A Cowboy that is "More Than Ready" #Western by @AnitaPhilmar #Romance #99cents

More Than Ready in Naked Bluff, Texas

Genre: historical, western, erotic

Theme: friends to lovers

short read.

Blurb:

After losing his brother, Kirk Pepperman planned a future with Richard’s wife, Sadie. Kirk wanted to honor his brother and take care of Sadie.

She had other ideas and married another man.

Now, Kirk is uncertain what he should do with his life

Mary Beth Owens knows her parents are arranging for her to marry Kirk. The problem is he’s been stuck on the wrong woman for years.

She is determined to find out if he can please her. If not, then she has no desire to marry him either.

Can these two let go of the past and move into the future? 

Available for .99cents and free for KindleUnlimited.

Theme: friends to lovers

This story is part of the Naked Bluff series.

$0.99
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Kirk is introduced in the story In Too Deep 

Sadie Pepperman is looking for a chance to escape the demands of her in-laws. With her husband’s dead, they want her to marry her brother-in-law so they can take control of her farm. 
Suddenly, the peace of the day is shattered when her best friend steps too far into the river. Rushing to save her, Sadie meets a handsome stranger that ignites her dormant lust. She sees her friend rescued by a steamship and backs away from Logan Jansen, only to turn her ankle. 
The agonizing pain leaves Sadie with the inability to walk. Needing help, she offers Logan a place to stay if he’ll help with the chores on her farm. With his agreement, Sadie adds another problem to her list. Now, not only does she have to worry about how to bring her crops in from the field and run her farm alone but she also has to fight her attraction to Logan. 
Can Sadie end her in-laws’ interference in her life, 
run her farm alone, 
and give love another chance? 

Excerpt:

“Kirk, where are you?”

Unhappy about the interruption, Kirk Pepperman debated not answering Mary Beth Owens’ call. He’d snuck away to the barn’s upper floor to escape his parents and to have a few moments to himself.

The view outside the open loft door showed the sun drifting steadily toward the horizon. A nice cross breeze blew inside and cooled the large space. For the last couple of weeks, he’d found he enjoyed sitting up here alone, maybe because it helped him forget.

“Kirk?” Mary Beth’s voice rang from the ladder, leading to the stalls on the ground floor.

Not bothering to turn, he leaned forward and gripped his hands over his knees. The three-legged stool, where he sat, was right in front of the center pole for the barn. The position afforded him a backrest if he should want one.

The floorboards squeaked, telling him Mary Beth stood behind him. He pictured her in his head. A petite blonde, she had small breasts and appeared much younger than him. In truth, they were around the same age.

Hoping, if he remained quiet, she’d leave. He continued to stare out across his family’s property. The last days of summer and the recent harvest had turned the parched land to dust. What did this place hold for him?

He’d never ventured outside of Naked Bluff to travel or to experience another way of life. Depression filled him at his brother dying so far away from home. Now, though, Kirk understood Richard’s desire to leave.

What future could Kirk have here?

He toyed with the idea of heading off to join the Confederate army. The latest news from the returning soldiers was the south wasn’t faring too well against the Northern armies. Maybe, if he had something to fight for, he’d feel alive again.

The familiar noise of a rope flying through the air alerted him. The lasso fell over his head and circled his chest before it tightened, pinning his arms to his side. “What the...”

With a sharp tug, he fell back against the center pole and hit his head against the solid bulk. “Mary Beth, what are you doing?”

Buy at:  http://www.amazon.com/More-Ready-Naked-Bluff-Texas-ebook/dp/B00XLWMATS

Bio

Anita Philmar enjoys writing hot stories to get the blood a pumping. She grew up in Texas and enjoys sharing information about the state with her readers.

Currently, she is working on a historical series call Naked Bluff, Texas. No, it is not a real place, but the people there do have problems and with the gift of love they do find happiness.

Just for fun–

What is your favourite drink? Arnold Palmer – Tea and Lemonade

Are you a cat or dog person? Dog – have a small terrior.

Love or lust? Both, One helps grow the other in my book.

If you could spend the day with any famous author, who would it be? And, why? Mark Twain – love the way he looked at life.

Do you laugh at your own jokes?

Yes, because no one in my household thinks I’m funny. Men have no sense of humor.

Are you fun to go on vacation with?

I like to think so. I enjoy seeing new things and love to travel.

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

Proceed with caution, this woman is known to cry over sad movies and make you burn with her smoking, hot, sex scenes. She’s loyal, kind, and fun to snuggle with but hurt anyone she loves and she’ll cause you intense pain while relishing every moment of your suffering. Best to avoid if not looking for a lifetime commitment because friends are for life, lovers are forever, and enemies live in hell.

Find Anita at
www.anitaphilmar.com

Blog: http://www.anitaphilmar.blogspot.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/anita.philmar

GR: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1329767.Anita_Philmar

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitaphilmar

Thanks Anita for sharing,

Tina

A Family of #Spiritual #Guides Featured in Summer's Growth by Tina Gayle

What if we had family spirits that guided our lives?

In Summer's Growth, Amber Harrison is given the opportunity to become the Winston family keeper. She runs the family trust and lives in the family home.

Problem is she has to prove herself by solving a two hundred year old mystery.

The family spirits try to help her find the answers to the disappearance of her great, great, great, great, grandmother. Yet, there are forces which don't want her to find the answer. Luckily, the ghost of her grandmother is helping and saves Amber's life on more than one occasion.

Can Amber solve the mystery or will those who don't want the mystery revealed kick her out of her new job permanently by killing her?

Excerpt -

Mattie raised her chin as if ready to receive the blow. The resistance in her eyes warned of the fireworks to come. “Amber isn’t a stranger. She’s part of the family.”

Heedless of the danger, Cynthia forged ahead. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Having forgotten Josh, Amber jumped at the sound of his voice. “Mom, don’t you remember? Amber told us she’s part of the Winston family tree.”

Locked in combat with Mattie, Cynthia didn’t shift her gaze away from her sister. “I believe there’s more to it. Would you care to tell us the rest of the story, Mattie?”

She shrugged. “I have decided to name Amber as heir to the estate.”

Stunned, questions shot through Amber’s head like bullets. What? Did Winston Manor really belong to Mattie? Then who was Jonathan? And why did he write...

Cynthia jumped to her feet and screamed at the top of her lungs. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing? The estate is locked up in a trust fund.”

She threw her napkin on the table and slammed her hand down over it. “You idiot, just because this girl claims to be part of the family is no reason to award her the estate. We’re talking about my family legacy too.”

The sheer fury resonating from Cynthia’s body frightened Amber. Were the two sisters about to rumble?

“You have no right to hand it over to her or anyone else.” Cynthia pointed her finger at Mattie and continued with her tirade. “If you don’t want to be in charge of the trust fund, let Josh handle it. We’re your closest living relatives.”

The color drained from Mattie’s face, but she remained composed. “I’m sorry, but my mind is made up.”

“You’ll regret this. I won’t stand by and let you steal away my inheritance.” Cynthia pivoted on her heels and without a backward glance stomped to the door. “Come on Josh, we’re leaving.”

In shock, Amber waited for the scene to unfold. Josh stood, walked to his aunt, kissed her cheek and followed his mother out of the room.

The front door clicking shut didn’t interrupt the hushed sound of hurt radiating from Mattie.

Impatient for answers, Amber couldn’t remain silent. “This doesn’t make any sense. The letter I received said I’m supposed to inherit the estate from someone named Jonathan. Not you.”

A sad expression marred Mattie’s face and she patted Amber’s hand. “I know. I’m the current owner-slash-keeper of the estate. When I die, you’ll inherit the estate. Until then, you’ll be the new keeper or lead trustee.”

“But I don’t understand. It’ll be years before you die.” Amber swiveled her head around and studied Mattie's pale complexion. “Unless you’re sick?”

“No, but I’ve had the responsibility of the estate for a long time. I need to learn to do something else.” She shoved away her plate. “This arrangement will offer you the chance to learn what it takes to be the keeper. And it will free me up to figure out what I want to do. A nice exchange if you ask me.”

“But why didn’t you tell me this before?” Amber suspected more to the omission.

“I didn’t think it mattered.” Mattie rose, lifted her plate and walked into the kitchen.

“But Cynthia is your sister.” Amber rushed to gather up her dishes. “Shouldn’t one of them inherit the estate?”

Read First Chapter of "Summer's Growth"

Purchase ebook at:

Amazon | Smashwords | B&N 
| Apple Itunes | Kobo 

Also if you are a member of Goodread be sure to check out my preview of Summer's Growth that includes several chapters.
https://www.goodreads.com/reader/35560-summer-s-growth?return_to=%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F17332182-summer-s-growth

#Author Kathleen Rowland - An Unholy Alliance #Romance #Mystery

A little more about Kathleen Rowland—

Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with a sizzling love story sure to melt their hearts.  Writing a romantic suspense Irish American series for Tirgearr Publishing, Deadly Alliance is followed by Unholy Alliance.  Bittersweet Alliance is in the works. Keep an icy drink handy while reading these hot stories.

Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels.   She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji.  Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.

Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors.  While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write.  If you’d enjoy news,  sign up for Kathleen’s newsletter at http://www.kathleenrowland.com/

Tirgearr Publishing - Leading The Pack

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/786656.Kathleen_Rowland

http://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Rowland/e/B007RYMF7S/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1450835163&sr=1-2-ent

https://twitter.com/rowlandkathleen

https://kathleenrowland.wordpress.com/

http://www.kathleenrowland.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/romanticsuspense.kathleenrowland/

Interview, Kathleen Rowland

 Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

True colors, virtue and character, are revealed in crisis.   In their own ways, heroine Tori and hero Grady undergo personal drama but exhibit calm and rationality when their loves are rocked by a murderer.  She stops beating herself up for her mob family’s mistakes.  He becomes more empathetic.

How do you come up with your characters?

Protagonists need four solid characteristics and one flaw. Antagonists need one good quality.  Otherwise characters would be lifeless. After determining qualities (which involves their horoscopes) how they react is set in stone.

Do you have any writing rituals that you do while writing?

Prior to writing a book, I write the intended blurb for the book, followed by a synopsis.  I place chapter headings in Scrivener.  This avoids a saggy middle and forces forward writing with goal, motivation, and conflict. Often another twist takes over, but I don’t stray far from the intended plot points. I write tight and steamy romantic suspense.

What types of books do you enjoy reading in your free time or what do you like to do with your free time?

I bring my Kindle everywhere.  The types of books I enjoy most are sexy contemporaries and romantic thrillers. I often select books from Tirgearr Publishing. My husband and family are in the center my life, but I love travel to Hawaii, Europe, and favorite places in the U.S. We rent some type of small boat if possible on vacations.

Does your family read your books?

Yes, particularly my husband who also loves hearing what I’m writing now. For my teenage grandchildren I wrote a sweet futuristic Intervenus series. The first book of the series, A Brand New Address, finaled in the Book Buyers Best contest in 2015. The hero in the series is Black, and the series is dedicated to our grandson D’mitri who is Black.

 Quick Draw:

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee in the morning, tea in the evening.  Morning coffee is a strong latte.

Jeans or sweats?

Fitted jeans with a midriff top—good for doing yoga stretches.

Beer or Wine?

Now and then, a glass of wine is nice. In addition to wine I like Asti Spumanti champagne. 

Chocolate or Chips?

Dark chocolate kisses. I like chips, too.  Oh my, temptations! Kathleen1 wants to be strong and thin.  To be in the light she has to push impulsive Kathleen2 back into the shadows and not write-while-munching either of these appetizing items.  It’s a challenge to eat fruit instead.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I write every day but set aside time in mid-morning to swim laps. After lunch I do floor stretches and gardening. Although I’m active on social media, I get out face-to-face.  Conversation is stimulating at my weekly local book club.  

Blurb—Unholy Alliance (2^nd book in the Irish American Donahue Cousins series)

A decade ago, Tori Rourke, and her cousin, Vivienne, ran from the Irish mob after witnessing a brutal murder. Tori was framed by the mob, and while she served time in prison, she worried that the killer, Seamus McGinn, had kidnapped her missing cousin.

Attorney Grady D. Fletcher, defender of the wrongly condemned, appeals Tori’s case and wins her release. Now, going by Victoria Morningstar, she runs a food truck from a seedy waterfront neighborhood, hoping to find her cousin's kidnapper.

When Grady agrees to defend a new client, Samuel Peterson, who’s been accused of beating to death the wife of a noted professor, the evidence mounts. The professor is missing, as well as his laptop that contains data dangerous to national security.

And Seamus McGinn is back, and rumors of a massive annihilation is about to begin. As they race to assist the FBI, the bonds between Grady and Tori are about to be tested. It becomes clear Grady and Tori are falling fast for each other, but what to do about it is a different story. He’s a divorced dad who wants more time with his kid. She brings danger to his front door.

Grady has questions of his own; Is Vivienne at the center of the mob’s operation? How much will it cost Tori before she learns the truth? All Grady knows is the biggest danger is the one standing right behind you.

Excerpt—

“Don’t let the anxiety of freedom consume you.”  Attorney Grady Donahue Fletcher clenched his teeth and rehearsed what he’d say to his client, Victoria Morningstar. He’d won her appeal and drove to pick her up at Gladstone Penitentiary. “At least you won’t be placed in solitary.” That was worse.

Six months earlier Grady had phoned a reporter at the Los Angeles Globe. "Drew Barker. Grady Fletcher here.”

“Ah, the lawyer. Calling about a tip?”

“I am. Here's something you can investigate. Tori Morningstar, did she murder Irene Brennan?"

"I wrote that story many years back," the journalist had said. “I assume you have new discoveries.”

"Fraud, illegal testimony. Do you want the story first?" A second passed. "Otherwise, I'll call the Orange County Guardian."

"Okay, okay. We want it."

Three days later Grady had a hand in writing the first article in Drew Barker’s column. "The public labeled Tori Morningstar as an undesirable. Not black and poor, but disfavored, accused, incarcerated, and wrongly condemned. Her cellphone has been recovered. Her call to 911 identified her voice and substantiated screams of the victim in the background. Could she have beaten someone while speaking to dispatch at the same time?"

The reporter had written the second article. "People who get their ideas about criminal lawyers from TV probably would be disappointed in Grady Fletcher. He lacks flash but stands up straight, his posture neither ramrod nor slouched. He doesn't smoke, doesn't wear thousand dollar suits. His voice is soft and low, one of his assets. He speaks truth with a voice inviting confidences."

As nice as that was, Grady’s stomach cramped over pressure and strain from Drew Barker’s final article with the headline, Tori Morningstar, Released Today. Picked up by the online service, Newser, KTLA, and CBS Los Angeles, they planned to broadcast his arrival to escort his client from Gladstone.

Tori’s decade-long prison sentence ended today but with a sobering fear over tomorrow.

When was a July morning this hot? Grady balanced her release papers on his lap as he rolled up one sleeve then the other while gripping the damp steering wheel. Sweat blossomed on his throbbing forehead, wrapped like a python’s grip. He adjusted the dial for the AC and embraced the challenge of helping another client get back on track. Embrace and conquer. Or at least sound like it.

You will find all buy book links for Unholy Alliance here:

http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Rowland_Kathleen/unholy-alliance.htm

Thanks for sharing, Kathleen.

Tina

De-Stressing the Holidays by @AuthorTinaGayle #BeHappy #Friends

The holidays can be a stressful time with family and friends getting together, gifts to buy and decorations to put up.

Here are a few tips to help relieve the stress.

- Talk to friends and decide to not exchange gifts, instead agree to get together for dinner and have fun.

-Remember to take some time for yourself with a long hot bath or to dig into a good book.

Get others involved - let the children be in charge of decorating the tree or let your husband hang the lights. Getting help from others will make the task more enjoyable and will create memories for years to come.


Plan ahead - this way you don't overburden yourself. Can you really make twelve dozen cookies in one day?

Choose easy recipes that anyone can do and so you can spend more time with friends in the kitchen baking cookies and decorating them.

Here's to a great holiday season full of fun.

Tina

Banished Series by Anita Philmar #EroticMystery #Shapeshifters #Syfy

a hot excerpt from - Banished Hero is

Banished Hero - 1

Blurb: 

With no memory of her past, Faye Lynn Berton clings to a father who curses her ability to shape-shift, then uses her special skill to scam local villagers. The only freedom she knows comes as she soars through the sky in falcon form. A chance meeting with another changling turns her world upside down. Beyond satisfying the powerful sexual cravings that follow transformation, he reveals a surprising dimension of sex between their kind…one to unlock the secrets of her soul. 

Havyn Westmore has questions…Faye Lynn holds the answers. Determined to unravel her secrets, he must strives to gain her freedom and trust. Teaching her the finer techniques of transformation keeps her close while sex strengthens their bond. But on the trail of discovery, Havyn must confront his own past. Accused of a heinous crime, he was banned from his homeland. Now, he must choose between returning to face certain execution—or robbing Faye Lynn of her birthright and a life in Paradise. 

To read excerpts and reviews for Banished Hero 



Excerpt from- Banished Hero

The fragrance of sweet herbs and rich male skin teased Faye Lynn’s senses. She opened her eyes, amazed and confused for a moment as to her location.

In a bed?

Yes.

But not like any bed—or room for that matter—she’d ever been in before. Both were huge. Her gaze followed the gray stone walls to a beast-sized fireplace that lit the whole area with a soft, misty glow.

A thick arm draped across her chest, preventing her from rising. She slipped her shoulder out from under the weight, and a large hand skimmed over her stomach to her thigh. Her gaze fell on the man sleeping beside her. His eyes were closed. Thick lashes brushed his high cheekbones.

Her hands itched to stroke the dark hair from his brow and trace the beard covering his jaw. She remembered the incredible sensation of his rough chin against her delicate skin. Heat flooded her face.

What compelled her to make love to such a man?

When she’d first seen him by the lake, he looked wild, capable of tearing her apart if she defied his orders. Now in sleep, he appeared to be a harmless giant with no intention of hurting anyone.

Her gaze feasted on his broad chest covered with an inky black fur. Of their own accord, her hands tugged on the blanket to reveal the line of hair running over his stomach. A horde of locks circled his groin and dotted the length of his thick thighs.

Faye Lynn noticed the pouch nestled between his legs. Round and full, like a bag of stones, they evoked fascinating ideas. She imagined herself as a man, the weight of the balls rocking against her legs when she walked or ran.

No wondered a man was easily excited. The built-in equipment could be aroused with the slightest movement.

She longed to play with his testicles, hold them in her hand and judge their weight.

Tempted, she surveyed his face. His eyes were still closed so she edged closer. Her hand slipped between his legs. A tentative finger poked his sack, rolling the small round ball inside against his thigh.

He sighed.

She jerked away, but his hand on her leg flew so quickly, he caught her wrist before she could react.

“What are you doing?” His dark gaze nailed her.

“Nothing, I, uh...” She glanced at the fireplace glowing with red embers, then from the tall oak door to the stone walls and finally the large window. The world through the glass appeared dark and empty. Her mind mirrored the scene outside, and she struggled for something to say. Heat radiated over her face.

“Faye Lynn.” He pulled her to his chest. “You’re blushing.”

“Uh.” A thought suddenly occurred to her. “What’s your name?”

Find at:
Amazon 

Banished Scoundrel - 2

Second book in the shapeshifter series

Blurb: 

Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr. 

Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live. 

Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love. 

To read excerpts and reviews for Banished Scoundrel 

Banished Witch - 3

Last book in the shapeshifter series

Blurb: 

Once a princess of Ardenia, Danella, left her homeland to warn her childhood sweetheart only to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. Learning the dark magic from her keeper, she grew to accept her role as a witch to protect her family and track down the traitor to the crown. But when Omar Mandel, the love from her past, arrives to bring her home, she realizes she can never go home. That doesn't mean she can't use his assistance in her plan for revenge and, in the meantime, live out a few unfulfilled fantasies. 

The queen wants her daughter to come home and Omar’s job is to see that it happens. However, Danella isn’t the same sweet girl he remembers. In her place is a sexy woman who excites his lust and claims his heart. He must teach her to trust in his love and face the sins of the past if they are to have a future together. 

To read excerpt and reviews for Banished Witch 

- See more at: http://www.anitaphilmar.com/banishedbookpg.html


These books are sold separately or as a box set.

Thanks Anita,


Tina

Happy #Thanksgiving from @AuthorTinaGayle

Thanksgiving, are you tired yet?






Oh, please.....


The day starts early because I have to get the turkey in the oven.


That silly bird weighs over twenty pounds and is a royal pain to wash, stuff, and lift. It uses lots of muscles to get the damn thing inside the stove.


Oh, darn, I forgot to reset the racks so I have to set it down, get out the hot pads, and move the metal shelf down a few runes. Now, I faced that bad boy again and wrestle it into the oven. 


One chore down, off to the next item on the list - dressing. Why we call it dressing I will never know it has no ruffles or frills. Okay, bad joke.


Being from the South, I fix a cornbread dressing. This requires a number of steps. First, you have to make the cornbread. I handled that task yesterday so I cut up the onions and celery, add a stick of butter and sauté them.


Oh, yeah, I put some eggs and a whole chicken to boil, not together in separate pots. Eggs are for the dressing. Yes, they go in the dressing.


The chicken is used for the broth and for some of the chicken meat. I like meat in my dressing too.


As you can see the dressing is a completely separate dish, these are just the parts that make it happen.


Are you tired yet?


No? Good.


Now what else is on the menu?


Mash potatoes, yes, not everyone likes dressing so you have to have both mash potatoes and dressing, also gravy, rolls, pumpkin pie, green beans casserole with those crunchy onions on top,


Oh, yes, not everyone likes pumpkin pie so you need to make several different kinds of pies and chocolate lush. (Heaven on a plate.) 


What else? what else? Cranberry sauce - (Let me warn you never start making it from scratch or you'll need to make that to, though, I agree it taste better. Luckily, I did that yesterday.)


Now, let's see china, crystal, silverware, are they all clean and ready to go? I look at the items sitting on the breakfast table.


Damn, I forgot to iron the tablecloth.


Worn out yet just thinking about everything to do?


No?


Great, so let's get the potatoes onto boil, start mixing up the bean casserole and down another cup of coffee.


The eggs are done, the onions and celery are ready.


Luckily, again, I planned ahead. Did I mention this will be my second full day in the kitchen, not counting the week I've spent preparing the house for guests.


No?

Well, isn't all of the chores part of Thanksgiving?


Now, let's see where was I? Oh, yes, working on putting together the dressing. The crumbled up cornbread, chopped eggs, sage, sauté onions and celery go into a bowl.


The chicken is through boiling and needs to be deboned. Fun chore, which provides the meat for the dressing and broth. With the extra, I make chicken and dumpling. Oh, forgot that on my list of items I cook. Not hard, just add a can of mushroom soup and flour tortillas.


Once, the dressing is ready I sit it aside. It can't go into the oven until after the turkey is done. You see, I only have one oven so shuffling around the dishes that need to go in the oven is another balancing act that you need to consider when cooking thanksgiving dinner.


Are you tired yet?


Hope not, because we still have the green bean casserole to make. Luckily, I spend yesterday making the pies - pumpkin, pecan, apple, and the chocolate lush.


I believe I can take a small break from cooking and work on setting the table.


Darn, I hate ironing. Wonder if anyone would notice a wrinkled tablecloth?


"Yes, mother," I mumble because she tells me they will. Even though, my mother has been died for years, she still is with me in spirit and like all mothers is a noisy voice in my head. So I pull out the ironing board and get to work.


Once finished with that task, I move to stack of dishes sitting on my breakfast table. Having pulled my china and crystal out of the boxes in which they were stored yesterday, I silently thank myself for having washed and dried everything the day before so I'm ahead of the game.


Now, the fun part of setting the table and deciding who sits where, after twenty minutes the task is done and I can head back to the kitchen for another cup of coffee.


Tired yet?


Yes, well, with the turkey hogging the oven and the other dishes waiting in the refrigerator for their turn, I glance down at my pjs.


Guess, it’s time to pull myself together.


I head back downstairs just as the buzzer goes off saying the turkey is done.


Now, the race begins.


Taking out the turkey, I put in the dressing.


I grab another cup of coffee and the doorbell rings.


Hellos and hugs, the joy of having a crowd of love one’s home is only dampened by the need to get the food on the table.


With everyone’s help, the day turns into a feast of laughter and shared memories. I can’t help but cherish these moments.


Then when all the bellies are full, other commitments draw my guests out the door.


A smile, a kiss, and simple “I love you,” and they’re gone.


Turning from the door, I see stacks of dishes and leftovers to store away.




Thankful that the day is over, I drag myself to the couch for some football and a nap.


Exhausted, I settle back and smile.


"Thanksgiving, what a wonderful day. Hope you have an awesome day too."

Tina

A #Recipe for Ham - Strawberry Ham Sauce #Thanksgiving #Goodeats

I wanted to share a recipe that I use every holiday season. 

2 (10oz) pkg. frozen strawberries (thawed) have used fresh too but add a little water

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup ginger ale or 7-up

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup corn syrup

Combine everything in a pot and cook until thick and clear. Takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

My family loves to have this over ham.

Give it a try and you'll love it too.

Tina

CFO's Affair by @AuthorTinaGayle #Romancenovel, #WomenHelpingWomen

Now also in Kindle Unlimited 

Okay, if you've read any of the Tina Gayle's Executive Wives Club series, you've heard of me.

Sylvia Donovan, here to share with you my diet secrets. Though, personally I don't know that I'd try them.

First, I guess you should know who I was before I went on my diet.

A tall woman over the age of forty, I could carry a few extra pounds and get away with it. Then, I added a few more. My husband worked long hours and my daughter spent most of her time at school or school activities. I had time to indulge.

So I did until I was line backer big. The boys on the Nebraska football team had nothing on me.

Then I hit a wall on one emotional disaster of a day.

Not only did my husband ask me for a divorce, he was also in a fatal car crash the same day.

My world changed.

Getting out of bed at first was a real challenge. I fought through my grief and tried to be there for my daughter. Food became a task, I'd rather avoid.

Amazing how a few skipped meals can help you lose weight.

Then I needed to fill my days with something other than staring at the walls so I decided to hit the gym. Tried everything from weight lifting to zumba classes, I settled on yoga as my exercise of choice.

Two years later, I was back to my college weight.

Now, I'm off on a new adventure. I'm trying to find out who my husband had an affair with before his death.

Come along and share the ride in "CFO's Affair."

Blurb for CFO’s Affair

Sylvia Donovan is emotionally wounded from the unexpected death of her husband and still haunted by their last conversation: his request for a divorce and his confession of love for another woman.  Her husband gone, her only daughter off to college, Sylvia faces the challenges of learning to live alone and move on with her life.

Vince Wilshire, enchanted with Sylvia, is more than willing to do what it takes to capture the heart of the hurting and untrusting Sylvia.

Can he help her forget the past and make her believe in love again?

 Excerpt for CFO’s Affair  -

            A knock sounded on the window beside her and she jumped. Her head swiveled around and she stared at the man looking at her through the window.

            Vince Wilshire's handsome face could make any woman melt with desire. With it so close to hers—the glass being the only thing separating them—a rush of adrenaline swept into her system. She leaned sideways in her seat and knocked her hand against the steering wheel. The horn beeped and she muttered, "Damn it, Knox, why did you..."

            The sound of his laughter sent anger flooding through her, the muscles in her arms tightening with the need to strike out. She lowered the phone and clicked the disconnect button in retaliation to his attempt to manipulate her.

            Vince opened the driver's side door and cold air rushed into the car. "Hey, beautiful, are you heading inside?"

            "What is this? Are you guys ganging up on me?" Sylvia ignored the man beside her and glanced in the rear view mirror, checking to make sure her tears hadn't caused any lasting effect.

            A warm hand landed on her shoulder and Vince toyed with her hair. "Not at all, I like the idea of entering the building with a gorgeous woman on my arm."

            "Right," she protested and stuffed her phone into her purse before turning to stare into his bedroom-brown eyes. The spark in their depths had her reevaluating her impression of the man. Yes, he had the face and body to rival every other Casanova in the world, but he also had a sense of humor. That alone sent a shiver of awareness through her.

            She fought the desire gathering in her stomach and waved her hand at him so he'd move out of the way, letting her exit the car. "Did Knox make you wait out here in the parking lot to make sure I would come inside?"

            Vince grinned and held her door open while she stepped onto the asphalt. His gaze fell to her legs.

            She stared at her new, high-heel, red pumps and silently prayed she wouldn't land face first in the dirt when she tried to walk across the pitted parking lot in them.

            A low whistled sounded beside her. "Man, are you ever hot."

            She ignored the comment and didn't turn until she heard the car door slamming closed. "And there's not a woman you've ever met you haven't wanted."

Read 1st chapter at http://www.tinagayle.net/CFO'sAffairChpt.html
http://www.tinagayle.net/CFO'sAffairChpt.html


Buy link is http://bit.ly/CFOaffair

Thanks for reading my story,

Sincerely,

Sylvia Donovan