Wednesday

Happy New Year! 2015 is the year to follow your dreams!


2014 was pretty calm up until the week of Christmas. With my mother's illness kicking up and a new grandson who decided to be difficult during his birth, I'm ready for 2015 to show up. I have a feeling it's going to be the best one yet.

This year, I'm inviting you all to have a virtual celebration with Cowgirl Cocktails (cowpokes welcome). I'll be having lime margaritas and tacos. At midnight, or more likely 9pm because I can't seem to stay up longer that that, I'll toast the new year with a shot of Bailey's.


How will you celebrate?
Out with friends or home?
Here's wishing you all the best of new years and health, hope and happiness each and every day.
 














Tuesday

12 Days of Christmas-Day 11

One of my new favorite Christmas Cocktails is a White Chocolate Peppermint Martini. It's more of a dessert than a cocktail.



Ingredients
  • Crushed ice
  • 4 parts Godiva white chocolate liquor (4 ounces)
  • 2 ½ parts vanilla vodka (2 ½ ounces)
  • 1 ½ parts peppermint schnapps (1 ½ ounces)
  • Red sugar sprinkles for garnishing the glass rim (optional)
  • Chocolate syrup for garnishing the inside of the glass (optional)
  • Small peppermint stick for garnish (optional)

 
Instructions
  1. Fill a cocktail shaker half-way full with crushed ice.
  2. Pour in all of the liquor ingredients and shake until well mixed.
  3. Spread red sugar sprinkles evenly onto a large plate.
  4. Wet the rim of a martini glass with water, then tip the martini glass rim into the sprinkles and spin the glass to coat the rim.
  5. Drizzle a small amount of chocolate syrup in a spiral design inside the glass.
  6. Pour contents of shaker into the martini glass.
  7. Place a small peppermint candy cane along the edge of the glass.

Today's author on the Christmas Blog is Linda O'Connor. I just love the cover of her book, Perfectly Honest. Welcome, Linda.
Perfectly Honest by Linda O'Connor Linda O'Connor  Perfectly Honest   Book Cover

You never know where your words will take you. When Mikaela Finn agreed to be Sam’s ‘fiancée’ for a weekend, she probably should have told him that she’s a doctor. Sam O’Brien, aka ‘Dr. Eye Candy’, is trying to shed his playboy reputation and convince a small town hospital that he’s ready to settle down. But when his ‘fiancée’ helps deliver a baby in the middle of the meet and greet, it’s a bit of a shock. If he’d known the whole truth, he might have done things a little differently because somehow his ‘fiancée’ ends up stealing his job and his heart. Not exactly the change he wanted. Lies and deceit – it’s a match made in heaven! Perfectly Honest will be available at Amazon on January 14, 2015.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Linda donated a $5 Amazon card and ebook copy of Perfectly Honest to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I’ve been writing for three years, and I’m thrilled that Soul Mate Publishing will be publishing my latest novel, Perfectly Honest.I love reading romantic comedies so naturally that’s what I write. I never aspired to be a writer, but now I’m addicted. I love it. I balance writing with my work as a physician at an Urgent Care Clinic and being a mom to three sons (luckily grown and capable of throwing together a decent meal, in a pinch). Plus I like to keep active and cycle, cross-country ski, skate, walk with my husband, or dance every day.The idea to write came after working with young adults. There were some basics I thought they should know – mental health symptoms, birth control myths, how to take ownership of their health. I thought hey, if David Chilton of The Wealthy Barber fame can dole out financial advice in a barbershop, maybe I could dole out medical advice in a Romance novel. That’s how my first novel, She’s Not a Fan, was born. For many years, I taught clinical skills to medical students and spent a lot of time writing detailed roles for actor-patients. It was great practice for developing characters in my stories. Joining the Romance Writers of America, taking online workshops, (and reading) all helped improve my writing. Medical school was challenging, but it was nothing compared to figuring out where commas go, POV, or sorting out verb tense (simple past, past perfect, past perfect progressive – did they know there were 25 other letters they could have used to name those things?) Obviously I’m still learning, but I love the process. I don’t write about people I know, but I definitely take inspiration from snippets of conversations or from the emotion I feel when I talk to people. My designated writing space is any place with a view of Lake Ontario, preferably outside (for three of the four seasons). Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Monday

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop-Day 10

I'm amending this post to include the birth of our grandson this morning at 1:30. This will be a Christmas memory we'll cherish forever. Welcome, Tucker Douglas Bochenek.









My most cherished Christmas memory-I've loved horses for as long as I can remember. My parents are born and raised city people. My favorite Christmas present was a cowgirl outfit when I was 5 or 6. Just being able to pretend I was a cowgirl made me happy.
I'm sure most kids of the fifties wore something similar to this, and each one had a smile.

Today's featured author is Cynthia Gail. The cover of Winter's Magic is one of my favorites.

Winter's Magic by Cynthia Gail Winter's Magic
Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth Sergeant knows her elite clientele first hand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world. After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda. Beth can’t resist Nick’s charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she’s nothing like other women Nick's dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick's past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret. Pick up a copy today at Amazon. 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame
As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Cynthia donated a $10 Starbucks card, paired with a Bark Less Wag More coffee mug & author swag from Rachel Lacey to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author
My husband and I live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee with our eighteen-year-old son and three dogs. When I’m not working or writing, I can be found with family and friends. I love to bake in the winter, grill in the summer, and on occasion, I sneak away from everyone and curl up with a good book. Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop-Day 9

Today is What's Your Favorite Dessert Day Again. With so many mouth-watering food this time of year, it's hard to pick just one dessert.
No it's not.
Because--Cheesecake! Peppermint cheesecake!
Because I eat very little sugar or flour, cheesecake is the perfect dessert for me. I can use one of the good tasting non-sugar substitutes on the market and have a great treat.
This recipe is a full sugar one, and it's fabulous. When I'm being good, I substitute Splenda for the sugar and add a 1/4 cup Torani Sugarfree syrup and skip the crust. But, sometimes you have to splurge.



Crushed Peppermint Cheesecake

Ingredients

12 ounces creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, such as Oreos, broken into pieces $
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature $
3/4 cup sugar $
1/3 cup sour cream $
4 eggs $
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour $
1 teaspoon vanilla $
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon salt $
1/3 cup coarsely crushed peppermint candy

Preparation

1. Place cookies in a heavy zip-lock plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour into a buttered 9-inch round springform pan and pour melted butter over crumbs; mix to coat, then press evenly over bottom and about 1/2 inch up sides of pan. Bake in a 300° oven until crust is slightly darker and looks a bit dry, about 10 minutes (leave oven on).
2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, with a mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and sugar until well blended. Beat in sour cream. Add eggs one at a time, beating to blend after each addition. Beat in flour, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth. Pour cream cheese mixture into pan over baked crust.
3. Bake until edges are just golden and center jiggles slightly when pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour. Run a knife around edge of pan rim. Place pan on a wire rack and cool cheesecake completely in pan. Cover and chill until cold, at least 4 hours or up to 2 days. Run a knife around rim again, then release rim. If any liquid has pooled on surface of cheesecake, blot dry gently with a paper towel.
4. Decorate top of cake with crushed peppermint candy, pressing it in gently with your hands.

I'd like to welcome Tracy Livesay to the blog today. Tracy, would you like a piece of cheesecake?
Tracy's featured book is
Pretending with the Playboy by Tracey Livesay Tracey Livesay  Pretending with The Playboy  Book Cover Commitment makes you weak. It's playboy Carter Richardson's motto. The only exception to the rule is his aunt, and when Carter learns she's terminally ill, he rushes to her bedside. Filled with fear and guilt—and desperate to ease his aunt's mind—Carter does the only thing a guy could do...he panics and blurts out that he's engaged to his aunt's enticing protegée. Lauren Olsen has already had her heart crushed once by Carter. Against her better judgment, she agrees to keep up appearances—until Carter makes their “engagement” public in order to protect the family business. Now Lauren's torn between obeying her conscience, and obeying her desire. Because while she could never trust the womanizing Carter she once knew, she seems to be falling for the man beneath the playboy... Pretending with the Playboy goes on sale 12/29 at Amazon and B&N.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Tracey donated a $10 B&N card to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I write powerful and passionate romantic fiction. I believe in alpha heroes, intelligent heroines and happily ever afters. Obstacles may threaten my couples’ happiness, but true love will ALWAYS prevail. If you want to chat about TV, movies and/or purses, you can find me on Facebook and Twitter, when I’m not trying to meet an ever present deadline. I wrote my first romance novel at the age of eleven, called “The Healing Power of Love.” With a detour through college and law school–where I met her husband on the very first day. I live in Virginia with said husband and three kids. Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Saturday

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop-Day 8

The topic for today is our favorite Christmas Carols. The one I love the most is Christmas Eve by The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The light show, the electric music, puts me in the holiday mood.  Click on the link and enjoy.



And the featured author of my blog hop is Abigail Sharp.
Who Wants to Marry a Doctor? by Abigail Sharpe Abigail Sharpe    Who Wants to Marry a Doctor   Book Cover
The Doctor Is In . . . As a single mom and pediatrician, Sabrina Bankhead doesn't have time for romance. All that changes when she reluctantly agrees to take part in a dating show fundraiser for a children's hospital. But once she sets eyes on the journalist hired to cover the show, none of the four contestants stand a chance. If she doesn't choose one of the eligible bachelors, the hospital doesn't raise a cent. What's a lovestruck doc to do? Investigative journalist Quinn Donnelly is on the mend after an assignment in Afghanistan left him both physically and emotionally scarred. Though he's itching to return overseas and finish his story, he'll have to be content with this fluff piece assignment to cover a local dating show. One-night stands are Quinn's forte-but after he meets Sabrina, he's ready to say yes for the long haul. After years of chasing the next big story, Quinn is starting to wonder if maybe home really can be where the heart is . . . Pick up a copy today from Amazon.
12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame
As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Abigail paired a bag of heart-shaped pasta with a $5 Amazon gift card from Maureen Bonatch to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Abigail is a Boston-bred Yankee now eating grits and saying “y’all” in North Central Florida. She dreamed more of being a stage actress or joining the CIA than being an author. While she still enjoys participating in community theater productions and singing karaoke, the secret-agent career was replaced by hours at her computer, writing stories of love and laughter and happily ever after. Abigail lives with her husband, two kids, and one crazy princess puppy. Connect: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Kitchen Blog

Friday

12 Days of Christmas-Day 7

Finger foods is the subject of today’s blog.
One of our favorites is Roll-ups, quick finger food that tastes good and is easy to prepare.

Roast beef:
4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
¼ cup minced fresh cilantro. I love cilantro.
2 to 3 tablespoons minced peppers
1 garlic clove, minced
½ pound thinly sliced roast beef

Ham and Turkey:
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded carrot
½ cup shredded zucchini
4 teaspoons dill week
½ pound thinly sliced ham
½ pound thinly sliced turkey

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, cilantro, peppers and garlic. Spread about 2 tablespoons on each slice of beef. Roll up tightly and wrap in plastic wrap. In another bowl, combine cream cheese, carrot zucchini and dill. Spread about 2 tablespoons on each slice of ham and turkey. Roll up tightly, wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Slice into 1 ½ inch pieces.
To add an extra bit of flavor, wrap the meat and cheese around a stalk of asparagus. Enjoy.

Today’s featured author is Meda White.
Welcome, Meda.
Play with my Heart by Meda White Meda White PlayWithMyHeart850 Book Cover

Southern musician and closet geek Liz Baker enjoys her quiet life. While in Los Angeles helping her brother with a house project, the simple life gets complicated when British television actor Ian Clarke walks into the picture. Ian enjoys his celebrity status in Hollywood and is determined nothing and no one will get in the way of his plans for success on the big screen. He never counted on meeting a woman like Liz, but she’s the only one who can help him with a personal problem. Forced into close quarters where priorities and cultures clash, an intense attraction catches them both by surprise. Secrets, old lovers and the paparazzi threaten their new dreams and a chance for love could be lost forever.

With My Heart is a finalist in the 2014 BTS Reader's Choice Red Carpet Awards.
Pick up your copy today from Amazon.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame
As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Meda donated Bodycology Moroccan shower gel & lotion, plus author swag to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings.
To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Meda White was born with Georgia clay running through her veins, and she continues to enjoy the Southern lifestyle with her husband and Collie. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and affiliate chapters: Southern Magic, Georgia Romance Writers, and Contemporary Romance Writers. When not writing, you might find her singing harmony, attempting to play guitar, shooting zombie targets, quoting movie lines, traveling, teaching yoga, or explaining the meaning of her unusual first name. Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Thursday

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop-Day 6


Today's topic is ornaments. Our tree has never had a theme. The ornaments have been gathered over the years for the kids and later, for me.
 We have ornaments dating back to the turn of the nineteenth to the twentieth century from both my husband’s family and mine. We’ve got blown glass balls and wooden sleds and carved animals, but one of my favorites is the handmade Santa ornament made by my daughter-in-law from a plaster mold of our grandson’s hand.
Merry Christmas. What kind of ornaments do you have?

Today’s featured author is Heather Miles. At a heat level 8, Merger is a great book to read on a cold winter’s night.

Merger by Heather Miles Heather Miles  Merger  Book Cover

Kasey Blakely doesn’t know that her date is anything more than incredibly hot. It’s after things have moved past friendship, that she learns her new lover is also slated to be her partner in a corporate merger. He knew it all along withholding his identity to have her. Self-assured, future CEO, Kasey Blakely stumbles into Joshua Crawford, leaving her breathless and momentarily senseless. Taken with her, he learns she’s more than just a beautiful woman, she’s slated to be his partner in a corporate merger. Never feeling as smitten or intrigued, he’ll do anything to have her, including, not revealing his last name. After a passionate exchange and the prospect he could lose her, does he come clean with his identity. Always confident, Kasey, struggles with her growing love for a man who has claimed her heart and changed her world, but should be forbidden. She’s all in…then all out. Despite the warnings not to mix business with pleasure, Kasey and Joshua risk it all. Committing to return to California with Joshua, Kasey’s world unravels. Were her fears right, or can they manage the MERGER of their hearts and their future partnership? Pick up your copy today at Amazon.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame
As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Heather donated a $15 Amazon card and a giant bar of chocolate to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Heather Miles was raised in Kansas City, but transplanted to the most culturally diverse place in the country…The Mississippi Delta. She resides in Cleveland, Mississippi with her husband Derek Miles, and is the mother of two incredible kids. Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Wednesday

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop-Day 5


My featured appetizer today is a recipe for Hot Crab Dip my son brought home over ten years ago. You can use chips, crackers or garlic bread to dip this luscious treat.


1 lb fresh crab meat or 2 cans, drained and flaked
11 oz of cream cheese, whipped
4 Tbl mayo
1 small onion, finely chopped
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp paprika
½ cup sharp cheddar
2 cloves garlic
Mix everything in an oven proof dish. Bake at 325 for 20 minutes or microwave until hot. Then dip with whatever you want, or just use the spoon. It's that good.

Today’s guest is Rachel Lacey. Love dogs? You've got to check out Unleashed.

Unleashed by Rachel Lacey Rachel Lacey Unleashed Book Cover 

What happens when you find the right one at the wrong time? Cara Medlen has a serious case of animal attraction. And it’s not because of all the foster dogs she’s rescued. She’s got it bad for her incredibly sexy neighbor. Her one rule: Don’t get attached. It’s served her well with the dogs she’s given to good homes and the children she’s nannied. Yet the temptation of Matt’s sexy smile might just convince her that some rules are made to be broken. Matt Dumont doesn’t need his skills as a private investigator to detect disaster on the horizon. Cara is everything he thought he’d never find—gorgeous, funny, and caring. But there’s no way he can start a relationship just as he’s about to move to another state. Talk about bad timing. As their attraction sizzles too hot to deny, they’ll have to make a decision: forget the consequences and let loose, or forget each other and let go… Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo
12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame
As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Rachel donated a Bark Less, Wag More Coffee Mug & Author Swag, paired with a $10 Starbucks card from Cynthia Gail to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.
About the Author Rachel Lacey lives in North Carolina, with her husband, son, and their own rescued pup. She volunteers her spare time with Carolina Boxer Rescue and truly has a passion for helping our furry friends. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America as well as her local Heart of Carolina RWA chapter. Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

12 Days Of Christmas Blog Hop-Day 4


For under $10, the Precision Kitchenware-Ultra Sharp Dual Julienne Vegetable Peeler is an implement we’ve used all summer long. With an abundance of zucchini this summer, we learned to love it baked, French fried or julienned, we love zucchini. With this peeler, you can substitute zucchini for spaghetti noodles, and I’ve got to tell you, the zucchini is so much better, you won’t go back.

Please welcome Rebecca Neely to the blog today. Rebecca’s featured book on the 12 Days of Christmas Blog is  A Mighty Good Man.

Rebecca Neely  A Might Good Man  Book Cover 

A Mighty Good Man by Rebecca E. Neely
3 days. 2 people. 1 story. ‘Hank’ Jerry, a down and out writer, and Jack Darcy, a former gang leader, team up to write his story for mutual gain and end up falling for each other. It’s not long before their romance is as hot as the copy she’s writing, but they’ve both got something to hide that could blow up in their faces, and with time running out and gang enforcers closing in, will the trust they’ve forged survive the ultimate test?







Pick up your copy today from Amazon.

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop Button with Frame
As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Rebecca donated a $10 Amazon GC to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Rebecca E. Neely was born and raised in a small town in western Pennsylvania. Her father, an English teacher and a writer, instilled in her a love of words, and literature, especially short stories, at a young age. Her mother, a voracious reader, gave her Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild as a Christmas gift when she was nine, and Rebecca’s been hooked on reading stories of all stripes ever since. Rebecca’s family also owned and managed a restaurant until she was about sixteen, and she grew up in the business, working, cooking, and eating. Rebecca enjoys finding, and reading new authors via her Kindle. Live music inspires her, as do the characters she's blessed to have in her life, including her daughter, her boyfriend, and her mother. She loves drawing, crafting, walking, and camping. She also enjoys traveling, going to music festivals, and exploring cities she’s never been to before with her daughter. In a former life, she earned a B.S. in Accounting, and worked in that field for about a decade. Since 2001, Rebecca has freelanced, writing a wide variety of copy for local magazines, and businesses all over the country. She is a member of Savvy Authors, and a PRO member of Romance Writers of America. Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Tuesday

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop-Day 3

CHOCOLATE BLITZEN is one of those things that combines the best of all worlds. With Bailey's Irish Cream and Creme de Cacao what could be better?



This chocolaty delight could cause a chocolate coma if you’re not careful. Oh, what the heck, you only live once.

CHOCOLATE BLITZEN
1/2 oz. (15ml) Vodka
1/2 oz. (15ml) Dark Creme de Cacao
1 oz. (30ml) Baileys Irish Cream
1 1/2 Cup Chocolate Ice Cream
Chocolate Sprinkles
2 oz. (60ml) Melting Chocolate

1. Rim glass with hot melted chocolate and dip in chocolate sprinkles.

2. Blend vodka, creme de cacao, baileys and ice cream. Do not blend the ice cream completely to a liquid. Let it maintain some of its thickness.

3. Pour into chocolate rimmed glass and add sprinkles on top. Enjoy!

Say hello to Sloane B. Collins and find out about her book, Love Redesigned. 


SLOANE B. COLLINS
Buy link:  Amazon - http://amzn.to/1CTyXMN

Website/blog:  http://sloanebcollins.wordpress.com/12-days-of-christmas/
https://www.facebook.com/sloaneburkecollins
Twitter:  @sloanebcollins
Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/lvgglys

Heat level 4


Give American cake artist Genevieve Haywood a picture of anything, and she’ll turn it into a sweet and decadent creation. She’s not going to let hard work or competition stop her from opening her dream business. But when she’s hired as the cake artist for her cousin’s wedding in France, she never expected to run into the French fashion designer who broke her heart fifteen years ago. 

Roman Duchaine is done with living life in the fast lane. Tired of being in the haute couture spotlight, he’s moved back to the small French village where he was born and raised. 
Roman’s ready to settle down and have a family until the lost love of his life arrives for his cousin’s wedding. Seeing her reminds him just how devastating falling in love can be. 

Their fragile truce is meant to last through the wedding, yet every second together makes their attraction and long-buried feelings undeniable. But old habits and hurts die hard, and while Roman is ready to weave their lives together, Genevieve can't afford to lose herself in his shadow. 




Sunday

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop


Our question for today is, "What is your favorite Christmas Movie?"

Some of the best movies ever made are holiday themed, but if I have to choose a favorite, it would be It’s a Wonderful Life, because who wouldn’t love having a guardian angel? It's a Wonderful Life is a based on a short story, 'The Greatest Gift' by American author Philip Van Doren Stern, who claims that the inspiration came to him in a dream. Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed star with Henry Travers playing the part of Clarence Odbody, Angel 2nd class. What is your favorite holiday movie?

I’d like to welcome Ann Lacey to my blog today. Ann is the author of A Second Chance for Murder

ANN LACEY
Amazonlink:  http://amzn.to/1yrUUzz
Website  http://www.annlacey.com
Twitter -
annlacey@AnnLaceyAuthor

Heat level 3
 





When a young woman is murdered during a party at the family estate and local authorities are unable to find the culprit, Lady Thora Mannington decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out to find the killer herself!

Fearing for his impulsive sister’s safety, her brother, Nyle turns to his friend Lord Garren Huntscliff for help. Though his investigating days are over, Garren cannot refuse his troubled friend. No sooner does he take on the case than two more deaths occur and he soon discovers that he is matching wits against a dangerous and clever killer. Complicating his effort is the lovely Lady Thora, who insists on joining forces with him yet refuses to adhere to his cautions, continually places herself at risk and is so disarmingly enchanting that he finds himself falling for her. Now Garren has two things on his mind, find a crafty and elusive killer and keep the reckless Lady Thora from becoming a victim herself!



Saturday

Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop


Cranberry Christmas Cake



I found this recipe in a baking magazine over fifteen years ago. It was such a hit with the family, we’ve made it ever since for the holidays. The dense, sweet cake is the perfect backdrop for the bright, tart berries, and it’s so pretty with a dollop of whipped cream on the top.

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
¾ cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
2/3 cup chopped pecans

In a mixing bowl, beat eggs with sugar until slightly thickened and light in color, about 5 minutes. Add butter and extract-beat 2 minutes. Stir in flour just until combined. Stir in the cranberries and pecans. Spread in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream id desired. Yield: 16-20 servings.

Don't forget to check out the Rafflecopter for a sleighful of prizes.

Now I’d like to welcome Christi Barth to the first day of the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop.


CHRISTI BARTH

Heat level 4

Becca Huntley’s produced the Lyndale Park Player’s over-the-top Christmas pageant for ten years. The beloved Minneapolis tradition is the theatre’s main fundraiser. But this year’s production is almost canceled when their director disappears into rehab at the last minute. Good thing his directing partner steps in to save the day. Except for the minor fact that he hates everything about Christmas.
Jack Whittaker wiped the Twin Cities off his shoe with his graduation tassel and never looked back. But duty compels him to fulfill Tyler’s promise to direct the show. Even though it means working side-by-side with Becca, the girl he always wanted, lost to Ty, but never forgot.
It’ll take more than a few handfuls of tinsel to soften Jack’s heart toward Becca’s favorite holiday. Steamy kisses that melt the snow right off his boots are a step in the right direction. They’ll both discover that Christmas is about making each other's dreams come true. But will doing so destroy their chance at a happily-ever-after together?