Sky Purington's Blog, page 38

An Italian Christmas Memory with Laura Kaye.

Nine days and counting until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author,  Laura Kaye, to share a little bit of her holiday with us. Laura is graciously offering a giveaway. One lucky reader who leaves a comment will win a signed paperback (just released!) of the book, my first ever to hit the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists! Open to international!

[image error] YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12 ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Laura…

An Italian Christmas Memory

I’m excited to be a part of Sky’s Christmas event this year! To celebrate, I thought I’d share a favorite Christmas memory—it involves a summer romance, a family making a wish come true, and making love in Italy.

This memory is from 1991. I was a college senior who had fallen in love with her college boyfriend the summer before senior year started. Only problem was, her boyfriend, a junior (*gasp* a younger man! LOL) was going abroad to Italy for the year at the end of August. We were determined to make it work. Oh, the money we gave to AT&T and the postal service during the fall semester! Then, come November, we had a crazy idea. What if I could get the money to fly to Italy over Christmas break???
[image error] Now, this was a crazy idea because, growing up, my family was poor. The first to go to college in my family, I had loans and scholarships up to my eyeballs just to attend school. So I asked my mom and everyone in my family to forego any gifts that Christmas, and instead to give me money I could put toward a plane ticket. I think my mom was as traumatized by the idea of my first international flight (by myself, no less) as she was by the idea of not having any gifts under the tree. But, after a lot of negotiating: success! My family came through with the ticket—and a few gifts, too!

On December 29, 1991, I flew to Milan, Italy, and from there took a train to Bologna, where my boyfriend went to university. The next nine days were some of the most romantic and magical of my life. I’d never been outside of the United States before, and Italy was just majestic and wonderful. And to go there when everything was still decorated—trees and greenery and strings of lights across every strada. There was so much to see that I’d never seen before. We did all the sightseeing we could pack in. We took train ride and day trips to neighboring towns, like Modena, Florence, and Venice. We bought and drank an entire case of Italian wine. We ate handmade tortellini and made love and fell in love even more. When I had to leave on January 9, I was nearly heartbroken, but we also both knew that my visit had solidified our summer romance into a life-long relationship. Five years later, I married that boy. Sixteen years later, Brian and I are still married.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?

Giveaway: I’m celebrating the release of my latest contemporary romance, One Night with a Hero, which has a romantic and humorous Christmas scene in it. One lucky reader will win a signed paperback (just released!) of the book, my first ever to hit the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists! Open to international!

Sky here. What a wonderfully romantic memory, Laura. I just love it! And yes, Italy is indeed a beautiful place to fall in love 'even more.' Thank you so much for joining us today. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

About One Night with a Hero:

Buy at Amazon| B&N | Kobo
He wants just one night…

After growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Army Special Forces Sgt. Brady Scott vowed never to marry or have kids. Sent stateside to get his head on straight—and his anger in check—Brady’s looking for a distraction. He finds it in his beautiful new neighbor’s one-night-only offer for hot sex, but her ability to make him forget is addictive. Suddenly, Brady’s not so sure he can stay away.

…what they need is each other.

Orphaned as a child, community center director Joss Daniels swore she’d never put herself in a position to be left behind again, but she can’t deny herself one sizzling night with the sexy soldier who makes her laugh and kisses her senseless. When Joss discovers she’s pregnant, Brady’s rejection leaves her feeling abandoned. Now, they must overcome their fears before they lose the love and security they’ve found in each other, but can they let go of the past to create a future together?

[image error] About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Website | Facebook | Twitter  Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win Laura’s prize! After that, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

'Oh-So-Sexy Someone' Beneath Your Christmas Tree. Renee Vincent's, The Temperate Warrior.

 We’re starting to get down to the nitty-gritty. Only ten days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Popping in for the first time? If so, then you've arrived just in time! This event is in full swing. So cozy in with your favorite cuppa and spend a bit of your holiday with amazing author, Renee Vincent.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Today, it’s my pleasure to welcome back friend and talented author, Renee Vincent. I just love to hear exactly what she wants beneath her Christmas tree because he’s always sexy gorgeous! *grins* Renee is graciously giving away her ENTIRE Emerald Isle Trilogy in eBook format to one lucky commenter. Read on to learn more about this fabulous giveaway.

Let’s hear from Renee…

What every woman wants to find under her Christmas tree…

Every year it seems to get more difficult to answer this question. Last year, if you recall, I wanted Gerard Butler dressed in nothing but his crimson cape and cod piece from 300 (six-pack abs included of course) singing to me in his beautiful Phantom of the Opera baritone voice, “I am your angel of good news” while holding a rolled newspaper in his hand which claims Renee Vincent is the next New York Times Best Selling Author!

Oh, what a memory…

This year, I must admit I direly crave the same. But that wouldn’t make for a unique post, now would it?

So, I got to thinking (after I forced Mr. Gerard Butler out of my head) and realized that as a forty-year old wife and mother of two I already have everything I could ever hope for. I have a husband who dearly loves and supports my busy and successful career, I have two beautiful girls who bring joy and pride to my life every day of my life, and I have a plethora of romance fans and author friends who continue to read and promote my work. What more could an author ask for?

Think Renee…you can do this.

I’ve got it! How about Chris Hemsworth, my muse for Gustaf, the hero of my new paranormal Viking romance THE TEMPERATE WARRIOR, (sporting his charming boy-next-door smile and sexy Aussie accent, outfitted in his sleeveless Thor attire, of course) sitting beneath my tree with a cup of Starbucks café mocha, shot of vanilla and extra whipped cream, waiting to whisk me away on a special trip to his heavenly Valhalla?

That’s too much to ask, you say?

Fine. Then make it easy on yourself and leave out the coffee. I’m flexible. Besides, by the time you read this, I probably will have had two cups of coffee already. So, let’s just leave out the caffeine all together. I’ll be jittery enough in Mr. Hemsworth’s presence as it is.

*Sky Purington rolls her eyes (just like last year) and rubs the stress from her furrowed brow*

Sorry, Sky, it’s all I got. I know it may seem far-fetched of me to wish for such a thing, but daggone it, haven’t we been told since we were very little to always dream big? As far as I can tell, it doesn’t get much bigger than THE Norse god of thunder!

*Sky stands corrected, it seems, and gives the gesture to carry on*

Thank you, Sky. And now for the fun stuff!

Anyone who comments on this post (with their email addy) and tells me what they wish for this Christmas season will be eligible to win an ebook copy of the entire Emerald Isle Trilogy: Ræliksen (book 1), Mac Liam (book 2), and The Fall of Rain (book 3). Winner’s choice on format. I will also include personalized autographs for each book through Authorgraph.com (since the books are in digital form.)

*If you do not have a free account through Authorgraph.com, no worries. I will produce those autographs through the site and send them to you as PDF files to print out or save.

Thanks for hanging out with me today and I hope each and every one of you has a blessed and safe Christmas!

Oh I almost forgot to mention! My hot, new historical romance is now available for purchase in many digital formats for your convenience. (Print is coming soon.)

I hope you enjoy!

Sky here. Renee, sweetie, you absolutely crack me up! Quite honestly, I think (and I’m sure everyone agrees) that BOTH who you wanted beneath your tree last year AND this year are more than acceptable! Why wish for one when both are so super hot??? Thank you so much for joining me again this year, Renee. You always put a smile on my face. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

The Temperate Warrior
Book One of the Warrior Sagas
(December 2012)
Turquoise Morning Press
ISBN (Ebook): 9781622370924
Purchase Now At:
Kindle  | Nook  | Turquoise Morning Press

He was her champion. She was his weakness.
Together, they loved with wild abandon.

Blurb:

Gustaf Ræliksen lives by the blade of his sword. After avenging his father’s murder and reuniting with his family, he wants nothing more than to settle down and have sons of his own. Only one woman will do—a fiery redhead he saved from the spoils of war.

No longer forced to warm the beds of the men who've taken everything from her, Æsa has nothing to offer the noble warrior but her heart.

When someone with a deep score to settle seeks revenge upon her, Gustaf's world is torn asunder. He has but one vow—saving the woman he loves from the ignorant fool who dared to best the temperate warrior.

Excerpt:

“Dying a thousand deaths in my head to protect you is better than losing you one time in the flesh. I would never recover if I let anything happened to you.”

His voice was devoid of emotion, monotone as he laid open his heart for her. Most would think he was just being aloof, uncaring as he rattled off sentimental words in an impersonal way. But Æsa knew better. He was not only bearing his soul to her, but doing so the only way he knew how; by occupying his mind and body with a simple task so his heart couldn’t entertain the idea of failure.
Moved by his words, she stood and made haste to join him on the hide. Dropping to her knees, she laid her hands atop his wrists, impeding his progress with the knife. His eyes met hers and they stared at one another.

Long, heartfelt seconds ticked by as she absorbed the magnitude of his pain. She plucked the tools from his hands and set them at his feet. “I am so sorry for bringing this burden upon you.” Gustaf opened his mouth for rebuttal, but she pressed her finger to his lips, feeding his words back to him. “Yesterday, you were without burden, at peace knowing you had fulfilled your duty as a loyal son.

Ready to start your life anew…remember?”

He closed his eyes as if forcing himself to hear her and wait his turn.

“And now, I have thwarted your future happiness with a dark past that follows me everywhere I go. You can deny all you want what I used to be and pretend that I am a woman of worth if it makes it easier for you to accept my shame. But I know what I used to be and I will not let you add me to the list of things you will punish yourself for should you fail. I am not worth it. I am not worth any man’s grief. Or death,” she added.

Slowly, Gustaf opened his eyes and stared at her. His lips drew a straight line across his face. He removed her finger from his mouth and held her wrist in a tight grasp. “May I speak?”

Æsa nodded, steeling herself for the tongue-lashing she knew would follow. He took his time replying, which was worse than having him berate her on the spot. The look in his eyes foretold of his disappointment, and his quiet reserve prefaced the exceptional temperance this man was capable of.

“I shall do my best to make myself clear,” he began, his eyes never leaving hers. “We all have a past and oftentimes we have an unfortunate moment in our existence we would rather erase from our memories. But it matters not what we have failed to do, but what we succeed in doing from those failed moments onward. In my past, I have failed to protect my family, as I am the only one left, save for my nephews on Inis Mór. While their deaths, brought about by various regrettable circumstances, were not a direct cause of my own negligence, the burden is still the same. Like you, I face that demon every day of my life.

“That being said, our demons do not become us. They are not the bones and flesh of our bodies, nor the substance of our hearts. They are recollections of what used to be and what is no longer. Your demon—or your previous life as a whore, as you like to beat upon my brow—is not who you are inside. Your worth is diminished only by the demon you place across your shoulders like a royal cloak. Divest yourself of that, my dearest Æsa, and you will understand the depths of my love and the extent to which I will go to protect you. Gladly protect you,” he reiterated. “Until then, you will just have to take my word for it.”

Visit Renee at her Website and Facebook Page . Follow her on Twitter .

Readers, don’t forget to share with Renee in a comment to be entered to win. “Anyone who comments on this post (with their email addy) and tells me what they wish for this Christmas season.”

After that be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for more chances to win!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

Tasty Christmas Treats. Five Things to Look Forward to with Roxanne Rhoads.

Only twelve days left until Christmas and there are still SO many giveaways coming! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author, Roxanne Rhoads, who will be sharing her holiday traditions. Roxanne is graciously giving away a set of the books Tasty Christmas Treats and Paranormal Pleasures to one lucky commenter.

Let’s hear from Roxanne…

Making Memories with Holiday Traditions

I am big on holiday traditions in my household. Probably because when I was growing up we really didn’t have any. I was an only child raised by a single mom who worked two and three jobs. I don’t think she had much time or energy for traditions.

So I make sure my family of five has many things to look forward to every year for many holidays, not just Christmas yet Christmas is the one we have the most traditions for.

Every year the season starts with putting up the tree and decorating it, as a family. We also have a card making night. The family gets together with all kinds of crafty supplies and we make handmade Christmas cards for each other. We also make small Christmas gifts and ornaments for the tree. Then there’s the yummy tradition- making and decorating cookies. This is the one the kids really love since they get to eat their work.

In addition to our regular holiday traditions we attend local events, shop and wrap presents together and watch holiday movies and shows on TV.

Speaking of holiday movies…my personal tradition is recording many of the Christmas movies on my DVR from the Hallmark and Lifetime channels (the family watches a few with me but they don’t watch them all). I start this Thanksgiving weekend and watch feel good holiday movies through Christmas.

Sometimes it may seem silly that I am adamant about doing the same things every year but I missed out on this stuff when I was a kid and I really wish I would have had “traditions” and memories to look back on. So I do it as much for me and the kids.

And every year the time comes when the kids always ask, “hey mom, when are we going to…” because they know what we do every year and they look forward to our traditions too. It is something solid to hold onto in a busy season. It is family time they will remember and hopefully share with their kids one day.

Now my holiday fiction….hmmm that’s not something I’m sharing with the kids. LOL.

My holiday stories tend to be a bit on the naughty side. They give Christmas an erotic spin.

Sky here. I think it’s such a super thing that you’ve made sure your family has holiday traditions that they can look forward to every year. Sounds like you’re an awesome mom! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Paranormal Pleasures Ten Tales of Supernatural Seduction

Book description:

Ten tantalizing, erotic tales of vampires, witches and demons grace the pages of this short story collection by Roxanne Rhoads.

Step into the darkness and let these tales tempt and tease to satisfy your paranormal cravings.

Eight of Roxanne Rhoads' previous eBook publications appear in print for the first time, along with two brand new, never before published tales of supernatural love and lust.

Extended Description
A Last Goodbye
New witch Marissa is learning the ropes of being one of The Others. One of her mentors is vampire Deirdre, a tall beauty who really irritates Marissa. Marissa is extremely pissed when she shows up to Dante's Ball and finds Deirdre there with Marissa's recent ex-boyfriend, Jeff. The one she was encouraged to break up with because of his humanity. Deirdre explains her reasons for bringing Jeff and offers to help Marissa say goodbye to him in a way none of them will ever forget
Overkill

Vanessa is tired of her boyfriend Simon’s promiscuous vampire ways and stakes him, repeatedly- not close enough to the heart to kill him but close enough to make it hurt. But now she’s had a change of heart and considers embracing the sexual world of the vampire instead of being jealous of it.

Witch in the Middle
Ariadne is a witch torn between two men, a vampire and a human. Her heart doesn’t want to choose but the men force her to make a decision that could break her heart, unless with the help of the Goddess all three of them can come to a mutually acceptable…and enjoyable agreement.

When It Storms
Devon’s witchy girlfriend becomes insatiable every time a storm rolls around and he’s more than happy to give her exactly what she needs.

Monster Inside
Shannon’s never seen her vampire boyfriend, Logan, vamp out before. Then one night he has to kill to save her life. Can she ever look at him the same way again?

The Questioning Concubine
Elita, a pure blood witch, has come home to find who or what killed her parents and to take her rightful place as the head of the coven. After five years of investigating and exhausting all conventional methods at her disposal, she decides to do the one thing a good witch should never do—summon a demon. The demon is not what she expected. Elita is soon swept up in his power… and her own.

Renata
The residents of the sleepy little town of Flushing, Michigan had no idea a vampire lived among them, seducing and drinking from all the men in town. Renata walked among them, blending in, taking only what she needed. One night, while she was on the prowl for fresh blood at a carnival, a handsome carnie caught her eye. She had no way of knowing he was a vampire hunter and was there for her.

Sea of Blood
Liana made Nerissa a vampire centuries ago in the islands of Greece but she’s never tired of her companion or the way she hunts her prey.

Purchase at... Print at Createspace   Print at Amazon Kindle Nook Multiple ebook formats at Smashwords All Romance Ebooks


You can visit Roxanne at www.roxannesrealm.blogspot.com , www.fang-tasticbooks.blogspot.com , www.bewitchingbooktours.blogspot.com , and www.entangledpublishing.com  Readers, don’t forget to comment for a chance to win Roxanne’s giveaway! Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

 

A Smoky Mountain Christmas by Carol DeVaney.

The good times continue! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over talented author, Carol DeVany, who is chatting about her holiday’s when living near The Great Smoky Mountains. Carol is graciously giving away an eCopy of her latest title, A Smoky Mountain Christmas to one lucky commenter!

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Carol…

Thank you so much for inviting me to your WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Exciting!

I love the Christmas season, especially ones I spend surrounded by mountains.

Growing up about fifty miles from The Great Smoky Mountains, I spent a lot of time in and around the area. I’m not sure at such a young age I appreciated the sweet people I met as much as I should have. Special country friends made the trip worthwhile and the memories I have of the area today.

When I wrote “A Smoky Mountain Christmas” I couldn’t think of any other mountain area that was as so special. Shopping, walking through the streets while snowflakes dance around my uncovered head. Who wants to miss out on the feel of gentle flakes falling on your face?

Then after shopping was done for the day, and we’d maxed out our credit cards, we’d gather packages and join friends at a cozy spot and enjoy hot spicy tea or hot chocolate. Nothing is so soothing as a roaring fireplace and good conversation.

Christmas isn’t as it used to be. All the family would gather at our house for the afternoon and enjoy a wonderful meal with a golden browned Turkey and or Ham with the trimmings. There was game playing, people napping after too much food and babies running through the house. Now we celebrate the season with the kids and may have steak, Chicken and Dumplings, Baby Back Ribs or whatever our appetites require. Once lunch is done with the kids other family, they want no more Turkey.

Regardless of our meal, we always enjoy being together whatever the reason or season. As much as my grandson loves to eat, he can’t wait to finish dinner so he can get to the most important part of the evening. Exchanging gifts, which he always hands out. He takes pleasure in giving as does he in receiving.

No matter how you celebrate the Christmas season, I Wish You a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. May you have all you ever dreamed of.

Sky here. What wonderful holiday memories, Carol! Thanks so much for sharing. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

BLURB:

A Smoky Mountain Christmas

A wacky, fresh, hilarious, heartwarming Christmas Tale.

City gal meets country hunk. Tina Cole and Hank Gordon find themselves stranded together in a Smoky Mountain snowstorm, three days before Christmas. Falling in love wasn't part of Tina's agenda, but has second thoughts after she lands on writer Hank Gordon's doorstep. Now, everything she thought she wanted out of life means nothing without love.

Recently divorced, Hank Gordon has sworn off women. If he thinks life couldn't get any worse, he's wrong. Not only is he baby-sitting a sassy Southern princess who has no idea what a kitchen is for, but two escaped convicts turn up at the cabin, while Hank’s horse is about to foal.
Can love conquer Tina and Hank's challenges while both examine their hearts?

Purchase A Smoky Mountain Christmas at Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Apple .

Carol DeVaney
Contemporary Romance-Sassy-Humorous Adventures

Website Facebook Twitter Amazon B&N Smashwords AmazonAuthorPage

Readers, don’t forget to comment for a chance to win an eCopy of A Smoky Mountain Christmas. Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter for more chances to win!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

Christmas- Fun and Frolicky, Hot and Heavy. Nailed by Desiree Holt.

Only fourteen days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE BLOG EVENT. Just popping in for the first time? If so, let me catch you up on what this event's about. Between now and Christmas day, many authors, an editor and cover model will be visiting to share a little bit of their holiday with us. Expect tons of giveaways including three $30 Amazon Gift Cards.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over fabulously talented author, Desiree Holt, who will be sharing some of her holiday traditions with us. Desiree is graciously giving away two Christmas stories from her backlist, a $10 gift certificate at a virtual bookstore of your choice and a Set of Christmas ornaments (3). Answer Desiree’s question in a comment for a chance to win. Two winners drawn!

Let’s hear from Desiree…

Christmas-fun and frolicky, hot and heavy

Christmas means a lot of things to a lot of people. For some it’s a time of reflection, for others it means a party every night. For me it means family time and enjoying the treasures I’ve collected over the years, like the gorgeous Dickens Village collection that my children started me on sixteen years ago when my husband was still with me.

 The little town in Texas where I live has a celebration each year called Dickens on Main where all the shops on Main Street put up special decorations, choral groups sing Christmas carols and drama groups set up in places all over town act out scenes from A Christmas Carol. So my Dickens Village is set up much as things are in town during December.

One of them is each piece in the village has been chosen carefully, from the castle which dominates the scene to the skating pond which reminds me of my childhood. I grew up in a small town (30,000 people) and two blocks down the street from me was a huge public park. In Maine it gets cold early and stays cold so the city always flood a large area for skating, with benches to rest on. Sometimes we’d skate in the afternoon sunk, noses red and the sun making the crystals in the snow glitter. Other times we’d skate at night, with a carefully tended bonfire nearby and hot chocolate courtesy of the city’s civic organizations.

When we were all really young it was a rough and tumble time on the rink, especially tumble as we learned how to balance on our skates. As teenagers it became a romantic setting to skate double with our boy friends and share that hot chocolate with them.

When I married and moved to Michigan skiing took over skating so I have a ski shop in my Dickens Village, with two people waxing their skis.

I have a bakery in my Dickens Village because who hasn’t had freshly baked cookies at Christmas? My favorites were the snickerdoodles my grandmother made but for my kids it was and always has been chocolate chip cookies. Once in a wile I even added oatmeal raison. And Christmas week as a family we’d make sugar cookies in the shape of snowmen and Christmas trees and frost and decorate them.

When we moved to Texas, Christmas became a time for lots of lights outside the house, a roaring fire in the fireplace, and again-hot chocolate. By that time all the kids were adults and in their own homes, but my husband loved decorating for Christmas more than anyone I’ve ever know. The house is on a large piece of property in the Texas Hill Country so we bought a golf cart to get us around to do chores. During Christmas, once the lights were out, we’d get in the golf cart and park in front of the house and share some wine while we watched the lights and talked about holidays and stuff. Those nights are among my best memories.

So what are your holiday traditions? I’d love for you to comment and tell my some of your stories of special memories. And of course I wish everyone the happiest and best holiday season. Sweeten your holiday with the recipe below. Makes 24 cookies.

Ingredients

• 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Colored Icing, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a bowl, stir together flour and baking powder. In another bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy and light. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, a third at a time to make a stiff dough. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll out a portion of cookie dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters. Place on lightly greased or nonstick cookie sheets. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minute, rotating baking sheet halfway through cooking time. Cool completely on pans about 5 minutes, transfer to cooling racks and cool completely before decorating.

Colored Icing:

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons water
3 to 4 drops food coloring, plus more as needed
Colored sprinkles, optional

In a small bowl, mix sugar and water to form a thick, smooth icing. Stir in food coloring to reach desired shade. Drop icing onto cookies using a small teaspoon and smooth with the back of the spoon. Make additional bowls for additional colors.

Additional multi-colored sprinkles can be added on top of icing before it dries

Sky here. Desiree, thank you so much for sharing some of your holiday traditions with us. I just love how your Dickens Village collection reflects your memories over the years. How absolutely wonderful! And that cookie recipe sounds scrumptious. In fact, I just got out my Santa sleigh cookie jar so I think I think I'll cook up a batch. I’m sure my seven year old will be thanking you! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

BLURB- Nailed

Third in the Erector Set series.

Tyler McMann is a Dom looking for a sub in the bedroom who can also match him fire for fire everywhere else. At the private fetish club Finesse, he spots a redhead with a defiant stride and curves that don’t quit. Flame looks like the ultimate Domme, so Tyler’s shocked to discover she’s a switch. Their session together is unexpectedly explosive for both of them.

Tyler comes back night after night to play with Flame. Soon it becomes more than just club scenes but she’s afraid of fallout in her professional life. In her severe business clothes and uptight persona, no one knows about her secret weekend life and she wants to keep it that way. She also can’t risk another destructive relationship with a controlling man like the one who almost destroyed her before. If Tyler finds out who she really is, will he still offer his love and protection and a future together?


Purchase Nailed at Amazon , Jasmine Jade and Bookstrand .

Visit Desiree at www.desireeholt.com  and www.desireeholttelsall.com

Twitter @desireeholt ~ FB desireeholtauthor

Readers, don’t forget to respond to Desiree in a comment to win her giveaways! Desiree asked, “So what are your holiday traditions? I’d love for you to comment and tell my some of your stories of special memories.”

Contest ends Friday, December 14th, 6 PM EST.

Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more!
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A Tree Worth Choosing. Christmas with Beth Trissel.

Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. It’s hard to believe we’re already into the second week in December! As expected, things are as festive as ever at this blog. Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over friend and fabulously talented author, Beth Trissel. Gracious as ever, Beth is offering an eCopy of her story, A Warrior for Christmas to one lucky commenter.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Beth…

Cutting the Christmas tree ourselves is a significant tradition that dates back to the years before I was married, with the whole family going together to select and cut it. The ranks have grown considerably over the decades and even included Chinese guests who found trekking off to cut an evergreen rather fascinating, as they did the concept of stuffing a large tree into our house and decorating it with eclectic baubles, like the glittered light bulbs our son made when he was in first grade, or the dough angel with glasses my brother created when he was ten. But they joined in the merriment.

In recent years, we venture to our favorite tree farm on a hillside outside the tiny hamlet of Singers Glen with our children and grandchildren, the youngest just wee tots. The little people are especially excited by our outing and a good time is had by all. The ultimate challenge is finding the candy cane tree and requires tramping up and down the scenic hill. To mix things up, my art major graduate daughter, Elise, suggested we get the ugliest tree we could find for our household and see what we could do with it. Six-year-old Ian thought this was a great idea. However, after he’d helped cut it, he asked, “Dad has out tree, right?” He didn’t want to get stuck with a dud.

The couple who own the tree farm were glad someone still liked Charlie Brown trees, thinking they’d never sell that one. Not only do they have a beautiful farm, but a quaint spring house where the wife serves hot chocolate and visits with guests by a cozy fire in the vintage hearth and children are invited to choose an ornament from their decorated tree to take home. This is the best Christmas tree farm ever. Elise and I decorated our challenged tree with strings of popcorn and lights as it was too skimpy to hold traditional ornaments. All in all, it’s not a bad little tree. Pretty, really. Ian’s impressed.

In colonial America when my new historical romance novella A Warrior for Christmas is set, the colonists decorated their homes with holly, greenery, mistletoe balls and wreaths, but did not yet have trees. That came about later during the Victorian era.

Blurb: Reclaimed by his wealthy uncle, former Shawnee captive Corwin Whitfield finds life with his adopted people at an end and reluctantly enters the social world of 1764. He plans to return to the colonial frontier at his first opportunity--until he meets Uncle Randolph's ward, Dimity Scott.

Deaf since a childhood bout of Scarlet fever, Dimity Scott intends to be cherished for herself, not her guardian's purse, even if it means risking spinsterhood. Then the rugged newcomer arrives, unlike any man she's ever known. Dimity has learned to manage her silent world, but unaccustomed to the dangers of the frontier, can she expect love and marriage from Corwin, who longs to return to his Shawnee life?

Excerpt:

One this unaware would never survive in the frontier. He’d been taught to move with the silence of a winged owl while observing all around him. “Why does she not look up at our coming?”

“Ah, well, that’s a matter I’ve been meaning to discuss with you.” The hesitancy in his uncle’s tone was unlike this man who knew his own mind and was swift to instruct others.

He squinted at Corwin with his good eye; the other perpetually squinted from an injury he’d received in a duel. “I trust you’ll not hold it against the poor girl as a sign of weakness, my boy. Warriors sometimes do, and you’ve kept company with those savages far too long.”

It wasn’t like his uncle to ramble, and Corwin shifted impatiently upon hearing his adopted people disparaged again. “What are you saying, Uncle?”

He rubbed his fingers over a chin grizzled with whiskers. “Dimity cannot hear us.”

“At all?”

“Not a sound, unfortunately. Though she is able to detect the vibrations of music. Odd, that.”

Like the beating of Indian drums.~

If you would like the opportunity to win an ebook of A Warrior for Christmas, pdf or kindle winner’s choice, please leave me a comment.

A Warrior for Christmas is available in various ebook formats at The Wild Rose Press ,  Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nookbook  & other online booksellers.

*For more on me, my blog is the happening place. Come on over and visit at: http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/

Sky here. Absolutely LOVED this post, Beth! That you and your family chose what would normally be amongst the last picked trees is such a supurb idea. I'd imagine it was beyond beautiful once decorated. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Readers, don't forget to comment for a chance to win an eCopy of A Warrior for Christmas. Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win even more!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

A Scottish Christmas with Cathie Dunn.

The days are ticking down to Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Today I’m thrilled to welcome over talented author, Cathie Dunn. She just happens to live in one of my most favorite places on Earth. You guessed it… Scotland! Be sure to comment for a chance to win an eCopy of her latest title, Dark Deceit.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Cathy…

Thank you for hosting me, Sky! It’s a pleasure to be here talking about my favourite season...

I love Christmas!

There, I said it. Why, you ask? Well…

First of all, there are the Christmas markets. I grew up surrounded by towns and villages with stunning Christmas markets running from a short weekend to the whole month of December. Yes, sometimes even beyond Christmas. It must be worth their while setting up that ice rink, after all. A warm glow spreads through towns - and through your blood as you sip from your steaming mug of mulled wine. Colourfully decorated stalls sell handmade crafts, pottery, needlework and Christmas cookies. And, of course, plenty of stalls selling delicious food, so you can keep up your strength as you browse the dizzying variety of potential presents. Add a sprinkling of snow, and it’s a picture perfect setting.

And speaking of snow, I just love the stuff. The more the better. For me, snow means the ideal winter. Living in Edinburgh, Scotland, rain and gales usually lash against the windows (pretty much all year, but colder this time of year, obviously) but just now and then we get a few days of snow. That’s when I’m at my happiest. Long walks across snow-covered landscapes, wrapped up warm, and followed by a beer or wine by the fireside in a cosy pub.

Ahh, open fires. Love them! We have a fireplace in our (otherwise rather draughty) cottage which keeps us warm in the evenings. It’s part of winter, the scent of peat and burning logs. Have you ever tried fire roasted marshmallows? Yumm!

As for the cottage, a decorated tree, light chains hung over picture frames, a wreath hung outside the front door, and candles lit for added warmth make it an inviting home this time of year. Our two kitties curled up by the fire, Christmas carols in the background, the scent of home-baked cookies wafting through the house, and a turkey dinner with all the trimmings accompanied by a nice bottle of wine or two.

All that fuss for a meal for two? Yes. Just hubby and me.

My in-laws live 200 miles away in the Highlands, my mother 1,000 miles the other way. So it’s just the two of us and the cats, but we make the most of it. Chatting, talking to our family over the phone, cuddling the cats (not forgetting their Christmas treats, of course!), unwrapping presents, watching TV specials, relaxing after our lovely meal, with leftover turkey sandwiches to look forward to for the next three days...

But Christmas is also a time for reflection, for thoughts of others, alone out there, and for loved ones lost. Remembering is as much part of Christmas as the food, the tree and the decorations.
Did I mention I love it all? Yes!

Wishing you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Blurb for Dark Deceit:

On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight's only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor, investigating the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her progress through England, he is torn between his oath and his duty.

Left to defend her manor following her father's death, Alleyne de Bellac reluctantly accepts Geoffrey's support. As she doesn't trust the taciturn stranger, she asks Will d'Arques, an old friend, for help. But loyalties change. Her life in danger and her inheritance at stake, Alleyne must decide which man to trust.

Discover England and Normandy divided by a brutal civil war, where vows are broken as allegiances waver.

Visit Cathie Dunn at her Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Purchase Dark Deceit at Amazon ,  Amazon UK and Crooked Cat Books


Sky here. Okay, I’m just going to say it… can I move in with you, Cathie? *grins* Yes, I love my New England Christmases but I’d be willing to suffer through a holiday or two in Scotland with you. After all, I love Christmas just as much! Such a fabulous post. Thank you for sharing a bit of your Christmas with us. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

Readers, don't forget to comment for a chance to win Dark Deceit. Then be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below for more chances to win!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

A Southern California Christmas with Catherine Bybee.

Only eighteen days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s third annual WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Just popping in for the first time? If so, allow me to fill you in on the festive details. Between now and Christmas day many more authors will be joining us to share a bit of their holiday. In addition, this event will be welcoming over an editor and cover model, Jimmy Thomas.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome over NY Times bestselling author, Catherine Bybee. She'll be sharing a little bit of her Christmas California style. Bybee is graciously giving away a PRINT copy of her just-released, Amazon bestseller, Not Quite Dating to one lucky commenter. Contest applies to readers in the Continental United States.
Let’s hear from Catherine…

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. I know the song…and yes, I hope to have planted the tune inside your head with my words.

Here in California we don’t have the icy temperatures or the snow laden trees. No, we often walk around in flip-flops and short-sleeved shirts. This is the time of year to replace our windshield wipers for the rare rainstorm that might blanket the world with green.

For those of us celebrating the season in temperatures dipping into the 50’s and not reaching into the 50’s…don’t work yourselves up and put your home for sale. Wintering in a higher temperature does several things for the holidays that you might not think of.

First… That lack of cool temps… yeah well, that means the cozy Christmas fire is often not needed. That’s why they have that darn ‘Yule log’ on the TV. All the snap, crackle and pop without the heat.
Second… When was the last time you saw Santa land his sleigh on anything other than dirt? Nuff said on that!

Third… The kid table is supposed to be in the living room… NOT on the patio.

Fourth… That ‘dry’ tree you think you have has nothing on the wilted “Don’t you dare plug in the lights for fear of a fire” tree we have here!

Fifth… Mittens, scarves… the awful Christmas sweater you buy for some poor sap in your family… not happening here. No need for it! We ask for gym memberships and juice bar gift certificates.

Yeah… A Southern California Christmas is something to get used too. Once the Rose Parade is shown about the world we often find an influx of EX-Easteners looking for a new home.

From a girl who grew up in the Northwest let me tell you. I miss the rain… and the possibility of a white Christmas. The nip in the air helps the season kick off and often brings the decorations out of attic long before the second weekend of the month.

The holidays are about family…and this is where many of mine live. So unless they want to plan a trip north…this is where my Christmases will be.

Merry Christmas

For you… a glimpse into a California Christmas through the eyes of Jack and Jessie in Not Quite Dating Amazon Top 5 Bestseller. Available Now.

Waitress and single mom Jessica “Jessie” Mann is practical to a fault. Even if she had time to date, which she doesn’t, she’d be determined to provide her son with a more secure upbringing than the one she had—and that would mean a husband with big bucks. When Jack Morrison—a sexy-as-sin, seemingly broke customer with a cowboy hat and a seductive grin—tries to flirt with her, she shoots him down. She doubts a carefree dreamer like Jack can provide the financial stability she needs. Yet with Christmas just weeks away, and Jessie not wanting to spend it alone, the charming Texan is proving hard to resist.

As the heir to the Morrison luxury hotel empire, Jack is used to being fawned over. But Jack needs someone who will fall in love with him—not his wealth. He’s set his sights on Jessie, though her hardened heart just might get in the way…To be sure, he conceals his true identity and offers to help Jessie find the rich husband she seeks. But Jack’s daring charade may rob him of the holiday wish he wants most of all…

Purchase Not Quite Dating at Amazon ~ Kindle ~ Print  

Bybee Giveaway for December:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a85441/&gt
Catherine Bybee
NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

Coming April , 2013 ~ Not Quite Mine ~ Montlake Romance Pre-Order HERE Coming May, 2013 ~ Fiance by Friday ~ Montlake Romance Pre-Order HERE WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER BLOG NEWSLETTER Sky here. Great post, Catherine! Gave me a good chuckle. You're absolutely right though, Christmas is truly Christmas when spent with family. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season. Readers, DON'T FORGET TO COMMENT for a chance to win a PRINT copy of Not Quite Dating. (Contest ends Monday, December 10th, 12 AM EST) After that, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below to win even MORE LOOT! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c587a91/

I'd Tap That! Sweet Survival Tips.

Get that thick, sugary syrup to flow. You might have no choice!
Welcome to the BUG-IN WITH ROMANCE BLOG EVENT. If you’ve been following this blog hop then you’re already familiar with what it’s about. If not, allow me to give you a quick run-down.

We're a group of mostly romance authors that are worried about general fox-hole morale when the shit hits the fan. So you've got your bug-out bags packed, your medicine stocked up, your 2 weeks of food stuff hidden in the air-space behind the dry wall in your home (just in case the government shows up to confiscate your horde of food), you've stored away some candles and extra batteries, and you're ready to go. Well, what about Mom's sanity? What about those almost twenty year old daughters hooked on romance novels? What about...How are you planning to while away the boredom in your little safe place? We've got you covered. Win some romance novels and tick off your preparedness checklist with us as we countdown to THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT.

Each author will be giving away a paperback copy of her book, a book about her Bug-In subject, or one of her favorite reads. So, stick around to enter to win each day. The blog event is a true blog hop in the sense that it begins with one blog post and moves on each day to another participating author's blog. Each day the hostess will post the link to the next day's blog post and contest. All you do is start today, here, and pop over to the next blog tomorrow.

No matter where you are, if you’re in a situation in which the power grid goes down for an extended period of time, you better be prepared to be resourceful. Don’t count on your local grocery store for food. Even with a ‘worst-case’ scenario Martial Law in place, they’ll be raided within days. If you’ve stock-piled food, you still need to fine a way to provide your own food when your stash runs out. Here in New England and many parts of the world, that means tapping into nature the old-fashioned way with nutrient-rich Maple Syrup.

While I don’t pen post-apocalyptic novels, I do write about time-travel. My characters often travel to time periods that had no electricity. A simpler time when folks had to live off the land. 

But it also had its share of romance…

If you think a super steamy Highlander or oh-so-sexy paranormal novel would be something you’d like to read if there's no choice but to Bug-in, then leave a comment. The prize? One print novel from either my MacLomain or Calum's Curse Series. 

Alright, let’s chat MAPLE SYRUP! Keep in mind that while the following information caters to those staying in one location for an extended period of time, everything is flexible. After reading this, even if you do need to bug-out versus in, you'll know what to look for in your travels AND you’ll have a good idea about what to shove into a bug-out bag if need be.

Sap collection and making maple syrup.

FOUR EASY STEPS

STEP #1- GET PREPARED

When? Summer, Fall or early Winter.

Figure out which Maple tree/s you want to tap. Not quite sure which trees in your yard are Maple’s? Here’s a quick run-down of what  you should be looking for. The most commonly tapped maple trees are Sugar, Black, Red and Silver Maples. Please note that this article shares information about making syrup in the Continental United States and parts of Canada.

SUGAR MAPLE:

• Grows to approximately 100 feet tall.
• Fall colors range from bright yellow, orange, to red-orange.
• Located in Southeastern Canada, Northeastern United States, extending south to Tennessee.
• Bark on young trees is dark grey. On mature trees, it’s dark brown with vertical grooves and ridges.
• Leaf if rounded at base, extending to 5 lobes without fine teeth. Color is bright green with paler green underside.
• Twig is shiny, brown, and slender. It generates a bud ¼ to 3/8 inch long, conical, pointed, and brown in color.

BLACK MAPLE:

• Grows to approximately 100 feet tall.
• Fall color ranges from bright yellow, orange, or red-orange.
• Located in Southeastern Quebec, to Northern Wisconsin, to Tennessee.
• Bark is similar to the Sugar Mable, but darker with deeper grooves.
• Leaf is similar to Sugar Mable, but with 3 lobes versus 5. Often appears drooping.
• Twig is somewhat shiny, brown, and slender, with small warty growths.

RED MAPLE:

• Grows to 60-90 feet tall.
• Fall color is bright red.
• Located in Eastern North America, extending into Quebec, Ontario, and south into Florida. Found as far west as Minnesota and Texas.
• Bark is light grey and smooth, darker on mature trees with grey or black ridges and narrow, scaly plates.
• Leaf is 2-6 inches wide with 3 lobes. The margins of the leaf have small, sharp teeth. Mature leaves are light green with a whitish underside.
• Twig is slender, shiny, and reddish.

SILVER MAPLE:

• Grows to 70-100 feet tall.
• Wood is brittle. Easily damaged in storms.
• Located in Eastern North America and extreme Southeastern Canada. Also grows in eastern United States south to Georgia and west to Kansas.
• Bark on young tree is grey with a reddish tint. On mature trees, the long thin scaly plates produce a shaggy appearance. Color is reddish brown.
• Leaf is 5-7 inches wide with 5 lobes. Margins of leaf contain fine teeth. Mature leaves are pale green with a silvery white underside.
• When twig is broken a foul smell can be detected.
 (In a bug-out pinch, Birch and Walnut trees can be tapped as well)

Equipment to tap trees

• Buckets: To collect sap as it drips from the spile.
• Lids: Attached to the top of the bucket to prevent rain, snow, and foreign material from entering the bucket.
• Drill Bit: Depending upon the type of spile used, either a 5/16 or 7/16 drill bit is used to drill the tap hole into your maple tree.
• Spiles: The spile (or tap) is inserted into the drilled hole to transfer sap into the bucket.
• Hooks: Hooks are attached to the spile and used to hang the bucket.
• Cheesecloth: Used to filter any solids (such as pieces of bark) when transferring sap from the collection bucket to a storage container.

Other General Equipment Needed

• Maple Trees: At a minimum, you need access to one mature (at least 12 inches in diameter), healthy maple tree.
• Drill: A cordless drill is preferable, but a corded electric drill can be used with a properly insulated extension cord (long enough to reach the tree).
• Hammer: Used to gently tap the spile into the tap hole.
• Pliers: Used to remove the tap from the tree once the sap season is over.
• Storage Containers: Food grade storage containers are used to store your collected sap. Clean plastic milk jugs or juice containers may be used. You can also use food grade 5 gallon buckets.
• Sap Processing Equipment: Depending upon how you decide to utilize your sap, additional equipment may be needed. For example, if you would like to make maple syrup, additional equipment is required.

Some great pre-made kits…

Maple Tapping Starter Kit with Plastic Buckets at Amazon .

Maple Tapping Starter Kit with Metal Buckets at Amazon . 

STEP #2- TAP THE MAPLE

When? Feb/March

Sap usually starts to flow between mid-February and mid-March. It flows when daytime temperatures rise above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 Celsius) and nighttime temperatures fall below freezing. The sap generally flows for 4 to 6 weeks, with the best sap produced early on in the sap-flowing season. Select tree/s to tap. A tree with a diameter of 12-20 inches gets 1 tap. 21-27 inches 2. Greater than 27 inches, 3.  Gather Equipment.

Tap the Tree:

• Height of the tap hole should be at a height that is convenient for you and allows easy collection. 3 feet is recommended.
• If the tree has been previously tapped, don’t tap within 6 inches of the original tap hole.
• Tap hole should be above a large root or below a large branch on the south side of the tree.

Drill the tap hole:

• Size of drill bit used depends on the type of spile you’re using. Most require either a 7/16 or 5/16 bit.
• Drill hole 2 to 2 ½ inches deep.
• Drill at slight upward angle to assist downward flow of sap from hole.
• Shavings from the drilled hole should be light brown if the sapwood is healthy. If shavings are dark brown, drill hole in a different location.

Insert the Spile:

• Clear shavings from edge of hole.
• Insert spile into the loop on the hook (hook facing outward), then insert spile into tap hole.
• Gently tap spile into tree with a hammer.
• If sap is flowing, you should immediately see sap dripping from spile.
• Hang bucket by inserting hook into hole on rim of bucket.
• Attach lid to spile by inserting the metal wire into the double holes on spile.

STEP #3- COLLECT SAP AND MAKE MAPLE SYRUP

When? Feb/March/April

Depending upon the weather conditions, sap will start to flow immediately after tapping the tree. Maple sap is a clear fluid and resembles water. The collection amount may vary. Some days you will collect only a small amount and other days your buckets will overflow if not emptied.

Transfer sap from buckets to storage containers:

• Use only food grade containers to store sap. Plastic milk jugs or juice containers may be used.
• When pouring sap from bucket into storage container, use cheesecloth to filter out foreign material.
• Throw away any frozen sap.
Storing your sap:
• Store at temp of 38 degrees F or colder, used within 7 days of collection and boiled prior to use to eliminate any bacteria growth.
• If still snow on the ground, storage containers can be stores outside, packed in snow.
• Sap can be stored in refrigerator, or for longer term storage, in freezer.

Process sap into maple syrup:

To make maple syrup, the excess water is boiled from the sap. It takes 40 parts maple sap to make 1 part maple syrup (10 gallons sap to make 1 quart syrup). Because of the large quantity of steam generated by boiling sap, it is not recommended to boil indoors. If you do decide to boil the sap indoors, make only small batches and ensure good ventilation.

Heat Source Options:

• Dig small pit. Use bricks to secure walls of pit. Metal bars are secured over fire support pot. Build fire in pit. As it takes several hours to boil sap, a sufficient wood supply is required.
• Outdoor grill
• Kitchen stove
• Indoor wood stove
• Outdoor fryer

Boiling the sap:

• Fill large pan or pot ¾ full with sap.
• Place pot onto heat source.
• Once sap starts to boil down to ¼-1/2 depth of pot, add more sap, but try to maintain boil.
• If sap is boiling over edges of pot, a drop of veggie oil or butter wiped onto edge of pot with reduce this.

Transfer to smaller pot:

• Boiling sap will take on golden color
• Once sap has “mostly” boiled down, but still has a very fluid texture, it’s time to transfer sap into smaller pot.

Complete the boiling:

• Once transferred to smaller pot, final boiling can be completed indoors if need be.

• Continue boiling until sap takes on a consistency of syrup. To check for this, dip in spoon. Syrup will “stick” to spoon as it runs off.
• If you have a candy thermometer, finish the boil when temp is 7 degrees F above the boiling point of water. Boiling point of water depends on your elevation.

Filter the syrup:

• Use a food grade filter. A coffee filter is suitable to filters small amounts at a time.
• Let syrup cool.
• Pour small amount into coffee filter.
• Collect top ends of coffee filter into a bunch, and press syrup through the filter into clean container such as measuring cup. Be sure to use new filter each time.
• For larger amounts of syrup, wool or orlon filter can be used.
• OR, skip the filter and allow syrup to stand overnight in refrigerator, letting the sediment settle to the bottom.

Bottle your syrup:

Sterilize a bottle and cap (or multiple bottles and caps depending upon how much syrup you have produced) in boiling water. Pour the sediment free syrup into the bottle, cap, and refrigerate.

Your refrigerated syrup should be used within 2 months. Syrup can also be frozen (in a freezer safe container) to extend shelf life

STEP #4- TIME TO CLEAN UP!

When? April.

Tap Maple Trees at Home - Cleanup

Once the temperature consistently remains above freezing and buds start to form on your maple trees, it is time to stop collecting. At this point, remove the taps, clean your equipment, and store your equipment for next year.

Remove spiles (taps), buckets, and lids from trees

Remove lid and bucket from the spile. With a pair of pliers, firmly grab hold of the spile and pull out of the tree.

Prior to placing in storage it is essential to clean all your equipment. Making a mixture of one part unscented household bleach to 20 parts clean water, use a brush or cloth to scrub your equipment. Triple rinse with hot water.

Thanks for joining me today! Don’t forget to comment for a chance to win a novel from my backlist (please provide email addy). Contest ends Saturday, December 8th, 12 AM EST

Be sure to join author Mona Karel tomorrow, December 6th, as she shares tips on gardening in inhospitable places. http://mona-karel.com/blog/  

On Your Mark, Get Set, UNWRAP! Holiday Traditions with Michelle Miles.

Only twenty-two days left until Christmas! Welcome to A Writer’s Mind’s, WHAT EVERY WOMAN WANTS BENEATH HER CHRISTMAS TREE blog event. Today I’m thrilled to welcome over talented author, Michelle Miles. Sit back and enjoy your favorite festive drink while Michelle shares some holiday traditions. Be sure to answer her question in a comment for a chance to win an eCopy of her latest story, Only For A Knight.

YULETIDE NOTE: I encourage you to leave a comment for a chance to win each featured author's given prize (Include email addy). Their individual winners will be announced in a comment after their post. In addition, be sure to enter the Rafflecopter provided after each post as often as you like for a chance to win the grand prize, three $30 Amazon Gift Cards, 12+ ebooks and over six print novels. Three winners drawn and announced December 26th, 2012. Click on 'Ready to be Served?' at the top of this blog to find the itinerary.

Let’s hear from Michelle…

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again! Christmas is here. And it seemed like we just got through with summer. It astounds me at how fast the time flies. Even more so when I look at my son and how fast he’s growing up. Wasn’t he just born, like, yesterday?

But anyway. This post is about Christmas. The day after Thanksgiving is the day my husband and I have designated as Decorate For Christmas day. We’ve started collecting the little Victorian village buildings and our new thing is to buy a new one each year.  He also likes to buy a Waterford crystal ornament every year. I think it’s these little traditions that help make the holiday so magical.

But what I love most about Christmas is getting together with my large clan. We’re a horde. I have two sisters and a brother, they’re all married, they have children and their children have children. There are nearly thirty of us and that’s just my immediate siblings, nieces and nephews.

So as you can imagine things can get kinda crazy around the holidays. It’s darn near impossible to get us all together on the same day. We usually end up having whatever the holiday is AFTER the official holiday. Like this year, Thanksgiving for us is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Then we all converge on my mom’s house because she’s the most centrally located (we’re all spread out). And we all bring a covered dish and have WAY too much food and stuff ourselves silly.

In recent years, because we’ve grown so big and most of the kids aren’t little anymore, we’ve started drawing names. The rule is anyone over the age of 18 gets their name thrown in the hat. This is great fun actually and it saves a ton of money because there is just no way everyone can buy for everyone. We’re not independently wealthy (not yet anyway).

And since we’ve grown so big and there are so many of us who have to go two and three places on the holiday, we’ll celebrate Christmas after the day and before New Year’s. You should see everyone rip into their gifts all at once. It’s a hoot. And the kids love it. You hear shouts of “I got THIS!” and oohs and aahs and it’s just great fun. I think that’s my favorite part of the holiday.

The ripping into presents has become somewhat of a family tradition. There is no waiting your turn at our house. We just go for it all at once.

Oh and there’s always a ton of food. I’m the resident cheesecake baker.

What are your family holiday traditions?

Only For a Knight by Michelle Miles
Sequel to One Knight Only.

Blush Sensuality Level: This is a sensual romance (may have explicit love scenes, but not erotic in frequency or type).

After saving her love, Princess Elyne returns to the Otherworld by order of her mother. But it’s not the homecoming she expects. Furious Elyne has meddled with humans, the queen imprisons her and strips away her magic. The only way Elyne can get it back is to perform one selfless act.

When Queen Maeve sends Derron to find the Guardian of the Sword of Light, he can’t leave without releasing Elyne. After all, she altered time to save his life. But freeing the princess comes with a steep price—he must take her with him on this dangerous quest. And the two must deal with feelings of past hurt and the love growing between them.

Their search becomes more than a pursuit for the missing Guardian as Lord Kieran rises to dominate the Unseelie court. He will stop at nothing to gain control of both the Otherworld and the human realm. Even with the help of Elves, dragons and their human friends, the odds are stacked against Derron and Elyne.

Purchase the eBook version of ONLY FOR A KNIGHT at Ellora's Cave , Amazon and Barnes & Noble .

Visit Michelle Miles at her Website , Facebook and Twitter .

Sky here. What a great post, Michelle! I can just envision everyone ripping into those presents. That's got to be crazy fun! Much like your Victorian village, my family started a tradition when my son was born called 'Santa Central.' Though it started in a nook in our kitchen, it's taken on a life of its own over the past seven years. Let's just say we didn't stick to adding one unique Santa each year but several. LOL. I'm afraid by the time he's an adult you'll no longer be able to find my house. It'll be covered in Santas!!! Thanks so much for joining me at A Writer's Mind this holiday season. Wishing your and yours a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Readers, don't forget to answer Michelle's question in a comment for a chance to win an eCopy of her latest release, Only For A Knight. Her question was... "What are your family holiday traditions?"

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