Back to school giveaway!!

When I was at RWA, the annual conference for romance writers, last month, a bunch of us had some leftover books from our signing, so I collected a few extras with the intention of putting together a giveaway for all of you! I've been hanging on to them since then, and I'm so glad to finally clear some of the stuff out of my office!

Being in NYC was definitely a highlight of my summer. So many fun things to see and do. I was especially excited to see the Statue of Liberty, which I hadn't been to see since I was a child. While so many things have changed since then, it was nice to see it again.

I had enough items to make three different prizes. I'll draw a winner from each of them. To enter, simply leave a comment telling me the best part of your summer. And, for a bonus entry, share this post with your friends. I'll give you an entry for every place you share it. Just tag me when you share so I know you shared.

The prizes:

Lots of fun things in each prize pack, so hopefully, it will give you lots of great reading for back to school!

About Danica Favorite:

A self-professed crazy chicken lady, Danica Favorite loves the adventure of living a creative life. She and her family recently moved in to their dream home in the mountains above Denver, Colorado.  Danica loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily ever after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps are what refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of all of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun.

You can connect with Danica at the following places:

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/7HCXj
Website: http://www.danicafavorite.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danicafavorite
Instagram: https://instagram.com/danicafavorite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanicaFavoriteAuthor   
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Danica-Favorite/e/B00KRP0IFU
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/danica-favorite

Danica's most recent release:

His secret past. His second chance.

Three Sisters Ranch could be his way home…

When inexperienced rancher Nicole Bell starts training her troubled mare, Fernando Montoya has just the expertise she needs. But helping Nicole brings Fernando dangerously close to revealing the secret he’d rather keep hidden: he learned the skill in prison. While the horse draws them together, can Fernando find a way to tell her the truth…and keep it from pulling them apart? 

Unexpected Blessings

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

“There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” “Every dark cloud has a silver lining.” “This too shall pass.” There are lots of ways to express the hope that our current trials will eventually come to an end. When we’re going through dark times, it’s human nature to hold out hope for a brighter future. 

Last fall, my sister’s husband was diagnosed with lung and bone cancer. Less than four months later, he passed away, and after 25 wonderful years of marriage, my 52-year-old sister found herself in the position of being widowed.

Through it all, Kim had complete confidence that not only would God take care of her, but that He had something wonderful in store for her. I admired her faith and the positive outlook she displayed through the grief.

A couple of months ago, she decided to check out Christian Mingle to see what singles there might be in the area and possibly find what they refer to as an “activities partner.” She put up a minimal profile, and since she lives in a small mountain town, with the nearest big city two hours away, she was surprised to have a response the following day from someone in the next town. He wanted to know what church she attended, and after praying about it a couple of days, she sent a reply. As it turned out, this guy Randall works with one of Kim’s friends at church, who has nothing but good to say about him.

After texting back and forth for some time, they finally decided to meet in the park downtown and go to lunch. Kim wanted to go Dutch and each pay for their own meals. Randall’s response was, “Sorry, I’m old-fashioned…and I don’t speak Dutch!”

Since that first meeting, they’ve seen each other almost every day. If Kim made a list of everything she would want in a man, Randall would fit the bill. He’s gentle, caring, romantic, and strong spiritually—a man who prays for her and with her and isn’t afraid to talk about his faith. And he’s crazy about her. They’re taking it slow, letting God lead. But I have no doubt where all this is going. Somewhere down the road, I’ll be getting a new brother-in-law.

During those darkest hours, Kim knew God had something good for her. She just never expected that blessing to be in the form of Randall!

What blessings have you received, unexpected or otherwise? What are you thankful for? Share your thoughts, and I’ll put your name in the hat to win an autographed copy of Bodyguard for Christmas. (U.S. residents only. If you live outside the U.S., I’ll send an ebook.)

Someone’s after his little boy. 

She has one chance to save them both.

When his young son is nearly kidnapped, assistant district attorney Colton Gale needs a Christmas refuge—and a live-in bodyguard. Though former military police officer Jasmine McNeal fights to shield them 24/7, she refuses to get attached. But growing close to the little boy and his father might be her only shot at keeping them alive—and becoming a family beyond the holidays.

Amazon        Harlequin         Barnes and Noble

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On Cupcakes & Texas Homecoming Mums - Plus, a Giveaway! By Sara K. Parker

Two updates! :)

1. I spent several hours creating my first Texas Homecoming mum, and I have to admit that I actually enjoyed the process. It helped that my friend had almost all the supplies, including one of those amazing printers that can print any shape - namely, the glittery orange diver I added to the mum. My son's friend is a diver, and you can't find much diver paraphernalia at craft stores in September. 

2. I know I'm late posting, but Sherri G. is the winner of the gift card. Send your e-mail address to parker.sarak@gmail.com.

Earlier Post:
I know it’s my day to introduce myself, but can I first just tell you what's on my mind right now?

Texas mums.

And I’m not talking about these:

I’m talking about THESE:

I have been quietly giggling about these larger-than-life ribbon-stuffed-animal necklaces for years. Texans, forgive me. I’m a Maryland girl, where mums are still just flowers to be tended to and admired. But today? Today I will be initiated into the world of Texas Homecoming Mum Crafting. Actually, I made that up. What’s really happening is this:

My amazing, selfless, creative, and ridiculously patient friend Lori is having pity on me because my 15-year-old son decided four days before Homecoming to ask a girl to the dance, and this Maryland mom is completely clueless when it comes to Texas mums. Lori picked up supplies, which I can only guess include ribbons and glue and glitter and maybe feathers or some-such, and she is going to walk me through the mum-making process.

She even offered to make the whole thing herself, but with three more kids coming up through the ranks, I’m thinking that mum-making skills will serve me well over the next seven years. Or, maybe I will get rich and I will be able to pay someone to make these fancy monstrosities. If you would like to contribute to the Parker Family Mum Cause, message me and I’ll let you know where to donate. Be advised: I cannot promise that some of the funds will not be used to support my cupcake habit. When stressed, I eat, and this whole mum business is taking its toll.

From Left: Mudslinger, S'mores, Oreo

I’m mostly joking. Fun fact about me #1: I think any excuse is a good excuse for cupcake consumption.

#2 – My husband and I met on a blind date and have been married 15 years. Ironically, I asked him to never buy me flowers. I’d rather have chocolate that I can eat than flowers I can merely look at until they die.

#3 – We have four kids: two teenage sons and identical twin daughters.

#4 – We have four animals: a 16-year-old cat, two crazy dogs and a five-month-old puppy. Our dogs are named after candy: Reese, Rolo, and Twix.

Haylea, our elderly kitty.

Rolo, age 4

 

The newest addition: Twix, five months 

Reese (age 4) meeting Twix for the first time.

 #5 - One of our daughters is a Ewing Sarcoma cancer survivor, and just reached the one-year NED mark on September 9! Here's a pic of our family getting ready to board our Make-A-Wish flight to Florida for our Disney Cruise!

#6 – I write for Love Inspired Suspense, and I also teach developmental English at a nearby community college. I absolutely love doing both!

#7 – In my occasional free time, I go on long runs (AKA astonishingly slow jogs), stay up too late reading novels I can’t put down, and play the piano.

#8 – I landed my first book contract (Undercurrent) through a pitch contest my sister Shirlee McCoy encouraged me to enter in 2013. I didn’t sell again until 2017 (Dying to Remember).

#9 – My third book is coming out in March 2019 (ShatteredTrust), and I’m madly writing book number four, slotted for publication next fall.

#10 – I like to give things away! To be entered into a drawing for a $15 Amazon gift card, comment below with a fun fact about you or a question for me. Winner will be announced here at 10 p.m. CST. I’ll try to post a photo of the completed Homecoming Mum, too!

By the way, I’m still trying to find my groove when it comes to keeping up with social media, but I’d love to connect with you:

Click here to visit my Facebook author page. 

Hop over here to check out my occasionally updated Website.

Feel free to visit my rather silent Twitter account. 

And, here is even a link to my shamefully neglected Instagram account. 

Thanks for popping by to say hello!

Allie Pleiter - Waterfalls...and a giveaway!

Was is it about waterfalls?

They’re soothing. They’re powerful. They can be mighty and dramatic or small enough to trickle pleasantly on our patios. Little fountains or breathtaking cascades.

One of my favorite movie scenes, the heroic promise “Stay alive…no matter what occurs…and I will find you!” from Last of the Mohicans, takes place inside a waterfall. Good stuff! 

Of course, there was dastardly villain hidden behind the lava waterfall in The Incredibles, too. So, not always good stuff.

The waterfall in my new book, however, is the perfect backdrop for a wedding. Mayor Jean Matrim knows that is the key to her town’s future, so she forfeits her family moniker on the falls to turn “Matrim’s Falls” into “Matrimony Falls.” It’s the first step in her grand plan to give her dying hometown new life as “Matrimony Valley,” a unique and rustic destination wedding venue.

This is a waterfall near the western North Carolina set of towns that I drew from to create Matrimony Valley.

Plans are going great…until the brother of Matrimony Valley’s first bride turns up, and it’s Jean’s great love from college, Josh Tyler. What Josh doesn’t know is that Jean’s charming son is also Josh’s son. Even though he is profoundly deaf, young Jonah teaches Josh a great deal about listening to your heart.

I loved writing this story of forgiveness, restoration, and life’s unexpected twists. I hope you enjoy it as well.

To celebrate, comment with the answer to this question:

If you could stage your wedding anywhere in the world, what spot would you pick?

I’ll draw names from everyone who leaves a comment and give away a copy of His Surprise Son on Friday.

Christmas Cards

Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here.  Don’t you just love this time of year – the crisp weather, the holiday gatherings, folks in a thankful, giving frame of mind, festive decorations, the airwaves filled with carols and Christmas movies – it’s truly joy-filled!

One of the things I usually do the week after Thanksgiving is begin addressing Christmas cards to send out.  This year I got to wondering about how and when that particular custom originated and decided to do a little research on the topic.

I was delighted to discover that the first person to commission a commercial Christmas card was an author.  Sir Henry Cole (1808-1882), using the pseudonym Felix Summerly, wrote children’s books in addition to handbooks and articles on a wide variety of topics. But writing wasn’t his only passion. Sir Henry was a member of the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers, and Commerce, was instrumental in the development of the Victoria and Albert Museum, and he is credited with the design of the world’s first postage stamp, the Penny Black.  He also designed the Felix Summerly Tea Service, an award winning design that was produced by the Herbert Minton ceramic Factory.

Because of his various interests, and high level of success, Sir Henry became a popular and exceedingly busy man. It was custom in his day to hand write letters of Christmas greetings, and to respond to everyone received with a personal missive as well. But in 1843, at the height of his popularity, Sir Henry knew he just wasn’t going to have time to meet this particular obligation. So he hit on an idea to simplify the process. He commissioned a London artist named J. C. Horsley to design a card for him based on an image idea he had. Sir Henry then took the illustration and carried it to a printer who created 1000 copies on stiff cardboard. Sir Henry then mailed these out to his family and friends in lieu of handwritten missives. Those he didn’t use for himself he sold for a shilling a piece. 
Here is what they look like.

It's estimated that there are a little over a dozen of these cards still around today and they have become quite the collector’s item.  In 2013 one of these cards sold for over $6,800!

So what about you – do you send out Christmas cards? (I have to admit that there have been years when I let the busy-ness overwhelm me and let that tradition slide). Do you prefer funny, sentimental, spiritual or homey type cards? Do you select custom cards for each recipient or pick one you love and send it to everyone? Leave a comment below and I’ll enter you in a drawing for winner’s choice of one of the two Christmas books I have out this year.

ONCE UPON A TEXAS CHRISTMAS

Partners for the Holidays 

Abigail Fulton is determined to find independence in Turnabout, Texas—and becoming manager of the local hotel could be the solution. But first, she must work with Seth Reynolds to renovate the property by Christmas—and convince him she's perfect for the job. If only he hadn't already promised the position to someone else… 

Ever since his troubled childhood, Seth yearns to prove himself. And this hotel is his best chance. But what does someone like Abigail know about decor and furnishings? Yet the closer the holiday deadline gets, the more he appreciates her abilities and her kindness. His business ambitions require denying Abigail's dearest wish, but can they put old dreams aside for a greater gift—love and family?

CHRISTMAS ROSES Anthology

Come visit a place where love blooms and holiday magic fills the air…

There’s no better gift than finding love among the roses. In this collection, you’ll find second chances at love, couples who find more than friendship under the mistletoe, and holiday reunions that bring the joy of the season.

 Set against the background of the Gardens of the American Rose Center, these stories are sure to warm your heart and put you in a festive mood, so grab a cup of hot cocoa and curl up with Christmas Roses.