TRAPPED by Carol Ann Erhardt, Book One - Havens Creek Series

My brand new release, TRAPPED, book one in the Havens Creek series is now available on Amazon and Smashwords.

My Christmas present to you is a drastically slashed price on the e-book from $3.99 to $.99 from today through December 25. Why? Because during this time we all have to count our pennies. This is a time for family and being thankful. I'm thankful to all of my faithful fans who have been patient during the time I needed to regroup after losing my mother and dealing with the illnesses my husband has faced.

Trapped is a book about family, trust, and forgiveness...and yes, it does have suspense as well. I hope you are blessed by meeting Summer, Jake, Becca and Jenny...and the adorable animals they love.

The print version of the book will be available on Amazon the first week of December.

Book two of this series will be released summer of 2012.

E-book Purchase links:
Amazon
Smashwords

Blessings,
Carol Ann

Minute to Win It Christmas Party

This is the day our children and their families gather at our house to celebrate Christmas. I always try to think of things that will be fun and involve the children as well as the adults. This year, I've decided to set up a table with items to play some games from the television show "Minute to Win It."

I have presents for our grandchildren and in order for them to receive their gift, they will have to pick one person to "win" it for them. They will be encouraging the person as they go through the movements required to finish in one minute. I'll start with the youngest children and move toward the oldest. I can't wait. I'm sure I'll get some great pictures and videos.

I always strive to make Christmas less stressful by not having a traditional gift exchange for the adults. This year those who want to participate will bring a white elephant gift. It is purely optional, so no one has to feel obligated. But, I have a fun way to handle the exchange for those who do participate. We'll have one for the kids and one for the adults.

I also have some fun singing games just for fun. A friend told me about the card game "Would You Rather..?" I purchased it and I think it will lead to some great laughs as well.  Of course all ages can play.

Instead of cooking a big meal, I set up a deli buffet and each family brings a side dish. We always have plenty of food and everyone leaves with a full tummy.

I'll share some pictures on my blog Monday.

Do you have any family gatherings that you attend? Care to share?

Christmas Free Read by Guest Blogger Wendy Davy

It has been snowing, well, flurries anyway, for the past two days. My Christmas tree is up and the inside and outside of the house is decorated. Our annual family Christmas party is two weeks away. I'm getting excited. I'm looking forward to the Candlelight service at our church on Christmas Eve. My guest today has a special Christmas gift for each of you. Please help me to welcome Wendy Davy to my blog.

Wendy Davy is an award winning, inspirational romance author with several titles available. She uses her active imagination and love of adventure to create faith based stories of the heart. When not writing or chasing around her young children, she spends time reading, enjoying her real-life hero and watching movies.

Christmas Free Read and a Glimpse at Reluctant Bridesmaid, Coming March 4, 2011.
It’s that time of year again. Fun-filled shopping, holiday treats and STRESS!!! Why not take a break and read a quick free Christmas story? Stop by www.whiterosepublishing.com and download a copy of Mistletoe and Miracles.

Here’s what it’s about: Noelle Barkley wants a man, and she’s willing to go out on a limb to get him. But, when she lands into the arms of a stranger, she discovers God’s plan is better than hers could ever be.

And, here’s a look at my upcoming release, Reluctant Bridesmaid:

Jordan Harrison dreads walking down the aisle…

When her widowed mother is swept away by a handsome, wealthy architect, Jordan fears the hasty engagement will end up in disaster. After all, how well can her mother know the guy after only a few months? When Jordan races to Breckenridge Manor to delay the wedding, she runs into more than she’s bargained for — a handsome, understanding man intent on helping her heal past wounds and open her mind to new possibilities.

Known as the man with nerves of steel, Tanner Breckenridge lives up to his reputation, but it doesn’t take long for him to discover he has a soft spot for Jordan Harrison, the daughter of his father’s future bride. Loyal to his father, but captivated by Jordan, Tanner puts his heart on the line and risks everything for a chance at love.

Here’s a sample:

“I think a little bit of fun would do you some good.” He winked as he took one long stride toward her. He bent and scooped her from the chair.

“Tanner!” she shrieked, clutching his shoulders. His warm skin covered granite muscle underneath. She squirmed, but her movements pressed her harder against his chest as he lifted her into his arms.

He sauntered to the dock’s edge as if he had no care in the world. The water, crisp and clear loomed below.

Adrenaline spiking, she tucked her head against him. “You don’t want to do this.”

“I don’t?” A low, deep chuckle formed in his chest, vibrating against her cheek. “You can swim, right?”

“Yes, I can swim.”

“You just don’t like the idea of taking the plunge do you? Marriage or otherwise?”

“I have nothing against marriage…in general,” she defended. “And, this isn’t about my opinion regarding ‘the plunge’. This is about you,” she poked him in the chest, “tossing me into that cold water.”

“How do you know what it feels like until you try it?”

She lifted her head to offer a witty remark, but lost her breath as she found herself eye-level with Tanner’s sun-kissed neck. His scent, earthy and masculine surrounded her. She looked up. From this angle, his jaw-line appeared more defined, his features more chiseled, and his eyes a lighter shade of blue. She swallowed, but her dry mouth refused to moisten.

“Are you ready?” A small, faint scar melded into the creases beside his left eye as he smiled.

Flustered, she asked, “R-ready?” Her breathing came in quick, shallow gasps as her gaze travelled to his mouth. As good as it felt to be held in his strong arms, she wondered what it would feel like to have his lips pressed against hers.

Magical? Maybe. Out of the question? Definitely.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a blessed Christmas!

Wendy Davy

http://www.wendydavy.com/

In the Mood for a Christmas Story?

Celebrate Christmas a little early by giving a present to yourself! LIGHTING THE TREE is available on Kindle for only $.99. If you don't have a Kindle, you can download a FREE Kindle application for your computer. Enjoy!

Go to Amazon to view.

You Mean It's Friday Already???

Oh, my, how fast this week has passed. So many things going on. First, the winner of an autographed copy of Laurie Kingery's book was Becky. She has been notified and the book is on the way! Thanks to all who stopped by.

Last weekend began by attending some seminars at our church by Jerry Lucas. Jerry is better known as Doctor Memory. You may have seen him on television where he has shown his remarkable talents of memorizing people's names. He's really fantastic.

We began on Sunday with him showing us how to remember a unique set of numbers from 1 to 10 by using sound-alike words and creating pictures. These pictures were to remind us how to have better family relationships. The one number which is foremost in my mind is six. Six represents a bundle of sticks which I insert into my mouth before I say something hurtful. I have been walking around for days reciting sticks, sticks, sticks whenever I think something negative to stop the words from spilling out of my mouth. I pray for God to help me control my tongue every day!

Sunday night Jerry taught us how to remember lists. His method really works. And then Monday night he taught us how to remember names that are important to us. I'm working on that!

The first four days of this week were filled with "have to's" so that Friday has snuck right up on me! I'm sure Thanksgiving will be here before I can think twice about the menu. And then, Christmas, and "oh no!" a brand new year! I've just gotten used to writing 2010.

How about you? Has this year passed quickly for you, too? Or has it been dragging by? Regrets? Joys? Looking forward to a new year?

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday and that brings us one day closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas. While I'm not looking forward to the shorter days, I am looking forward to the prospect of our first snowfall. This year has passed so quickly.

It's time to think about preparing for Thanksgiving dinner (for those in the U.S.).  The past two years, I've hosted a family dinner which included about 20 people. It was always a lot of fun, but this year I don't have access to borrowing big tables so that everyone can sit around one table together. So, instead I'm having a Christmas get together. What about you? What are your plans for the upcoming holiday season?

Lighting the Tree

I know. I know. You aren't ready to hear about Christmas yet. I used to be one who didn't want to hear one thing about Christmas until after Thanksgiving.

But...this year, since I'm not working a full-time day job, I kind of got in the Christmas spirit early. Today I ventured to Michael's to pick up a few items for my granddaughters to work on tomorrow. We're having a "girls night" at Grandma's. I decided to buy them wooden boxes with designs on the top that they could paint and line with felt. Fun! I bought a variety of acrylic paints and brushes. I know they'll have fun, because they like to craft just like I do.

While I meandered through the aisles at the craft store, I saw all kinds of Christmas items. And they didn't make me shudder. I almost wished I could hear Christmas music. Don't throw tomatoes at me. I'm making up for last year when we had a really sad Christmas.

This year I'm planning a family get together, and I'll have lots of time and fun thinking of decorating ideas and craft things I can make to give away. I'm even thinking how fun it will be when our cats invade our tree and the cute pics I can get.

And, yesterday, I decided to upload my Christmas short story "Lighting the Tree" to the Kindle platform. It should be availabe for purchase for only $1.00 sometime tomorrow.

So, how many of you are thinking about Christmas already?

What's Not to Love About Christmas?

Since we've become empty nesters, Christmas has been a kind of sad let-down. After years of having many children to grace our home, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are quiet and subdued. We go through the motions, but it's not the same.

Christmas Eve is always wonderful because we participate in candlight service at church and drive around to look at Christmas lights. Christmas morning, we empty our stockings and look at the gifts we've bought for each other. We are creatures of habit. We buy candy, a watch, a DVD. We take turns opening the gifts, but our hearts aren't in it.

This year, with hubby being so ill, we've decided not to celebrate with gifts in our stockings. We don't need commercial gifts to celebrate the birth of Christ. We have each other, we have a warm home, we have food to sustain us, and this year we have the anticipation of being able to spend more time together since I'm retiring at the end of the year. We have transportation, enough income to cover our bills, and a wonderful family of children and grandchildren. This year the true spirit of Christmas will live in our hearts.

So, what's not to love about that?

I hope you all have a wonderful and very Merry Christmas however you choose to celebrate.

Thanks for stopping by.

My Cats Snooped and Found Their Christmas Presents...Again!!

In the past, I've shared stories of my cats destroying our Christmas tree each year. Would you believe this is the first year they haven't tried to climb in our tree or knock off any of the ornaments? It's a miracle. We bought a new "slimmer" tree and put it downstairs next to the fireplace. Maybe it's the slimmer design which deterred them. Not sure, but I'm happy about it.

However, they have snooped and found their Christmas presents.  *sigh*  I remember the first year we had them we purchased fuzzy red catnip toys for their stockings. On Christmas Eve, I placed the toys and some treats in each one. On Christmas day, we came downstairs to find they had pulled the toys and treats from their stockings!! They'd unwrapped the toys and were playing with them. None of the other stockings were touched. Little devils. *grin*

Every year since then, they've snooped and scoped out their presents before Christmas. I've hidden them in some pretty good spots, but they always seem to find them anyway. This year I've been so busy that I haven't even been shopping yet. However, on a trip to the store to purchase cat food, I picked out three catnip toys with feathers for our babies. I tied them, still attached to the cardboard, inside a plastic bag, and put it inside another plastic bag with my mother's present and tied that closed. I placed it in a corner of my office, planning to hide the toys later.

About an hour later, groceries unpacked and put away, I sat down to watch the end of a movie I'd taped. I heard some noises, very strange noises, and then a banging noise. I knew that sound. The cats love to bat their fuzzy mouses against the walls in the hallway while they chase them. So I settled back down...until...I saw Wilbur running into the family room with Templeton close behind. Wilbur raced between the sofa and staircase then backed up and began shaking his head back and forth like a dog. What had he gotten into?

Yep, their Christmas presents. He had one of the toys, still attached to cardboard!  I snatched it away, then found another on in the hallway and grabbed it, while racing to my office. They had literally torn a hole through two plastic bags to get their toys. **sigh** I chased them away, with much nasty meowing following, and shut the door to hide the toys until Christmas Eve. Now they are stashed in a file cabinet drawer, inside my office closet. 

Please don't tell my cats.

Have a happy day full of smiles.

A Tisket, A Tasket, A Little Child's Christmas Basket

When you are an empty nester, Christmas is a time for looking back over prior years and reminiscing those happy times with children. My grandson, who was just a little over a year, spent one Christmas ignoring all the toys he'd received at our house. Instead he had more fun playing in the basket a friend had given me. I still have that basket. It sits in the living room to hold my magazines. But, it still remains in my mind, Jeremy's basket.

Wasn't he just the cutest?  You can see the toys surrounding him. He'd hold onto that handle and we'd pull him all over the floor.

I hope you have a wonderful day, and that I brought a smile to your face with this special picture.

Share your smile with others today! It doesn't cost a cent, and it's the best give you can give or receive.

What's Not to Love About Anticipation?

Anticipation drives our world, doesn't it?

As little children we anticipate birthdays. I love to see my granchildren's eyes light up when they tell me their birthday is coming soon! Their faces glow with anticipation of the unexepected.

And Christmas! The entire month of December is one of anticipation. Once the decorations are in place, the countdown begins. Gifts appear under the tree and curiosity drives us to shake, feel, and try to guess what might be inside. For the little ones, Santa represents another anticipation. He'll come down the chimney or somehow manage to enter the house and leave something under the tree. Will it be what they asked for? Or another wonderful surprise?

For me, Christmas represents the birth of Jesus. I anticipate the joy of celebrating that night in history when the shepherds were visited with the good news.

Currently, I'm anticipating the last day of the year when I'll walk out the door of my workplace for the last time as an employee. I'm anticipating what will happen in the next phase of my life. It's frightening, and exciting at the same time.

When I purchase a new book, I anticipate the journey I'll take as I turn the pages.

I realize that for many anticipation means something totally different. Some anticipate the next blow from the hand of another. Some anticipate with dread another day with no food to fill their stomachs, no warm blanket to ward off the cold, no roof to shelter the rain.

There are ways to help. Churches offer food pantrys, free stores for clothing. Firemen and police collect toys and money for children and others in need. And many others.

So, as you anticipate your day today, think about what someone else might be anticipating. I challenge you to open your heart and offer a smile, or a kind word to someone who might need it to get through the day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mork--Do You Remember?

God blessed me with eight children. Believe me, as they were growing up, we never had a dull moment in our house. Especially at Christmas. I was perusing through some pictures preparing for a Christmas present I'm working on when I ran across the pictures below. I remember this Christmas like it was yesterday. Many of you probably don't remember the TV Show, "Mork" with Robin Williams. He played an alien from the planet Ork, who was trapped on earth. My kids loved the show. Mork wore suspenders and he would always sit on the sofa upside down.

This particular Christmas my kids purchased a pair of Mork suspenders for my husband. They were a bit nicer to me. I received a nightgown.



Wow, don't we look young there! Look at my hubby's hair!! I have to laugh everytime I see old pictures of us like this. But I diverse. The suspenders were a big hit. My husband never missed a chance to wear them when he had to take the kids somewhere. He'd wear them inside stores and make sure that all the sales clerks saw them...much to our kids' embarrassment.

He always took great delight in embarrassing them. Little did they know that their gift would haunt them for years to come. Today, they still laugh about it when start playing remember when.

That Christmas, after opening his gift, he promptly put those suspenders on and...well the following picture will tell it all.




I sure hope this started your day with a smile! It did mine.

Do you have a Christmas story to share? Please leave a comment with your unusual gift stories.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Furry Thief....

As we draw closer to the Christmas season, I've been looking at the ads for Christmas trees. Yeah, hard to believe since I'm the one who refuses to think Christmas until after Thanksgiving. But, we really need a new tree. I'd like to get a real tree because it would be much easier to withstand the torture tactics of our furry thief.

The first year we decorated our artificial tree with beautiful red and gold ornaments, our cats totally destroyed it. They dive bombed through the branches bringing down the red cardinals, the poinsettias, and the red satin balls. Once they knocked it completely down. We kept putting things back on, higher and higher, and the bottom half of the tree was bare. I was so happy to take the tree down after Christmas.

Knowing that cats love red and can see red better than most colors, I decided the next year to decorate with a light blue color. Surely, that would deter the cats. Not!

We had just finished putting the lights and garland on the tree. I'd put a beautiful bird in the top branches and hung a few of the non-breakable balls on the tree, when hubby told me dinner was ready. (Side note: we were having warmed up chili--the only thing he ever cooks!) Only a few bites into the chili, we heard a tell-tale rattle and thump. I knew. I just knew. My tree had been attacked.

Sure enough, the beautiful bird was on the floor along with several ornaments. Now how does a cat see six feet into the air, buried among branches, a bird nearly the same color as the tree?



Yet, sure enough. The damage was done. **sigh** I hadn't even finished decorating before they began to destroy. The culprit? Nowhere to be found. But wait...yes...there he is!



I don't know what we'll do for Christmas tree this year, but I'm sure it will not be without mishaps. I hope I shared a smile with you today.

Thanks for stopping by!