Highway Cafe Christmas Blog tour

Hi, Merry Christmas - and welcome to the Highway Cafe Christmas Blog Hop!                                                                                                         
(Well, I know it's not actually Christmas yet, but Santa has us reciting those words so often it's become something of a habit!) And actually Christmas is just around the corner and for Santa's elves it's a very, very, very busy time! Oh, I'm Lindy Lou by the way, and my job here at the North pole is putting the manes and tales on rocking horses and brushing them until they're really silky and shiny. I love my job because I've always loved horses and even though these aren't real, you never know if a bit of magical elven dust might bring them to life!

I always have the Nutcracker Suite playing in the background as I work - it's so Christmassy and gets me in the mood! Of course it's hungry work, so I have the occasional snack of Christmas fruit cake, washed down with Christmas mead to keep me going. The time flies and before I know it, it's Christmas and Santa is chuckling away, encouraging us to get all the toys loaded on his sleigh.

Oh, Santa doesn't get to be the only one delivering gifts either.  We're all 'Secret Santas' and have a gift for one of the other elves.  This year my gift is a sack of special carrots and apples for the reindeer, and a big box of chocolates and cookies for Taleisin Elafir, who does such a good job of caring for the reindeer.  I'd also like to give her a free copy of 'Dancing With Fate' if she'd care to take a moment from feeding the reindeer, to pop in and say hello.

I thought you might like a couple of Christmas decorating ideas.  In my little cottage at the North Pole, I love, love, love decorating for Christmas.  Here's one of my windows, and I cover the sill with white artificial snow (cotton wool will do) and throw on a little sparkle.  Next I get all my Christmas woodland animals, some little model houses and Christmas  dolls, angels and a Post Box I was given a few years ago.  I trim the window with coloured fairy lights and edge the display with gold tinsel and some clear fairy lights. In between I dot some pine cones, which I sprayed with with splashes of white paint to look like they're edged with snow. Of course any Christmassy ornaments can be used, they don't have to be the same as mine, just let your imagination run riot!

Another thing I like to do is create a 'teddy bear grotto.  I have a collection of tiny teddy bear figures. I keep them in a glass fronted curio cabinet with a deep display shelf underneath.  At Christmas I cover this shelf with a large sheet of white card and sprinkle it with that sparkly fake snow stuff you can buy in packets. I place a piece of white tinsel all around to keep the 'snow' in place. Then I just place some of my little teddies in the snow and let them play. Again, you could use any small Christmas figures and any alcove or spare bookshelf, It would also work well for a nativity scene.

Just a couple of easy decorating ideas, I'm sure you'll find lots more - and some recipes - on the other elves Blogs so be sure to visit them all. They're listed at the bottom of this page.

Oh - and before you go I'm offering a free copy of either Starquest or my fantasy novella  Dancing With Fate to a randomly drawn commenter on this page. Good Luck!

BELOVED ENEMY (Book3 of the Destiny Trilogy)

What if you had sworn to kill the man responsible for the death of your sister but found yourself falling in love with him instead?

BLURB

Cat Kincaid is obsessed with killing the man she believes is responsible for the torture and death of her sister, but when she eventually catches up with him, survival becomes a greater priority than revenge.

Kerry Marchant, haunted by memories, regret, and self-blame, shields himself from the pain of the past by committing himself totally to the starship, Destiny, of which he is part owner. However, the beautiful, red-haired woman who reminds him of his lost love, and who he suspects is working for a corrupt regime, represents a possible threat not only to the ship, but to his heart.

Marooned on an inhospitable planet, they need to work together to stay alive, fighting not only unknown assailants, but their growing attraction. But how can they learn to trust each other when he has vowed never to get close to a woman again, and she made a solemn pledge to destroy him?

Purchase from Amazon HERE

Join my fellow elves on the follwing blogs taking

 part in this tour: Pinky Twinkleton, Serendipity Sparkles, Candy Cane, Twinkle Bright, Bob, Puddle, Sugarplum Silverfluff, Granny VanElfington, Goth, Sparkle, Annie, Lindy Lou, Taleisin Elafir, Krafty Kelly, Frangelica Tinselbaubles, and Kandy Kane.

findingthewritewords.blogspot.com
http://www.tenastetler.com/my-blog/ 
https://barbaraburkeauthor.wordpress.com/ 
www.writerknapsack.com 
http://msspencertalespinner.blogspot.com/ 
http://www.maureenbonatch.com/blog/ 
http://nancyfraser.ca/wordpress/holiday-blog-hop/
http://www.sorchiadubois.com/ 
http://www.carolhenry.org/ 
http://www.fantasypages.ca 
www.hywelalyn.blogspot.com 
http://casimclean.com/casis-christmas-…cal-mystery-tour/ 
https://kaydenclaremont.wordpress.com/ 
http://mariahlynneauthor.blogspot.com/ 
http://kkweil.blogspot.com 
http://www.clairdelunebooks.co.uk/ 

http://blog.lindacarroll-bradd.com  (participating on Dec 6 only) 

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

Earth Escape - Book Tour and #Giveaway

It's always a pleasure to welcome another Science Fiction Author to the Flight Deck. Please welcome Real LaPlaine, and let's find out a little more about him and his book. Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter contest at the end.

Earth Escape: 

Odyssey to the edge of the universe
By Real Laplaine
Genre: S.F. Adventure

Earth Escape is a science fiction thriller set in the very near future, bordering on a dystopian age where geopolitical powers on Earth are edging toward nuclear war, and meanwhile, the interstellar ship, Evolution, and its captain, Jim Tale and his Ai companion, CASS, are light years away in search of a new home and answers to the dilemma facing mankind. Was it the Big Bang, Divine creation or were we put here for reasons we have forgotten? In this thrilling space odyssey, Jim Tale, a misfit - a man haunted by demons of his past and plagued by these existential questions, faces the most brutal truths about who we are and the creation of the cosmos and the role he must play if he hopes to save Earth from an imminent apocalypse.

Goodreads * Amazon

​

Victor Hugo said ... "A writer is a world trapped in a person."

That about sums it up for me. Besides the fact that I have a passion to unleash a world of ideas inside of me, my purpose for writing is to inspire others, to remind them that good does prevail over bad, to entertain the minds of readers, and to spark fires all over the world which introduce ideas, which incite activism, evolution for change and not an abiding faith to crusty old mediocrity; and ultimately, to repeat the message which sometimes gets lost in the miasma of life - that no dream is too big to realize - no matter what others may say the stars can be reached by those who want to.

Everyone enjoys the escape. The thrill of living vicariously through the eyes and skin of characters who do things we may never do, or who in fact, mirror parts of our own lives, or who taunt us to live up to our ideals, our potentials - to our dreams. I write because it's a thrill, because coffee is cheap and I can sit and drink it all day while conjuring up stories for readers to enjoy. Reading is soul food. It opens new horizons to us, it stretches the mind and it reminds us that no dream is too big to realize."

Amazon * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join Every new subscriber will get a FREEdownload of my fantasy novella 'Dancing With Fate' (If this doesn't arrive within two days just email me at hywelalyn@btinternet.com)

Novus - Spotlight and Giveaway

Novus by Crystal Marcos Ideal for Hunger Games and Divergent fans, Crystal Marcos delivers Novus, a riveting novel set in a dystopian future of action-adventure, suspense, and romance. Intriguing characters and a gripping storyline keep the reader turning page after page. Being a teenager is hard enough. And what if your life's path is pre determined? On top of that, you aren't even Human? Cayden was given life as a Cresecren. He expected to live out his days with the dysfunctional Human family he was assigned to serve. One fateful night, however, landed him in Gavaron, the home of maimed, elderly, or defiant Cresecren. Beyond its borders is the Den, an area much more dangerous than he ever imagined. Now seventeen, Cayden unwittingly becomes involved in a conspiracy and is one of a handful of survivors fleeing a deadly attack. They set off on a perilous journey in search of refuge and the truth. Along the way, Cayden begins to comprehend the difference between fully living and merely surviving, while trying to balance his emotions and a forbidden love.

Awards: ~"Official Selection" Winner in the Young Adult category, 2015 New Apple Book Awards!~ ~Winner Best Books in the Young Adult category, 2016 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards!~ NOVUS (The Cresecren Chronicles, Book 1) has recently received two book awards! To celebrate the eBook will be on SALE for $1.99 until 5/15/2016 Praise for the Book: “Novus by Crystal Marcos is one of those gems that make you care about the characters within the story, and while you definitely want to know what happens to them, you can't help but also not want to get to the end of the book. It's the kind of book whose characters you miss when you finish the book.” ~Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite- 5 STARS

    

 Excerpt

Famous and Alecander had just reached the trees when another man jumped from the vehicle to the ground. He reached overhead to grab the rifle from the marksman as another gideon approached at top speed. I turned and joined Alecander and Famous as they rode through the woods dodging trees, bushes, and branches. Gunshots whizzed through the woods. A sizzling sound zipped by my left ear and gouged a hole the size of my fist in a nearby tree. I had heard of the “Bleeding Heart” but never witnessed it in action. It was designed to take out an enemy’s heart. I quickly decided to run in a zig-zag pattern through the forest to make it more of a challenge to hit me. This was not easy to do as I had to avoid trees and foliage. I knew they would pursue us until they killed us. My only concern was how long I could elude them. Why did they want us dead? 

  Author Crystal Marcos Award-winning author Crystal Marcos has been a storyteller her entire life. As the oldest of five children, she had to do a lot of entertaining. She lives on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State with her husband, daughter Kaylee, and infant son Jaxon. Crystal is the author of BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale and HEADACHE: The Hair-Raising Sequel to BELLYACHE. Novus, her third book and first Young Adult novel, is Book One of The Cresecren Chronicles.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

  Blast Giveaway – $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in Paypal Cash Ends 5/19/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Day spotlight and Giveaway

I write futuristic and fantasy - but I also love historical westerns so it's great to be able to feature one of these today.  I hope you enjoy reading about this wonderrful new release as much as I did.

Corsets and Cuffs

by Shanna Hatfield

Series: Baker City Brides, #3

Genre: Sweet Historical Western Romance

Release Date: May 12, 2016

Sheriff Tully Barrett never knew trouble had such a pretty face. Brianna Dumont never knew the law could be so handsome and hardheaded.

Pampered and privileged, Brianna Dumont escapes the life she’s always known in an effort to clear her father’s good name. She arrives in Baker City, Oregon, intent on selling her father’s shares in a mine. Only the mine is a bust, her father’s partner is a crusty ol’ coot who hates women, and the sheriff in town is determined to keep her behind bars.

With good friends around him, a small ranch of his own, and a fulfilling job as sheriff, Tully Barrett loves his life. Then an exasperating woman shows up, making demands and driving him crazy. No matter how hard he tries to ignore her brains and beauty, she works her way under his skin.

Corsets and Cuffs captures the fun-loving banter of two strong-willed characters determined not to fall in love in this sweet historical romance.

Tea Party with the Baker City Brides

May 13, 2016 ~ 10-11 a.m. (PT)

Games, giveaways, and oodles of fun!

Her jaw dropped open as she gaped at him. “This is ridiculous. Remove these cuffs and release me, this instant.”

“Not happening, your highness.”  He swung open the door to the jail and escorted her through the office back to the cells. No one else was in the building, something for which Brianna was grateful. Mortified to be manhandled on the way to the jail, she certainly didn’t need any spectators to her unexpected imprisonment.

Tully marched her into a cell then removed the cuffs. A smile played around the corners of his mouth as he slammed the door and turned a key in the lock. “You’re under arrest.”

Furious, she spluttered in protest. “For what? I have done nothing more than demand you carry out the responsibilities of the job the good citizens of this town entrusted into your care. You have no right…”

Tully took a step back as she grabbed hold of the cell bars and rattled them.
He smirked. “You are under arrest for assaulting an officer of the law.”

Defiant and insulted, she lifted her chin. “You deserved the slap after that impudent comment.”

Tully ignored her and continued. “You’re under arrest for assaulting an officer, being a public nuisance, harassment, and disorderly conduct.”

Incensed, she rattled the bars again. “I did no such thing, and you know it. This is an outrage. You, sir, are a bully and a beast! I demand an immediate release. Wait until your superiors hear about this. I’ll have you removed from your position. In fact, I won’t stop until the governor of this state has you tossed in prison!”

“Good luck with that, sweetheart.” Tully stalked over to the door, leading to the jail’s office, his gaze hard and penetrating. “Your time might be better spent reflecting on how you ended up in here, Miss Smarty Pants.”

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU

FREE - May 13 - May 17

Book One: Crumpets and Cowpies

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Facebook Author Page ~ Facebook Friend Page ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Website ~ Email ~ Newsletter
Join Shanna's Street Team: Shanna's Hopeless Romantics

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday's Ramblings. TRS Party Invitation

Yes, I know I usually ramble on a Monday, but  I thought I'd leave it until today
as I'm taking part in the TRS 'Stay At Home Party, commencing today.

http://trsparties.com/

Please pop in and say hello if you get a moment.  Apart from a 'galaxy pendant' and $6 Wild Rose Press I'm offering as a 'giveaway' there are lots of other prizes from the various authors taking part, as well as the chance to win a 

$100 Amazon Gift Card!

Fibers - Book Tour and Giveaway

Fibers
by Jennifer-Crystal Johnson

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GENRE: Science Fiction

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BLURB:

Anna Reynolds is caught up in the middle of a secret interdimensional government agreement... and she doesn't even know it.

There's a medical anomaly loosely dubbed Morgellons disease afflicting a number of people. Symptoms include open sores that produce colorful string-like fibers, fatigue, and nightmarish visions of shadowy figures. No one knows where it came from. No one knows what causes it. There is no cure.

When Anna begins having nightmares and waking hallucinations of the shadow people, her uneasiness about her condition grows. Enlisting the help of her doctor and some friends, Anna is determined to find out what's really going on and why Morgellons is such a mystery.

With her health declining and doubts about whom she can trust, is Anna doomed to become a slave to her condition? Or will she and her unlikely group of would-be heroes come through, saving her... and, ultimately, the world?

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Excerpt:

The twinkling sound of the wind chimes gave an eerie undertone to the night, the wind blowing through the trees and the darkness seeming more intense than usual. Anna wrapped her coat tightly around herself, walking briskly back toward home. She usually didn’t walk anywhere, especially at night, but she’d decided to get some fresh air and needed time to think. Walking was always good for that, even if it was a little cold and getting dark so much earlier.

Reaching into her pocket for her keys, she approached the front door. The porch light was out – she must’ve forgotten to turn it on before she left. Trying to work through feeling alone and fending off paranoia, she rummaged in her purse for her keys and retrieved them just as her foot hit something on her front porch. Of course she couldn’t see, but it sounded and felt like a box of some kind.

She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and turned on the flashlight app to see what was happening. Shining the light on her porch, she saw that it was, indeed, a box. A mystery box, she thought. As if my life couldn’t get any stranger.

She unlocked the front door and flipped the light switch, but nothing happened. Trying to juggle her phone and the box at the same time, she walked into the house, set the box down, and went into the living room to try the light there. Also nothing. Shaking her head and doing her best to quiet her thoughts, she made her way into the garage with her phone and found the breaker box. She flipped the switch and the lights came on without a problem.
ibers are getting entirely too weird around here, she thought, cautiously making her way back upstairs to her entry where the box sat. She switched off her flashlight app and stood still for a few moments, listening to see if she could hear anything to indicate that someone was in the house. She didn’t think so because her door had been locked, but she was so scared she could hear her heartbeat pounding in her ears. Everything else was silent.

Satisfied that no one was in her house, she picked up the box and took it into her kitchen. She set it on the counter and inspected it. There was a note taped to the top of it. She unfolded it and read aloud, “Trust no one.”


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AUTHOR Bio and Links:


Jennifer-Crystal Johnson is originally from Germany, but was raised an Army brat. She has published one novella under her former last name, The Outside Girl: Perception is Reality (Publish America, 2005 - out of print as of 2013), a poetry book, Napkin Poetry (Broken Publications, 2010), and a collection of poetry, art, and prose called Strangers with Familiar Faces (Broken Publications, 2011). She's also published a collection of short creature horror stories called If You're Human Don't Open the Door (Broken Publications, 2012), a personal development book called The Ten Pillars of a Happy Relationship (Broken Publications, 2014), and a collection of more horror stories (no creatures this time, just people) called Our Capacity for Evil (Broken Publications, 2015). She has several poems and short stories published on Every Writer's Resource and has recently published a science fiction novel called Fibers, the first book in the Infiltration Trilogy. Jen owns and operates Broken Publications (www.BrokenPublications.com) and publishes an annual anthology to raise awareness about domestic violence called Soul Vomit (www.SoulVomit.com). When she isn't writing or editing, she enjoys playing games with her three kids, watching crime shows on Netflix, or reading. She lives in WA State with her three children, three cats, and a crazy puppy named Thor. You can connect with her at www.JenniferCrystalJohnson.com, @brokenpoet, or www.Facebook.com/JenniferCrystalJohnson.


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The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway