C. Margery Kempe's Blog: Lady Smut, page 191

Happy Christmas, Everyone!

From all of us at Nights of Passion, may your holidays be bright and full of love.

Filed under: romance

The Day Before Christmas by Gerri Brousseau

Twas the day before Christmas, and I'm off to the mall;

To buy one last gift for my old Uncle Paul.

The traffic was horrid, found a space near the door;

And headed on in to my favorite store.

The pickings were slim, the shelves nearly bare;

And I wondered why I had even gone there.

The pushing, the shoving, not one word was kind;

And that was just in the Santa Claus line.

Made my way to the store, through the crowd I did drift;

Each person was grabbing for that last minute gift.

When I finally got home, it had started to snow;

Which gave the white lights on the house such a glow.

Made my way through the door, Uncle's present to stow;

When hubby caught me standing beneath mistletoe.

He gave me a smooch, and a glass of red wine;

I smiled and knew it would all turn out fine.

When the kids went to bed and were finally asleep;

I set out the presents, the pile knee deep.

I sat back and smiled, with no rhyme and no reason;

Knowing it must be the time and the season.

When family and friends all gather 'round;

No warmer a feeling could ever be found.

Our home full of friendship, laughter and love;

Is truly God's greatest gift from above.

So as you hustle through the pace of the season;

Remember all of the important reasons.

We gather together, the memories we're making;

The joy in our hearts, good cheer for the taking.

As you read my poem, with your heads I am messing;

But I wish each of you the exact same blessing.

One wish I would make with all of my might;

A Merry Christmas to all; And to all a good night

Filed under: romance

Christmas Feelings and Upcoming Events

Hi Everyone,

I am keenly aware that at this time of year our memories drift back to those lost to us.  Except they are not lost as long as we keep them in our hearts.  My mother loved angels.  So I'll make angels for the tree.  It changes sadness to something more positive and active.  If you're feeling sad, do something for yourself.  Go to a favorite place or get involved with a group.  Go to the craft store and buy a kit.  Go to a concert.  Do something that will change your sadness into a positive energy.

I just had to say that.  Be aware that today is the shortest day of the year.   It's called the Winter Soltice.  In addition, to missing people from our lives, we are affected by the lack of sunlight.  There are full spectrum lightbulbs that imitate natural sunlight out there that can help.  I know there was a brand call Blues Busters.  I don't know if they are still available.  I know they have helped me in the past.

A fun announcement:  All my books are up on Amazon Kindle.  Just type in Susan Hanniford Crowley and voila!  They are there.  I'm do ecstatic!

Upcoming on Nights of Passion is the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec. 26 to Jan. 6.) –twelve days of visiting authors and giveaways.  Be sure to mark that on your calendar.

Also on Feb. 18, 2012,  Gerri Brousseau and I will be launching a Saturday blog for young adults called Nights of Passion – YA.  It's going to be a fun venue for young adult authors to meet the reading public.

Sending out a hug to everyone.  Merry Christmas!  Happy Holidays!  Happy Hanukkah!  Happy Soltice!  Joyous Yule!  I hope I haven't left anyone out.  Please, tell me if I have.  Have a happy and safe holiday!

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Helping Other Writers, romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley

Christmas Tradtions and The Grinch by Gerri Brousseau

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, I enjoyed the experience of sharing the magic of Christmas through the eyes of my son.  When I was a child, my parents created wonderful Christmas memories for me, and I passed those on to my own child.  He is an adult now and working on creating his own Christmas memories and traditions, but I can't help but smile when I remember what our house was like during the holidays when he was a child.

Here are a few of my most cherished memories.  The countdown to Christmas began on December 1st.   Each year I would purchase a calendar for him.   Each calendar date had a little door that opened to reveal either a tiny ornament or a piece of chocolate.  We selected a certain time of day to open the door and reveal its treasure.  He loved it so much and was so excited to enjoy his sweet or to hang a tiny ornament on the tree.

One thing I always did was to tell him Santa had "big" magic and could always see him.  I told him Santa made a big snowball with magic, like a crystal ball, and he could see each child whenever he wished.  Talking about Santa's magic was a very important thing and I will tell you why later on in this story.

Santa also used his elves to come and peek into our windows at night to make sure the girls and boys were behaving themselves.  Often times I would pretend to have seen an elf peeking in and ask my son if he had seen it.  He always looked at me, with eyes full of wonder as he said he had seen it.  Perhaps in his child's imagination, he had.

Each year we baked Christmas cookies and it is a tradition we observe to this day.  These particular cookies are made only at Christmas and we relish them.

Another thing I always did was put certain items into his stocking.  No matter how old he gets, these items seem to always find their way into the toe of his grand sock.  No matter what other little gifts are in that sock, each year he gets the little cardboard book of lifesavers, a bag of the chocolate wrapped gold coins and fudgy bears.  My son always says it wouldn't be Christmas without the gold coins.  I remember with sadness one year when thing were so tough for us, the only item in his stocking was a little bag of chocolate gold coins.  Lucky for me, he was a nearly an adult at the time and no explanation was needed.   Still, although it was a poignant moment, that year the true meaning of Christmas was our celebration.

There are many other traditions we have, but I promised you I would tell you the importance of continually reminding your child that Santa has magic.  This is a tidbit of info you may wish to use one day and I hope you find it helpful.  When my son was about 6 years old, he came to me and said one of the kids at school told him there was no such thing as Santa.  He asked me if that was true.  This was my answer.  I said, "Remember that I told you Santa has magic, big magic?"

"Yes, Mommy," he answered with hope in his voice.

"Well," I continued, "when you believe in Santa … truly believe with all your heart, Santa will feel your magic and he will come for you, and when he no longer feels that magic, he won't come for you anymore."

This answer worked like a charm because deep in my 6 year old son's heart, he really wanted to believe.

It was such a magical time to see the wonder of Christmas through the innocent eyes of my child.  To teach him the story of Christmas and why we truly celebrate this holiday.

He has grown now and is a fine man, with a family of his own, but we still gather together at Christmas to enjoy the magic of the season.  No matter if our finances are abundant, or if they are lean, we keep with our traditions and hold dear the love in our hearts.  I think Dr. Seuss said it best in "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" when he penned he words, "Welcome Christmas. Bring your cheer, Cheer to all Whos, far and near.  Christmas Day is in our grasp, So long as we have hands to clasp.  Christmas Day will always be, Just as long as we have we.  Welcome Christmas while we stand, Heart to heart and hand in hand."

This year, I invite you to clasp the hands of your family and friends, and enjoy a heart filled with love and the magic of the season.   On behalf of the entire group of contributors at Nights of Passion, I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas.

Please take a moment to share some of your holiday traditions with us.  What do you do to make your season bright?

Filed under: romance

Contemplating 2012

As the year 2012 sneaks up on us just around the corner, one can't help ponder what's in store this time around. Many of us will start jotting down our resolutions or planning out our fresh starts in one way or another. Some of us will be preparing for the world's end as predicted by the Mayans (although the Mayan calendar doesn't exactly match up evenly to ours).

As I sit here trying to organize my thoughts and make some headway on my latest manuscript, I realize that 2012 holds quite a few prizes for me and my family—an addition to the family, my first published novella and a new home. Even one of these would be enough to have me on cloud nine and I'm thankful for all my blessings.

As for my resolutions, the truth is I have not really set any goals as I'm not sure what life has in store for me and it's hard to plan the unknown—even for a seasoned planner like myself. I do know I want this next year to be productive in one or many ways. I hope to be a good mother first and foremost and then I hope to continue writing, perhaps finish a manuscript or two. I hope to do well at my day job and then lastly, I'd like to get back into shape (I love to run and that is not something I've done too often these past few months).

Still, I plan to take this new year as it comes, doing what I can when I can. What about you all? Any plans or thoughts on 2012? How about those writing goals? If you haven't set them up or thought about them, there's no better time than the start of a new year. There's no need to set them in stone. Be open and let your writing and your characters guide you. Good luck!

Filed under: Toni Kelly, Writer's Life

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Gerri Brousseau

The song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," which we all learned to sing as children, has become a long time holiday favorite.  I started to think about it and checked with our beloved Wikipedia which told me it was an English Christmas Carol first written down in 1780, but that it was sung long before that date and believed to originate in France.

The twelve days of Christmas actually run from December 26th to January 6th which signifies the end of the Yuletide season.  This period commonly referred to as The Twelfth Night.  Not to bore you, but I found this little fact quite enchanting and that was the song originated from a game played during Twelfth Night, which was called memories-and-forfeits.  In the game, the leader recites a verse and each player repeats the verse.  The leader adds on and the players repeat it, and so on, until one player misses and then must pay a penalty.  Fear not, the penalty was not severe, but was a kiss or a sweet.

The song as we know it came to the US in 1910.  I thought it would be fun to recreate the song with some more current items and things I would like to see under my tree.  So, hold on to your hats and get ready for some fun.

On the first day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the second day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the third day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the fourth day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the fifth day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, five golden rings (can't mess with perfection), four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the sixth day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, six designer dresses, five golden rings, four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the seventh day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, seven dates for dinner, six designer dresses, five golden rings, four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the eighth day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, eight theatre tickets, seven dates for dinner, six designer dresses, five golden rings, four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the ninth day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, a European vacation, eight theatre tickets, seven dates for dinner, six designer dresses, five golden rings, four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the tenth day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, a brand new Lexus, a European vacation, eight theatre tickets, seven dates for dinner, six designer dresses, five golden rings, four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, a full length white sable, brand new Lexus, European vacation, eight theatre tickets, seven dates for dinner, six designer dresses, five golden rings, four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, the fates have brought to me, an ocean front mansion, full length white sable, brand new Lexus, European vacation, eight theatre tickets, seven dates for dinner, six designer dresses, five golden rings, four Gucci hand bags, three bangle bracelets, two diamond earrings, and a new pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.

What would you like to have the fates bring to you?

Filed under: romance

Weekly Paranormal-Scope

While I'm not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planet, I am intimately linked with the paranormal in the world.

The week ahead for:

Aries

A Pegasus has offtered you a ride.  Soar over the world and enjoy the freedom.

Taurus

A sea monster has left a gift for you.  This unexpected surprise will bring back memories.

Gemini

Shapeshifters are laying low and enjoying the warmth of the holiday.  Warm yourself in the fun.

Cancer

Mermaids take refuge at the bottom of the sea and stay close to their own.  Family and friends are important this week.

Leo

Someone who've just met will make you laugh.  A dragon's heart will make you roar your enjoyment.

Virgo

Werewolves are sticking to the pack.  So should you.  Friendship and good time roll.

Libra

Adventure is right around the corner.  Soar like an eagle  and enjoy.

Scorpio

It's time to be like a hobbit and stay near hearth and home.  Throw a party.

Sagittarius

A strong bond will keep your warm this week.  Ignore the howling.  That's for someone else.

Capricorn

Protection is a gift.  The vampires view you as an ally so relax and have a bit of fun.  I said bit not bite.

Aquarius

Good things are coming your way.  Even the Minotaur has cleared a path for you.

Pieces

You are in for a surprise.  You've been sprinkled with pixie dust.

–Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: Susan Hanniford Crowley, Weekly Paranormal-Scope

Interview with author Kit Marlowe

C. Margery Kempe here: Today I'm in Dundee to interview the historical romance writer, Kit Marlowe author of The Mangrove Legacy, The Big Splash and the on-going serial novel, Airships & Alchemy. Hello, Kit — and happy birthday (well, birthday plus one!).

Hi, C. And belated happy birthday to you, too, birthday twin!

How would you describe your approach to writing?

Oh, I wouldn't. Takes too long — I just hand people a book and let them start reading.

Is that harder to do with ebooks?

It certainly is. I haven't yet figure out how to beam my books directly into people's heads, but I suspect when I have mastered that art I will be able to cut out the middle man entirely.

But won't that make people privy to the other weird thoughts in your head?

Possibly; that could alarm them needlessly. Perhaps I will just keep selling ebooks in the normal way.

How would you describe The Mangrove Legacy then?

It's a big thick Gothic sort of book that's also infused with the surreal humour of Alice in Wonderland. It's got a good gripping tale with kidnappings, pirates, ghosts and cheese, but it's also got bizarre surreal moments and a lot of funny moments (if I do say so myself). Speaking of birthday gals, a lot of it is directly inspired by Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. I'd like to think Jane would find it amusing.

Do you only do historicals? The Big Splash is also historical but not nineteenth century, is it.

No, it's set in Jazz Age London. I do mostly historicals: I wouldn't rule out a modern story, but I love these eras so much. And the medieval, too. Constance and Collier's adventure in the 1920s of my favourite city is really a love letter to P. G Wodehouse who makes me laugh so much. It's so difficult to be funny and he makes it look absolutely effortless, which hides all the work it takes. He once said sarcastically that writing was easy, "I just sit at a typewriter and curse a bit."

What's the serial novel about?

Airships & Alchemy is a later nineteenth century setting, but a little steampunkish too. The influence here is Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre but also the steampunk interest in airships combined with a more mystical interest in alchemy. There's a lot of silliness, too, but it's more fantasy than romance, so I'm stepping a little furtherout of the genre. There will be romance, just not until a few chapters in.
 

 

Excerpt from The Mangrove Legacy:

"Lizzie!" Alice cried at last, overcoming her annoyance at having the delightful view of Kit Barrington wrung from her gaze only to feel a growing sense of panic as the carriage declined to slow at all. "What's happening?

Lizzie, for her part, was wondering much the same thing, but forbore to reply acidly to the obviousness of her cousin's question and reached instead toward the intent. Why on earth was the carriage moving at such a fast speed? It might be that the horses had startled at something, but surely the driver would be able to rein them in fairly soon. No, there was only one logical answer.

"We are being kidnapped," Lizzie said with some horror and not a little worry, but she was unable to conceal completely the exciting nature of the proposition. This was the best thing to happen to her in quite some time. While it did not make up for being orphaned from parents she genuinely loved, it was an improvement even on her secret romance which, while quite thrilling to contemplate, remained a secret unshared and thus, less than fullyexhilarating.

Alice, for once, was speechless.

She had waited all her life for some grand adventure. From the nursery to the parlour, her life had been an endless string of more or less what had been expected for a young girl of her stature and wealth. Even the death of her father (which was rather swiftly fading into the back of her somewhat over-taxed brain) failed to meet the expectations of excitement (although the possibility of there being something suspicious about the death raised the stakes considerably for a brief time). But here, Alice and her cousin were on the brink of a very big adventure indeed. So many words expressing her supreme joy raced one another to jump to the front of her mind and expel themselves from her lips, that they met in a great jumble, blocking further thoughts and clogging her throat to such an extent that unfamiliar feelings rose to her breast in the agitation of the moment and unexpectedly, rushed into her heart.

Alice burst into tears. She was quite surprised. Lizzie, too, was shocked. Assuming these unaccustomed droplets to indicate fear, she grasped her cousin's hand consolingly and attempted to reassure her. "I am certain we will come to no harm, my dear cousin. Undoubtedly some evildoer has seized the opportunity of the funeral to realize some terrible plan, probably to procure money, knowing the wealth of your family."

Alice was too overcome by her unexpected tears to answer immediately. She wanted to say many things, which unfortunately only made it more impossible to get them out. As unaccustomed feelings battled for dominance in Alice's heart and mind, a muddle of words struggled to pour out her throat, which only brought forth a tremendous moan and yet further tears.

Lizzie was still nonplussed by her cousin's behavior, but thought perhaps a new tack would jolly Alice out of her unexpected emotional display. "Come now, Alice. If you keep crying like this, the coach will soon be full of tears and we will both drown.

Rather than the laughter she hoped for, Lizzie's words only provoked a wail as Alice wiped her teardrops from her cheek. Lizzie was just about to dab at her cousin's eyes with her handkerchief when Alice's eyes lit up with elation, and she reached into her sleeve. At last, she thought, I get to use my mourning handkerchief!

Filed under: C. Margery Kempe, Gothic, historical romance, inspiration, Kit Marlowe, mystery romance, paranormal romance, Recommended Books, What inspires you?, Writer's Life

Festival of Lights by Gerri Brousseau

December is a month of many celebrations.  Let us not forget our Jewish brethren who celebrate Hanukkah. also known as the Festival of Lights, an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE.  Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from December 20 through December 28th.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of eight branches with an additional raised branch. The extra light is called a shamash and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest.  The purpose of the shamash is to have a light available for use, as using the Hanukkah lights themselves is forbidden.

Hanukkah is celebrated by a series of rituals that are performed every day throughout the 8-day holiday, some are family-based and others communal. There are special additions to the daily prayer service, and a section is added to the blessing after meals. Many families exchange gifts each night, and fried foods are eaten.  (I like it already … another holiday where food and presents are involved.)

The reason for the Hanukkah lights is not for the "lighting of the house within", but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passersby should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle.  Accordingly, lamps are set up at a prominent window or near the door leading to the street.

Generally women are exempt in Jewish law from time-bound positive commandments however, the Talmud requires that women engage in the mitzvah of lighting Hanukkah candles "for they too were involved in the miracle."

Typically three blessings (Brachot singular Brachah) are recited during this eight-day festival. On the first night of Hanukkah, Jews recite all three blessings; on all subsequent nights, they recite only the first two.  The blessings are said before or after the candles are lit depending on tradition.  On the first night of Hanukkah one light (candle, lamp, or electric) is lit on the right side of the Menorah, on the following night a second light is placed to the left of the first candle and so on, proceeding from right to left over the eight nights.  On each night, the leftmost candle is lit first, and lighting proceeds from left to right.

Let me take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Hanukkah and many blessings.  If you are Jewish, please tell us some of the special foods that are prepared for this celebration.  Would you please share some of your fondest memories with our readers?

Filed under: romance

Holiday Blog with Guest Romance Author Anna James

What's better at this time of year then curling up in front of a warm fire with a good romance novel? Curling up in front of a warm fire with two novellas and a cup of peppermint hot chocolate!

Hello Everyone,

I'm Anna James and I invite you to take a break from everyday life and get lost in a world filled with passion, drama and romance! Today I'd like to tell you about my Bradford Sisters Trilogy and share with you one of my favorite recipes for this time of year; peppermint hot chocolate.

Meet Nicole, Natalie and Kate Bradford:

Guilty As Charged – Bradford Sisters Trilogy #1

Nicole's Story

(www.sugarnspicepress.com)

Passion ignites between Nicole Bradford and Max Paradis the second they lay eyes on each other. Nicole seems to be everything that Max is looking for in a woman. She's sweet and loving and incredibly sexy. But looks can be deceiving. Hadn't he learned that the hard way?

Nicole is crazy for Max. He is sensitive, caring, and his kisses are to die for. But when secrets from her past are revealed will she be found innocent, or is she guilty as charged?

Watch The Book! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZQCpU1fApE

Guilty As Charged is now available from Sugar and Spice Press: http://www.sugarnspicepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=123

Shattered Dreams – Bradford Sisters Trilogy #2

Natalie's Story

(www.sugarnspicepress.com)

Natalie and Reed seemed so happy when they got married just a few short months ago, but an unexpected pregnancy and a subsequent miscarriage throw their marriage into turmoil.

Natalie deals with the loss by burying herself in work. Reed is supportive but doesn't understand why she is spending so much after-hours time with her handsome, sexy boss. And what about their dream of having a family? How can that happen when with each passing day Natalie becomes more distant?

Will Reed and Natalie find a way to work things out, or will all their dreams be shattered?

Shattered Dreams is now available from Sugar and Spice Press: http://www.sugarnspicepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=149



Coming Soon

Shattered Illusions – Bradford Sisters Trilogy #3

Kate's Story

Four years ago Kate Bradford met Raffaello D'Onofrio while attending a semester abroad. Rafe ran the family vineyard in the Lazio region of Italy but the thing that attracted her to him most, besides his ruggedly handsome good looks, fathomless deep blue eyes, and well-toned body, was his love of art. It was a passion they shared.

He had been the perfect man as far as she was concerned and in a few short months she fell deeply in love. She had thought that love was returned. Then she found Annalisa De Luca in his apartment wearing nothing but the shirt Rafe had been wearing the evening before. All her illusions were shattered. Distraught and wanting to escape the pain of Rafe's betrayal, she returned to her home in Chicago, IL.

Now Rafe is back in her life and much to her chagrin, she is still attracted to him. How can just one look from those sexy blue eyes affect her so deeply and what is she going to do about it?

Rafe D'Onofrio has just agreed to allow the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art to display his unique art collection—a collection he has always kept private until now. This after learning the museum's new assistant curator was none other than Kate Bradford. Once he had thought himself in love with her but after her abrupt departure from his life with no explanation he convinced himself it was just an illusion. So why, after all this time, can the mere mention of her name still send his pulse soaring? And what is he going to do about it?

Will Rafe and Kate shatter the illusions of the past and find love again? Or are they too much to overcome?

Thanks for stopping by and learning about the Bradford Sisters.

Please visit me at www.annajamesromance.com to learn more about me and my books or visit me at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-James-Author-of-Contemporary-Romance-Novels/129394040447020

Now for the peppermint hot chocolate recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 quart milk (skim, 2 percent or whole) or half-and-half

• 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chopped (I like Ghirardelli)

• 9 ounces peppermint schnapps

• Whipped cream for serving (sometimes I use heavy whipping cream but a can of redid-whip works just as well!)

• 6 peppermint sticks, for serving

Directions

Heat 1 cup of the milk in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add chocolate, stirring constantly, until melted. When the chocolate has melted, increase heat to medium and add the remainder of the milk while whisking rapidly. Do not allow to boil.

Serve in small cups fortified with a jigger (1 1/2 ounces) of peppermint schnapps (or peppermint flavoring if you don't want to use the schnapps) and a dollop of whipped cream. Add a peppermint stick to stir.

If transporting in a thermos, heat thermos up with hot water to get it warm for 1 minute. Pour water out and fill with hot chocolate.

Now sit back and enjoy!

Happy Reading,

Anna James


Filed under: Anna James, contemporary romance, Guest Blog, Promotion, romance, Romance News