Tuesday, December 31, 2013

12 Smart & Savvy Days of Christmas - Day 12

 
Happy New Year's Eve! Thanks for stopping by and joining in the celebration! We've got a lot going on in this post, so be sure to read all the way through!!!
 
 
On the twelfth day of Christmas, Stephanie gave to me...
 
Featured Author: Kelly Elliott
Featured Book: Forgiving Lies by Molly McAdams
Giveaways: E-books by Kelly and Molly and all sorts of other goodies!
 
 
 

 Today we welcome Kelly Elliott to our celebration and we are talking about everything!
 
Stephanie: What Christmas movies are a must watch?
 
Kelly: Miracle on 34th Street
 
Stephanie: Fresh or fake Christmas tree?
 
Kelly: After the real Christmas tree from hell this year... I say fake
 
Stephanie: I personally have on my wish list to visit New York and London during the holidays to see each city lit up and decorated. Do you have any place you'd like to see during the holidays?
 
Kelly: Paris <~~ Oooh, another good place for my list! -Stephanie
 
Stephanie: Would you rather have a winter Christmas or summer Christmas ?
 
Kelly: Summer
 
Stephanie: Do you read outside the genre that you write? If so, what genres?
 
Kelly: Sometimes but I mostly read romance and historical romance.
 
Stephanie: Are you from a reading family?
 
Kelly: Nope
 
Stephanie: What do you prefer e-book, paperback or hardcover?
 
Kelly: eBook...never thought I would say that.
 
Stephanie: What's your favorite place and or time to read ?
 
Kelly: When I can read...snuggled up with a blanket either outside or on my 'reading bench'.
 
Stephanie: When you have a new book go “live” on release date, how do you feel? Nervous, excited?
 
Kelly: Both nervous and excited! It's the birth of a new child every time!



Kelly's All Time Favorites!


Song: Anything by Christina Aguilera
Book: Pride and Prejudice
Movie: Steel Magnolias
Television Show: Friends <~~ Me too! -Stephanie
Color:Blue







Kelly is the author of the popular Wanted series which continues with the just released novella, Believe. This is such a great novella and a great addition to the series!

 



Brad and Amanda are finally living the life they dreamed for themselves. However, Brad still carries the guilt from missing out on Amanda’s first pregnancy with their daughter, Maegan, and has been unable to forgive himself. The ultimate blessing to right the memories of his past is given to him when they learn they are pregnant again. Another baby means a second chance for Brad to try and forgive himself for the pain he caused the woman he loves and to show her how much she means to him.

Will this Christmas bring the healing that Brad needs to move on and let go of the guilt? Or will an unexpected visit from his parents cause a rift in his family?
 
Christmas is a time for love, healing, miracles, and second chances. There is only one thing Brad needs this Christmas, and that is to just….

Believe.

 
 

 
 
Today we are featuring Forgiving Lies by Molly McAdams. I've read this book twice already and I'm already ready to read it again!
 

Buy It On Amazon

A matter of secrets . . .

Undercover cop Logan "Kash" Ryan can't afford a distraction like his new neighbor Rachel Masters, even if she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. To catch a serial killer, he needs to stay focused, yet all he can think about is the feisty, long-legged coed whose guarded nature intrigues him.

A matter of lies . . .

Deceived and hurt before, Rachel would rather be a single, crazy cat lady than trust another guy, especially a gorgeous, tattooed bad boy with a Harley, like Kash. But when his liquid-steel eyes meet hers, it takes all of Rachel's willpower to stop herself from exploring his hot body with her own.
A matter of love . . .

As much as they try to keep it platonic, the friction between them sparks an irresistible heat that soon consumes them. Can Kash keep Rachel's heart and her life safe even as he risks his own? Will she be able to forgive his lies . . . or will she run when she discovers the dangerous truth?




 
 
There will be 29 lucky winners for Day 12!
 
Giveaway #1 - E-book of Believe by Kelly Elliott (1 winner)
 







Open Internationally (as long as you can receive a gifted e-book from the US)
 
 
Giveaway #2 - E-book of Forgiving Lies by Molly McAdams (1 winner)
 






 Open Internationally (as long as you can receive a gifted e-book from the US)
 
 
Giveaway #3 - Jasinda Wilder Author Goodies (9 winners)
 
 
 
Open to U.S. Residents Only

 
 

Giveaway #4 - Autographed Cora Carmack Author Goodies (5 winners)
 
 
 
Open to U.S. Residents Only
 

 

Giveaway #5 - Montana Born/Jane Porter Author Goodies (4 winners)
  
 
Open to U.S. Residents Only
 

 

Giveaway #6 - Autographed Hadley Quinn Postcard Set (1 winner)
 
 
 
Open to U.S. Residents Only
 

 

Giveaway #7 - Hadley Quinn Postcard Set (not autographed) (1 winner)
 
 

Open to U.S. Residents Only
 
Giveaway #8 - Hadley Quinn The Fighter's Block Postcard Set (1 winner)
 
 
 
Open to U.S. Residents Only
 
 
Giveaway #9 - Cherry Adair Author Goodies (3 winners)
 
 
Open to U.S. Residents Only
 
 
Giveaway #10 - Autographed Totebag (1 winner)
 
Autographed by: Steph Campbell, Cora Carmack, Jillian Dodd, Rebecca Donovan, Tarryn Fisher, Colleen Hoover, Kristen Proby, K. Anne Raines, Tina Reber, Liz Reinhardt, Dina Silver, Tara Sivec, S.C. Stephens, J Sterling, Tammara Webber, Nicole Williams & Ryan Winfield
  
  
Open to U.S. Residents Only
 
 
Giveaway #11 - Autographed Totebag (1 winner)
 
Autographed by: Michelle Valentine, Cassia Leo, Gretchen de la O, Kristen Proby, C.M. Stunich, Julie Prestsater, Hadley Quinn, Rebecca Shea, Kylie Scott, Joanna Wylde, Karina Halle, Renee Carlino & Nicole Williams
  
 
Open to U.S. Residents Only
 
 
Giveaway #12 - Autographed Set of Kristen Proby's WITH ME IN SEATTLE series + totebag (1 winner)
 
  
 
Open to U.S. Residents Only

 
**All winners will be announced on January 1st**
 
 
 
 
 
"Auld Lang Syne" is traditionally sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings in Scotland and around the world, especially in English-speaking countries.
 
It is common practice that everyone joins hands with the person next to them to form a great circle around the dance floor. At the beginning of the last verse, everyone crosses their arms across their breast, so that the right hand reaches out to the neighbour on the left and vice versa. When the tune ends, everyone rushes to the middle, while still holding hands. When the circle is re-established, everyone turns under the arms to end up facing outwards with hands still joined.
 

In countries other than Scotland the hands are often crossed from the beginning of the song at variance with Scottish custom. The Scottish practice was demonstrated by the Queen at the Millennium Dome celebrations for the year 2000. The English press berated her for not "properly" crossing her arms, unaware that she was correctly following the Scottish tradition.
 
What was your favorite moment of 2013?
 

 
 

Be sure to check out all 12 Smart & Savvy Days of Christmas for more great author & book features and giveaways! 




Day 1 ~ Day 2 ~ Days 3 & 4 ~ Day 5 ~ Day 6 ~ Day 7 














 
 
 
 

 


 

Sunday, December 29, 2013

12 Smart & Savvy Days of Christmas - Day 9, Day 10 & Day 11


 
 
Hi! Thanks for stopping by and joining in the celebration!
 
 
On the ninth, tenth & eleventh days of Christmas, Stephanie gave to me...a triple feature!
 
Featured Authors: Megan Crane, Jane Porter & Melissa McClone
Featured Books: Tempt Me, Cowboy (Megan Crane), Home For Christmas (Melissa McClone), Take Me, Cowboy & Christmas At Copper Mountain (Jane Porter)
Giveways: E-books by Megan, Jane & Melissa
 
 
Megan Crane
 
 

Stephanie: What Christmas movies are a must watch?

Megan: I like to watch Love, Actually and A Christmas Story.  And if I'm really feeling the holiday spirit, A Sound of Music.

 

Stephanie: Fresh or fake Christmas tree?

Megan: Fresh!  I love how it fills the house with that lovely scent!


Stephanie:  I personally have on my wish list to visit New York and London during the holidays to see each city lit up and decorated. Do you have any place you'd like to see during the holidays?

Megan: I have seen both New York and London at this time of year, and they're gorgeous.  Now I live in California where it's never cold enough or lit up enough to suit me… so I suppose I have to do my best to make my living room pick up the slack!

 
Stephanie: Would you rather have a winter Christmas or summer Christmas ?

Megan: Winter, hands down.  My family celebrates Christmas in Vermont with snow and sleigh rides… I really need to book a trip back home to enjoy that!

Stephanie: Do you read outside the genre that you write? If so, what genres?

Megan: My favorites are paranormal, romantic suspense, erotica, and mysteries.

 
Stephanie: Are you from a reading family?

Megan: Oh, yes.  It's not uncommon to find lots of us sitting around reading on a lazy afternoon at some family gathering or another.  We're all big readers--and there are a lot of us!

Stephanie: What do you prefer e-book, paperback or hardcover?

Megan: All of the above.
 

Stephanie: What's your favorite place and or time to read ?

Megan: After I've handed a book in, so I have nothing I ought to be doing instead.  In front of the fire.  Bliss.
 

Megan's All Time Favorites!
 
Television Show: My all-time favorite show is Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Color: I'm a fan of blue: oceans, summer skies, my true love's eyes.
Book, Song, Movie: The rest is subject to change at that next great book or song or movie.



 Jane Porter
 
 
 
Stephanie: What Christmas movies are a must watch?

Jane: White Christmas and Holiday Inn.  I love the old fashion musicals!

Stephanie: Fresh or fake Christmas tree?

Jane: Fresh, fresh, fresh!  (But I do have a fake one for the Hawaii house!)

Stephanie: I personally have on my wish list to visit New York and London during the holidays to see each city lit up and decorated. Do you have any place you'd like to see during the holidays?

Jane: I love Germany during the holidays.  Two years ago I took my then 13 year old to Munich for the christkindlmarkt, and would love to go back next year and visit Nuremberg's, as I used to live there as a thirteen year old.

Stephanie: What was the best and worst gift you have ever received?

Jane: Best gift was my baby boy on Dec 22nd one year and the worst gift?  A butter dish that my brother gave me every single year.  He's a very funny guy.

Stephanie: Would you rather have a winter Christmas or summer Christmas ?

Jane: Winter Christmas with snow!  (But I usually end up in Hawaii since my husband has a surf school there and needs to work during the holidays.)
 

Stephanie: Do you read outside the genre that you write? If so, what genres?

Jane: I read historical romance and paranormals, but my fav is historical because nobody gets hurt (well, dresses to get damaged and reputations bruised) but they are romantic and hopeful and beautifully written without gore and violence.  But I am addicted to Kresley Cole and JR Ward paranormals. 

Stephanie: Are you from a reading family?

Jane: Yes.  My mom and dad were huge readers and my older brother was a sci fi/fantasy reader when we were kids and I read everything I could get my hands on.  My sister and older brother still read voraciously.  Sadly, my sons aren't big readers.  At least not yet.

Stephanie: What do you prefer e-book, paperback or hardcover?

Jane: Paperback is preferred, then ebook, and hardcover last.

Stephanie: What's your favorite place and or time to read ?

Jane: Airplanes, hotels, vacation, bed, couch…but I have a hard time reading at home when on deadline.  Just can't unplug from my own book enough to read then.

Stephanie: When you have a new book go “live” on release date, how do you feel? Nervous, excited?

Jane: Excited. Not nervous since the work is done.  But I'm, hopeful.   I want readers to love it as much as I loved writing it.


Jane's All Time Favorites!

Song: U2's Pride (In the Name of Love)
Book:  Little Women
Movie:  Shanghai Noon …love Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson together!
Television Show:  can't remember an all time fav, but I do love all the reality series with singing and dancing
Color:  red
 


 

Melissa McClone

 


 

Stephanie: What Christmas movies are a must watch?

 

 

Melissa: I'm a Christmas movie junkie so this is a hard question for me to answer. But my must watch list included: The Christmas Card, Love Actually, Miracle on 34th Street, Holiday Inn and It's A Wonderful Life.
 
Stephanie: Fresh or fake Christmas tree?
 
Melissa: We have a fake tree. I have very mixed feelings about this given we live in the Pacific Northwest and drive past tree farms daily. But a few years ago, my husband had knee surgery in November. He was still on crutches in December so cutting down a tree, as was our tradition, wasn't going to happen. I decided to get a fake one that year and we'd use it on the porch or upstairs in an arched window next year. That Christmas was the first year I didn't get sick. I realized I was allergic to something with a live tree so we've continued using the fake one.
 
Stephanie: I personally have on my wish list to visit New York and London during the holidays to see each city lit up and decorated. Do you have any place you'd like to see during the holidays?
 
Melissa: I've been to New York at Christmastime. That's where we spent my oldest child's first Christmas visiting my husband's family. It was lovely with the lights and decoration. I'm a homebody when it comes to the holiday, but I'd really like to visit Disneyland sometime between Thanksgiving and New Years to see their decorations. <~~~Disneyland is awesome at Christmas time! -Stephanie
 
Stephanie: Would you rather have a winter Christmas or summer Christmas?
 
 
Melissa: Winter Christmas! I've had summer Christmases growing up in California and white Christmases after we moved to Spokane, Washington when I was in junior high school. For me nothing beats a white Christmas. It's hit or miss whether we get Christmas snow (or any white stuff) where I live now, but that's always on my Christmas list!
 
Stephanie: Do you read outside the genre that you write? If so, what genres?
 
 
Melissa: I have always read outside of the genre. I love to read thrillers, fantasy and an occasional horror.
 
Stephanie: Are you from a reading family?
 
Melissa: We are most definitely a reading family. All five of us (two adults and three kids) have Kindles and books are everywhere in the house.
 
Stephanie: What do you prefer e-book, paperback or hardcover?
 
Melissa: I have a Kindle Fire HD that my husband gave me a year ago so I'm finally reading eBooks. Until then it was only paperbacks (my preferred reading though e-book is much easier for me). Hardcovers are saved for my favorite authors such as Nelson DeMille.
 
Stephanie: What's your favorite place and or time to read ?
 
Melissa: If I have free time, I don't care where I am, I'll read. But if I could choose, I love to read in our red chair in the Great Room while the dogs sleep at my feet and a cat or two are on the ottoman and the chair back.
 
Stephanie: When you have a new book go “live” on release date, how do you feel? Nervous, excited?
 
Melissa: Release days are a mix of emotion for me—anticipation, nerves, excitement. You have no idea the response you'll get or if anyone will want to read your "baby." It's like sending your child off to school for the first time. You want to let them go, but a part of you wants to hold onto them and keep them home. I just sent my two youngest kids, 5th and 8th graders, to full-time school this year after homeschooling for five years and the feelings were more intense than a release day, but similar!
 
 
Melissa's All Time Favorites!

Song: Beautiful In My Eyes by Joshua Kadison
Book: The Stand by Stephen King
Movie:  Star Wars
Television Show: Battlestar Galactica (the original one)
Color:  Red


 
 
Today, instead of featuring just one book, we are going to feature books from all three of our featured authors. They all have stories in Montana Born Books Copper Mountain/Marietta, Montana series. If you love small town settings and cowboys you'll definitely want to check them out! 
 

Buy It On Amazon

Too much temptation…
 
Chelsea Collier wants nothing more than to save the old depot built by her railway baron ancestor and turn it into a museum—until it’s sold out from under her!
 
Jasper Flint made himself filthy rich in the Texas oil business by the age of 35. Now he wants a quieter life and building a microbrewery in Marietta, Montana is the perfect project.
 
Neither one of them knows what to do with the passion that explodes between them! But Chelsea knows a man like Jasper will never stay in one place for too long. Can he convince her that this time, he means to stay?





  


Ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon...the smells of Christmas. The smells of home.


Buy It On Amazon

Rachel Murphy longs for home and family. Since childhood, she's dreamed of owning her own pastry shop, but after being burned by a celebrity chef and losing her new bakery in Arizona, Rachel's spending the holidays with her brother in Montana. To keep her dream alive, she's creating custom gingerbread houses and selling them around town. All she needs is a bigger kitchen...and to stay away from her brother's handsome boss.

 

Former venture capitalist Nate Vaughn has embraced his inner cowboy and now runs a successful dude ranch where Rachel's brother works. Nate's commercial kitchen is perfect for Rachel's baking needs, and seeing the cute blonde's business acumen, Nate knows she'd be the perfect partner for a new venture. When he makes her an offer she can't refuse, he discovers he's interested in more than her gingerbread.

While Nate could make her dreams come true, Rachel's heart, as well as her head, tells her mixing business with anything else could be a recipe for disaster. Should she return to Arizona, and leave Nate and her new eager-for-more customers behind? Or can Nate convince her that, here with him in the mountains of Montana, she's already home? For Christmas...forever.

 

 

 
Buy It On Amazon
When Jenny Wright’s fiancé leaves her standing at the altar in a Vera Wang bridal gown she can’t afford, she’s humiliated and heartbroken. To have Marietta hero bull riding champ Colton Thorpe witness her shame – makes the rejection even more devastating.

Jenny and Colton grew up in the same rough neighborhood and they both left home right after school to pursue big dreams. Now they’re both back, with Colton as the celebrity chair for the 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo, and Jenny in disgrace.

Sexy, rugged Colton didn’t get to be a national champion by chance. He’s a man that takes risks and goes after what he wants. During the rodeo weekend, Colton makes it clear he wants Jenny. Flustered but flattered, Jenny finds it difficult to resist his charm. But what happens when the rodeo ends and Colton leaves town? Will she dare to dream again?


 



Buy It On Amazon
Since the loss of her family in a plane crash, Harley Diekerhoff has led a quiet life and keeps to herself. Taking the temporary job at the Copper Mountain Ranch as widower Brock Sheenan’s housekeeper seems perfect for her. But her calm cocoon is invaded with the arrival of Brock’s pre-teen twins, Mack and Molly who’ve never experienced a proper Christmas and before she knows it, Harley’s determined to make their holiday perfect.

Annoyed at first by Harley’s interference, Brock is secretly pleased she’s changed Mack and Molly’s world. It doesn’t hurt that he finds Harley incredibly attractive, fierce, smart and passionate. It’s also an added bonus that she’s not afraid to challenge him and get his blood heated! But when sparks fly and the attractions sizzles between them, Harley’s not so sure she can handle something permanent with this dark, taciturn cowboy who doesn’t know how to let her in. But Brock is determined to hold on to her and praying for a Christmas miracle…
 
 



There will be four lucky winners for Days 9, 10 & 11!
 
Giveaway #1 - E-book of Tempt Me, Cowboy by Megan Crane



Open Internationally (as long as you can receive a gifted e-book from the US)
 
 
Giveaway #2 - E-book of Home For Christmas by Melissa McClone
 




 
Open Internationally (as long as you can receive a gifted e-book from the US)
 
 
Giveaway #3 - E-book Take Me, Cowboy by Jane Porter
 







 Open Internationally (as long as you can receive a gifted e-book from the US)
 
 
Giveaway #4 - E-book of Christmas At Copper Mountain by Jane Porter
 






 Open Internationally (as long as you can receive a gifted e-book from the US)
 
 
**All winners will be announced on January 1st**
  
 
 

10 Most Popular New Year Resolutions (via parade.com)

Lose weight
Improve your finances
Exercise
Get a new job
Eat healthier
Manage stress better
Stop smoking
Improve a relationship
Stop procrastinating
Set aside time for yourself
 
Are you planning to make any resolutions this year? If so, what are your goals?


 

Be sure to check out all 12 Smart & Savvy Days of Christmas for more great author & book features and giveaways! 









Day 1 ~ Day 2 ~ Days 3 & 4 ~ Day 5 ~ Day 6 ~ Day 7