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As many of you may know, our beloved sister hostess SHARON DONOVAN, tragically passed away on 11th April 2012. We who knew her, loved her, and were inspired by her courage and determination to face head on whatever life threw at her. When she could no longer see to paint she turned to writing and showed her amazing talent in the Inspirational Romance and Romantic Suspense genres, and her story 'Charade Of Hearts' was awarded the coveted Predators and Editors Award in January 2011.

This Blog was a source of great delight to her, she was one of the founder hostesses and she contributed to the fun and silliness in her own original way, and was kind enough to let her unique creation, the hunky butler 'Oliver' join us for our Friday romp and prepare 'virtual breakfast' for the guests on the following morning. It's beyond hard to have to go on without her, but we know that she would have been the first to insist that 'the show must go on.' She is, and will always be with us in spirit.
Sharon, dear friend, we will never forget you.
The Author Roast and Toast is part of the legacy you left us. Let's raise a Toast to you as well as all our guests.
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Friday, December 12, 2014

Twelve Brides of Christmas Winter Garden Party



Festively dressed party goers meander past the foot tall candy canes lining the walkway to the enormous white tent decorated in blue and white lights. Cheerful Christmas music and laughter spill out the open flap as the hostesses hurry toward the charming venue for the Twelve Brides of Christmas Winter Garden party.

Lyn stumbles in her three inch heels, the toe of one bright red stiletto tangling in the hem of her matching gown. Mac and LaVerne steady her by slipping their arms through hers.

Mary smirks at Lyn’s feet. “I didn’t know they made high heels in size 14.”

“Ha! You’re a riot.” Lyn eyes Mary’s up swept hair.

LaVerne smiles sweetly. “I didn’t know they made Christmas decorations you could wear on your head, Mary.”

Lilly and Mac snicker as Mary flashes her teeth in a smug smile. She pats at the strand of tiny blinking lights woven through her locks. “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.”

Mac coughs a laugh. “What I want to know is, where’s the battery pack?”

Mary winks and puffs out her chest, highlighting her impressive cleavage beneath her chic black sheath. “You’d be surprised what these girls can hide.”
“No, we wouldn’t.” Lilly grins as the other hostesses laugh. She grabs Mac by the hand to drag her toward the tent. “Come on, ladies. Mac doesn’t want to be late to her own party. I’ll bet the other “Christmas Brides” authors are wondering where she is.”
Mac gathers a fistful of her Christmas blue gown and hurries along, calling over her shoulder to the others. “I can’t wait to see the spread of food. There’s supposed to be a full Christmas feast with
turkey, spiral ham and all the traditional fixings, and a dessert table to die for. There’s a dozen different types of Christmas cookies,
including my favorite, Italian anisette balls, and pies of all shapes and sizes.”
Oliver meets them at the entrance carrying a tray of cosmopolitans. He winks at Mac as he hands her a glass.

LaVerne stretches on her toes to look over the gathering. “Looks like everyone is here.”

The hostesses each take a glass from Oliver, and he clears his throat loudly. The guests quiet and turn toward him. He nods his head at the hostesses and arches a brow.

Lyn laughs and holds up her martini. “Welcome guests. Let the party begin. Join me in raising your glasses in a toast to the authors of the Twelve Brides of Christmas.” 


FAERIE FAITH by Silver James

Abhean, the fae harper, is exiled to the mortal realm until he finds the other half of his heart. As Venn McLyre, the NYC street musician, he has no memory of his true nature—or his magic. When he steps in to save reluctant bride, Gwyneth Riley, he could lose more than his heart—he could lose his immortality. 

Socialite Gwyn Riley is resigned to marrying Sumner Barrett, son of her mother’s best friend. A marriage based on duty to family and convenience, she has no pretensions about love. It takes the magic touch of a poor musician to open her heart to the possibilities. When three couples arrive to remind Venn of his identity, he has only moments to stop Gwyn’s wedding. Is he too late, or will the King of Tir Nan Óg step in to grant Abhean and Gywn their own happy ever after? 
PIPER’S PIPING by Dylan Newton

Werewolf Aribella Lupari-Gray is on her long-awaited honeymoon. Or at least, that was the plan. When she and Mason land in Ireland just before Christmas, their dream holiday turns into a nightmare: the pack’s werewolf children have all vanished.

To top it off, the werewolf king—who was supposed to sanctify Ari’s marriage to a human—is away searching for the missing pups and may not return in time to grant his official blessing, jeopardizing her family’s future status within the pack.

If things don’t change fast, there may not even be a marriage to bless. Ari’s desire to help puts her life—and her relationship with Mason—in jeopardy.

With Mason gone, presumably back to the States and Christmas on the doorstep, Ari sets out on one final mission to find the lost pups. Her life and the pack's young in the balance, will Ari be able to perform a holiday miracle or will she die trying?




THE MYSTERY OF THE CLADDAGH RINGS by Kallie Lane

Worried about her family, Fiona returns home to find her mother in danger when the Claddagh rings resurface along with the hit men searching for them. Approached by an FBI agent who offers to protect her in exchange for the rings, she must decide—trust a mysterious stranger who is not all he seems. Or go it alone and lose everything…maybe even her life.
Under pressure to retrieve the rings, Agent O’Shea is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, even if it means putting Fiona in the crossfire. He never imagines her strength and spirit will touch his heart, leaving him with a choice—give in to his desire for her or ignore the danger she's in to clear his father's name.

As they join forces to beat the odds, will he be able to keep her safe…or will he surrender to the legacy of the Claddagh rings and let her go?


LATE FOR THE WEDDING by Barbara Edwards

Heather Green will do anything to make her twin’s wedding perfect. Despite an impending nor’easter, she sets out with the wedding dress, cake, favors and cake topper in her car. As the snow piles up, her car is wrecked and she barely misses injury in a major accident. 

Nicholas Burnes would rather be ensconced with his latest cuddle than drive a tow truck, but his brother needs his help. He reluctantly agrees to help Heather find a way to the wedding locale, but when the storm closes the roads, he ends up offering her shelter in his penthouse. 

Warm and rested at last, Nick and Heather explore their powerful attraction to each other, only to part when he delivers her, on time, to her sister’s wedding. But weddings breed weddings…





THE TENTH SUITOR by Laura Strickland

When Edwina Armstrong’s father invites ten titled lords to spend Christmas at his estate so Edwina may choose one for a husband, she finds the idea romantic. She dreams of gazing into the eyes of one of her suitors and falling deep in love. But it soon becomes apparent the lords in question are far more interested in gaining her father’s estate than Edwina’s hand.


Thorstan’s in attendance but he hasn’t been invited and he’s no lord. A former mercenary, he’s come disguised as a fool to get near Edwina, long adored from afar.  Edwina quickly falls for his charm and quirky humor even though she fears her father will never approve of a commoner for her husband.  But when Edwina is abducted, only Thorstan—a skilled swordsman— has hope of rescuing her in time for the promised Christmas wedding.

SEVEN SWANS BRIDE by Donna Dalton

Family comes first for Abigail Whitlock. She’ll do anything to make it home to Seven Swans in time for Christmas and to attend her sister’s wedding - even if it means braving unforgiving mountainous terrain, fickle winter weather, and a captivating escort who threatens to steal her heart.

Country and duty come before all else for Major Evander Holt. He’s scheduled to arrive at his new assignment by year’s end, but a rockslide, a wily politician, and a headstrong, impetuous lady put his travel plans on hold. He doesn't need to come to her rescue, and he certainly doesn't need to fall in love with her. But there's something about Abigail he can't resist...even if it means risking his career.


SIX GEESE FOR MONICA by Brenda Gayle

Seven years ago Monica Stevens left her home town with no intention of returning. Her inability to conceive a child not only devastated her fifteen-year marriage, it made her doubt her appeal as a woman. When her mother has to undergo surgery, she reluctantly agrees to come back and run the Mother Goose Daycare.

Luke Donovan is struggling to balance his career with his duties as a single father to six adopted children. The death of his wife has thrown the adoption of their two youngest sons into limbo. He is further stymied by a dogmatic social worker who questions whether a single parent can adequately care for so many children.

Initially brought together by the children, Monica and Luke quickly surrender to their growing passion. But when she learns about the threatened adoption, Monica wonders if Luke's interest in her is only as a mother to his children. Is history about to repeat itself, or will a Christmas miracle finally give Monica the family she's always dreamed of having?





BANG THE DRUMMER by Desiree Holt

Jill Kennedy has plans for a Christmas wedding. She's put down deposits for the flowers, photos, and venue. Now all she needs is a groom. A drummer who'll keep her life as steady as he keeps the beat to his music. With her good friend Charlie Costello as her wingman, she'll interview percussionists, one per month until she finds the right tempo. But with Christmas approaching and no groom in sight, she's starting to wonder if she'll ever bang the drummer of her dreams.

A CASE FOR CALAMITY by Mackenzie Crowne

For Jane Whitmore, agreeing to switch identities with her best friend seems like innocent fun, but spending a romantic night in Paris with a man who doesn't know her real name turns out to be a lark gone bad. When their one night of passion proves to have lasting results, tracking down Gabe Sutton and telling him he’s about to be the father of her child is just another calamity Jane would rather avoid.


After years of avoiding long-term romantic entanglements, Gabe has found a woman he might just be able to build a life with, only to have her disappear. When he finally finds her, his belief in happily-ever-after staggers under the weight of deception, and looming fatherhood leaves him with two choices: fight her for custody of his future child or cling to the promise of true love.




All titles in The Twelve Brides of Christmas series are available in e-format at The Wild Rose Press and wherever e-books are sold.

(This week's intro written by Mac Crowne)

***GIVEAWAY***
Each of the authors is giving away a copy of their book. To be entered, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends on Sunday and everyone who comments is eligible.
(We reserve the right to waive the prize in any week when there are not enough contestants for a draw to be deemed fair and unbiased)

108 comments:

  1. "Oh my! There just isn't enough time between now and Christmas to read all these wonderful stories. But don't worry, Mac." Lilly pats her on the shoulder. "I'll read yours first. It's already downloaded on my Nook. I just have to finish cleaning the house and doing my Christmas shopping and then, I'm going to snuggle under a blanket by the tree and read as much as I can. But first, I'll need one of those lovely Cosmopolitan drinks. Oh, Oliver!"

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    1. I'll take one of those, too, Lilly, but I think I'd better have some coffee first so I can see. Dang, it's early. :-)

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    2. 'll have tea myself! I'm reading yours first too Mac. But, I never can put a good book down, so I'm reading on!

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  2. Loved Gabe & Calamity in MacKenzie Crowne's "A Case For Calamity". Can't wait to start reading the others. They all sound fantastic. With this many books, that should keep me occupied for several days during the holidays. grannymama!@ymail.com

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    1. Awww Hiya sweetie! So, glad you enjoyed "Calamity" and squee! Glad you came by for the party!

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    2. Welcome to the party, Grannymama. Grab a drink from Oliver. Or grab Gabe. I think I see him over by the dance floor!

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    3. Hi Grandmamama and Lilly Gayle. So nice meeting you. Happy reading over the holidays!

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  3. Congratulations to all the authors of this great seroes/ What a fantastic collection for the Christmas season, can't wait to start reading them. And the covers are all so gorgeous too, what a super gift this collection would make for someone special!

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    1. I agree, Lyn. I can't believe I'm included in such a talented group as this.

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    2. Totally a fun experience. I hope TWRP pulls us all together for another series.

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    3. Loved doing this series and meeting all the other authors, as well as readers on blog sites and at promos! Thanks Lyn!

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    4. Hiya Kallie! *finger waves* Oliver, sweetie, Kallie needs a cosmo!

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    5. I have truly enjoyed getting to know these other great ladies. And the covers... they're to die for. Mac, can you send Oliver over here, too?

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  4. In my humble opinion, we all need to pamper ourselves a little during this busy, hectic season. What better way than by curling up and reading a "Twelve Brides of Christmas" story every day? Doesn't that sound like fun!

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    1. I plan to get started on that this weekend, Laura. *rubs hands together*

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    2. I grabbed everyone's books at the bargain price of $.99. Can't wait to dive in and see how each author handled their "bride" and the assigned element from the Twelve Days of Christmas. Such a talented bunch we have!

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    3. Hiya Donna! I haven't had time to check them all, but Calamity is still showing at the sale price of $.99 on Amazon. Great time to grab them up.

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    4. Sure does Laura! Dang, I've tried different profiles to respond and my profile pic won't come through...not that you're missing much! I guess it's a security issue...in other words, I've goofed!

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    5. Try using a different browser, Kallie. IE hates us apparently. Poor Desiree has been trying to get in all day, without success

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    6. I don't know how long Amazon plans to keep the prices at 99-cents, but this is terrific. I've downloaded all the books and am anxious to dive into each and every one of them.

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  5. Sounds like a perfect plan Laura. Would you like to tell us a little about yourself and how you got involved in this great series?

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    1. Well, Hywela Lyn, I've been writing since third grade (I'm not going to say how long ago that was!!!) and started because I loved to read. I still love to read, which is what makes me want to cuddle up with the other eleven books in this series! The Wild Rose Press, who had published four others of my books, approached me to write the story for Day Ten--Ten Lords-a-Leaping and, well, I leaped at the chance!

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    2. Fantastic, Laura, and although I write futuristic, I like to read historical, and I really love the sound of 'The Tenth Suitor' although all the books in this series sound wonderful too!

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  6. Even at full price, these books are a bargain! Just check out the publisher's link to the series:

    http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=241_172_249

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  7. I've got my dancing shoes on and am ready to party! Thanks for hosting us all today.

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    1. I brought the goodies to eat. Fruitcake, anyone?

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    2. Blech!!! I'll stick to the cookies, Laura. :-)

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    3. But, Mac, fruitcake is a holiday institution. And it's sooo popular in England, where "The Tenth Suitor" takes place!

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    4. LOL I'm a picky eater, Laura. I wasn't thrilled with the food in England, but the pubs were great!

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    5. I brought a fruity dessert wine!

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    6. Mac! Wash your mouth out with soap and water! ;0 What's wrong with British food? I LOVE our Christmas fruit cakes. I soak the fruit in sherry and brandy for several days, then 'feed' the cakes with more brandy before covering with almond marzipan and royal icing (with a few drops of glycerine in it to stop it setting too hard). Yummy!

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    7. Just give me the brandy and sherry, Lyn. I prefer to eat cake and sip booze. :-)

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    8. I love fruitcake and make them every other year. It takes that long to digest. I use brandy to soak them.

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    9. LOL Mac, My cakes do tend to carry a 'don't drink and drive' warning! You must use the same recipe as me Barbara. I love rich fruit cake we have them as wedding cakes over here as well, and I tend to forget in the US you use sponge cakes as wedding cakes! Much lighter admittedly but for me you can't beat a good rich iced fruit cake!

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    10. You can pass some of that fruit cake my way. My mother used to make it every year and I loved it. She finds it too difficult to do these days and boy do I miss it.

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  8. Oh, look! Mistletoe. I'm gonna go grab one of those hunks at the bar and drag him under it before Mary shows up and causes a commotion. :-)

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  9. Hey ladies, how about some short excerpts? I haven't had time to read any of the other titles yet, and I'd love some sneak peeks.

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    1. Here's one from "The Mystery Of The Claddagh Rings":

      She eyed him, curious about her future stepfather. He was a man any red-blooded woman would notice in a crowd—well over six-feet tall with an athletic build. Eyes as green as the hills of Ireland offset hard, striking features. She guessed his age to be late twenties to early thirties. For heaven’s sake, her mother had really done it this time. Talk about robbing the cradle.

      His gaze took her in from head to toe, the sardonic tilt of his mouth speaking volumes. He’d been expecting a younger version of her mother. Instead, he got tattered jeans and a windblown mane of sable hair—not tight, leather pants and blond, rasta braids extending to her butt. Even her cornflower blue eyes were different than her mother’s mysterious brown ones. Poppy was also tall and curvy whereas Fin was shorter and what she liked to call streamlined, although some would argue she was built like a boy.

      “You’re on private property.” Her future daddy’s words held bite, his muscled arms crossing an impressive chest in order to intimidate. “If you’re hoping for Poppy’s autograph, contact her publicist and maybe he’ll send you one. Now leave before I call the cops.”

      Fin laughed. Just couldn’t help herself. This one’s a real winner. “Hmm, not even married yet and you’re already barking orders.” She locked the CR-V, and taking a step forward, got in his face. “Get out of my way.”

      “Damn. I hate dealing with stalkers before my morning coffee.”

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    2. Geez, Kallie, I don't have time right now to dive into my kindle. You're such a tease!!!

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    3. Oooh Kellie, what an intriguing excerpt. How am I ever going to get my Christmas preparations finished with all these wonderful stories to read?

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    4. I have the same problem Lyn. So much to do and so little time 'cuz reading is a must!

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    5. Here you go Mac.
      Jill Kennedy curled up on her couch studying her iPad, frowning. Her Christmas tree still twinkled in the corner although the holiday was long past. Coldplay’s latest CD bumped its tunes out from her iPod docking station. The last of her Christmas candles flicked in glass holders on the coffee table, filling the room with the scent of pine and cranberry. She should be feeling mellow, but instead her nerves were jumping and a headache was creeping slowly up from the nape of her neck.
      Charlie Costello lounged next to her, sock feet resting on her coffee table, his hands tapping a steady rhythm on his thighs in time to the song.
      Jill tucked a strand of her shoulder-length sable-colored hair behind her ear as she studied the information on the iPad screen.
      “I think I’ve got everything taken care of. Booked the Creekside Winery. Ordered the decorations. Set up a tasting for the food and Stella’s designing the wedding cake.” She glanced up at Charlie. “Why are you looking at me in that strange way?”
      He gave her his familiar lop-sided grin. “You are the only woman I know who plans and pays for her wedding without knowing who the groom is.”
      She flipped a hand at him. “I’ll have one by then. It’s in the plan. You know.”
      He threw back his head and laughed. “Yeah, I love your interview process. You aren’t even dating anyone right now.”
      “Because look how poor my choices were in that arena, right?”
      He snorted. “So this is better? Tell me how?”
      Jill pulled up another memo on her iPad. “Okay. I have a list.”
      “A list? This I gotta hear. Lay it on me.”
      If she didn’t need his help so badly, she would have smacked him. “It’s very specific. I asked around about different drummers in different bands and narrowed it down to the twelve most likely prospects. You know. Twelve drummers drumming, for Christmas.”
      “Like a grocery list,” he teased.
      “No, Charlie.” Damn him! “Like an interview process for a job.”
      “Is that what this is, kitten? A job?”
      “It’s a lifetime commitment,” she sniffed. She wished he’d just let her get on with this. All these questions were making her have tiny doubts about the wisdom of her decision. She gave herself a mental shake. “I’ll do one a month until I hit on the right one. The exact right one. First I check out their musical talent and their band history.”
      Charlie gave a roar of laughter. “Because that’s such a requirement for stability?”
      “Because it has to be a drummer so I need his performance history,” she snapped.
      “Maybe it’s a different kind of performance you should be worrying about.”
      “That comes later. After the phone calls and the coffee dates to see how he is in person and match our likes and dislikes.”
      “Coffee dates?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Not even a romantic dinner?”
      She wanted to sling the iPad at him. “I’ve been that route, remember? The whole nine yards, and what did I get? A bunch of losers. No, I’m doing this like a project for work. As a systems analyst, she knew the importance of things being able to mesh on a practical basis. ”
      So you’re going to interview these bozos and then—what?”
      “Drummers,” she told him. “Interviewing drummers.”
      He cocked his head. “And that’s why?”
      “I told you.” She blew out a breath of exasperation. “Drummers have the best beat. The best tempo. They’re the heart of the band.” She grinned. “And have the best rhythm in bed.”



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  10. Here's a sneak peek at the very beginning of "The Tenth Suitor":

    “Ten lords all vying for my hand in marriage,” Edwina said gloomily to her cousin, Gertrude. “Somehow I thought ‘twould be much more exciting.”
    She looked out over her father’s hall from her place at the head table on the dais. Feasting, drinking and revelry reigned supreme as they had for the last fortnight, ever since her erstwhile suitors began arriving in answer to her father’s invitations. Each day and evening had been full of noise, merriment and mayhem. How could mayhem turn so swiftly into boredom?
    “Nine lords, in truth,” Gertrude returned ruefully. “Do not forget one has, as yet, failed to arrive.”
    “How could I forget?” Edwina shrugged and her golden hair, which she wore in a thick braid, slid over one shoulder. “I scarcely know what is worse, these nine empty-headed nobles fawning about the place, or knowing there is one who could not even be bothered to show himself.”
    Her gray-blue eyes narrowed as she watched two of her suitors at the far side of the hall draw their swords and began sparring together. That kind of thing happened so often it no longer even turned a head. So far, though a bit of blood had been drawn, no one had been slain.
    Unfortunately. It would be nice to reduce the number down to eight.

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    1. LOL Sweet! But I want to meet the Tenth Suitor!

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    2. I could say the same for Gabe and all the other guys. I was just reading the blurbs and excerpts and I think I'm having hot flashes!

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  11. I may be Late for the Wedding, but I did make it here. In my snow boots and winter scarf. Please tell Oliver i need some hot chocolate stirred with a peppermint stick.I finished my shopping and I'm pooped

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    1. Welcome Barbara. I'll join you for some of that hot chocolate. I haven't even begun my shopping and I'm stressing out!

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    2. Hi Everyone,
      don't envy me. I cheat. I give money to the kids and my last minute shopping was for the money cards and tree ornaments. I give one to each child with their name and the date. For their tree when they grow up.

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    3. What a nice idea Barbara, tree ornaments that they will have for a lifetime! I'll remember that when I have grand-kids.

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    4. Hey, Kallie, I started this with my own children and when they got married I sent the box of ornaments over for their first tree.

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    5. That's a lovely idea Barbara, I love unusual tree ornaments that can be kept as heirlooms!

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  12. Here's a little tease from the opening scene in A Case for Calamity.

    Google lied. Gabe Sutton wasn’t that guy the senior girls sighed over back in high school, he was the one smoking cigarettes behind the gym and pinstriping the parking lot with burnt rubber in a souped-up muscle car. The six-foot-four, cowboy phenom rising to his feet in the exclusive Parisian restaurant was the guy the senior girls’ mothers insisted their daughters avoid.
    Jane Whitmore cleared her throat, squelching the helpless sigh of appreciation rising up from the very core of her femininity. Oh, Shae. Remind me later to thank you for sending me in your place to thwart your father’s latest matchmaking attempt.
    Unlike Gabe Sutton’s bio photo, no sharp smile rode his crisply cut lips. The thick, slightly shaggy, jet black hair was the same. The lowered brows, not so much. Broody interest, Jane’s mother would name the sober inspection in his mossy green, long-lashed gaze. Or suspicion.

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    1. Well, Mac, that just makes me want to read more! Thick, slightly shaggy, jet black hair? I'm there~

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    2. Oh, me too, Laura. I'm a sucker for a dark haired devil.

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    3. OMG, I just swallowed my tongue. He sounds so yummy. Oliver might have some competition.

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    4. LOL Lower your voice, Barbara. He won't serve us any more cosmos!

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    5. LOL I think Oliver has a big enough ego to cope! But Mac, I must admit Gabe has me smitten too. Drat I may just have to buy every single one of these books!

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  13. a lot of these books really look good- but for some reason calamity cover caught my eye - the most- have a grand day

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    1. :-) Awww Calamity caught my eye too, Ellen. It's a fun story.

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  14. Here's an Excerpt from late for the Wedding
    She strained to see past the broken windshield. Her throat hurt when she swallowed. Other vehicles lay tangled in a mess, not just the truck and her car. She prayed another car wouldn’t hit her again and inhaled to calm her racing pulse. She finally got the seatbelt lock to release, forced her door open and stood. Her knees shook and she had to hang onto the sagging door for support. She stared around. Headlights glittered like monster eyes. Her vehicle was at the edge of a horrendous multi-car pile-up.
    Sirens wailed like lost children. Blinding red and blue lights flashed everywhere as emergency personnel rushed by. Her hands shook as she dragged on her cashmere coat. Time squeezed and expanded like an accordion being played. A fireman asked if she was okay and ran on at her nod.
    She brushed moisture from her face and realized she was crying. She pillowed her head on her arm, the roof supporting her as she wept.
    “Hey, lady, you okay?” A gentle hand gripped her shoulder.
    This time the questioner stopped to listen.
    She looked up into scorching blue eyes so bright they could have been a propane flame.  Her skin warmed and her pulse leaped as if it recognized the message in them. They promised heat and comfort and strength like the hand on her shoulder.  He’d pulled his knit hat down over his forehead and his lower face was covered with dark stubble that matched his thick black eyelashes. His hands were splotched with grease and he smelled like oil and fuel fumes. His quilted jacket was stained and patched, his boots wet and cracked, but he exuded strength and caring.
    She swallowed. Her mouth was suddenly dry. Another fixer-upper, like her ex, she briefly thought, although with those gorgeous eyes he might be worth the trouble.

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  15. Alright! I loved the excerpts so much I went and bought every one of the books. Now I'll really be in the Christmas spirit. Yummy covers, too.

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  16. Is it getting hot in here? Or is it all these heroes from the series?

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  17. Here's an excerpt from Six Geese for Monica. Full disclosure: I went through some old photo albums to remind myself of the 80s clothing I used to wear. The pictures have now been burned.

    Mom might be a pack rat, but at least she was a well-organized pack rat. Monica scanned the neatly arranged attic. Clearly labeled boxes were stacked along
    three of the walls, while old furniture was arranged along the fourth.

    She walked over to what was obviously her section, removed the lid from one of the boxes, and squealed when she saw what it contained. She opened the box beside it and shook her head in disbelief. Had her mother kept her entire high school wardrobe?

    She picked up the acid-wash denim mini-skirt—it was a wonder Terry let her out of the house wearing that—and tossed it aside when she saw the hot pink parachute-fabric jacket with its enormous shoulder pads. And her black lace fingerless gloves! Oh, how she’d loved those things.

    As she plowed through the boxes, each garment brought back memories. The stretch-stirrup pants, the oversized tops, the gel shoes, the neon-colored leg warmers.

    “Wow, you could try out for the New York Giants with those shoulders.”

    She leaped to her feet and turned toward the attic’s staircase. Luke’s eyes widened as he took in Monica’s 1980s attire.

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    1. Ah, the 80's!! :) I have only a few pieces from then, chiefly my prom dresses and one formal gown I wore in the early 90's in college. And I did have fingerless gloves! :) Great excerpt, Brenda! I'm looking forward to reading it!

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  18. Great excerpt Brenda - I have to say I vaguely remember those shoulder pads! ;)

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  19. I't's way past the witching hour here in the UK so I'm going to have to say goodnight to my sister hostesses and all the lovely authors of the 'Christmas Brides' series. I've loved hearing from you and hearing your excerpts. Keep partying - Oliver is still dishing out refreshments as if they're going out of fashion. I'll pop back tomorrow to help with the washing up and help entertain any latecomers.

    Night all,

    Lyn x

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  20. I hope you will forgive me ladies for not being here. I had no internet until just now, We had problems with the router and DH ran out to buy a new one. Took him till now to get us going.
    Now on the plus side...I love the sound of all of these stories and am on my way to get a copy! And I love the lights in my hairdo!

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    1. There's nothing more frustrating than computer troubles. It's crazy how we've come to rely on technology, isn't it? Glad you were able to make it.

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  21. Just read all the great comments and excerpts. Which prompted me to share with all the sites we can share with. Good luck ladies! Write on. I love the idea of Christmas stories!! Nite all everyone...

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  22. I have to leave now. Thanks for the wonderful feast, the sweet service from Oliver, and sharing friendship. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

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  23. Good night and thanks to everyone for attending the roast!

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  24. Hi all, sorry I missed the party tonight. :( My daughter had a Christmas party/induction ceremony for Girl Scouts, and I was running around most of the day prepping for that, as well as my RWA chapter's holiday party tomorrow. So I'm on late tonight...I'm bummed I missed out on much of the fun! But I'll leave a little excerpt here of my story, "Piper's Piping". It's set in Ireland--a place I was lucky enough to visit with my husband for our 20th anniversary--and features my hero and heroine from my last novel, "Despite the Fangs." Basically, it's all about how your 'happily ever after' is harder to achieve than you may think--especially if you're a workaholic werewolf like my heroine. My excerpt is when Ari--the workaholic werewolf heroine--realizes she's going to have to forego her honeymoon plans with Mason in order to save the missing werewolf pups.

    Ari unfolded the note, and glitter cascaded down from the folds.
    "Santa loves sparkly things," Keeva said, anxiously eyeing the lost glitter. "So after I wrote my Christmas list, I outlined it in red and green glitter. See?"
    Ari's smile faded as she scanned the child's crayoned letter.
    Dear Santa,
    Can you please find my cousins for Christmas? All except Phaedra. Even Phaedra, but do not give her candy, as she is not a good sharer.
    I know you won't have room in your sleigh for toys with all those kids, so you don't have to give me anything else. But maybe you can fit a kitten in your pocket? Mum says no way can a werewolf have a cat, but if you bring one she will have to say yes.
    Thank you,
    Keeva Carney
    P.S. I like black kittens best.
    Ari carefully refolded the paper, and Keeva stuffed it into her stocking once more.
    "Mum said Santa is busy Christmas Eve, but if that's all I ask for, he'll bring them back. He won't let them miss Christmas, right?" Keeva looked up at Ari.
    Ruffling the girl's ginger hair, Ari mustered a smile. "When a good girl asks Santa for something, how can he resist?"
    As Keeva scampered to the kitchen for dinner, Ari stared fixedly at the festive decorations.
    Santa was in way over his mythical head.

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    1. I can't wait to read your story, Dylan. My family roots are in Co. Limerick. I went there with my mother about 15 years ago. Beautiful country and people.

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    2. That is so cool that you can trace your family roots like that! I've been working hard trying to trace mine back on Ancestry's site, but wow--it's like untangling a mass of gold chains! Just as soon as you get one thread teased out from the rest, you discover there's another tangle further down that line!

      When I was in Ireland, I saw a number of places where visitors could come and research their heritage--were you able to do that? About all I was able to do is buy a magnet with the Irish last name, "Dillon"-- which, as you might guess, is why I was named "Dylan" in the first place! :)

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    3. Actually, the trip I went on was a genaeology trip. I can trace my mother's side back to the 1600s. They started in the Palatinate region of Germany and emigrated to England in 1709. They ended up settling in Co. Limerick and were known as Irish Palatines. The trip I went on was organized by the Irish Palatine Association, and there were "relatives" from all over the world. I've also done one of these trips to Germany to see where we all originated.

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  25. Sorry to be late too, ladies, but then, I always seem to be so it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone! ;) I loved Mary's Christmas light-look so much, I decided to have a go too. I don't know what I was thinking. They look great on her, but the multi-coloured lights reflect off my pale skin in the most unusual of ways.

    I've had my eye on these stories and at .99c - wowzers! I had to one-click. One day, I even might get to read all of the scrumptious books on my kindle! But just knowing they're there...sigh...bliss.

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    1. LOL. I know, right? Nothing brings a smile to my face faster than a HUGE to-be-read pile!! It's a sickness, I think--my constant need to have books around. But as I tell my family, "It's cheaper than therapy." :)

      Glad you were able to stop by, LaVerne! (And 'late' is relative! No worries...)

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  26. How true,Dylan! These all look wonderful...where to begin?! Again, you ladies are getting me in the holiday spirit--lots of smiles and fun, fun, fun! Best of luck to all. Happy holidays (but hold the fruitcake, please LOL)

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    1. LOL High fives, Diane. Here, have a cookie, sweetie. ;-)

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Diane! And I don't understand the whole fruitcake thing, either--my husband is the only person I know that actually likes the stuff. :)

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  27. I love Christmas romance stories! These sound great!

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    1. Thanks Margie, I can't wait to read them all myself. Now, to find the time. :-)

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  28. So many great authors... and the stories look amazing! Love the covers. Can't wait to read these! cepal13@yahoo.com

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    1. Lots of fun stories in this series, Corissa. Be sure to have Oliver fix you something. He's a wiz with a shaker. ;-)

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  29. What a great set of books :)

    d(dot)thianna(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. Hi Dylan - another great excerpt - what a brilliant series! Hi LaVerne and Mary, great to have all the hostesses together again! Good job there are plenty of refreshments left!

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    1. Aww, you're so sweet, Hywela Lyn! I appreciate you stopping by, as well. <3

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  31. What a great party! Congrats to all the 12 Brides of Christmas authors on your releases and Diane's awesome cover art. I wish you all many sales and even more books to come!

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  32. Hi Calissa *waves* it's great to see we've still got guests popping in and the refreshments are holding out. Funny thing is there seems to be an awful lot of fruit cake left over, and I just love it with all the marzipan and fondant icing, yum! Oliver soaks the fruit in cherry brandy before makes the cake. Dee-hic-licious! :0

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    1. Hi Lyn! It's been a while but it's always so so nice to catch up with all you lovelies! Fruit cake. Really? Go figure. LOL My great aunt used to send us kids pressies and a fruit cake each year growing up. Uck! :)

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  33. What a great giveaway! Keeping my fingers crossed!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Hiya Melanie. Good luck and thanks for stopping by, sweetie.

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