A Witch’s Journey – Sunday Snippet
Good Morning and welcome to another Sunday Snippet. This week we take a look at the award-winning A Witch’s Journey, first book in A Witch’s Journey Series. Former Navy Seal, Lathen Quartz helps Pepper McKay, a powerful witch, achieve her lifelong dream of a wildlife rescue, but can they save the McKay magic?
Animal and wildlife rescue is close to my heart. I volunteer at a wolf rescue, donate to another and also donate and visit a parrot rescue. I feel that whatever we have tamed, we are responsible for taking care of forever.
A Little about A Witch’s Journey:
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
Snippet of A Witch’s Journey!
At dusk, the mist rolled in, but it didn’t dampen the revelers’ enthusiasm. Pepper and Lathen followed the crowd over to the harbor where several boats were lined up and decorated with different kinds of patriotic colored lights. A variety of bulbs burned steady, while others flashed, chased, and twinkled. One pleasure craft had a flag draped over the bow made up of red, white, and blue lights that blinked in time to “The Star Spangled Banner” playing in the background.
After casting votes for the best display, they returned to Lathen’s pickup and drove the short distance to the Sea Crest Inn, where everyone gathered for an ice cream social to benefit local charities. Local bands presented the entertainment for the evening. Music ranged from country to rock and roll, and even a group that did a respectable job on the 1812 Overture as the spectacular fireworks display exploded in the night sky. Then the unthinkable happened.
A cold shiver ran up her spine as goose bumps crept up her arms. Pepper reached down to untie her sweater from her waist, and someone grabbed her around the middle and covered her mouth with a hand. Excruciating pain exploded through her temples. Instinctively, she sank her front teeth into the palm of the hand covering her mouth. He cursed and shook his hand free. She screamed, stomped backward grinding her heel onto his foot, then whirled around, elbows out and connected with the bridge of his nose. A split second later, she shoved her knee up hard into his groin. Blood spurting from his nostrils, hands cupping the family jewels, he yelled a stream of curses as he hit the ground and curled into a fetal possession. A big burly man, pounced on the attacker, yanked his arms behind his back and pressed a knee to his ass as the attacker writhed in pain.
The burly man glanced up at Pepper. “You all right?”
Bent over at the waist, forearms resting on her thighs, palms together, she gulped in air and said haltingly, “I’m ok. Thanks.” As she battled to keep the magic furor at bay, her hands tingled, she shook them out and clasped them tight together. Can’t release magic among mortals.
Pepper’s scream brought Lathen bounding through the crowd, just as Pepper landed the final blow.
Check back next week for a new Sunday Snippet! Enjoy the spring flowers and sunshine.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
Security Force of Two #MFRWHooks
Yippee!! #MFRWHooks presents SECURITY FORCE OF TWO, first book in the Mountain Town Mysteries Series. A riveting #paranormal #romance, #mystery, Psst…its available for pre-order NOW with a release date of March 20, 2023! Join the #fantasy #cozymystery #adventure, and reserve a copy or two today! A former CIA agent and a Special Forces vet return to their small hometown for different reasons none of which includes involvement in an investigation of the new police chief’s murder.
A little about Security Force of Two:
Miacoh Zane, a Special Forces veteran, returns to Aspen Ridge, Colorado a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, to settle his beloved grandmother’s estate. But the town holds painful memories and family secrets he wants to leave behind for good.
Candle Bearclaw, a gifted computer analyst/programmer with talents she’s buried when recruited out of college by the CIA. After fifteen years, she abruptly resigns her position with the agency. She returns to her sleepy hometown only to discover her childhood crush has also returned and a violent crime has been committed.
Due to their covert operations experience, Candle and Miacoh are thrown together to assist Homeland Security, FBI, and her father, former chief of police, with a murder investigation. As they search for the perpetrators, will their secrets be revealed as the investigation takes an unusual twist that could blow the case wide open.
A new peek between the pages of Security Force of Two:
As Miacoh turned the SUV into one of the School of Mines parking lots, one wing of a building exploded with debris flying everywhere and flames shooting over sixty feet in the air. He slammed on the brakes, put his hand over Candle’s head, and ducked over her as flying objects assaulted the vehicle. Cayson lay sprawled across the back seat.
The blast’s concussion overturned vehicles smashed them into other cars causing more explosions. Cars with shattered windows lined the rear of the parking lot just in front of their SUV.
Moments after the rain of debris stopped, Miacoh, Candle, and Cayson jumped out of the SUV and glanced around. They ran toward the scene, masks from Candle’s first aid kit covering their mouth and nose. They coughed and choked as the scent of burning debris, and heavy smoke filled the air. Their eyes teared as they fought their way towards the crater where the building had been. Due to the intense heat surrounding the crater, they stopped several yards from point of explosion.
“If there was anyone in the building, they were incinerated. Beyond help now. We should wait here for the emergency personnel.” Cayson raised his mask, mopped his face with his handkerchief, and replaced his mask.
Pointing at the flames, “That’s the Chemistry building,” Candle screamed. “Could be noxious fumes. Need to let everyone know to stay away.” She pulled out her phone and dialed Jedediah’s number with homeland security as she ran back toward her vehicle, motioning the others to follow. “I’ve gas masks in my emergency bag in the back of the SUV.” If their hunch was correct, this wasn’t the primary target. She was sure of that. After four rings, she left a message and stuffed the phone back in her pocket.
About the Author:
Tena Stetler is an internationally best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here.
This is a blog hop! Visit all the Book Hooks from #MFRWHooks – Your next GREAT read is waiting!
Thanks for stopping in for #MFRWHooks.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged #MFRWHooks, A Witch's Journey, Cozy Mystery, Mountain Town Mystery Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Security Force of Two, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Spooktacular Haunting The Stanley Hotel & Black Monarch
One of the highest haunting in Colorado is the Stanley Hotel at an altitude of over 7, 500 feet. Bawawawa! You know the one that claims to be the inspiration for Stephen’s King’s The Shining (REDRUM – MURDER) . The Hotel was built in 1909 by Freelan and Flora Stanley of Stanley Steamer fortune. Originally, they came to Colorado in an attempt to alleviate the symptoms of Freelan’s tuberculosis. They fell in love with Colorado and purchased property and built a home. The Stanley was built as a summer resort for guests Freelan and Flora entertained during their extended vacations in Colorado.
It’s believed Flora haunts the hotel to this day, enjoying one of her favorite pastimes of playing the piano late at night when no one is around. Tales abound of visitors claiming sounds of revelry occurring in the empty ballroom. Room 217 is purported to be haunted by the ghost of a long-term housekeeper. If you gain her favor, she’ll help you unpack. If not…. Well…. It is the room allegedly occupied by Stephen King at one time. Inspiring The Shinning?
I don’t know about that, but the hair on the back of my neck stood up as I took photos of The Stanley Hotel outside in broad daylight.
Yesterday, thanks to the The Gazette and photographer, Parker Seibold, I learned of the newest haunted building in the Rocky Mountains, The Black Monarch
Hotel, 301 Victor Ave, Victor, CO., at an altitude of 9,708 feet. In the late 1800’s the Victorian building now known as The Black Monarch, was the Monarch – “the finest gentlemen’s club west of the Mississippi ” according to the new owner Adam Zimmerli. Now thanks to Adam, it pays tribute to it’s former life and legend of haunting with bone-chilling decor and seven spooky-themed rooms. Check it out at The Black Monarch Hotel website.
Want to know more about haunting places in Colorado? Click on the link.
Speaking of haunting!
Did you know, most present day Halloween traditions are traceable to the ancient Celtic day of the dead? Halloween consists of mysterious customs, but each has a history, or at least a story behind it.
Take wearing costumes, and roaming from door to door demanding treats. This behavior can be traced to the Celtic period and the first few centuries of the Christian era, when it was thought that the souls of the dead were out and about, along with fairies, witches, and demons. Offerings of food and drink were left out to placate them. As the centuries wore on, people began dressing like these creatures, performing antics in exchange for food and drink. This is where the practice of trick-or-treating began. To this day, vampires, witches, ghosts, and skeletons are among the favorite costumes.
Our Halloween also retains activities from the original harvest holiday of Samhain, such as bobbing for apples and carving vegetables, (pumpkins) as well as the fruits, nuts, and spices for cider associated with the day. Although at my house, hot chocolate is pretty popular, since Halloween almost guarantees the first snow of the year.
Looking for a fun haunting Halloween Read? A Witch’s Journey is full of meddling ghosts, shapeshifters, sexy witches, ruggedly-handsome Navy Seals. An exciting story of redemption, wildlife rescue and Halloween festivals. http://amzn.com/B01F0LRJ7U
What’s A Witch’s Journey about, you ask:
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
A peek between the haunting pages of A Witch’s Journey:
The waves on the pond slapped noisily against the rocky shore as the mist crawling along the ground and settling over the pond took shape. Out of the fog rose a woman dressed in a simple long indigo skirt and peasant blouse under a firm white bodice. Holding her arm was a man who wore knee-length black breeches with a long dark vest over his peasant shirt. They glided across the pond and stepped onto the shore. An audible gasp came from the ghosts, and they moved closer.
Lathen, Pepper, and her parents sat silent, eyes wide in disbelief.
“Good evening, McKay clan.” The man offered a pleasant smile and said in a deep voice reminiscent of Duncan’s, “Allow me to introduce my wife, Dusty McKay.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her forward. “I am Aidan Duncan McKay. We have taken advantage of this night to set the record straight. ’Tis true, as a young girl Dusty ran away in early 1693, after being found not guilty of witchcraft. Because in fact she was a witch, like her mother, who wasn’t so lucky and died at the hands of the Puritans. I had arrived in America from Ireland, with no family or friends. I met her shortly thereafter, we fell in love, and I asked her to be my wife. We were wed a fortnight later and drifted from place to place in what was then Massachusetts and settled in what is now Maine on this land. It looked different in my time.”
Well, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to don my vampire costume, custom fitted fangs and pull up a stool in the shadows. With a candy bowl beside me, I sneakily turn on the fog machine. Out of the mist, I’ll greet the little trick or treaters or scare the bejeebers out of the older ones with bats hanging over head and screeching on my command. Won’t you join me? Happy Halloween!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Urban Fantasy, wildlife rescue, Witches by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.
Breakthrough on Halloween Spirit Search
Only four days until Halloween! Can you believe it? Toil and Trouble continue their search for the Halloween Spirit getting closer and closer.
Well, October’s cooler days and chilly nights have arrived with a possible skiff of snow. Yippee!
This week, Toil, Trouble, Bubble bat, Moby Fish, Aragon Spider, Octavia and the newest member of the Skeleton Squad, Chloe Cobra escaped outdoors searching every nook and cranny of the rock wall in the backyard. Trouble found a few spiders who claimed no Halloween Spirit had gotten caught in their webs. Aragon nearly lost a leg to a marauding magpie. A mouse got tangled up in Octavia’s tentacles, but the rodent didn’t know anything. Chloe met a friendly garter snake, but he claimed to have seen nothing resembling a Spirit of any kind. Returning inside they discovered ghostly imprints entering the front door and with a green iridescent poof the culprits disappeared. Consequently, Toil and Trouble have set up twenty-four hour surveillance with each skeleton taking a shift. Toil and Trouble are sure they will catch the spirit of Halloween before the strike of midnight on Halloween. They called Broomhilda to report their latest discovery and to see if she’d had any luck?
Broomhilda’s (skeleton), from Texas (thank you Jessica) search relayed she finally escaped from the spider web with a little help from Jessica and is searching full time for the Halloween Spirit.
Join us next Monday, Halloween, October 31, 2022, to see if Toil, Trouble and the Skeleton Squad, along with Boomhilda have captured their quarry. In the month of October beside their search for the Halloween Spirit, the Skeleton Squad will continue to help me with the haunted tales of Cripple Creek, Colorado on my Say What Blog. Have you ever seen a ghost? A visit to haunted places in Colorado, my own stomping ground,
Only four days days until Halloween! Bwwwaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
Plus a Halloween themed book from my collection will be featured each week. You do know I write paranormal romance/mystery. Right? This week, we are talking about demons and witches! What’s Halloween without witches, spells, demons, curses and things that go bump in the night? A Witch’s Journey is this weeks feature. What happens at the Halloween festival doesn’t stay there. So hurry grab your copy and join the #fantasy #adventure! You won’t believe the battle between good and evil.
A little about A Witch’s Journey
Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?
A sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Journey!
Klaren threw her coffee in his face, cup and all, then bolted out of his arms and down the stairs as a huge reddish wolf advanced snarling and leaped over the railing knocking Ben down the stairs. He hit the ground and tumbled down the path, he scrambled to get to his feet. But the wolf was too fast, one leap and animal landed on the Ben’s back, knocking him forward before he finally landed face down on the ground out cold. In a blink of an eye, the wolf was gone and witches closed in on all sides.
Pepper ran to her mother and helped her to her feet. “You ok?”
“I’m fine, just sorry I didn’t have time to get more information out of the son of a bitch. Did you see what he did? I wasn’t about to let him transport me to who knows where.” Klaren brushed at the knees of her jeans viciously.
The witches formed a circle around Ben. Wisps of fog trailed along the ground and took shape as spirits floating in the meadow. Duncan stepped forward and cast a spell ensnaring the man in vines of shimmering light.
“Don’t make the vines too tight around his neck, we need him to be able to speak,” Ravyn said in a calm lilting voice.
“Done,” Duncan replied.
Ravyn flicked her fingers, a bucket of water appeared over Ben’s head, it tipped and the liquid splashed over him.
Ben sputtered and cursed, his eyes wild.
“Mr. Bochard. It’s come to our attention that you are misusing magic for personal gain. You’ve called on dark magic to curse an innocent to do harm to your own kind. How do you plead?” Ravyn asked in a commanding tone.
“Bitch.” Ben bit out. “I only acted to get back what was mine.” He narrowed his eyes at Pepper.
She cast a blindfold on him. “Don’t want to take any chances. Not sure what he’s capable of.” Pepper said when Ravyn glared at her.
Ravyn nodded. “I’ll take that as a guilty plea, Mr. Bochard . Therefore, you are to be spellbound immediately.” She paused. “But first, Pepper do you have the candle?”
“Yes.” Pepper produced a tall, thick twisted black candle with beautifully carved moon phases on all sides.
“Step into the circle, face the full moon depiction north.” Raven closed her eyes and murmured several words. The candle ignited in a black flame flickered then faded to pure white.
Available at Amason, Barnes&Noble, Ibooks, Audible and GooglePlay
See you back here Monday, Halloween! The Skeleton Crew and Boomhilda are sure they are on the trail of the Halloween Spirit and will have something to show for all their hard work. While you’re here, check out my other paranormal romance mysteries.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, ghosts, magic, Mystery, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Shapeshifters, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 4 comments.
