♪♫♪ On the eighth day of Christmas I’m going share with you:

toe tapping music,

warm maple taffy,

pimp for your table,

fine first course food,

four frugal gifts,

cream soda punch,

something to do, 

and cran-nut squares that’re gluten-free. ♪♫♪

My favourite holiday song is What Christmas Means To Me by Cee Lo Green. How can you not dance to it? Even if you’re washing dishes, cooking dinner, folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, wrapping presents, baking cookies (actually I don’t bake cookies – buying cookies)…

Laugh every day. Love every minute. (And dance often!) Linda

If you’d like to look around my website, just click on my name at the top of the page.

My guest author today is Jennifer Faye – Welcome! Here’s a magical story to share for Christmas.

A Princess by Christmas by Jennifer Faye

A royal kiss under the mistletoe…

Prince Alexandro Castanovo arrives in snowy New York intent on protecting his royal family from scandal. And when Reese Harding—down-to-earth and heart-stoppingly beautiful—finds room for him at her inn, it seems like the perfect twist of fate.

Not long ago Reese’s world came crumbling down, shaking her foundations. But this enigmatic stranger intrigues her! She’s learned to be wary of secrets…but when she discovers Alex’s true identity, might there be enough magic in the air to make this regular American girl a princess by Christmas…?

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Jennifer donated a $10 Amazon card, paired with a package of author swag from Darcy Flynn to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I currently reside in Pennsylvania with my very patient husband, one amazing daughter (the other remarkable daughter has flown the coop to chase her own dreams) and two spoiled rotten cats. When I’m not glued to my laptop (which isn’t often) or enjoying some family time, I like reading, cross-stitch, embroidery, quilting, knitting, hockey (go Pittsburgh Penguins!), and gardening.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Google+

♪♫♪ On the seventh day of Christmas I’m going share with you:

warm maple taffy,

pimp for your table,

fine first course food,

four frugal gifts,

cream soda punch,

something to do, 

and cran-nut squares that’re gluten-free. ♪♫♪

Here’s a Canadian tradition – actually I’m not sure it’s Canadian, but we have lots of maple syrup and even more snow, so viola – you can enjoy both! It’s the perfect finger food to serve outdoors after skating or tobogganing.

Maple Taffy on Snow

2 cups maple syrup

Pack crushed ice or clean snow into a large shallow dish.

Pour maple syrup into a deep, heavy-duty pot. Bring to boil over medium heat. Boil without stirring until syrup reaches exactly 240° F on a candy thermometer, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and test by spooning a tablespoonful on the snow. It should harden to a taffy-like texture. (If it’s too hard, stir a bit of water into the syrup. If it’s too soft, boil the syrup another few minutes.) Use a small ladle or pitcher with a spout to pour the syrup in a long strip on the snow. Place the end of a popsicle stick on one end of the strip (perpendicular to it). The maple syrup will sink into the snow a bit and start to harden. After 30-45 seconds, invite your guest to roll the popsicle stick along the length of the taffy and enjoy!

Laugh every day. Love every minute. Linda

My guest author today is Ann Lacey – Welcome! 

A Second Chance for Murder by Ann Lacey

When a young woman is murdered during a party at the family estate and local authorities are unable to find the culprit, Lady Thora Mannington decides to take matters into her own hands and sets out to find the killer herself!

Fearing for his impulsive sister’s safety, her brother, Nyle turns to his friend Lord Garren Huntscliff for help. Though his investigating days are over, Garren cannot refuse his troubled friend. No sooner does he take on the case than two more deaths occur and he soon discovers that he is matching wits against a dangerous and clever killer. Complicating his effort is the lovely Lady Thora, who insists on joining forces with him yet refuses to adhere to his cautions, continually places herself at risk and is so disarmingly enchanting that he finds himself falling for her. Now Garren has two things on his mind, find a crafty and elusive killer and keep the reckless Lady Thora from becoming a victim herself!

Pick up a copy today from Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Ann donated a $25 Amazon card to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

I spent much of my life in New Jersey but have also lived in Florida and Wyoming. I currently reside in the lake region of central North Carolina. Living close to water, there are days when fog rolls in off the lake and creates an eerie mist. I love it but my dog, Molly, takes one look and refuses to leave the house.

When I’m not writing I read (lately with the help of a powerful pair of readers). For me there’s nothing better than a good who-done- it or a steamy romance! On rainy days, I enjoy watching old movies especially film noir and I can spend hours in an antique store.

I have recently moved to North Carolina and I’m delighted to say that southern hospitality truly exists!

Connect: Website | Twitter

♪♫♪ On the sixth day of Christmas I’m going share with you:

pimp for your table,

fine first course food,

four frugal gifts,

cream soda punch,

something to do, 

and cran-nut squares that’re gluten-free. ♪♫♪

I love setting tables. I set my own – usually 2-3 different ones throughout the Christmas season when we entertain and different ones for the 24^th and 25^th. As a gift for a friend, I put together a table setting and my kids joked that I ran out of tables at our house before I ran out of ideas!

I try to buy the fabric when it’s on sale and have made different coloured tablecloths and have made a variety of napkins to go with them. I’ve collected sets of coloured chargers (the big plates that go under the dinner plate) and mix and match. Sometimes it’s whimsical and colourful and sometimes a little more formal with cream and gold. I’ll go outside and collect branches or pine cones, use Christmas decorations or dollar store finds. Sitting down to share

a meal with family and friends is the most important part, no matter what the table looks like, but for me, putting together a pretty table is creative and relaxing!

Laugh every day. Love every minute. Linda

Today my guest author is Rebecca E. Neely – Welcome! Rebecca just released her novel A Mighty Good Man. It’s a fast paced, suspenseful story with sexy, gritty characters! Congratulations Rebecca on a great story!

A Mighty Good Man by Rebecca E. Neely

3 days. 2 people. 1 story.

‘Hank’ Jerry, a down and out writer, and Jack Darcy, a former gang leader, team up to write his story for mutual gain and end up falling for each other.

It’s not long before their romance is as hot as the copy she’s writing, but they’ve both got something to hide that could blow up in their faces, and with time running out and gang enforcers closing in, will the trust they’ve forged survive the ultimate test?

Pick up your copy today from Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Rebecca donated a $10 Amazon GC to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Rebecca E. Neely was born and raised in a small town in western Pennsylvania. Her father, an English teacher and a writer, instilled in her a love of words, and literature, especially short stories, at a young age. Her mother, a voracious reader, gave her Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild as a Christmas gift when she was nine, and Rebecca’s been hooked on reading stories of all stripes ever since.

Rebecca’s family also owned and managed a restaurant until she was about sixteen, and she grew up in the business, working, cooking, and eating. Rebecca enjoys finding, and reading new authors via her Kindle. Live music inspires her, as do the characters she’s blessed to have in her life, including her daughter, her boyfriend, and her mother. She loves drawing, crafting, walking, and camping. She also enjoys traveling, going to music festivals, and exploring cities she’s never been to before with her daughter.

In a former life, she earned a B.S. in Accounting, and worked in that field for about a decade. Since 2001, Rebecca has freelanced, writing a wide variety of copy for local magazines, and businesses all over the country. She is a member of Savvy Authors, and a PRO member of Romance Writers of America.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

♪♫♪ On the fifth day of Christmas I’m going share with you:

fine first course food,

four frugal gifts,

cream soda punch,

something to do, 

and cran-nut squares that’re gluten-free. ♪♫♪

Spinach and Dried Cherry Salad with Apple Butter Dressing

As promised, a recipe using the apple butter you bought for under $10. Delicious and nutritious. And the salad will fill you up so by the time you get to dessert, you’ll be full. (Not too full, just full enough for a smaller piece!) You can add any ingredients to this – whatever’s on hand! 🙂

Toss together in a large bowl:

Spinach and tender red mix (I use a pre-packaged one so I don’t have to wash the lettuce)

Avocado – diced

2 small cucumbers with skin on – sliced

1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved

1 Yellow pepper chopped

2 Tbsp red onion (I like it chopped finely)

1/4 cup dried cherries

1/4 cup Sunflower seeds

1/4 cup blueberries

¾ cup Feta cheese (optional)

Dressing

¼ cup olive oil

2 Tbsp white wine vinegar

1 Tbsp apple butter

Whisk with a fork until smooth.

Toss it all together and serve on small plates. Enjoy!

Laugh every day. Love every minute. Linda

Today my guest author is Jeanne Hardt. Welcome!

From the Ashes of Atlanta by Jeanne Hardt

After losing his Atlanta home and family to the war, Confederate soldier, Jeb Carter, somehow wakes up in a Boston hospital. Alone, desperate, and with a badly broken leg, he pretends to be mute to save himself from those he hates—Yankees.

Gwen Abbott, a student at Boston Women’s Medical College, is elated when she’s allowed to study under the guidance of a prominent doctor at Massachusetts General. While forced into a courtship with a man she can scarcely tolerate, her thoughts are consumed with their mysterious new patient. If only he could talk.

Two strangers from different worlds, joined by fate. Perhaps love can speak without words and win a war without a single shot being fired.

Pick up a copy today from Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Jeanne donated an autographed paperback copy of Marked, paired with a $10 Starbucks card from Jessica Jefferson to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

♪♫♪ On the fourth day of Christmas I’m going share with you:

four frugal gifts,

cream soda punch,

something to do, 

and cran-nut squares that’re gluten-free. ♪♫♪

Four gifts under $10. I’m an expert at this – come back on the tenth day of Christmas and find out why! My four frugal gifts are: a package of stamps (maybe they’ll send you a letter), a mini-skillet (I hope the kids aren’t reading this post), apple butter (and tomorrow I’ll give you a recipe to use it in) and an ornament (of course – it’s Christmas!). There you go – what did you buy this year for under $10?

Laugh every day. Love every minute. Linda

My guest author today is Darcy Flynn – Welcome! The best gift of all under $10 is Darcy’s book Rogue’s Son!

Rogue’s Son by Darcy Flynn

Tough, driven Kit Kendall has replaced her frills and dresses with no nonsense haircuts and wranglers, years ago. As owner of Sage Brush, the once thriving west Texas bed and breakfast ranch, she now struggles daily to keep her business afloat. Since McCabe Resort Lodge reopened next door as a multi-million dollar hotel, her financial difficulties compound, as she suffers one cancellation after another.

Just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse, Kit’s childhood sweetheart turned nemesis returns as the new owner of the resort that’s now putting her out of business, resurrecting memories she thought she’d buried long ago.

Cowboy, entrepreneur Sam Dawson has returned to Sugar Creek, Texas after six years of exile with a secret that could destroy Kit’s happiness. He left town because of it and for the past two years has secretly tried to make it right. Having failed, he now returns to make one last attempt to undo the tangled web created by his father.

Set in motion by his father’s Last Will and Testament and with the clock ticking, Sam has only weeks to convince Kit to sell him her ranch or reveal the truth that will break her heart.

Pick up a copy today at Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Darcy donated a package full of author swag, paired with a $10 Amazon card from Jennifer Faye to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Joy Dent writes sweet contemporary romances as Darcy Flynn. Her life is a gumbo world. Take a little New Orleans heritage, some art, music, dance and add a lot of love and time to simmer and all you have is spice, flavor, and a memory of something so fine you can’t wait for another helping. Her fiction is a few B&Bs, a bit of moon magic and a lot of problems mixed with a healthy portion of sweet romance. Add a dash of sizzle and a lot of sass and all that’s left is magic.

A native of New Orleans, Darcy swapped her city roots for garden boots when she and her husband moved to their farm in Franklin, Tennessee, where Darcy is surrounded by her beautiful gardens and a menagerie of living creatures–English setters and Millie Fleur chickens, being her favorite.

Although, published in the Christian non-fiction market under her real name, Joy Dent, it was the empty nest that turned her to writing romantic fiction. A lover of lighthouses, Darcy’s first novel, Keeper Of My Heart, is set in a small Maryland fishing village on the Chesapeake Bay. Her short story, Sealed With a Kiss: Prequel to Keeper of My Heart is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Google+

♪♫♪ On the third day of Christmas I’m going share with you:

cream soda punch,

something to do, 

and cran-nut squares that’re gluten-free. ♪♫♪

Cream Soda Punch

I bet you always wanted a recipe for a delicious pink punch! It’s a mix of orange juice, cream soda, and lemonade with a hint of coconut. I use the Bacardi pina colada mix but skip the alcohol. The best part are the cream soda ice cubes – don’t skimp on those.

26 oz/650 mL bottle of cream soda

12 oz/300 mL can frozen pink lemonade concentrate

12 oz/300 mL can frozen orange juice concentrate

8 oz/250 mL can frozen Bacardi pina colada mix (this adds a smooth coconut flavour)

48 oz water

Chill all ingredients. Pour some of the cream soda into an ice cube tray and freeze to make ice cubes. Open each can of frozen concentrate and pour into large bowl. Add 2 cans of water using orange juice can and 2 cans of water using lemonade can. Add 2 cups cream soda. Stir and chill then serve using pink ice cubes. (Cause that’s just fun!)

Laugh every day. Love every minute. Linda

My guest author today is Stephanie Berget. Welcome!

Sugarwater Ranch by Stephanie Berget

Bullrider Sean O’Connell’s life is perfect, or it was until his partying lifestyle affects his riding ability. Now he’s ended the season too broke to leave the Northwest for the warm southern rodeos. When a wild night with his buddies gets out of hand, he wakes up naked, staring into the angry eyes of a strange woman. His infallible O’Connell charm gets him nowhere with the dark-haired beauty. It’s obvious she’s not his usual good-time girl, so why can’t he forget her?

Catherine Silvera finds a waterlogged, unconscious cowboy freezing to death in front of her uncle’s Sugarwater Bar. She saves his life—then runs faster than a jackrabbit with a coyote on its tail. Any man who makes his living rodeoing is bad news, especially if he thinks partying is part of the competition. He’s everything she doesn’t want in a man, yet she shake her attraction to the rugged cowboy.

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Stephanie donated a PB copy of Sugarwater Ranch with a keychain to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

♪♫♪ On the second day of Christmas I’m going share with you:

something to do, 

and cran-nut squares that’re gluten-free. ♪♫♪

Need something to do? Watch a holiday movie. My favourite is the cartoon version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s a classic with a great message and fun songs, but the best part is that my husband, three sons and I watch it together on Christmas eve (after a hearty meal of roast beast haha just kidding). My sons are often busy with their friends when they’re home for the holiday so it’s precious time when we have dinner and spend the evening together. My favourite part of The Grinch is when the little dog hitches a ride on the back of the sleigh and enjoys the ride with his ears pasted back in the wind, his tail wagging, and a huge grin on his face. That’s how I feel when we’re all home together. Here’s a fun fact –  Thurl Ravenscroft who sang “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is also the voice of Tony the Tiger!

Laugh every day. Love every minute. – Linda

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♪♫♪ On the first day of Christmas I’m going to share with you: Cran-nut squares that are gluten-free. ♪♫♪

GF Cranberry Nut Squares

Yum! Gluten-free Cranberry Nut Squares – a gluten-free adaptation of a recipe from Canadian Living Magazine. Sort of like date squares, but made with cranberries for a festive twist.

Nut crust:                                                                         Cranberry Filling:

1 cup (150 g) roasted whole hazelnuts                          340 g/~4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1 cup (100 g) roasted whole almonds                            1 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup gluten-free flour                                                  1 tsp grated orange zest

½ cup granulated sugar                                                    1/3 cup orange juice

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ tsp each cinnamon and ground ginger

2/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

To make filling: In saucepan bring cranberries, sugar, orange zest and orange juice to boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes.

To make crust: In food processor, pulse together nuts, flour, sugars, cinnamon and ginger until the nuts are finely chopped. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of mixture into the bottom of a parchment paper-lined 9-inch square cake pan. Bake in 350°F oven until golden, about 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.

Spread cranberry filling over crust and sprinkle with remaining nut mixture. Bake in 350°F oven until topping is golden, about 40 minutes. Let cool completely in pan then cut into squares. Enjoy!

Laugh every day. Love every minute. – Linda

My guest author today is Jessica Jefferson – Welcome!

Taming Miss Tisdale by Jessica Jefferson

Miss Tamsin Tisdale believes herself to be completely unsuitable for London life. After a myriad of social mishaps, and the potential ruination of her family name, she’s shipped away to her cousin’s northern estate. Only after she accepts the type of existence Society dictates she must follow will she be welcomed home.

Marcus Winston, the Duke of Grayson, has a lackluster reputation. The last in a dying line, he’s endured a protected life—rank with privilege, but encumbered by isolation. After a brief encounter with rebellion, he learns the devastating consequences of his carelessness and willingly accepts living life from inside his gilded cage.

However, a chance meeting with the brazen Miss Tisdale gives Marc the opportunity to reinvent himself into the man he’s always dreamed of being. But when his deception comes to light, and ghosts from both their pasts threaten to unravel the intimacy they’ve come to cherish, will either of them set their fears aside long enough to embrace love? Or will Miss Tisdale’s stubbornness divide them?

Pick up your copy today at Amazon.

As part of The 12 Days of Christmas celebration, Jessica donated a $10 Starbucks card, paired with an autographed PB of Marked from Jeanne Hardt to the prize list. Click HERE for this and many more random drawings. To follow the celebration, find a new recipe, pick up a holiday decorating or shopping tip, click HERE.

About the Author

Jessica Jefferson makes her home in northern Indiana, or as she likes to think of it – almost Chicago. Jessica originally attended college in hopes of achieving an English degree and writing the next great American novel. Ten years later she was working as a registered nurse and reading historical romance when she decided to give writing another go-round.

Jessica writes likes she speaks – which has a tendency to be fast paced and humorous. She is heavily inspired by sweeping, historical romance novels, but aims to take those key emotional elements and inject a fresh blend of quick dialogue and comedy.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Join our 12 Days of Christmas Celebration.

Join me and 21 other authors for lots of fun and prizes, celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

Ho! Ho! Ho! The Rafflecopter is closed for entries.

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Join me for 12 Days of Christmas fun starting December 14!

22 authors will be sharing holiday traditions, recipes and gift ideas. And for those last minute shoppers, there will be gift giveaways! I’ll keep you posted!