Cindy A. Christiansen's Blog, page 31

Something to Howl About

Iknow. I know. The object of promotion is to get your name out there over andover again. But, what about carpal tunnel of the index finger from all thatclicking?  What about the overwhelming over-loadof emails in your inbox and tweets and Facebook messages cluttering up cyberspace?
I'vegot things to do and so do you, so I'm putting all my latest news in oneplace.  Take a look:






Hazardous Hideaway will be released on March7, 2012!  I hope you'll join me onAmazon that day to purchase your copy. Proceeds from the sale will go to help abused and abandoned dogs through NoMore Homeless Pets.







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I just received thecover for Not Quite Zen which will be released in ebook in May 2012.
Blurb: Therapydog trainer and hospice aide Harmony Hastings takes a much needed Zen vacationonly to return to sheer chaos at the Silver Sunset Senior Community.  Who is the new gorgeous, young doctor and whyhas old Doc Barlow disappeared?  Why areresidents being harmed? Can Harmony keep her chakras in balance long enough tofigure out the mystery before one of the baby boomers ends up dead? Is themysterious doctor the guilty party, or is he only guilty of giving Harmony aterminal case of love?
Whois the new mysterious doctor at Silver Sunset Community, and why are theseniors' lives suddenly in danger? Can therapy dog trainer and hospice aideHarmony Hastings keep her chakras in balance long enough to figure out themystery, or will the new doctor give her a terminal case of love?
Not Quite Zen has a total of seven wonderful dogs that steal the show!
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Braving the Blaze received a 5 Star Review:
Review:Thisis the first book that I've read of Ms. Christiansen's, and I have to say, Ienjoyed it very much. Working with a volunteer fire dept myself, I canunderstand Ginger's feelings towards fire and having a fear of it. This storyhad just the right amount of suspense and romance to keep it interesting. Ifound the book very hard to put down and had to keep reading to find out justhow they were going to escape off that mountain to the exciting conclusion ofthe book. One could not help but root for Ginger as she finally manages tocontrol her fear. If you are looking for a great afternoon read, then Irecommend Braving the Blaze. 


Lynn's Books and More

Braving the Blaze has now been released in paperback!
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Caskets and Corruption recently received two 4 Star reviews:
Review:Thiswas a fun, lighthearted read with a lot of action and adventure. The characterswere fun with good depth and great personalities. Philip was a strong and noblecharacter while Lizzie has great quirks. Although the plot sometimes seemed abit outrageous with how much could go wrong, it was well done. There was a bitof talk of death and grief, but it was surprisingly not depressing and was wellwritten. The romance was sweet and strong, though quick. Altogether it was afun read that will keep you guessing and laughing. I'd recommend it.

Clean Book ReviewsEnglish Rose

Review:"Wow!What a simply refreshing story. You can't help but fall in love with the zany anticsof Lizzie and Phillip in this story that has you laughing and wanting to readon to find out what could possibly happen next.

Ms. Christiansen does a great job making the characters so real you actuallyfind yourself caught up in their outrageous adventures." Romancing the BookReviewRobin
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Love on Laird Avenue has also received some awesome reviews:
Review:  Love can blossom out of the strangest of things, such as home renovation.Love on Laird Ave tells of TatumStewart, who is making her own way in life in her own new home. But some thingsaren't going as well, as she calls in a renovation expert. They hit it off alltoo well, but greed and old owners come around after her and may make her cozynew home a little bit of hell. Love on Laird Ave is a fine and much recommended read, not to be missed.
Midwest Book Review
Helen Dumont – Reviewer
Review:  This author hasdone a fine job of offering readers a plot that's filled with fun, plus a bullmastiff puppy that you will never forget.  This story has some extremelyfunny and heart-warming scenes.  Although this is a very tender romance,the plot also serves up some surprises.
RT Book ReviewsAmy Lignor

Thanksso much for sticking around and sharing the good news.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book today at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Love: Breaking the Rule of Show Don't Tell

Whether you'rewriting about love or enjoying it this Valentine'sDay, you need to understand how a manexpresses his love.  This is aninstance where both showing and telling is important.  If he says he loves you but doesn't show itthen he's probably not really in love with you. There are three ways you'll know if your hero (or your sweetheart) lovesyou.  He'll love you with his mind, time and energy.
    Ø Mind:He'll listen to you and put thought into the things he says and does.    Ø Time:  He'll show you love by making you a priorityand not an afterthought.    Ø Energy: A man spends a great deal of his time onthe job, earning money.  If you areimportant to him, he'll spend some of that money on the one he loves.
A man mightnot love you in all three ways equally. But if he is making an effortin all three ways, you know you have akeeper.
Enjoy thisValentine's Day with the one you love.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book today at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Buy a Good Book, Save a Dog!

Sorry to turn seriouson you, but I want to talk briefly on an issue near and dear to my heart—animal abuse. Growing up on a farm, Iwitnessed the results of such abuse by passersby intentionally andunintentionally harming our animals. These experiences are why I support organizations that help abused and homeless animals, particularlydogs. Maybe when you've read some of my experiences, you'll feel the same way Ido.
My family lived on afarm right up against the Salt Lake Canal road. Youngkids found it entertaining to throw rocks or shoot their BB guns at the animals.They didn't wait around to see the harm done by these acts. My dad spent manyhours trying to heal the wounds. Unfortunately, sometimes the BBs couldn't berecovered and serious infections ensued, occasionally even death.
Our farm wassurrounded by subdivisions on the other three sides and neighbors saw thefields as a dumping ground for their garbage and rocks. What they didn't seewas that their trash broke the equipment we used to harvest the alfalfa andgrain, and it caused us to harvest poor quality feed or lose crops. Thisaffected the animals greatly. Also, the cows and horses grazing the pasturesoften times ended up eating nails, metal or plastics thrown over the fencesthat ended up injuring or killing them.
I remember helping mydad inject magnets into the cows with a bolus to collect as much iron and steelas possible. This was to prevent punctures in their stomachs. Metal causesHardware Disease or peritonitis. The magnets would hold the metal in place andcellulous would wrap around it much like a pearl in an oyster. Still, it would'vebeen better if people had thrown their trash in the garbage instead of thefields. The magnets weren't always successful.
Most crushing to myheart were the acts carried out on our dogs. They were shot, poisoned, and evendeliberately ran over by people speeding along the canal road.
I'm happy that most stateshave passed the law that animal abuse isa federal offense. If you live in a state that hasn't made animal abuse afederal crime, please contact yoursenators and representatives today and let them know how you feel.
Hazardous Hideaway , my next book whichwill be released on March 7th, has a scene pertaining to such animalabuse. Please help launch the book byordering on March 7th. A portion of the proceeds will be donatedto: NoMore Homeless Pets in Utah , a program of Best Friends Animal Society, www.utahpets.org.
Here's part of thatscene: Tom:HeroDallasHeroineGracie:Collie/Dingo mixIna:Gracie's ownerSetting:  Dairy community in central Utah
Tom swooped Gracieinto his arms and ran toward the house. Dallas finally found her legs and racedto open the door for him. The dog flopped limply in his arms. Dallas pushedeverything recklessly off the kitchen table, and he gently laid Gracie down.Ina gasped and ran for bandages from the medicine cabinet.He washed Gracie'swounds with warm water, checking the seriousness of each cut. Swiftly, theyworked together. He doctored and sewed each wound, trying to believe theremight be hope for the suffering dog. But, his gut told him different.Patches of hide hadbeen ripped off her from rolling down the hard asphalt. Her left, front leg hadbeen broken in several places and the metal bumper had ripped her shoulderclean open to the bone. Pretty fair guess she had internal injuries too. Probablywasting supplies, but he didn't want to disappoint Ina and Dallas. They loved Gracie.He swallowed hard. He did too.Dallas stroked thedog's blood-matted face, as Tom gently wrapped her leg. Gracie slowly liftedher head, looked at him and let out a soft whine. He swallowed hard as anotherlump lodged in his throat. Her head drooped back down on the table, and thelast light left the old girl's soft brown eyes. His hands trembled slightly ashe stopped working, and his eyes watered some."Oh, Tom, her unbornpuppies," Dallas whispered, tears welling in her eyes.Silently, they stoodlike some still-framed snapshot.

Join in the launch.Order your copy on March 7th.A portion of the proceeds will benefit homeless pets.Thank you.

SweetRomance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!CindyA. Christiansen – Sweet Romance AuthorFlyinto a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
  123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Mudslinging: And I'm Not Just Talking Politics

Well, what else is new? If there's a political campaign going on, you're going to hear tons of negativepublicity.  Things like:
advertisements attacking anopponent's personality, record, or opinion;secretly leaking damaging (notnecessarily true) information to the media;using outside groups to launchattacks about the other opponent ; anddisguising telephone polls asa way of suggesting false information about the other candidate.
Despite the possibility of backlash from such techniques,negative campaigning is so affective that it is still done today. Why?  Because it works.  Juicy negative headlines work because we asthe public are drawn to them and let them sway us.
Unfortunately, mudslinging doesn't just happen in thepolitical arena.  Over the years, I'vebeen a part of many business organizations, groups and clubs and no matter whatsize, there always tends to be some type of negative attacks.  In today's high-speed information highway,these attacks can quickly get out of hand.
Recently, I logged onto Goggle and saw their blackened-outname protesting censorship.  I don't likecensorship so I immediately posted something similar on Facebook.  Then I caught a link about the opposing sidewhich related to piracy.  Well as awriter, I'm against piracy too.  Withoutfinding out the facts, I'd just reacted. I didn't take the time to research the issues and make a properdecision.  It's too easy to make theserash decisions when all we have to do is click.
In another situation, I had a person attack me openly on theinternet without so much as contacting me and checking the facts. Several other people who weren't even involved or present when theincident took place, jumped on the bandwagon and also attacked me without learningthe facts.  Why are we so easily swayedto attack and ask questions later? Haven't we progressed over the centuriesfrom "shoot and ask questions later?"
As responsible internet users, we need to research the factsand stop and think of the ramifications before we post.  We need to think about the consequences ofwhat we say and who we might hurt. 
I know that I don't respect what has taken place in thisyear's political mudslinging.  I stillthink there ought to be an option on the ballot for "none of the above."  This country is in serious trouble, and I forone want to hear what the candidates are going to do about the issues.  The same is true for the other organizationsI'm a part of.  Accusations, name-callingand unprofessionalism do not solve a thing; they distract.
Think before you click.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at: http://www.dragonflyromance.com


123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

FREE SHORT-STORY READ: A Clean Romance

It's January and time to go through all the oldpaperwork and empty out folders and drawers. While I was doing just that, Ifound this short-story from my college days and wanted to share it with you. Ireally had to laugh. It's a romance with a dog! Even back then. Imagine that.Enjoy, but don't expect too much. (lol)
"When I get my hands on Linda, I'mgoing to kill her!" Karen clenched and unclenched her fists and let out a hugesigh.How could she let her friend talk her intoselling these stupid housecleaning products? No one sells door-to-door anymore.Well, except maybe the Avon lady. Karen smiled. So the economy was really bad. Shecould make more money flipping burgers for minimum wage than this degrading job.Oh, the rude people she'd dealt with over the last two days. But finding asummer job until college started in the fall proved almost impossible. Still,she'd like to ring Linda's neck. Door-to-door.She scoffed. What was I thinking?So I'm a neat freak, and I love to clean.That doesn't make me a great salesperson.She hopped out of her VW Beetle andgrabbed the box of cleaning supplies from the backseat. Trepidation filled her.She hadn't sold one product yet. She straightened her back and approached thecottage-style home with fortitude. Taking a deep breath, she rang the doorbell.A huge commotion of yelling and barking ensued inside. She felt her confidenceslipping away.The front door flew open and a shaggyEnglish Sheep dog bolted directly at her. Karen jumped aside to avoid acollision. The dog bolted toward the street and then took off on a full run. A five-o-clock shadowed man ran after the dogto the end of the sidewalk, stopped and flung his arms in the air, franticallycalling. "Wally! Get back here. Wally. Come back, old boy."Wally scrambled down the street andtook a left. Karen smiled. Despite the man's attractivefeatures and physique, his clothes looked as "shaggy" as his dog's hairy hide. Hisjeans were frayed around the pockets, knees and bottoms, and his teal T-shirtbore at least a dozen stains. He ran a hand through his unruly reddish wavesand then scratched his stubbled chin, staring after his dog.He grumbled and turned in herdirection. "Oh, oh, oh. I'm sorry. Go on in and get started.""Excuse me?" she said.Ring."Go on in," he said, waving toward thehouse.Ring.    "Get that, would you? I've got toround up Wally." He walked away with determination in his stride.Ring.Karen reluctantly headed inside theman's house. Despite the fine furnishings, she couldn't help but notice thehumungous clutter…and awful smell. She serpentined her way through the mess tothe ringing phone."Hello?" she said hesitantly."Oh, I'm sorry. I must have the wrongnumber. I was calling my son, Dan, at 555-3355," the woman said."Uh…uh…does he have a dog namedWally?" Karen asked.                       "Well, yes. Yes, he does."Dan came through the door carrying Wallyin his arms. He slammed the door with his foot and then dumped Wally on thecarpet. Wally trotted over to his empty dog dish in the kitchen and knocked itupside down with a swat of his paw. Dan entered the kitchen area and pulled anempty dog food bag from a lower cupboard."Hello?" the woman on the phonequestioned."Oh, hold on." Karen held the phoneout to Dan."Who is it?" he asked, dropping theempty bag on the floor."Your mother.""Hells, bells. Mom." He grabbed forthe phone. "Hi, Mom…yes…yes…fine. How are you? No, of course not. She'sthe…the…" He looked Karen up and down and then spotted the box of cleaningsupplies she'd left on the coffee table. "Cleaning lady. You know. From one ofthose services. You know me. I'm always working."This man didn't need her adding to hisconfusion right now. Karen crossed over to the coffee table and reached for herbox. Dan's hand came around her waist, and he turned her around to face him. Acrooked smile curled his lips. He held up one finger, signaling her to wait.Karen felt a slight tingle zip up herspine at his close proximity. He really was quite attractive in a primal sortof way. She noticed the half-finished landscape on an easel in the other room. Fromwhat she could see, the mountain scene was breath-taking. However, paintsplatters riddled the room and carpet. He wasn't exactly the tidiest personshe'd ever met. But creative people weren't always neat or organized.Creativity lent itself to passion and enthusiasm. And, from what she could see,this man exuded passion. Oh my, what am Ithinking?His expression sobered. "What? You'realready in town. Well, no…yes. Of course. Yeah. Sure it'll be fine."  Either his teal shirt suddenly reflected onhis face, or Dan had turned a pale green. "Bye now," he said weakly and thengulped.Karen tried for the box once again,but he stopped her."Where are you going?" he asked."I'm not from a cleaning service, and Ican see you're much too busy for me to demonstrate these cleaning products.""Are you kidding? Demonstrate away."He waved a hand in every direction.She picked up her box. "I'll showmyself out.""But…but I need you! I told my mom youwere the cleaning lady and just look at this place. She'll be here in less thanan hour to stay for the weekend. She'll wonder what I was doing with a cleaningwoman in my house and my house looking like a total disaster.""Then I suggest you get started onthis pig's-sty. I'm sorry. I've interrupted you as it is."Wally grabbed the kitchen tableclothin his teeth and ripped everything off the table. Plates and glasses shatteredto the floor. A wooden bowl of fruit bounced and apples, oranges and bananasscattered in every direction."Good luck with everything," Karencalled as she beat it to the door."I'm right in the middle of acommissioned art piece," he yelled after her. "I'm willing to pay top dollar. Ineed you in my life."Karen slammed the door behind her andsmiled. She wasn't sure which attracted her the most: the sound of that topdollar or the words, "I need you in my life."Could she…should she…would she throwcaution to the wind and find out just how much Dan needed her?She found herself ringing the bellagain. A huge commotion of yelling and barking ensued. The door flew open andWally took off down the street.Dan smiled. "You're the kind of cleaninglady I'd like my mom to meet."

Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet romance, comedy, suspense…and dogs!Fly into a good book at:  www.dragonflyromance.com

123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

A Dog's Devotion

Callie Taking Care of MeWhy do I include dogs in my books, youask?
Well, Callie is an example ofwhy.  Recently I went through a longbattle with pneumonia. Callie was by my side constantly, day and night.  No matter where I wandered, she followed. (Thatincluded trips to the bathroom.) She wouldn't even let me go into our walk-incloset without her.  No matter how long Ilaid in bed, she hovered over me. At times I felt like I had to peel her offme, she stayed so close against me.  Shetried desperately to lick me better, often wearing me out.  She wouldn't settle for sitting next to mebut wanted to be on top of me. Yes, at times, I wanted to say "back off."  But, you could see the worry and concern inher eyes.  With every cough or gasp forbreath I took, she lifted her head to check on me.  That, my friends, is unconditional love.
Finally, she's decided that I'm goingto live. Although the love continues to shine in her eyes, she's more apt tosleep in her own bed, stray from side to explore the new snowfall, or go to therest of the family for hugs and pats on the head.
Many years ago, my husband and Istarted seeing a family counselor.  Hisadvice seemed sound and reasonable.  Thatis, until one day when he gave us his view on animals.  He told us he believes animals only have a collective conscience. Something like the Borg on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Animals are all connected withouttheir own personalities or thoughts.
I guess you can figure out whathappened next.  Our sessions abruptlyended, and we questioned the validity of everything the man had said. Dogs, anyanimal for that matter, without their own distinct personality or thoughts?  Pretty ludicrous in my opinion.  What's do you think?   Do youthink animals have unique personalities and their own thought processes? I reallywant to know.

CindyA ChristiiansenSweetRomance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Flyinto a good book at: www.dragonflyromance.com

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

SCP BLOG HOP: In Sickness and in Love

I have been fortunate to have signed with a wonderful publishing house—Secret Cravings(SCP). We are celebrating their one year anniversary with a blog hop, including fantastic savings andprizes. See my previous post titled, "Wina Kindle Fire Just for Commenting!" Hats off to SCP!            Asmany of you know, my family has been very seriously ill for over a month with avery volatile flu and pneumonia. From Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve we livedat the hospital with our kids severely ill. Now my husband and I both havepneumonia. We just can't seem to get back on our feet. As I was lying in bedtoday, wishing I was dead  J,  I began to think about past illnesses and theseasons. Ihave to admit, being sick through the holidays was pretty much a killjoy. But,I also remember having bronchitis in the spring, being bed-ridden in the summerwith CFIDS, and having sinusitis in autumn. Is there really any good time to besick?  Okay,this line of thinking got me wondering which season is the most romantic. (Rememberthat I have 102° fever.) Half my books are set in spring/summer and the otherhalf in autumn/winter. (I figured that out while I was lying in bed wishing forthe dead thing.)  Personally, I findautumn the most romantic time of year. I love the pleasant temps, the vibrantvaried colors of the changing leaves, and the bond one feels with Mother Earth.Maybe my view is tainted because I not only fell in love in autumn but alsomarried then too. So,in celebrating the one year anniversary of SCP, I'd like to know what season you find the most romantic and why? Besure to leave your email address withyour comment so that you can be entered for SCP's grand prizes. By leaving acomment on my blog, you will be entered to wina copy of my sweet (clean) romance, Bravingthe Blaze. Be sure to check outthe other author's blogs and comment in order to win that Kindle Fire andother great prizes. Good luck and thanks for all your support!


Braving the Blaze Blurb:Single-minded Dean Harward is going tobecome a veterinarian if it kills him. He's worked summers as a volunteerwildfire fighter to earn big cash for college. Just his luck, a pyrophobicwoman gets assigned to his team. He's certain she'll get him killed before hecan graduate. Ginger Warby is a walking firestorm as accidents continuallyspark around her. Or are they accidents? Can Dean keep the flames of desire he reluctantly feels for her undercontrol long enough to keep them and his Yellow Labrador alive? 
Braving the Blaze Excerpt: "I knowvolunteering sounds crazy, but I've got to do this." Ginger Warby locked herfingers together and sat down on her best friend's floral-print sofa.Brendawhirled around in bewilderment. "This has got to be the most idiotic thingyou've ever thought of doing. Why? Why would you even try? I know how terrifiedyou are of fire." She flopped into the mauve recliner next to Ginger, her facestill rumpled in disbelief. "Look at cooking school."Gingertook a deep breath and exhaled slowly. So she had flunked out of culinaryschool. She'd done her best. She couldn't help it if she couldn't set her Crepes Suzette…or the Bombe Alaska…or…or the Lobster fra Diavolo on fire. Threelittle dishes. There'd been plenty of other meals she'd fixed to perfection.At leastshe'd managed to get over her fear of gas stoves and barbeque grills while sheattended school. She'd made progress. Well, as long as they didn't have aflare-up of flames. The image of the time her T-bone steaks dripped grease andsent flames roaring up through the grill popped into her mind. She'd gonescreaming out of the class as her classmates roared with laughter.Beforeshe'd chosen culinary art for her career, she should've realized where there'sheat, there's fire. Why did chefs prefer gas stoves to electric anyway? Someonesomewhere had to start a new trend. "You're afraid of a sparkler, Ging." Brendashook her head in skepticism."I'vegotten better though. You just don't understand.""I know mybest friend just told me she's planning to put herself in the middle of thebiggest wildfire Utah's ever seen, but she's afraid of a match. You're goingfrom the proverbial frying pan into the fire. Somebody has to talk some senseinto you." How could Ginger explain all of her reasoning?Especially since the death of Brenda's brother, Barrett, had a lot to do withher decision. Only a week had gone by since his funeral. Ginger hoped she couldget over her fear and at the same time understand Barrett's tragic death."I justfeel strongly about going, Bren. I really want to face my fears. And besides,they desperately need help on this fire. I'll just be one of the camp crew,anyway."Brendareached for her hand. "So face your fears. But putting yourself in the middleof a one-hundred thousand acre wildfire is just plain nuts.""Could youstop mentioning that?""Wildfire,wildfire, wildfire."Gingercringed."You can'teven face the word, let alone face the actual fire." Brenda hit her palm to herforehead. "This doesn't have anything to do with Barrett, does it?"Gingernoticed the glassy look in her best friend's eyes. "No, not really. As I said,they need the help. Let's talk about you. What've you been up to since we lasttalked?""And yourhair!" Brenda stared at her with a horrified look. "You cut off all yourgorgeous butter-colored hair for a fire? Since we were eight, you swore you'dnever cut it.""It wasalways getting in my pots of soup. I'm…I'm glad it's gone.""I don'tbelieve you.""Well, Icertainly didn't want it to catch on fire. I'll be much safer with my hairshort." She didn't want her terror to show, so she ducked her head."But didyou use a scythe to cut it? My gosh, it stands out everywhere.""Still nothappy with this discussion, Bren," she returned in frustration.Brendaclicked her tongue. "I still can't believe you're thinking of doing such acrazy thing.""Notthinking; I'm doing.""Notthinking is right. Daniel doesn't even want to face that monster." Brendasobered. "I don't want to lose someone else to a fire."Ginger'sheart lodged in her throat. "I know, and you won't. I'll just be doing campduty, and you need Daniel here with you and little Darcy. How are things withthe two of you?" Ginger asked, still hoping to change the subject."Have youtalked to Sage yet?" Brenda asked instead.Gingersighed. How could her friend manage to bring up every subject she'd been tryingto ban from her mind?"I'm surehe'd want to discuss this plan ofyours." Brenda leaned back in the recliner with a raised brow."I…Ihaven't seen him since the funeral." She dug her nails into her thumbs untilshe couldn't stand the pain any longer. Sage had gotten over what she'd doneyears ago. At least he acted like he had forgiven her. She just couldn'tforgive herself."What doyou think he's going to say about this?" Brenda crooked her neck, scanning thebackyard for her daughter. "I shouldn't let her outside in all this smoke, butshe gets tired of being cooped up. And frankly, I'm not sure the air is anybetter inside than out no matter what they say on the news.""Come on.Let's talk about something else besides the fire. What's been going on since welast talked?" Ginger asked.She knewher friend well enough to know she wouldn't let the subject drop, but she didn'twant to hear another word about Sage or the Tushar fire. Ginger's anxiety wouldexplode through the roof if they kept talking about the subject. She alreadyfelt like running back to Salt Lake with her tail between her legs.Convincingherself to come back home for Barrett's funeral after flunking out at schoolwas bad enough, but volunteering to fight her biggest trepidation on earthstressed her out to the max. She again tried not to think about being seventeenand the events which lead up to her phobia. The images flashed in her mind. Darn. Didn't want to think about that memory. Could she ever put theexperience behind her?After thiswildfire, would she be able to go back to school and face that flambé? Wouldshe get her degree? Would she ever be able to do anything without beingfrightened? She mentally shook herself. She had to move forward, or otherwiseshe'd never be able to move on with her life."So thenDaniel and I took little Darcy to Hogle Zoo, and do you know what she said whenshe saw the monkeys?" Brenda's eyes sparkled with love for her little daughter.Gingershrugged, but couldn't manage to control the flashing images of smoke, orangeflames and sizzling trees which played over and over in her mind. How could shewhen smoke already burned her throat like eating suicide chicken wings bastedwith Tabasco sauce, hot pepper flakes and chopped chilies for garnish. Itamazed her that a fire so many miles away could fill Brenda's house with somuch smoke the place looked like they'd landed in the middle of a smoker'sconvention."Hey, areyou listening?" Brenda asked."Uh, yeah.Little Darcy is adorable."And thestory of Darcy and the monkeys was sweet, but Ginger had to admit she didn'thave her full attention on the story. Despite her determination to face herpyrophobia head on, black fear consumed her thoughts. At this point, she wishedshe'd have stayed in her safe little apartment hundreds of miles away. Beinghere brought back too many memories. Seeing Brenda made her return especially difficult;she looked too much like her brother. The thought of Barrett's death made herchicken croissant sandwich from lunch do the funky chicken in her stomach.How couldBarrett have gotten trapped in a fire on his farm? What had sparked the flames?Could it have been equipment like they'd said? A van riding the rim of a blowntire on I-15? Another cigarette thrown from a passing car? There'd been lots ofpossibilities but no answers. If the police thought the fire looked suspicious,why weren't they investigating further?The Tusharfire had everyone's attention, that's why. It claimed her thoughts too, but shecouldn't forget about Barrett. Having been more than good friends with him atone time, she unequivocally wanted to know all the circumstances surroundinghis death. Unfortunately, what had taken his life happened to be fire, makingthis all the more difficult for her to confront.Barrettand Ginger's brother, Sage, had been best friends. Along with her and Brenda,they had been the awesome foursome through their school years. They'd doneeverything together. She'd been surprised Sage and Brenda hadn't married. Asfor her and Barrett… The thought stung like a thorn pricking her finger pickingblackberries on the family farm. More memories she didn't want to think aboutright now.She neededto pay attention to Brenda. She did care about the everyday life of her bestfriend, but an overwhelming, terrifying dread clogged her brain. She needed topush her phobias aside and listen.Brendajumped to her feet and headed toward the kitchen. "I think we could both use aglass of cold iced tea."If onlythey had enough tea to put out the wildfire.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense...and Dogs!Fly into a good book at: www.dragonflyromance.com



Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Win a Kindle Fire Just for Commenting!

Secret Cravings Publishing celebrates one year! Come join us in the fun and win some great prizes from Secret Cravings:
First prize - Kindle FireSecond prize - Amazon Gift Card $50Third prize - SCP Gift Card $25
Every participating author is having their own give-way, so make sure to stop by every blog and comment for more chances to win. I'm giving away a PDF copy of Braving the Blaze.  I'll be posting more info on January 12th.
YOU MUST comment on EVERY blog over the next month to be eligible for the main prizes listed above. No purchase is necessary and please leave your email address. If you haven't been following along, please follow the links below. 
SPECIAL during the SCP Blog Hop Anniversary:For those who leave comments on the blogs, they'll receive a 25% off coupon for the SCP website. All purchases during the contest time will receive 10% off purchases on the website.
From December 16, 2011 through January 19, 2012 visit the below listed author's blogs and websites for your chances to win great prizes. (Note: Some of these sites may be age restricted.)

Secret Cravings Publishing December 16AvrilAshton  December 17Tabby December 18
DaisyDunn  December 19
MarieDuFour  December 20
JenniferLaBelle  December 21
Carol Preflatish December 22
SableHunter  December 23
Mindi Ferrari  December 24
Topaz Jordyn  December 25
BarbaraWestbrook  December 27CynthiaArsuaga  December 28
MikeArsuaga  December 29
LacieNation  December 30
Skye Savoy  December 31
MahaliaLevey January 1
SamCrescent   January 2
DreaBecraft   January 3
TamaraMonteau January 4
.Imogene Nix    January 5
RaineDelight   January 6
MollyDaniels   January 7
ShannonWest   January 8
SandySullivan    January 9
DawneProchilo   January 10
DarleneFredette  January 11
CindyChristiansen   January 12
JanGraham   January 13
KellieKamryn   January 14
Natalie Bates  January 15Giselle Renard   January 16Cathy Greenfeder   January 17Jean Joachim   January 18LaylaHunter   January 19Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Dedication to a Hero

I'm dedicating my blog to awonderful man who died of cancer on December 24, 2011.Obituary: [image error]
Robert "Jake" JacobsenBorn: October 13, 1945Died: December 24, 2011
Jake was "just your basichero" devoting his working life to public safety.  He was a dedicated firefighter, a member ofthe first paramedics in Utah, and served as a crewmember on LifeFlight.  In 1984, he founded Burn Pattern Analysis anddevoted 25 years to private fire investigation. ______________________________________
I met Jake only once, but Idedicated Love on Laird Avenue (aka, Household Repairs) to him.  As an author, I wanted to come up with aunique way to blow up a house.  I called mylocal fire department and was met with great concern about wanting to blow up ahouse.  The fire chief said it would beagainst regulations for him to give me that kind of information but that heknew someone who could help me.  That ledme to Jake at Burn Pattern Analysis.
I remember Jake laughingabout the situation when I called.  Hehappily agreed to meet with me for an interview.  He had the most wonderful ideas for my book.  I enjoyed talking with him so much that I didn'twant the interview to end.  The world trulylost one of the good guys.  He was indeed"your basic hero."

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Another Holiday Pet Peeve

I can't help it.  It'sChristmas…a time of showing our love and gratitude by giving…but I still have abone to pick.  And what I want to pickabout it this:  Who cares about materialgifts. Why can't we all be kinder to each another?
I was driving down the street with a friend and someonewaved at us.  I returned the wave, but myfriend didn't.  He wanted to know who theperson was in order to wave back.  Iwanted to know from my friend why it mattered. Can't you wave to someone you don't know to just be friendly? The friendlygesture brightened my day.  Is there alaw against being kind? Do we have to be suspicious of everyone?
Here's another one. You're driving along and someone cuts you off.  You veer over and get up next to them, readyto mouth a few words in their direction. You look over and see it's your next door neighbor. You gulp everythingback down and smile instead. Should it matter that you know them?  Aren't we all neighbors really? Aren't we allin this life together?
 Okay.  Here's the third one and the last one. (Luckily,I only complain in threes. J) Christmas has been designated a national holiday that touches everyone in oneway or another.  Christmas is calleddifferent things by many people. I'm reminded of a scene in the movie Santa Clause with Tim Allen.  He's arrested and the police officerquestions him about his real name.  "Name?"the officer asks. Scott Calvin replies, "Kris Kringle. Sinter Klaas." "Name?" the officer asks again.  "PereNoel. Buon Natale. Pelznickel. Topo Gigio."
The same is true of Christmas. It doesn't matter what wecall it, the meaning of the season is still the same—show love and gratitude bygiving.  Let's worry less about thepolitically-correct name or whether trees should be called holiday trees vs.Christmas trees (1) and, instead, embrace our differences and ourlikes and be kind to one another whether we know each other personally or not.
Here's a song by Sammy Davis, Jr. that really reflects these feelings:


What's your take on the holidays?
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, FrohlicheWeihnachten, Hristos Razdajetsja, MeleKalikimaka,Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Comedy, Suspense…and Dogs!Fly into a good book at: www.dragonflyromance.com(1) See article: http://www.ksat.com/news/A-Christmastime-fight-Christmas-trees-vs-holiday-trees/-/478452/5368086/-/qyg73e/-/index.html


123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author