New! Light Up the Night by PG Forte

 I have a new story out today! Light Up the Night is my contribution to the Shadows and Chaos paranormal and fantasy collection. This is an all-new story in my Children of Night world.

Her love will light up his night. If they can both survive that long. 

Heather is having the worst Christmas ever! Or, at least, the worst Christmas since she was forced to become a vampire. Her sire's distracted, her nestmates have forgotten her, weirdos have taken over the lair. The only bright spot in her life right now is Drew--who didn't even used to like her! She knows he's coming around, but that's not good enough. She wants more. She wants everything. She wants him. And she's not giving up. 

 Drew Geiger gave up on love a long time ago. Such tender emotions have no place in a vampire's heart. But, somehow, the girl he once described as a "feral kitten" has got her claws in him, and she's not letting go. That would be fine, if only someone didn't want her dead--and if her sire didn't recall that it was Drew who once suggested that maybe she'd be better off that way.

Excerpt: 

The following evening, found Heather in Akeldama, once again, staring at her reflection in the mirror behind the bar, and wishing that the old myth about vampires and mirrors could have been true. That way, she wouldn’t have to see how plain, and young, and ordinary she looked. Especially when she compared herself to Liz and Brook, who were gorgeous and glamorous. And unmistakably all grown up. 

 She’d really tried tonight, too; for all the good that had done. She’d taken pains with her appearance when she was getting ready earlier in the evening. She’d spent hours putting on makeup and experimenting with hairstyles, hoping she could hit on a combination that would make her look older. She’d wanted to look nice for Drew, even though he’d ghosted on her the night before. No—that was not true. She wasn’t doing it in spite of the fact he’d left without saying good-bye. She was doing it because of that. She’d wanted to make him sorry for what he’d done. She wanted him to see what he was missing. Although it appeared he was happy to go right on missing it because he’d barely said two words to her all night! 

He was spending all his time at the other end of the bar—about as far away from her as he could get. To be fair, Jason and Aiken had also gravitated in that direction, so maybe it was a guy thing? But even though she’d caught Drew watching her a couple of times, out of the side of his eye, he made no effort to move closer. And that just hurt. What had she done wrong? They’d had a nice time last night, hadn’t they? Why was he suddenly avoiding her? 

 She wasn’t just imagining it, either. She knew this to be true because Drew’s defection had left Danny, one of the few humans who worked for him, to cover this side of the room all by himself. And that was something Drew had always made a particular point of not doing. The very first time she’d come in here, back in her wilder days, she’d scared the piss out of Danny. He’d never really recovered. He still was palpably nervous whenever she was around. And Drew knew that! So what the fuck? 

 She blew out a frustrated sigh. She was hungry and annoyed and should probably go check out the dance floor and find someone to eat—just to take the edge off. Except that Liz had just excused herself to do the same, and it didn’t seem polite to leave Brook here all alone. At least shopping had been fun. 

It turned out that Brook was only a little older than she was. And Liz, who’d apparently spent most of her life locked up like Rapunzel, lacked that been-there-done-that, jaded attitude that made most vampires so annoying to hang out with. Heather had enjoyed spending time with the two of them—even if they did talk way too much about their boyfriends. And even though they’d teased her about Marc, which was simply irritating. 

 They acted like she must be hung up on him, just because she was buying him a present. Didn’t either of them buy presents for their sires? Well, Brook wouldn’t, of course. Being “something else” probably meant she didn’t have one. And Liz’s sire was Marc now. So, obviously, no, they didn’t. 

Not that Heather really cared. Giving gifts to the people you were close to was as good a way to show them how you felt as any other. And she and Marc were close—in fact, she loved him a lot—just not in the way they thought. The two of them were family. Marc was the closest thing Heather had to a father now. So, no—eww—she did not view him as boyfriend material! Not to mention that he already had a sort-of girlfriend. 

 To be honest, Heather wasn’t quite sure how she felt about Elise yet, but she liked her well enough that she wouldn’t have felt right about creeping on her boyfriend behind her back, even if he hadn’t been Marc. Besides, how pathetic would that be—falling for someone who was already taken? Although, it was probably less pathetic than falling for someone who didn’t even care enough about you to come over and ask if you were enjoying your drink—looking at you, Drew! Which, for the record, she was not. 

She took another sip, just to check. But, nope, she still didn’t like…whatever this was. What it was not was the egg cream she’d ordered, that was for damn sure. And she was stuck with it, too, since she couldn’t ask cry-baby Danny to re-make it. She was feeling too snarly; and he’d likely pass out on the floor if she so much as scowled in his direction. 

 Beside her, Brook’s phone rang—for the eleventy-thousandth time. Heather watched as her friend snatched it up and put it to her ear. “Hello? Hello? Who is this? What? Speak up; I can’t hear you.” 

 “That thing still giving you trouble?” Heather asked sympathetically as a frustrated Brook slammed the gadget down on the bar and growled at it. Brook’s phone had been acting up all night. It would ring, but then immediately disconnect as soon as she tried to answer. She couldn’t call back, to see who it was, because the number was listed as private. And she didn’t want to block it, because she couldn’t be sure it wasn’t someone from home trying to reach her. 

 She and Liz had even joked that Aiken must have put a spell on it to keep Brook’s family from finding her. Or, at least, Heather thought they were joking. But then Brook borrowed Liz’s phone so she could call Aiken to ask if he knew anything about what was going on. So, maybe they’d meant it after all?

In the shadows chaos reigns... ​

 Let your imagination take you away to fantastic places filled with wonder and whimsy. Delight in tales of witches, vampires, demons and other supernatural beings as they negotiate the realms of darkness and light.

Buy Links: https://books2read.com/shadowsandchaos

Highlights from 2021

 We've been looking back at the year that's almost over here at Here Be Magic. And here are a few of our highlights...

Deborah A. Bailey has branched out to writing about vampires! Check out her post HERE, and her novel, Blood Red Moon, HERE.

Linda Mooney celebrated an amazing FIFTEEN new releases this year! Check 'em out! 

https://lindamooney.com

Maureen Bonatch says: "2021 was a record year for me for writing. I wrote and published a new cozy mystery 3-book series with a new reader magnet and pen name. Now if I can keep the mojo going for 2022!"

For Nicole Luiken: "My highlight was finishing a first draft that I'd ran into a brick wall on back in 2017"

And PG Forte is happy to announce: "I also found my missing writing mojo! FOUR new releases this year (two short stories, two novellas) with another two-and-a-half novellas written."

Everyone at Here Be Magic wishes you a very Happy New Year!

 

FREE Additional Scene from BEAUTY'S ALIEN BEAST, a Sensuous Sci-Fi Romance by Linda Mooney

This month, I'm offering up a free additional scene from
BEAUTY'S ALIEN BEAST

Maurra should have known she couldn't keep a secret from her mate for long. Safan may not be psionic like she was, but he could read her, and he knew she was hiding something. What neither of them expected was how dangerous...and rewarding...the emergency would become.

HERE BE NEWS for Monday December 27, 2021

 

                            

Monday December 27, 2021 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:

Tuesday December 21, 2021:  Deborah Bailey discusses how to build a series bible.

Wednesday December 22, 2021: PG Forte shares an excerpt from her WIP The Name Game

WiP-It Wednesday for December 22, 2021

PG Forte: One of the stories I'm working on at the moment is The Name Game, which is due to release on January 24. Here's a brief excerpt.

 

“I have a question,” Kristy said, looking as happy as Carly with the change of subject. “That ham sandwich was amazing. Was that a citrus mayonnaise you used on it?” 

“Lemon aioli,” Carly grinned in response. “And please be sure and tell your brother that you enjoyed it. He and your cousin gave me a bit of a hard time, over that sandwich.” 

“My…brother?” Kristy looked puzzled. The other women exchanged blank stares. “I don’t understand.” 

 Way to go, Carly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have assumed. But we were talking about the bakery and…I guess it’s really not that uncommon a name, is it?” 

“No, it’s my family’s bakery,” Kristy corrected. “You weren’t wrong about that. I just don’t know where my brothers come into it.” 

Carly turned to Gwyn. “You mentioned I’d been recommended to you, and I just thought…?” 

“Oh! No.” Gwyn shook her head. “Sorry, I should have said. You’ve done work for Weidman and Steiner—you know, the caterers? They’re my guys. We’re partners. They’re who recommended you.” 

“Oh, okay.” As she tried to parse this new information, Carly found herself instinctively glancing toward Brenda for an explanation. “So, they’re partners at the inn, as well?” That had to be what she meant, right? Because the last Carly knew, Weidman and Steiner were married to each other. 

“Ye-es,” Gwyn hedged. “Actually. That, too. But—" 

“But that’s not what she meant,” Brenda finished for her. As the cousins shared a smile, Carly felt a pang of envy. She and Taylor used to share looks like that. They understood each other without words as well. She missed that. So much. 

“Also, the ghosts like you,” Gwyn said. 

Brenda groaned as she lifted her eyes to the heavens. “Really? You’re just an open book today, aren’t you? But I thought we agreed to keep that particular subject to a need-to-know basis?” 

“Yes, we did,” Gwynn agreed. “And I got the impression they needed her to know, for some reason.”

 “I’m a little confused,” Carly said—which was a massive understatement. “Who needed me to know what…exactly?” 

“The ghosts,” Gwyn told her. “And I’m not actually sure what they want you to know. That part wasn’t as clear. Maybe that they exist? Maybe that they like you, or that they’re the ones who approved you for this project? I keep trying to encourage them to try automatic writing, because they’re frustratingly vague most of the time.” 

“Ghosts,” Carly repeated carefully. 

 Gwyn nodded. “The hotel is haunted.” 

 “Allegedly haunted,” Brenda said. 

 Carly shot a helpless glance in Kristy’s direction. “Don’t ask me,” she said with a shrug. “I know I’ve experienced things there I can’t explain otherwise. I mostly try not to think about it.” 

Gwyn smiled at Carly. “I’m not sure why, exactly, but I get the impression that they may have decided you’re one of the geese.” 

“I’m a…geese?” 

“One of the wild geese that the hotel is named for,” Brenda explained. “Were any of your ancestors from Ireland, do you know? Any Walshes on your family tree?” 

“I don’t think so?” 

“Shouldn’t that be goose?” Kristy asked. 

Gwyn shook her head. “No, it’s a collective noun. We’re all geese.” 

“I know we all are,” Kristy continued to argue. “But individually…?” 

“Individually we’re still geese,” Gwyn replied. “I mean, I’m not a goose. Are you a goose?” 

“I think, technically, I’m just marrying a goose. Which would make me…goose adjacent, perhaps? Or…no, that doesn’t work either. Because wouldn’t he be a gander?” 

“So, Carly,” Brenda said, clearly attempting a change of subject. “I see you brought boxes with you. Do you need some help? Or do you have a crew coming to break stuff down for you?” 

“No, it’s just me,” Carly replied. “And, thanks, but I don’t need any help. I’m a one woman show these days. However, I really should get to it, before I lose the light. It was nice talking to you all.” 

“Oh no, don’t go,” Gwyn said. “You have plenty of time. It won’t be dark for a while yet; and the guys will be here any minute. I’m sure they’ll be happy to help. Besides, I’m curious. How do you know the DiLucas? And what to either of them have to do with your sandwiches? Not that either one of them were ever short on opinions no matter what the subject. No offense, Kristy.” 

“None taken.”

* * *

He knows what to do to save her business. She knows what he needs to fix his life! 

Atlas Beach is experiencing a retail renaissance—and Carly Meyer is determined to be part of it. But she and her sandwich shop, The Lunch Box, are struggling to stay afloat. Luckily, help is on the way thanks to the Chamber of Commerce’s innovative mentoring program—partnering successful Atlas Beach business owners with some of the newer start-ups. 

Too bad the mentor assigned to her is the delectable—and highly annoying—Tino DiLuca. Tino knows exactly what’s been hurting Carly’s business and—exactly how to fix it. But his number one solution, changing the name of her signature sandwich, is the one thing she’s not prepared to do. 

 Release Date: January 24, 2022

Pre-order now:   https://books2read.com/u/boaKv1

Creating a Series Bible

As the year comes to an end, I've been thinking about cleaning up my files and organizing my story drafts. One thing that is extremely helpful is to create a way to capture the information about your book series.

What is a series bible?

It's a compilation of details about your book series. TV shows have them too so they can keep track of facts during the various seasons of the show. 

How can you keep your information organized?

A series bible can be written in a notebook, a journal, loose pages, Scrivener, etc. It can be online in a folder on your laptop, your mobile device or wherever you organize your information. There is no wrong way to do it.

I've used various tools to help me to conceptualize my books. Being a visual person, I often use a "mood board" to include images that set the mood for my stories. Marketers and designers use mood boards for projects.

You can also use Pinterest boards to pin images that inspire you (or use them to pin your book covers directly from Amazon). I have boards for my book series (such as Hathor Legacy and Once Upon A Princess). Pinterest allows private boards as well, so that's an option if you want to use one for collecting images for your WIP.

You can always keep adding to it

Your series bible is a work in progress. You can also use it to help plan out your series. The important thing is it's there to help you keep track of your information. It can be used in the way that works for you.

What about organizing information for a single book?

I've used mind mapping software to keep track of what a character is doing in a chapter. You can do that for one book or for your entire series.

Often there are free trials, so you don't have to buy any software until you know you want to make the investment. If you're not into mind maps, there are also productivity software platforms like Evernote and Trello.

Excel is another good tool for tracking. Cells can be expanded to include your information. Colors can be used to indicate different sections and items. Additional sheets can be added to the Workbook so you can track individual components of your book.

If you don’t have Microsoft, Google has similar software on Google Drive that you can access using a Google account. (And of course, there's similar software specifically for Macs.)

What do you keep track of?

You want to track characters, settings, locations, plot points, etc. - everything you need to refer to in order to build your story (or stories).

Since I use my laptop for writing, I capture my information using Word. I create a folder where I keep my story drafts and then refer to that when I'm mentioning a character or location.

For longer series, you may want to use a spreadsheet seeing how there will be many more items to track. 

You could also record notes using audio or use video if you prefer. There's audio software you can use with your mobile devices and your computer (some might also be included with your original software).

Looking for video clips or images for inspiration? Check out Unsplash.com and Pexels.com which are royalty-free image platforms.

I don't think there are any "wrong" ways to organize your information. The bottom line is that you track everything.

One more thing - be sure to back up your information! I use Dropbox.com that also connects to Word, so I can save documents on my computer and on Dropbox. Or you can use an external hard drive if you prefer. Saving your information is key because a series may go for years, and you don't want to lose any of the items you've collected.

Start organizing your work so that when you begin new writing projects, you'll have a system in place. 

 

HERE BE NEWS for Monday December 20, 2021

 

                            

Monday December 20, 2021 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each Monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:

Thursday December 16, 2021: Maureen Bonatch discusses the difficulties inherent in remembering actual names and creating fictional ones in The Name Game

                        

New!

BABS CLAUS
Tuffy Claus, Book 2
Contemporary Fantasy Holiday Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 24.4K
$2.99 e

Tuffy Claus and Babs are back, and despite Dominik’s protests, his wife is coming along for the ride. Being previously in law enforcement, she won’t be playing the obedient housewife while waiting for him to get home. No, she’ll be out chasing the bad guys as well. But can she handle the heart-wrenching jobs she’ll have to take on?

Their newest case tests Babs to her limits, making her wonder if she’s really cut out for this. Short answer? Yes. When it comes to the children, she’ll do whatever it takes. But when things quickly take a turn for the worst, leaving Babs on her own, she realizes how important her job really is.

It’s then that a thought hits her, and Dominik and Kris realize there could be a whole group of kids that are being overlooked—those who can’t write a letter to Santa. Those who can’t ask for help. And they wonder how many children have suffered through the centuries because of their oversight?

The Kringles know they can’t possibly save them all, but they’re gonna damn sure try. 

Warning! Contains peppermint schnapps; jingle bell communications; a baseball bat; powdered donuts; bullets; gut instincts; and a warm, contented, and loving Christmas Day.

Excerpt and Buy Links

It's the holidays, which means FREE and discounted books are everywhere--many of them for a limited time only! Get 'em while you can!

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New! BABS CLAUS, Tuffy Claus, Book 2, a Contemporary Fantasy Holiday Romance by Linda Mooney

New!

BABS CLAUS
Tuffy Claus, Book 2
Contemporary Fantasy Holiday Romance
by Linda Mooney
Word Count: 24.4K
$2.99 e

Tuffy Claus and Babs are back, and despite Dominik’s protests, his wife is coming along for the ride. Being previously in law enforcement, she won’t be playing the obedient housewife while waiting for him to get home. No, she’ll be out chasing the bad guys as well. But can she handle the heart-wrenching jobs she’ll have to take on?

Their newest case tests Babs to her limits, making her wonder if she’s really cut out for this. Short answer? Yes. When it comes to the children, she’ll do whatever it takes. But when things quickly take a turn for the worst, leaving Babs on her own, she realizes how important her job really is.

It’s then that a thought hits her, and Dominik and Kris realize there could be a whole group of kids that are being overlooked—those who can’t write a letter to Santa. Those who can’t ask for help. And they wonder how many children have suffered through the centuries because of their oversight?

The Kringles know they can’t possibly save them all, but they’re gonna damn sure try. 

Warning! Contains peppermint schnapps; jingle bell communications; a baseball bat; powdered donuts; bullets; gut instincts; and a warm, contented, and loving Christmas Day.

Excerpt and Buy Links

The Name Game

 By Maureen Bonatch 

I’m terrible at names. Remembering them or creating them. I blame it on my writer nature since I often remember other little details like appearance or mannerisms, such as the way someone laughs, or if they use a certain word frequently in conversation. This might help me in crafting a story, but the inability to remember or create names is a challenge for me as a writer, and in real life. 

Luckily, my husband remembers everyone. If I’m with him he always remembers someone—even if that someone has the deer-in-the-headlights look that is probably what’s on my face when I’m approached by someone and I can’t remember their name. 

In my A Charmed Cocktail Cozy Series I called upon my daughters for ideas for my main character Marissa’s last name. So Marissa Hale was born. 

The problem is that when you are creating a story there are a lot of things you have to name. Character names can be challenging enough without repeating names or having ones that sound too familiar or are hard to pronounce. 

Then, the town, shops, and other key areas for the story all need a name. 

Sometimes when I see something the visual helps inspire me to create the name, or the name might provide me with the visual. A church I saw on a bicycle ride inspired me to create the library in GRANDMA MUST DIE. The visual helped me expand the description and bring the setting to life. 

I could visualize the setting of Gran’s retirement community in A Charmed Cocktail series in my mind, but I couldn’t come up with a good name. Until we drove by the sign for Willow Hill motel on the turnpike. 

After several books were completed for the series, on another trip we took the exit to get a look at the motel. It wasn’t what I visualized, but the name still fit perfectly. 

 Another old, deserted structure I came across on a bicycle ride was given new life as a key setting in NOT A CHANCE. 

How Do You Remember Names?

No matter what you call it, here are some goodies for you!

Holiday Prize Pack Free Cozy Mystery Books Right Here

 

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Just a small-town girl, Maureen Bonatch leads a double life. She lives in a      magical world as a novelist, and as a nurse leader in reality. Maureen’s first  novella was a paranormal romance published when blogs were a new-fangled thing. She’s since changed her focus to writing paranormal cozy mysteries as M.L. Bonatch and urban fantasy as Maureen Bonatch. 

While she’s not busy writing or doing nurse-things, she’s a mom to her twin daughters, bicycling in the beautiful woods of PA with her hubby, doing the bidding of a feisty Shih Tzu, and dancing as much as possible. She believes music can be paired with every mood, laughter is contagious, and that caffeine and wine are essential for survival. 

https://www.maureenbonatch.com/

HERE BE NEWS for Monday December 13, 2021

 

                            

Monday December 13, 2021 

Welcome to HERE BE NEWS, where each monday we bring you all the latest from the fantasy romance authors at Here Be Magic:

Tuesday December 7, 2021: PG Forte shares an excerpt from her new release, I'll Be Home for Christmas.

                  

Linda Mooney is running a sale on all books on her website. https://lindamooney.com

I had a new story release this week. I'll Be Home for Christmas is an Oberon-themed version of It's A Wonderful Life. In the alternate timeline I  created for the story, no one's having a very merry Christmas. But this is not the first time I've visited Oberon during the holidays. Here's a look back at how Christmas used to be celebrated in Oberon--and how it will be again!

The Spirit Of The Place 
Oberon Series, Book 6

'Tis the season to be jolly, but Jasmine Quinn is far from happy about her mother's latest folly: her upcoming wedding to former Wall Street financier, Sam Sterling. Jasmine doesn't like her future stepfather, or his values. Anybody with as much money as Sam, should be spreading it around, aiding worthy causes, making it count for something. Instead, he seems intent on using his wealth to embarrass her mother by throwing a ridiculously lavish wedding. But there's one thing about Sam that Jasmine can't help but admire, no matter how much she'd like to--the graduate student he's hired as an intern. ​

Brandon Ablemarle is also finding it hard to get into the holiday spirit. Especially since his dream job has just become a nightmare, thanks in part to the fiery redhead with some of the goofiest ideas he's ever heard of. But what else can you expect from the daughter of a self-proclaimed psychic? Marsha Quinn has a lot to answer for. Not only has she encouraged her daughter's esoteric craziness, she's also turned one of the most brilliant stock analysts Wall Street had ever seen into a nutcase as well. One who actually appears to believe that the answers to the stock market can be found in the stars!

It's a clash of ideologies when Jasmine and Brandon get together. Can the spirit of the season, and the spirit of the place help them to see beyond their differences?

Excerpt:

Christmas Eve dawned foggy and cool. The heavy air seemed to muffle sound.   Long before the silent night could fall, the day had a hushed and breathless feel to it.  As if the whole world was holding its breath....

Last minute shoppers thronged The Crone’s Nest all day long, keeping Marsha too busy to ponder the irony.  It flew in the face of logic, but every year she sold more of everything on the day before Christmas than she did on the day before Yule.

Business was brisk at Cavanaugh’s nursery, as well.  Shortly before noon, Dan packed up most of the unsold trees from the lot and delivered them to a local food bank.  There, they would be handed out to the families who came in to pick up boxes of groceries and canned goods that kids in the local elementary schools had spent weeks collecting.

At Lupa e Cervo, goodwill of a slightly different kind was being dispensed.  Sinead had set up a table of appetizers in the winery’s tasting room, turning the daily free wine sampling into an impromptu party.

Out of deference to Adam’s feelings on the subject, she’d had a separate table set up on the terrace outside the tasting room—and out of his direct line of sight—where she offered prospective customers a holiday twist on the winery’s usual offerings.

“Mulled wine?” Adam stared at her, appalled when she explained what she was doing.  “Hot mulled wine?”

She nodded, lips trembling as she tried not to smile too broadly.  In truth, it was all she could do to keep from laughing out loud at his outrage.

“You’re taking my wine and...heating it?  In a...in a crock pot?  With—?”

“With spices, yes.”  She smiled at him, and added, gently, “That’s how it’s done, I’m afraid.  It’s what we did last night, too, you know.  Out on the back terrace?”

Adam shuddered, his revulsion obvious.  “No.  I didn’t know.  Thank the gods for that.”  He eyed her suspiciously, and then asked in a voice filled with dread.  “Which vintages?”

But Sinead knew better than to answer a loaded question like that.  She was just damn glad Nick could have no idea about Adam’s feelings on the subject.  There was no telling how much mileage he’d try to get from it, if he did.

As it was, she was more than a little worried about what kind of surprises the two men might have in store for each other…

It was a subject that was causing Scout some concern, as well.  “I can’t believe you won’t tell me what you got Adam for Christmas,” she complained.  Perched on the kitchen counter, she watched as Nick pressed fresh dough into the pasta maker, turning it into noodles for tonight’s lasagna.  They were celebrating this evening with his daughter Kate, who would be spending the next couple of days with her mother.  Tomorrow, they would be going to Lucy’s.

If she were honest, Scout would have to admit that she wasn’t all that disappointed that Adam and Sinead would not be at Lucy’s as well.  She’d already spent two days this week playing referee.  She deserved a day off.

But, she would have found it a whole lot easier to relax if she hadn’t learned—only last night—that both Nick and Adam had purchased presents for each other.  And, how weird was that, anyway?

Nick glanced up from his pasta and smiled.  “Tell you now?  And spoil the surprise?  No way.”

She watched him for a moment longer, but he was focused on his work, and his expression gave away nothing. “It’s not something that’s gonna...oh, I don’t know…blow up in his face, or something.  Is it?”

“No, of course not,” Nick said, feeding another sheet of pasta into the machine.  “I mean, not unless he’s really careless.  If he got distracted, or something, then I guess, theoretically, it might be possible.”

“Oh.  Right.”  Scout rolled her eyes.  “So, I guess, in that case, your plan is to be around when he uses whatever it is.  So you can make sure he’s distracted?”

Nick grinned at her, eyes twinkling.  “You know, you used to be a lot more trusting of me.”

“You used to be a lot more predictable,” Scout snapped.  She thought about that for a moment. 

Maybe predictable wasn’t quite the right word.  He’d just been…defensive.  Like a fighter who had gone too many rounds but was still too stubborn to stay down.  Sheer determination might keep bringing him to his feet, but he had nothing left for anything more.  He was too beaten up by life to do anything other than put one foot in front of the other and, over and over again, walk right into the next punch it threw him.

Scout thought back over the last year.  He was so much more relaxed now.  So much more lighthearted and carefree than he’d been, even last Christmas.  She’d like to think she could take some of the credit for that.  Maybe, after a year and a half, he’d finally begun to trust that, this time around, the happiness that had eluded them for so long would not be snatched away again.

She slid from the counter.  Nick turned his head to smile at her as she came up behind him and put her arms around his waist.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked.

Nick nodded.  “There sure is.  Just stay right where you are.  That’s all I need, you know.”

“Good,” Scout murmured happily, resting her head against his back.  “Me, too.”

She’d been running for such a long, long time.  Right now, staying put was all she ever wanted to do.

Experience the magic of romance this Christmas. Holiday Kisses is a festive collection of eight exclusive Christmas stories that will make you fall head over heels in love. Are you ready to take a journey with us? Get into the Christmas spirit with these swoon-worthy romances this holiday season.

Buy Links: https://books2read.com/u/4jo68X

Bring It Back(List) The Spirit of the Place by PG Forte

I had a new story release this week. I'll Be Home for Christmas is an Oberon-themed version of It's A Wonderful Life. In the alternate timeline I  created for the story, no one's having a very merry Christmas. But this is not the first time I've visited Oberon during the holidays. Here's a look back at how Christmas used to be celebrated in Oberon--and how it will be again!

The Spirit Of The Place 
Oberon Series, Book 6

'Tis the season to be jolly, but Jasmine Quinn is far from happy about her mother's latest folly: her upcoming wedding to former Wall Street financier, Sam Sterling. Jasmine doesn't like her future stepfather, or his values. Anybody with as much money as Sam, should be spreading it around, aiding worthy causes, making it count for something. Instead, he seems intent on using his wealth to embarrass her mother by throwing a ridiculously lavish wedding. But there's one thing about Sam that Jasmine can't help but admire, no matter how much she'd like to--the graduate student he's hired as an intern. ​

Brandon Ablemarle is also finding it hard to get into the holiday spirit. Especially since his dream job has just become a nightmare, thanks in part to the fiery redhead with some of the goofiest ideas he's ever heard of. But what else can you expect from the daughter of a self-proclaimed psychic? Marsha Quinn has a lot to answer for. Not only has she encouraged her daughter's esoteric craziness, she's also turned one of the most brilliant stock analysts Wall Street had ever seen into a nutcase as well. One who actually appears to believe that the answers to the stock market can be found in the stars!

It's a clash of ideologies when Jasmine and Brandon get together. Can the spirit of the season, and the spirit of the place help them to see beyond their differences?

Excerpt:

Christmas Eve dawned foggy and cool. The heavy air seemed to muffle sound.   Long before the silent night could fall, the day had a hushed and breathless feel to it.  As if the whole world was holding its breath....

Last minute shoppers thronged The Crone’s Nest all day long, keeping Marsha too busy to ponder the irony.  It flew in the face of logic, but every year she sold more of everything on the day before Christmas than she did on the day before Yule.

Business was brisk at Cavanaugh’s nursery, as well.  Shortly before noon, Dan packed up most of the unsold trees from the lot and delivered them to a local food bank.  There, they would be handed out to the families who came in to pick up boxes of groceries and canned goods that kids in the local elementary schools had spent weeks collecting.

At Lupa e Cervo, goodwill of a slightly different kind was being dispensed.  Sinead had set up a table of appetizers in the winery’s tasting room, turning the daily free wine sampling into an impromptu party.

Out of deference to Adam’s feelings on the subject, she’d had a separate table set up on the terrace outside the tasting room—and out of his direct line of sight—where she offered prospective customers a holiday twist on the winery’s usual offerings.

“Mulled wine?” Adam stared at her, appalled when she explained what she was doing.  “Hot mulled wine?”

She nodded, lips trembling as she tried not to smile too broadly.  In truth, it was all she could do to keep from laughing out loud at his outrage.

“You’re taking my wine and...heating it?  In a...in a crock pot?  With—?”

“With spices, yes.”  She smiled at him, and added, gently, “That’s how it’s done, I’m afraid.  It’s what we did last night, too, you know.  Out on the back terrace?”

Adam shuddered, his revulsion obvious.  “No.  I didn’t know.  Thank the gods for that.”  He eyed her suspiciously, and then asked in a voice filled with dread.  “Which vintages?”

But Sinead knew better than to answer a loaded question like that.  She was just damn glad Nick could have no idea about Adam’s feelings on the subject.  There was no telling how much mileage he’d try to get from it, if he did.

As it was, she was more than a little worried about what kind of surprises the two men might have in store for each other…

It was a subject that was causing Scout some concern, as well.  “I can’t believe you won’t tell me what you got Adam for Christmas,” she complained.  Perched on the kitchen counter, she watched as Nick pressed fresh dough into the pasta maker, turning it into noodles for tonight’s lasagna.  They were celebrating this evening with his daughter Kate, who would be spending the next couple of days with her mother.  Tomorrow, they would be going to Lucy’s.

If she were honest, Scout would have to admit that she wasn’t all that disappointed that Adam and Sinead would not be at Lucy’s as well.  She’d already spent two days this week playing referee.  She deserved a day off.

But, she would have found it a whole lot easier to relax if she hadn’t learned—only last night—that both Nick and Adam had purchased presents for each other.  And, how weird was that, anyway?

Nick glanced up from his pasta and smiled.  “Tell you now?  And spoil the surprise?  No way.”

She watched him for a moment longer, but he was focused on his work, and his expression gave away nothing. “It’s not something that’s gonna...oh, I don’t know…blow up in his face, or something.  Is it?”

“No, of course not,” Nick said, feeding another sheet of pasta into the machine.  “I mean, not unless he’s really careless.  If he got distracted, or something, then I guess, theoretically, it might be possible.”

“Oh.  Right.”  Scout rolled her eyes.  “So, I guess, in that case, your plan is to be around when he uses whatever it is.  So you can make sure he’s distracted?”

Nick grinned at her, eyes twinkling.  “You know, you used to be a lot more trusting of me.”

“You used to be a lot more predictable,” Scout snapped.  She thought about that for a moment. 

Maybe predictable wasn’t quite the right word.  He’d just been…defensive.  Like a fighter who had gone too many rounds but was still too stubborn to stay down.  Sheer determination might keep bringing him to his feet, but he had nothing left for anything more.  He was too beaten up by life to do anything other than put one foot in front of the other and, over and over again, walk right into the next punch it threw him.

Scout thought back over the last year.  He was so much more relaxed now.  So much more lighthearted and carefree than he’d been, even last Christmas.  She’d like to think she could take some of the credit for that.  Maybe, after a year and a half, he’d finally begun to trust that, this time around, the happiness that had eluded them for so long would not be snatched away again.

She slid from the counter.  Nick turned his head to smile at her as she came up behind him and put her arms around his waist.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” she asked.

Nick nodded.  “There sure is.  Just stay right where you are.  That’s all I need, you know.”

“Good,” Scout murmured happily, resting her head against his back.  “Me, too.”

She’d been running for such a long, long time.  Right now, staying put was all she ever wanted to do.

Experience the magic of romance this Christmas. Holiday Kisses is a festive collection of eight exclusive Christmas stories that will make you fall head over heels in love. Are you ready to take a journey with us? Get into the Christmas spirit with these swoon-worthy romances this holiday season.

Buy Links: https://books2read.com/u/4jo68X

Merry Christmas! You Can Now Get 20% Off Every Ebook!

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New! I'll Be Home for Christmas by PG Forte

I have a story releasing today as part of the Christmas-themed anthology, Holiday Kisses. My contribution is called I'll Be Home for Christmas and it's a riff on the classic Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful Life.

In n my version, Scout Patterson from my Oberon series is the George Bailey-esque character and Edge (my main angel from Edge of Heaven) steps into the Clarence role. I love writing holiday stories to begin with, and this one was a lot of fun to write--even if I needed to create a spread sheet just to keep track of all the changes that would have taken place in the new alternate timeline.  Here's a little excerpt to show you what I mean:

Blurb:  All Scout wants this holiday season is to get home in time for Christmas. But when your home is in quirky little Oberon, California, nothing is ever that simple. 

 It’s the night before Christmas and Scout Patterson is on her way back to Oberon, until a chance meeting with a meddlesome angel has her dreaming of a weird Christmas—one in which she sees what life in the little town might have been like if she’d never returned.

Excerpt:

It’s not until I get to the school and see the sign on the door wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday that I remember the note that came home last week announcing today’s early closure. Now what? 

 Pausing at the top of the school’s front steps, I consider what to do next and decide to call Lucy. As one of my two closest friends, and Nick’s cousin, she’s the logical person to have picked up Cole—and the most likely to know what’s happened to Nick. When no one picks up at her house either, however, I’m ready to scream in frustration. I stomp down the stairs and back to the car—only to find Edge waiting in the Mustang’s passenger seat. 

“What are you doing here?” I snap, forgetting in my annoyance that it’s his car. If he’s here to take it back, he can damn well drop me off at Lucy’s on his way. 

 “That’s almost funny,” he replies. “I was about to ask you the same thing.” 

 “I’m just trying to locate my family,” I explain as I open the driver’s door and climb back behind the wheel. 

 “I was afraid of that.” He shakes his head sadly. “You didn’t understand a word I said to you earlier, did you?” 

 Ya think? I grit my teeth to keep from screaming, slam the car in gear and tear away from the curb. “I don’t understand any of this!” 

 “Obviously not. So, where are we headed?” 

There’s that “we” again. “Well, since I can’t reach anyone by phone, we are going to drive to my friend Lucy’s house. Hopefully, Cole’s with her.” 

“If you say so,” Edge answers doubtfully. “But you’ll probably want to stop for gas. It’s an awfully long drive to Arizona.” 

“Who said anything about Arizona?” 

“That’s where Lucy’s spending Christmas this year—with her parents.” 

“No, she’s not.” If that was the plan, I’d know about it. “Her family’s coming here. We’re all having dinner at her house tomorrow.” 

“New life, remember? That was the plan. Was—past tense. Christmas hasn’t had the same meaning for Lucy since the divorce.” 

 “Who’s getting divorced?” “Gotten. Lucy and Dan. Greco-Cavanaugh marriage? Kaput.” 

“You’re out of your mind,” I snarl, practically standing on the accelerator as I power through the deserted intersection. I must be too. Why am I still in the same car with him? 

 “Stop sign,” Edge observes as we fly past it. 

“Never mind the sign. Talk, damn it!” To my surprise, he does. “So, d’you remember how they went through that rough patch a coupla years ago? They worked it out in part because you were here for Lucy to unload on. You took her side, gave her a chance to calm down and reassess the situation. You also located her son when he went missing. When none of that happened, when you weren’t here for her, or for Seth…things got complicated.” 

“What do you mean, ‘it didn’t happen’? Sure, it did.” 

 “Old life, yes. New life, not so much.” Nodding at the rearview mirror, he adds, “I think he wants you to pull over.” 

I glance in the mirror as well and see the lights of the cruiser behind me. “Oh, shit.” I will never hear the end of this. I steer the car to the curb, turn off the engine, close my eyes and wait for the inevitable humiliation. “This day just could not get any better.” 

 Edge chuckles in response. “I know. It’s great, innit?” 

“License and registration.” 

My eyes snap open. I know that voice. “Ryan? Oh, thank God.” I gaze in relief at the big cop who occasionally partners with my husband. “Look, I’m trying to locate Nick, but he’s not answering his phone. Do you happen to know where he is?” 

“License,” Ryan repeats in cool, implacable tones. “And registration.” 

“Better do as he says,” Edge advises as he hands me the required paperwork. 

I take a quick look at the registration and freeze. “Wait. That’s not... What?” This car is registered in my name? And the address listed is the Venice Beach condo I just unloaded? 

 “Is there a problem, ma’am?” 

 Edge nudges my elbow. “Don’t make a fuss. Just say no.” 

“No,” I say, feeling faint. “No problem.” 

Ryan plucks the docs from my hand with a terse, “Wait here.” 

 As he heads back to his car, I turn on Edge. “What did you do? Tell me I did not just hand forged documents to the police!” 

“Of course not.” He has the nerve to sound affronted. “That would be illegal.” 

 “Then tell me what’s happening—the truth, this time.” 

“Do-over remember? I re-set everything in your life to the way it was before you returned to Oberon.” 

“So, this is actually my car—my old car—the one I totaled, the car I owned when I first moved back here?” 

“Now you’re getting it.” 

“Then what’s this nonsense about Lucy being divorced? How is that the way things were before I came back?” Edge drops his head in his hands and groans. “I spoke too soon. No, Scout: your life got re-set. Everyone else’s lives continued the way they would have if you’d never come home.” 

“You’re saying that, in my timeline, Lucy didn’t get divorced; and that was because of me?” 

“That’s an oversimplification, but basically—yes.” 

“And in this timeline, she is divorced, and that’s also because of me?” 

“Again, not entirely because of you, but…” 

“That’s ridiculous!” 

“Everything okay, Ms. Patterson?” Ryan asks, making me jump. I hadn’t noticed him returning. He’s gazing at me suspiciously, still without a trace of recognition. “You haven’t been out celebrating, have you? Do I need to ask you to step out of the car to take a sobriety test?” 

“What? Of course not! You know I’d never drive drunk.” Not after what had happened to Nick. My heart clenches a little as I recall my husband’s accident—the rumors, the accusations, the bitter aftermath. 

“He doesn’t actually know that.” Edge leans in to whisper. “Also, FYI? You’re the only one who can see or hear me. Don’t recall if I’d mentioned that?” 

Perfect. “I’m fine. I promise. I’m just having a really stressful day.” 

“All right, well…I’ll take your word for it,” Ryan replies as he hands back my paperwork—and a citation for the stop sign I’d run. “For now. But don’t make me sorry.” 

I can’t resist making one last appeal. “I don’t know who put you up to this, Ryan, but it really isn’t funny. Please, tell me you know who I am?” 

He pauses, for a moment, studying my face, then shakes his head. “Nope. Sorry.” 

“But you were at my wedding! It was right after you were shot. Come to that, I was at your wedding, too.” 

 “Well, they do say that everyone’s got a twin. You’re obviously confusing me with someone else. I’ve been to my share of weddings, but I’ve never tied the knot myself, and I’ve never been shot.” 

“Never…?” The Ryan I know has been shot several times. If Edge is correct—which I don’t believe—is that my fault too? I turn to ask him, but the seat beside me is empty. I clamp a shaky hand over my mouth to keep from screaming. This can’t be happening. 

The blood’s pounding so loudly in my ears that I almost miss Ryan’s next remarks. “I tell you what, though. I absolutely will remember you after this. And if I run into you again under similar circumstances, I won’t be inclined to let you off so easy. You got that?” I nod in response. “All right then. Happy holidays,” Ryan says as he turns to walk away. “And careful driving.”

Experience the magic of romance this Christmas. Holiday Kisses is a festive collection of eight exclusive Christmas stories that will make you fall head over heels in love. Are you ready to take a journey with us? Get into the Christmas spirit with these swoon-worthy romances this holiday season.

Buy Links: https://books2read.com/u/4jo68X