Mary Morgan's Blog, page 24

The Coffee Pot Book Club Presents "Darjeeling Inheritance" by Liz Harris

Please make welcome to the Tavern the lovely Liz Harris! We're celebrating her new historical novel, Darjeeling Inheritance. I'm eager to find out more, so grab a cup of cider and let's take a peek into Liz's intriguing story...

Darjeeling, 1930

After eleven years in school in England, Charlotte Lawrence returns to Sundar, the tea plantation owned by her family, and finds an empty house. She learns that her beloved father died a couple of days earlier and that he left her his estate. She learns also that it was his wish that she marry Andrew McAllister, the good-looking younger son from a neighbouring plantation.

Unwilling to commit to a wedding for which she doesn’t feel ready, Charlotte pleads with Dan Fitzgerald, the assistant manager of Sundar, to teach her how to run the plantation while she gets to know Andrew. Although reluctant as he knew that a woman would never be accepted as manager by the local merchants and workers, Dan agrees.

Charlotte’s chaperone on the journey from England, Ada Eastman, who during the long voyage, has become a friend, has journeyed to Darjeeling to marry Harry Banning, the owner of a neighbouring tea garden.

When Ada marries Harry, she’s determined to be a loyal and faithful wife. And to be a good friend to Charlotte. And nothing, but nothing, was going to stand in the way of that.

Available from these online retailers

,AMAZON UK | ,AMAZON US | ,AMAZON CA | ,AMAZON AU

A Sneak Preview from Darjeeling Inheritance

CHAPTER ONE

March, 1930

Charlotte Lawrence stood on the short drive leading up to her family’s home and stared in surprise at the silent house.

All around her, the harsh squawking of parrots vied with the repetitive call of the brainfever bird and with the ceaseless high-pitched chatter of the small, brightly coloured birds that circled restlessly above the corrugated-iron roof of the house, just as they’d continued to do in her mind since the day, eleven years before, that she’d been sent from Sundar to go to school in England.

But the house itself was silent and still.

Puzzled, she ran her gaze from one end of the lower verandah that spanned the width of the house to the other, seeking any movement behind the screen of plant-covered bamboo trellises that shielded the verandah from the full glare of the sun.

But there was none.

She raised her eyes to the glass-fronted upper verandah, but there was no sign of anyone there, either.

Instead of the normal bustle of late-morning activity that she’d expected, an air of lethargy enveloped the house.

Taking a step back, she glanced to her right, and squinted against the strengthening sun in an attempt to see past the well-tended lawn and potting-sheds to the brick-walled area where the servants had their quarters, and to the stables beyond them. But there was no one to be seen. Or to be heard.

How strange, she thought.

Her eyes returned to the house, and she frowned slightly, a sense of unease growing within her.

She’d assumed that her father would work at home for a day or so to be sure of being there when she got back. Or that if he’d been called away, her mother would have been there.

And the servants, too. Why weren’t they around?

In all the years she’d been at school in England, she hadn’t returned to Sundar so much as once. That was a long time to be away. She knew that her ayah had left some years ago, but she’d rather thought—rather hoped, if she were truly honest—that all the servants would run out of the house the moment they heard the cart, eager to see as soon as possible how their little burra baba had grown.

She swallowed the lump of disappointment that rose in her throat.

A dull thud behind her made her jump, and she turned towards the sound. The first of their trunks had landed in the reddish-brown dust on the ground, dropped there by the elderly driver of the bullock-drawn cart which had bumpily conveyed her and her chaperone from the small railway station in Sonada.

Dust billowed up around the trunk and drifted towards her.

She coughed, and turned back to face the house before the second trunk could strike the ground. She heard it land heavily, followed by the light thump of someone jumping the short distance from the cart to the ground. A moment later, she sensed her chaperone come to her side.

‘I wonder where everyone is, Ada,’ she said, her eyes still on the house. ‘The place looks completely deserted.’

Ada followed the direction of Charlotte’s gaze. ‘I expect they’re inside and haven’t heard us.’ She raised her arm and adjusted the angle of her blue straw cloche.

Charlotte turned to her. ‘What! With the noise the axles made? They squeaked horrendously at every turn of the wheel. They must have heard us from miles away.’

‘Of course,’ Ada said quickly. ‘I wasn’t thinking, I was too busy admiring the house and its setting. It’s lovely here, Charlotte. You’re lucky to have such a home.’

Charlotte gave her a warm smile. ‘And you’ll have such a home, too, with your Mr Banning.’

‘Yes, I’m sure I will. As for your father, maybe he had to sort out a problem with the tea bushes. And the servants might be doing what they ought to be doing, but so often aren’t if they’re anything like English servants, and that’s working.’ She squeezed Charlotte’s arm. ‘Don’t worry, Charlotte dear. There’ll be a good reason why no one’s in, or if they are in, why they haven’t come out yet.’

Charlotte nodded. ‘You’re right, of course. And since Father managed to get to England twice only in all the time I was there, and I rarely saw Mother more than once a year, it’ll hardly hurt me to wait a little longer to see them. All the same … .’

She shrugged her shoulders, and glanced back at the cart. ‘As soon as the driver’s unloaded the luggage, we’ll go in and have some refreshment. I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely parched. And the smell of tea in the air is only making it worse. Also, it’s getting quite hot.’

Ada gave Charlotte a light push. ‘You go on in. I’ll take care of everything out here.’

Charlotte looked back at the house. ‘That’s very kind of you, Ada. I think I will, thank you. I must admit, I’m excited to be home at last. I’m longing to see Father again.’

Ada assumed an expression of mock amazement. ‘You don’t say! I’d never have guessed. Not even though you started counting down the hours to Sundar from the moment we sailed out of Southampton.’

Charlotte laughed. She pulled off her felt cloche, shook free the auburn hair she’d pinned with a comb on top of her head, and went up the path to the wooden steps that led to the verandah, swinging her hat at her side as she walked.

When she reached the top step, she glanced back at Ada, gave her a smile of excited anticipation, and then went up to the front door, pushed it open and stepped into the house.

Pausing in the cool of the hall, she looked around her. Then she closed her eyes, and inhaled the musky scent of sandalwood, turmeric and cardamom. Her breath escaped in a sigh of deep happiness—she was home at last, back in the place she loved, the place that part of her had never truly left.

For a minute or two she stood there motionless, her head tilted back, her eyes shut, drinking in the moment and letting delight flow through her.

Then she opened her eyes, walked along the hall to the door at the far end and opened it, half-expecting to see her father sitting in his favourite chair in the morning room.

But the room was empty of everything except the rays of the sun and the shimmering particles of dust that were trapped in the columns of light. And there was no one on the verandah outside, either.

Her anxiety returning, she went to the foot of the teak wood staircase that led to the upstairs rooms, put her hand on the newel post, and called up to the landing, ‘Is anyone there?’

The air was weighted with silence.

She let go of the bannister, went across to the far right-hand corner of the hall and pushed aside the flimsy screen made of split bamboo that concealed the opening to a small kitchen and pantry. But the kitchen, too, was empty.

Biting her lip, she went quickly across the kitchen to the back door, pushed it open and stared along the covered walkway to the main cookhouse, which stood at the entrance to the servants’ compound.

But there was no activity anywhere: not around the cookhouse; not in front of any of the houses in the compound; not on any of the small vegetable plots she could see from where she was standing.

Her heart beating fast at the strangeness of the situation, she returned to the hall, and stopped abruptly in front of the sliding doors leading to the drawing room.

A wave of relief swept through her, and her hand flew to her head.

Of course! That’s where her father would be—he’d be in his office!

His office led off the far end of the drawing room and was on the back of the house. Being in there, he wouldn’t have heard her arrive. How stupid of her—she should have gone there before anywhere else.

She went to pull aside the doors, but stopped sharply at the sound of footsteps in the drawing-room. Someone was coming towards her. It’d be her father. Her relief deepened and she moved back and stood still, waiting, a smile on her lips.

The doors opened and a tall lean man in a dust-coloured safari suit came out into the hall.

She froze. Her smile faded. ‘Who are you?’

Meet the Author

Born in London, Liz Harris graduated from university with a Law degree, and then moved to California, where she led a varied life, from waitressing on Sunset Strip to working as secretary to the CEO of a large Japanese trading company.

Six years later, she returned to London and completed a degree in English, after which she taught secondary school pupils, first in Berkshire, and then in Cheshire.

In addition to the ten novels she’s had published, she’s had several short stories in anthologies and magazines.

Liz now lives in Oxfordshire. An active member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Historical Novel Society, her interests are travel, the theatre, reading and cryptic crosswords. To find out more about Liz, visit her website at: www.lizharrisauthor.com

Connect with Liz Harris here

,Website | ,Twitter | ,Facebook | ,LinkedIn | ,Instagram | ,Amazon Author Page

Friday Feast | Another Kitchen Tool to Love

Welcome back to Friday Feast and the first of October! Happy dancing (at least for me) in the Morgan's cottage. It's been a busy but fun week. My sister came for a visit--bringing her smile and lots of hugs. Yet before I knew it, Thursday had arrived and I hadn't prepared anything for the Tavern. Rather than let the day slide on by, I instantly thought of one of my favorite beverages. No, it's not Guinness, but a morning must-have upon waking.

Coffee! Specifically, a latte with extra foam.

A few years ago, I was gifted with a Keurig coffee maker. Trust me, I'm a coffee fiend, grind my own coffee, and also have an espresso machine. However, I fell in love with the simplicity of the Keurig. Their pods are delicious! Here are a few of my favorite flavors: Dark Roast, Espresso Roast, and Maple Pecan.

I thought I found nirvana with my first cup, yet it was another kitchen tool that sent me over into bliss...

This milk frother can whip my milk to perfection in less than 15 seconds! The first results had me weeping with joy. Yes, I'm silly over a good latte, and this special kitchen tool is one of my favorites!

So there you have it, my friends. Lifting my cuppa to you all on this autumn day in October.

Until next week, enjoy!

A Treasure Hunt from England to Gretna Green in "The Duke's Diamond" by Nancy Lee Badger

Please welcome back to the Tavern the lovely Nancy Lee Badger! We're celebrating her wonderful new historical romance The Duke's Diamond, Book #2 Treasure Tales series! Grab a glass of champagne and let's hear what Nancy has to say...

A Message from Nancy Lee Badger

People often ask me why I became a writer. With the release of my 40th book since Secret Love Match was published back in 2010, I had to stop and think. I started writing toward publishing a book back in 2006 while working as a 911 Emergency Medical Dispatcher. In quiet New Hampshire, we had lots of down time. One week in September found me attending the New Hampshire Highland Games. Ideas found me.

Besides attending the games surrounded by men in kilts, I attended a local writer’s conference and one of the speakers was Hannah Howell. Her stories featured Highlanders and locations steeped in Scottish lore. Once we moved to North Carolina, I started reading historical romance novels by Sabrina Jeffries and Katharine Ash. They live nearby!

The escapism of a well-written romance is what I cherish and I decided to give it a try. The Earl’s Treasure, released late last year, was my first attempt. It is set in both England and Scotland in 1816. The second book in the series was taking too long to finish, so I wrote a sweet historical novella that is a series off-shoot, taking place at Gretna Green. That book is Love, Hamish and revolves around a hairy Highland bull. I recently made it available in print. My latest release is The Duke’s Diamond which takes my hero and heroine through England to Gretna Green and beyond on a treasure hunt after he is kidnapped. Other books in the series are in the works. You can find all buy links HERE

Payton Hartwell, the Earl of Bellmeer, is on a quest to return signet rings to various less-than-noble men whom a dead man had blackmailed. Instead, he walks into his own kidnapping. Separated from his cousin and friend, and finding himself alone with his kidnapper’s Scottish stepsister, his travels take on a serious tone. Saving her from Viscount Manning’s despicable plans, as well as Payton’s possible murder, takes a turn during a costume ball.

Tara Scott cannot believe her stepbrother kidnapped a nobleman and tied him up in his country manor’s barn. She saves Payton from the bitter cold and starvation, then is punished by an irate Viscount Manning. When Payton helps her escape, they find themselves on a journey into Scotland that is filled with ruffians, a Highland bull, wild weather, and a sexual awakening that surprises them both. Back in England at a New Year’s ball and the second discovery of a huge blue diamond comes to a head when the viscount and his men attack. It will take Payton, Tara, and all his friends to thwart a man set on vengeance and treasure.

Meet the Author

Nancy Lee Badger grew up in Huntington on New York’s Long Island. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education, she met and married her college sweetheart. They raised two handsome sons in New Hampshire. When the children had left the nest, and shoveling snow became a chore, she retired from her satisfying job as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher and moved with her husband to North Carolina, where she writes full-time.

Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, and the Triangle Association of Freelancers. She loves to travel and attend Scottish Highland Games and is never far from her laptop. She finds story ideas in the most unusual places.

Connect with Nancy Lee Badger

,Website ,Twitter ,Facebook

,Amazon Author Page ,Blog

,BookBub ,Goodreads

Journey into the Magical Realm in "Dragons Walk Among Us" by Dan Rice

Please make welcome my friend and talented author Dan Rice! We're celebrating his phenomenal new release Dragons Walk Among Us! As a lover of dragons, I have this on my reading list and will be diving into his fictional realm soon. The Tavern is serving apple cider, so grab a mug and let's hear what Dan has to say...

A Message from Dan Rice

What inspired me to write Dragons Walk Among Us? First off, I like stories with dragons. What fantasy fan doesn't, right?

I have distinct memories from childhood of being curled up on the couch beside my mother while she read a picture book about Saint George and the Dragon to me. I don't recall if I ever read the book to myself, but I did spend hours admiring the intricate illustrations of the valiant knight battling the dragon. There have been other dragons in my life, of course. Smaug comes to mind, but George's wyrm was my first love, and my interest in dragons grew from that early childhood experience. Dragons Walk Among Us isn't the first novel I've written featuring dragons, but it is the first to be published.

A theme running through Dragons Walk Among Us is Allison Lee questioning her perception of reality. As Allison comes of age, she uncovers her disturbing heritage. The process of discovery and the hidden knowledge throws her world off-kilter. She steps behind the veil to find another realm that few people know exists. My inspiration for this aspect of the story comes from my fascination with photography and watching reruns of The Twilight Zone as a kid.

Consider photography, specifically time-lapse photography. By opening a camera's shutter for an extended period, you can capture movement––of water, of children running, of the earth through space as depicted by star trails in the night sky.[star trails picture] The camera captures movement while at the same time freezing it to reveal a reality ever so slightly at odds with ordinary experience. The Twilight Zone takes that idea to the extreme with innumerable fables of people getting exactly what they want, such as the man who wishes for quiet and wakes up to a world without people. Anyway, I spent years trying to dream up a concept about an alternate reality intruding on the contemporary everyday world. I was never satisfied with the ideas until I wrote Dragons Walk Among Us.

The final piece of inspiration was an unfortunate incident that happened to my older son at summer camp a few years back. He was teased about his biracial appearance by fellow campers. Being a young lad, he recovered from the incident in short order and moved on as the young often do. Never having experienced racism myself, the incident had a profound impact on me. I considered myself aware of the issue, but it had never been brought to my front door. Indeed, the episode provided some of the inspiration for the themes of bullying and acceptance in Dragons Walk Among Us. I envision Allison Lee as a teenage biracial girl who suffers the earthly woes of bullying and exams while also maybe, just maybe, being able to see dragons.

Shutterbug Allison Lee is trying to survive high school while suffering the popular girl's abuse. Her life is often abysmal, but at least her green hair is savage. Her talent for photography is recognized by the school paper and the judges of a photo contest.

While visiting her friend Joe, a homeless vet, Allison's life irrevocably changes after an attack leaves her blind. All her dreams as a photojournalist are dashed as she realizes she'll never see again. Despair sets in until she is offered an experimental procedure to restore her vision. But there are side effects, or are they hallucinations? She now sees dragons accompanying some of the people she meets. Can she trust her eyes, or has the procedure affected her more than she can see?

Available from these online retailers

,AMAZON | ,KOBO | ,BARNES & NOBLE | ,iBOOKS

Sneak preview from Dragons Walk Among Us

I stop at the sink to wash my hands. The door to the locker room creaks open. I look in the mirror both to admire my green hair and to catch a glimpse of the interloper. I clench my jaw. It’s Leslie staring at me balefully.

“Congratulations on—”

“Your photograph is fake.” Leslie snarls. “Just like you. Fake. Fake like your hair. Ugly like your slanted eyes.”

I freeze, the lukewarm water cascading over my hands. The words remind me of a fact I try to ignore. The reality that my face is a mixture of Asian and Caucasian features. My cheeks pale as Leslie marches across the locker room.

“You don’t deserve this.” She snatches my plaque off the counter. “Your photo isn’t documentary or photojournalism. It’s a portrait of your friend.”

She looms inside my personal space, scowling down her nose at me. The standoff might last for five seconds or five minutes for all I know. With a scoff, she twirls away and strides for the exit, pausing to deposit my plaque in the trash can.

Meet the Author

Dan has wanted to write novels since first reading Frank Herbert’s Dune at the age of eleven. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he often goes hiking with his family through mist-shrouded forests and along alpine trails with expansive views.

Dragons Walk Among Us is his debut novel. He is currently writing the sequel to Dragons Walk Among. You can explore his blog at https://www.danscifi.com.

Connect with Dan here

,Website | ,Facebook | ,Twitter | ,BookBub | ,Instagram | ,Tiktok

Friday Feast | A Time To Pamper

Welcome to Friday Feast in the Tavern. As the summer has turned into autumn, and my hubby is recovering from his surgeries, I'm taking more time for self pampering. Even if I get in some reading time, I consider it a win! Goodness, I'll take those 15 minutes for catching up on a chapter or perusing through a magazine.

Now what about true pampering? I don't have the luxury to spend time at a spa, yet I can capture quiet moments with a cup of tea, a cookie, and rest with a pumpkin facial mask. You all know how much I love this time of year, especially pumpkin season. Fortunately, this recipe is one where you can purchase canned pumpkin almost year-round. This mask, combined with other simple ingredients, is a great source of vitamins and gives my complexion a wonderful glow.

I've been using this mask for years. If you have a favorite one, please share by sending me an email at: moirarose415@yahoo.com

I'd love to feature it here in the Tavern.

Pumpkin Face Mask

4 teaspoons canned plain pumpkin

1 teaspoon honey

½ teaspoon heavy cream (or half and half)

Mix all ingredients and apply to face. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse.

***Optional: I like to put this in the refrigerator for an hour. The soothing cool mask always feels wonderful and helps to tighten pores.

A Delicious Read with "Cherry Red" by Darlene Fredette

Please make welcome the lovely and sister Rose (from The Wild Rose Press), Darlene Fredette to the Tavern! We're celebrating her new book release Cherry Red. In addition to taking a peek into her story, Darlene has graciously shared a scrumptious treat with us. Grab a glass of champagne and let's hear what Darlene has to say...

A Message from Darlene Fredette

Summer is winding down, but there are still plenty of warm days to enjoy a delicious ice cream drink! Have you ever tried mixing lemonade and ice cream?

Frosty lemonades are a mix between a milkshake and a slushy…yummy and refreshing.

Frosty Lemonade

Ingredients:

1-2 cups ice

1 cup lemonade

1 large scoop of vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

In a blender, mix 1-2 cups of ice (start with 1 cup of ice and add more if desired) with 1 cup of lemonade.

Add a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream and blend again until mixed well.

Top with whipped cream and garnish with maraschino cherries.

Makes 1 serving.

Recipe Notes:

To mix it up a bit, use any flavor of lemonade or juice that you'd like.

If you like it sweet, add a tbsp of sugar.

Add fresh squeezed lemon juice to make it extra tart.

Add fresh or frozen fruit for added flavor.

For chocolate lovers, garnish with chocolate shavings.

For an adult version, add a shot of vodka, rum, or brandy.

This summer, ice cream entrepreneur Carly Redd's only focus is expanding her business—until she's coerced into attending her ex's engagement party. Showing up without a date is unthinkable. She reluctantly agrees to be escorted by her brother’s co-worker, although doing so breaks her rule of not dating firefighters.

The daughter of the town’s fire chief should wear a Do Not Touch sign, but firefighter Noah Harding's interest blazed the moment he saw Carly. Agreeing to be her fake boyfriend is a no-brainer, but convincing Carly to trust him with her heart is harder than extinguishing a fire.

Overstepping the platonic-only rule is as dangerous as fire and ice swirling into a tempting combustion.

Available to purchase ,HERE !

This link will bring you to my website which has links to all distributing sites for my books.

Sneak preview from Cherry Red

“This might seem like a strange question, especially since we’ve just met, but would you be interested in going out for a coffee? Or an ice cream?” Noah rested an arm on the bar.

Carly glanced down at her jeans and black T-shirt embroidered with the company name and logo…a cluster of red cherries. In a room full of women all dolled up in fancy—and some a bit scanty—dresses, why would this incredibly handsome man ask her on a date? “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested…”

Noah raised a brow. “I know you like ice cream, so is it the coffee, or me?”

“What? No. I mean, yes.” She took a second to collect her scrambled thoughts. “I like coffee. I just don’t hang out with firefighters.” Not that he was a real firefighter. Did impersonators count in her rules of men to avoid? She never dated a stripper, but she wasn’t sure she could have a relationship with a guy who was paid to take off his clothes and have other women fawn over him. Not that the guy asked her on a date…just a simple coffee. His frown made her feel badly. “I’m sorry. It’s nothing personal.”

“Burnt in the past? No pun intended.” He smiled.

She couldn’t help but smile back. “Something like that.”

Meet the Author

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador.

Connect with Darlene here ~

,Author Web Site | ,Blog | ,Amazon Author Page | ,Print Anthology Two Ice Cream Stories

Friday Feast | Feeding the Cookie Monster

Welcome back to Friday Feast in the Tavern my friends! Grab a cup of mead or cider and pull up a chair. The bardic tales are flowing and I'm delighted to be back! The knight (aka my hubby) is recovering and healing well. The first ten days after his surgery were a blur, and I felt more like part of the Walking Dead than a real human. We are learning to take one day at a time.

Psst, lean in for a secret I'm about to share with you (as I peer over my shoulder to make sure a certain man is not listening...) My hubby is a cookie monster! He's not picky either. Loves all kinds of cookies. I've witnessed him passing up cake, brownies, and pies for a chance at a handful of cookies. And if you want a cookie in our house, you'll have to snatch them right away.

Before the summer of surgeries, which is what we're now referring them to, he wanted to rid some weight. Mind you, he was already in great shape, but it's always those lingering pounds that creep up when you get older. Therefore, the only cookies allowed in the house were gingersnaps--low in sugar and calories. Now that we're heading into the holiday time of the year (at least it is for me), I'm baking a wee bit more.

Last month, I started on a quest to stock my pantry with butterscotch, chocolate, toffee, and peanut butter chips. All great morsels to put into some of our favorite cookies. These Oatmeal Scotchies are positively disgustingly (sorry for the double adverbs) delicious! Even tastier while they're still warm. Did my cookie fiend enjoy them? Aye!

Sadly, I can't share the recipe here. It's one I followed precisely on the package and I didn't want any backlash from the company. So my apologies for tempting you. However, you can find the full recipe on the brand's website, the package below, or just google the title and you'll find many variations out there.

Until next Friday, stay safe, smile, and spread the love with cookies!

Stolen Magic and Malice in "A Witch's Quandary" by Tena Stetler

Please welcome back my friend and sister Rose (The Wild Rose Press), Tena Stetler! I invite you to step into Tena's magical world with her latest new release, A Witch's Quandary!

The Tavern is serving apple cider and pumpkin bread, so grab a mug and let's hear what Tena has to say...

A Message from Tena Stetler

Hey Mary!

What’s on the menu today? Something smells fantastic!

It’s been a while since A Witch’s Quandary’s release on July 12, 2021. I gotta tell you, regardless of release number one or in this case number fifteen, the nerves nearly get the best of me. Will my readers enjoy the book? Will they hate it? Will it sell? I guess it’s the nature of being an author. The promotion whirlwind for weeks to months after the release is enough to drive you crazy. While, I’m mostly quite organized, with spreadsheet in hand. But I did miss a few things early on. However, the excitement of holding the print books in my hand never ever gets old. Although this time around, it was a little later than usual. My book order got lost. Can you believe it?

The book launch and pre-orders went well. If I had it to do over again,(and I will in January of 2022, when my next book comes out) I would have started just a couple weeks later. Sales dropped off a few weeks after launch then bounced around more than usual. Is it due to the early pre-order blitz? Maybe. Or just the strange year 2021 has been. The reviews are spectacular. Over all I’m pleased with the reception my wonderful readers gave A Witch’s Quandary. I really loved writing the book. (I admit, I say that about each book.) LOL

One more thing, keep an eye out for An Angel’s Wylder Assignment in January of 2022. It’s a bit out of my wheelhouse being a time travel, historical, paranormal Wyld West adventure. LOL The book continues the saga of Killian and Chinoah from An Angel’s Unintentional Entanglement (book four from A Demon’s Witch and is also a standalone).

How about we discuss the Top 10 Reasons You Should Read A WITCH’S QUANDARY.

1. A Broken Engagement leads to the discovery of stolen magic and malice.

2. You love stories set in Ireland and Scotland.

3. Find out why Dillon is summoned back to Scotland and why did Gale refused to leave Ireland.

4. Someone is being blackmailed.

5. A hidden secret in Gale’s family is brought into the light that puts them in danger.

6. There is the cutest puppy introduced into the story. Yes, she almost steals the story and quite a few scenes.

7. Find out what rare magical talent Gale possesses.

8. Secrets abound in this story and what are Dillon’s father and brother are hiding?

9. You get to revisit characters from the other books in the series.

10. You need a break from your ordinary world to be swept into a romantic, fantasy adventure tinged with mystery that you may never want to leave.

As always it’s a pleasure to visit your Tavern, Mary!

Gale's engagement is off because she refuses to leave her thriving business in Ireland to follow Dillon to Scotland. Her family and friends are on the emerald isle. Yet, when Dillon returns with the whole story and asks for her help, she must follow her heart.

Becoming a Solicitor, then partner in the family law firm was never Dillon's dream. Now it's his nightmare. Called to Scotland, his father demands he take his rightful place in the firm or be disowned and disinherited. Something is terribly amiss in the firm and family.

During Gale and Dillon's investigation, they discover the enforcer for the Demon Overlord is also delving into rumors the firm is acting illegally. Magic has been stolen, someone is being blackmailed, and a member of the Witch's council is corrupt. If Gale and Dillon want a life together in Ireland, they have to unearth secrets threatening to destroy the firm and family in Scotland.

Purchase your copy ,HERE !

Sneak preview from A Witch's Quandary

“This is an outrage. It’s my firm.” Bram bellowed slamming his fist down on the table. Sparks flew in all directions creating a red-hot spider web of power crackling across the tabletop. Everyone at the table scrambled back or stood. Dillon caught the malevolent spark in his father’s eye a split-second after Gale. She had already brought her hands together, the room sizzled as she conjured a ball of fire and with a few words sent the witch fire and spell at him.

“What have you done?” Bram screeched as the fire and spell hit him center mass. “Witchfire too? Bitch.” He slid to the floor.

Iris ran to his side, tears spilling her cheeks, she wiped his sweat-soaked brow with a napkin. “You just couldn’t stop, could you? What did you do? Make a deal with the devil? We should have put a stop to it. To you. But…” She helped him into a chair. “I’m afraid you’ve messed with the wrong witch, this time. Brought this on yourself. You did. But I won’t let you take this family—the firm—down with you.” Giving his shoulders a little shake, she gazed into his shocked eyes. “What have you done?”

Bram slowly shook his head and murmured, “It’s my firm.” He raised his gaze and glared at Gale pointing a bony finger at her. “You’ll pay for this.” Then turned his attention to Dillon. “I told you nothing good would come from aligning yourself with this witch. Her blood is not pure. Diluted by the Fae power of her…” He broke off.

Dillon stood at Gale’s back his hands steady and supportive on her shoulders as she said nothing for several beats. Eventually, she turned her emerald green eyes to him and held his gaze. “I couldn’t let him divide the family with that dark magic. I tempered my deadly witch fire with the spell.” She tore her gaze from Dillon’s, touching her fingertips to the scorched marks radiating across the table stopping an inch from the edge all around. “If he’d succeeded, there’d been no turning back. If the tendrils of that spell had left the table and reached one of you…” She shook her head.

Meet the Author

Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.

Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.

Connect with Tena here:

Website | Authors' Secret's Blog | My Say What Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter | Pinterest | Triberr | BookBub | Instagram | LinkedIn

https://youtu.be/fYkFUpUkwYs

Friday Feast | A Special Request from my Knight

I knew if I put anything pumpkin in the title of this post, I would hear massive groaning. Aye? Nae? Even though I'm feeling the tug of autumn, I was prepared to show off a fabulous summer casserole in the Tavern tomorrow. I'm really trying not to jump into autumn. Yet if you asked my daughters, they'd tell you I've failed. Haha!

My hubby (as you know I fondly call him my knight) made a request for this weekend: Pumpkin bread and scones. Usually he doesn't ask for much, but he's having his second major surgery next week, so he wanted something special this weekend. Even without the sugar glaze on top, the scones were delicious!

Since I'll be busy with my Nurse Mary duties, the Tavern will be closed for the next few weeks.

Until then, be safe, my friends. See you back here in September!

Skål (Cheers from Rorik)

Pumpkin Scones

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup dark brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

*¼ cup chopped roasted pecans (I tend to use the glazed pecans) *Optional

1/3 cup buttermilk

½ cup canned pure pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg

1 tablespoon cream

Sugar for dusting scones

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper or use a Silpat.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cut the butter into small pieces and add to flour mixture with a pastry blender until it resembles small peas.

If using, stir in the chopped pecans.

In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, pumpkin, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and mix until it comes together.

Transfer to a lightly floured board and knead 6-8 times. Cut dough in half.

Knead one ball into a circle and cut into six triangles. Place scones on baking sheet (If you prefer larger scones, cut into four triangles). Do the same with the second ball.

Mix egg with cream and brush the tops of scones. Sprinkle with a little sugar

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Friday Feast | Party with the Paranormal Romantics

Since it's Friday the 13th, there's a different twist here in the Tavern for Friday Feast. Come party with the Paranormal Romantics Authors (which I'm a member) today from 3-8 pm (Eastern) in our private Facebook group! Join us for games, prizes, food, and lots of spooky fun!

Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/169710865178935

Hope to see you there! xo