Alas, Christmas is almost upon us. As per usual, I've been scrambling to not only figure out but get everything those dear to me would like as gifts. Through this process, I've been aware that some gifts, if not purchased, will completely ruin the holidays for someone. That will, thereby, make me Christmas Scrooge. At the same time, I'm aware that my own wish list will go unnoticed. I might get a coupon book for free hugs or perhaps a macaroni necklace --- okay, I know that's not fair. My kids are older now and no longer give me those things.
Now they give me squat.
In all seriousness, though, I don't want much. In fact my list is pretty simple.I just want that dang dining room picture back on the wall and for at least one member of my family to learn how to pair socks.
Now they give me squat.
In all seriousness, though, I don't want much. In fact my list is pretty simple.I just want that dang dining room picture back on the wall and for at least one member of my family to learn how to pair socks.
I kid you not. I found this in the laundry basket.
Plus I'd like a good book. I'm not sure what, exactly. All I can say is the best gift I have ever gotten is the ability to read. Books can teach you, take you to worlds near and far, let you experience a whole host of emotions and scenarios you might not otherwise have a chance to encounter.
With that said, I've also been blessed with a wonderful critique group of marvelous writers whom I adore. They're very skilled and have passed along so much knowledge and wisdom to me. For that I am very grateful -- so much so I'm going to share a little bit about each of them right now. I'm also going to add links to a few of the books they have out now (Just click on the orange. It'll take you to Amazon, though their books are available almost everywhere.) If you want to read more about an y of them, just click on their names and you'll be directed to their individual websites. Like I said, I book is a marvelous gift to give during the holidays. Why not one of theirs? :)
Susan Carroll
Best known for her Bride Finder and Dark Queen series, Susan says she can be described by her hobbies, which she lists as: knitting, reading, crocheting, reading, sewing and -- yes -- reading, but to me she is so much more. She's my Doctor Who partner in crime, fellow lover of Cassandra Clare and fancier of all that is whimsical. Her historical fantasies are both imaginative and intriguing. She writes regular romance, as well, all of them beautifully carved. I love them!
If you'd like to have a taste of what she has to offer, here are a few of the many books she has available now. There's Winterbourne, Brighton Road, and the latest book in her Dark Queen saga, The Lady of Secrets.
Best known for her Bride Finder and Dark Queen series, Susan says she can be described by her hobbies, which she lists as: knitting, reading, crocheting, reading, sewing and -- yes -- reading, but to me she is so much more. She's my Doctor Who partner in crime, fellow lover of Cassandra Clare and fancier of all that is whimsical. Her historical fantasies are both imaginative and intriguing. She writes regular romance, as well, all of them beautifully carved. I love them!
If you'd like to have a taste of what she has to offer, here are a few of the many books she has available now. There's Winterbourne, Brighton Road, and the latest book in her Dark Queen saga, The Lady of Secrets.
Leslie Langtry
Leslie is the author of The Bombays Greatest Hits, a hilarious series about a family of assassins. She's pretty hilarious, herself. She keeps me laughing, both on and off the page, and describes herself as someone who "loves puppies and cake -- but she will not share her cake with puppies." I have to wonder, though. She does have three dogs at home. I bet at least one of them has tasted frosting.
If you haven't read any of Leslie's books, start with 'Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy. If you have read her work, let it be known that she has a few new Bombay things out including the most recent and totally fun Bombay Christmas short, Four Killing Birds.
Leslie is the author of The Bombays Greatest Hits, a hilarious series about a family of assassins. She's pretty hilarious, herself. She keeps me laughing, both on and off the page, and describes herself as someone who "loves puppies and cake -- but she will not share her cake with puppies." I have to wonder, though. She does have three dogs at home. I bet at least one of them has tasted frosting.
If you haven't read any of Leslie's books, start with 'Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy. If you have read her work, let it be known that she has a few new Bombay things out including the most recent and totally fun Bombay Christmas short, Four Killing Birds.
Ella March Chase
I'd like to say no one adores Ella more than me, but I'd be lying. That honor goes to my daughter, Robin. She loves, loves, LOVES Ella's historical fiction. It's no wonder. Ella takes fact and blends it into lush, captivating stories. How she does it? I don't know. I just bow to her greatness. But she's doesn't just have an encyclopediatic brain, she has a heart of gold and a boundless imagination.
If you're not familiar with Ella, check out her books The Virgin Queen's Daughter and Three Maids for a Crown. If you do know of her, pre-order her next book The Queen's Dwarf. It will be available January 21, 2014 and I can attest that it's absolutely fantastic. A must read!
I'd like to say no one adores Ella more than me, but I'd be lying. That honor goes to my daughter, Robin. She loves, loves, LOVES Ella's historical fiction. It's no wonder. Ella takes fact and blends it into lush, captivating stories. How she does it? I don't know. I just bow to her greatness. But she's doesn't just have an encyclopediatic brain, she has a heart of gold and a boundless imagination.
If you're not familiar with Ella, check out her books The Virgin Queen's Daughter and Three Maids for a Crown. If you do know of her, pre-order her next book The Queen's Dwarf. It will be available January 21, 2014 and I can attest that it's absolutely fantastic. A must read!
Of course, there are also my books. Just check the links in the right column to learn more about Extraordinary: Light vs. Dark or Moms are from Mars: A Savory Blend of Memories, Opinions, Advice, and Ridiculousness.
Well that's all for now. I'm not sure if I'll post again until after Christmas. So to be safe, let me wish you a wonderful holiday season!
Well that's all for now. I'm not sure if I'll post again until after Christmas. So to be safe, let me wish you a wonderful holiday season!
Credit for original photo of 1800's girl reading:
By Possibly Antoin Sevruguin [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
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