​When I was a little girl, my little sister kept telling us she didn’t believe in Santa Claus. We didn’t know how or why she felt that way, but she was pretty vocal about it. At the time, my other siblings still believed, as did I. We kept telling her that if she didn’t believe, she wasn’t going to get any gifts. Her disbelief culminated in an encounter with a street corner Santa. She walked up to him, kicked him, and called him “an old phony.” That Christmas, we awoke to gifts under the tree and clamored to get to them. Amidst all the unwrapping, my sister sat quietly with one gift. She opened it slowly, then let out a scream. Inside was a roll of toilet paper with a note. It said, “Dear Jeannie, you have to believe.” To this day, my sister will not admit that Santa does not exist!

​The hours are counting down as investigators try to prove that Dianna Murphy has been snatched. Unfortunately, without witnesses and solid evidence, all the police really know is that she is missing.
 
When suburban Milwaukee law student Dianna Murphy fails to connect with her roommate, there is no real evidence that she has been snatched. Until Law Professor Janet MacLachlan, a former covert agent, discovers a single clue, one that points to a taking by a slave trafficking cartel. In a race against time, Janet recruits her husband, secret agent Cade Matthews, small-town Police Chief David Manders and his wife, criminal defense attorney Julianna Constant, and other law students to uncover the truth. Can they prove she has been taken, before Dianna disappears without a trace?
 
Romantic Suspense (Three Flames)

After what seemed like hours in the sweltering van, it lurched to a stop.
 
Dianna heard a man bark orders. A door to the van opened and someone pulled the rope from her feet, then removed her hood. She took a deep breath.  A man grabbed her by the arm, forced to her feet, and pulled from the van. Dianna stumbled when she hit the ground. The stones were hot and her feet were covered by athletic socks, no shoes. Show no weakness.
 
Dianna immediately surveyed her surroundings. It was still night, but she was in a well-lit courtyard. A large stone mansion stood in front of her. She looked to her right, then her left. The courtyard was enclosed by a large stone fence, at least eight feet high. A fortress. Fortunately, Dianna was a rock-climber. She could rappel over the fence with the right equipment. All she would need was something to serve as a pick, maybe a rope. A knife, a screwdriver, even a fork. Keep your eyes and ears open. Be ready.
 
A large black man, dressed in a white suit and a maroon turban, walked out of the front door and down the stairs. He stopped and flashed a malevolent smile. He flung his arms wide and in a cultured baritone boomed, “Welcome to paradise, ladies. I hope you enjoy your stay.”
 
Some of the guards laughed.
 
“Crikey,” Tillie muttered. “Sounds like a blasted genie.”
 
Dianna glanced sideways and for the first time, got a look at her new friend. She was tall and thin, her body well defined. She looked strong and aware, almost fierce. Her eyes seemed to be studying the place, taking everything in. She showed no fear. Instead, she seemed interested. Something was off. Tillie did not act like a victim as the others did. She was not cowed. Was she a cop? Or like Dianna, someone who would not permit themselves to be broken?
 
There was only one thing of which Dianna was certain. She had found a friend. A useful one.

Buy Links:
Publisher:  http://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2263-9-snatching-diana/
Smashwords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/902308
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMNMHSS/
Barnes and Noble:  Coming soon

​About Seelie Kay:
 
Seelie Kay is a nom de plume for a writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience in law, journalism, marketing, and public relations. When she writes about love and lust in the legal world, something kinky is bound to happen!  In possession of a wicked pen and an overly inquisitive mind, Ms. Kay is the author of multiple works of fiction, including the Kinky Briefs series, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, and The President’s Wife.
 
When not spinning her kinky tales, Ms. Kay ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. She resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she shares a home with her son and enjoys opera, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.
 
Ms. Kay is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS:  Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!
 
Author links:
 
www.seeliekay.com
www.seeliekay.blogspot.com
Twitter: @SeelieKay https://twitter.com/SeelieKay
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/seelie.kay.77
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Seelie-Kay/e/B074RDRWNZ/

​Thanks Connie for having me!
Here is a funny Halloween story from my teens. I’ve never written it into a book but there is always the next one ;-)
When I was sixteen, I went to a haunt house with friends. Not a real haunted house but one of the sponsored by an organization haunt house. As we are riding down, the kids I was with were telling ghost stories about the marsh that is just outside the town I lived in.
There were swamp monsters, zombies, cannibal hermits, and crazy women who found life in our stories about that marsh.
This was the first haunted house I had been to, so I wasn’t sure what to expect…
We entered the haunted house (aka a vacant store space in the mall). The first room was filled with form and sand. I lost my sandal – I know who wears slip on sandal in October in Michigan to a haunted house?  A 16-year-old who wants to look good – in the ‘sinking sand.’ I’m bent over trying to get my sandal back.
Some guy in a crazed lumberjack serial killer get-up comes up to me and nudges me. I’ve had numerous people tell me that he was trying to get me to move along afraid I was trying to destroy something. Whatever.
I tell him to leave me alone. He PICKS ME UP! (I was small) I scream. He has to from the marsh. He’s going to take me to the marsh and do horrible things to me. I scream some more.
A guy comes in with his daughter. This is my chance to free myself. Screaming, I grab the guy’s shirt and scream ‘help’. Really loudly. The guy smiles. He tells me I’m a really good actress.
Lumberjack serial killer tightens his hold. I cry. Just as I’m sure my future is going to have a torture room in the marsh, my friends return.
I scream – some more. They laugh but tell lumberjack serial killer that they will take me off his hands.
Lumberjack serial killer releases me and I run out of the haunted house leaving my favorite super cute slip on sandal. My friends all tell me I that I have over reacted. He wasn’t a crazed lumberjack serial killer for the marsh.
Friends, what do they know? I was so NOT over reacting!
Now I’m all about Halloween… and of course murder…and well doughnuts…and vodka. 

My newest book – Murder and Treats – is a novella about all those things!

My favorite Halloween doughnut trick is…insert vamp teeth into a sugar doughnut. Drizzle red frosting for blood, or have gummy worms crawling out of the mouth, or decorate with gummy boogers.
 
My favorite Halloween drink is the Wicked Witch… it’s caramel vodka, apple vodka, and whip cream vodka all equal parts mixed with apple cider. Sooo good and so wicked.
 
Blurb
 
Lila Maxwell is coaxed into attending All Treats, a Halloween speed dating event by her best friend. Instead of the soul mate promised one Halloween ghoul after another appears at her door until Cowboy Bill.
 
Jax Carlson has spent the last year focusing all of his attention on starting his own business. Hiring Lila Maxell over the Internet as his project manager was the final piece to his prefect plan. Set to open for business in three days, Jax plans on spending a couple of days on his boat relaxing. However, his friend Erik has a different idea – a speed dating Halloween party.
 
Jax has spent the night plotting the best revenge possible for Erik until Sally opens the door. The woman dressed in the pale lavender Harem costume ignites a fire that Jax thought was impossible without the aid of his formulated dating list.
 
After a night of mind-blowing sex, Lila sneaks out before they exchange real names believing it was no more than a one-night stand.
 
Lila's first day is full of surprises, the biggest being Cowboy Bill is actually her new boss, Jax Carlson. She thinks keeping her hormones in check while convincing Jax that love doesn't follow a formula is complication enough until she learns the participants of the All Treats speed dating event are being killed.
 
And just a peek…
 
Walking into her bedroom, Lila froze mid-stride. On her bed was a knife coated with blood and small plastic number five. The glass slipped from her hand and fell to the floor, spraying her foot and leg with red wine.
 
Murder and Treats is available at
 
https://www.books2read.com/u/3nYk7B
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Treats-Lyncee-Shillard-ebook/dp/B07JF5LHYQ/ref=pd_ybh_a_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=74JHKCBGW8WBR6SEJT1T
 
Come and hang out with me... we will talk about doughnuts and vodka...
 
Blog : https://lynceeshillard.wordpress.com
 
Twitter https://twitter.com/lyncee
 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Romance-with-a-Bang-422236758284798
 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3344793.Lyncee_Shillard
 
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Lyncee-Shillard/e/B007WGBKYK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1534257851&sr=8-1

​WHEN THE SETTING REALLY DOES EXIST
By Angela Drake
 
An Ozarks Christmas is the first book in my Planned to Perfection series and is set in the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Eureka Springs Arkansas is a quaint Victorian-themed tourist town. Decades ago, people came from all over the world for their healing springs. I have to tell you, that still today just driving into town puts me in total relaxation. I have the feeling of having come home.
 
Known as a stair-step town, many of the buildings built over one hundred years ago still house gift shops, restaurants and hotels. One of the most haunted hotels in the country, The 1886 Crescent Hotel stays booked year round and is where I set the opening scene for this book. There are steep winding streets, cobblestone walkways, stone walls and trolley cars to help you navigate all the nooks and crannies. There’s usually live music from traveling musicians in Basin Park. Every weekend is like a festival and there’s always something going on.
 
When setting this series in Eureka Springs, I was concerned about using actual places, such as the famed Crescent Hotel, in my book. Most places are public domain. As long as you are not going to say anything bad about a place, or persons, you should be okay. Most will recognize the free advertising you’re providing. I knew I’d be okay with a sweet romance. Would I have done the same if writing erotica, or even any hint at racy? No. I don’t want to offend anyone. Shine a bright, positive spotlight and let business owners know ahead of time you plan to feature their establishment. Most are thrilled. If they aren’t keen on the idea, change the name of the establishment. Make the place your own.
 
Whatever setting you choose, make the place come alive for your reader. Take them on the vacation of their dreams and they’ll love you.
 
To find out more about Eureka Springs, visit https://www.eurekasprings.org/
 
Christmas Blessings
~Angela

​From the moment he sees Stephanie across the crowded restaurant, Brendan Keane knows he has to have her… and does. Unaware that four years later, their lives would take different paths and Stephanie will marry someone else.
 
After the murder of her husband, Stephanie Douglas takes her two children and moves to the Ozarks, carrying with her a secret she’s harbored for ten years.
 
When Stephanie’s company, ’Planned to Perfection’, is called upon to plan his daughter’s wedding, Brendan’s back in her life.  And this time Stephanie fears she won’t be able to tell him good-bye.
 
 
Excerpt
“May I join you?”
            So much for wishes. Her heart felt as if a beat had skipped then fluttered back to life. She knew without looking the voice belonged to Brendan Keane – entertainer, playboy and thief. Focusing on her wish, she hadn’t heard him open nor close the ballroom door as he came outside.
            Glancing to her left she could see the tall, strong frame of the man she couldn’t forget. The man who had stolen her heart so long ago.
            “Of course.” She struggled to keep her voice even. She wanted to tell him to go away. Not just from the hotel but from the close-knit community she called home. She hadn’t wanted him here from the beginning but her ultimate goal for the event to be a success over-ruled. This fundraiser would insure that every child in Eureka Springs and the surrounding area would receive a visit from Santa Claus. Being the biggest draw in the music business, Brendan Keane would make that possible. The fact he had volunteered to perform was a big boost to the benefit’s bottom line.
            “I’m sorry if I intruded.”
            An apology? In all their time together she’d never heard him apologize for anything – and he’d had plenty of occasions.
            “Not at all. I need to go back in anyway.” She hated that her voice shook. His mere presence shouldn’t be affecting her.

Buy Links
Amazon USA -  https://amzn.to/2pItaXG   
Amazon UK             
Amazon Canada      
Amazon Australia    

​Angela Drake believes in happy endings, the magic of ‘what if’ and second chances. When not living vicariously through her characters, Angela spends her day working social media accounts for musicians and authors. She enjoys time with her granddaughters, gardening, journaling, and a myriad of artistic pursuits. She shares a home in the Ozarks with her husband, two dogs and three cats. She loves networking with readers and writers through her Facebook, twitter Instagram and blog.
 

Life with a Practical Joker
 
My husband is a practical joker. He comes by it naturally. When he and his siblings would drive to the beach as children, his father would tell them to lick the back of their hands. “Can you taste the salt? We’re near the ocean now.” (That they were sweating in the back of an un-air-conditioned car never occurred to them.)
 
This proclivity appeared early in our relationship. On one date, a waiter placed a plate with two round orange slices next to each of us. I cut a section with my fork, but before I could spear it, my date (now husband of 37 years) told me, “Don’t eat that. It’s a decoration.”
 
I argued with him but left the cut piece on the plate. When the waiter arrived again, he asked him, “Is this a decoration?” I must have turned to our server because I’m certain behind my back, he signaled the waiter to go along with the gag. The man nodded and said, “Yes, don’t eat it.”
 
With the server’s assertion, I pushed the piece back into place and waited for our meal. After a minute my husband chuckled and said, “You can eat it. I was just pulling your leg.”
 
While this particular incident hasn’t appeared in a story, it is not above some of my characters to pull off a ruse—like being in disguise in front of the one person they’ve wanted to get to know better. Misunderstandings can sometimes be the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Liese Sherwood-Fabre, knew she was destined to write when she got an A+ in the second grade for her story about Dick, Jane, and Sally’s ruined picnic. After obtaining her PhD from Indiana University, she joined the federal government and had the opportunity to work and live internationally for more than fifteen years—in Africa, Latin America, and Russia. Returning to the states, she seriously pursued her writing career and has published various pieces. Her debut novel Saving Hope, a thriller set in Russia was based, in part, from her observations while in that country. Along the way she has written and published a number of short stories, garnering awards such a Pushcart Prize nomination. She recently collected eleven of these tales into a volume: Virtual Harmony and Other Short, Sweet Romances, available October 15.

Find out more about Liese's stories at 
http://www.liesehserwoodfabre.com

A World of Gothic…Gothic Mystery Novellas ON SALE for ONLY 99 cents each through Halloween!

A group of authors from countries all over the world were drawn together by our love of the classic gothic mysteries by authors such as Daphne du Maurier, Victoria Holt and Phyllis A. Whitney.

While the stories are stand-alone, they each share a recurring thread of a Spinel stone, which can play a small or large part in the plot. We have stories set in Scotland, Greece, Oklahoma, Florida, France, Ireland, and more.  
We hope readers have as much fun reading these stories (we recommend you do so with the lights on) as we had writing them.
​
Dark Hunt ~ A World of Gothic: Florida by Tamrie Foxtail
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Hunt-Florida-World-Gothic-ebook/dp/B078MPBXVT/ 

Ghost in the Rain ~ A World of Gothic: Scotland by Marie Treanor
https://amzn.com/B01ES21KZE

House at the Edge ~ A World of Gothic: Greece by MM Jaye:
https://amzn.com/B01G7B1FI6

Haunting at Spook Light Inn ~ A World of Gothic: Oklahoma by Alicia Dean
https://amzn.com/B01GNGTU96

Haunting in the Pines ~ A World of Gothic: East Texas by Janis Susan May
https://www.amazon.com/House-Pines-World-Gothic-Texas-ebook/dp/B01JSYOHFC/ 

Raven of Blackthorn Manor ~ A World of Gothic: Ireland by Gemma Juliana
https://www.amazon.com/Raven-Blackthorn-Manor-Gothic-Ireland-ebook/dp/B01LRXCILW/

Blood-Stained Memories ~ A World of Gothic: Florida by Kathy L Wheeler
https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Stained-Memories-Gothic-United-ebook/dp/B01K82OKJG/

Sea of Darkness ~ A World of Gothic: France by Amanda McCabe
https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Darkness-World-Gothic-France-ebook/dp/B01LWKXVO6/

Shadows and Lies ~ A World of Gothic: Louisiana by Raine English
https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Lies-Gothic-United-States-ebook/dp/B01M9BY010/
​
Sinister Ceremony ~ A World of Gothic: Maine by Stacey Coverstone
Available for pre-order https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HRZ2KZ2/

Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog. Today I have Madison Michael visiting with her The Beguiling Bachelor Series. Check out these great reads!

Thank you, Madison, for visiting today. I hope everyone enjoyed the visit. Please, if you are visiting, leave us a comment and let us know you've stopped by. We love to hear from our readers!

Thanks
Connie