Christmas in July Celebration with Great Book & a Recipe!
Calling all holiday-themed readers! It’s more than evergreens and twinkly lights at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s fifth annual Christmas in July Fête. 44 Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday-themed books featured plus a chance to win a $75 Amazon (US) gift card.
I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. My book, A WITCH’S HOLIDAY WEDDING will be featured on July 20th! Mark your calendars! Wait until you read what I love most about the holidays. You won’t want to miss it.
Bookmark this event and tell your friends:
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-in-july-fete
A Witch’s Holiday Wedding – Elemental witch, Pepper McKay and former Navy SEAL, Lathen Quartz have built Lobster Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center on enchanted McKay land. During a romantic interlude on Halloween night, Pepper happily agrees to become Lathen’s wife. What better day than Winter Solstice for their wedding in a town that loves celebrations and Christmas. However, planning a wedding and operating their wildlife center takes a toll on both Pepper and Lathen.
When the couple takes a much-needed break for Thanksgiving with family in Colorado, a Maine snowstorm fills the center with injured wildlife. Lathen finds himself drawn into a covert military mission, while trying to deal with issues concerning friends and family. Pepper wants to cancel the wedding. Is she having second thoughts? Will the nosy McKay ghosts, Lathen’s werewolf pack, Pepper’s parents, and her best friend help or hinder the wedding and holiday plans?
*****
You know what goes great with a Christmas In July Celebration? A big bowl of chips and guacamole. What?! you don’t have a recipe for Guacamole? I got you covered.
Tena’s Guacamole Recipe
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch small green onion, chopped
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cilantro
2 large or 4 small avocados
1 teaspoon salt
1 tomato, chopped
1 heaping tablespoon sour cream
Mix all ingredients together and put in blender until desired consistency is reached. Chill!
Serve cold with chips.
There you go. Sit relax and enjoy A Witch’s Holiday Wedding with a chilled bowl of Guacamole and chips and an icy cold beverage of your choice!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Holiday Wedding, Christmas In July, NN Light Christmas In July Fete!, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
A WItch’s Quandary – Coming Soon! #MFRWHooks
A quick peek at – A WITCH’S QUANDARY by Tena Stetler at #MFRWHooks reads this week. Coming Soon available for preorder. Yippee!! A WITCH’S QUANDARY. My paranormal romance/mystery. WooHoo! A Broken Engagement leads to the discovery of stolen magic and malice. Can they weather the storm and find a future together? A Witch’s Quandary!
Pull up a chair and get comfy, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about A Witch’s Quandary, sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series (all books in the series can be read as a stand alone).
Lets start with what is A Witch’s Quandary all about.
Gale’s engagement is off because she refuses to leave her thriving business in Ireland to follow Dillon to Scotland. Her family and friends are on the emerald isle. Yet, when Dillon returns with the whole story and asks for her help, she must follow her heart.
Becoming a Solicitor, then partner in the family law firm was never Dillon’s dream. Now it’s his nightmare. Called to Scotland, his father demands he take his rightful place in the firm or be disowned and disinherited. Something is terribly amiss in the firm and family.
During Gale and Dillon’s investigation, they discover the enforcer for the Demon Overlord is also delving into rumors the firm is acting illegally. Magic has been stolen, someone is being blackmailed, and a member of the Witch’s council is corrupt. If Gale and Dillon want a life together in Ireland, they have to unearth secrets threatening to destroy the firm and family in Scotland.
Take a peek at A Witch’s Quandary book trailer.
Sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Quandary!
“This is an outrage. It’s my firm.” Bram bellowed slamming his fist down on the table. Sparks flew in all directions creating a red-hot spider web of power crackling across the tabletop. Everyone at the table scrambled back or stood. Dillon caught the malevolent spark in his father’s eye a split-second after Gale. She had already brought her hands together, the room sizzled as she conjured a ball of fire and with a few words sent the witch fire and spell at him.
“What have you done?” Bram screeched as the fire and spell hit him center mass. “Witchfire too? Bitch.” He slid to the floor.
Iris ran to his side, tears spilling her cheeks, she wiped his sweat-soaked brow with a napkin. “You just couldn’t stop, could you? What did you do? Make a deal with the devil? We should have put a stop to it. To you. But…” She helped him into a chair. “I’m afraid you’ve messed with the wrong witch, this time. Brought this on yourself. You did. But I won’t let you take this family—the firm—down with you.” Giving his shoulders a little shake, she gazed into his shocked eyes. “What have you done?”
Bram slowly shook his head and murmured, “It’s my firm.” He raised his gaze and glared at Gale pointing a bony finger at her. “You’ll pay for this.” Then turned his attention to Dillon. “I told you nothing good would come from aligning yourself with this witch. Her blood is not pure. Diluted by the Fae power of her…” He broke off.
Dillon stood at Gale’s back his hands steady and supportive on her shoulders as she said nothing for several beats. Eventually, she turned her emerald green eyes to him and held his gaze. “I couldn’t let him divide the family with that dark magic. I tempered my deadly witch fire with the spell.” She tore her gaze from Dillon’s, touching her fingertips to the scorched marks radiating across the table stopping an inch from the edge all around. “If he’d succeeded, there’d been no turning back. If the tendrils of that spell had left the table and reached one of you…” She shook her head.
Appearing to gather his wits about him faster than the rest of his family, Sturgen surveyed the scene, wiped his brow with a monogrammed handkerchief, and sucked in a breath. “The firm is no longer yours.” He squeezed Olivia to him, starting for the door. “We’ve had enough for one night. Let’s adjourn until a full audit of the cases and firm can be conducted.”
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, A Demon's Witch Series, A Witch's Quandary, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 6 comments.
Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July
Pay special attention to your pets safety on the Forth of July!
Always keep you dogs and cats inside when fireworks are going off to avoid their nature to find a safe haven. Make certain your pets are walked prior to fireworks going off, close all windows and doors. Draw the curtains. Ensure your pets are wearing ID tags, even if in the house, as many animals are expert escape artists. Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle during the celebrations.
You can also prepare a den for your pets inside the house with blankets and pillows in a location they will feel safe.
Pets Safe – Now let’s talk a bit about companion parrots who have to endure this noisy holiday too.
Let me give you an example. Taco and I sit outside in the sunroom every evening after I’ve finished writing for the day during spring, summer, and fall. Over the past week (end of June first of July) the boom of fireworks are prevalent from early revelers. Taco is normally a fearless Eclectus. She’s learned the outside hawks can’t get to her through the glass of the sunroom. Thunder and lightning doesn’t bother her either, she’s been conditioned from an early age to understand there is nothing to fear. Now softball size hail falling is another story and a tale for another time. But, the sudden, unexplained noise from the fireworks has her flying off her perch and cowering on my shoulder. So we have to go inside during this time. Boo Hiss.
First we need to remember pet birds (unlike dogs and cats) are prey animals. They have evolved with their eyes on the side of their head, to enable them to spend long periods of their life looking over their shoulder. Some birds can even see better behind them than in front of them.
By nature, birds are neophobic, meaning they naturally want to retreat and avoid anything unfamiliar. By perceiving a new object or sound as a potential threat until proven otherwise, they increase their chances that they won’t end up as someone’s dinner!
This means birds and Parrots are constantly evaluating their environment and can become stressed much more easily than you may think.
Let’s consider some ways to help our pet birds and Parrot reduce the amount of stress, anxiety and fear they suffer with the loud booms, and sudden light displays.
Pets Safe – Tips for birds in the home…
Alternatively, cover any windows with blankets, to block out those sudden burst of light.
Covering the bird’s cage with a thick blanket can help muffle any loud noises, plus it helps make the bird feel more secure.
The use of white noise machines or having the TV or radio on a little louder than normal can help drown out the sudden noise of fireworks.
Please note, noise isn’t normally the problem, as Parrots are noisy by themselves, but the sudden sound of an unknown loud noise is what frightens them.
If bird(s) don’t live in a cage it may be wise to utilise a travel cage. Even Parrots who have had their wings clipped have been known to fly off when scared which could cause injury!
Some pet bird owners have been known to play recordings of random noise, including those of fireworks to their birds – be it in the home or those outside in an aviary before firework season begins. The idea is that they eventually learn that unknown noises won’t harm them.
After the celebrations are over, make sure to check your yard any pick up any debris from the spent fireworks or maybe those that didn’t go off. These are harmful to your pet should they chew or ingest these items!
Most importantly in keeping pets safe: NEVER TAKE YOUR PET TO A FIREWORKS DISPLAY!
The American Veterinary Medical Association and AKC have more safety tips. Check them out. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog, My Say What Blog and tagged 4th of July parrot safety tips, FIreworks, fourth of July, Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July, loud booms, Pet Safety tips, Stay Safe by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
Summer Solstice Fun Facts & A Witch’s Quandary
Summer Solstice is June 21, 2021 in the Western Hemisphere. The solstice is usually celebrated by numerous cultures around the world. Thousands of people including druids and pagans annually celebrate the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. But with the coronavirus preventing large gatherings, last year and again this year English Heritage Facebook page will stream sunrise and sunset ceremonies live. Isn’t that exciting?
Another celebration that takes place around the Summer Solstice is Midsummer day is between June 21st and June 24th. Historically, this day marks the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvest. It is traditionally known as one of four “quarter days” in some cultures. Folks celebrated by feasting, dancing, singing, and preparing for the hot summer days ahead.
The eve prior is called Midsummer’s Eve, marking the shortest night of the year. A common way to celebrate is to have a bonfire party! After all, these northern people have emerged from some long, dark winters! In the Austrian state of Tyrol, torches and bonfires are lit up on mountainsides, which is a stunningly beautiful sight.
Pagans referred to the Midsummer moon as “Honey Moon” for the mead made from fermented honey that was part of wedding ceremonies performed at the Summer Solstice.
Ancient Pagans celebrated Midsummer with bonfires when couples would leap through the flames for good luck. (in the belief that the higher the jump, the higher your summer crops would grow.) Sounds a bit tricky to me. How about you?
Bonfires also were associated with magic. It was believed that bonfires could help banish demons and evil spirits and lead maidens to their future husbands. Magic thought to be strongest during the Summer Solstice.
According to ancient Latvian legend, Midsummer’s Eve (St. John’s Eve) on June 23 is spent awake by the glow of a bonfire and in pursuit of a magical fern flower—said to bring good luck—before cleansing one’s face in the morning dew.
In ancient times, Midsummer as a time of magic, when evil spirits were said to appear. To thwart them, Pagans often wore protective garlands of herbs and flowers. One of the most powerful of them was a plant by the name of ‘chase-devil’, known today as St. John’s Wort used by modern herbalists as a mood stabilizer.
Do you like Strawberries? I love ‘em. There are many people—like the Swedes—who celebrate the beginning of summer by eating the first strawberries of the season. Indulging in some strawberries and cream is the perfect way to celebrate the June solstice, since June’s full Moon is also known as the Strawberry Moon. It typically coincided with the ripening of strawberries in what is now the northeastern and midwestern United States. In fact, in many states, this is the perfect time to go strawberry picking! Look up pick-your-own-strawberry farms in your area!
Look at us learn things. I hope you enjoyed the fun facts & magic surrounding the Summer Solstice and MidSummer.
Psst… The first book in A Demon’s Witch Series, A Demon’s Witch is on sale for 99¢. Great opportunity to begin reading the award winning series!
Speaking of bonfires and couples. Let me tell you a little about an explosive couple in my upcoming release A Witch’s Quandary, sixth book in A Demon’s Witch Series!
A Broken Engagement leads to the discovery of stolen magic and malice. Can they weather the storm and find a future together?
Gale’s engagement is off because she refuses to leave her thriving business in Ireland to follow Dillon to Scotland. Her family and friends are on the emerald isle. Yet, when Dillon returns with the whole story and asks for her help, she must follow her heart.
Becoming a Solicitor, then partner in the family law firm was never Dillon’s dream. Now it’s his nightmare. Called to Scotland, his father demands he take his rightful place in the firm or be disowned and disinherited. Something is terribly amiss in the firm and family.
During Gale and Dillon’s investigation, they discover the enforcer for the Demon Overlord is also delving into rumors the firm is acting illegally. Magic has been stolen, someone is being blackmailed, and a member of the Witch’s council is corrupt. If Gale and Dillon want a life together in Ireland, they have to unearth secrets threatening to destroy the firm and family in Scotland.
Take a peek at A Witch’s Quandary book trailer.
A sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Quandary:
A loud pop sounded. Gavin appeared in front of Dillon. “What the bloody hell is going on here? I felt shock waves all the way to me house.” Gavin paused to survey the room then glanced outside. “Quinn and Amos are on their way. Had to interrupt the poker game as there ‘twas a problem at the pub.”
The owl flapped her wings and let out several screeches in succession. Finally, she circled the house and landed on the porch railing clicking her beak angrily.
Gavin glanced at the picture Dillon held. “Good God man, what have you done?” Gavin tore the picture from his friend and stared at it. “Who’s the woman?”
“An old friend from college. Nothing more. She’s a reporter. I met her for lunch to find out what she knew about a case involving magic, my brother and I are working on. This picture was taken completely out of context.” He took the picture back and glanced at Gale. “We need to sort this out alone. Now.”
“A bit bold of you after that.” With her well-manicured fingernail painted in purple with silver sparkles, Gale pointed at the offending picture and glared at him. “You made your position quite clear when you left. Now a few weeks later you’re here making demands. Take your picture and yourself back to Scotland. Don’t darken my door again.” She whirled around and marched into the kitchen.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at Summer Solstice Fun Facts and My new release A Witch’s Quandary, available for preorder NOW, arriving July12, 2021!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
