriel Lawrence’s pirate ship is almost captured and this time it was too close. He and his crew need to hide for a few months in hopes of the Royal Navy forgetting about them. During his stay at his aunt and uncle’s in New Hampshire, he meets the niece of one of his enemies—Charles Townshend. Because she doesn’t know who Gabe is, he will become close to her to see if she knows any more of her uncle’s secrets. But the beauty of her maid, Emi, captures his attention, and her quirky personality keeps him wanting more. But her over-zealous nature for adventure places both of them in danger and he is forced to play the honorable rogue.

How can he protect them both when an unknown spy is always one step ahead…and wants Gabe dead?

Which one?

I'm trying to decide which cover is the best. Please vote!! The last pic is the 2nd book in the series. I kind of wanted the books to resemble each other in some way...

NEW COVER

CURRENT COVER

NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES

Wonderland By Night

I want to show you all my gorgeous new cover! This book isn't out yet - but hopefully I'll be able to finish it within the next few weeks. This is book #3 of my Colonial series.

Not even disguises can deceive the heart.

In a world where freedom is questioned and everything in in turmoil, Lady Sarah Emiline Townshend needs to hide her identity for fear mobs will kill her and her family after her uncle—a political leader—passed laws that the good citizens in Boston did not approve of.  Her father sends her to stay with some longtime friends of his in New Hampshire. Before she arrives, she decides to switch places with her maid. Now her name is Emi, not Lady Sarah. This way she won’t have to look over her shoulder constantly, and she’ll be free of the restricting title of “Duke’s daughter”. But when she meets a handsome man, she suddenly wants him to look at her as a woman—not a servant. But protecting her life is more important.

Gabriel Lawrence’s pirate ship is almost captured. This time was too close. He and his crew needs to hide for a few months in hopes of the Royal Navy forgetting about them. During his stay at his aunt and uncle’s in New Hampshire, he meets the niece of one of his enemies—Charles Townshend. Because she doesn’t know who Gabe is, he will become close to her to see if she knows any more of her uncle’s secrets. But the beauty of her maid, Emi, captures his attention, and her quirky personality keeps him wanting more. But her over-zealous nature for adventure places both of them in danger and he is forced to play the honorable rogue.

How can he protect them both when an unknown spy is always one step ahead…and wants Gabe dead?

Peach Days - Let's go CRAZY!

What a BUSY Friday & Saturday I had...but it was fun, nonetheless.  This weekend was Peach Days. There is a huge parade and carnival.  It's fun for young and old.  On Friday evening, is the Kiddies Parade. (no, it's not a parade of cats!)  This is for the Elementary school kids to ride in a float or walk in the parade.  My grandson, Xavier, rode with kids from his school and had fun.

Then on Saturday morning, the BIG parade begins.  (The 3rd largest in Utah, I'm told!)  This is the first time I've been IN the parade instead of sitting on the side lines watching.  The place where I work - Dept. of Workforce Services - was in the parade handing out flyers about how to help people find jobs.  I was lucky and got to DRIVE the state vehicle.  The thing that made this fun for me was that I was jamming out to 80's music all the way! heehee  Especiall when Prince came on and sang "Let's Go Crazy"...  

After the parade I met with other local authors and had a book signing.  It was great to meet new people.

At the end of the day... I could hardly walk and I was so exhausted. But...I had fun. That's what counts, right?