Tuesday, December 24, 2013

♫ On The Twelfth Day of Christmas ♫

♫ On the twelfth day of Christmas
My favorite author sent to me:
Twelve drummers drumming
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree. ♫
(a chance to win an twelfth gift)

On the twelfth day of Christmas, I'm offering a chance to win a $20 Amazon or B&N Gift Card. ❤
How to win: Comment below or on Facebook Fan Page (leaving contact information) and have a chance to win a gift card (winner will be randomly selected by me).

For those who don't win, I'm including another recipe from Breaking Bread with Family: (free on Blurb)

Realizing the traditional meals of my family were in jeopardy of being lost to my children forever, I rolled up my sleeves and began organizing the chaos called my late mother-in-law's recipe folder.  Weeding through scraps of paper, envelopes, thank you notes, and index cards, I discovered that the directions for my husband's favorite childhood meals were fading and -periodically - incomplete.

Breaking Bread with Family is a one-stop-shop where those very recipes have been preserved for the next generation. Making the book even more special is the fact that I sprinkled in a few of the dishes most loved and served by my father when he was alive.

These recipes are more southern than gourmet, but, for me, everything about them conjure memories of love, laughter, acceptance, and - above all else - home.

Campfire Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
8 large marshmallows

Directions

Cocoa: Combine the cocoa, sugar and salt in saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring mixture to an easy boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot. Do not boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between mugs (4). Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa, cooling drink.

Marshmallows: Skewer marshmallows, roasting each over campfire until puffed up, medium brown, and soft to the core. Top each mug with two roasted marshmallows.

Serve. Enjoy.

Thank you so much for participating in my first Days of Christmas Event! 

In case you missed any of them, you'll want to check out the giveaways spotlighted on the previous posts. All coupons should be good until 1/1/14. 
Posted by at No comments: Links to this post

Monday, December 23, 2013

♫ On The Eleventh Day of Christmas ♫

♫ On the eleventh day of Christmas
My favorite author sent to me:
Eleven pipers piping
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree. ♫
(a chance to win an eleventh gift)

On the eleventh day of Christmas, I'm offering a chance to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card. ❤
How to win: Be the first person commenting below or on Facebook Fan Page (leaving contact information) and receive an gift card.

Another recipe from Breaking Bread with Family: (free on Blurb)
Realizing the traditional meals of my family were in jeopardy of being lost to my children forever, I rolled up my sleeves and began organizing the chaos called my late mother-in-law's recipe folder.  Weeding through scraps of paper, envelopes, thank you notes, and index cards, I discovered that the directions for my husband's favorite childhood meals were fading and -periodically - incomplete.

Breaking Bread with Family is a one-stop-shop where those very recipes have been preserved for the next generation. Making the book even more special is the fact that I sprinkled in a few of the dishes most loved and served by my father when he was alive.

These recipes are more southern than gourmet, but, for me, everything about them conjure memories of love, laughter, acceptance, and - above all else - home.

Cottage Herb Rolls

Rolls Ingredients:
1 pkg. yeast
1/4 c. warm water (105-115 degrees)
2 1/2 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. oregano leaves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1 c. cottage cheese
1 egg beaten

Directions

Dissolve yeast in warm water. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, oregano, and salt. Mix well. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles corn meal. Blend in cheese, egg, and yeast mixture.

Turn onto well-floured surface and knead. Shape into balls. Place on well-greased bowl. Brush top with melted butter. Cover and let rise until doubled. Punch down and shape as desired. Let rise until double again.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Don't forget to come back every day for more great giveaways (some for you and some you will be able to giveaway yourself)! 

In case you missed them, you'll want to check out the giveaways spotlighted on the previous posts: 
Posted by at No comments: Links to this post

Sunday, December 22, 2013

♫ On The Tenth Day of Christmas ♫

♫ On the tenth day of Christmas
My favorite author sent to me:
Ten lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree. ♫
(a coupon for a tenth free gift)

On the tenth day of Christmas, I'm offering a $5 Amazon Gift Card. ❤
How to win: first person commenting below or on Facebook Fan Page (leaving contact information) will receive the gift card.

Another recipe from Breaking Bread with Family: (free on Blurb)
Realizing the traditional meals of my family were in jeopardy of being lost to my children forever, I rolled up my sleeves and began organizing the chaos called my late mother-in-law's recipe folder.  Weeding through scraps of paper, envelopes, thank you notes, and index cards, I discovered that the directions for my husband's favorite childhood meals were fading and -periodically - incomplete.

Breaking Bread with Family is a one-stop-shop where those very recipes have been preserved for the next generation. Making the book even more special is the fact that I sprinkled in a few of the dishes most loved and served by my father when he was alive.

These recipes are more southern than gourmet, but, for me, everything about them conjure memories of love, laughter, acceptance, and - above all else - home.

Chopped Broccoli Salad

Salad Ingredients:
1 head of broccoli chopped
1/2 c. finely chopped purple onion

8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
9 slices of crisp bacon crumbled
Dressing Ingredients:
1 c. mayonnaise
2 tbsp. vinegar
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 c. finely chopped celery (optional)

Directions

Toss salad ingredients in large bowl. Mix dressing ingredients together and pour over salad ingredients. Toss salad until coated.


Let sit for four to six hours before serving. Keep refrigerated.

Don't forget to come back every day for more great giveaways (some for you and some you will be able to giveaway yourself)! 

In case you missed them, you'll want to check out the giveaways spotlighted on the previous posts: 
Posted by at 1 comment: Links to this post

Saturday, December 21, 2013

♫ On The Ninth Day of Christmas ♫

♫ On the ninth day of Christmas
My favorite author sent to me:
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree. ♫
(a coupon for a ninth free gift)

On the ninth day of Christmas, I'm offering a hidden object game, Enemies Hidden Object. Enjoy! ❤
Game: Enemies Hidden Object
Genre: all ages
Average Rating: 5 star
Coupon: 5 people commenting below or on Facebook Fan Page will be gifted with a B&N game (sorry can't gift on Amazon) OR Google Android FREE
Link: Barnes and Noble

Allison La Crosse's picture perfect world quickly becomes more of a nightmare than the fairy tale she'd been expecting when she married Brody.

With enemies leading and destiny in control, she embarks upon a journey of the soul where she unearths an underwater realm that is beyond believable...beyond fantastical...beyond comprehension.

Deep within this undiscovered world, Allison is forced to battle a new breed of adversaries. Ones willing to do whatever necessary to capture her -- dead or alive. While fighting for her life, she joins forces with an exceptional team of protectors. Because they are unconditionally loyal, she sees firsthand that they are prepared to sacrifice their lives in order to guard her existence and defend the purity of their world.

Love, friendships, and unforgivable actions have Allison wondering if going home will ever be an option even if home is the only place where she can have a life with Brody.

Another recipe from Breaking Bread with Family: (free on Blurb)
Realizing the traditional meals of my family were in jeopardy of being lost to my children forever, I rolled up my sleeves and began organizing the chaos called my late mother-in-law's recipe folder.  Weeding through scraps of paper, envelopes, thank you notes, and index cards, I discovered that the directions for my husband's favorite childhood meals were fading and -periodically - incomplete.

Breaking Bread with Family is a one-stop-shop where those very recipes have been preserved for the next generation. Making the book even more special is the fact that I sprinkled in a few of the dishes most loved and served by my father when he was alive. 

These recipes are more southern than gourmet, but, for me, everything about them conjure memories of love, laughter, acceptance, and - above all else - home.

Spaghetti Meat Sauce

Ingredients:
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1/2 c. chopped and sautéed onions
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
2 tbsp. sugar (please adjust to your taste)
1/2 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 lb. ground hamburger meat drained

Directions


Throw it all in a saucepan, stir, simmer, cover and continue to simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Don't forget to come back every day for more great giveaways (some for you and some you will be able to giveaway yourself)! 

In case you missed them, you'll want to check out the giveaways spotlighted on the previous posts: 
Posted by at No comments: Links to this post

Friday, December 20, 2013

♫ On The Eighth Day of Christmas ♫

♫ On the eighth day of Christmas
My favorite author sent to me:
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree. ♫
(a coupon for a eighth free ebook)

On the eighth day of Christmas, I'm offering a coupon for a free ebook, Breaking Bread with Family. Enjoy! ❤
Book: Breaking Bread with Family
Genre: cookbook (southern)
Pages: 92
Average Rating: new release
Coupon: FREE (no coupon necessary)
Link: Blurb
Expires: January 1, 2014
(Feel free to hang onto this and give as your own gift to a friend, family member, or colleague.)

Realizing the traditional meals of my family were in jeopardy of being lost to my children forever, I rolled up my sleeves and began organizing the chaos called my late mother-in-law's recipe folder.  Weeding through scraps of paper, envelopes, thank you notes, and index cards, I discovered that the directions for my husband's favorite childhood meals were fading and -periodically - incomplete.

Breaking Bread with Family is a one-stop-shop where those very recipes have been preserved for the next generation. Making the book even more special is the fact that I sprinkled in a few of the dishes most loved and served by my father when he was alive.

These recipes are more southern than gourmet, but, for me, everything about them conjure memories of love, laughter, acceptance, and - above all else - home.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread (cubed and stale)
1 quart 40 percent whipping cream
1 dozen eggs
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
2 oz. vanilla extract
4 oz. pumpkin pie spice
2 c. granulated sugar
2 c. brown sugar
2 c. canned pumpkin
1 c. toasted pecan pieces

Rum Sauce:
4 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 c. water
1 qt. 40 percent whipping cream
2 c. granulated sugar
1 stick butter
1 c. dark rum

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

For the bread pudding: Blend all the ingredients together, except the French bread, until mixed well. Place the French bread in a 1-gallon aluminum pan. Pour the mixture over the French bread and let sit for 30 minutes. Bake for 1 hour or until firm.

For the rum sauce: Blend the cornstarch with the water. Mix the rest of the sauce ingredients together and cook over low heat until thick.

Serve the warm sauce with the warm bread pudding.

Don't forget to come back every day for more great giveaways (some for you and some you will be able to giveaway yourself)! 

In case you missed them, you'll want to check out the giveaways spotlighted on the previous posts: 
Posted by at No comments: Links to this post

Thursday, December 19, 2013

♫ On The Seventh Day of Christmas ♫

♫ On the seventh day of Christmas
My favorite author sent to me:
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree. ♫
(a coupon for a seventh free ebook)

On the seventh day of Christmas, I'm offering a coupon for a free ebook, Left (Still Standing, #1). Enjoy! ❤
Book: Left (Still Standing, #1)
Genre: new adult (18+ older)
Pages: 330
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars
Coupon: GP67L
Link: Smashwords
Expires: 24 hours
(Feel free to hang onto this and give as your own gift to a friend, family member, or colleague.)
A naive Baylee loves Colt, her boyfriend of four years, more than she ever thought possible. After a little snooping, she's convinced she's well on her way toward hearing an once-in-a-lifetime proposal and starring in the wedding-of-the-year event. Instead, she's blindsided by a very public breakup and the crushing news that Colt is marrying someone else… someone more befitting him and the role his father expects him to take in his law firm.

Baylee may have spent years resenting Ariana, her mother, and her suicide, an intolerable show of weakness in Baylee's opinion, but after Colt leaves her just short of the altar, Baylee sees the world through her mother's eyes. She sympathizes with Ariana's actions and realizes that some things—soul-deep aches—can irreparably damage you and make moving on nearly impossible.


At least that's how she feels until she meets Ryker. With his help, Baylee discovers there is life after Colt, and she prepares to move on by pulling herself up by the bootstraps, holding her head high, and standing on her own two feet. Unfortunately, a new jealous and hateful Colt has his own plans for her, and they are plans no one—especially Baylee—ever saw coming.

Baylee Messenger
Baylee Messenger is woman who loves as deeply as she hurts and who is as loyal as she is naive. 

Ryker Russell
Ryker Russell is enough of a knight in shining armour to step in when he sees a woman in need and stay with her until she finds her way back from despair.


Colt Henderson

Colt Henderson is the man Baylee has given the last four years of her life to only to find that he's not nearly the man she's made him out to be in her heart. 

 Special Message: Extended until 1/1/14 - $0.50 from every regular priced ($3.99) special edition book will be donated to a local (Houston Area) women's center that is committed to ending domestic and sexual violence. These organizations and their contribution to our communities have become near and dear to my heart after the last two books I've written (the research associated with the crimes committed against women was too painful and beyond disturbing).
Don't forget to come back every day for more great giveaways (some for you and some you will be able to giveaway to others)! 

In case you missed them, you'll want to check out the giveaways spotlighted on the previous posts: 

Fun Fan Graphics:








Posted by at No comments: Links to this post

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

♫ On The Sixth Day of Christmas ♫

♫ On the sixth day of Christmas
My favorite author sent to me:
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree. ♫
(a coupon for a sixth free ebook)

On the sixth day of Christmas, I'm offering a coupon for a free ebook, Underground, (Secrets, #2). Enjoy! ❤

Book: Underground, (Secrets, #2)
Genre: new adult (18+ older)
Pages: 350
Average Rating: 5 Stars
Coupon: CD97X
Link: Smashwords
Expires: 24 hours
(Feel free to hang onto this and give as your own gift to a friend, family member, or colleague.)
Betrayal and loss have changed Emily Riddle in ways she never thought would have been possible. With a death wish guiding her every move, she's willing to compromise her morals, ethics, and instincts to bring the men who've broken her heart to justice... even if that means living a life underground, being someone she's not, and pretending to respect the very men she's positioning herself to take down.

As soon as she teams up with the district attorney, Tope Bryson, and agrees to be a member of his covert operation, she returns to the commune and convinces the patriarchal leaders she is the most qualified person to take on roles traditionally assigned to men. Desperate and without options, Owen, the commune's leader and Emily's father, agrees to a temporary change.

Emily takes full advantage of the opportunity and quickly proves to him - much to her brothers' dismay - that he can't live without having her in those critical roles and that she may be the best candidate for his 'next in command'.

She and Tope quickly realize that the men of the commune consider a woman who threatens the good ole boy system that's been in place for decades public enemy number one. Determined to protect Emily from her brothers, Tope plants an undercover officer and charismatic law student, Noah Babineaux, in the commune. Neither Tope nor Emily is prepared for the attention Noah pays Emily.

With a nothing else matters attitude, Emily focuses on her underground mission and pushes her hate, anger, grief, and... blossoming feelings down until they threaten to explode from the inside and tear her apart. It's a race against the clock to get the evidence necessary (and ultimately the retaliation Emily craves) before a life of submissive brutality - or sibling jealousy - kills her.

 Emily Ador Riddle

Emily is described as tall and naturally beautiful. Her puppy dog eyes are so sad that everyone who meets her feels the sorrow that's such a part of her that it might well be a second skin. Unfortunately, the things Emily's seen prevent her from being the happy-go-lucky girl she would be if she weren't a slave to the men of the commune and she hadn't been made to witness atrocities that have changed her life forever. Like any good hero, Emily uses the injustices she's witnessed and the ones she suspects are occurring to strengthen her resolve. She insists on a better life... not just for herself but also for the other women of the commune, and she takes matters into her own hands to get what she wants.

Emily's life is so miserable, her world is so horrific, and her losses are so great that readers will not be able to keep themselves from pulling for her and hoping and praying that the men of the commune get their due. Even more than revenge, the readers will want to see Emily get her well-deserved happily ever after. 

Elijah Tope Bryson

Like all my great male characters, my husband was my muse for Tope. The dark, brooding, and brunette Tope embodies my husband's most prominent physical traits. Here's the thing... my husband is so much more than the sum of his physical characteristics and so is Tope. The characteristics most important and most difficult to convey are the ones that make Tope a character that will have people coming back time and time again. Rather than tell the reader that Tope is kind to anyone and everyone, that he has the patience of a saint, and that he has a protective instinct when it comes to Emily, I've created actions and reactions that prove what a wonderful person he is. With them, the readers see that he is absolutely worthy of becoming a book boyfriend favorite.

 Noah R. Babineaux

Noah is the tattooed biker boy who wants what he wants, and he wants Emily. Unlike the other men, he doesn't buy into the notion that the commune needs to be patriarchal. He's convinced it would run better if the women were allowed to make their own decisions and be treated with the respect they deserve. Like Tope, his morals and his ethics make him endearing (no matter how cocky he is). His determination to protect Emily from the men of the commune... to sacrifice himself in order to do that... will have readers falling for him and wondering which man Emily should chose.

Don't forget to come back every day for more great giveaways (some for you and some you will be able to giveaway yourself)! 

In case you missed them, you'll want to check out the giveaways spotlighted on the previous posts: 
Posted by at No comments: Links to this post

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

♫ On The Fifth Day of Christmas ♫

♫ On the fifth day of Christmas, 
My favorite author sent to me: 
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three French hens
Two turtle doves and
A partridge in a pear tree. ♫ 
 (or a coupon for a fifth free ebook)

For the fifth day of Christmas, I'm offering a coupon for a free ebook, Grave Bound (Secrets, #1). You'll not be disappointed.

Book: Grave Bound (Secrets, #1)
Genre: new adult (18+ older)
Pages: 352
Average Rating: 4.5 Stars
Coupon: CT43K
Link: Smashwords
Expires: 24 hours
(Feel free to hang onto this and give as your own gift to a friend, family member, or colleague.)
Emily Riddle has lived her entire life inside a patriarchal commune led by her father. There are many rules, but the most important one, 'keep it in the commune', is the most difficult for her to follow... especially since the only people willing to champion her cause live on the outside.

When Emily learns her father has promised her to Lorenzo, a perverted man who has plans for her that extend well beyond marriage and kids, she rebels. Regardless of the consequences, she refuses to marry someone who'd rather beat her than caress her.

A day of hooky that starts out as a tiny act of defiance - sneaking out of the commune for a swim - turns into a day filled with hope. After spending time with Levi, a man camping near the lake, she finds what true romance looks like and catches a glimpse into a future that's filled with love and admiration rather than hate and submission.

That tiny peek is enough to change the course of Emily's existence and makes it nearly impossible for her to go back to the commune and pretend she'll ever be able to tolerate the life chosen for her instead of the life she longs for. One that includes Levi.

Fighting to escape the commune, its leaders, and her fiancé proves to be more dangerous than Emily expected. The secrets she knows, as the leader's daughter, will either follow her to the grave or send her - and Levi - there.

 Emily Ador Riddle

Emily is described as tall and naturally beautiful. Her puppy dog eyes are so sad that everyone who meets her feels the sorrow that's such a part of her that it might well be a second skin. Unfortunately, the things Emily's seen prevent her from being the happy-go-lucky girl she would be if she weren't a slave to the men of the commune and she hadn't been made to witness atrocities that have changed her life forever. Like any good hero, Emily uses the injustices she's witnessed and the ones she suspects are occurring to strengthen her resolve. She insists on a better life... not just for herself but also for the other women of the commune, and she takes matters into her own hands to get what she wants.
Emily's life is so miserable, her world is so horrific, and her losses are so great that readers will not be able to keep themselves from pulling for her and hoping and praying that the men of the commune get their due. Even more than revenge, the readers will want to see Emily get her well-deserved happily ever after. 

Levi Ian Bryson
Levi is instantly infatuated and mesmerized by Emily. He has every intention of doing whatever is necessary to take her away from a world where women are possessions without value, voice, or opinion. Levi's action speak louder than his words when it comes to his pledge of love and commitment and devotion. 

 The day I met you is the day by which all others will be measured. - Levi Ian Bryson
Elijah Tope Bryson


Like all my great male characters, my husband was my muse for Tope. The dark, brooding, and brunette Tope embodies my husband's most prominent physical traits. Here's the thing... my husband is so much more than the sum of his physical characteristics and so is Tope. The characteristics most important and most difficult to convey are the ones that make Tope a character that will have people coming back time and time again. Rather than tell the reader that Tope is kind to anyone and everyone, that he has the patience of a saint, and that he has a protective instinct when it comes to Emily, I've created actions and reactions that prove what a wonderful person he is. With them, the readers see that he is absolutely worthy of becoming a book boyfriend favorite.

Don't forget to come back every day for more great giveaways (some for you and some you will be able to giveaway)! 

In case you missed them, you'll want to check out the giveaways spotlighted on the previous posts: 
Posted by at No comments: Links to this post
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)