Friday, November 13, 2009

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. I love looking back and counting my blessings. One of those blessings for me is to be able to write for White Rose Publishing. Nicola Martinez, our Editor-in-Chief, Personnel Director, Public Relations and Marketing gal has done a wonderful job since acquiring this new venture. She has brought a fresh breeze to this company.

One such way is how she's willing to try new things. I don't know if you've had the chance to visit Whiterosepublishing.com lately, but there are some beautiful gift sets now available...and just in time for those on your Christmas list. If your looking to give a special something--to a special someone--you won't want to miss out on this opportunity.

What is something that you're thankful for or someway that you've seen God at work in your life this year? We'd love to hear your comments!

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Ins and Outs of Snow

When I first started writing my story—Snow Kissed—I knew I needed some insight about SNOW from my friends who actually lived in the snow. I, myself, am a California girl recently transplanted in North Carolina. I’d visited snow, gone skiing, spent weekends in the mountains all while living in CA. Now in NC, we have the occasional snow fall which usually melts that same hour or within a day or two. But living with snow day in and day out all winter long, I knew nothing about. So I tapped into the knowledge of my good friend and critique partner who is a Wisconsin native. Here is just a part of what she told me are the ‘Ins and Outs’ of Snow.






Good Things

  1. Snow is beautiful. Especially new fallen snow that has yet to be disturbed.
  2. Winter sports and activities are great – skiing, sledding, ice skating, snow mobiling, snow shoeing and ice fishing to name a few.
  3. It’s nice to look out at the snow from your cozy, warm house as you are curled up under an afghan with a good book.
  4. Winter clothes are so cozy and cuddly (not to mention more forgiving of figure flaws than most summer clothes.)
  5. Hot chocolate with whipped cream when you come in from the cold.
  6. No road construction!
  7. Snow days! Hurray for no school.

Bad Things

  1. Dirty snow and slush are gross.
  2. Shoveling the driveway and digging out cars after a snowstorm.
  3. We miss gardening, picnicking and swimming outside.
  4. It’s not nice when it’s twenty degrees below zero (before factoring in the wind chill) and your car battery is dead from the cold.
  5. It’s a pain to have to put on so many extra clothes – coat, hat, mittens, scarf and boots – just to walk to the end of the driveway and get the mail. If you have kids, add snow pants as well to their outdoor ensemble.
  6. Cold floors! Especially if you don’t have carpeting in your bedroom.
  7. Bad driving conditions. Icy roads can send cars spinning into the ditch and drifts of snow can trap cars in them.

Do you have anything to add about snow? Love it—Hate it?


Here is an excerpt from my story, Snow Kissed, with my snow-loving heroine and the hero who hates it.

As soon as Muriel left, Logan’s mood seemed to shift from irritated to agreeable. His body language became much more relaxed with his hardened chin softening and a real smile moving onto his face. “So, what are you up to this afternoon?”

Before Holly’s expression could waver into a frown, she forced a smile. “I…I’m off for a snow walk.” Possibly my last in Meriden.

“That is what’s so stupid about this…this whole Winter Wonderland Carnival. There’s no snow!” He raised both his hands in aggravation.

“There might not be any right now, but there will be.”

“How do you know? There’s no snow expected. Cold, but no snow.”

“There’ll be snow tonight.” She stepped close to him, laying her hand in the crook of his arm. The contact brought a swirl of pleasure moving around inside her stomach—more so than normal. It must be from all the excitement of her news—nothing more than that.

“Just breathe,” she whispered to him, as she slowly took in a deep whiff. “You smell that?”

He shook his head. “What? Burgers from down the street?”

“No.” She laughed; he could be so dense sometimes. “It’s the first snowfall.” She inhaled another intoxicating aroma of winter air. “It’s coming.”

“And what’s so good about snow? It’s just annoying and inconvenient.” He pulled his arm away and folded them across his lean frame.

“Snow is beautiful…magical.” Her voice came out breathy with the idea of snow making her feel all tingly.

“It’s cold, wet stuff that falls from the sky.”

“Then there are the wonderful clothes: hats, scarves, gloves…”

“…galoshes, wool socks,” he countered.

She continued, not to be undone by his cynicism. “Fresh baked cookies, hot apple cider, hot cocoa, hot toddies…what is a hot toddy?”

He nearly laughed at her, a cute smile building in the corner of his mouth as he shook his head. “A hot alcoholic drink. You want to come in for some coffee? I just made a pot.”

She shook her head and took in a deep breath before releasing it. “No, remember I’m off to take my snow walk through Meriden.” She tilted her head up at him. “I’ll be at the carnival tonight, working the booth for the church. Of course, you wouldn’t dare show your face there, now would you?”

Pausing, she made a concerted effort to memorize his face, including his subtly uneven eyebrows. This was probably one of the last times they’d be together. A breath hitched in her throat at the thought of never seeing Logan again. They’d shared so many memories over the years: spring picnics at the lake, midnight movies, and disastrous cooking adventures. Life wouldn’t be the same without him.

She should tell him she was leaving town for good. This was the perfect moment. Maybe he would respond by telling her she should stay—stay because he loved her too much to let her go. In my dreams.

“Goodbye, Logan,” was all she could bring herself to say. Lord, help me. It was easier than being disappointed.


Snow Kiss is available now at White Rose Publishing. Feel free to stop by and visit me at my website.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Snow Kissed ~ Released

Hope everyone is having a great Friday. I’ve had a lot going on—like TWO RELEASES! And one of them comes out today. SNOW KISSED!

To celebrate I’m over at the Author Roast and Toast and plan to give away a copy of the book. Hope you can come by. http://authorroastandtoast.blogspot.com/


Blurb:

Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, is leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today, of all days, does he realize she might be more than a friend?

Holly can no longer stay in town knowing the man she loves only sees her as a friend. It’s time to move on; besides she has other career prospects.

As the carnival unfolds, watch God work in amazing ways. Can He change Holly’s mind and make her stay? Can He help Logan see beyond the friendship? Only time can tell.



Snow Kissed is Available Now at White Rose Publishing

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Cup of Joe...in print!


What a cute dog on that book cover!

Today was an exciting day around my house. I came home and found four huge boxes on my front porch. And guess what was in all of them?

Hot-off-the-presses copies of my new book Cup of Joe.

Cup of Joe will officially be released from White Rose Publishing on December 4. I have a book signing scheduled for December 12 at The Foundry coffee shop here in San Antonio. (Cup of Joe...coffee shop...get the connection? I'm clever that way!)

My son, Cameron, came over tonight so we had an impromptu photo shoot. Of course, I wanted my puppy, Bliss, in the photo since she bears a rather striking resemblance to the dog on the cover (what a shocking coincidence). My English Cocker Spaniel, Angel, wanted to climb in my lap so she could be in the picture, so we tried to get them both in. Boy, it's hard enough to get a decent looking picture of me, much less a good photo of all three of us.

Look at our sad attempts...


Um, Angel, what are you looking at?




Look at Angel's glowing eyes. What the heck? Halloween is over.

Oh well. Maybe next time!

Blessings, Teri

Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover's soul

http://www.teriwilson.net/

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Announcing the Grand Prize Drawing Winner...

And now for the very special, exciting announcement~

The winner for the Grand Prize of the Our Cup Runneth Over contest is... Crystal Renfro!


Crystal, you are one blessed woman! Not only have you won eight e-books, but some other prizes as well such as the tea, mug, etc.

Week Seven ~ Our Cup Runneth Over winner announced

Reporting, reporting... the lastest news is just in...

Week seven's winner for Our Cup Runneth over is... Kim W. She has won Sharon Donovan's, The Claddagh Ring!

Congratulations!

Stay tuned for the Grand Prize drawing info...

Grand Prize Drawing Week











Well, today is the day we've all been waiting for... Grand Prize Drawing week for the Our Cup Runneth Over contest. Carol Ann will soon be sending me the winner's name and I'll post it ASAP.

In the mean time, I'd like to share with you a bit more about week 7's featured books...


Sharon Donovan's - The Claddagh Ring

Struggling with her faith after her mother's death, Meghan O'Malley finds comfort in wearing the family Claddagh Ring, believed to be blessed by St. Patrick. When Meghan meets Rork, she finds love, friendship, and loyalty, but before everything comes full circle under God's plan, Meghan must face the biggest challenge of her life.
Rork McGuire is ruggedly handsome, sings Celtic music straight from his soul, and has a dark secret. When he sees Meghan O'Malley, he falls hopelessly in love with her and wants nothing more than to give her his heart.
Will the secret he harbors bring them together-or pull them apart?

PRICE: $2.00 Available now @ whiterosepublishing.com

Cindy Green's- Relationship Rescue

Two blind dates--one was stood up and the other one wishes she was. Have they both been set up in more ways than one?
After Mitchell Regan and Robynn Hartley broke off their engagement, they remained friends and continued attending the same church. They've attempted to keep their unhappiness a secret from each other and everyone else but they can't fool their close friends, Marina and Chad Anthony, who decide enough is enough. It's time for a Relationship Rescue.

PRICE: $2.00 Available now @ whiterosepublishing.com

CHECK BACK SOON FOR THIS WEEK'S WINNER AS WELL AS THE GRANDPRIZE DRAWING INFO!

 

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