Susan Hanniford Crowley's Blog: From Nights of Passion Blog, page 197
December 21, 2015
Getting A New Series Together by Mandy Rosko
Not going to post pictures today since I want to wait until the other covers are finished before I go do that. They should be done by next week, which would be awesome because then I could show off the first three books in this series I’m planning for 2016.
BTW, I love the first cover. It’s amazing, and I can’t wait to see what the next two will look like :D
In 2015, my plan was to write more and read more, and I did both. For 2016, my plan is to write smarter, write books with proper covers and release them closer together so my readers don’t forget them (Yeah, that was a big one I couldn’t get around in 2015)
So! This is my second last post for 2015, I’m hoping that on my last post I will have three covers to show you and a better plan for 2016.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, hope everyone reading this has a warm and wonderful time with the family :)
~Mandy
Filed under: romance
December 20, 2015
Merry Christmas Paranormal-Scope
I had hoped to announce the re-release of Poseidon’s Catch with it’s gorgeous new cover here. Due to technical difficulties, it’s release will be very soon but somewhat of a surprise. This is the week of surprises. Happy Solstice to some of my friends and Merry Christmas to others. To all, have a great holiday!
While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.
The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.
The week for:
Aries:
Stars dance with the elves. Star shine will reveal wonders to you. Enjoy your life.
Taurus:
Pixie dust is getting everywhere. Clean for your unexpected company. Warning: Pixie dust tends to make people giggle. A lot.
Gemini:
Werebunnies are hopping through the snow. The tracks lead to a new path in life. You have a choice to make.
Cancer:
A vampire is attracted, but have you been cooking Italian again? Cooking gourmet isn’t everything in life. Then again maybe it is.
Leo:
What is the difference between a werebear or a bearshifter? No one knows. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Virgo:
Werewolves love grooming. Think of a new look for the holidays. Meet new people and expand your circle of friends.
Libra:
Shapeshifters are lounging and eating in. Get cozy. Give yourself some serenity time. Make a list of the important things in life and surprise yourself.
Scorpio:
A dragon grabs you by the scruff of the neck and off you go. Life will be changing fast. Go with the flow and smile a lot.
Sagittarius:
Gnomes are gathering for a party. Bring your favorite dessert.
Capricorn:
Faeries invite you to dance. You’ve attained a goal. Now make more plans for the future but be sure to celebrate that goal.
Aquarius:
Goblins have dropped some of their coins. It’s a time to gain and save.
Pisces:
A sprite is rare and seldom seen. It’s left you a gift.
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
Vampire King of New York available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo
A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Christmas, Christmas romance, Holiday Posts, Holiday reads, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire in the Basement, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule
December 19, 2015
A Williamsburg Christmas
My family lives only about 20 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, which is decorated beautifully this time of year. I thought I would share a little trip my daughter and I took earlier this week to see the sites and grab some pictures for my blog and posts this week. So enjoy this little photo post on the Christmas season in Williamsburg.
One of the Colonial Williamsburg houses made festive in an 18th century way
Most of the doors in the 18th century were decorated with greenery and a wreath made up of fruits, usually apples and pears or oranges.
This house is decorated a little differently with wreaths on either side of the door.
A closer pic of the door.
The night we were there, they held an illumination, with torches, the firing of muskets, and the fife and drum corps, with a docent reading about the history of the Capitol.
Fife and drum corps in front of the Capitol.
I’ll continue this post next week when I have more photos. :)
Just a reminder, my Christmas novella, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, is available at:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0193TFJ22?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/599034
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1067520718
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-kiss-beneath-the-mistletoe
But today I’m giving away a copy to a commenter who tells me they want a copy!
Is one kiss ever enough?
BLURB:
Jenny Crowley has been duped! At her eighteenth birthday celebration her parents announce that instead of having the London Season she’s dreamed of for years, Jenny has been betrothed from birth to Alexander Isley, son of family friends and heir to a title. A distraught Jenny refuses point-blank to marry Alec, and when her aunt offers to whisk her away to a Christmas house party, complete with many eligible young bachelors, Jenny jumps at the chance to enjoy a variety of entertainments, be courted, and perhaps fall in love.
Alec Isley is between a rock and a hard place. He desires a marriage with Jenny no more than she does, but when his family’s dire financial status is revealed, he follows Jenny to the house party in hopes of convincing her to marry him after all. When he discovers who else is courting her there, Alec is frantic to keep her from making a dreadful mistake. Struggling with new-found feelings for his childhood friend, can Alec convince her of his love in time to save her from being ruined under the mistletoe?
Filed under: A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, Historical romance, Holidays, Promotion, Promotion
December 18, 2015
Happy Holidays! Book Shopping and a Giveaway!
I have another ebook coming out hopefully on Monday called “Poseidon’s Catch”. It’s a great read if you’re very cold and want to think of warm Cancun in the spring. Look for this announcement with the Paranormal-Scope. I’m still working on formatting and editing. The cover is brand new and introduces a brand new cover artist.
In the meantime, here is a collection of fun books for your holiday reading.
Vampire King of New York, Book 1, Arnhem Knights of New York
Max Vander Meer, is a modern day Viking, CEO of VMeer Industries, and a Vampire. He makes a plea to the Goddess Freya to find the only woman who can heal his heart, the woman haunting his dreams. But, the Goddess strikes a bargain with him. To find this special woman, Max must return to the city he helped build–New York, which is threatened by an ancient terror. When he meets Evelyn, he is astounded. Could she be the one who inhabits his dreams? But Evelyn is haunted by loss and betrayal. How can Max win her love when she doesn’t trust him as a man, and she doesn’t want to be a vampire? If Max returns to Iceland without her, he will be encased in ice . . . forever! Available in Kindle and print Nook and print and Kobo
When Love Survives, Book 1, Vampires in Manhattan series
Regina O’Malley doesn’t know she’s magic. All she knows is that
she’s late for her internship at a prominent brokerage house at the World Trade Center. Gregor Vasiliev, shapeshifter and a financial advisor at the World Trade Center, hates the office coffee. While on a coffee and donut run, there in the street stands the lifemate he’s been searching for. He must act now or lose her forever. Available in Kindle Nook Kobo and Smashwords.
The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, Book 2, Vampires in Manhattan series
Lightning Being descended from an ancient race blessed by Zeus doesn’t help Telkhine Laura Cordelais, when she’s desperate and standing between life and death. Her destiny looks bleak. Every choice leads to death, and there is no winning door. Or is there? Thunder Begging God for love, Vampire David Hilliard finds his request answered in the form of the tormented and dying Laura. In saving her, he falls in love and dooms them both to a dark underworld of voodoo and sorcery from which nothing can escape. The Storm Begins! Curses, Keres, demons, oh my! And the unicorn’s horn. Available in Kindle and print and Barnes and Noble print.
A Vampire for Christmas, Book 3, Vampires in Manhattan series
Georgia doesn’t know she’s a Harmony. Jobless andabout to be homeless, her heart sinks when a hand snatches the coat of her dreams from the storefront window. Then she sees him staring at her reflection . . . the stalker.
Trevor Stenwood, a vampire and Arnhem Knight, is handsome, sophisticated, and tongue-tied every time he sees her. Sworn to protect the supernaturals of the city, he’s fallen for a woman marked for death by demons. How can he save her when she’s afraid of him?
At Christmas time in New York City, will love bloom in the snow? Available in Kindle.
Out of the vault in time for Christmas, the sequel to When Love Survives.
Vampire in the Basement, Book 4 in the Vampires in Manhattan series
Regina and Gregor
They survived one of New York City’s greatest disasters, and on their wedding day in Maine walk into another. Gregor aims to destroy the intruder who claims his bride. Regina must save the man she loves from a deadly curse with her magic. But she doesn’t know magic.
Lorraine and Theo
Everything about Lorraine is broken. She shapeshifts and forgets her clothes. She’s divorced and doesn’t believe in love anymore. Tall, blond, and handsome, Theo, vampire and Arnhem Knight, desires Lorraine, but is it more than lust? Would he give up the Arnhem Knights for her?
Love, furry handcuffs, and a pine tree. Available in Kindle.
Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room, Book 1, Tales of the Tea Room
In this hot steampunk romance, the adventure begins in the sky over alternate history Victorian London, which is filled with dirigibles, but we focus on one, the infamous brothel within a lavender dirigible called Mrs. Bright’s Tea Room.
Euthalia has no choice but to work for Mrs. Bright. In walks handsome airship Captain Travers, the Queen’s spy. Sparks aren’t the only things flying with Travers, Euthalia’s first customer. Available in Kindle.
Now for the Giveaway. It’s a Winner’s Choice and you can enter and see the details over at The Romance Studio Christmas Party. My first post was Thursday at http://trsparties.com/celebrating-christmas-with-winners-choice-by-susan-hanniford-crowley/ Come over and party with us. More posts to come at the TRS Christmas Party.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday!
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Chocolate Temptation, Contests, Holiday Posts, holiday shopping, Holidays, Max Vander Meer, Norse, Nothing is Impossible!, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, steampunk romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire in the Basement, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, When Love Survives, Yule
December 17, 2015
Becoming Published, Part II by Stacy Hoff
When I was a young lawyer (almost twenty years ago) I wrote short fiction stories just for my own entertainment. My pieces were comical because surviving my combative profession always requires a few laughs. The stories were also therapeutic – I had my characters live out problems similar to ones I was having as a “newbie” law associate.
I didn’t have much confidence back then. Not only as an attorney (I was not only female, but I looked young enough to be carded) but as a writer. I was an English major in college, but that hardly meant I was James Joyce incarnate.
With encouragement from my family, I gathered up what little courage I had and sent some of my associate-life stories to several legal periodicals. I was very surprised when a (now defunct) magazine agreed to publish them. Soon after, I was asked by a larger periodical to write more comedic articles on associate’s life. (This entity is still in business, by the way. However they no longer publish my pieces. I guess they ultimately decided, as I have long ago, that there is no place for laughter in the law.)
After my stint with these publishers ended, I was left with a lot of outtakes. Combined together, these snippets had the making of a story. But something was needed to hold the story together. Unfortunately, I wasn’t sure what it was.
I didn’t bother to figure out the problem. No longer having a publisher to write for, I decided my creative days were done. I focused on the law and went about living a nice, normal life as an attorney. I quietly went about doing my job.
Time passed. Unfortunately, the creative side of me refused to die. It gnawed at me like a Pitbull. I held out against this onslaught for a few years. Until finally admitting I had to deal with my “problem.”
I joined RWA (Romance Writers of America), and my local RWA chapter. I learned how to give my various vignettes the secret ingredient they had been missing—romance. My RWA chapter provided me with what the legal profession had not, specifically mentors and plenty of friends to whom I could ask questions. And the best thing about this group? They could laugh.
I had found my home.
Holding the paperback version of LAWFULLY YOURS in my hands is, I think, one of the greatest moments in my life. It is tangible proof that, at least as a writer, I do fit in and I do belong. My thanks to my publisher (Soul Mate, Publishing, Inc.), and to my RWA chapter (CTRWA), for this physical manifestation of acceptance.
LINK TO BECOMING PUBLISHED, PART I https://nightsofpassion.wordpress.com/2015/12/11/becoming-published-part-i-by-stacy-hoff/
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR STACY HOFF:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorStacyHoff
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/authorStacyHoff
AMAZON LINK FOR DESIRE IN THE EVERGLADES by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR LAWFULLY YOURS by Stacy Hoff:
AMAZON LINK FOR HOT SEDUCTION (box set contributors: Jamie K. Schmidt, Stacy Hoff, Holly Roberts, Theresa Hissong, Susan Griscom & Leia Shaw):
AMAZON LINK FOR SEASON OF LOVE (Box set with Stacy Hoff):
Filed under: A writer's life, courage, Emotions, publishing, romance, romance novels, RWA, Stacy Hoff, Writing
December 16, 2015
Wine Time and a Contest with Kim Amos! by Heather Novak
Hello My Nights of Passion readers! Are you ready for an awesome holiday themed Wine Time? Of course you are.
Grab that bottle of wine and please allow me to introduce my friend and fellow Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America author, the hilarious and charming Kim Amos!
It was only a few weeks ago that I picked up Kim’s contemporary holiday book Every Little Kiss, lit my favorite hot chocolate candle, and curled up on the couch…then stayed up WAY TOO LATE because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!
Christmas romance at its best.
So, like any normal reader, I immediately stalked Kim and asked her to be on my blog. She thankfully agreed!
Hi Kim! Please tell us a little about yourself and your background!
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and I started penning stories wh
en I was in first grade. I could barely write, but I had THINGS TO SAY, darn it. One of my most ambitious early
works was Sally and the Time Machine, where the protagonist, the aforementioned Sally, goes back in time to the cretaceous era (or “dinosaur time” as I called it) and nearly gets eaten by a T-Rex. It had plot and intrigue and staples, so basically it was indie press before indie press was a thing. Since then, just about every job I’ve had has involved writing, except for the time I sold vacuum cleaners as a telemarketer.
I just finished Every Little Kiss and loved it. The hero, Abe, is a superhot firefighter. What kind of research did you have to do?
It was agony—I had to meet and study firefighters, and google hot men for inspiration. *puts back of hand on forehead* I nearly didn’t make it. Thankfully, I had my good friend Jenn (to whom the book is dedicated) for help. She was firefighter in Dearborn, Michigan, and recently became a fire inspector. She let me ride along on calls, and she patiently answered my questions about what specifically happens in certain situations. I really wanted to get all the scenes right, but a certain elevator scene in the beginning was very important to me!
Your heroine went against the grain and I really loved her. What made you decide to make a strong woman who wasn’t only after a husband and children?
My husband and I decided not to have kids, and I wanted to create a heroine who felt the same thing, but who still had a heart for helping kids and caring for them, as many of us do. We say all the time “it takes a village,” and I wanted to show a woman who was part of that village without actually having her own children. I think it represents a growing segment of the romance-reading population.
Tell us about the other books in the series.
There are 2.5 other books in t
he series, which all take place in the small town of White Pine, Minnesota. Because a recipe exchange—and the female friendships therein— is at the core of the books, I have included a casserole-inspired recipe in all the novels. Minnesota is ground zero for amazing casseroles, or as they call them, hot dishes. I’m delighted that the second novel in the series, AND THEN HE KISSED ME, was just nominated for an RT Reviewers Choice Award!
For more info on all things White Pine, head on over to kimamoswrites.com.
Congratulations on your nomination!! We’re cheering you on.
Okay, let’s get real. What’s you’re most embarrassing holiday story?
Meet Oliver and Amos!
My husband and I had an advent calendar we loved, that we picked up at Starbucks. Every year we’d pack it full of Godiva chocolates (YUM!) and we’d totally look forward to a new treat each day. Except for this one year that our beagle, Amos, ate the ENTIRE THING—
paper, chocolate, wrappings, everything—and basically destroyed Christmas. He was fine, he emitted only smugness versus other things that could have come out of him. Rob and I got a wooden calendar at Target after that. And if Amos wasn’t so cute, we might have sent him packing to the North Pole.
Gingerbread or Peppermint?
Gingerbread. Put it in my face. Please. Now.
Beer or Wine?
Beer. I love beer. I’m from Wisconsin. True story: in second grade, Leinenkugel’s (a Wisconsin beer) was a word on a spelling test.
Favorite holiday dessert?
I’m going to go with my husband’s ice cream pies. Yes, you read that whole sentence correctly. He owns an artisanal ice cream business called Go Ice Cream and he makes holiday pies that are amaaaaazing.
I think I speak for all of us when I say, ” GAH! WANT! IN MY MOUTH RIGHT NOW!”
Hockey or football?
Football! I’m a huge Packers fan. See Beer or Wine re: Wisconsin roots.
Favorite movie to watch when you’re feeling down?
Anchorman!
What are you working on now?
Actually, nothing! I’m taking a break, giving my brain a rest, and trying to noodle on what I want to do next. It’s really wonderful, actually. I am reading a ton and watching movies and it’s awesome!
Thanks for being part of my blog! I absolutely loved this interview.
Thank you so much for having me! I had a blast and loved being here. Have a wonderful holiday! And keep those advent calendars away from your dogs, folks! Lol
Make sure to follow Kim on social media:
Twitter: @KimAmosWrites
Facebook: facebook.com/KimAmosWrites
Okay folks, let’s talk about this contest. We all know it’s why you’re reading this. I’m giving away an autographed paperback copy of Every Little Kiss!
(Void where prohibited. Open to US Residents only.)
How do you win? Just type “Gingerbread” in the comments! Make sure your email address is attached to your comment. Contest is open until December 20, 11:59pm EST. Kim will randomly select the winner.
Wishing You Laughter & Good Books,
Heather Novak
Bold. Bewitching. Breathtaking.
Find me at:
Twitter: authorheathern
Facebook: authorheathernovak
Website: Heathernovak.net
Author of The Lynch Brothers Series
Be careful what you wish for…
Hunting Witch Hazel: February 2016
Threat of Raine: March 2016
Rosemary for Remembrance: April 2016
Filed under: romance 
December 15, 2015
A Season of Thoughtfulness
Like many of you out there, I’m in the midst of shopping for gifts. I’m actually making quite a good pace as I’m pretty much done except for friends at the office and beyond, which is very different from years past where I’m procrastinating up until the last minute. But as I taken in this retail season, I just had something to share…
In my opinion, great gifts don’t have to be bought or expensive. If you come from an enormous family like the one I married into, sometimes you have to get creative to make others feel special, otherwise, I’d have to work an extra two jobs just to afford holidays and birthdays. As such, I thought I’d share a few ideas:
Calendars with photos (yes most people use phones but I see tons of people at my office with empty walls) – help them remember the great times you had over the year
Cookies – as long as some doesn’t have health reasons to abstain, pouring your time and effort into making something delicious is always appreciated.
Donate to a charity in their name – perhaps they are an animal lover or there is something else they are really passionate about. This would truly mean a great deal to them.
Scrapbook – I’ve never been great at this but love seeing them and the story they tell.
A planned day of fun – this can be a date or a day you volunteer year time together. Time is extremely meaningful, especially as we always seem to have so little of it. Why not plan an experience you with remember.
These are obviously meant to be inexpensive and I’m not saying your son won’t appreciate a new iPad, but sometimes a little thought and time really go a long way.
Enjoy the season and happy writing this week!
Filed under: romance, Toni Kelly
December 14, 2015
Branding by Mandy Rosko
I went to a social the other day, and we had an awesome talk. It was all about books. The stuff we loved, the stuff we were frustrated about, and I got to talk with a couple of awesome authors about branding, and when it was all pointed out to me, it was one of those “oops, I’m an idiot” moments :D
So, yeah, we went through most of my covers and noted the problem I have with the self publishing side of my career. I like to make fun of the fact that I genre hop and confuse readers, and apparently you can get away with that to an extent, but…when it comes to the covers, yeah, not so much.
I’m mainly into paranormal romance, and apparently a lot of my covers give off the urban fantasy impression. That’s not a good confusion to give, and crap! I love those covers so much ;_; Even my contemporary Billionaire covers don’t look like Billionaire romances, and I adored those covers, too. which means that if I want to keep them, I need to get my ass in gear and…
Write more books.
Woot! So, yeah, that was the entire point to this post. I’m making a self challenge! I want to get a couple of 30-50K novellas out there and see how they do with some awesome new covers that are going to be in the works by the lovely Jennifer :D I’ll probably end up changing the billionaire covers, just because they weren’t as expensive so it’s not so much of a loss, but damn…
Gonna ask guys who followed me on Wattpad about that one just to make sure, but yeah, hoping to start a new series in February! Which is also when the Things In The Night Box set will be released! I’m going to have to write 3k words every day before getting started on my Siren word count if this is going to work, but I’m determined baby! I got that kickass title and now I need to put it to some good use ;)
More info on the new series later, but here’s the cover for those of you who want to see it (I hear that man boob catches a lot of attention)
P.S. My favorite thing is how one of his nipples looks like the eye of the wolf. I swear to God that’s almost better than that ripped chest :D
Cheers!
~Mandy
Filed under: romance
December 13, 2015
When Winter is Warm Paranormal-Scope
Unseasonably warm weather is usually a precursor to unexpected change. Keep your eyes open.
While I am not qualified in any way to read neither stars nor planets, I am intimately linked to the paranormal in the world in many ways. So are you.
The paranormal-scope is for entertainment purposes only and is not meant to guide your life by.
The week for:
Aries:
Werewolves are howling about a stranger and a new opportunity coming your way. Research it before deciding.
Taurus:
Zombies rush by. Wait until the chaos is past before presenting a new idea.
Gemini:
Shapeshifters enjoy cuddling by a warm fire with those they hold dear. Spend more time with loved ones. Make memories.
Cancer:
The phoenix lands. Old ideas are burned away and new ideas are born. It’s time to take risks and embrace the adventure.
Leo:
Elves defer to their leaders but aren’t above speaking out their good ideas. Starlight shines on your this week. Others will notice.
Virgo:
Pixies are impulsive. Don’t you be. Analyze everything before making a life changing decision.
Libra:
Be the bold Hobbit. Sit down and create your life plan and don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams.
Scorpio:
Gnomes travel in groups. Gather your tribe to have fun and talk about plans for the future. This is your support group.
Sagittarius:
You’ve dreamed of being the head of the pack and you’re getting closer. Werewolves howl. Be cautious and don’t trust everyone.
Capricorn:
Dragons have invited you into their group. You’re going to get a new perspective. Work hard on a special project this week.
Aquarius:
Faeries travel when a fair wind is blowing. Plan a trip and include side trips to see family and friends.
Pisces:
Others will seek out your wisdom this week. Like an owl, your view of matters will take in the details. You will have the opportunity to make a new friend.
-Susan
Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance
www.susanhannifordcrowley.com
Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!
Vampire King of New York available at Amazon Kindle and print, Barnes and Noble Nook and print and in Kobo
A Vampire for Christmas in Kindle
Filed under: A Vampire for Christmas, Max Vander Meer, Norse, paranormal, paranormal romance, romance, romance novels, Susan Hanniford Crowley, The Stormy Love Life of Laura Cordelais, vampire books, Vampire David Hilliard, Vampire King of New York, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, Viking, Weekly Paranormal-Scope, Yule
December 12, 2015
Christmas at My House…
When I start thinking about the Christmas traditions at my house, I realize that a lot of Christmas revolves around food.
When I was younger, my mom and I would make Christmas cookies from my cousin Ginger’s recipe. We always used special copper cookie cutters—a star, a Christmas tree, a Santa, and a reindeer—that I still have today. We would also make a Christmas tree cake, using a tree shaped pan, green icing, and red candies for the decorations.
“Christmas Sugar Cookies”
We also had a special breakfast Christmas morning: ham biscuits with mustard eaten under the Christmas tree as I unwrapped my gifts. I continue that tradition today, except we’ve also added my husband’s tradition of having oyster stew as well. I’m a convert!
My children also started a food tradition of their own. One year my husband and I had a How to Host a Murder party near Christmas (the theme was Twelfth Night and English). I served Cornish game hens with a wild rice stuffing. There were leftovers and my girls got to eat some of it the next day, which had a profound effect upon them. They proclaimed they wanted “little chickens with rice up the butt” for Christmas dinner. I’ve been serving it for our Christmas dinner ever since.
When writing my Regency Christmas novella, A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, I decided that food should play a special part in the main family’s celebrations as well. So I begin the story with a birthday celebration in early December. The heroine, Jenny Crowley, is being served her very favorite dessert—trifle—when a major interruption puts a damper on the party and sends Jenny into a tailspin.
Excerpt:
Dishes of trifle finally sat at each place. Jenny itched to pick up her spoon. She could taste the berries and cream even now. She glanced at her father, who at last smiled and nodded.
“So, Charles, when is the wedding to take place?” Great-Aunt Henrietta trumpeted the question from her place at the mid-point of the table, her spoon already busy with her dessert.
“Wedding, Aunt Henrietta?” Papa’s voice rose in a question, but he cut his eyes toward
Mama, who sent a frightened look to Jenny.
Odd, but no more so than her great-aunt’s question. Whose wedding was she talking about?
“Yes, Charles. Jenny’s wedding to young Alexander here.” Her great-aunt nodded across the table to Alexander Isley, who sat up abruptly, staring at her aunt with wide eyes, as though he thought the old lady quite mad.
Jenny thought so herself. A prickly sensation began at the back of her neck. She shot Alec a quick look. No, his face wore an expression of outright confusion, his brows knit over his sky blue eyes.
“She’s eighteen now, and you promised me when she was of age I’d see her married into the Isley family. I have lived for the day that I could announce to the world that one of my family had moved into the titled class.” She glared at Mama, who blushed and turned to Jenny.
“It’s not as bad as it sounds, Jenny darling,” Mama said, patting her hand.
That might have reassured Jenny, except her mother’s wide, staring eyes said yes, it was that bad. Maybe worse. Her heart began to pound and the sweet trifle turned sour in her mouth.
“Not bad?” Great-Aunt Henrietta swung her gaze to Jenny and fixed her with a cold black-eyed stare. “You should be grateful, girl. Your parents and I have arranged for you to take your place in society, as a titled lady in due time.”
“It’s not true, is it, Mama?” Jenny could barely choke out the words in a voice that didn’t sound like her own at all. Too high, too soft. A peculiar roaring in her ears made her head light.
“Yes, my dear, it most certainly is.” Great-Aunt Henrietta nodded with such vehemence that the feathers on her green velvet turban bobbed back and forth. “When your mother refused to marry up, I swore none of your family would ever see a penny of my money. Then when you were born, she came to me, begged me to reconsider, and promised that you had already been betrothed to the Isley heir here,” she said, pointing an imperious finger at Alec who looked like he might dive under the table. “She showed me the betrothal papers.”
Everyone at table sat in stunned silence. Jenny looked down at her hands, clasped together so tightly her knuckles showed white. All her dreams of excitement and romance during her season had just exploded in the blink of an eye. Then the real import of her great-aunt’s words sank in and her stomach twisted. They expected her to marry Alec?
In fact, food is mentioned constantly at the Christmas house party Jenny ends up attending, showing that food during the Regency has traditions just like ours do today.
A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe released this week on Amazon and Smashwords. Grab your copy and let this sweet romance put you in a holiday mood!
Filed under: A Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe, Contests, Historical romance, Holidays, Promotion
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