Amanda McIntyre-Special Edition IV-Stories of the Heart

12.23.19-Special Edition #4 Stories of the Heart

       
WHAT HAVE YOU DISCOVERED THIS YEAR THAT YOU TRULY APPRECIATE?








AMANDA MCINTYRE

As another year comes to a close, I got to thinking about the many changes that have happened not only in my life, but in the world. That can get to be overwhelming were it not for my faith. No worse or better than anyone else, I find as I get older that I yearn to understand better the spirit that has guided me through the ups and downs of my life.

I also appreciate more the many blessings God has given. Family, friends, the utter delight and wonder of my grandchildren's eyes when they discover something new. And too, the precious gift of time...time to recognize and enjoy the blessings in the every day. Each day gives yet new reasons to be grateful, and I pray--whatever faith you may believe-- that you will awaken each day with at least one thing to be grateful for! 

Blessings to each of you in the coming year! May peace and kindness matter to us all in the days ahead!

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN! SHARE WHAT YOU'VE DISCOVERED THAT YOU APPRECIATE MORE THIS PAST YEAR!

Leave your *COMMENT *EMAIL ADDY *FIRST NAME

One winner will be chosen at random on Dec 27 and notified via email!

Amanda hosts Special Edition III-Stories of the Heart

12.22.19 Stories of the Heart-Special Edition III

As we approach the end of 2019, one that has been both challenging

and rewarding in many ways, I can't help but look back and reflect on where I've come on this journey that encompasses so much in my life...

By nature I'm a curious sort, so, I  decided to ask a few of my peers to mull over and share the following reflection:

"What I discovered this past year that I truly appreciate."

In the next couple of weeks I will share them with you and ask you the same...

to add a touch of holiday magic, we'll be giving out Amazon gift cards to say thanks for joining in the fun with your comments and reader support throughout the year!

E.E. BURKE

My family. Recently losing my beloved in-laws and expecting a new grand baby this coming year makes me realize how blessed I am and I appreciate my family all the more. 

Bestselling author, E. E. Burke  weaves together passionate romance and rich historical detail, add a dash of suspense. Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to living the dream--writing stories readers can get lost in. 

You can learn more about E.E. at www.eeburke.com

LIZBETH SELVIG

This was definitely a year of blessings for me. The biggest has to be the 

birth of my third grandchild, little Zoey Alexandra. Since this was the 

second child born to my now 38-year-old daughter (and her wonderful 

husband, of course), a woman who five years ago I was certain had 

decided not to have children at all, Zoey’s birth is a precious event! 

What I truly appreciate about it, however, is the belief that we’re better 

off not knowing what surprises life has in store. As soon as I try to 

anticipate, good or bad, the events to come, I am humbled by how 

much more vivid and meaningful reality is. Here’s to continuing to learn 

to trust in God’s ability to surprise and delight!

Award-winning author Lizbeth Selvig writes heartwarming contemporary 

romance. Whether set in a small town, a huge western ranch, or a 

Kentucky racetrack, her strong, fun and funny characters don’t shy away 

from taking on societal norms even while they’re finding their ways home

to family, faith and love. You can FOLLOW LIZ on FACEBOOK

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!

Share what you appreciate 

this year!

Leave your:

*Comment

*Email

*First Name

One winner will be chosen

at random  Dec. 27 and 

notified by email.

Amanda hosts Special Edition II-Stories of the Heart

12.16.19-Special Edition II-Stories of the Heart

As we approach the end of 2019, one that has been both challenging

and rewarding in many ways, I can't help but look back and reflect on where I've come on this journey that encompasses so much in my life...

By nature I'm a curious sort, so, I  decided to ask a few of my peers to mull over and share the following reflection:

"What I discovered this past year that I truly appreciate."

In the next couple of weeks I will share them with you and ask you the same...

to add a touch of holiday magic, we'll be giving out Amazon gift cards to say thanks for joining in the fun with your comments and reader support throughout the year!

ANGI MORGAN

My teen years. It was so much simpler then. A bit of TV with six channels (if you were lucky). If a movie was good it was held over all summer (I admit to seeing Star Wars at least 17 times in the theater). Books passed around from family and friends (I impatiently waited for my older cousin to finish Jaws). Time seemed to pass slower. I read more, sat in the sun more, talked on the phone with my friends more. The world is moving so fast now-a-days. I savor the moments to read and just be silent. And when I travel, I love the spots with no WiFi coverage. The many differences between then and now are truly amazing, but there’s something about being “still” that never gets old.

Angi Morgan...Where honor and danger collide with love. FOLLOW ANGIE

EDEN BRADLEY

This past year has been illuminating in a really wonderful way. I've had a rough year or two, and when I was faced with an emergency, my writing and reading community came through for me. And the kind, loving, supportive messages I've received when I was feeling so down have been incredible. I am so, so lucky. I knew it before, but it's been brought home to me on a whole new level. I have so much love for this amazing community-thank you!

NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Eden Bradley writes erotic romance with over 40 novels, novellas and short stories published in thirteen languages. FOLLOW EDEN

JACQUI NELSON

What I discovered this year that I truly appreciate is...the ongoing support of friends via everything digital, whether it be a blog (like this one or my personal one), my newsletter list, social media accounts, or just good old-fashioned email. There are a lot of bad sides to the online world, but I've found the good sides shine brighter. And together with a determined and positive attitude, we can keep that light shining. 

Fall in love with a new Old West...where adventurous women find steadfast me.      
Follow Jacqui on Amazon 


PATY JAGER

This year I took two vacations. (Usually my husband and I go for a long weekend a couple times a year)  One trip was by myself and one with my husband. They were both a week or better long, and up to the day I left, I worried about the writing that wasn't going to get done while I was "playing." I found out that even though I didn't write for 7-12 days, when I came back to my keyboard, I was refreshed and ready to dig in just as hard as before I left.  You always hear you have to write every day. You have to keep those writing muscles active. I can now appreciate, I can take time off from writing for longer than a long weekend. It looks like more vacations are in my future. ;)  

Writing into the sunset. 

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 43 novels, 8 novellas, and numerous anthologies of murder mystery and western romance. 
You can follow Paty on FACEBOOK.

REGAN BLACK

2019 has been an eventful year for our family and through all the ups and downs I've re-discovered the power of teamwork and laughter and come to a new appreciation for healthy self-care. Going the extra mile for the people I love comes naturally, but this year I had to get better at going the extra mile for myself. Thankfully, I've had amazing support from my husband, kids, and dear friends along the way. 

USA Today bestseller Regan Black writes sexy, adrenaline-fueled romance! You can follow her on BOOKBUB.

NOW ITS YOUR TURN!

SHARE WITH US WHAT YOU'VE DISCOVERED THIS PAST YEAR THAT YOU APPRECIATE MORE!

*LEAVE COMMENT  *FIRST NAME * EMAIL ADDY

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED HERE AND ONLINE DEC. 18

Amanda hosts Special Edition I-Stories of the Heart

12.10.19-Special Edition I-Stories of the Heart

As we approach the end of 2019, one that has been both challenging

and rewarding in many ways, I can't help but look back and reflect on where I've come on this journey that encompasses so much in my life...

By nature I'm a curious sort, so, I  decided to ask a few of my peers to mull over and share the following reflection:

"What I discovered this past year that I truly appreciate."

In the next couple of weeks I will share them with you and ask you the same...

to add a touch of holiday magic, we'll be giving out Amazon gift cards to say thanks for joining in the fun with your comments and reader support throughout the year!

C.H. ADMIRAND

The gifts in my life and I thank God for them every day. The gift of life; the gift of another day; the gift of family; hearth and home; and the gift of words.  The most precious gift is my family. I have been blessed to have the love of the man who still makes my heart stop--even after 44 years together…and counting. We have two wonderful sons and a daughter in the middle. A wonderful son-in-law and two crazy-wonderful grandsons. To balance our family unit out, we have our two rescue puppies: Jameson and Reilly. Family…it’s the glue! Remember life is what you make it…make it good!

REGAN WALKER

Small gifts and acts of kindness mean so much. When I had back surgery some people encouraged me in this way, people I didn't even know well. And their prayers for my full recovery (which, thankfully, I had) were most welcome. I will never forget.

Regan is an award-winning author of historically authentic Georgian, Regency and Medieval romances. Follow her on her FACEBOOK PAGE !

V.A. DOLD

After years of long days writing in an effort to build a reading audience, I've discovered I can carve out off time and still be happy with my productivity. A balance of work and play are essential to happiness. Make it a great day!

V.A. writes Hot Vampires and Sexy Shifters, dripping disclosure one story at a time. You can follow her at BOOKBUB

CIANA STONE

This past year I discovered that readers aren't "hooked" on a certain trope or genre as much as they are a story that speaks to them, something that evokes emotions and inspires them to feel part of the tale.  I am so appreciative to every reader who has taken time to email me or leave a review, commenting on these things and letting me know when I hit the mark.  It helps me be a better writer and connects me in a new and deeper level with readers. 

Imagination is the key.  Join me and unlock the door to your next tale of danger, suspense, mystery and passion. Follow Ciana on her FACEBOOK PAGE

BLUE SAFFIRE

This year I discovered the bond of those that truly love you. Life gets busy and we get lost in it. However, I was reminded of the people that accept you for your quarks and your need to figure things out, but that are always there when you need a helping hand. In essence, this year has taught me, true love, again. 

Blue Saffire, award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty contemporary romance novels and novellas, writes with the intention to touch the heart and the mind. You can follow her on FACEBOOK

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN


"What I discovered this past year that I truly appreciate."

Leave you comment and your email , please.
One winner will be chosen for a $10 Amazon card
Contest runs Dec. 10-12
Winner notified via email.

Special Edition: Shanna Hatfield-A Cowboy Christmas!

READ A BOOK, 

HELP A COWBOY

This project really speaks to the heart of some of my favorite things--Christmas, cowboys, and giving back.  And gifted storyteller, Shanna Hatfield has delivered them all in one lovely keepsake holiday book that you and your family's will treasure for years to come!

Because she grew up around cowboys and loves to include them in the stories she writes, author Shanna Hatfield supports the JCCF through her Read a Book, Help A Cowboy campaign. In its sixth year, the campaign raises funds and awareness for the JCCF. Now through Christmas Eve, Hatfield will donate ten percent of the proceeds from every book purchase to the JCCF.

ABOUT SHANNA

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes. When Shanna isn’t dreaming up sassy characters, twisting plots, or testing out new recipes, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller. She resides near Walla Walla, Washington.

Amanda:Tell us about this project, what prompted you to  do this kind of a book?

Shanna: This type of book is far different than the sweet romances I typically write, but it was such a fun project. It combines three things I love: cowboys, Christmas, and recipes! I've always thought it would be fun to do a book that included interviews with rodeo and ranch families because they are just such amazing people to get to know. When I had the opportunity to combine the interviews with all things Christmas (cowboy style!) and throw in some of my favorite recipes, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up! 

Amanda:How long have you been giving portions of royalties to this cause?

Shanna: This will be the sixth year for me to donate to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. I can't say enough good things about this organization and the help they offer injured rodeo athletes. It is nothing short of amazing. 

ABOUT THE JUSTIN CRISIS COWBOY FUND

For most rodeo athletes it is a matter of when they get hurt, not if.

Many are uninsured and for those who find themselves out of work for months on end, the injury can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially.

That’s where the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund steps in. The JCCF provides financial assistance to rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries that leave them unable to compete for an extended time. Rather than worry about how they’ll pay their bills, they can focus on healing.

 A wonderful addition to this year’s campaign is Hatfield’s brand-new book called  A Cowboy Christmas. The book features 300 pages of western holiday fun with more than 70 full-color recipes.

The jangle of spurs mingles with the jingle of sleigh bells in this celebration of Christmas—cowboy style!

Welcome home to a western holiday with A Cowboy Christmas. A collection of unique holiday décor, traditions, recipes, and guides for entertaining with ease make this your go-to resource for an amazing western Christmas. Filled with stories of real-life ranch families and rodeo cowboys, get a glimpse into their traditions, try their family recipes, and experience their lifestyles. From preserving memories of the past to tips for wrapping presents, discover the special touches incorporated throughout this book that make it a holiday keepsake you’ll cherish for years to come. Brimming with holiday cheer, recipes with full-color photographs, and one-of-a-kind ideas, this book is a wonderful celebration of the holidays that will help make your Christmas unforgettable.

Here is one of the many sweet treats you'll find in this wonderful treasury!

Chocolate Chex Trees

These yummy and adorable trees are so simple to make and a great project if you have kids at home who need something to do. Set them on a disposable plate, foil-wrapped piece of cardboard, or a large sugar cookie wrapped in cellophane for gift-giving!

Ingredients:

3 cups Chex Chocolate cereal

6 pretzel sticks (the thick kind, made for dipping)

½ cup peanut butter

¼ cup Nutella

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Mix the peanut but­ter, Nutella, but­ter, and pow­dered sugar in a bowl.

On whatever you plan to use for a base, mold the peanut butter mixture around the pretzel stick until it stands upright and forms a slight cone shape.

Hold it steady by using the tip of the pret­zel as a han­dle and begin insert­ing pieces of cereal into the peanut but­ter mix­ture in a sym­met­ri­cal pat­tern around the stick. You can tip the cereal pieces up or down, depending on your personal preference. Add more cereal pieces, stag­ger­ing them as you move upward, until you get near the top.

For the top of the tree, use broken pieces or cut them in half to get the smaller scale of branches near the top.

Use two pieces of cereal back to back to form the top.

Dust with powdered sugar.

Makes 6 trees

October 2, 2019 

Available at these fine merchants:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

BooksaMillion

Apple

Kobo

Indie-Bound

To celebrate her release, Shanna is giving away a digital copy of one of her Christmas Romances!

Share in a comment what your favorite Christmas tradition is!

One lucky winner will go home with a digital of this gifted storyteller's work!!
(be sure you leave your email to be notified!)

Holiday blessings and cowboy dreams!

Stories of the Heart: Angi Morgan

I'm delighted to bring readers a special edition of stories of the heart today, featuring author and woman I am proud to call my friend, Angi Morgan. The smallest gesture of kindness can change the trajectory of a persons life as is illustrated by this heart-warming story. One we can learn from.

Paying It Forward
by Angi Morgan

BEFORE YOU READ THE REST... I didn't share this story for self glorification. It was more of a realization on my part because I haven't shared this with many people before. I hope to inspire and encourage...

I woke up this past Monday to a phone call from my mom. She asked if one of her friends could come stay in my guest room for a month until her apartment was ready. The answer was, "of course."  And when I spoke to my husband later that afternoon, he repeated the same words. There was no 'but' or any other exception attached. We never thought twice. She will be welcome as long as she needs a room.

My mother's friend won't be the first to stay with us. We've done this with teenagers who would have been on the street after arguments with their families. Young adults who were between jobs or apartments. We had softball girls spend the night once a week so they could play ball, we've had band students stay for extended periods of time. We volunteered for our kids. We drove kids home, feed them before football games.

But this week, my mother's friend asked me why. I think she's the first one who ever has.

So why do we open our home and hearts? Well...it turns out that's a pretty short story after all. Back in my early twenties I was a single mom on a very limited budget. The year I turned 24, I held 11 different jobs trying to make ends meet (some at the same time). My car was side-swiped and totaled. Several times I took my two children to the night job I had cleaning offices. There was a short time-when the car wouldn't start and I pulled them in a wagon from my apartment to the job (more than three miles each way and yeah, it was dark). Several times my pantry was empty except for the food my children needed to eat.

My goodness, that sounds so depressing and...fictional. 

It wasn't. It was just making it through a rough period. I had support. I had friends. It was my car not starting at the last minute (before cell phones so no one was home). It was ME not asking my parents for more help. (By the way, there was always plenty to eat at their house...I wasn't going to starve, my children didn't suffer like others.) My dad always bought my kids new shoes and their bicycles. It was just something he always took care of. But over that rough year, there was more than one anonymous gift to me and my kids. No one ever admitted to the $100 bill slipped under my door. No one ever admitted to leaving sacks of groceries. They let me keep my pride and without knowing it or ever saying it aloud, I sort of made a vow.

I wanted to give back. I would always help if I could. 

Whoever gave me that $100.00 definitely Paid it Forward. They may have never known that they gave me hope to keep going through the next job...and the next crisis... They kept me going until I landed a job at North Texas State University. A job with a boss who encouraged me to go back to school where I finished my degree. A boss who took the time to talk to me as a person. A boss who stood up for me at my wedding to a wonderful man. The man who always says, "of course" and told me to follow my dream of writing (another story for another time).

I am so grateful for the life --and all the experiences-- I've been given. I hope I'm always able to give back.