Meringue Snowflake Magic – Sunday Snippet
This week’s Sunday Snippet is celebrating Christmas in July with MERINGUE SNOWFLAKE MAGIC, from the Christmas Cookie Series. #mystery #fantasy #romance. Join the #holiday #fantasy#adventure, download a copy or two today! Makes a great holiday gift. The people of Raven’s Hollow and Blaze have secrets of their own, will she discover them before it’s too late?
A little about Meringue Snowflake Magic:
After being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Wynter Dahl finds herself with a new name and new home. Whisked into the Witness Protection program she finds herself in the Podunk town of Raven’s Hollow, Colorado. She has more than one secret to keep and is not sure who she can trust, though the deputy sheriff is hard to resist.
Braydon “Blaze” Nightwing, owns Dragon Fire Pizza and takes his job as deputy sheriff seriously. He means to protect his town and its residents, including the mysterious newcomer. He rescues her after a tumble and finds himself in over his head. He senses she’s more than she seems but so is he.
When her cover is blown and her life is in danger it will take the whole town to save her and their annual holiday festival and cookie contest. What is Christmas without a little magic?
A new peek between the pages of Meringue Snowflake Magic:
The sun was warm through her large side window as she stood sipping her tea and admiring the newly fallen snow sparkling like iridescent glitter over the ground. Glancing at her bag, where she’d secreted her cell phone and battery inside the lining when her handler requested she turn it over she sighed. Never take for granted what you have, for it can be gone in the blink of an eye.
Setting her tea mug down, she picked up the bag and unzipped it, released the cell from its hiding place, installed the battery, and paused before powering it up. Her handler’s last words flowed through her mind. Whether or not your phone actually is missing, remember you can be tracked if you try to use it. A mistake that could end your life. These people are not playing around. She shoved the phone back in its hiding place and turned her attention back to the window.
Several children were running up and down the hill diagonally across the street with old-fashioned wooden and newer sleds that looked like strips of brightly colored plastic. They flew down the hill at break-neck speed. She took another sip of tea, choked, and spit it all over the window, blinds, and herself.
Did that little girl just unfurl iridescent blue wings and hover above the others throwing snowballs? She blinked, rubbed her eyes, and stared at the scene outside. Sure enough, there were now three children hovering in the air waging war with snowballs on the others sliding down the slope. One had fallen off a sled and transformed into a furry wolf rolling down the hill. What kind of a place is this?
Suddenly the doorbell rang. She bobbled her mug spilling more tea on the light gray carpet in front of the window. Geez, what now? On her way to the door, she tore off a couple of paper towels and dropped them on the stain. Pausing to look through the peephole, she hissed out a breath and yanked open the door. The child with wings, pointed ears, and fur was temporarily forgotten.
Deputy Blaze Nightwing stood on her porch.
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.
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Pssst… While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my paranormal romance/mysteries click here. Please check back next week for another Sunday Snippet!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Christmas In July, Meringue Snowflake Magic, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.
Full Moon: Unveiling the Myths and Mysteries
Super Buck Moon
Yep, you guessed it. The full moon will rise tomorrow, July 10th, 2025.
July’s full moon will look especially low in the sky after sunset. This is largely due to its proximity to the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest in the daytime sky, and the moon tracks a correspondingly low path through the night.
This effect is even more extreme this year, 2025, thanks to a phenomenon known as a ‘Major Lunar Standstill’. This occurs every 18.6 years, when the sun’s gravity drags the moon’s tilted orbit into its most extreme inclination relative to Earth’s celestial equator. This causes the moon to appear especially high — or low — in Earth’s sky depending on the time of year.
Now that’s probably more than you wanted to know about the “Buck Moon”. You may also notice the Buck Moon take on a golden or reddish hue shortly after rising.. This warm hue is caused by Rayleigh scattering, the same effect that causes colorful sunsets and sunrises. It happens because sunlight reflected off the moon’s surface has to travel farther through Earth’s atmosphere to reach us.
The full moon has long captivated human imagination, serving as a source of inspiration, fear, and even mysticism. From ancient civilizations that celebrated lunar cycles to modern-day superstitions, the full moon is often surrounded by an aura of mystery. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various effects of the full moon—from the psychological to the scientific—and how it continues to influence our lives.
The Scientific Perspective
From a scientific viewpoint, the full moon is simply the lunar phase in which the moon is fully illuminated by the sun. This phenomenon occurs approximately once a month and is a result of the moon’s position relative to Earth and the sun. Yet, while the full moon is a predictable and well-understood celestial event, its effects on Earth and living beings have been subjects of fascination and debate.
Tidal Effects
One of the most pronounced effects of the full moon is its influence on ocean tides. The moon’s gravitational pull causes the water levels in the oceans to rise and fall, creating high and low tides. During a full moon, these tides can be especially strong, known as “spring tides.” This natural phenomenon can affect marine life, coastal ecosystems, and even weather patterns.
Psychological Effects: The Lunar Influence?
Beyond the physical realm, the full moon has often been linked to various psychological phenomena. Many people report feeling more emotional or restless during a full moon, leading to the term “lunar effect”. While scientific studies have shown mixed results regarding behavioral changes correlating with lunar phases, anecdotal evidence remains strong.
Increased Crime and Emergency Room Visits
Some studies suggest a rise in crime rates and emergency room visits during full moons. Whether due to the heightened visibility of night or psychological factors, this theory suggests that the full moon exerts a strange influence on human behavior. However, definitive conclusions remain elusive, leading many to consider it more folklore than fact.
Sleep Disruption
Research has also indicated that sleep patterns may be affected by the full moon. I can attest to this. I don’t need to look at the sky to tell you it’s a full moon. My sleep patterns of lack of sleep do that for me! A study published in the journal *Current Biology* found that people experienced lower sleep quality and had longer sleep onset times during full moons. The reasons for this disruption remain unclear, but it raises intriguing questions about our connection to the lunar cycle.
Cultural Significance and Folklore
The full moon has played a significant role in various cultures and traditions throughout history. From ancient rituals to modern celebrations, the lunar cycle is deeply rooted in human culture.
Harvest Moon and Festivals
The Harvest Moon, which occurs in September or October, has significant agricultural importance, marking the time for collecting crops. Many cultures hold festivals during this time, celebrating the bounty of the earth and the transition of the seasons.
Lunar Myths and Legends
Folklore is enriched with tales of full moons. In Western culture, stories of werewolves emerging during a full moon have made their way into popular mythos. Similarly, many cultures attribute various supernatural properties to the full moon, such as enhancing magical abilities or influencing fertility.
Embracing the Full Moon
For those who feel the full moon’s pull, many practices can enhance your lunar experience. Okay, okay, I admit to being ones of these people. Maybe I should try embracing rituals such as moon-gazing, journaling my thoughts, participating in full moon ceremonies (not sure what kind), or practicing meditation can create a deeper connection with this enchanting celestial event.
Conclusion
The full moon continues to be a source of wonder and intrigue, blending science, psychology, and cultural richness. Whether you notice its influence on your sleep patterns (Yep that’s me), feel more energized, or simply enjoy its beauty in the night sky (me too), the full moon serves as a reminder of our connection to nature and the cosmos. So next time you catch a glimpse of the glowing orb illuminating the night, take a moment to reflect on its enduring mysteries and the powerful effects it holds over our planet, us mere humans and animals too.
If full moons bring to mind Vampires, Werewolves, Demons, Unicorns, Witches and other magic kind, you’ll want to check out my library of Paranormal Mystery/Romance novels. Maybe start with A Vampire’s Unlikely Alliance. Happy Reading!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Buck Moon, fantasy, Full moon effect, Moon, Mystery, Myths, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
A Witch’s Holiday Wedding – Sunday Snippet
Yippee!! #SundaySnippet joins Christmas in July Celebration to present A Witch’s Holiday Wedding on sale for $1.99 #paranormalromance #fantasy #adventure. Set in the small town of Lobster Cove and 2nd in the Witch’s Journey Series with some of the same characters, plus new ones you’re going to love. Torn in too many directions, with a covert military mission thrown in, will Pepper and Lathen make it to the alter?
I had so much fun writing this book. With ghosts running amuck spilling family secrets and making roses bloom in the dead of winter. The werewolf pack creating havoc ever where they went. It’s a wonder Pepper and Lathen didn’t elope. But they didn’t, so pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and come along for the hilarious ride of A Witch’s Holiday Wedding. Go ahead you, know you want to, grab a copy and join the #magical #fantasy, #adventure today! You’ll be so glad you did.
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?
Sneak peek between the pages of A Witch’s Holiday Wedding:
After she set her glass down, Lathen brushed a couple strands of hair out of her eyes and searched her face. “Are you all right?”
“I’m tired, my wedding is in a couple weeks, I have ghosts fighting over who is going to do what. Guests that have no idea the place is haunted and… Your family and pack, my parents, Gwen… To top it all off, the head of my clan, who is a ghost, is sitting in front of me wanting to know who is coming to the wedding and whether the ghosts will be outed. How could I possibly be all right?”
“When you put it that way.” Lathen chuckled. “It sounds just a bit… I don’t know…crazy?” His right eyebrow winged up. She saw mischief sparkle in his eyes. “We could still elope,” he offered.
“No sir. Not after all the trouble—Not on me watch.” Aidan shook his head so vehemently his upper torso blurred.
Pepper smiled, glanced at Lathen. “What do you think—about twenty-five to fifty close friends and family at the ceremony?”
“I doubt the pack will be there, they’ll be more interested in the food and tall-tale telling at the reception. Not to mention questioning why the dinner wasn’t before the ceremony. So you are close on that count.” He snatched the wine glass from the table and took a gulp.
“The seating area should be at the end of the pond by the benches. Ashling mentioned purple rose bushes around the pond. Lathen and I are going to get the arbor first thing in the morning, weather permitting.”
Lathen’s stomach gurgled. “You know the timer for the meat pies went off a while ago.” He glanced toward the kitchen. “Want me to go get them?”
“Oh crap, I forgot. They’ll be ruined, all dried out.” She thought for a moment then waved her hand toward the kitchen. “They’ll be fine.”
“I’ve got what’s needed.” Aidan rose from the chair, lifted his hand in a wave and faded away, the mist crawling along the floor disappeared entirely.
“Never a dull moment around here.” Lathen took the tray of pies from Pepper and set it on the coffee table. The silverware clattered as he slipped the napkins out from under them, inhaling deeply. “I’m starved.”
“Marrying a McKay witch may be more than you bargained for,” she teased. “Too late to change your mind.”
“Don’t intend to.” He forked up a bite of meat pie, blew on it for a minute as the steam rose, and popped it in his mouth. “Mmmmm. Delicious! Life with a witch can be quite satisfying. If you know what I mean.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
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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 A Witch's Holiday Wedding, A Witch's Journey Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
A WItch’s Journey – 4th of July Celebration
Yippee! Sunday Snippet is showcasing A Witch’s Journey. Former Navy Seal, Lathen Quartz helps Pepper McKay, a powerful witch, achieve her life-long dream of a wild life rescue, but can they save the McKay magic? This is the first book of the series by the same name. But remember all my books are stand alone.
Animal and wildlife rescue is close to my heart. I volunteer at a wolf rescue, donate to another and also support 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 4th of July celebration began, 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.
A Witch’s Journey Series – Tales of redemption, magic, wildlife rescue, true love and paying it forward will leave you breathless as you turn page after page. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out all my Paranormal Romances and Mysteries. Click here to be transported to my Magical Realm!
Thanks for stopping in to check out my Sunday Snippet. I hope you liked what you saw and will return next Sunday for a new snippet! Enjoy the spring flowers and sunshine. Happy Reading!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Journey, A Witch's Journey Series, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, Sunday Snippet, Tena Stetler, Witches by Tena Stetler with comments disabled.
