Friday, December 6, 2013

Forever Blog Tour: GIANT Guest Post + Giveaway!



Today I'm proud to host Debbie Mason, Jennifer Haymore, Sue-Ellen Welfonder, Jessica Scott, and Nina Rowan as part of the Fa La La Forever Blog Tour! Below you will find their guest post, author bios, book information, and, at the bottom, a giveaway for one lucky reader of this blog! :) Enjoy!





Top 5 holiday novels (romance or others)





Debbie Mason: My favorite holiday read is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Growing up my children's favorite was The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. They loved the bell that came with the book.



Jennifer Haymore: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens



Sue-Ellen Welfonder: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  I re-read it every year and never tire of watching old b/w re-runs on TV.  It’s a classic – simply the best.



Jessica Scott: There are far too many to count! I'm a sucker for a holiday story. But I just read a really great story by my friend Elisabeth Barrett, Christmas in Tahoe, and it's really fabulous! Plus, the hero has a beard, so that's a plus:)



Nina Rowan: This is a short story rather than a novel, but I have always loved O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, the story of a poor couple who struggle to buy Christmas gifts and then give up valuable possession of their own to please each other. The message of selflessness and love is perfect for a holiday story. I also love many children’s picture books with a Christmas theme—Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, The Polar Express, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, to name just a few.



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GROWING UP I spent more time reading than playing with friends. Which might explain why I didn't have many of them. Once I'd read every book I was allowed to (and some I wasn't) I decided to write my own stories. I liked mine better. The characters in my books did and said exactly what I wanted them to. 

A SMALL RAILROAD TOWN was not my idea of teenage paradise. But I can forgive my dad for moving the family there, because he was the one who introduced me to my future husband, a handsome Italian boy whom Dad said, " looks a lot like Rocky, only taller." Two years later, I married that Italian boy. We eventually had three amazing children, who hardly ever did as they were told. But that was okay, because the children in my stories did.

MY DREAM of becoming a published author took a backseat to raising my children and running several businesses with my husband. In 2007, we sold the businesses and our youngest graduated from high school, giving me time to focus on my writing. I joined two romance writing groups and began letting my characters do and say what they wanted to.

DREAMS DON'T HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE and six manuscripts and an agent later, writing as Debbie Mazzuca, my debut book, LORD OF THE ISLES, was published in 2010 by Kensington Books. I wrote two more historical paranormals for Kensington, garnering nominations for best paranormal from the Golden Leaf, Romance Reviews, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice nomination, as well as a Holt Medallion Medal of Honor. 


A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS as I'm now writing a contemporary romance series set in the fun-filled fictional town of Christmas, Colorado. My characters make me laugh and cry and, like me, they get their happy-ever-after. After 32 years of marriage my husband is still the man of my dreams. And those amazing children of mine turned out even more incredible than I ever could have hoped for. The arrival of our adorable grandbaby last year has made our lives complete. But I wouldn't say no to a dozen more--babies or books.
Where to Find Debbie:


The Trouble with Christmas by Debbie Mason
Publisher: Forever (September 24, 2013)
Series: Christmas Colorado, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance (holiday)

It will take a Christmas miracle to melt her heart.

Resort developer Madison Lane is about to lose the one thing she loves most in the world—her job. Dubbed "The Grinch Who Killed Christmas," Madison spoiled a deal that would turn quaint Christmas, Colorado, into a tourist's winter wonderland. Now the citizens want her fired but the company gives her one last chance, sending Madison to the small town to restore the holiday cheer.


For Sheriff Gage McBride, no hotshot executive from New York City is going to destroy the dreams of the people he loves. But one look at this beautiful woman and it's his heart that may be broken. In just a few days, Madison causes more trouble than he's had to deal with all year. He can't decide if she's naughty or nice, but one thing is for certain—Christmas will never be the same again...


Where to Buy*:
More Info:





Jennifer Haymore grew up in California and on the Big Island of Hawaii. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Education from UCLA. Before she became a full-time writer she held various jobs from bookselling to teaching inner-city children to playing bit roles in soap operas.
You can find Jennifer in Southern California trying to talk her husband into yet another trip to England, helping her three children with homework while brainstorming a new five-minute dinner menu, or crouched in a corner of the local bookstore writing her next novel.
Where to Find Jennifer:



His for Christmas by Jennifer Haymore
Publisher: Forever Yours (October 1, 2013) 
Series: House of Trent, 1.5
Genre: Historical Romance (holiday)

Jennifer Haymore introduced sweet, but shy Lady Esme in The Duchess Hunt, the first novel in her House of Trent Series. But what readers may not know is that proper young Lady Esme has a secret: the youngest sister of the Duke of Trent privately pens erotic stories! 

Society would never allow Lady Esme to share her own work, so her friend Jennifer Haymore is here to help—and just in time for Christmas! 


His for Christmas is the steamy story of two travelers who find themselves stranded in an inn when an upexpected snowstorm blankets the English countryside. As the temperature drops, desire rises and the two strangers share a night of passion unlike anything either has ever experienced. When dawn breaks and the storm clears, will they continue on thier seperate journeys, or will they begin a new path together?


Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Sue-Ellen Welfonder is a card-carrying Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent (free) trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty year career with the airlines. Bi-lingual, she flew international all those years, working her flights as foreign language speaker. Her flying career allowed her to see the world, but it was always to Scotland that she returned. 

Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She spent fifteen years living in Europe and used that time to explore as many castle ruins, medieval abbeys, and stone circles as possible. Anything ancient, crumbling, or lichened caught her eye. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity as each trip gives her inspiration for new books.

Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a four-hundred-and-fifty year old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.

Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell Terrier in Florida. Readers can learn more about her and the world of her books at: www.welfonder.com. 

Where to Find Sue-Ellen:


Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Publisher: Forever Yours (December 3, 2013) 
Series: Scandalous Scots, 0.5
Genre: Historical Romance (holiday)


ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS

Warrior Grim Mackintosh understands why his friend Archibald MacNab has decreed there be no trace of Christmas in his castle. After a devastating attack destroyed everything-and everyone-in Archie's life, he prefers to stew in his own misery until the holiday passes. But Duncreag has seen enough tragedy. Grim decides to throw a grand Yuletide feast, one that the bards will sing about for years to come, one that will remind his laird how beloved he is. He can't do it alone, though. Grim needs an accomplice . . . 

There's nothing Breena O'Doherty won't do for Archie, so she's thrilled to help Grim with his plan. Yet she has a Christmas wish all her own-to win Grim's heart-and this might be her only chance to make it come true. As Breena and Grim work together to bring the joy of the season to the cold, gloomy castle and to the heart of the cantankerous chieftain, an undeniable passion ignites between them. But when a shocking secret about Breena's past comes to light, threatening everything she holds dear, will it ruin Christmas in Duncreag forevermore?



Where to Buy*:
More Info:



Jessica Scott is a career army officer, mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

She's written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of OIF/New Dawn and is currently a company commander stationed at Fort Hood.

Most recently, she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.
Where to Find Jessica:


I'll Be Home for Christmas by Jessica Scott
Publisher: Forever Yours (November 5, 2013) 
Series: Coming Home, 2.6
Genre: Contemporary Romance (holiday)

There's nothing in the world Army Sergeant Vic Carponti loves more than his wife and his country. Smart-mouthed and easy tempered, he takes everything as a joke...except his promise to come home to his wife, Nicole, for Christmas. As he prepares to leave for his latest deployment into Iraq, Vic will do everything he can to shield his beautiful, supportive wife from the realities of war...and from his own darkest fears.


As a career army wife, Nicole Carponti knows just what to expect from her husband's tour of duty: loneliness, relentless worry, and a seemingly endless countdown until the moment Vic walks through the door again. But when the unthinkable happens, Nicole and Vic's bond is tested like never before and changes everything they believe to be true about the power of love and the simple beauty of being home for the holidays.


Where to Buy*:
 Kindle | NOOK 
More Info:
Psst - - Kame, Pat, and I reviewed and discussed this book last month. LOVED it! :)



Originally from California, Nina Rowan holds a PhD in Art History from McGill University, Montreal, with a specialization in 19th century French and Russian art. She began writing when she was an undergraduate at UCLA and lived a dual life as a student and a pseudonymous erotica author. She has studied Indian and Southeast Asian art and film, worked as a curatorial assistant at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and traveled in India and Europe.

A librarian-at-heart, she also holds an MA in Library and Information Sciences, a course of study that renewed a deep-seated interest in folklore and fairy tales. In addition to being an eternal student, or likely because of it, Nina possesses an abiding love for research that involves dusty, old books. She also thinks popcorn should be one of the four food groups. She lives in Wisconsin with her atmospheric scientist husband and two children.
Where to Find Nina:


Twas the Night before Mischief by Nina Rowan
Publisher: Forever Yours (December 10, 2013) 
Series: Daring Hearts, 2.5
Genre: Historical Romance (holiday)

'Twas the night before mischief and all through the house, a lady was plotting—it was time to break out!

When Penelope Darlington is persuaded to elope with a most unsuitable suitor, she wastes no time. With visions of passion and adventure dancing in her head, she steals away in the middle of the night, just before her father’s Christmas feast.

Fearing for his daughter’s reputation, Henry Darlington begs Darius Hall, the Earl of Rushton’s daring yet discreet son, to bring Penelope home. When Darius finally catches up to Penelope, he is shocked. She’s not the silly little girl he expected, but a beautiful woman with a sharp mind and an allure that cannot be ignored.


Now forced to kidnap Penelope in order to bring her home, Darius and his new charge spend the next several days—and nights—in very close quarters. Penelope wanted passion and adventure, but she never could have imagined the pleasures Darius can provide…


Where to Buy*:
More Info:



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a Rafflecopter giveaway




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Thanks for stopping by today, ladies! :) 


What is your favorite holiday book, romance or otherwise? 


Remember, one lucky reader will win the giveaway -- fill out the Rafflecopter above!






Enjoy!



Until Next Time,


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  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

16 comments :

girlygirlhoosier52 said...

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham which was made into the movie, Christmas With the Kranks...
But the book was better!! I had the audio version and got to laughting so hard that I almost drove into a ditch!!

Eva M said...

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry and A Christmas Bride by Mary
Balogh

cheryl c. said...

I read a lot of Christmas romances, so it is hard to choose. One of my favorites is The Gift by Nora Roberts.

Angieleigh Eads said...

Together for Christmas by Mimi Barbour!

Janie said...

My favorite holiday romance is Nancy Warren's "Nutcracker Sweet."

bn100 said...

a Christmas carol

Erin F said...

I'm also gonna have to go with a Christmas Carol b/c that's all I can think of right now ;) Thanks for sharing!

librarypat said...

It is hard to think of just one favorite. I reread as many as I can every year and enjoy all the new ones coming out. One I really enjoyed a couple of years ago was CHRISTMAS MOON by Elizabeth Lane.

Glenda said...

A Christmas Carol is my all time favorite book - and many variations of the movies -- including the Bill Murray version. It's never to late to change for the better. :-)

Natasha D said...

I like Lisa Kleypas's holiday ones.
Thanks for the chance to win!

Karen C said...

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Lori Ha said...

I like too many to name :) One that I read recently I really like is "Mary's Christmas Knight" by Moriah Densley.
Happy Holidays

Anita Yancey said...

I really like A Christmas Carol. Thanks for having the giveaway.

KV said...

'Twas the night before Christmas

leahweller said...

I'm really enjoying following the tour and reading all the info the authors are sharing. If you haven't read Sue-Ellen's Once Upon a Highland Christmas, it is super good! Love, love, love me some Grim! :)

marypreston said...

Dicken's A CHRISTMAS CAROL gets a re-read around here each year.