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?

 

Show More

Show Less

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.