UPDATE: The winner is…Mary Preston!
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It’s early a.m. on Saturday. I have to rise at the butt-crack of dawn for a little quiet! I’m busy writing the book releasing later this month, Eli. Plus, I have three books to edit for other authors. Looooong books. So, I don’t have any time to waste. Did I mention that I started on Weight Watchers on January 1st? So far, so good; I’m down six pounds. And I love the new points system—you know, all foods have certain points and you can only eat so many points a day, blah-blah. If I want to eat something really bad, I can “earn” points by eating my veggies. I can’t tell you how many cans of green beans and spinach I’ve consumed whole to get those extra points!!! I’ve found a recipe for artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach that you sauté and toss over spaghetti or onto pita bread that is to die for. And here’s me obsessing over food, again!

Anyway, I released a short story yesterday. It can be read alone but follows my novel, Dark Legacy. Anyway, if you’re looking for a quick sexy read, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

After stepping through a mage’s portal with her lover into a distant past, newly Born vampire Natalie Lambert is ready to give Rene Broussard the ultimate bite and make him hers forever. It’s time for this vampire to get her man.

Get your copy here!

This is a SHORT STORY and picks up after the events in my full-length novel, DARK LEGACY.
And it’s FREE in KU! DARK LEGACY is still in KU, too!

Puzzle Contest

To win a $5 Amazon gift card, solve the puzzle and then tell me this…

When the weather’s cold outside, what’s your favorite thing to do?

UPDATE: The winner is…miki!
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Am I the only one who still sets New Year’s Resolutions? Solve the puzzle and comment for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

Open Contests

1. Gabbi Grey: What’s with instalove? (Contest) — Last day to enter! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. ‘Twas Days After Christmas… (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Flashback: Hard SEAL to Love (Contest–2 Winners!) — Win a FREE book! 3 winners!
4. Meet Izzy Archer! (FREE BOOK) — Get a FREE book, everyone!
5. Me, right now. Nuff said? (Contest) — Win a FREE book!

I’m up at O-dark-thirty because the 8-year-old will wake soon. I have to enjoy these times while I can because, one day, she won’t still believe in Santa. Her mom wasn’t as smart as me. I “preserved” the magic of Christmas by telling my kids Santa doesn’t leave gifts for kids who don’t believe. I’ve never heard them deny Santa’s existence! 🙂

Here’s hoping you have a lovely day. While you sip your hot cocoa in a lull during your holiday activities, enjoy a puzzle. My Christmas gift to you.

UPDATE: The winner is…Jeanine Lesperance!
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In January 2020, I lost my mom. After losing my grandmother and father the two previous years, one after the other, my family and I were drained. We inherited their home, and my daughter and her family moved in—and immediately, we had the job of paring down their belongings to make room for my daughter’s family’s possessions. A lot of things that held precious memories went to other family members. My mother was an artist, and most of her paintings flew out the door to relatives who had favorite pieces. Things that hung on the wall for years were gone. It was sad, but we all wanted a memory, something we’d treasure from a woman who was the center of our family made with her own hands and talent.

I inherited all of my mother’s art supplies. And admittedly, and to my daughter’s dismay, I didn’t pare down the treasure trove she left me. She was more into oil paintings, and I keep those paint tubes thinking someday I’ll make the leap and follow her there, but she also enjoyed watercolor painting.

The other day, when I was looking for a piece of paper to begin a new watercolor painting, I picked up an old pad of mom’s paper, and something fell out from between the pages. It’s a painting in neutral sepia tones of my sister, Elle James, and myself as children playing dress-up. I sat with the painting in my hands, smiling. It was “loose” with fun pencil squiggles to portray the flowers on the fabric. I loved it and immediately went in search of a frame. It’s now on my office wall. All I have to do is look to the left at the wall next to me to see her painting. It’s so nice having something of hers right there beside me. I feel like she’s looking over my shoulder.

First, solve the puzzle to see the painting! Next, tell me whether you have a possession from a loved one that brings you closer to them for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winner is…Karla Campos!
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First, solve the puzzle! Share your time, if you like. Then we can talk.

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me whether you have one, and if you do, what does yours feature?

UPDATE: The winner is Ani S!
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This is where I’ll be today! My daughter and I will have a table. We didn’t have a lot of time to prepare, but we have some “things” to sell!

So, I’ll leave you with this puzzle because—it’s Saturday! Solve the Puzzle, then tell me what you’re doing to get “holiday ready” for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winner is…Liddy!
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So, funny story. My daughter and I decided to buy a VERY small turkey for the feast because we really hate the endless leftover turkey that has to be dealt with. We bought a 9-pound turkey. Yes, they do exist! But what’s funny is that when we thawed it and removed the plastic wrapping, we discovered how they made it weigh so little. NO LEGS OR WINGS. Or innards in the little plastic pouch. Yeah. But hey, the turkey was delicious, and we only have two days of meat to finish off. Actually, it was the least dry turkey I’ve ever eaten.

Puzzle Contest!

Solve the puzzle to see a yummy solution for all those leftovers hogging up your fridge. Then post the name of your favorite dish using Thanksgiving leftovers for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card.

Open Contests

1. Diana Cosby: Nature’s Beauty – Inspiration For The Muse! (Contest) — Will end soon! Get a FREE pretty tote bag!
2. Getting in the Thanksgiving Spirit! (Puzzle-Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Boys Behaving Badly Poll & Open Contests! — Win an Amazon gift card! (The poll is closed, but you can still comment!)
4. New Poll & a Favorite Quote (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!