"The Tenth Suitor," by Laura Strickland, is the feature for the 10th Day of Christmas!

We're almost at the end of our Twelve Brides of Christmas series! Today's holiday story is by the talented Laura Strickland, and is called "The Tenth Suitor." The cover, with its castle background, captured me immediately, and then with the blurb and excerpt--I was hooked! I've already purchased my Kindle copy, and am looking forward to digging in. Welcome, Laura! Tell us a little bit about your book, and I understand you're offering a GIVEAWAY of a Christmas novella, as well?

Buy this book HERE

I’m so pleased to be here today as part of the “12 Brides of Christmas” Author Spotlight! For a chance to win an electronic copy of my other Christmas novella released this year, MRS. CLAUS AND THE VIKING SHIP, just comment with your answer to this question: 

As the heroine of THE TENTH SUITOR discovers, Christmas is the perfect time for romance, so what’s the most romantic Christmas gift you ever received? (We’ll need to keep it PG, please!) I’ll bet you have some beautiful stories to share!

I will be choosing one random comment by noon tomorrow for the free e-copy of my magical story, so be sure to comment below!

I think it’s such a lovely idea to have twelve wonderful Christmas tales about brides and true love. Here’s a little bit about my book, THE TENTH SUITOR, including an excerpt and some buy links for you! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope everyone has a warm and wonderful holiday season!

THE TENTH SUITOR Blurb:

When Edwina Armstrong’s father invites ten titled lords to spend Christmas at his estate so Edwina may choose one for a husband, she finds the idea romantic. She dreams of gazing into the eyes of one of her suitors and falling deep in love. But it soon becomes apparent the lords in question are far more interested in gaining her father’s estate than Edwina’s hand.

Thorstan’s in attendance but he hasn’t been invited and he’s no lord. A former mercenary, he’s come disguised as a fool to get near Edwina, long adored from afar.  Edwina quickly falls for his charm and quirky humor even though she fears her father will never approve of a commoner for her husband.  But when Edwina is abducted, only Thorstan—a skilled swordsman— has hope of rescuing her in time for the promised Christmas wedding.

 THE TENTH SUITOR excerpt:

Edwina quickened her steps, and the fool drew her arm more closely against his side.  Oh, highly improper, but at the moment she did not care. 

                A guard stood at the gate.  Edwina nodded to him, and they passed into the chill of the evening, and a wash of moonlight.

                A stone wall lay to the left; Edwina urged her escort there and drew a deep draught of air.  “You are right, Lord Fool.  Much better.”

                “’Lord Fool’?” he questioned, his mouth beside her ear.

                “If you can call me ‘lady,’, I can call you ‘lord.’.”  She turned her head and found her face very near his.  Aye, most improper – but it was such a luxury to be with a man taller than she.

                Too bad he was just a fool.

                He leaned on the wall beside her.  “My fool’s wisdom tells me you are not enjoying this great pageant staged for your benefit.”

                “That I am not.”

                “Yet I hear there is much gaiety and frolic yet to come–a play, and even a masked dance.”

                “Aye.  Perhaps you can attend as a fool.”

                “Perhaps I will.  If I do, will you dance with me?”  He caught both her hands and, in true fool’s fashion, whirled her about in the cold air until her breath came fast and she laughed aloud.  Edwina could no longer hear the music from inside, but the fool hummed a tune in a deep, velvety voice.  The moonlight flickered around them, striping his face in brightness and then shadow until all she could see was the laughter in his eyes.  When they came to rest at last, she leaned against him.

                “You should laugh more often,” he said.  “It makes you even more beautiful.”

                Suddenly Edwina felt breathless from more than the whirling dance. 

Buy Links for THE TENTH SUITOR:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tenth-Suitor-Twelve-Brides-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00OFAM3JW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414942086&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Tenth+Suitor

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_176_138&products_id=5912

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-tenth-suitor-laura-strickland/1120674789?ean=2940150723146

KOBO: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-tenth-suitor

Author Bio:

Born and raised in Western New York, Laura Strickland has pursued lifelong interests in lore, legend, magic and music, all reflected in her writing. Though her imagination frequently takes her to far off places, she is usually happiest at home not far from Lake Ontario with her husband and her "fur" child, a rescue dog. Author of Scottish romance Devil Black as well as The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy consisting of Daughter of Sherwood, Champion of Sherwood and Lord of Sherwood, she is currently working on the second book of a new Steampunk romance series and has two Christmas novellas releasing this season: The Tenth Suitor and Mrs. Claus and the Viking Ship. 

Author Web Page: www.laurastricklandbooks.com  

The 9th Day of Christmas brings "Faerie Faith" by Silver James!

If you've been following my blog, you'll know that today is the 9th Day of Christmas, and in honor of this day, my fellow Twelve Brides of Christmas author, Silver James, has penned a delicious romance called "Faerie Faith." Welcome, Silver!

Thank you so much for hosting me today for the fantastic “12 Brides of Christmas” Author Spotlight! In my book, FAERIE FAITH, Abhean, the Fae Harper, has been exiled to the mortal realm and stripped of his memory and his magic. He’s now a street musician in New York City during the Christmas holidays. With so many great Christmas movies set in NYC, I’ve always wanted to experience Christmas in the Big Apple.

For a chance to win a FREE e-copy of FAERIE FAITH—my magical holiday story—comment below with your answer to my holiday question:

If you could go to NYC during the Christmas season, what one thing would be on your Must Do List? Macy’s Christmas Parade? The Rockettes? Ice skating at Rockefeller Center? And because I’m a writer, I want to know why your chose this activity. Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win. You must also leave your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win! I’ll randomly select a winner on Christmas Eve so make sure I have your emails!

Here’s a little bit about my book, FAERIE FAITH, including an excerpt and the places where you can find it. Thanks again for stopping by, and don’t forget to comment for a chance to WIN!!!

FAERIE FAITH Blurb:

Abhean, the fae Harper, is exiled to the mortal realm until he finds the other half of his heart. As Venn McLyre, the NYC street musician, he has no memory of his true nature—or his magic. When he steps in to save reluctant bride, Gwyneth Riley, he could lose more than his heart—he could lose his immortality.

Socialite Gwyn Riley is resigned to marrying Sumner Barrett, son of her mother’s best friend. A marriage based on duty to family and convenience, she has no pretensions about love. It takes the magic touch of a poor musician to open her heart to the possibilities. When three couples arrive to remind Venn of his identity, he has only moments to stop Gwyn’s wedding. Is he too late, or will the King of Tir Nan Óg step in to grant Abhean and Gywn their own happy ever after?

FAERIE FAITH Excerpt:

Hours stretched into days, and finally, Venn could stand it no longer. He grabbed his duffel stuffed with instruments and headed out. He would drown his sorrow in music. He would fill the air with laments until the

whole city’s heart broke and the people wept with him. He caught the subway, traveling close to Times Square before he de-trained. The crowds here were good, filled with holiday cheer. The trains ran on a schedule that gave him time for a song between. He took up his station between the platform and the turnstiles. Setting out his copper pot, he withdrew the soft fiddle case from his duffel and pulled out his violin. After a few tweaks, he pulled his bow across the strings. People paused. He flexed his fingers and began to play.

Notes ripped from the depths of his soul filled the air, each one dripping a tear. His hair flew around his face as he coaxed the tune from wood and string. The violin wailed, baring Venn’s tortured soul. Then it wept but offered no consolation for his loss. Gwyn. Her name was both a prayer and a curse on the tip of his tongue. How could one woman bring him to the depths of despair? He’d sworn never to love, but he’d had no choice. She stole into his heart, surrounding its darkness with light and sweetness, with sunset hair and Galway blue eyes.

He finished the song, one dredged from his soul, on a last sighing note. Silence thundered in his ears. A woman stepped forward, tears streaking her perfect makeup. She dropped money in his pot and moved on.

Buy Links for FAERIE FAITH:

Buy from Amazon | Wild Rose Press | All Romance and mark it WANT TO READ on Goodreads

Author Bio:

Silver James likes to take walks on the dark side and coffee. Okay. She loves coffee. LOTS of coffee. Warning: Her Muse, Iffy, runs with scissors and can be quite dangerous. She’s the author of two award-winning urban fantasy series, Moonstruck and The Penumbra Papers. She's been a military officer's wife, mother, state appellate court marshal, airport rescue firefighter and forensic fire photographer, crime analyst, technical crime scene investigator, and writer of magic and mystery. Now retired from the “real world,” she lives in Oklahoma and spends her days at the computer with two Newfoundland dogs, the cat who rules them all, and myriad characters all clamoring for attention. She writes dark paranormal thrillers, time travel romance, and sexy contemporary romance. To find out more about Silver, visit her at www.silverjames.com, like her on FACEBOOK, or follow her infrequent tweets at @SilverJames_. You can also sign up for SILVER’S NEWSLETTER by clicking.

On the 7th day of Christmas I read "Seven Swans Bride" by Donna Dalton!

It's the 7th Day of Christmas, and what's more fitting than a story from my fellow Twelve Brides of Christmas Author, Donna Dalton, with her story "Seven Swans Bride." I have to admit, Donna, I was curious how you were going to incorporate 7 Swans into a holiday romance, but you did it, and so cleverly!! Tell me a little bit about your story, and I understand you have a GIVEAWAY?

Buy Donna's book HERE

Thank you so much for hosting me today for the “12 Brides of Christmas” Author Spotlight! My book, “Seven Swans Bride” is the seventh stanza of the Twelve Days of Christmas which includes seven swans a’ swimming - and of course a bride. This sweet historical romance is set just after the American civil war.

For a chance to win a FREE e-copy of “Seven Swans Bride” comment below with your answer to my holiday question. I will be choosing one random comment by noon EDST tomorrow, so scroll down and leave a comment!

Do you have any holiday traditions that have been passed down through the years from generation to generation? If so, I’d love to hear about them. If not, just list a tradition you’d like to see started.

Here’s a little bit about my book, “Seven Swans Bride”, including an excerpt and some buy links for you! Thanks again for stopping by, and don’t forget to comment for a chance to WIN!!! J

Seven Swans Bride Blurb:

Family comes first for Abigail Whitlock. She’ll do anything to make it home to Seven Swans in time for Christmas and to attend her sister’s wedding - even if it means braving unforgiving mountainous terrain, fickle winter weather, and a captivating escort who threatens to steal her heart.

Country and duty come before all else for Major Evander Holt. He’s scheduled to arrive at his new assignment by year’s end, but a rockslide, a wily politician, and a headstrong, impetuous lady put his travel plans on hold. He doesn't need to come to her rescue, and he certainly doesn't need to fall in love with her. But there's something about Abigail he can't resist...even if it means risking his career.

Seven Swans Bride Excerpt:

Evander moved into the station house and closed the door behind him. Passengers littered the floor like routed soldiers, some sitting on trunks, others standing in small groups, their faces creased with apprehension. Even the children were subdued. The sudden cessation of their trip had everyone battle-shocked.

On the other side of the room near the ticket counter, Miss Whitlock and Congressman Jones had their gazes locked on him. One looked as though she’d swallowed a dose of castor oil. The other wore a satisfied grin. Were those expressions for him? Neither was particularly welcoming.

Miss Whitlock broke off her stare and fiddled with her crooked hat feather. Hair the color of sun-ripened wheat poured out from beneath her hat and framed her pretty face now flushed a charming shade of pink. He couldn’t see her eyes from across the distance, but he recalled their intensity as he held her close after the sudden braking of the train. They were deep blue, like a bottomless ocean, one a less sentient man might drown in.

Buy links:

The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=241_172_249&products_id=5916

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=node%3D154606011&field-keywords=seven+swans+bride

Author BIO:

Donna Dalton  uses the rich history of her home state of Virginia and the American Civil War to create action-packed, emotional romances. Her favorite pastime is to tour the many battlefields and museums and bring those places to life in her stories. She has four full-length historical novels published with The Wild Rose Press as well as several contemporary short stories. You can visit her at www.donnadalton.net or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DonnaDaltonbooks

Honoring the 6th Day of Christmas is "Six Geese for Monica" by Brenda Gayle

Today is a super sweet story from fellow Twelve Brides of Christmas author, Brenda Gayle, called "Six Geese for Monica." Welcome, Brenda! Tell me a little bit about your holiday story...and I understand you have a GIVEAWAY??

Buy Brenda's book HERE

Thank you so much for hosting me today. I love Christmas stories, so when The Wild Rose Press asked me to contribute to its Twelve Brides of Christmas anthology, I jumped at the opportunity. What could be more wonderful than a series that involves brides, Christmas, and one of the “gifts” of the famous Twelve Days of Christmas song? Of course, I hadn’t fully realized considered that I’d have to work “six geese a-laying” into my plot, but that just made it more fun.

For a chance to win a FREE e-copy of Six Geese for Monica let me know: What is a typical Christmas meal at your home?

I’ll start: Turkey is an absolute essential at my Christmas table. I’ve tried to convince my family to be adventurous and try ham or goose (which would be very awkward this year), but they’ll have none of it. In addition, there’s usually mashed potatoes, green beans, and a squash/carrot casserole. Dessert is generally an assortment of baking my mother has provided, as well as a heated Christmas pudding with a decadent hard sauce (essentially an excuse to eat pure sugar blended with a rich cream).

Here’s a little bit about Six Geese for Monica, including an excerpt and some buy links for you. Thanks again for stopping by today and please come back tomorrow to meet another Twelve Brides author. And, of course, don’t forget to comment for a chance to win the book. I’ll be randomly picking one comment tomorrow.

Six Geese for Monica Blurb:

Seven years ago Monica Stevens left her home town with no intention of returning. Her inability to conceive a child not only devastated her fifteen-year marriage, it made her doubt her appeal as a woman. When her mother has to undergo surgery, she reluctantly agrees to come back and run the Mother Goose Daycare.

Luke Donovan is struggling to balance his career with his duties as a single father to six adopted children. The death of his wife has thrown the adoption of their two youngest sons into limbo. He is further stymied by a dogmatic social worker who questions whether a single parent can adequately care for so many children.

Initially brought together by the children, Monica and Luke quickly surrender to their growing passion. But when she learns about the threatened adoption, Monica wonders if Luke's interest in her is only as a mother to his children. Is history about to repeat itself, or will a Christmas miracle finally give Monica the family she's always dreamed of having?

Six Geese for Monica Excerpt:

“Gotta love the Internet. There’s a music stream for every situation.” He took a step toward her and held out his hand. “Wanna dance?”

Monica allowed the music to move through her as she and Luke danced through Culture Club, Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical,” and Hall and Oates’ “Maneater.” She hadn’t heard this music in years and it brought back feelings of being young and free, and a sense of the wild abandon she’d experienced on the high school dance floor.

The mood shifted as the attic filled with the first strains of “Sailing” by Christopher Cross. That, too, brought back high school memories of those awkward moments when you didn’t know if the boy you were dancing with was willing to slow dance with you or if he was going to abandon you on the dance floor.

Luke didn’t hesitate. He wrapped both arms around her waist as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She reached up to encircle his neck, and rested her head against his chest. She could hear his heart beating, steady and firm. He was steady and firm. He smelled wonderful, a mixture of his woodsy aftershave with the softly sweet scent of the soap used by both him and his children.

He was a good dancer, his moves confident and clear. It was obviously something he’d done a lot of. Jeff hadn’t liked to dance—typical jock—and she’d missed it during their time together—and after. How long since she’d been held on a dance floor? Or not on the dance floor, for that matter?

A good dancer. A good husband. A good father. Why couldn’t she have met Luke, or someone like him, twenty years ago?

I love the premise of you book--especially the 80's references! :) I know you are giving away a copy of your e-book to one lucky commenter below...but here are the links so the rest of my readers can buy a copy of your book:

Buy Links:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Geese-Monica-Twelve-Brides-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00OQECIJM

The Wild Rose Press (all books): http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=494

Author Bio:

I've been a writer all my life but returned to my love of fiction after more than 20 years in the world of corporate communications—although some might argue there is plenty of opportunity for fiction-writing there, too. I have a Master's degree in journalism and an undergraduate degree in psychology. A fan of many genres, I am drawn to contemporary romance and enjoy creating deeply emotional stories with elements of mystery and suspense. 

I live in eastern Ontario (Canada) with my wonderful husband, two fabulous children, a rescued cat, two Siberian Huskies, and assorted aquatic wildlife. You can connect with me through my website at www.BrendaGayle.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads.

On the first day of Christmas...came Jan Romes's story "Big on Christmas"

I'm thrilled to host the first of my fellow "Twelve Brides of Christmas" authors, Jan Romes on my blog for this First Day of Christmas with her new story, "Big on Christmas." Welcome, Jan!

I’m tickled to be here today as part of the “Twelve Brides of Christmas” author’s spotlight! My part of this incredible series was geared around ‘Partridge in a pear tree’, and is titled Big On Christmas! In the opening scene, Cassie says right from the get-go that she’s NOT a partridge in a pear tree kind of girl. From there, the fun begins.

Buy it now on Amazon HERE!

One of things stressed in the story is the annual Wassail Weekend that in reality takes place the first weekend of December in Woodstock, Vermont. I thought I’d share a wassail recipe in case you’d like to make it for your Christmas get-togethers:

Wassail

2 qts. Apple cider

1 ½ c. orange juice

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

½ tsp. lemon juice

2 cinnamon sticks

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Pinch of ground cloves

Pinch of nutmeg

* For wassail with a kick add brandy or rum

Put all ingredients in a slow cooker & cook it until it boils, then simmer it the rest of the day. It will taste delicious and the house will smell yummy too.

Mmmm! That looks amazing! I love that you can do it in your slow cooker, too--that is my favorite kitchen appliance!! Here's Jan's book blurb--I've already bought my copy! I can't wait to read it!!

"Big on Christmas" Blurb:

Born to free-spirited, convention-shucking parents, Cassie Newman thirsts for normal. Leaving L.A. with a secret, she finds herself in Woodstock, VT – a town rich with Christmas tradition. She’s not big on Christmas but Woodstock feels like the perfect fit. Landing a job with Stennett’s Hardware, she tried to forget the world she knew, but Luke Stennett’s small-town charm makes her even more aware of the life she never had.

Luke has his hands full with running the store and caring for his dad. He’s attracted to Cassie but he doesn’t have time for a relationship. Things are starting to go right but he harbors a secret of his own that has the potential to turn everything upside down. Once their secrets are revealed, will it kill the chemistry and send Cassie back to L.A.? Or will she fight for her happiness and stay firmly planted in a place big on Christmas?

Buy links for Big on Christmas:   

Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B00OWLKE1S

The Wild Rose Press link is HERE 

Barnes and Noble link can be found HERE:  

Author Bio: Jan Romes is a hopeless romantic who grew up in northwest Ohio with eight zany siblings. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she’s also a proud mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She likes to read all genres, writes witty contemporary romance, and enjoys gardening and finding new ways to stay fit.

 You can visit Jan at:  www.authorjanromes.com  or on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/jan.romes.5 and also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JanRomes