tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13607840318752645142024-03-16T14:02:46.368-04:00Ruth A CasieAdventure ... Passion ... Romance
Where love and time know no boundsRuth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.comBlogger472125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-53876198857220429752024-01-28T14:45:00.002-05:002024-01-28T14:50:08.055-05:00Charity Sunday - We Rise by Lifting Others <p> </p><p><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyL8seiUBVD26uadAeKLQAOF72_MPHlsqGkC4N74S1EkdIR3bLBgYPbI1rjv2u74dUCoYajLDCAP0CJRGN98QPCeHv8xZGh0Dri0sVAL6kTtOdk3gmECnqMYGgjeYen0Kd61dzM1vfYbWtJ81tYyM_YI4JMmWNpkmPpKVcz2eQEaDGXInVkRZag3GPKs/s599/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="599" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyL8seiUBVD26uadAeKLQAOF72_MPHlsqGkC4N74S1EkdIR3bLBgYPbI1rjv2u74dUCoYajLDCAP0CJRGN98QPCeHv8xZGh0Dri0sVAL6kTtOdk3gmECnqMYGgjeYen0Kd61dzM1vfYbWtJ81tYyM_YI4JMmWNpkmPpKVcz2eQEaDGXInVkRZag3GPKs/w408-h269/image.png" width="408" /></a></span></div><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_R2BSbFehonNVk57zjlg3TFLkjpFY4_DZ3X_IMysbV1ObFLt0CQr1o6IsIoUwMixg1JrHtb3QN19D-jaGP5NfNjr1IMxjHwNhbb8AAmfMvCkvp-Rx6VbgO_XGIGOFycKceNnOorW7XT9TI-l05jDCK5T9vIbo3rtjWMCTqdbtsW978Txm6h-Mdf41Kc/s508/Hope%20and%20Safety.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="508" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_R2BSbFehonNVk57zjlg3TFLkjpFY4_DZ3X_IMysbV1ObFLt0CQr1o6IsIoUwMixg1JrHtb3QN19D-jaGP5NfNjr1IMxjHwNhbb8AAmfMvCkvp-Rx6VbgO_XGIGOFycKceNnOorW7XT9TI-l05jDCK5T9vIbo3rtjWMCTqdbtsW978Txm6h-Mdf41Kc/s320/Hope%20and%20Safety.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Many times, when I speak with readers or when I'm interviewed, I am asked how I start writing. It all started at the Center for Hope & Safety. When I served on the board, I was not an author, nor </span><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">had I ever thought of writing a book.</span><p></p><p><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">I became good friends with Deny, the woman who was the board secretary during my tenure as board president. She was a physicist and told me she was writing a book. I asked what it was about she told me she was writing a romance story.</span></p><p><span face="Quattrocento Sans, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">I was excited to be with an aspiring author, and I offered to brainstorm, beta read, and help in any way I could. To make a very long story short, we decided to both write a book and package them as a duet. While her heart was with the books we were writing, she had other obligations. Aside from a full work schedule, she needed to take her daughter college hunting, and she had to train for the New York Marathon. While we continued to do our work for the shelter, on a personal note, Deny was the person who encouraged me to continue writing my book. She is the one who celebrated with me when it was published. She is the one who encouraged me to write more stories.</span></span></p><p><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 16px;">Center for Hope & Safety (</span><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">formerly Shelter Our Sisters)</em><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Quattrocento Sans, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;">is dedicated to assisting Bergen County, NJ, victims and survivors of domestic violence and their children by turning fear into</span></span><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">safety</span><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 16px;">, helplessness into </span><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">strength</span><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 16px;">, and isolation into </span><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">hope</span><span face=""Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 16px;">.</span></p><p><span face="Quattrocento Sans, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">For a full disclosure, I can proudly say I am a former board member and board president. Working together with the men and women on the board, we continued to develop the programs to fulfill the needs of the adults and children victimized by domestic violence.</span></span></p><p><span face="Quattrocento Sans, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif" style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;">During my tenure on the board, I met dedicated people who worked tirelessly, driven by the belief that every person has the right to be safe, empowered, and free from violence and fear. </span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">A <span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">501(c)(3) nonprofit </span>agency founded in 1976 they strongly believe that every person has the right to be safe, empowered, and free from violence and the fear of violence. Their mission is to help you heal and grow through a wide range of services that give the tools needed for a victim to leave the violence and empower them and their children for new beginnings.</p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">The only private, non-profit agency dedicated to sheltering Bergen County families and individuals who are affected by domestic violence, the Center for Hope & Safety provides a comprehensive umbrella of support services to help adults attain safety, build a strong foundation for healing, gain self-reliance, and stop the cycle of violence.</p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Quattrocento Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">Their services include:</p><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">A <b>24 Hour Emergency Hotline</b> that operations 365 days a year.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Safe House/Emergency Shelter Program</b>, safe confidential housing with basic needs as adults and children escape violence </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Children's Programs</b> designed to stabilize a child's environment and counteract the effects of abuse.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Transitional Housing</b> provides the interim step toward self-sufficiency for survivors graduating from the Safe House</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Community Services</b> to help with diverse needs, such as counseling, support groups, case management, risk assessment, safety planning, and more.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Economic Empowerment </b>helps people with career counseling, job development, and housing counseling services</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Project CHILD</b> provides weekly individual and group therapeutic treatment to support children ages 4-12 who are victims and/or witnesses of domestic violence.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The<b> Domestic Violence Liaison Program</b> provides expert consultations to the NJ Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCPP) as needed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The Center for Hope & Safety <b>Legal Services </b>is Bergen County's only free in-house legal services for victims of domestic violence with staff attorneys available for legal representation as well as providing advice when appropriate.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Financial contributions make it all happen. Here is where you can donate: <a href="https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/">https://www.hopeandsafetynj.org/</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <b>I will donate two dollars to the Center for Hope & Safety for every comment I receive.</b></span></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Meanwhile, to thank you for joining me today, I have an excerpt from the book that started my writing career, <i>Knight of Runes</i>. </span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 10.5pt;">"Friends. FRIENDS. Oh my gosh, listen to me. If you only pick up one book this upcoming summer, it needs to be <span class="a-text-italic">Knight of Runes. Imagine Game of Thrones and Outlander having a lovechild whose nanny was Jane Austen. Yes, I am serious. No, I am not kidding. It's that good." - Stacie Tyson </span></span><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #262626; font-size: 10.5pt;">~<b> Pursuing Stacie<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.12px; margin-bottom: 8pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRiNCVkIQ3RBrPt8tYcHEY4-NVutXvspB_j_qUOi_nUaBnV2RtZRsAfyK43r0GXZoevrXfFtZ6yJdA_OB80PNdB9t_uxCqnarqlqlbu5hlIWm5FJa598E9fDtfByFj9NkagTzC7leOkCNreBJhgGSJM16QhYTgbyim-_BeKUmnyVv0ivcfbmZ9BjL9Zk/s1080/BookBrushImage-2022-10-22-18-253.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRiNCVkIQ3RBrPt8tYcHEY4-NVutXvspB_j_qUOi_nUaBnV2RtZRsAfyK43r0GXZoevrXfFtZ6yJdA_OB80PNdB9t_uxCqnarqlqlbu5hlIWm5FJa598E9fDtfByFj9NkagTzC7leOkCNreBJhgGSJM16QhYTgbyim-_BeKUmnyVv0ivcfbmZ9BjL9Zk/w267-h267/BookBrushImage-2022-10-22-18-253.png" width="267" /></a></div><br />Rebeka Tyler, a distinguished expert in medieval and Renaissance studies and a casual martial arts enthusiast, never envisioned herself as a warrior. However, thrust into the 17th century, she finds herself caught in the conflict between two powerful druid masters. While deciphering ancient runes and unraveling a family secret to secure her return, Rebeka engages in battles for survival against in a society she knows well from her studies, as well as against the malevolent druid, Bran.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amidst the struggle, emotional complexities arise with Lord Arik, the druid knight, as long-buried truths about their shared past come to light. The key to triumph lies not in individual efforts but in a partnership between Rebeka and Arik. Yet, this alliance comes at a steep price - her heart and, if fate favors her, her rightful future. In this riveting tale, the boundaries between love, destiny, and sacrifice blur as Rebeka navigates a world of ancient mysteries and profound connections.<br /><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.12px; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><b>Excerpt</b></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">England - May 1605<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I should not have stayed away so long.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Unable to shake the ominous feeling of being watched, Lord Arik kept the small group moving quickly. On high alert, his eyes continually swept the underbrush bordering the rain-slicked forest trail. He and his three riders escorted the wagon with the old tinker and the woman quickly through the forest. At length, he slowed the pace, the horses winded as they neared the Stone River.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">“The forest is flooded,” he said. “I suspect the Stone will be as well. Willem, ride ahead and let me know what we face at the crossing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Willem did his lord’s bidding and quickly returned with his report. “The river ahead runs fast, m’lord. The bridge is in ruins and cannot be crossed.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Arik raised his hand and brought the group to a halt. “We must make repairs Doward,” he said to the old tinker, “there’s no room for the wagon at the river’s edge. You and the woman stay here and set up camp. Be ready to join us at the bridge when I send word.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Logan, Arik’s brother, spoke up. “I’ll keep watch here and help Doward and Rebeka.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Arik nodded and, with the others, continued the half mile to the bridge. “I am not pleased with this new delay.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">“It can’t be helped, m’lord,” Simon said. “We would make better time without the wagon.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">“We cannot leave Doward and the woman in the forest on their own, not with what we’ve heard lately. We’ll have to drive hard to make up the lost time,” Arik said as they came to the crossing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">The frame of the bridge stood solid, but the planks were scattered everywhere, clogging the banks and shallows. Arik leapt from his horse onto the frame to begin the repairs. “Hand me that planking.” Arik pointed to the nearest board.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Simon grabbed the nearest plank and examined it. “Sir, these boards have been deliberately removed.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Arik reached for the board just as an arrow whooshed out of the trees and slammed into the plank’s edge. Willem pulled his ax from his belt. In a fluid, practiced movement, he spun and sent his ax flying. The archer fell into the river and was swept downstream, Willem’s ax lodged in his forehead.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">A dozen or more attackers broke through the stand of trees. Poorly dressed fighters carrying clubs and knives moved toward them. There was only one sword among them, held by the leader—Arik’s target.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Arik tossed the board into the river and readied his sword. “They plan to pin us here at the river’s edge. Come, we’ll attack before they form up.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Arik and his men surged forward, driving a wedge through the enemy’s ragged line, forcing what little formation they had to scatter and fight, each man for himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">A man, club in hand, rushed at Arik. Before the attacker could bring his weapon into play, Arik pivoted around him. He raised his sword high and slammed the hilt’s steel pommel squarely on the man’s head and moved on before the man’s lifeless body collapsed to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Willem and Simon, on either side of Arik, advanced through the melee. Their swift swordplay moved smoothly from one stroke to the next, whipping through the air. They slashed on the down stroke and again on the backswing, sweeping their weapons into position to repeat the killing sequence as Arik and his soldiers steadily advanced, punishing any man who dared to come near them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">“For honor!” Logan’s war cry carried from the small camp to Arik’s ears.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Arik stiffened. Both camps were now under siege. He pulled his blade from an enemy’s chest. The body crumpled to the blood-soaked ground. Arik breathed deeply, the coppery taste of blood in the air.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">“For honor!” he bellowed in answer. His men echoed his call, arms thrown wide, muscles quivering, the berserker’s rage overtaking them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">The remaining assailants fled headlong back into the forest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Motioning to his men to follow, Arik raced toward Logan and the camp. He could hear shouts and cursed himself for not seeing the danger earlier. He crested the hill and came to an abrupt halt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Logan’s sword ripped through the air as he protected Doward. The tinker drew his short blade and did as much damage as he could. But it was the woman Arik noticed. Her skirt hiked up, she twirled her walking stick like a weapon, with an expertise that left him slack-jawed. She dispatched the enemy, one by one, in a deadly well-practiced dance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">A man rushed toward her, knife in hand. The sneer on his face didn’t match the fear in his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">She stepped out of his line of attack, extended her stick to her side and, holding it with both hands, swept the weapon forward, striking the intruder across the bridge of his nose. Blood exploded from his face in an arc of fine spray as his head snapped back. Droplets dusted her face, creating an illusion of bright red freckles. As he fell, she reversed her swing and caught him hard behind his knees. He went down on his back, spread-eagled. The woman swung her stick over her head and landed a precise blow to his forehead that knocked him unconscious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">As the woman spun to face the next threat, her glance captured Arik’s and held. In the space of an instant, time slowed to a crawl. Her hair slowly loosened from its pins and swirled out around her. His breath caught, and his heart quickened as a rapturous surge raced through his body. Something eternal and familiar, with a sense of longing, unsettled him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-indent: -0.9pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">In the next heartbeat, she tore her eyes away, leaving him empty. Time resumed its normal pace. Another fighter lay at her feet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.12px; margin-bottom: 8pt;"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Arik joined the fight.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">*****</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Buy Link: <a href="https://amzn.to/2C73zRV" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">*****</p><p class="MsoNormal">Please don't forget to leave a comment to help the Center for Hope & Safety. Thank you!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is a Blog Hop</p><hr noshade="" size="1" /><table align="Left" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" id="DataList1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 653.391px;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top"><div style="white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><div style="float: left; font-size: 12.32px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">1.</div><div style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=10669662" style="color: #993200; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: lisabetsarai.blogspot.com/2024/01/charity-sunday-toward-cure-sma-research.html">Charity Sunday: Towards a Cure</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><div style="float: left; font-size: 12.32px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">2.</div><div style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=10670227" style="color: #993200; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: www.nomadauthors.com/blog/2024/01/27/charity-sunday-dav-charitable-service-trust/">Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trus</a></div></div></td></tr><tr><td valign="top"><div style="white-space-collapse: preserve-breaks;"><div style="float: left; font-size: 12.32px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; width: 28px;">3.</div><div style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 1.15; margin-left: 34px; vertical-align: top;"><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/click_linky.aspx?entryid=10670448" style="color: #993200; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="Linked to: ruthacasie.blogspot.com/2024/01/charity-sunday-we-rise-by-lifting-others.html">Ruth A. Casie</a></div></div></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-family: "Cherry Cream Soda"; font-size: 15.4px;"></span></p><div style="clear: both;"><br />You are next...<span> </span><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_link_entry_form.aspx?id=313231" style="color: #993200; text-decoration: none;"><span style="border: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: blue; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; padding: 2px 6px;">Click here to enter</span></a><br /><span style="font-size: 11.5px;">This list will close in 5 hrs, 12 min (1/28/2024 8:00 PM North America - Eastern Standard Time)</span><span class="Verdana11"><br /><br /><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/get_bloghop_code.aspx?id=313231&type=basic" style="color: #993200; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">What is a blog hop?</a><br /><a href="https://www.linkytools.com/get_bloghop_code.aspx?id=313231&type=basic" style="color: #993200; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Get the code here...</a></span></div><h1 style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></h1></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-15630760314149989152024-01-23T01:00:00.011-05:002024-01-23T01:00:00.135-05:00Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoy this special day.<p> <b><span style="font-size: large;"> I will. It's my birthday!!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjEzp-b6JsukqCIQIZX0xtZzBXQXZQD7_VJXN1QvMKUU1JE8Ql2BlVOLrqmf3VJmttXgbnLEyWPt9hEcz0rmpgqFKr3CRq0ZXk-o1FgiEfDo20Z7ODiHA5xQc5jvcTa-RrblSS0nNsxs/s600/Happy+Birthday+with+cake.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjEzp-b6JsukqCIQIZX0xtZzBXQXZQD7_VJXN1QvMKUU1JE8Ql2BlVOLrqmf3VJmttXgbnLEyWPt9hEcz0rmpgqFKr3CRq0ZXk-o1FgiEfDo20Z7ODiHA5xQc5jvcTa-RrblSS0nNsxs/s320/Happy+Birthday+with+cake.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />And I am not the only birthday girl. I share the day with Mariska Hargitay, Chita Rivera, Gil Gerard, Nora O’Donnell, and others.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Celebrating this year may be a bit different. No lunching with the women, or dinner with the family. There will be time enough for that in the Spring. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are ten happy facts about birthdays.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />Where it all began</b>… Romans were the first people to celebrate the day of their birth. The special date was celebrated with banquets, gifts, and prayers.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjGuDnRh5zxXOqZmpwXcq6kKZIZ8tK-foSjvRWvzauf0j6c5TMEU2_kbE3mmKKr4yg2DzSYUnhLpRfsdqAYJHopNK_JXR-fuF1uoSb-qQeeMJB_oVp9wkbCkR6YZXzowGMj_4QXYJDKQ/s200/Kid%2527s+Birthday.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />Children’s Birthdays</b>… Birthdays were mostly celebrated by adults. It wasn’t until the 19<sup>th</sup> century that celebrating children’s birthdays came into fashion. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b>Milestones</b>… In the 20<sup>th</sup> century, recognizing life rituals and birthdays, in particular, helped children adapt to the changes in their bodies and relationships as they grew older.</span><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Cakes and Candles</b>… Various cultures lay claim to the origin of this ritual. In ancient Egypt, candles were used in their coronations. They raised the status of the human to a god. To honor the goddess Artemis, ancient Greeks put candles on moon-shaped honey cakes. They believed the smoke from the blown-out candle lifted their prayers to the top of Mount Olympus.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b>Happy Birthday to You</b>… The sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, wrote the song <i>Good Morning to You</i> in 1893. They were part of the progressive education movement. New lyrics <i>Happy Birthday to You</i> with the familiar melody appeared in 1912.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>When is yours?</b> Every person has one. So, I'm asking, when is yours??</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lxEAcDW5mtn-2Ta-gJaCg8wBhJjiJ9aabM5NvTuVQ7Ci6Km7jm9wRb4Fnj1vCSLVDGk4bMZ2xLKQYJ4CoC9-K2MG7sGhd0COMXRp-MlOO0ANuGO9Tfkum-OcenHHHzzNWWFQYlhvUdA/s2048/AdobeStock_62433929.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1924" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lxEAcDW5mtn-2Ta-gJaCg8wBhJjiJ9aabM5NvTuVQ7Ci6Km7jm9wRb4Fnj1vCSLVDGk4bMZ2xLKQYJ4CoC9-K2MG7sGhd0COMXRp-MlOO0ANuGO9Tfkum-OcenHHHzzNWWFQYlhvUdA/s320/AdobeStock_62433929.jpeg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">January Birthdays </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">01 Jan 1919 - </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;">J. D. Salinger, author of Catcher in the Rye</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;">03 Jan 1892 - </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;">J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;">08 Jan 1824 - </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Wilkie Collins, author of Woman in White</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;">14 Jan 1898 - </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;">19 Jan 1809 - </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Edgar Allan Poe, author of The Tell Tale Heart</span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;">27 Jan 1832 - </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit;">Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland</span></span></span></span></li></ul><span style="color: #333333;"><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">January Facts:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="color: #333333;"><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This full moon this month is called the Wolf Moon. It appears wolfs howl at this moon more than others.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A dreaded day, Plough Monday in the fifteenth century marked the start of the agricultural season and time to go back to work after a reprise from the last harvest.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This month is named for the Roman god Janus, the protector of gates and doorways.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Folklore: A favorable January brings us a good year.</span></li></ul><p></p><br /></span><p></p></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm">http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore">https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php">https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php</a></span></p></span></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey, USA40.0583238 -74.405661211.748089963821151 -109.5619112 68.368557636178849 -39.2494112tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-49673451161337782092023-12-09T00:30:00.036-05:002023-12-09T00:30:00.142-05:00Historical Romance Cookie Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL60K27ZAeswYrPqO7dkm-5peMpVR7HKNIRE5VVKCfS7clWlKEKpHHyArJTQrNvPNycc22ihZZqrZ2YppNcZhyORL9WoheYmPwXlQqtaetXisXHyMbgQ2McdsaebXvL1arDNAqrvyrUK-syAb4muOukjuK29YoCdt_8Uf2IdMUco0Z0XBTN2R7Q6p7DJw/s1640/Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL60K27ZAeswYrPqO7dkm-5peMpVR7HKNIRE5VVKCfS7clWlKEKpHHyArJTQrNvPNycc22ihZZqrZ2YppNcZhyORL9WoheYmPwXlQqtaetXisXHyMbgQ2McdsaebXvL1arDNAqrvyrUK-syAb4muOukjuK29YoCdt_8Uf2IdMUco0Z0XBTN2R7Q6p7DJw/w565-h318/Banner.png" width="565" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">First my tidbit... Mistletoe</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> The mysterious KisStory of Mistletoe</span></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR98PdFIaB4x0Yl7g-Sz6fzUwcsiFzZWzfEKfq9ezvmVDDm6HQg_4LWQviCI7DzYAzyNTpi14M9ol6PJGfdt9B3d4uV0qkM9P11ZA0uUKMDpQKmyncPDyXBus71kdLcvG7J1SRUr8KIvwGB8XMK8TjnHhp0lKDEqN-nwlzLyK7J-JLYcRpXrpUA1LQdc/s300/mistletoe-246x300.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="246" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXR98PdFIaB4x0Yl7g-Sz6fzUwcsiFzZWzfEKfq9ezvmVDDm6HQg_4LWQviCI7DzYAzyNTpi14M9ol6PJGfdt9B3d4uV0qkM9P11ZA0uUKMDpQKmyncPDyXBus71kdLcvG7J1SRUr8KIvwGB8XMK8TjnHhp0lKDEqN-nwlzLyK7J-JLYcRpXrpUA1LQdc/w322-h393/mistletoe-246x300.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555;">Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that produces small white berries and grows almost exclusively in trees. </span><span style="color: #555555;">Our KisStory begins in the 1</span><sup><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #555555; padding: 0in;">st</span></sup><span style="color: #555555;"> century A.D. The consensus among experts is that the use of Mistletoe in ritual form started with the Celtic Druids. This ancient civilization lived on the British Isles in what is now Ireland and Scotland. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Mistletoe became a sacred symbol of vitality and fertility after the Druids saw it blooming in the trees during the harsh winters. It later become a central focus of the Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe (in which the Druid Grand Master climbs the sacred oak tree and removes the mistletoe with a golden sickle and distributes it to the people) that led the Romans to call call the Druids barbarians. </span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The kissing tradition as we know it appears to have started in 18th century England where it first became widely used as a Christmas decoration. The tradition spread quickly throughout the world. Beginning as a custom among the lower classes, it made its way to all classes, becoming a universal holiday ritual.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In the Norse mythology, the mistletoe plant was a sign of love and peace. The goddess Frigg lost her son, the god Baldur, to an arrow make of mistletoe. After his death, she vowed whoever stood beneath the mistletoe would be offered a kiss and forever be protected. </span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The tradition continues. A person is allowed to request a kiss from a person standing beneath a sprig or bouquet of mistletoe. If the kiss is refused, bad luck will befall the person who said no.</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #555555;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Blatant promotion! FREE BOOK My holiday story in Druid Knight Tales 1, Mistletoe and Magic, is available for free if you join my newsletter.</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://bit.ly/RuthsNewsletterSignUp">http://bit.ly/RuthsNewsletterSignUp</a></span></span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #191919; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">Now... to cookies and a treat!</span></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #191919; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;">I found this recipe and absolutely fell in love with it. Reindeer Paw (ok - a bear paw, but I took poetic license) cookies with thanks to Rebecca. You can find her full article <a href="https://bestcookierecipes.com/bear-paw-cookies/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6qokuX-uUGtXQ8wShpKyeOx3oxxwgTnqaqecojrgC0yYHWcQ8MEMYRLpgd7-mFirrZyTM0tKs-dcm14u-E861EWiViDpUW6MZJQifVk4yPG2Ls9jpqSdlbmi5ynJ8WtC1iWHoZ-gggBV1LYSdianHmtMURwNCu_qb7f0ncB4ZWRLpKxjShGQ2E3oxuk/s1200/Bear-Paw-Cookies_Best-Cookie-Recipes-106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6qokuX-uUGtXQ8wShpKyeOx3oxxwgTnqaqecojrgC0yYHWcQ8MEMYRLpgd7-mFirrZyTM0tKs-dcm14u-E861EWiViDpUW6MZJQifVk4yPG2Ls9jpqSdlbmi5ynJ8WtC1iWHoZ-gggBV1LYSdianHmtMURwNCu_qb7f0ncB4ZWRLpKxjShGQ2E3oxuk/s320/Bear-Paw-Cookies_Best-Cookie-Recipes-106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Reindeer Paw Cookies </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Reindeer Paw Cookies are made with Peanut Butter Cookie dough and topped with a chocolate wafer and plain chocolate chips to form a bear paw treat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Prep Time: </i>15minutes mins<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Cook Time: </i>8minutes mins<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">½ Cup Butter Softened<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">½ Cup Peanut Butter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1 Egg Large<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">¾ Cup Granulated Sugar *Divided<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">½ Cup Brown Sugar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1 ¼ Cup All Purpose Flour 150g<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">½ teaspoon Baking Soda<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">½ teaspoon Baking Powder<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">48 Ghiradelli Candy Wafer<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">½ Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Instructions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Preheat oven to 375 and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cream Softened Butter and Peanut Butter in a large Stand Mixer or use a Hand Mixer. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Add ½ cup Sugar and Brown Sugar with Vanilla Extract together.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cream Egg into butter and sugar mixture.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In a separate bowl, mix Flour, Baking Soda, and Baking Powder.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Add Flour Mixture to Butter Mixture and mix to combine.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Use a Small Cookie Scoop size #60. Roll cookie dough in reserved sugar to coat and place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bake at 375 for 7-9 minutes or until edges turn golden brown. Do Not Overbake.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Remove from oven and immediately place chocolate wafer and chocolate chips on hot cookies. Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Move cookies to the cooling rack to fully cool. Store in a sealed container for up to a week. Best if enjoyed within 2-3 days.</span></li></ol><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Notes</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This recipe will make approximately 48 cookies in a small size #60 cookie scoop or approximately 30-32 Medium size #50 cookie scoop cookies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">* * * * *</span></p><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>BONUS RECIPE</b></span></div><div style="text-indent: -24px;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b> </b>I make these every year, and there is never anything left over.</span></div><div style="text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <b>NUTS – Sugared and Spiced Nuts</b></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ingredients</span></span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>1 pound whole blanched almonds </span> </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>1 pound pecan halves </span><span>(could use cashews, walnuts, or other nuts if you want) </span><span>(fyi – 2 C nuts =</span><span> </span><span>½ lb.)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">¼ tsp salt (can use ½ - 1 if you want more salt)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">4 egg whites</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">2 tsp. cinnamon</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">2 C sugar</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">½ pound sweet butter, melted</span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span>Directions</span></b><span> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ol><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Preheat to 350</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In a very large, shallow baking pan, combine nuts and salt. For a full recipe, it may be best to use 2 baking pans with sides. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Roast nuts for about 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Reduce heat to 325 </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Beat egg whites until soft peaks are formed. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Add cinnamon to the sugar and gradually beat into the egg whites. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Continue to beat till the mixture is the consistency of soft meringue. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pour the butter over the nuts.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Fold them into the meringue. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Spread the combined mixture on the pan in which you toasted the nuts. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bake 325 for about ½ hour. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Place in the center of the stove. (don’t bake too close to the bottom heat as the butter may burn) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Turn the nuts over at least 2 times. The white disappears. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Let nuts cool and store them in tightly covered jars or cans or baggies. </span></li></ol><br /><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Historical Romance Authors Cookie Hop Link List 2023</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmshzoITtP6CvAsfBZqDHTVaolbw1DSPmfvVl65MSLXOb5RfJ6SK5Z0O7KGleapL41fB-QBG3ABeJsBKhv4GRU6NRHDm0QuX57PDFNJv9Hvg-eojyrpbmhIST-dRrrRv9tu9wivN2TI5iXt1dgCxMlvYcCX_sUV8gV4lkGS2gw9g9vFnQObKYuEQg5R0/s624/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="78" data-original-width="624" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmshzoITtP6CvAsfBZqDHTVaolbw1DSPmfvVl65MSLXOb5RfJ6SK5Z0O7KGleapL41fB-QBG3ABeJsBKhv4GRU6NRHDm0QuX57PDFNJv9Hvg-eojyrpbmhIST-dRrrRv9tu9wivN2TI5iXt1dgCxMlvYcCX_sUV8gV4lkGS2gw9g9vFnQObKYuEQg5R0/w576-h72/Picture1.png" width="576" /></a></div>
<table><colgroup><col></col><col></col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td><p>Heather McCollum</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.heathermccollum.com/kitchen/">https://www.heathermccollum.com/kitchen/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Alanna Lucas</p></td><td><p><a href="https://alannalucas.com/">https://alannalucas.com/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Allison B. Hanson</p></td><td><p><a href="https://allisonbhanson.wordpress.com/">https://allisonbhanson.wordpress.com/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Anna St.Claire</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.annastclaire.com/contests">https://www.annastclaire.com/contests</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Tara Kingston</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Celeste Barclay </p></td><td><p><a href="http://www.celestebarclay.com">Www.celestebarclay.com</a> </p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Michelle McLean</p></td><td><p><a href="https://michellemcleanbooks.com">https://michellemcleanbooks.com</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Katherine Bone</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.katherinebone.com/">https://www.katherinebone.com/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Kathryn Le Veque</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels">https://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Terri Brisbin</p></td><td><p><a href="https://terribrisbin.com/news/2023/12/09/its-the-holiday-historical-cookie-sweets-hop-2023-grab-your-biscotti/">https://terribrisbin.com/news/2023/12/09/its-the-holiday-historical-cookie-sweets-hop-2023-grab-your-biscotti/</a> </p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Melanie Rose Clarke</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1159564541120841">https://www.facebook.com/groups/1159564541120841</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Brenna Ash</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.brennaash.com/parlor">www.brennaash.com/parlor</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Gina Conkle</p></td><td><p><a href="https://ginaconkle.com/">https://ginaconkle.com/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Deb Marlowe</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.debmarlowe.com/historical-holiday-cookie-hop.html">https://www.debmarlowe.com/historical-holiday-cookie-hop.html</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>E. Elizabeth Watson</p></td><td><p><a href="https://eelizabethwatson.com/holiday-hops/">https://eelizabethwatson.com/holiday-hops/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Jane Charles</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.janecharlesauthor.com/christmas-fun">https://www.janecharlesauthor.com/christmas-fun</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Amy Jarecki</p></td><td><p><a href="https://amyjarecki.com/historical-romance-holiday-cookie-hop-2023/">https://amyjarecki.com/historical-romance-holiday-cookie-hop-2023/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Collette Cameron</p></td><td><p><a href="https://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor">https://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Lauren & Devon Royal</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.laurenroyal.com/3.0/contest/">https://www.laurenroyal.com/3.0/contest/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Maeve Greyson</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaeveGreyson">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaeveGreyson</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Aurrora St. James</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.aurrorastjames.com/contests">https://www.aurrorastjames.com/contests</a> </p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>C.H. Admirand</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor</a> </p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Emily Royal</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/eroyalauthor">https://www.facebook.com/eroyalauthor</a> </p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Margaux Thorne</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/6874808775895296/">https://www.facebook.com/groups/6874808775895296/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Jennifer Seasons</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Seasons-Romance/100089138023579/">https://www.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Seasons-Romance/100089138023579/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Aubrey Wynne</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.aubreywynne.com">https://www.aubreywynne.com</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Elizabeth Ellen Carter</p></td><td><p><a href="https://elizabethellencarter.com/dreaming-of-white-christmas-traditional-australian-treat/">https://elizabethellencarter.com/dreaming-of-white-christmas-traditional-australian-treat/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Sara Adrien</p></td><td><p><a href="https://www.saraadrien.com/">www.saraadrien.com</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Eliza Knight</p></td><td><p><a href="https://elizaknight.com/news/">https://elizaknight.com/news/</a></p></td></tr>
<tr><td><p>Ruth A. Casie</p></td><td><p><a href="https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/2023/12/historical-romance-cookie-hop.html">https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/2023/12/historical-romance-cookie-hop.html</a></p></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>After you collect the names of all 30 recipes, e-mail the list of authors with their treats to <a href="mailto:Heather@HeatherMcCollum.com">Heather@HeatherMcCollum.com</a> with the subject line: Historical Romance Authors are Sweet. One winner will be chosen on Wednesday, 13 December and announced on the FB event page and on my website: <a href="https://www.heathermccollum.com/">https://www.heathermccollum.com/</a> .</p>
</div></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-21407354460244484182023-10-27T00:30:00.001-04:002023-10-30T16:10:22.058-04:00Trick or Treat Hop - October 27 - 31 - Win $150 Amazon Gift Card<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN HOP</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHM2jsGYQY453KScImMdvec5ScfdiioG3yx5k8OVWMiTMLueNpltr1VQyRnsXeiAYX5MihQNxFtYeh6PJ0jU9U7a62aEqmRLgbT9Jdl0JxjrryW4EFD7BcHHitUbuOko6VcO-YfpAwQCfW3nItmWP13XW16oIK-VBpFZMk93XOt2b-fV7IXuZqeTk_WM/s2000/2023%20Trick%20or%20treat%20hop.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="2000" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHM2jsGYQY453KScImMdvec5ScfdiioG3yx5k8OVWMiTMLueNpltr1VQyRnsXeiAYX5MihQNxFtYeh6PJ0jU9U7a62aEqmRLgbT9Jdl0JxjrryW4EFD7BcHHitUbuOko6VcO-YfpAwQCfW3nItmWP13XW16oIK-VBpFZMk93XOt2b-fV7IXuZqeTk_WM/w640-h456/2023%20Trick%20or%20treat%20hop.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">October 27 - 31</span></b></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Join 30 historical romance authors as they celebrate Halloween with an awesome four-day event! Not only do you have the opportunity for the Halloween Hop's $150 gift card, but I will be giving two readers a digital copy of my story, <i>The Maxwell Ghost. </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Find Ruth's Halloween Candy</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkGa-1rzBLE1lH52DCzbWIN7pUBWmM_2K-vlZ1KGHxzAPtRSATL7xrXQW6miVRNKFtfkXT9Z3d5mvIZ4744E7xE77oXtJ4GhDBQAO8XD3d8jIWrNUi5Ie6A-fzhJ3BQ3DHkOr4UghN5i-i5J9RZRIFlvjLrDzcmM4z75WDmVaIaprwfLD3t3a23pYGL8/s3837/_TOOTSIE%20ROLL%20The-Lady-and-Her-Secret-no-text.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="3837" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkGa-1rzBLE1lH52DCzbWIN7pUBWmM_2K-vlZ1KGHxzAPtRSATL7xrXQW6miVRNKFtfkXT9Z3d5mvIZ4744E7xE77oXtJ4GhDBQAO8XD3d8jIWrNUi5Ie6A-fzhJ3BQ3DHkOr4UghN5i-i5J9RZRIFlvjLrDzcmM4z75WDmVaIaprwfLD3t3a23pYGL8/w640-h462/_TOOTSIE%20ROLL%20The-Lady-and-Her-Secret-no-text.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere on this awesome cover design of <i>The Lady and Her Secret</i>, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">which was released on Oct 11, is my candy. Can you find it? </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What do I do now?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Carefully follow these directions for the Halloween Hop. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Hop to each historical romance author’s link below and find their Halloween candy. Using the Halloween candy/Author form (grab your form here - <a href="https://fb.me/e/2QZxHg1XM" target="_blank"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">https://fb.me/e/2QZxHg1XM</span></a> match the candy to the author by:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal">1) Drawing a line between them (you may want to print & tape pages together) or</p><p class="MsoNormal">2) Writing the author’s name next to their candy or</p><p class="MsoNormal">3) Write the candy next to the author’s name.</p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When you have all 30 candy matches, either e-mail a picture of the form/list or send an e-mail with the author’s name list with their matching candy to Heather@HeatherMcCollum.com by 11:59 PM on October 31, 2022.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Submitting your list will enter you into the $150 gift card giveaway! A randomly drawn winner will be picked out of all the entries. The grand prize winner will be announced by noon on November 1. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">While you are hopping to collect candy, don’t forget to like, follow, or sign up for the author’s newsletter to keep up to date on their new releases and author wanderings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am giving away, 2 digital copies of The Maxwell Ghost. The winners will be randomly selected from the comments left here.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>The Maxwell Ghost</b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7WwhkR0kfVo_n5bAHK2y2V0R54iA7k1g7gjzU3aAAgHAC2zvIt-qepnK1EC0uxxDZxUhsN3KikiqC_hSmAc0iYuIAuyeMSDrpFZmZNx5hBi3ITnMhLrWmKHfRWMD1lGDk4ysHkdO97SoImoE2uOsH9Qa51guE3DIIJR_6JG6qXSB7lx5LVYHfzin/s480/TMG%20giphy.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7WwhkR0kfVo_n5bAHK2y2V0R54iA7k1g7gjzU3aAAgHAC2zvIt-qepnK1EC0uxxDZxUhsN3KikiqC_hSmAc0iYuIAuyeMSDrpFZmZNx5hBi3ITnMhLrWmKHfRWMD1lGDk4ysHkdO97SoImoE2uOsH9Qa51guE3DIIJR_6JG6qXSB7lx5LVYHfzin/s320/TMG%20giphy.gif" width="203" /></a></span></i></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;"><br />Their destinies are intertwined with hidden passions and<br />a love that will last for eternity.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><a name="_Hlk33102205"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 16.8667px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Traitors, deception, murders, and ghosts run rampant at Caerlaverock Castle. Jamie Collins and Laura Reynolds, long-time friends, find their destinies intertwined with hidden passions, but all is in jeopardy when Laura becomes the murderer’s next target. Jamie will find he needs some ghostly assistance to save Laura and declare his love.</span></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No magic here...it's a love that lasts an eternity</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Two people will be randomly selected from comments here or on my Facebook page (<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/ " target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/ </span></a>) for a chance to win a digital copy of The Maxwell Ghost.</span></span></p><div>I will be hopping around to announce the winners on my Facebook page on November 1.</div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for hopping! Wishing you a lovely and safe Halloween.</p><p class="MsoNormal">**No purchase or sign-up up necessary to enter. Participation is completely voluntary. Your e-mail address will not be shared or added to any lists unless you specifically sign up for a newsletter list. The winner must be at least 18 years of age and have an e-mail address to accept gift card.**</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> <o:p></o:p></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif;"><b>Historical Romance Trick-or-Treat Hop</b></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Link List</span></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 714px;"><tbody style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 1pt solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Alanna Lucas<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: 1pt solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.alannalucas.com&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw0sUH58KZZte3JVee0sxuHy" href="http://www.alannalucas.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">www.alannalucas.com</span></a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Alexa Aston<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://alexaaston.com/&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw1yC9KbdQgG_rBKA0qwaBkj" href="https://alexaaston.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://alexaaston.com/</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Allison B. Hanson<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://allisonbhanson.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw2jaPdg4FyJn558Uol1PDHa" href="https://allisonbhanson.wordpress.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://allisonbhanson.<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>wordpress.com/</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amy Jarecki<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/groups/246831395899469&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw1dxnpCK3Ee9eqBIQbs_C3U" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/246831395899469" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>groups/246831395899469</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anna Markland<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.annamarkland.com/post/trick-or-treat-hop&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw3FlQm814VpLyc9c6DxmpLy" href="https://www.annamarkland.com/post/trick-or-treat-hop" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.annamarkland.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>post/trick-or-treat-hop</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anna St. Claire<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.annastclaire.com/contests&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw2xiq5qT_KLR2ammmn9LeWD" href="https://www.annastclaire.com/contests" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.annastclaire.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>contests</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Aviva Orr<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAvivaOrr/&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw2tbD6B9WlxMT6bnGuTkNQK" href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAvivaOrr/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>AuthorAvivaOrr/</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Brenna Ash<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.brennaash.com/parlor&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw2j7Rt9EeGBpR1yjM1gO5XZ" href="https://www.brennaash.com/parlor" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.brennaash.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>parlor</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deb Marlowe<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.debmarlowe.com/&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw2wUzahb6HvkwcmAzF4uxwt" href="https://www.debmarlowe.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.debmarlowe.com/</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">E. Elizabeth Watson<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://eelizabethwatson.com/holiday-hops/&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw1HXhbzQL5xiHwAY7Bzq44B" href="https://eelizabethwatson.com/holiday-hops/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://eelizabethwatson.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>holiday-hops/</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Eliana Piers<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.facebook.com/groups/ElianasBeauMondeReaderGroup&source=gmail&ust=1698772829233000&usg=AOvVaw1rEx-lXmTclzmh15TY9-hr" href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/ElianasBeauMondeReaderGroup" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>groups/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>ElianasBeauMondeReaderGroup</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elizabeth Rose<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; 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margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaeveGreyson&source=gmail&ust=1698772829234000&usg=AOvVaw0mWqvURlMkTL9nqNkiE-HL" href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaeveGreyson" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>AuthorMaeveGreyson</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; 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border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Melanie Rose Clark<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/groups/1159564541120841&source=gmail&ust=1698772829234000&usg=AOvVaw0XJ1OM2Sok0yn9Y1iDqBDC" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1159564541120841" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>groups/1159564541120841</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ruth A. Casie<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/2023/10/trick-or-treat-hop-october-27-31-win.html&source=gmail&ust=1698772829234000&usg=AOvVaw3KIKiz6ivenxgEuYcIXB1m" href="https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/2023/10/trick-or-treat-hop-october-27-31-win.html" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://ruthacasie.blogspot.<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>com/2023/10/trick-or-treat-<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>hop-october-27-31-win.html</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sandra Sookoo<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor&source=gmail&ust=1698772829234000&usg=AOvVaw2QmJK_j_BUxlppPZaLTll3" href="https://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>sandrasookooauthor</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tara Kingston<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; line-height: 13.65px; margin: 0in;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor&source=gmail&ust=1698772829234000&usg=AOvVaw2YCjI4BrCvxe6sz9VuI5eO" href="https://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>TaraKingstonAuthor</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td></tr><tr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 153pt;" valign="top" width="204"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Terri Brisbin<u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p></td><td style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 382.5pt;" valign="top" width="510"><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.terribrisbin.com/&source=gmail&ust=1698772829234000&usg=AOvVaw08nShTZ_SpYLyscTKmUZ6t" href="https://www.terribrisbin.com/" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.terribrisbin.com</a><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u><u style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></u></span></p><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-46760532590373975382023-09-27T00:00:00.055-04:002023-09-27T00:00:00.143-04:00The Grand Mistletoe Assembly - A Charity Anthology<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpb7nMKA1r_vHlruTx4SmV0YPu9qaq97HW-cwnJAHL64WORykK7JOCPYPbrEguzwSPvcC2nwBOBz7ngFVXVWioYQpkDdc4s4z4N2Xn7hbIW4JOH2k_P9EKlpTle8utumXsnxBEatSc4hlg6RkLdy7z0yhSHq5dW8q2zJJcuxAFG2lqiX6-N0dn0YLZkA/s1080/BookBrushImage-2023-9-11-21-4945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpb7nMKA1r_vHlruTx4SmV0YPu9qaq97HW-cwnJAHL64WORykK7JOCPYPbrEguzwSPvcC2nwBOBz7ngFVXVWioYQpkDdc4s4z4N2Xn7hbIW4JOH2k_P9EKlpTle8utumXsnxBEatSc4hlg6RkLdy7z0yhSHq5dW8q2zJJcuxAFG2lqiX6-N0dn0YLZkA/w400-h400/BookBrushImage-2023-9-11-21-4945.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>You just <b>MUST</b> read this anthology! <i>The Grand Mistletoe Assembly</i>. <p></p><p>Can the festival ball of the Season bring six couples together in time for the holidays? A collection of Regency romances with star-crossed lovers, fast-paced plots and timeless connections...</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Cuddling under mistletoe, fine lace, snowy linen, and true love to be found in the flickering light of a hundred gas lamps. Pearler House is bedecked for the holidays and everyone is attending the event of a lifetime. Experience the joy of the season with six all-new tales of passion. Some are sweet, some are spicy, all will capture your heart.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 4px; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Buy Link: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://buy.bookfunnel.com/mdnou7ruyi&source=gmail&ust=1694617886947000&usg=AOvVaw0g7-IG7IMLOLDVbmfUI8K1" href="https://buy.bookfunnel.com/mdnou7ruyi" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">https://buy.bookfunnel.<wbr style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"></wbr>com/mdnou7ruyi</a></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sara Adrein, whose story Captured at the Ball is in the anthology, is my guest today. Here is what she has to say about Regency romance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrAgWpP1j7EpS8K7F_Rxqu0wVp4hZXyoV2dJBh1FpqFAb7eyVxPSVBe8wbASytcYNZ8YuaAwUVshhbCmOcGUwFjlysGqRUswd-bIx8c4s--uk9YgyjW6gYUs6qsacUqOgwEa4NWusSMOppYngsNGr70ibe0JLllUGqqovSTrUQyJAU45zgkeRcKOKtm0/s1430/Picture2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1430" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrAgWpP1j7EpS8K7F_Rxqu0wVp4hZXyoV2dJBh1FpqFAb7eyVxPSVBe8wbASytcYNZ8YuaAwUVshhbCmOcGUwFjlysGqRUswd-bIx8c4s--uk9YgyjW6gYUs6qsacUqOgwEa4NWusSMOppYngsNGr70ibe0JLllUGqqovSTrUQyJAU45zgkeRcKOKtm0/w400-h208/Picture2.png" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b>What draws you to Regency Romance and what do you enjoy
most about writing it?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I absolutely adore the Regency era! It's such a fascinating
time when everyone dressed elegantly, displayed impeccable manners, and the art
and architecture were simply breathtaking. And who could resist the charm of
afternoon tea and delightful finger foods? Romance has always held a special
place in my heart, as it profoundly shapes our lives, futures, and family
dynamics. That's why my books go beyond just focusing on the couple – they
weave in the stories of family members too, making each tale an all-encompassing
journey of love and relationships. Sometimes I wish out present had a bit more
of the Regency era; if only we could pick and choose!</p><p></p></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b><b>How is your story in the anthology connected to the
series. Can you tell us a little about the characters and how they come
together?</b></p>
<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Absolutely! In my latest captivating tale, we meet Sofia, a
daring Russian spy sent to London on a mission to bring down Eve Pearler, the
elegant Jewish matriarch from my much-loved "Infiltrating the Ton"
series. Eve is not only a sophisticated lady but also an integral member of her
family's jeweler business, expertly navigating relationships within the Ton.
Enter the disgruntled Prussian Baron von List, who is determined to topple the
entire Jewish businesses from the "Diamond Dynasty" series. This
thrilling adventure reunites many familiar characters from previous books but
in a whole new light, as it serves as the prequel to the upcoming "Check Mates"
series. So, whether you're a fan of my other works or a newcomer, you can
either savor this story as a standalone or delight in the intricate connections
and overlaps woven into the plot.</p><p></p></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p> </o:p></b><b>Was there something funny, crazy, or otherwise memorable
in creating this anthology as you worked with the other authors and editors?
Anecdotes are fun, please share!</b></p>
<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Oh, what a delightful experience it's been working on this
anthology! When you bring together six passionate Romance authors and discuss
the steam level for the stories, let's just say things got as heated as a
whistling teakettle! But in all seriousness, this journey has been nothing
short of amazing. We've forged new friendships, embarked on exciting
collaborations, and ultimately, created a fantastic book that we cannot wait to
share with our beloved readers this season. With join effort and lots of creativity,
we created a world of enchanting tales and unforgettable moments that we are
all very proud of.</p><p></p></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>In a genre brimming with passionate love stories and grand adventures, how do
you maintain originality in your writing and keep readers on the edge of their
seats? Are there any specific themes or tropes you particularly enjoy exploring
in your Regency Romance novels?</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I must say, my favorite trope in historical fiction has to
be the arranged marriage – it perfectly captures the essence of how matches
were made for Jews two hundred years ago. There's something incredibly
heartfelt and intriguing about falling in love with someone you're already
married to, as if Cupid himself provided a target for your affection. While I
often describe my work as Regency Romance with a Jewish twist, it could
honestly feature any unique angle. London has long been a melting pot of diverse
cultures and religions, and today's readers are fascinated by the idea of Jews
discreetly mingling within the Ton. My research has uncovered plenty of
evidence to support this notion, and I've also drawn inspiration from my
personal experiences. I hope that readers will continue to embrace the rich
tapestry of stories that bring these fascinating characters and cultures to
life in my hot and heart-melting stories.</p><p></p></blockquote><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>You can find Sara here:</b><br />
Email: author.sara.adrien@gmail.com<br />
Website: <a href="https://saraadrien.com/">www.SaraAdrien.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079213909007">Sara
Adrien</a><br />
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorsaraadrien/">authorsaraadrien</a><br />
BookBub: <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sara-adrien" target="_blank">Bookbub</a><br />
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/63339827" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
Trailer for the story: <a href="https://youtu.be/b2TENzpRdVs">https://youtu.be/b2TENzpRdVs</a><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-56065693494361640512023-09-23T11:55:00.000-04:002023-09-23T11:55:17.802-04:00<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="406" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5XXRoBL0MHs" width="488" youtube-src-id="5XXRoBL0MHs"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Love, mystery, and the magic of Halloween intertwine in 'The Lady and Her Secret.' Don't miss this captivating Regency tale. 🍁🗝️ </p><p>#HalloweenMagic #RomanticStory #RegencyRomance</p><p>PreOrder <a href="https://tinyurl.com/TLAHSecret">https://tinyurl.com/TLAHSecret</a></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-16535624898895479742023-04-05T00:15:00.039-04:002023-04-06T10:59:11.682-04:00Historical Romance Authors Easter Egg Hunt<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1W3zcrNU8M06Q7Ue03_hPB8Fq88ethU6pGnGEJbrM104gD6KkSkYWIehwcOY4DWecR5RS8jfUB7S1MPvGAgZVEopvKd8IAgoNeI6stocBBuzLAmWLChj5dqW1P_wjEa0CbrEYq_d06DJVj91FHw_mZX4yw9eNUfpwqXRBO97nDKCc0lSmBjk-CNG/s940/Easter%20Egg%20Hunt%20and%20Release%20April%2011.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1W3zcrNU8M06Q7Ue03_hPB8Fq88ethU6pGnGEJbrM104gD6KkSkYWIehwcOY4DWecR5RS8jfUB7S1MPvGAgZVEopvKd8IAgoNeI6stocBBuzLAmWLChj5dqW1P_wjEa0CbrEYq_d06DJVj91FHw_mZX4yw9eNUfpwqXRBO97nDKCc0lSmBjk-CNG/w640-h536/Easter%20Egg%20Hunt%20and%20Release%20April%2011.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /> There is an Easter Egg hidden in the picture above. Find my hidden Easter egg in the picture above and you're on your way to winning the Grand Prize.<p>Re<span style="font-family: inherit;">turn to the event page <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://fb.me/e/2mAACgHR5&source=gmail&ust=1680386707036000&usg=AOvVaw2MGwFyXB-eScwKr4atngEB" href="https://fb.me/e/2mAACgHR5" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">https://fb.me/e/2mAACgHR5</a> and hop on over to the next author OR the links below. Here is the link to <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NA2Cae9ADQHWbO0g8ZGk_q5LAIPV6ADFW5z73049V3I/edit" target="_blank">Author/Egg Matching Worksheet </a>in a google doc. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The eggs are all mixed up, so your egg are NOT next to the correct author. They are mixed up so you can write the egg number next to author's name. When you're done, either e-mail <a href="mailto:heather@heathermccollum.com" target="_blank">Heather McCollum</a> a list of authors with egg numbers or pictures of your sheets with lines marching the eggs to the correct author.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span></p><p>I have my own game for you, for added fun... </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Follow this link to a<a href="https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=13ca29352bc4 " target="_blank"> jigsaw puzzle</a> </li><li>Put the puzzle together.</li><li>Count the number of Easter egg cookies on the sign.</li><li>Enter the number of cookies you found in the comments below. </li></ul><p></p><p>The prize...</p><p>Four correct answers will be randomly selected and each winner will receive a $5 Amazon gift card.</p><p></p><p>Have fun and a wonderful holiday!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0LLO_i4qblIFKOHzxmb6JJnrqxd-DMnqm9zcyVqRSnKdhZPKSGPRRJB9HBz4-gesmU1jAQJ3bjAeuaHDOVdV_PVQDP8AXr5As4hc7Iz_rzUcbpwPFd0n8674BIC0vlY6w3mrWpG9Li--jchfql7AlGTMiTyl8FumRj7Vzk7h5ppB1cP6asJ1VAOm/s1920/Easter%20Graphic%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0LLO_i4qblIFKOHzxmb6JJnrqxd-DMnqm9zcyVqRSnKdhZPKSGPRRJB9HBz4-gesmU1jAQJ3bjAeuaHDOVdV_PVQDP8AXr5As4hc7Iz_rzUcbpwPFd0n8674BIC0vlY6w3mrWpG9Li--jchfql7AlGTMiTyl8FumRj7Vzk7h5ppB1cP6asJ1VAOm/w530-h298/Easter%20Graphic%20.png" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1pt solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Name<br /><br /><br /></span></b><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: 1pt solid black; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p align="center" style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Link where Readers will Hop</span></b><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Alanna Lucas</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://alannalucas.com/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106633000&usg=AOvVaw1f_ZSUThwEg7tsHJLhjyNW" href="https://alannalucas.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://alannalucas.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Brenna Ash</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://brennaash.com/about/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106633000&usg=AOvVaw0TNk1xDTOhczomvo5k8V9f" href="https://brennaash.com/about/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://brennaash.com/about/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">C.H. Admirand</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor&source=gmail&ust=1680742106633000&usg=AOvVaw1vON3ZDXTFYVFiv7zT3NZc" href="https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>CHAdmirandAuthor</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Collette Cameron</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor&source=gmail&ust=1680742106633000&usg=AOvVaw16Ii1T8ih1XwzSHE__1RCo" href="https://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>collettecameronauthor</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Deb Marlowe</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.debmarlowe.com/historical-mysteries.html&source=gmail&ust=1680742106633000&usg=AOvVaw2U_co1mYRpNbmteKSygFEO" href="https://www.debmarlowe.com/historical-mysteries.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.debmarlowe.com/<wbr></wbr>historical-mysteries.html</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">E. Elizabeth Watson</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://eelizabethwatson.com/happy-easter/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106633000&usg=AOvVaw3UX_DipWCgqsWc7ZPnGKIS" href="https://eelizabethwatson.com/happy-easter/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://eelizabethwatson.com/<wbr></wbr>happy-easter/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Elizabeth Rose</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://elizabethrosenovels.com&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw3EHJAhuCEUkSCUNzM32Nz_" href="http://elizabethrosenovels.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">http://elizabethrosenovels.com</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Eliza Knight</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://elizaknight.com/news/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw0XlQay7bcgjl37tPbeaEkf" href="https://elizaknight.com/news/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://elizaknight.com/news/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Emily Royal</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/eroyalauthor&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw3Tx2w6M2FMib8COtZH8K6K" href="https://www.facebook.com/eroyalauthor" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>eroyalauthor</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Glynnis Campbell</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.glynnis.net/monthly-giveaway&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw0ZyeyAnNbUcJaKfES_IFWD" href="https://www.glynnis.net/monthly-giveaway" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.glynnis.net/<wbr></wbr>monthly-giveaway</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Heather McCollum</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.heathermccollum.com/fun-for-readers/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw2IVq1-Hac1LmxZTNRl7umu" href="https://www.heathermccollum.com/fun-for-readers/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.heathermccollum.<wbr></wbr>com/fun-for-readers/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Jessica Clements</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/JessicaAClementsNavarro&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw2lkp1tBRT0iXnNALdBQecU" href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaAClementsNavarro" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>JessicaAClementsNavarro</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Katherine Bone</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.katherinebone.com/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw0psr77mg-RukgPxi6RWPzu" href="https://www.katherinebone.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.katherinebone.com/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Katherine Grant</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.katherinegrantromance.com/easter-egg/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw2sTxV3e--rgglBxFkJNOaJ" href="https://www.katherinegrantromance.com/easter-egg/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.<wbr></wbr>katherinegrantromance.com/<wbr></wbr>easter-egg/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Kathryn Le Veque</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw1egx56wRrPajg_3Zha54Cp" href="https://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>kathrynlevequenovels</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lauren Royal</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://royall.ink/Contest&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw3Cbr2bwWSOp91XAYF9I7je" href="http://royall.ink/Contest" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">http://royall.ink/Contest</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 25.5pt;"><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 25.5pt; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Lori Ann Bailey</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 25.5pt; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://loriannbailey.com/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw3V2mQx4v77yB5I-imVVJ2c" href="https://loriannbailey.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://loriannbailey.com/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 25.5pt;"><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 25.5pt; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Madeline Martin</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 25.5pt; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw1uGIm_bi9q8IL6fylH5HSN" href="https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>MadelineMartinAuthor/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr style="height: 25.5pt;"><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 25.5pt; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Maeve Greyson</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; height: 25.5pt; margin: 0px; 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border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/rachelannsmit11&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw3wPJG8x-pxVXrMiXBI-8tK" href="https://www.facebook.com/rachelannsmit11" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>rachelannsmit11</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Ruth A. Casie</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw3_NKnrSm1p61iO_iSdlShB" href="https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://ruthacasie.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> YOU'RE HERE!</span><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Sandra Sookoo</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw3Ak4WFNftJoFt9dIbfG6Me" href="https://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>sandrasookooauthor/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Terri Brisbin</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.terribrisbin.com&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw1R6jrnP2UHIHwBcwsW0Pj6" href="http://www.terribrisbin.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">www.terribrisbin.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tina Gabrielle</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielle&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw1uRLHKMK0il6F0-3qFT8Kv" href="https://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielle" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>TinaGabrielle</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tracy Brogan</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.tracybrogan.com&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw2_sovfNNA6cK9aq2Bfpdtr" href="http://www.tracybrogan.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">www.tracybrogan.com</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Tracy Sumner</span><u></u><u></u></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 5pt;" valign="top"><p style="margin: 0in;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tracy-sumner.com/newsletter/&source=gmail&ust=1680742106634000&usg=AOvVaw06on_VdAPQLLOsNE1GJmUJ" href="https://www.tracy-sumner.com/newsletter/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.tracy-sumner.com/<wbr></wbr>newsletter/</span></a><u></u><u></u></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><u></u> </p></div><br /><p><br /></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-55609689670516968312023-02-10T00:18:00.001-05:002023-02-10T00:18:30.595-05:00Return to The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQDDF-g5lHuIQgQt-J9urkWuRniYWO93DGHlBhyFFOEDQpM947xeQTmOy8usU8O9dd-uxATxFwgIrhxruf8QawksgtMzbQ-Oetdz2_Su2c1dDuUyIoG9Rzrr62e0cf1noq02mLDmJbhn0nJ0lvg9Jj-4srUCikaCT4gSAk0I49oxbqwg6yglJRz_V/s4743/AdobeStock_116966426.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3162" data-original-width="4743" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQDDF-g5lHuIQgQt-J9urkWuRniYWO93DGHlBhyFFOEDQpM947xeQTmOy8usU8O9dd-uxATxFwgIrhxruf8QawksgtMzbQ-Oetdz2_Su2c1dDuUyIoG9Rzrr62e0cf1noq02mLDmJbhn0nJ0lvg9Jj-4srUCikaCT4gSAk0I49oxbqwg6yglJRz_V/w400-h266/AdobeStock_116966426.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">You asked for more...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Welcome
back to Sommer-by-the-Sea, the vibrant village nestled on the rugged northeast
coast of England. The world here is still centered on the country village and
the lives of the landowning and professional families along with aristocrats
and gentry are the self-made men, shop owners, local workers, and servants, a
cross-section of the people of the time. Steeped in history dating back as far
as the Vikings, the villagers are proud and celebrate their heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Everyone
from the elite summer residents to the year-round residence keep businesses
flourishing and gossip thriving. As with any small town, there are challenges
and successes, secrets, disagreements, and feuds. There is no shortage of
romance, mystery, drama, and even a murder or two.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The
new graduates of the Sommer-by-the-Sea Female Seminary have a unique education
along with their unusual skills. We’ll find a sought-after organizer, an accomplished
doctor, and an aspiring playwright. Along with the usual studies available, the
head mistress has nurtured each woman’s innate ability and helped them develop
into the women they are today. This shared unique experience has kept the
graduates close.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Each
lady has her own story to tell as she is called to action and must demonstrate
she is smart, strong and sensible and must challenge the accepted definition of
a “woman’s place.” For these women, arranged or political marriages will not
do. If she chooses a husband, it will be for love, on her own terms, and with a
man who will accept her as a partner. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It
is with pleasure I introduce you to these Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, and
their stories.</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpKWeejP8yAC4M_KRFhliTJYCXfdAwOVPTRcbtFBTMtuiDE4yP3J3emU4DM1ERtyxuph-nyj-GLFrOZ2bHzXHFsdCy14babDP2FE_AzgA5Oqiggp1wA_LIKKWa6NE02drnPBsjbnmcAIJt42iAoLHhKEVQVPVdBNmmYqC3T2ooDMHL3-2gVh2Ljpf/s1080/Barrister%20preOrder%20(1080%20%C3%97%201080%20px).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpKWeejP8yAC4M_KRFhliTJYCXfdAwOVPTRcbtFBTMtuiDE4yP3J3emU4DM1ERtyxuph-nyj-GLFrOZ2bHzXHFsdCy14babDP2FE_AzgA5Oqiggp1wA_LIKKWa6NE02drnPBsjbnmcAIJt42iAoLHhKEVQVPVdBNmmYqC3T2ooDMHL3-2gVh2Ljpf/w640-h640/Barrister%20preOrder%20(1080%20%C3%97%201080%20px).png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>She
swore she’d help him find his soul mate. <br />Will she realize he has met his match?</i></span></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Lady Anna Ravencroft shines brightly as
a much-admired organizer and hostess. In her mind it is the one thing at which
she succeeds. Inwardly she is shy, retiring… a wallflower. With two failed
seasons that ended in disaster she has accepted marriage might not be in her
future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Lord Fraser Castleton, a London
barrister is shocked when he inherits a title and estate from his mother’s
great aunt and becomes the 8<sup>th</sup> Duke of Willbury. He returns to
Sommer-by-the-Sea to take up permanent residence. He crosses paths with his
longtime friend, Lady Anna. He confides that he is the target of every mother
with an unmarried daughter. She commiserates with him. Every eligible gentleman
sees the Ravencroft purse rather than her. Together they decide to find a mate
for each other. Anna presents him with a list of several eligible women. Castleton
is receptive, but not enthusiastic. He gives her the same reaction with the
subsequent two lists. Will she realize he has already found his match? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 107%; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Richard Younge who doesn’t always play
by the rules wants to be the next Member of Parliament for his borough. His
political backer will support him if Younge can finance the campaign himself.
He suggests Younge find a wealthy wife to support his political plans. Marrying
a Ravencroft would all but guarantee not only his backer’s continued support
but provide the steady stream of money needed to claim his place amongst the
gentry. He calls on Lady Anna for assistance with a campaign event and has an
ulterior motive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two men vie for Lady Anna,
but who will she choose?</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">The smooth politician or the down-to-earth barrister
turned duke?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Currently available for pre-order. Release Date April 11, 2023</div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSG2GMH9"><span style="font-family: inherit;">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSG2GMH9</span></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><br /></div></span><p></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-23750113218212838402022-11-24T00:30:00.006-05:002022-12-04T15:27:56.847-05:00X Marks the Spot!!! - Winner Announced!!<p> </p><p></p><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ahoy, Kaisquare. You are the winner. Please send me a direct message or contact me at Ruth@RuthACasie.com</span></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You’ve reached the</span></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ruth A. Casie's Jolly Roger</span></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Treasure Hunt.</span></h1><h3 style="text-align: center;">Chose the correct cave to find the treasure. </h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/p/cave-1.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4300" data-original-width="6500" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJXmfjLjU1wdAmiFOrREEhjImsrg11qv97GVm06BJBJ-A4lJjpVFqcvsEkT89Vk6_7QuYos_XC4LRGrjvvL3HvVkSt8_yZmjJnU7nwo9er7PZ2hyMYLiBT_NKhqal8AB0rb0zsAYiwobZ-NStwKo5eFjVYTndVZ4skXkrI234qdD1qbCTI0KPlGCL/w200-h133/AdobeStock_337544169.jpeg%20Cave%201.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/p/cave-2.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3135" data-original-width="4703" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCpy6O9OOR1pejBYYto_56eV7mGCuQmABjpSC95yvQfvN5Jmi1yJZIoS0D0TeCJofjnbmVUKGTKbYvJvno_Ony056byyQOjGXRj7vzf80xtcN_hpa6GG71LPdtLPEx_Ef--qDypO71_uN1Z9YdyHvKRUSYlds5kyVxE_wbjkHhI-usGoNexcXn2b_/w200-h133/AdobeStock_102358873.jpeg%20Cave%203.jpeg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/p/cave-3.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhs0LIxNgMldW0V1IU0h8ljJZ3HG4rkf3DLj6aYOQhbUsZW2GmYKfd67E_XBwe77o5ZlykIiAahtmiGSe3qgI_ys2ULR_N07Wm9inrZAgPcsHSQBSQ7uSzLPCgFW3NpXk0mPz2wgxI85NZkxlmTLfsZxTnZB3pJjBfgoX-aCBVM6sC-lSOqgJpeY4/w200-h133/AdobeStock_196057854.jpeg%20%20Cave%202.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Cave #1 Cave #2 Cave #3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>There is a treasure buried deep in one of these caves. Find the hidden puzzle and the prize could be yours.</p><p>Find the right cave, solve the puzzle, and enter the time it took you to complete it in the comments below. </p><p>The prize...</p><p>One US winner will receive signed copies of each of my five pirate books</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Pirate's Jewel</li><li>The Pirate's Redemption</li><li>Hugh: Sons of Sagamore</li><li>Graham: Sons of Sagamore</li><li>Donald: Sons of Sagamore</li></ul>Five international winners will receive a signed bookplate and swag.<p></p><p>Winners will be randomly selected from the comments below. For an extra chance to win, join my Facebook reader's group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/963711677128537" target="_blank">Casie's Café</a>.<br /> </p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-14972144031675449132022-11-21T00:00:00.002-05:002022-11-21T00:00:00.188-05:00Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nQ7I2JEpfy7mV1VRUPCXKR5D-X4pxO8qOrTznF0n9CkqTdHdNvXd8HxpM1Y7zjlf5VfReEWU5i6IT8_61PiN82L9L9AU-PuNUufDsUX7YM61EGuNdhts4zhaSiwHDvXUwjMcJ_wZqbF9usEhUllGOo4CIWMLzRVABnLy3icZ9_VcY6uyvgydSlEj/s600/ThankfulGiveawayHop-700x700-1-600x600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nQ7I2JEpfy7mV1VRUPCXKR5D-X4pxO8qOrTznF0n9CkqTdHdNvXd8HxpM1Y7zjlf5VfReEWU5i6IT8_61PiN82L9L9AU-PuNUufDsUX7YM61EGuNdhts4zhaSiwHDvXUwjMcJ_wZqbF9usEhUllGOo4CIWMLzRVABnLy3icZ9_VcY6uyvgydSlEj/w400-h400/ThankfulGiveawayHop-700x700-1-600x600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="color: #2d2828;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Welcome to the Twelfth Annual
Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop Event. We invite bloggers and authors to join
the fun! It will be a great way to discover new blogs and to celebrate our love
of books! The hosts for this year’s event are <a href="https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #5d6b6c; text-decoration-line: none;">Caffeinated Reviewer</span></strong></a> and <a href="https://www.readingreality.net/" style="background-position: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #5d6b6c; text-decoration-line: none;">Reading Reality</span></strong></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The giveaway will run from 12:01AM on Monday, November 21st through 11:59PM Monday, November 28th.</span></p><p>
</p><p style="margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Top 10
Reasons I Love Thanksgiving!</span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span>We celebrate the Friday after.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">At our house we celebrate Thanksgiving the
day after turkey day. We started the tradition as a compromise for my kids and
their in-laws. They were conflicted about where to spend Thanksgiving. No one
wanted to miss dinner with their family. We talked about brunch in the morning
or later in the day. That just wasn’t the same. Instead I opted for the day
after. It was not a hardship. I did it selfishly. This way I have them all to
myself. My kids and their in-laws love the idea.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span>No turkey!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This year’s menu is roast leg of lamb and
brisket. (It’s the same every year. I’m forbidden to change it.) That's another
benefit of celebrating the day after. No turkey. Everyone's had their fill on
Thursday. Although the family still
demands mulled cider, sweet potato soufflé and noodle pudding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Everyone moves back home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Our son and his family drive down from
Boston. Our two daughters and
their families live thirty minutes away, but they all move home for the weekend.
It will definitely be a houseful but I wouldn't want it any other way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Butternut Squash Soup<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Our younger daughter added this to our
menu a few years ago. My cooking is all done when she comes in with all the
fixings and makes the soup.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span>My granddaughters help in the kitchen<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">They enjoy helping in the kitchen and setting the table. The boys play video games or toss a ball in the park across the street. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span>The coffee runs to Dunkin Donuts and late
night outings to the local ice cream shop. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Our son-in-law goes to our local DD and brings
home a selection of coffees for us while we finish cooking. It’s always a
surprise. Since our dinner is midafternoon, my husband takes the grandkids to
the ice cream shop to bring back more surprises. I could easily have the ice
cream at the house, but I think he uses it as an excuse to spend some time with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>7.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span>Time together<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After dinner we flop on the sofa with a
large bowl of popcorn. My husband tries to get a Scrabble game going but usually they want to watch a movie.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>8.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span>Saturday Breakfast<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">With all this tumult and cooking, did I
mention the mandatory French toast on Saturday morning? The rest of the day is casual and lazy and usually another movie.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>9.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span>Sunday Afternoon<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After breakfast, our son and his family pack up to start home to Boston. The others linger for a short time, but they are already thinking about school on Monday. When they all leave the house is eerily quiet. Thank goodness they’ll all be back in three weeks for the holidays and we do this again. This time with presents!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span>10.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span>It's all magical to me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">At our family Thanksgiving weekend, I
sit and look at the twelve of us around the table and beam with pride. I’d be happy not
to eat, just enjoy them. This is what I’m most thankful for, my dear husband
who supports me in everything I do, my children and their spouses who make me
laugh until I cry, and my four grandchildren who are each a blessing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I hope your
Thanksgiving is delicious and wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My book giveaway...</span></p><p>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="ac1cf6fd102" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ac1cf6fd102/" id="rcwidget_0rkqw103" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p></p>
<!--start LinkyTools script-->
<script src="https://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=308600" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!--end LinkyTools script-->Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-85367379533963057202022-11-18T00:15:00.008-05:002022-11-18T10:38:44.369-05:00Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon 2020: Ruth’s Puzzle Challenge #HOHOHORAT2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqMU6tkkdSU8xwmcHz7mnfNFMG9J4BYKsA3ecRYSOCcF2gDAcYyXkzZ0_FcI1_BrVqJKp9AWLsdkwVJZJZmw0lj5RDPsAnFYwEVxX5c4kzvaYTSuZTreOfHSfA9-aI3X_CUOM4HhIVoAunRkkvSxehGsBpUp1ezVzRfhOK82zoCwsGX4D-ln8NrNl/s1024/HoHoHoRAT2022-Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqMU6tkkdSU8xwmcHz7mnfNFMG9J4BYKsA3ecRYSOCcF2gDAcYyXkzZ0_FcI1_BrVqJKp9AWLsdkwVJZJZmw0lj5RDPsAnFYwEVxX5c4kzvaYTSuZTreOfHSfA9-aI3X_CUOM4HhIVoAunRkkvSxehGsBpUp1ezVzRfhOK82zoCwsGX4D-ln8NrNl/w640-h320/HoHoHoRAT2022-Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today is the kick-off of the HoHoHo Readathon hosted by
Kimberly from Caffeinated Reader! This is my first Readathon and I am so
excited to be participating as an elf with a mini challenge for participants.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222;">If you'd like to join the readathon, it's not too late! Visit </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1360784031875264514/6872101874983439303" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6b88fa; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">Caffeinated Reviewer</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> on Kimberley's blog for the sign-up linky as well as a list of all the other mini-challenge hosts. </span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EUkQTdtYwSjfFsoPUdYkTf7gYaJUy1TFZV6vYSHRMSbfWWYx1F64ACIyxmb_GA22iy9y0hvJ12aiL16WgpxgdvxGN7sUO4r9OVA5s9k9HFN7y4EkIVcFvpGBW_eniyAgjWxBRXCUam5s8NFXYEf63KjbeYDbNgJiM_No0RS5O8DGfAQW6miL_FzH/s902/puzzle%20challenge%20graphic%20cropped%20.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="875" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EUkQTdtYwSjfFsoPUdYkTf7gYaJUy1TFZV6vYSHRMSbfWWYx1F64ACIyxmb_GA22iy9y0hvJ12aiL16WgpxgdvxGN7sUO4r9OVA5s9k9HFN7y4EkIVcFvpGBW_eniyAgjWxBRXCUam5s8NFXYEf63KjbeYDbNgJiM_No0RS5O8DGfAQW6miL_FzH/w192-h198/puzzle%20challenge%20graphic%20cropped%20.png" width="192" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My mini-challenge is Ruth's Holiday Puzzles. Here's what you have to do: put each puzzle together and fill out the Rafflecopter below with the name of the bookstore (the first puzzle) and the title of the book (that's the second puzzle).</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody><tr>
<td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=02e3db4385ce" target="_blank"><o:p></o:p></a></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=02e3db4385ce" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQRhE_G1HBFFgre9ShYZkJXaiyKC4Jv87UiYS4TKNgUqJ2oP6Me1apmSIVMG92d_JGkUTTretRmNpcDqUewuabWNEI00fT8b3mrgfJa-PhrjJRue10RDgqUtYGw4oOXMYTgn64GP7d6rNiOqizwWp8E5NGTEJGIpgRPCDlEIx8d4jNgTk5gti9nTb/w82-h82/Depositphotos_105551782_L.red%20puzzle%20piece.jpg" width="82" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=02e3db4385ce" target="_blank">Puzzle Number 1</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 233.75pt;" valign="top" width="312">
<p style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href=" https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1af673f896e2" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiars34dGWOqfXtHSyZ_DOrrvnm5Poxd21MyMJpDeAq9gW-J7Itu9Wypwm-vGnrRuZ_BnpjJYlbgTJfR_8KSoj4hR34dwVmejKaYrORacRLwSBqLaKOjl3wumCjKWErRiZw6a1OeLIJbfpJ9pslt9k6rZQQ2mXhMjGtAyU9GdawRopxpRWWEPvApJ_h/w84-h84/Depositphotos_311504498_L%20green%20puzzle%20piece.jpg" width="84" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href=" https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1af673f896e2" target="_blank">Puzzle Number 2</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><p></p>
</td>
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</tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><div style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you had fun with this challenge! If you'd like to see
what I'm reading this week, I'll be posting updates on Instagram #bookstagram,
Twitter, and my blog. If you're sharing updates, don't forget to use the
hashtag #HoHoHoRAT2022.</span></span></div><p></p><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="ac1cf6fd103" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ac1cf6fd103/" id="rcwidget_470dpf2t" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="background: white; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;">A bit of shameless self-promo here: if you're looking to add to
your TBR for the readathon or into December, I have five pirate
adventure-romances on sales, each for $0.99, Nov 24th – 30th.</span></span></div><p style="background: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3jqf1gcN4LswvnpSK3lLPTHN9qN53dE-ItkFlbJ2ixsCMfjq3SU_Yf2wi14DGDGCbwDNEtnNPMDkjv2iWwaRc3TMms7X61pEKqVR7Jvyqy6suPv6MJ3b7l-QQGqCHEjkQxWG921q6iZbk1ibq972n6OPyGtX7JEHx4Qkbw76M87VgLyQ0S9b0IqB/s1200/RACasie%20-%20Pirtate-Stelton.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3jqf1gcN4LswvnpSK3lLPTHN9qN53dE-ItkFlbJ2ixsCMfjq3SU_Yf2wi14DGDGCbwDNEtnNPMDkjv2iWwaRc3TMms7X61pEKqVR7Jvyqy6suPv6MJ3b7l-QQGqCHEjkQxWG921q6iZbk1ibq972n6OPyGtX7JEHx4Qkbw76M87VgLyQ0S9b0IqB/w640-h334/RACasie%20-%20Pirtate-Stelton.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span><p></p><br /></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-68721018749834393032022-11-06T12:49:00.076-05:002022-12-01T15:10:22.410-05:002022 Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon Challenge - #HoHoHoRAT2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLYeSy3eKuEPVBV03mUDkJJz9oz_UXq2gjzBLpyVA8IS6evP2GzHX_yxaJNdaXu2hSzvnb0dmIE0Kq_cBzgLmw0ATZqLQrKcWn5SvvFVqslMouhFrqIQFrhpN-r5KWw87sg9Jz77QF9qy6c7UnybyF_v_hiQnvqTYqlkPtWJ8oemvc3SVajIRI-p3/s1024/HoHoHoRAT2022-Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLYeSy3eKuEPVBV03mUDkJJz9oz_UXq2gjzBLpyVA8IS6evP2GzHX_yxaJNdaXu2hSzvnb0dmIE0Kq_cBzgLmw0ATZqLQrKcWn5SvvFVqslMouhFrqIQFrhpN-r5KWw87sg9Jz77QF9qy6c7UnybyF_v_hiQnvqTYqlkPtWJ8oemvc3SVajIRI-p3/w640-h320/HoHoHoRAT2022-Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><h2 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #5d6b6c; font-family: Sofia; font-size: 30px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-transform: capitalize;"><span style="background-color: white;">Tenth Annual Ho-Ho-Ho Read-A-Thon</span></h2><div><h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">It is time to mark my calendar for another HoHoHo Readathon hosted by
Kimberly at </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1360784031875264514/6872101874983439303"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #6b88fa; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">Caffeinated Reviewer</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">. This is my FIRST Read-a-Thon. The
thon encourages all readers to read as many Christmas´ or winterly-themed books
as we can. And there will be fun events, contests, prizes, and other things. My
list of books for this readathon is short, with only one Christmas-themed books
on my TBR, at least so far. But it is the fun of reading a novel, that
encouraged me to join and hopefully get in the holiday mood. I must admit... I
am struggling to get through Thanksgiving! Maybe a holiday story is what I
need.<o:p></o:p></span></h3><h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">Let us all hope that I will reach my </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">goal of at least one read Christmas novel or better two!</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3><h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">The </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">#HoHoHoRAT</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;"> will begin at 12:01 am Thursday, November 18th, and
will end Wednesday, November 30th at 11:59 pm in your time zone.<o:p></o:p></span></h3><h3 style="background: white; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">-Declare your intentions on your blog
or through social media. Be sure and link back to her post #HoHoHo
Readathon </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">Sign-Up</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;"> over at </span><a href="https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/10/ho-ho-ho-readathon-sign-up.html"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #6b88fa; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">Caffeinated Reviewer</span></a><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">. The linky will close on November
24th, so be sure to link up even if you will only take part for a few days.<o:p></o:p></span></h3><h3 style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0in 7.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #444444; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.75pt;">We can
choose between holiday reads, winter books, yuletide murder mysteries, naughty
& nice romances, and holiday horror. Whatever your mood chooses from the
mentioned counts for this Ho-Ho-Ho-Readathon. Any format counts. Audiobook,
library book, eBook, old book, or new book. With or without the hot chocolate,
or something stronger if necessary. Follow your mood and have a great time!<o:p></o:p></span></h3><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; text-transform: none;">
</div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #824540; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-outline-level: 4; text-align: center; text-transform: capitalize; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Hosted
by</span></i></b><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> </span></i><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/1360784031875264514/6872101874983439303"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Caffeinated
Reviewer</span></i></a></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Dates
of Challenge:</span></b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> <i>18 Nov. 2022 — 30 Nov. 2022</i></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;">Giveaway
Offered:</span></b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; padding: 0in;"> <i>Yes</i></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center; text-transform: capitalize; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">Ruth’s </span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "inherit", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: red;">Ho-Ho-Ho Reading Challenge<u1:p></u1:p> </span></span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit", serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">– To Read at least One
Book</span></b><b style="color: #824540;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; font-family: "inherit", serif; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-transform: capitalize;">I'm an </span><span style="font-size: 18px; text-transform: capitalize;">Overachiever</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-transform: capitalize;">! 5 Books and still counting!</span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center; text-transform: capitalize; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: red; font-family: "inherit", serif; font-size: large; line-height: 107%; padding: 0in;">I've Read...</span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: center; text-transform: capitalize; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Duke-Alone-Christi-Caldwell-ebook/dp/B09NPSGLKJ" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBa0FIRRW90-nVRntuPLBiTSgkveRwOIDt5sQCmcTmqNyvlqK-eKvhTgPfhdBV6rgj06PWCbMChzujX6Ry64wp9Y-Xc5_zv8hfxnBXpxXRaW5bi7d2ldreBkKWF06T-aNo1MWt51cgr2-bNRgepjmBy_NwiwpwtMvEx3fZESh8FSIASvwUftBiCazE/w213-h320/The%20Duke%20Alone.jpg" width="213" /></a></p></h3><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-transform: capitalize;"><div class="a-row a-spacing-small review-data" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center; text-transform: none; width: 680px;"><span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="a-row a-spacing-small review-data" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center; text-transform: none; width: 680px;"><span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial; font-size: medium; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Christi Caldwell's </span><span>The Duke Alone</span></span></div><div class="a-row a-spacing-small review-data" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin-bottom: 8px; text-transform: none; width: 680px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">"For an abandoned lady and a recluse duke, the winter season brings a swirl of romance-and danger-in a bracing novel."</span></span></div></h3><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-transform: capitalize;"><div class="a-row a-spacing-small review-data" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 680px;"><span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hJZVRLQCmerOqKHhz6Bu8lT3maRM3zFVVXgB33SGpmYvd0bRw4Aw9g2Hr4eyVAgXFjd-r0i0IaxYR-MTT6jjmfCA6Zj2jSpQ2PPV0HBnEegTERPe1DK0uhPbry4Fn8Ujip0rpRjZ0CSKKdCBEBrRUuK5f89Z8cS8cf_RMkLkTk1TRKc1_2aoUSBi/s500/Murder%20on%20Black%20Swan%20Lane%20-%20Penrose.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hJZVRLQCmerOqKHhz6Bu8lT3maRM3zFVVXgB33SGpmYvd0bRw4Aw9g2Hr4eyVAgXFjd-r0i0IaxYR-MTT6jjmfCA6Zj2jSpQ2PPV0HBnEegTERPe1DK0uhPbry4Fn8Ujip0rpRjZ0CSKKdCBEBrRUuK5f89Z8cS8cf_RMkLkTk1TRKc1_2aoUSBi/s320/Murder%20on%20Black%20Swan%20Lane%20-%20Penrose.jpg" width="212" /></a></div></span></span></div><div class="a-row a-spacing-small review-data" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 680px;"><br /></div><div class="a-row a-spacing-small review-data" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center; text-transform: none; width: 680px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Andrea Penrose's </span>Murder on Black Swan Lane</span></div><div class="a-row a-spacing-small review-data" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 680px;"><span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box;">In Regency London, an unconventional scientist and a fearless female artist team up to trap a cold-hearted killer: “Thoroughly enjoyable” (Deanna Raybourn, </span><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;">New York Times</span><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box;">–bestselling author).</span></span></span></div><div class="a-row a-spacing-small review-data" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 400; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center; text-transform: none; width: 680px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-ac2enSidEMVwE9NBu6foH3TXc0qdg-smZp2CJGEPo8TUd-Fr3sfUaoMwp85t_ZKilWeqoRo_d2GIgpFasEJvZpIgfyTTcoD-d7dyPtbj_dMoqEAI2cv8QF9dIxctomOzLgOFjRuurxSzzXFYjYX4aYnj2WxyrH4GVelSpH6Xr6XuQvmo-naFzXR/s500/What%20Angel's%20Fear.jpg" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-ac2enSidEMVwE9NBu6foH3TXc0qdg-smZp2CJGEPo8TUd-Fr3sfUaoMwp85t_ZKilWeqoRo_d2GIgpFasEJvZpIgfyTTcoD-d7dyPtbj_dMoqEAI2cv8QF9dIxctomOzLgOFjRuurxSzzXFYjYX4aYnj2WxyrH4GVelSpH6Xr6XuQvmo-naFzXR/s320/What%20Angel's%20Fear.jpg" width="198" /></a></div></h3><h3 style="background: white; color: #0f1111; margin: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /></span></h3><h3 style="background: white; color: #0f1111; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111; font-weight: normal;">C. H. Harris’ </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;">What Angel’s Fear </span></span></h3><h3 style="background: white; color: #0f1111; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">“Harris crafts her story with the threat of danger, hints of humor, vivid sex scenes, and a conclusion that will make your pulse race.”—The New Orleans Times-Picayune</span></h3></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></div></blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1KeKB9-IaFlg875TAWimKGLAdUbLl95ley78NtDCpEFHq5lAQJ9tBCL2UwA8x7ofqrWRf0aAY1HvMGuHMd_AS2Dj5QiPGdCy8JGl2936BQZLPuZidb9aU1Dd_FU2nMWFizx76ZFd-fEv6BpWwghTYIsu_5np9LkwLcipeJblw7cMy5W85AYzqlbI/s300/A%20Merry%20Wicked%20Winter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1KeKB9-IaFlg875TAWimKGLAdUbLl95ley78NtDCpEFHq5lAQJ9tBCL2UwA8x7ofqrWRf0aAY1HvMGuHMd_AS2Dj5QiPGdCy8JGl2936BQZLPuZidb9aU1Dd_FU2nMWFizx76ZFd-fEv6BpWwghTYIsu_5np9LkwLcipeJblw7cMy5W85AYzqlbI/w213-h320/A%20Merry%20Wicked%20Winter.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Scarlett Scott's <b>A Merry Wicked Winter</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">A heartwarming holiday novella featuring a long-lost Winter sister and the gruff Scot whose heart she heals.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Half-Wrexford-Sloane-Mystery-ebook/dp/B073NP3DM3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcunxP2sNkoWbIcJxGIKlyJaqwo9i3G5qtv7oap_z2HRJOUh7gFG0sqLldIBJi9j9CED_59TZ_BWvXI-FK0w_6ktSgMEusi5Ic_8HIuYMRHYmKPwNd6wgmxeK4Gqb7H8-Tq1v4-TbZj5qBV8XZ8U8Kgmr6Aguf-O5eF2ilcZNxKN2cqlHh2aBY3567/s320/Murder%20at%20Half%20Moon%20Gate.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Andrea Penrose's <b>Murder at Half Moon Gate</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">“Penrose deftly combines a Regency romance with a tricky mystery that delves into social unrest and the darker side of this storied period.” —</span><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-style: italic;">Kirkus Reviews</span></span></div><div><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div><div><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BtaQbRvZJ7SVexFy5rY5__7l9l9qEX0U78eQS8pmvkPS5k3lO94hKYHM6WOJtDx-UKhRQYZsAuP1nL4_fVjakK6wxEoPcS7uoeuI7CHrBLfq6Lbm-AnnEXbf-XVkRJB0dOX9is0W_wOwImisA_8Hqek3dSp1joXIIYb_iwBl_fGEYPB2jfbe-Ol8/s346/Ravishing%20the%20Heiress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="215" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BtaQbRvZJ7SVexFy5rY5__7l9l9qEX0U78eQS8pmvkPS5k3lO94hKYHM6WOJtDx-UKhRQYZsAuP1nL4_fVjakK6wxEoPcS7uoeuI7CHrBLfq6Lbm-AnnEXbf-XVkRJB0dOX9is0W_wOwImisA_8Hqek3dSp1joXIIYb_iwBl_fGEYPB2jfbe-Ol8/s320/Ravishing%20the%20Heiress.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">Sherry Thomas' <b>Ravishing the Heiress</b></span></span></span></div><div><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span face="Amazon Ember, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">"Millie’s intellect and selflessness make her a standout among a cast of memorable characters in this expertly plotted and emotionally wrenching love story." --</span><span class="a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic;">Publishers Weekly </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">(starred review)</span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReHsmK0isQnokFWe2Y-I4yHwwCGCtgkBT_BhFQi5_19tTLAiDAQg1sUC2wbNqEiaFVP-yDlytlbHV3KtJiWN4cWfGu62CWdLegqrScWkfRPMA9mIKU2bVVFllBc_pGtzQq3eIEhEXzQ60ITxdy2gW01m1fbHqBHjbQo00kjVNIgzWrN-PCpxfNWz6/s500/Murder%20at%20Kensington%20Palace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReHsmK0isQnokFWe2Y-I4yHwwCGCtgkBT_BhFQi5_19tTLAiDAQg1sUC2wbNqEiaFVP-yDlytlbHV3KtJiWN4cWfGu62CWdLegqrScWkfRPMA9mIKU2bVVFllBc_pGtzQq3eIEhEXzQ60ITxdy2gW01m1fbHqBHjbQo00kjVNIgzWrN-PCpxfNWz6/s320/Murder%20at%20Kensington%20Palace.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;">Andrea Penrose's </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Murder at Kensington Palace <br />(A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery Book 3)</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111;">“Penrose does a good job of linking the mystery to the period’s scientific and social changes....An unusually rich look at Regency life.”</span><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">--</span><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700;">Publishers Weekly</span></span></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-82236111002973088002022-10-28T07:00:00.037-04:002022-10-28T13:26:59.563-04:00TRICK OR TREAT - HALLOWEEN HOP OCTOBER 28-31<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1230782861046118" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="547" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0BS3eEugigoLPHyhZJO3eURnK6wEXo9tKXR4Wn4cOvuqpJtEWsfgG6StuKwXpy13p4fCsoMp5KY5JHTPFxKef1fYYXeYJG_r6obzG4lX8YKnoKe8lWs3pZLyefA6ozoetqCWO4fwVaLRgX5bkLm_g6MNA3nEQBxrNbqmRmZxhva8UVdJalpoSva8/w640-h360/Graphic.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN HOP</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>October 28 - 31</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Join 30 historical romance authors as they celebrate Halloween with an awesome four day event! Not only do you have the opportunity for the Halloween Hop's
$150 gift card, I will be giving two readers a digital copy of my story <i>The Maxwell Ghost. </i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Where to find Ruth's Halloween Candy</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Piece together the picture and find my candy.... Here is the puzzle - <a href="https://tinyurl.com/SecretSantaCandy">https://tinyurl.com/SecretSantaCandy</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>What do I do now?</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Carefully follow these directions for the Halloween Hop
then check out my prize, <i>The Maxwell Ghost</i>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Hop to each historical romance author’s link below and find their
Halloween candy. Using the Halloween candy/Author form (grab your form here - <b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://fb.me/e/1Olty6zB3&source=gmail&ust=1667064281653000&usg=AOvVaw0lcmDu5raCT6jEPQ1k_ZCy" href="https://fb.me/e/1Olty6zB3" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" target="_blank">https://fb.me/e/1Olty6zB3</a> </b> match the candy to the author by:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">1) drawing a line between them (you may want to print &
tape pages together), or</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">2) writing the author’s name next to their candy, or</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">3) writing the candy next to the author’s
name.</p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When you have all 30 candy matches, either e-mail a picture
of the form/list or send an e-mail with the author’s name list with their
matching candy to Heather@HeatherMcCollum.com by 11:59 PM on
October 31, 2022.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Submitting your list will enter you into the $150 gift card giveaway! A randomly drawn winner
will be picked out of all the entries. The grand prize winner will be announced by
noon on November 1. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">While you are hopping to collect candy, don’t forget to like,
follow, or sign up for the author’s newsletter to keep up to date on their new
releases and author wanderings and my reader's group, Casie's Café.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ruth's Giveaway</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Maxwell Ghost</b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7WwhkR0kfVo_n5bAHK2y2V0R54iA7k1g7gjzU3aAAgHAC2zvIt-qepnK1EC0uxxDZxUhsN3KikiqC_hSmAc0iYuIAuyeMSDrpFZmZNx5hBi3ITnMhLrWmKHfRWMD1lGDk4ysHkdO97SoImoE2uOsH9Qa51guE3DIIJR_6JG6qXSB7lx5LVYHfzin/s480/TMG%20giphy.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7WwhkR0kfVo_n5bAHK2y2V0R54iA7k1g7gjzU3aAAgHAC2zvIt-qepnK1EC0uxxDZxUhsN3KikiqC_hSmAc0iYuIAuyeMSDrpFZmZNx5hBi3ITnMhLrWmKHfRWMD1lGDk4ysHkdO97SoImoE2uOsH9Qa51guE3DIIJR_6JG6qXSB7lx5LVYHfzin/s320/TMG%20giphy.gif" width="203" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Their destinies are intertwined with hidden passions and <br />a
love that will last for eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><a name="_Hlk33102205"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Traitors, deception, murders and ghosts run
rampant at Caerlaverock Castle. Jamie Collins and Laura Reynolds, long-time
friends find their destinies intertwined with hidden passions, but all is in
jeopardy when Laura becomes the murderer’s next target. Jamie will find he
needs some ghostly assistance to save Laura and declare his love.</span></span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No magic here...it's a love that lasts an eternity</span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two people will be randomly selected from comments here or on my Facebook page (<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/ " target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/ </span></a>) for a chance to win a digital copy of The Maxwell Ghost.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Join my reader's group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/963711677128537" target="_blank">Casie's Cafe</a> for an additional chance to win.</span><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I will be hopping around to announce the winners at Casie's Café, and on my Facebook page on November 1.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for hopping! Wishing you a lovely and safe Halloween.</p><p class="MsoNormal">**No purchase or sign up necessary to enter. Participation is completely voluntary. Your e-mail address will not be shared or added to any lists unless you specifically sign up for a newsletter list. Winner must be at least 18 years of age and have an e-mail address to accept gift card.**</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b> <o:p></o:p></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><b>Historical Romance Trick-or-Treat Hop</b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">2022 Author List<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1pt solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Alanna Lucas<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: 1pt solid black; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://alannalucas.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw1Soke5mvgomKF-Tj8RFMVR" href="https://alannalucas.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://alannalucas.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Anna St. Claire<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.annastclaire.com/contests.html&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw0ZbV2ymsZx69c-SL8hu-y7" href="https://www.annastclaire.com/contests.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.annastclaire.com/<wbr></wbr>contests.html</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Caroline Warfield<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.carolinewarfield.com/the-halloween-hop/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw1g7vqNe6HhoCIayPU5q6t7" href="https://www.carolinewarfield.com/the-halloween-hop/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.carolinewarfield.<wbr></wbr>com/the-halloween-hop/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deb Marlowe<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.debmarlowe.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw0b3RC3s5plLhAb8XHqrGXb" href="https://www.debmarlowe.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.debmarlowe.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elizabeth Langston<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://elizabethlangston.net/holiday-hop/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw1VguGEYhDsOYvJGs1HM31A" href="http://elizabethlangston.net/holiday-hop/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://elizabethlangston.net/<wbr></wbr>holiday-hop/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Elizabeth Rose<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://elizabethrosenovels.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw1GSh22CKuqN0ZvvpojLnEn" href="https://elizabethrosenovels.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://elizabethrosenovels.<wbr></wbr>com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Eliza Knight<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://elizaknight.com/news/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw2NuU_eITg7Auxx2cZxO086" href="https://elizaknight.com/news/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://elizaknight.com/news/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">E.L Johnson<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://eljohnsonstories.weebly.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw0ZwiIa_wHWHNc4D6NcrFa0" href="https://eljohnsonstories.weebly.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://eljohnsonstories.<wbr></wbr>weebly.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Gina Conkle<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ginaconkle.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw2KWpDz1P7u1ebjH5UEfIh1" href="https://ginaconkle.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://ginaconkle.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Heather McCollum<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.heathermccollum.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw3-sEGsYD92r2usMW_zzSgW" href="https://www.heathermccollum.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.heathermccollum.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hildie McQueen<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/hildieMcQueenWriter&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw3zVQCY01MvlrCqOzUGBjDh" href="https://www.facebook.com/hildieMcQueenWriter" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>hildieMcQueenWriter</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jane Charles<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.janecharlesauthor.com/holiday-books&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw1UWBu6z_vI-DpVzhzgNCUG" href="https://www.janecharlesauthor.com/holiday-books" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.janecharlesauthor.<wbr></wbr>com/holiday-books</a><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jessica Clements<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/JessicaAClementsNavarro&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw0JhYrEy76xG6E_Zs7NYiU3" href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaAClementsNavarro" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>JessicaAClementsNavarro</a><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Katherine Bone<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.katherinebone.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw05f20Oj8ZSd_f4DDnbCi2U" href="https://www.katherinebone.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.katherinebone.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Katherine Grant<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://katherinegrantromance.com/halloween-hop&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw3CsOOMjTzEBlplpgBXzigr" href="https://katherinegrantromance.com/halloween-hop" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://katherinegrantromance.<wbr></wbr>com/halloween-hop</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; 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border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lori Ann Bailey<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://loriannbailey.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw2_szOcWRJso6nmm4l7Topi" href="https://loriannbailey.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://loriannbailey.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; 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border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ruth A. Casie<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw3uFVR0EdkQzEE_JQ9Q08ve" href="https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>RuthACasie</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Samantha Grace<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.samanthagraceauthor.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw0kLrEZgd969_dMWkF9qlK7" href="https://www.samanthagraceauthor.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>samanthagraceauthor.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sandra Sookoo<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw1Odh4n_LOnT8h3qXndI13J" href="https://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>sandrasookooauthor</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tara Kingston<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw17j9on4dS9BN0sqoKiDv9j" href="https://www.facebook.com/TaraKingstonAuthor" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>TaraKingstonAuthor</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Terri Brisbin<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://terribrisbin.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw2M2lmcPdEA7Ui-jw8RFY6S" href="https://terribrisbin.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://terribrisbin.com/</a></span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-image: initial; border-left: 1pt solid black; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0.75pt; width: 160.5pt;" valign="top" width="214"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Tracy Sumner<u></u><u></u></span></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid black; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid black; border-top: none; margin: 0px; padding: 5pt; width: 335.95pt;" valign="top" width="448"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Bright", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tracy-sumner.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666755657738000&usg=AOvVaw24mOKULMGgD_K_r7Ej8dZ7" href="https://www.tracy-sumner.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.tracy-sumner.com/</a><u></u><u></u></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><u></u> </p></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-81562348403805283432022-08-02T13:43:00.002-04:002022-08-02T13:45:35.285-04:00From The Teatime Tattler<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Expressly for The Teatime Tattler<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOaFSx5Bk3Gwf7yOOUhKgzpE_46c9TpXpSkmKH0TLSS1dvjNbBR0liONo3-yoMK-VAvY2LGK_Bd1ozC-82WeUB0mkKBLktVPcchOzN8IGEBKG64zk52u3AOpXDSCAjuUw87x9Ulbl3UiUzi60Wdiobk1AFBDk0BJBVKtA4kwq36ie1dBAwKrzEDJ5/s4500/AdobeStock_89250887.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4500" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOaFSx5Bk3Gwf7yOOUhKgzpE_46c9TpXpSkmKH0TLSS1dvjNbBR0liONo3-yoMK-VAvY2LGK_Bd1ozC-82WeUB0mkKBLktVPcchOzN8IGEBKG64zk52u3AOpXDSCAjuUw87x9Ulbl3UiUzi60Wdiobk1AFBDk0BJBVKtA4kwq36ie1dBAwKrzEDJ5/w415-h276/AdobeStock_89250887.jpeg" width="415" /></a></div><br />The Teatime Tattler
has just confirmed that Lady Katherine Thornton has laid her uncle, Bennett Sutton
to rest in the family mausoleum. It is with a great deal of hunting and pecking
that this reporter has found some shocking information. Bennett Sutton was
murdered in the most dreadful manner. He was poisoned with snake venom, a venom
that has no antidote.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It has also come to my attention that before his demise, Mr.
Sutton made his business partner, the very eligible and handsome Lord Ian Wallace,
the 4<sup>th</sup> Duke of Blackhall, vow to marry his niece, Lady Katherine,
not once, but twice. I also have reliable information from Mr. Hawkins, the
editor of the Sommer Sentinel that he’s been contacted by the London Gazette
regarding a statement in that was published in said publication regarding His
Grace’s vow. It seems, London is abuzz with gossip and mothers and their
debutante daughters are in mourning.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I wonder if that is why Lord Ryder Whitaker has been seen in
town. You remember the young rogue. Five years ago, when Lady Katherine had her
first (and only) Season in London, he was her constant companion. The queen’s
Diamond, everyone thought Lord Whitaker had won her heart until one day she got
up and returned to Sommer-by-the-Sea. Has the rake renewed his interest knowing
Lord Wallace will take her for his wife? The young cad is outranked in so many
ways. I understand he is not welcome in any home of good standing, nor the
gambling hells.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My sources have not rested. To add to this mix, I have it on
very good authority that prior to the duel gone wrong that took her uncle’s
life, Sutton lost the deed to Thornton Abbey to His Grace in a card game. I can
only imagine what will happen when the very outspoken Lady Katherine finds out
she’s lost her home and her independence to His Grace, a man she’s never met,
all in one fell swoop.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Can all this get sorted out to a happily ever after? Read on
my friends. I hear there are swords and kidnappings involved as well.<br clear="all" style="break-before: page; mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
<o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> * </span><span style="font-family: times;">Previously printed in the July 6th edition of The TeaTime Tattler</span></o:p></span></div>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The
Lady and Her Duke<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD31KtSL1mSeSL2ztqPbAjVfO4ZLh6TBjGfCGAVxCuzlRpmsKtA9uGFh9XaRiSGTatm9PBamjdpu3iDQdYhS2XST-1w2Za5jOeYkjq_gipFwRlmnse650lmjeszrqTGklKiKPV8_lFU6GncwDZauKewgh0WUQNOiyy3RJTpIWZ9VQ9K5Fjmj3ZnaU/s600/graphic-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD31KtSL1mSeSL2ztqPbAjVfO4ZLh6TBjGfCGAVxCuzlRpmsKtA9uGFh9XaRiSGTatm9PBamjdpu3iDQdYhS2XST-1w2Za5jOeYkjq_gipFwRlmnse650lmjeszrqTGklKiKPV8_lFU6GncwDZauKewgh0WUQNOiyy3RJTpIWZ9VQ9K5Fjmj3ZnaU/w427-h284/graphic-2.jpg" width="427" /></a></i></div><i><br />Could she use her skills as a lockpick
to crack open the secrets to the murder as well as unlock his heart?</i><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Lady Katherine Thornton
has no interest in men after an indiscretion at her disastrous Season in
London. No man can be trusted. Instead, she indulges in her fascination for
gears and all things mechanical. Her unique drafting skill is an asset to her
uncle Bennett Sutton, who is automating his textile factory. She doesn't need
anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">Lord Ian Wallace, the
4th Duke of Blackhall, is a retired military officer. An accidental duke after
the deaths of his father and brother, he retreats from society and the clawing
mothers and debutantes who stalk him. He’s focused all his energy on his
partnership with Sutton. He’s satisfied and needs nothing else.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">An oath to marry, a
family legend to preserve, an uprising of the factory workers, and Sutton’s
murder, throw Katherine and Wallace together to find a blackmailer and
murderer. They also will find two things neither knew they were missing… each
other and their happily ever after.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Now
Available </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3MpBxPJ"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Amazon Kindle Unlimited</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Excerpt from Chapter One<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">June 20, 1815<br />
Royston Mills, Baycliff Woods </span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">The blast of a pistol shattered the quiet afternoon. Shouts and
screams rose, their sound carrying into the surrounding area. In a clearing by
the lake where the wood bordered the village, the shock and chaos subsided into
a deafening silence.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Lord Ian Wallace knelt next to his business partner, Bennett
Sutton. His bruised and bloody face was a mess of soot and gunpowder. Wallace
glanced over his shoulder, signaling his valet.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Water. Quick. His eyes need to be flushed.” Wallace wavered
between restraint and rage as he ministered to Sutton. “Stay calm and whatever
you do, keep your eyes closed.” His hands ran over Sutton’s torso checking for
injuries. He found none, other than the small tremors he assumed were from
shock.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I’m dying.” Sutton spoke not in disbelief, but in resignation, as
if his dying was an undisputed conclusion.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Wallace’s chest tightened at the sound of those words. He had
heard them before from the injured men he commanded in Spain. For a moment he
was back on the battlefield going from man to man comforting them, waiting for
medical attention and, in too many cases, saying good-bye.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Swear to me.” Sutton, agitated and breathing hard, reached up and
grabbed his lapel. “Swear to me you’ll marry my niece, Ivy-Rose.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">What niece? Sutton had a niece?</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Swear it!”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Yes, yes. I swear.” In a fit of rage, he’d say anything to escape
from the madman. It was luck that Sutton’s gun misfired. He gazed at his friend
and partner in disbelief. From the moment his valet pulled him to the ground he
found it difficult to comprehend why his friend and partner tried to kill him,
tried to shoot him in the back.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Sutton tugged on his lapels. “No, on your honor as a gentleman.
Swear it.” Another tug. Bennett’s strength was waning.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Wallace’s anger softened. The man had to be kept calm. Roddy, his
foreman, and Lord Ryder Whitaker had gone to fetch Dr. Price. The doctor had
left the clearing when Sutton called off the duel.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Swear it.” The man sounded as if it was his last breath.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“As a gentleman, I, Lord Ian Wallace, 4th Duke of Blackhall,
promise to marry your Ivy-Rose.” He bent closer to him. “Is that better?”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Sutton released his lapels and slumped onto the ground, his breath
coming in spurts.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Lenard returned carrying a basin of warm water.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Wallace stood aside and gave his valet room. They had been
together a long time. Lenard was his personal attendant at Cambridge as well as
in Spain during the war. Together they had seen worse. Now he flushed the
gunpowder and soot out from Sutton’s eyes. It would serve Sutton right if the
pain was unbearable.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Much better.” Sutton’s voice faded to a calm stillness.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Wallace wasn’t sure if his partner referred to the oath he gave or
the warm water.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Your Grace. I cannot find any wound.” Lenard kept streaming water
over the man’s face.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">The battlefield images flashed in his head. Some had outcomes that
were more severe than others. But that was war, not a card game gone wrong.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“God’s blood, where is that doctor?” He glanced about.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Sutton raised his face to Lenard as the man ran more water over
him and, with a gentle touch, wiped him dry.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“You have my thanks.” Quiet at last, Sutton winced when he tried
to lay down on the ground.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Over here, Dr. Price.” Whitaker and Roddy led the doctor to the
injured man.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I thought Sutton had the good sense to call off the duel.” Dr.
Price pushed his way in front of Wallace. “Where did your bullet hit him?”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I never fired my weapon.” Wallace stood back to let the doctor do
his job.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“His pistol misfired when he aimed at Wallace’s back.” Whitaker
stepped forward. “I stood in shock when he raised his pistol and took aim.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">The doctor, on his knees, paused and glanced up at him.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“That’s not at all like Sutton. Wallace, what did you say to him?”
The doctor resumed examining Sutton’s head.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Not a thing. I convinced him to call off this ridiculous duel. I
thought to give him time and hoped he’d have more sense in the morning. I was
leaving the clearing, not far behind you when the shot went off.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“There are some abrasions from the powder blast and irritation
from the gunpowder, but no wound.” Price examined Sutton’s hands. Scrapes, a
bit of a burn in places, but nothing fatal. “Sutton’s a lucky man.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">The doctor stood up cleaning his hands with a cloth from his bag.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Help me bring him to my carriage. We’ll take him to the inn. I
want to watch him until tomorrow rather than have him brought back to
Sommer-by-the-Sea now.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Roddy and Lenard lifted Sutton, made their way through the
gathered onlookers, and laid him in the back of the doctor’s carriage.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“There’s room enough for you and me up here.” Roddy tapped Lenard
and pointed next to the driver.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I can go with them if you prefer.” Whitaker stood next to him. “I
know you’re the man’s partner, but no one would blame you for washing your
hands of him.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“That won’t be necessary. I’ll go with him. I’m staying at the
inn.” Wallace got in the carriage still thinking through the events. He agreed
with Dr. Price: this wasn’t at all like Sutton.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">The door closed, Whitaker signaled the driver, and the carriage
pulled away.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Wallace stared at Sutton
propped up on the seat across from him.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I’ve known that man since he was a boy and agree this is out of
character for him. But don’t you worry, Your Grace. We’ll have him all to
rights soon enough.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">The carriage pulled up to Weaver’s Inn. News of the incident
traveled faster than he imagined. More onlookers buzzed about them like a swarm
of angry bees. Wallace led the way for Lenard and Roddy to bring Sutton up the
stairs to his room.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I’ll stay with him for a while. Head injuries can be nasty.” Dr.
Price stood over his patient and checked Sutton’s breathing again.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Ale for you both and watered ale for Mr. Sutton.” Lenard put the
tankards on the table. “Your Grace, I have the papers you gave me earlier. I’ll
put them in your room.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I’ll take them. I can review the documents while I sit with him.”
Wallace nodded toward Sutton.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“If that will be all, I’ll be in the tavern if you need me.”
Lenard put the folio on the table.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I’ll go with you.” Roddy looked at the patient lying in the bed
and shook his head. The two men left and closed the door behind them.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Dr. Price sat at the table and took a tankard of ale. “How did
this start?”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">Wallace sat next to the doctor and reached for the second tankard.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I found him troubled over several issues when I came up from
London. He was in a fit over worker demands. He also expected a sizeable amount
of fleece, but instead received a smaller delivery than promised.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I had an issue to discuss with him, but in his state I knew it
would be impossible. I thought to divert his attention, a game of cards to take
his mind off everything. Once he was himself, we could address the business
problems and go over my visit to Cambridge. But Sutton drank too much, took
risks no man in his right mind would take, and lost miserably.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“And his mood went from bad to worse.” Dr. Price glanced at his
patient, shook his head, and took a draw on the tankard.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Yes, it did. I was at a loss what to do. Sutton wouldn’t stop
playing despite losing one game after another. I couldn’t imagine the situation
getting any worse, but it did.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I dealt the cards. How Sutton preened like a peacock, so sure the
winning hand was his. He drank and taunted me. He drained his flask dry and had
Mr. Jackson fill it to the top. I was astounded when the deed to his home
landed on the table.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“His cards...” The doctor closed his eyes and moaned.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“A beginner would know better than to bet on the cards Sutton
held. He had no chance of winning.” Wallace let out a strained laugh. “I
conceded defeat and laid my cards face down, but Sutton demanded to see them. I
refused. He reached across the table and turned them over. Then he went mad.
Sutton grabbed a pen from the bar, sat down, and started writing. I stayed his
hand. I didn’t want his home. I thought to entice him with the best two out of
three games, but he refused. <i>I pay my debts</i>.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Sutton is a proud man and a man of his word. But I’ve never known
him to be this reckless.” Price sat back, his legs out in front of him, staring
at the tankard in his hand.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Man of his word. We wouldn’t be here if our workers believed him.
I told them over and over the new mechanicals would not replace them. But fear
does strange things to people. If things go as Sutton and I plan, there will be
more work for more people and more money, not less.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I offered to speak with the workers and explain the plan. That’s
when Sutton exploded. I tried my best to calm him, but now I understand. Sutton
didn’t calm down during the game. If anything, his card playing was more
intense, more erratic, more irrational.” He stared at his partner. “My strategy
to calm him with the card game did the opposite. It pushed him over the edge.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“Don’t blame yourself. From what you’ve told me, Sutton was
already agitated. It wasn’t one thing. It was everything.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“My partner accused me of siding with the workers and called me
out in front of everyone demanding satisfaction. A duel.” Wallace glanced at
the doctor. The incident still beyond belief. “I refused. I told him I had
enough of weapons in Spain. Businessmen didn’t settle disputes with weapons. To
everyone’s horror, he slapped my face. I remember his odd smirk, daring me to
ignore the affront.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“<i>Choose your weapon</i>. I refused. <i>Pistols. You didn’t
think I’d want to be near you with a blade. At least with a pistol I have a
fighting chance.</i></span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“I still didn’t give up.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“All the way to the field and even when we arrived, I tried to
dissuade him. I would have gladly shot myself to put an end to his stupidity.
At last, the fight went out of him. You witnessed how we called off the duel,
shook hands, and sent everyone home. Sutton was still holding his loaded
pistol. I told him to take his anger out on the red maple tree, the one by the
lake.” He paused and glanced at Sutton. “I thought he came to his senses.”</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: black;">“That is how I remember the morning.” Dr. Price nodded.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 35.3pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times;">“I turned to leave with the others, only to hear Sutton’s pistol
discharge. Lenard pulled me to the ground. When we got to our feet, it was
Sutton who was down.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;">* * * *<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times;">The Lady and Her Duke is book 3 of the regency series, The
Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 53.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Lady and Her Quill - <br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Her mind kept telling her to stop loving him,
but her heart couldn’t let him go.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Lady and the Spy<br /><i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;"><br /> With
each encounter her heartbeat quickened. With each encounter his need for her <br /></span></i><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%;"> grew stronger</span></i></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 53.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 53.3pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Lady and her Duke.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-family: times; line-height: 107%;"> Could
she use her skills as a lockpick to crack open the secrets to the murder as
well as <br /> unlock his heart</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdIzwkduUHez5S8-jIAoTgZyYAXBx2qPpHTHyqXoCW5e1aJ7GwulN6QEg50BNODNvPLBQqCUXq0ePzfFSQR_Iy3ciWDgApTXT7qTdH3jyXqLsdFAKy4dfiTaxaaszfU-6LHalC9Q6jhkL7sML4vVxw5xGwDZR3XKzZ78Jox8Cwhwo8JAofiy8JEAu/s1600/Graphics%20Ruth%20A%20Casie%20-%20The%20Lady%20and%20Her%20Duke.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdIzwkduUHez5S8-jIAoTgZyYAXBx2qPpHTHyqXoCW5e1aJ7GwulN6QEg50BNODNvPLBQqCUXq0ePzfFSQR_Iy3ciWDgApTXT7qTdH3jyXqLsdFAKy4dfiTaxaaszfU-6LHalC9Q6jhkL7sML4vVxw5xGwDZR3XKzZ78Jox8Cwhwo8JAofiy8JEAu/w520-h346/Graphics%20Ruth%20A%20Casie%20-%20The%20Lady%20and%20Her%20Duke.png" width="520" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">About the Author<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qq9K49NXOH_CmVrgQFqYp_-GLVoE4BAJeuwtR7hcmQJCZ6inZ7GelAUpIrAYrUx5ye08pLXvE15gFdRKonAaEhsTJYRv10FsjbWhlxsfIKyEM-4ONywYCMqxbC-jVS4fKtLoDlDIWMW_KIlvKXlrE_FP4qQy7jvcxrf0hgriV9f3MiAzM5GWo5p6/s1392/AuthorPhoto%20Ruth%20A%20Casie.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qq9K49NXOH_CmVrgQFqYp_-GLVoE4BAJeuwtR7hcmQJCZ6inZ7GelAUpIrAYrUx5ye08pLXvE15gFdRKonAaEhsTJYRv10FsjbWhlxsfIKyEM-4ONywYCMqxbC-jVS4fKtLoDlDIWMW_KIlvKXlrE_FP4qQy7jvcxrf0hgriV9f3MiAzM5GWo5p6/w174-h240/AuthorPhoto%20Ruth%20A%20Casie.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-no-proof: yes;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 3pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><b>Ruth A Casie</b> is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes
historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone
streets of Regency London. Her stories embrace strong women and the men who
deserve them. Within the pages you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense,
mind boggling drama, and heart melting emotions. Grab your favorite cup of tea,
or an ale if you prefer, and join her heroes and heroines as they race across
the pages to find their happily ever after. <br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">She lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty
bedrooms and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects.
Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client
liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at an international
bank where she was a product/ marketing manager, but her favorite job is the
one she’s doing now—writing romance. Ruth hopes her stories become your
favorite adventures.<br /></span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;">Where You Can Find Ruth:<br /></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">At her website:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://ruthacasie.com/"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://ruthacasie.com/<br /></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;">Sign up for her newsletter: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/RuthsNewsletterSignUp">http://bit.ly/RuthsNewsletterSignUp<br /></a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Instagram:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ruthacasie/"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.instagram.com/ruthacasie/<br /></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;">Facebook at</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">
Casie Café: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/963711677128537/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/963711677128537/<br /></span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;">Facebook Author Page</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">: </span><a href="https://amazon.com/author/ruthacasie"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">amazon.com/author/ruthacasie<br /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Goodreads: </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie<br /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">BookBub: </span><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-a-casie"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-a-casie</span></a></div><p></p>
Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-12589891403063990302022-06-29T23:51:00.002-04:002022-06-29T23:51:57.919-04:00Bringing My Story to Life - Day 3<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiETKTjGmrYFXTf1k5NzGPAQ1zcveGMjzL1qUW6GJ7BnUiH0ElXjaonm8RUD59fzk7sW2Zyzud3KIbPh7SlIQeB5JCIq8Lh14gwAsHuFEOmXt9y7AN48evzRzy6DrfB87-JRMtkn-sycgrkivtNWm33zE_fMCC98GGgV6TlJdpgQa1b2iNE0Rvc1V/s445/be0c99743c436985635ce89f78c1d9b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiETKTjGmrYFXTf1k5NzGPAQ1zcveGMjzL1qUW6GJ7BnUiH0ElXjaonm8RUD59fzk7sW2Zyzud3KIbPh7SlIQeB5JCIq8Lh14gwAsHuFEOmXt9y7AN48evzRzy6DrfB87-JRMtkn-sycgrkivtNWm33zE_fMCC98GGgV6TlJdpgQa1b2iNE0Rvc1V/w270-h400/be0c99743c436985635ce89f78c1d9b4.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Day 3</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I found a wonderful support community for this challenge on Facebook. Most of the people who posted walked/hiked and had some pretty impressive pictures. They inspired me. Mine pictures may not be of the Pennine Way. There more local. My pictures are from Teaneck, NJ, a small town across the Hudson River, about 7 miles west of NYC.</span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My video is a small part of my walk through the park at the end of my street. On the return trip I noticed my neighbor across the street from me had a new resident... on the lawn. It's not a lawn ornament.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tomorrow's plan... back to the gym!</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncG4p8IXNTIZtYDVX8YO5fdql1aQ7QjJPaWXdOs30nJJZPBFUqU1L8newaL8YoiMwOICqVWO_PeIK8Ov6QyZpOfYvPvt_e9Axa-XfOOurccIJkjYi7NCzQWkzpw6L9fqyUO6zkyt4csuoVI0umhd275WN1Lme922VyIDeJC9CkNLQ_-vCiLzXKw2S/s4032/Not%20a%20lawn%20ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncG4p8IXNTIZtYDVX8YO5fdql1aQ7QjJPaWXdOs30nJJZPBFUqU1L8newaL8YoiMwOICqVWO_PeIK8Ov6QyZpOfYvPvt_e9Axa-XfOOurccIJkjYi7NCzQWkzpw6L9fqyUO6zkyt4csuoVI0umhd275WN1Lme922VyIDeJC9CkNLQ_-vCiLzXKw2S/w284-h379/Not%20a%20lawn%20ornament.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyd505ljXPrl7G82PEp9pGuBqXt5O6f7IrHgHeSGCItvZTgMaaYr1lOZWMZa2BDQPkBoJ6MvSvkoBNYDMSRHg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> <br /></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><br /><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-545628213445341092022-06-28T18:18:00.001-04:002022-06-28T18:18:32.309-04:00Bringing my Story to Life<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZO2sgiSFnqJICFnFOsJMCaNOSQbwveOwJ_c9tBYvuCiFEbCnPXs7yjN259126HQP-2D68Mx97kPd0pmYArfiRBcJXm1AAUX75h70EJGrVWLPvSviENbnDBH0PqaXMVsGINCdMtRXxP2_Dh7EGctt9nG-vwxFuODFrqa1FN9OnWAZBsaHmbUJ7y_v/s10463/Mam%20tor%20AdobeStock_211361275.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3632" data-original-width="10463" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZO2sgiSFnqJICFnFOsJMCaNOSQbwveOwJ_c9tBYvuCiFEbCnPXs7yjN259126HQP-2D68Mx97kPd0pmYArfiRBcJXm1AAUX75h70EJGrVWLPvSviENbnDBH0PqaXMVsGINCdMtRXxP2_Dh7EGctt9nG-vwxFuODFrqa1FN9OnWAZBsaHmbUJ7y_v/w663-h230/Mam%20tor%20AdobeStock_211361275.jpeg" width="663" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">I’m writing a
short story for a Christmas box set. My story is The Duke’s Lost Love. It is a
cross-over story to my series, The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea. The venue for
these stories is in the village of Sommer-by-the-Sea not far from Newcastle.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">I wanted
my hero and heroine isolated and forced to work together. Christmas. Snow. Snowstorm.
Avalanche. I was definitely on to something. Now all I had to do was find
mountains. I was in luck. I found Pennine Way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steeped in history and traversing spectacular
landscapes, the iconic Pennine Way stretches for 268 miles (435km) across
England’s wild northern uplands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">The route
follows England’s rocky spine from the hills of the Derbyshire Peak District
and the Yorkshire Dales, through the stunning Swaledale Valley, across the
North Pennines and over Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland to the Cheviot Hills,
ending in the Scottish Borders in Kirk Yetholm.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">The path was
the idea of the journalist and rambler Tom Stephenson. He was inspired by
similar trails in the United States, particularly the Appalachian Trail.
Stephenson proposed the concept in an article for the Daily Herald in 1935, and
lobbied Parliament for the creation of an official trail. The final section was
declared open in a ceremony held on Malham Moor on 24 April 1965.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">I closed my
computer for the day knowing I found the mountain range I needed for my story.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">In the
morning, before setting out for the gym, I went through the news on my phone
and saw the word Pennine in passing. I scrolled back. It was an article about a
virtual hike along the Pennine Way. Here is what it said...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKK43Q5xzy5VtbH7i_VjF-fxPHZvBItKmK-rJFdOhPIMyAATUmo7lM1UEsIVhfzw8yP8-qEnOa6PUB4XVDTxuDyXei4E7gVTk5N75NQE93tFfTYM2SrD6242LntstHF0Zg1cfyfMxWRTauGbOpu6t2wGUyXbgKwyV9U3wyyk67zv9VjNST6eQYCl6/s581/Pennine%20Way%20logo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="581" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKK43Q5xzy5VtbH7i_VjF-fxPHZvBItKmK-rJFdOhPIMyAATUmo7lM1UEsIVhfzw8yP8-qEnOa6PUB4XVDTxuDyXei4E7gVTk5N75NQE93tFfTYM2SrD6242LntstHF0Zg1cfyfMxWRTauGbOpu6t2wGUyXbgKwyV9U3wyyk67zv9VjNST6eQYCl6/w422-h223/Pennine%20Way%20logo.PNG" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://endtoend.run/pennine-way-virtual-challenge/">Follow the first
National Trail in England</a> which takes in 3 National Parks – the Peak
District, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland, as well as the North Pennines
AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Our Pennine Way virtual challenge
stretches for 268 miles of breathtaking landscape, all the way from Edale, in
the northern Derbyshire Peak District, to Kirk Yetholm, just inside the
Scottish border.</span></i></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">A unique experience where
each participant will log their mileage-based activity and advance along the innovative
interactive map.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">This extraordinary journey allows participants to keep motivated
and active, set and achieve physical goals and stimulate mental and physical
being whilst in their own local surroundings.</span></i></p><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ0ima--IQzlXXiSeJk4Y4Klpg_ATR5dsGcnIxlWsMPCXbZ81stv2Njxe_Db9MhoyB29CYO34RXKCNV36z4UAXRu8ETzK5VLEzAS0TVmq2xkwgJBy2JPTR57mlXsEvX0L48tIiZGJvpKJm38zVzibTcqeJV3qEA_fwk8QeAkt-0P3X6IhY5EOYhtC/s585/Post%20cards%202.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="585" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJ0ima--IQzlXXiSeJk4Y4Klpg_ATR5dsGcnIxlWsMPCXbZ81stv2Njxe_Db9MhoyB29CYO34RXKCNV36z4UAXRu8ETzK5VLEzAS0TVmq2xkwgJBy2JPTR57mlXsEvX0L48tIiZGJvpKJm38zVzibTcqeJV3qEA_fwk8QeAkt-0P3X6IhY5EOYhtC/w342-h251/Post%20cards%202.png" width="342" /></a></i></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><i><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Unlock Digital Postcards</span></i></b></i></b></div><div><b style="text-align: center;"><i><b style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"><br /></span></i></b></i></b></div><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Unlock a range of carefully researched,
motivating postcards and interesting landmarks to keep you entertained and
motivated during your journey. Each postcard reveals interesting information
about points along the route. Download them to keep or share on your social
media.</span></i><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Track yourself and
others!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfDxAGk-l9kxmIXQCipJHK7Z0yyvoNpecS4nAUHq3ip9Omgd77Dj4YSD1ZvlQfPaUCn_1CDPrtVDfiMxRQPCa--AZYU2nygl3sAV7hg_Q7u2emFS7tr9v9K2D9xl9NakKyvU8aRTcMcFcCtG0JIx4a90W6_Xafk9C3IZ0wAogpnYph5qfhVrpHkjW/s521/Track.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="521" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfDxAGk-l9kxmIXQCipJHK7Z0yyvoNpecS4nAUHq3ip9Omgd77Dj4YSD1ZvlQfPaUCn_1CDPrtVDfiMxRQPCa--AZYU2nygl3sAV7hg_Q7u2emFS7tr9v9K2D9xl9NakKyvU8aRTcMcFcCtG0JIx4a90W6_Xafk9C3IZ0wAogpnYph5qfhVrpHkjW/s320/Track.PNG" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><span style="font-size: medium;">After completing your mileage-based activity you can upload it to your interactive map and instantly move along the
route, zoom in to street view to see your surroundings virtually as if you were
really there and check where others are around you from the leaderboard.</span><o:p></o:p></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Check the mileage log for all your
activity and see how far you’ve come!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is sure to keep you motivated to
achieve those fitness goals!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I put the information aside and went to the gym. I
haven’t been there for two years and decided to start small, on the treadmill.
As I watched the steps accumulate, I thought about the Pennine Way and the
virtual walk.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I returned home, I signed up. Within minutes I
got my Bib number and all the information on what to do and how to submit your
miles.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here are the results of Sunday and
Monday…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-C29fl5sNUehFe0Sno5lmNRT3VnxpF58YPMdqEHP9_SVC7VkiZIxhwoVnJqZdr60T-HEPTugGn3QqPLrtO4jXCwlxANZI90qfYOB-NH7v-fygJgDn-OX1Ryc77hMYV0E-2zdQg2oeoAFO3Qc5pLhrlGcw-J0XSeMibdPA5w0n4_HzAJqY2l_TYsO/s463/Days%20%201%20and%202%20distance.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="445" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-C29fl5sNUehFe0Sno5lmNRT3VnxpF58YPMdqEHP9_SVC7VkiZIxhwoVnJqZdr60T-HEPTugGn3QqPLrtO4jXCwlxANZI90qfYOB-NH7v-fygJgDn-OX1Ryc77hMYV0E-2zdQg2oeoAFO3Qc5pLhrlGcw-J0XSeMibdPA5w0n4_HzAJqY2l_TYsO/s320/Days%20%201%20and%202%20distance.PNG" width="308" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Here is my place after 5.05 miles on the trail.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54osmmSCDfTP8vs6EBZWBfb5mqQjdUAJZpQYAKFJEWDPM14MeEacizZa_kw7ghjk1BtT5PmKUlyWDd67tIyKBmmN8pmCtAJMXINOHdd5FMuBGtDW7qkV6QnszCkXARuA51TtfPXj26zv8eTQRyQVX-KYK5xLO_EXj1q49Jg59Eyz0mILbFiikCTGR/s760/Map%20Day%202.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="760" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54osmmSCDfTP8vs6EBZWBfb5mqQjdUAJZpQYAKFJEWDPM14MeEacizZa_kw7ghjk1BtT5PmKUlyWDd67tIyKBmmN8pmCtAJMXINOHdd5FMuBGtDW7qkV6QnszCkXARuA51TtfPXj26zv8eTQRyQVX-KYK5xLO_EXj1q49Jg59Eyz0mILbFiikCTGR/w367-h358/Map%20Day%202.PNG" width="367" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">I turned on the 3D view to see what is actually around me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNJJ4To9bHlHJAgM7f5QlyH7-XPxIAXvivxn5B9d7M5qVhoyx2BCCBCGNfhbzWotGo366PfgCBGmcPTljUgjWDeQefawc9DRqJvLoZvb5RPp2Z-r1RDTFtK8esnHa-gXCtvOWpj0DruLP6Qih5-tfDCyg_HMliZBXb0hd9AM3oWaCepRirwvV-mFr/s660/The%203D%20view.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="603" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNJJ4To9bHlHJAgM7f5QlyH7-XPxIAXvivxn5B9d7M5qVhoyx2BCCBCGNfhbzWotGo366PfgCBGmcPTljUgjWDeQefawc9DRqJvLoZvb5RPp2Z-r1RDTFtK8esnHa-gXCtvOWpj0DruLP6Qih5-tfDCyg_HMliZBXb0hd9AM3oWaCepRirwvV-mFr/w455-h498/The%203D%20view.PNG" width="455" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">I have 5 months to finish this challenge and I'm taking you with me all the way! I need a cheering team. At the moment, my heroine, Nanette, cannot wait to see what is on the other side of the hill.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-78171278706045079292022-04-07T14:44:00.001-04:002022-04-07T14:46:00.533-04:00A Duke in Winter: A Historical Romance Collection Pre-Order is Live!<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: "Great Vibes", Allura, handwriting; font-size: 2rem; text-align: center;">So excited to be a part of another Dragonblade Publishing Anthology…</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/5hx9uvc6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #7c00ca; font-family: "Great Vibes", Allura, handwriting; font-size: 2rem; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A Duke in Winter: A Historical Romance Collection</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: "Great Vibes", Allura, handwriting; font-size: 2rem; text-align: center;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAqiODqUt0jBt4cKsJNLF92MmkhLlQk73m1WfnpWj4cQCCv1VcnBNvkO0-7w2UVZRCq51UDQvV2cIY313mKUtVsuOPtW3y4nhpGePpuzeu3vpBCnjRtyvQrRpP5PhMtr3cZb7vJjICvHoHY8JgBk1wElK_bhDgJJXFCQeu5QqtL9HzKRaNZ9O38b3/s1200/A-Duke-in-Winter-Graphic-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="1200" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAqiODqUt0jBt4cKsJNLF92MmkhLlQk73m1WfnpWj4cQCCv1VcnBNvkO0-7w2UVZRCq51UDQvV2cIY313mKUtVsuOPtW3y4nhpGePpuzeu3vpBCnjRtyvQrRpP5PhMtr3cZb7vJjICvHoHY8JgBk1wElK_bhDgJJXFCQeu5QqtL9HzKRaNZ9O38b3/w535-h204/A-Duke-in-Winter-Graphic-1.jpg" width="535" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: Roboto, arial, "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.2rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.2rem; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Here is the blurb for the collection releasing December 29, 2022:</p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: Roboto, arial, "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.2rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.2rem; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“It was a dark and snowy night…”</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: Roboto, arial, "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.2rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.2rem; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Winter has come and the holiday seasons have arrived. ‘Tis the season to be jolly for most, but beneath the joyous celebrations lurks moody, dark, and seductive dukes that make England’s most famous bard’s brooding lords look like charm boys. But this isn’t a tortured Danish prince or a tormented king with three conniving daughters. This is…</p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: Roboto, arial, "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.2rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.2rem; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A Duke in Winter.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: Roboto, arial, "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.2rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.2rem; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ten of your favorite historical romance authors have come together for this wintery collection to set your pulse racing. Melt the snow a little with this collection of sexy tales of moody dukes and the women hot enough to warm them.</p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: Roboto, arial, "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.2rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.2rem; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="a-text-bold a-text-italic" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Indulge in the most unexpected of winter romantic tales!</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #414141; font-family: Roboto, arial, "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.95rem; line-height: 1.2rem; margin: 0px 0px 1.2rem; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This set includes USA Today and Bestselling authors:</u><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Johns/e/B00LF3F2AE?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1649264970&sr=1-3" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Elizabeth Johns</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Emily-Royal/e/B07NCBKJZ4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1649265007&sr=1-1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Emily Royal</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anna-St-Claire/e/B078WMRHHF?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1649265046&sr=1-2" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Anna St. Claire</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Keysian/e/B06VVL9JMB?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1649265078&sr=1-3" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Elizabeth Keysian</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Warfield/e/B00N9PZZZS?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4&qid=1649265109&sr=1-4" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Caroline Warfield</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Ellen-Carter/e/B00G05CW5K/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_6" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Elizabeth Ellen Carter</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ruth-A-Casie/e/B005V0YEVU?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1649265176&sr=1-1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Ruth A. Casie</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/C-H-Admirand/e/B001JPBUMC/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_8" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">C.H. Admirand</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Charlotte-Wren/e/B08FFBR14W?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1649265227&sr=1-1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Charlotte Wren</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sandra+sookoo&i=stripbooks&crid=1TEY41XS9MS9Q&sprefix=sandra+so%2Cstripbooks%2C79&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_9" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sandra Sookoo</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Crowe/e/B08WPVYVC6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1649265313&sr=1-3" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Veronica Crowe</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Anna+Markland&i=stripbooks&crid=3PE6S0BEABKK0&sprefix=anna+markland%2Cstripbooks%2C64&ref=nb_sb_noss" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Anna Markland</a><br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chantry-Dawes/e/B09CQJHTQC?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1649265380&sr=1-1" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #354fcb; font-size: 15.2px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chantry Dawes</a></p></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: "Great Vibes", Allura, handwriting; font-size: 32px;">Stay tune for more information…</span><br /><div><br /></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-2643993443988041192022-03-01T20:02:00.000-05:002022-03-01T20:02:31.489-05:00The Lady and the Spy is in the Running!! <p>They say not to judge a book by its cover but I need you to do just that. If you liked the cover of my book, <strong>The Lady and the Spy (The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea Book 2)</strong>, please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest on AllAuthor.com! </p>
<p>I’m getting closer to clinch the "<b>Cover of the Month</b>" contest on AllAuthor! I’d need as much support from you guys. Please take a short moment to vote for my book cover here: </p><p><a href="https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/12967/" rel="dofollow">Click to Vote!</a></p><p>
<a href="https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/12967/" rel="dofollow"><img height="925" src="https://allauthor.com/book/big/20220120030210.jpg" width="616" /> </a></p><p><a href="https://allauthor.com/cover-of-the-month/12967/" rel="dofollow">Click to Vote!</a></p>
Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-17290931294035849272022-02-17T12:02:00.008-05:002022-02-17T20:45:54.287-05:00The Lady and the Spy – CAN YOU CRACK THE CODE?<p><br /></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><h1 style="color: black; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><strong style="direction: ltr;">Release Day for The Lady and the Spy</strong></h1></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"> </span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6MpGtgLRrHZtjuJjzfr2ZTVNmcoMHPQU1cF6OG9vw_oCkIljQ7OrWwPLq--wkJhK3wvhd8V6cKYLUPDTVpn_ziWQY0NPfkOp5b-rQPKeEpV98UsbGkMYJgWNneOB8OtJEzEKFZQW-OTLfirkl6QjLnnxP0S9nAgVeWoAOmKfbS368uk5age3gK8H4=s526" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6MpGtgLRrHZtjuJjzfr2ZTVNmcoMHPQU1cF6OG9vw_oCkIljQ7OrWwPLq--wkJhK3wvhd8V6cKYLUPDTVpn_ziWQY0NPfkOp5b-rQPKeEpV98UsbGkMYJgWNneOB8OtJEzEKFZQW-OTLfirkl6QjLnnxP0S9nAgVeWoAOmKfbS368uk5age3gK8H4=w420-h420" width="420" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><h1 style="background-color: white; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></h1><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">No matter how many books an author has, a release of their 20th book is as exciting as the release of their 1st. I am no different.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">This book was almost finished when I realized I had overlooked a major piece of the story. Take a look at the cover and you will find a beautiful diamond and ruby brooch. You really can’t miss it. I got so involved in writing the spy story that I neglected to add in the brooch’s significance. The pin was worth more than a simple mention. It was an important part of the story. I tossed out half of what I had written (*sigh*) and went to work.</span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">The results are wonderful. The story is available on Amazon </span><a href="https://tinyurl.com/TLATSpy" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">https://tinyurl.com/TLATSpy</span></a></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15px;">Research led me to secret codes and for my readers a chance to CRACK THE CODE in the story.</span></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><h2 style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><strong style="direction: ltr;">Solve the Puzzle</strong></h2><h1 style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><strong style="direction: ltr;">Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card</strong></h1><p style="color: black; direction: ltr; font-family: Poppins, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The secret is in your hands! Break the code and find the key for a chance to win</p></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;"><b><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Learn more and enter to crack the code</span><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"> </span><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 py34i1dx" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.subscribepage.com%2Fz0k7f5%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR10A-KrWyvZxf1GDph3VCGCTHqxSBNxhgIzcM6gIv7U_k8Z18aP3c2EpUE&h=AT3C2IVwLdvuJ0Dc5HIHzK6_Zp4a50NvN76Lx7gX2bQHYk5W77eYPnCho8bN0hIjpHgHr7pefnWYkNqQK1ZlQZCa4x1T4KdU8To0DSeJFYpBVj8_JlhLDhrlHrKP6lCOOQ&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1dc2Ck_LtyXPLgCmlsB979RxwRSOoxHqtlgtrnS0keaW1XfawOGNYnW6zFgogGXX-5Ospka8R10MzThIbUVP8ExnubqlyPdkhN7wie38-HMviqxTkGh9NSRSa2_TOJFaWyoYeFuQ95MyVCVophXqWCyIOVERewmv8" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">here</a></span><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">.</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></b></div>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-55848625316305861392022-02-02T23:21:00.001-05:002022-02-02T23:21:09.237-05:00The Lady and the Spy<p> </p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Introducing Book Two of my Regency Series, The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Lady and the Spy</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6p5kZ1isDZ9gYzWvkBQN8Pli_xhCAqT44w61A-FlZ8IDEXvXWiILJPXXPsWWTZpudu2xDlhohREMXPgvf4CuPRD-V2NenUUrwWDEtsEv4QoB1ohSGod-ZTpCDdZRxqzHkbicVgiXqVjVJjVQZrPMMztaVq41xjYioJgb0MvPZbKriuRylCoIx375U=s2700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6p5kZ1isDZ9gYzWvkBQN8Pli_xhCAqT44w61A-FlZ8IDEXvXWiILJPXXPsWWTZpudu2xDlhohREMXPgvf4CuPRD-V2NenUUrwWDEtsEv4QoB1ohSGod-ZTpCDdZRxqzHkbicVgiXqVjVJjVQZrPMMztaVq41xjYioJgb0MvPZbKriuRylCoIx375U=w355-h534" width="355" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><i>With each encounter her heartbeat quickened.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><i>With each encounter his need for her grew stronger.</i><i><span face=""Helvetica",sans-serif" style="color: #545454; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">Lady Patrice Montgomery Edgemont always did what was
expected of her and look where that got her, married off by her father into a
loveless relationship. She solved the puzzle that was prospective husband
number two, another of her father’s choices and quickly made him a distant
memory. Lady Patrice is not playing games. She is through with men.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">Nikolai Baranov is the son of a Russian grand duke
and spy for Tzar Alexander I. When his father and associates are killed,
Nikolai doesn’t play games. The only thing worth winning is revenge for his
family. <o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">When a blizzard blankets Sommer-by-the-Sea, Lady
Patrice is the only one who can help the mysterious wounded Russian she finds
in her hunting lodge. It will take Nikolai’s skill as a spy and Lady Patrice’s
expertise at solving puzzles to play through and win the game, a happily ever
after.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">Buy Link <a href="https://amzn.to/3L527y6" style="background-color: transparent;"><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">https://amzn.to/3L527y6</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;">Chapter One is available for you to read <a href="https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/p/the-lady-and-spy.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt; text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsaZs0j5izZLE-osIJq-hI8cO0UAFJ1dILbBIUtE81g5hcm4J8fhTXQnOwSoKnqZj8-CbTFXZMMtDe57by5MIA_5WYgojjFoothTC-UpiavZ-OqboU4g2DZz-IHG9Gwy819Vd2a305KPVTSpU1LnzrDKIxgOerheOnhEfBzp4ZkLRlf5NEafCdnkkr=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="421" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsaZs0j5izZLE-osIJq-hI8cO0UAFJ1dILbBIUtE81g5hcm4J8fhTXQnOwSoKnqZj8-CbTFXZMMtDe57by5MIA_5WYgojjFoothTC-UpiavZ-OqboU4g2DZz-IHG9Gwy819Vd2a305KPVTSpU1LnzrDKIxgOerheOnhEfBzp4ZkLRlf5NEafCdnkkr=w421-h421" width="421" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">Welcome to Sommer-by-the-Sea, a
vibrant village nestled on the rugged northeast coast of England, 15 miles
north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Here, the world is centered on the country
village and the lives of the landowning and professional families.
Sommer-by-the-Sea is populated with aristocrats, gentry, self-made men, shop
owners, local workers, and servants, a cross-section of the people of the time.
Steeped in history dating back as far as the Vikings, the villagers are proud
and celebrate their heritage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">Everyone from the elite summer
residents to the year-round residence keep businesses flourishing and gossip
thriving. As with any small town, there are challenges and successes, secrets,
disagreements, and feuds. There is no shortage of romance, mystery, drama, and
even a murder or two.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">Graduates of the
Sommer-by-the-Sea Female Seminary have a unique education. Along with the usual
studies available, the head mistress has nurtured each woman’s innate ability
and helped them develop into the women they are today. This shared unique
experience has kept the graduates close.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">Each lady has her own story to
tell as she is called to action and must demonstrate she is smart, strong and
sensible and must challenge the accepted definition of a “woman’s place.” For
these women, arranged or political marriages will not do. If she chooses a
husband, it will be for love, on her own terms, and with a man who will accept
her as a partner. <o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">It is with pleasure I introduce
you to The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, and their stories.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-84906686507097183782021-12-23T01:00:00.004-05:002021-12-23T01:00:00.217-05:00December - You’re amazing! Happy Birthday.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_WmBaN3v35bf35WlNwQNZsda623RuctrtcHp-NdJuPZxCkh3dYs-JGwxEqSugwK8eC76P-xen2Ja4ew_D4wkb4g5jOeXhPQrumSKA-aEKl3H9_SPEndXNp4YTHkmo2mv_Ck2SUwoCgM/s600/With+party+hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_WmBaN3v35bf35WlNwQNZsda623RuctrtcHp-NdJuPZxCkh3dYs-JGwxEqSugwK8eC76P-xen2Ja4ew_D4wkb4g5jOeXhPQrumSKA-aEKl3H9_SPEndXNp4YTHkmo2mv_Ck2SUwoCgM/s320/With+party+hat.png" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As promised, on the 23<sup>rd</sup>
of every month I will post a list of literary author birthdays. I came across
the list on Book Lover Gifts </span><a href="https://booklovergifts.com/blogs/news/45900996-literary-calendar-list-of-author-birthdays-deaths-important-literary-dates"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">website</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. Feel
free to add your favorite authors special day. Put it in the comments section,
just wait for their birth month.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkqGfACebcnifwchAg4-MfnrkIVmFacDkB1e0O61IA5T3lwwMs-se-YzsiIZm2azpa8NhTJG9ILEzlPsV4Hx3XQRUgwjhkjSGvmi7ZcP9Dl6NUX3jEGTVzOPvHa70iieYmSPZ0IIe3bs/s2048/AdobeStock_62006879.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkqGfACebcnifwchAg4-MfnrkIVmFacDkB1e0O61IA5T3lwwMs-se-YzsiIZm2azpa8NhTJG9ILEzlPsV4Hx3XQRUgwjhkjSGvmi7ZcP9Dl6NUX3jEGTVzOPvHa70iieYmSPZ0IIe3bs/s320/AdobeStock_62006879.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">09 Dec 1608 – John Milton,
author of Paradise Lost</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">12 Dec 1821 – Gustave
Flaubert, author of Madame Bovary</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">16 Dec 1775 – Jane Austen,
author of Pride & Prejudice</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">30 Dec 1865 – Rudyard
Kipling, author of Jungle Book</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">December Facts:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The first day of Winter, the
Winter Solstice, is December 21 or 22 and is the shortest day and the longest night.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In 700 BCE, December was shortened
to 29 days. It was changed to 31 days with the advent of the Julian calendar.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">December’s full moon is known
as the Cold Moon, a Mohawk name that conveys the frigid conditions of this time
of year.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Folklore:<i> December
changeable and mild, the whole winter will remain a child.<o:p></o:p></i></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wlewv9rqmn15SvmORdvgqorOoCP4gKb0HVvl9j5qVbVn5DakUupiqyjP0qjIsE2ZBOaYiTV8A4zWbXKv4eOAlIvhPv6euCep8OqdFKIH5_2Ne8LYIVRdhZ9FeKLRjsDmnsd7tSSUA4A/s600/Happy+New+Year.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wlewv9rqmn15SvmORdvgqorOoCP4gKb0HVvl9j5qVbVn5DakUupiqyjP0qjIsE2ZBOaYiTV8A4zWbXKv4eOAlIvhPv6euCep8OqdFKIH5_2Ne8LYIVRdhZ9FeKLRjsDmnsd7tSSUA4A/s320/Happy+New+Year.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This is the end of the year.
It’s been fun. Have a wonderful New Year!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm">http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore">https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php">https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-65502966056021560712021-11-23T01:00:00.003-05:002021-11-23T01:00:00.188-05:00November - Today’s your birthday–time to celebrate!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlI6os7ZkSxs4jStrYdXBX0NqvDKvl8Y6PX761kVmHrKGGAEVCJFp83gGu2Dq2x7mCf3686Y6EXAsTK3ma20B7-t6C1QhlpXlij-p-4VOnNmwXI9kEgU8QbofALDiTBqz3p5kyODwiT4E/s600/Happy+Birthday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlI6os7ZkSxs4jStrYdXBX0NqvDKvl8Y6PX761kVmHrKGGAEVCJFp83gGu2Dq2x7mCf3686Y6EXAsTK3ma20B7-t6C1QhlpXlij-p-4VOnNmwXI9kEgU8QbofALDiTBqz3p5kyODwiT4E/s320/Happy+Birthday.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As promised, on the 23<sup>rd</sup>
of every month I will post a list of literary author birthdays. I came across
the list on Book Lover Gifts </span><a href="https://booklovergifts.com/blogs/news/45900996-literary-calendar-list-of-author-birthdays-deaths-important-literary-dates"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">website</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. Feel
free to add your favorite authors special day. Put it in the comments section,
just wait for their birth month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWIrS-bofadmasUJXUzdMCUq1Ew29bb0Km1InW2JskEzumGVdHtNjdL01vF3cuP9B8mVjX8OT1iHilXu3M1MjPhO35AlmVxzisfDycIXz5cnSfSbEZt0trrAVQYPaY8fHu519UeKjUvc/s2048/AdobeStock_62006877.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1923" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWIrS-bofadmasUJXUzdMCUq1Ew29bb0Km1InW2JskEzumGVdHtNjdL01vF3cuP9B8mVjX8OT1iHilXu3M1MjPhO35AlmVxzisfDycIXz5cnSfSbEZt0trrAVQYPaY8fHu519UeKjUvc/s320/AdobeStock_62006877.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">08 Nov 1847 - Bram Stoker,
author of Dracula</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">11 Nov 1821 - Fyodor
Dostoyevsky, author of Crime and Punishment</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">13 Nov 1850 - Robert Louis
Stevenson, author of Treasure Island</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">29 Nov 1898 - C. S. Lewis,
creator of Narnia</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">30 Nov 1835 - Mark Twain,
author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">November Facts:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Most, if not all, of the
leaves have fallen off the trees in the Northern Hemisphere by the end of
November.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Throughout much of history,
November has often been thought of as a somber month because it signaled the
start of winter. People would spend the month storing up their harvest and
preparing their food and homes in order to survive the winter.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Folklore: <i>If there’s ice
in November that will bear a duck, there’ll be nothing after but sludge and
muck.</i></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">See you next month!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm">http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore">https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php">https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-91983331249120948902021-10-23T01:00:00.005-04:002021-10-23T01:00:00.222-04:00October - Happy, happy birthday! Time to blow out the candles and make a wish.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uIeb5GbPVR-dcfG_wMXQ8pFAqEzYCH3E06bxybNttON0XfpmfApjnBBqkyzpklI2WZkYR6SNFYt2FJfS69wFr7n9HL5MmUXuoHG0EfXpvR4sfh0mc2ITE87S8g5m4G95_k_mcL7fTrQ/s600/Cake+and+Heart+balloon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uIeb5GbPVR-dcfG_wMXQ8pFAqEzYCH3E06bxybNttON0XfpmfApjnBBqkyzpklI2WZkYR6SNFYt2FJfS69wFr7n9HL5MmUXuoHG0EfXpvR4sfh0mc2ITE87S8g5m4G95_k_mcL7fTrQ/s320/Cake+and+Heart+balloon.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As promised, on the 23<sup>rd</sup>
of every month I will post a list of literary author birthdays. I came across
the list on Book Lover Gifts </span><a href="https://booklovergifts.com/blogs/news/45900996-literary-calendar-list-of-author-birthdays-deaths-important-literary-dates"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">website</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. Feel
free to add your favorite authors special day. Put it in the comments section,
just wait for their birth month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLbox2esKZ6RJvzwsgvbOJ01hl6G8jqKfbJ88bo8IMGKlJGIve3sukqGh_RdOqJahsizF3p0iA4WS_aM7kOgJ492xZJfKFyEos-goDoa0-BJL275shb7i5JBxbBBbSGPDBHcTRVumWvs/s2048/AdobeStock_62006865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1834" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLbox2esKZ6RJvzwsgvbOJ01hl6G8jqKfbJ88bo8IMGKlJGIve3sukqGh_RdOqJahsizF3p0iA4WS_aM7kOgJ492xZJfKFyEos-goDoa0-BJL275shb7i5JBxbBBbSGPDBHcTRVumWvs/s320/AdobeStock_62006865.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">04 Oct 1884 – Damon Runyon,
author of Little Miss Marker</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">16 Oct 1854 – Oscar Wilde,
author of The Happy Prince and Other Tales</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">27 Oct 1914 – Dylan Thomas,
the stormy Welsh poet</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p>October Facts: </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In the Northern Hemisphere,
the leaves on trees begin to change color.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The Saxons called October
Wintirfylith because it had the first full moon of the winter season.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Halloween, celebrated on the
last day of the month originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain,
when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Samhain
marks the end of the harvest season and beginning winter.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Folklore: <i>A warm October
means a cold February.</i></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">See you next month!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm">http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore">https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php">https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-25459711917393671062021-09-23T01:00:00.007-04:002021-09-23T01:00:00.263-04:00September - Time to enjoy a birthday cake and the company of loved ones. Happy Birthday!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uIeb5GbPVR-dcfG_wMXQ8pFAqEzYCH3E06bxybNttON0XfpmfApjnBBqkyzpklI2WZkYR6SNFYt2FJfS69wFr7n9HL5MmUXuoHG0EfXpvR4sfh0mc2ITE87S8g5m4G95_k_mcL7fTrQ/s600/Cake+and+Heart+balloon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uIeb5GbPVR-dcfG_wMXQ8pFAqEzYCH3E06bxybNttON0XfpmfApjnBBqkyzpklI2WZkYR6SNFYt2FJfS69wFr7n9HL5MmUXuoHG0EfXpvR4sfh0mc2ITE87S8g5m4G95_k_mcL7fTrQ/s320/Cake+and+Heart+balloon.png" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As promised, on the 23<sup>rd</sup>
of every month I will post a list of literary author birthdays. I came across
the list on Book Lover Gifts </span><a href="https://booklovergifts.com/blogs/news/45900996-literary-calendar-list-of-author-birthdays-deaths-important-literary-dates"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">website</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. Feel
free to add your favorite authors special day. Put it in the comments section,
just wait for their birth month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbL-cpPGnViLCXGJ6FURgYl5mElendnuvKBLA0ZohQCGqvkcjX2KLD4CalC83noBbuTnvcuh3AZKGiQKNrskyFSMqqEFyc_xsgOT6AsF2fjf3XfHl1oSAqer3reSFWLP43omyQdej-F0/s2048/AdobeStock_62006856.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1849" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbL-cpPGnViLCXGJ6FURgYl5mElendnuvKBLA0ZohQCGqvkcjX2KLD4CalC83noBbuTnvcuh3AZKGiQKNrskyFSMqqEFyc_xsgOT6AsF2fjf3XfHl1oSAqer3reSFWLP43omyQdej-F0/s320/AdobeStock_62006856.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">09 Sept 1828 - <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Leo Tolstoy, author of War
& Peace</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">13 Sept
1916 - <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Roald Dahl, author of Matilda</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">21 Sept
1947 - <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Stephen King, The Master of Horror</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">21 Sept
1866 - <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">H. G. Wells, author of The War of the Worlds</span></span></span></li><li><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">24 Sept 1896 - <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">F Scott Fitzgerald, author of
The Great Gatsby</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">25 Sept
1897 - <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">William Faulkner, author of The Big Sleep</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">26 Sept
1888 - <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">T. S. Eliot, author of The Cocktail Party</span></span></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">September Facts:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It is the first month of
Autumn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Many children begin the
school year in September.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">September is often associated
with fire because it was associated with Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and the forge.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">In 1752, the British changed
from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. The change required an
adjustment to some days because the seasons were off. To fix it, they moved 11
days from September. They went from September 3 to the 14<sup>th</sup>. To the Britain
in 1752 the days between September 3 and 13 just never happened.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Folklore: <i>Married in
September’s golden glow, smooth and serene your life will go</i>.</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">See you next month!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm">http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore">https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php">https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1360784031875264514.post-47748413364118436782021-08-23T01:00:00.007-04:002021-08-23T01:00:00.283-04:00August - Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and a fantastic year ahead!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_WmBaN3v35bf35WlNwQNZsda623RuctrtcHp-NdJuPZxCkh3dYs-JGwxEqSugwK8eC76P-xen2Ja4ew_D4wkb4g5jOeXhPQrumSKA-aEKl3H9_SPEndXNp4YTHkmo2mv_Ck2SUwoCgM/s600/With+party+hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_WmBaN3v35bf35WlNwQNZsda623RuctrtcHp-NdJuPZxCkh3dYs-JGwxEqSugwK8eC76P-xen2Ja4ew_D4wkb4g5jOeXhPQrumSKA-aEKl3H9_SPEndXNp4YTHkmo2mv_Ck2SUwoCgM/s320/With+party+hat.png" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">As promised, on the 23<sup>rd</sup>
of every month I will post a list of literary author birthdays. I came across
the list on Book Lover Gifts </span><a href="https://booklovergifts.com/blogs/news/45900996-literary-calendar-list-of-author-birthdays-deaths-important-literary-dates"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">website</span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. Feel
free to add your favorite authors special day. Put it in the comments section,
just wait for their birth month.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtyPrXsrHqNCVjl6Qw8CBnUXQJfNJ8FQpSdghEpKviW_1QgRoNldlHtQDzZPrqlSgN-LWvypDutmpZvHrYVTCTuZd2f3ctMXm3BJeuWbwOEl2_5GPKByw7-U8U1q3qEijiVNXg3_zYkI/s2048/AdobeStock_62006834.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1862" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtyPrXsrHqNCVjl6Qw8CBnUXQJfNJ8FQpSdghEpKviW_1QgRoNldlHtQDzZPrqlSgN-LWvypDutmpZvHrYVTCTuZd2f3ctMXm3BJeuWbwOEl2_5GPKByw7-U8U1q3qEijiVNXg3_zYkI/s320/AdobeStock_62006834.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">01 Aug 1819 – Herman
Melville, author of Moby Dick</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">22 Aug 1920 – Ray Bradbury,
author of Fahrenheit 451</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">24 Aug 1899 – Jorge Luis
Borges, author of The Library of Babel</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">August Facts:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It is the last month of
summer.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">It is the month of summer vacations
and holiday for many around the world.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Many cultures call August the
harvest month.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Folklore: <i>If the first
week of August is unusually warm, The winter will be white and long.</i></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See you next month!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm">http://projectbritain.com/year/march.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore">https://www.almanac.com/content/month-january-holidays-facts-folklore</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php">https://www.ducksters.com/history/decemberinhistory.php</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Ruth A Casiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08721464034029743355noreply@blogger.com0