Sunday, December 13, 2015

Smitten tutorial.

Hello crafty people!
How are you doing on all your Christmas prep?
I'm plugging along and hoping I get everything done in time.
I'm sure I will, I just worry too much.
I love to upcycle items and today I'm going to link 
to a tutorial on my blog to show you how to make 
Smittens.
What are smittens? 
They are mittens made from a sweater.
Here's a picture of mine.
If you have an old sweater that's ready for the 
thrift store, don't get rid of it yet.
Check out my tutorial and find out just
 how easy it is to make a pair of smittens.
Thanks for popping in today, I hope your give the 
smittens a try.
Stop in at my blog any time to see what I've been up to.
You never know what you'll find at
Kristie Kreates.

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Nominate The Soldier's Bride & Enter the $100 Giveaway Today

Today's post is a different kind of craft. Rachelle J. Christensen is sharing a little on the craft of writing because her novel, The Soldier's Bride is up for nominations in the Kindle Scout Contest. What does this mean, you ask? Rachelle could win a publishing contract which is pretty cool, but for you...
It means that you get a chance to vote for my book, enter to win $100, and get the book for free!

Now, you can visit Kindle Scout, check out books, nominate them, and if they are chosen by Kindle Press they will be published and at that time everyone who nominated that book will receive a free ebook.

Just visit this link: https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1GTCQDT0A568I and you can nominate The Soldier's Bride. You'll need to be logged into your Amazon account to do so. You can also read the excerpt of the first 6,000 words (about 4 chapters) or even have the excerpt sent to your Kindle to read, or you can just nominate it.


Would you like to see the absolutely gorgeous cover designed by the talented Christina Dymock?

The Soldier's Bride
A WWII music box holds a secret for his bride

 

Here's a summary of the book:
 

As WWII ration cards and battle scars fill the country, Evelyn’s heart is under fire. It seems even love is rationed out to the war widow.  She finds a message tucked inside a soldier's music box with the power to change her life.
Don't die with me.
Words written out of love, long-lost but never forgotten.
This romance crosses battlefields and time as the music box touches the lives of two soldiers, a broken father, crippled child, struggling farmer, and a woman once called the soldier's bride.

So go and VOTE NOW  for THE SOLDIER'S BRIDE by Rachelle J. Christensen and then come back here and enter for the $100!

Here's how to enter. Easy peasy Rafflecopter 
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Rachelle's Writing Spot. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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 Remember, if Amazon selects THE SOLDIER'S BRIDE to publish, everyone who has nominated the book will get a FREE copy from Amazon!

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Holiday Helps for Christmas Shopping with a $200 Cash Giveaway


Today's post is purely because I absolutely love books and I want to share this amazing sale and cash giveaway with you! The authors of Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology decided to organize a multi-author sale during release week and invite our favorite authors to join us. All the books featured on this sale are only $.99 and they are all amazing!
Don't forget to enter the rafflecopter giveaway for $200 in Christmas Cash.
Now, come book shopping with me!

Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology
Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols.
Amazon * iTunes * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords * Kobo * Goodreads


Brownies & Betrayal by Heather Justesen
Pastry chef Tess Crawford thought moving from Chicago to quiet Silver Springs, Arizona would simplify her life. That was before she found the body of a woman with whom she had traded heated words the previous night, left her fingerprints on
the murder weapon, and came under attack for trying to clear her name. When her cheating ex-fiance shows up, intent on convincing her to come back to work for him, Tess—armed with an extra batch of éclairs—decides to take control and solve the mystery herself, with the help of friends and frenemies alike.
But will that be enough to save her when she gets too close and the killer decides it’s safer to get her out of the way?

Simplify & Savor the Season by Connie E. Sokol
Ready to enjoy the holidays again? Use this two-part holiday organizer to help you savor the celebrations. In the first half of the book, brainstorm the Big Four; then, detail the To Dos including menu, gift-planning, etc. with success tips on how to eliminate the unnecessary and focus on the essential. Wrap up with "5 Holiday Juicers" to make life joyful. Keep your notes handy in the companion Simplify & Savor Take-along Planner. 
With the second half of the book. curl up with a cup of cocoa and read "Savory Suggestions and Stories," a collection of laugh-out-loud anecdotal stories including "Let Go of the Cookie Cutter Christmas" and "Thankful for Turkey Warbling". Make this holiday season one you remember and enjoy!

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen
Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she's especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business seems headed for success—until someone vandalizes the specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. Adri must race to uncover the secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace before she becomes the next victim. Smashwords
With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings are Deadly Things will keep you turning pages long into the night. 

A Baker's Dozen by Lucy McConnell
Tempt your sweet tooth with 13 delicious, easy, and beautiful dessert recipes. Each recipe has been time-tested and found irresistible. You’ll horde the Lemon Brownies but you might be willing to share the Rock and Roll Cake—with a good friend. 
Recipes include: Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies, Pumpkin Bunt Cake, S’mores Cheesecake, No-Fail Lemon Bars 
Impress your coworkers, family, friends, and even the guys at the car repair shop with these recipes. They’re sure to become favorites in your recipe box, lunch box, and ice box. 

The Colony by Cami Checketts
To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property.
Lance, Brinlee's attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion.
While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.

Torn Canvas by Donna K. Weaver
Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Up-and-coming talk show host Olivia Howard wants an interview. She, like the rest of the press, expects a hero, but Jori knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast.
In seclusion and evading the press, Jori struggles to make a new life as an artist. But he can’t hide from himself; more than his face is damaged. How can Jori possibly make amends for all that he’s broken? When Olivia finally tracks him down, he must decide if he can trust her. Could this unlikely woman be a key to freeing his heart and healing the beast?
The audiobook is only $1.99 with the purchase of the ebook.

Son of War Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison
Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for people with the signs: greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents' fears as quirks-things that get in the way of having a normal high school life. When Aislynn's mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can't stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she's been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she's prepared or not.

Vocal Crush by Lisa Swinton
Can you ever out run a broken heart?
Lexi Court spent seven years traveling the world, living the nomadic Broadway life, in an attempt to outrun the broken heart Nick Rivers gave her. Now, there’s nowhere left to go.
When she accepted a position as a high school drama teacher in Las Vegas, Lexi hoped to get over Nick, find a nice guy, and settle down. But what should be a quiet summer gets turned upside down when Lexi's best friend, Taffy, drafts her to be an emergency replacement coach on a televised vocal competition.
Feeling out of her league among the other three celebrity coaches, Lexi fights for the most promising contestants to be on her team. One note from a single voice shatters her summer. Nick unexpectedly auditions and joins Lexi's team. With her vocal crush on him raging as strong as ever, she has nowhere to run from Nick’s dreamy looks or siren voice.
Lexi has no doubt that Nick can win the competition. The question is does he want to win her heart as well or will he damage it beyond repair?
Think television reality show The Voice meets Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

Picture Perfect by U.S.A. Today Bestseller Heather B. Moore

Gemma has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.


Endless Modern Cinderella by Jaclyn Weist
Sydney lives her nightmares every night. While other teenagers are dreaming of boys or traveling to exotic places, she must run a staircase with no beginning or no end, or a terrible debt will never be paid. 
Just before her seventeenth birthday, the dreams change. She is no longer alone.  
But her nightmares don’t end when she wakes up. Her stepmother and stepsisters threaten to ruin everything she holds dear. She must protect the secret that both she and her father have magic or they will use it to their advantage. 
As Sydney learns to control her magic, what seemed impossible before—escaping her stepmother and those ever-present stairs—is now at her fingertips. When she learns the ultimate plan of her evil captor, Sydney must stop her at all costs, or she will forever be trapped inside her nightmares. 

Cookie Girl Christmas by Christene Houston

Molly Hayes has one more job before Christmas and then she can put her plans for a storefront bakery of her own in motion. What she doesn't bargain for is the handsome young Scrooge who insults her cookies and makes her blood boil. Toss in a heaping helping of snowstorm and a pinch of romantic old Inn and you've got yourself the perfect recipe for a not-so-silent-night.



And Something Blue by Paige Timothy

Bridal consultant Laurie Fletcher spends all her time helping others prepare for the most special day of their lives. Logan Reese is easily the most irritating man on the planet, and for some reason, he's made annoying Laurie his mission in life. Will true love ever come Laurie's way, or is she doomed to watch others get their happily ever after while she sits on the sidelines?



Six Days of Christmas by Kaylee  Baldwin

When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children who seem to be multiplying, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother—someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted. 



Ring Around the Rosie by Julie Coulter Bellon
As the ex-wife of a law enforcement officer, Sarah Reed has known loneliness and loss. In order to cope, she makes a life for herself that's full of routine while building a wall of ice around her heart. Everything about her is as predictable as she can make it until a tiny detour for her ex-husband, Ron, changes her life forever. Caught in a bomb crisis, Sarah is taken hostage by a man who wants Ron and everyone around him to suffer---and his idea of suffering is more terrible than Sarah had ever dreamed. 
Captain Ron Reed has seen the worst of humanity in his job with the Hostage Negotiation Team, but he never expected his past to come back with a vengeance---literally. Aaron Starks, a criminal explosives expert, has stolen next-gen bomb technology. He uses it to force Ron to bargain for the lives of his team and his ex-wife, Sarah, the woman he still loves. But the situation escalates when Ron discovers that Starks has an even bigger objective in mind---using the bomb to show how vulnerable America and her people truly are. 
Ron is willing to risk everything to save his country and those he loves, but when negotiations break down, will his sacrifice be too little too late?

Yesterday by Amanda Tru
Her yesterday was five years ago. What will her tomorrow bring? 
When Hannah Kraeger saves a family injured in a car accident, she has no idea she has changed events in the past. Waking the next morning, Hannah discovers her yesterday was really five years ago. 
Each trip Hannah takes through time changes the timeline and her own life. With help from Dr. Seth McAllister, Hannah must unravel the mystery of why she time travels and who she actually is before the strange ability costs her future, the man she loves, and even her life. 
YESTERDAY is a thrilling Christian Romantic Suspense filled with unexpected twists, mystery, and romance. 

My One and Only by Shannon Guymon
Meredith Jensen has seen her share of ups and downs. She’s found love twice already and lost it in spectacularly traumatic ways. Now? She just wants a peaceful life, free from love and drama. Meredith’s plans for the future center around planning other people’s weddings and her new online dating website. Just because she works to help other people find love doesn’t mean she wants any part of it though. Unfortunately for Meredith’s plans, Asher Murphy is determined to get her to give love another chance. But then again, so is Pule Matafeo. Meredith has never denied that she’s stubborn and feisty so it might take the combined forces of all their friends in Fircrest to get her heart back on track in time for Valentine’s Day. 

Stealing Adda by Tamara Leigh
WRITER’S BLOCK, NIBBLED NAILS, PLAGIARISM, OH MY! AND DID I MENTION ROMANCE? Life for Adda Sinclaire, New York Times best-selling author and historical romance writer extraordinaire, reads more like a country song than a breathless, bodice-bursting affair. For starters, she has no romance in her own life. That might have something to do with the fact that her husband—correction, ex-husband—ran off with Stick Woman, whom everyone knew would never be more than a mid-list author anyway. To add insult to injury (and another verse to the country song), her ex not only took their dog but gave it to Stick Woman. If that isn't enough, Adda has come down with a horrible case of writer's block, finds herself gifted with a Bible that is determined to speak to her, and is the unwitting target of a romance cover model's misdirected advances. Just when she catches her breath—and quite possibly the eye of a certain fabulously good-looking man (ahem…her new editor)—her arch-nemesis gives the pot one final stir.

Spy by Night by Jordan McCollum
After watching her parents’ marriage crash and burn, CIA operative Talia Reynolds doesn’t believe in “happily ever afters.” Besides, her job entails eighty-hour weeks, juggling a dozen covers and disguises, and tracking down a dangerous Russian spy ring. She hardly has time for romantic entanglements, even if she could let her guard down enough to get close to anyone.But all the rules she lives by could be broken when she meets aerospace engineer Danny Fluker.
Danny moved to Canada for a great job — and a chance to start over after a bad breakup. Dating definitely isn’t in his plans . . . until beautiful and enigmatic Talia throws a perfect storm right in his flight path. When he catches a glimpse of the real woman behind her façade, he has to get to know her better.
Talia has to find a Russian spymaster before he figures out she’s not who she claims, and failing to keep her two lives separate in the process could mean the death of more than just her budding relationship. Danny has to decide if a future with Talia — and facing the past — is worth the risk of getting hurt again. If they can break through the barriers keeping them apart (and avoid a major international catastrophe), they just might have a chance at being happy together.

Saving Grace by Michele Paige Holmes
From #2 Amazon Bestselling Historical Romance Author and Whitney Award Winner, Michele Paige Holmes, comes SAVING GRACE, a regency romance from the Hearthfire Romance series: 
After the death of her grandfather, the Duke of Salisbury, Grace Thatcher wants nothing more than to live quietly in the country with her younger siblings. Her father’s debts thwart those plans, and to protect her sister, Helen, Grace must marry a man of her father’s choosing. 
As each suitor proves less than desirable, Grace comes up with clever schemes, causing each to reject her. While staying at the mysterious Sutherland Hall, a middle-of-the-night mishap sends Grace into the arms of a stranger, Nicholas Sutherland—and provides inspiration for her grandest plan yet—one that will leave her reputation in tatters yet free both her and Helen from all possibility of marriage. 
Too late Grace regrets her rash actions when her father’s last choice, Mr. Samuel Preston, proves to be a gentleman and a friend. But Samuel is the sworn enemy of Nicholas Sutherland, the man responsible for her “ruin.” Now instead of being free, Grace is caught between two men—each with his own agenda. 
Other Hearthfire Romances: LOVING HELEN & MARRYING CHRISTOPHER

An Unexpected Proposal by Annette Lyon
While working at a wood camp in the Logan canyon during the winter of 1880, Caroline Simpson is forced to thwart the aggressive advances of Mr. Butch Larson, and in the process discovers that her long-time friend James has genuine affection for her. But as stubborn as Caroline is, she minimizes the emotions James has awakened in her, and it takes almost losing him to admit her true feelings.
 An Unexpected Proposal was introduced in the first volume of the bestselling and award-winning Timeless Romance Anthology series, Winter Collection:
Amazon #1 Bestselling *New Release* in Clean Romance, Top 10 in Regency Romance, Top 5 in Victorian Romance

Paris Cravings by Amazon #1 Best Selling Author for Clean Romance, Kimberley Montpetit
Can life really turn on a dime, a missed bus—or a stuck pastry shop door?
Chloe Dillard's life has always been complicated. Her mother is a neurotic romance novelist and her boyfriend, Mathew, has been pressuring her to go "all the way".
But after The Worst Night of Her Life, Chloe escapes on her Senior Class trip to the swoon-worthy city of Paris which takes her mind off her troubles—temporarily. On the final leg of her dream trip, Chloe squeezes in one final run for a last-minute box of decadent pastries. Add a broken shop door, subtract a broken four-inch heel from her cute strappy sandals, and Chloe ends up one stuck girl on the bakery shop floor with a sprained ankle.
Rescued by the shop owner’s dreamy son with chocolate-syrup eyes, the beautiful city of Paris suddenly becomes Chloe’s personal secret adventure. And even though Jean-Paul, the oh-so-kind La Patisserie shop boy is the gentlemanly guy Chloe has always dreamed of, even he has a girlfriend.
The police are tracking her down as a run-away, Mom’s having a nervous breakdown over her daughter’s “disappearance”, and Chloe’s just trying to have a Happily-Ever-After even as her dreams with Matt are swirling down the drain.
What’s a girl to do in the most romantic city in the world?
Easy Pastry Recipe in the back of the book!

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Monday, November 2, 2015

The Healthy Family Slow Cooker Cookbook Stops by for Dinner!

I love friends who share great recipes and Christina Dymock is one of my good friends and a co-author of a new book out for the holidays. She writes romance under the pen name of Lucy McConnell. This huge book with 5 new holiday romances is only .99 cents right  now! Grab a copy and purchase one for your friends and family while this deal lasts!


From Christina:
This week is a busy week. Between the release of Echo Ridge, the start of the holiday season, and the candy high the kids are riding after Halloween, we could use some hearty and healthy food. These Turkey/Veggie Joes from The Healthy Family Slow Cooker Cookbook are perfect. They cook the day away in the slow cooker and are hot and ready to serve just in time for my big and busy boys.
Turkey Veggie Sloppy Joes (5)
Turkey, Veggie Sloppy Joe 
Serves 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey
2 celery ribs
1 green or yellow pepper
½ cup chopped broccoli or cauliflower
½ cup chopped carrots
1 green onion chopped
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon cilantro
3 tablespoons no salt added tomato sauce
6 crusty wheat rolls

Directions Place the turkey in the slow cooker. Add the celery, pepper, broccoli or cauliflower, carrots, onion, honey, vinegar, and cilantro. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Remove the turkey and cut it into ¼ inch pieces. Return it to the slow cooker and combine with veggies. Add the tomato sauce and allow to cook for 30-45 minutes longer. Cut the rolls in half and fill with meat sauce. Top with additional veggies if desired and serve.  You might have noticed that I have a new book coming out and that this one is a group of five Christmas novellas! Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology will release on November 3, 2015 and you can preorder your ebook for only 99 cents here.

Award-winning and Bestselling Author Lucy McConnell

Christina Young Chef Author Photo

Lucy McConnell has always been a reader and a writer. Her mom says that when she was little she would staple pages together to make books. Even at a young age she was thinking about page count. :) Once she's started a first draft, it consumes her thoughts until it's done. Lucy loves Christmas and was part of the Christmas in Snow Valley Anthology that led to Summer in Snow Valley and she's currently working on the Spring in Snow Valley Anthology. Her series, Billionaire Marriage Brokers, has reached number one in seven categories on Amazon and her cookbook, The Hungry Family Slow Cooker Cookbook, written under the name Christina Dymock, won the Utah Best of State Award. You can connect with Lucy at http://lucymcconnell.wordpress.com where you can sign up for her newsletter to receive delicious recipes and get the latest news about her releases.

On the Lighter Side

Here are five fun facts about Lucy and her Echo Ridge story:
  1. She has naturally curly hair. You wouldn't know it from her author photo-but her curl is something to reckon with.
  2. She hides York Peppermint Patties in her desk drawer.
  3. She sews her own dresses and skirts. And they are so cute too!
  4. Her 7 year old can ski better than she can--but she'll keep trying.
  5. She's a compulsive baker.

Snippet from The Candy Counter Heiress

Here's a sneak peak and Lucy's book, The Candy Counter Heiress which I absolutely loved!
*

Reese had a hard time holding up her end of the kiss because she couldn’t stop smiling. And what woman wouldn’t smile when she felt irresistible? Andy did that for her. Not just by kissing her, but by saying the words she needed to hear.

Robyn, a friend and Kenworth’s employee walked by and whistled, and then Andy was smiling as big as she was. “Okay. I’m really going this time.” He brushed his lips across her cheek but didn’t let go of her.

“You’d better.” Reese hooked her hands together behind his neck and pulled him in for another tummy- sizzler kiss.

“I’m headed for the door,” said Andy, never releasing his hold.

“Don’t forget your tie,” replied Reese, hanging on just as tight and returning his kisses between words.

The bell sounded, signaling the opening of the store.

Reese slid her hands down Andy’s neck and chest. She let them rest there for several seconds, enjoying the feel of his chest against her palms, before gently pushing him back, if only so she could catch her breath.

Andy allowed her to put a few inches between them. “Sorry,” he said, though his grin didn’t look at all apologetic or chagrined for instigating the most scandalous PDA Kenworth’s had seen in quite some time. Pressing his lips to her forehead, he pulled his arms back and started walking away backwards. “I’m going to buy this tie.” He held up the red one.

Reese shook her head. “Nope.”

Andy looked down and switched hands. “This tie. And then I have a meeting, and you’re closing tonight and working tomorrow morning, so I will see you at six at your apartment.”

“I’ll be ready.” Oh boy, would she be ready. Andy wasn’t going to know what hit him.

5 Random Facts about Lucy McConnell:
  1. She has naturally curly hair.
  2. She hides York Peppermint Patties in her desk drawer.
  3. She sews her own dresses and skirts.
  4. Her 7 year old can ski better than she can--but she'll keep trying.
  5. She's a compulsive baker.

http://amzn.to/1Pjrafr