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Unwrap a military hero this holiday season

When it comes to the holidays, I can’t get enough. I love the music, the lights, the food, the scent of evergreen and cinnamon. Combine all of that with a military hero, and I have the makings of a cozy reading weekend.

Here are five holiday heroes to unwrap right now.

A Marine’s Christmas Wedding is book 5 in the Grayce Walters contemporary romantic suspense series set in Seattle by USA Today bestselling author Jacki Delecki. Each book is a standalone, steamy, fast-paced romance with a guaranteed happily ever after!

Their pretend marriage—cover for a top-secret military assignment—turned into something real.

Maddy and Hunter have completed their assignment, but neither wants their roles as husband and wife to end. They’re ready to exchange vows, but their plans for a quickie ceremony at the courthouse unravel when Grayce Walters and company decide the two Marines deserve a real wedding.

Overwhelmed by the generous attention of her new circle of family and friends, loner Maddy realizes falling in love with Hunter comes with big changes. Worried that the next assignment might separate him from the woman he can’t live without, Hunter struggles not to ruin his fiancée’s pleasure at getting her dream wedding.

But it’s Christmas—the season of miracles. Tough-as-nails Major Hunter Hines and fiercely independent Second Lieutenant Maddy Jeffers will soon discover Christmas wishes can come true.

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Gabe Griffin, the best man to his multimillionaire scientist brother Gavin, would rather return to the field as an elite Delta Force soldier than think about marriage—especially between his brother and some self-absorbed, status-seeking woman like Tiffany. But the task of delivering the dress and the designer has fallen into his hands.

Fashion designer, Lauren Harrison, dreads nothing more than yet another wedding—particularly that she has “agreed” to design the dress for her half-sister during the Christmas season.

Alongside Lauren’s bridezilla sister, the country wedding only gets worse when she is forced to interact with Gabe, her secret crush, as he transports the dress and her to the venue, due to the raging blizzard. Sparks fly, but will the close proximity change their minds about love? Or will Gabe’s mission to prevent his brother’s wedding with her help thwart Lauren’s high school fantasies?

Enjoy this contemporary romance of holiday fun, set against the backdrop of the remote Eastern Washington countryside!

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It’s Christmas in Charleston.

Luke and Emily Hutchinson are hosting the entire crew at their home in Charleston’s historic district for an early Christmas celebration. It’s the first time they’ve all been together since Em was captured and Luke almost died taking down his nemesis in Beirut a year ago, and everyone is looking forward to sharing some Christmas magic together. Except one of them has unknowingly brought a deadly threat to their doorstep.

But evil doesn’t take holidays.

When a shocking threat suddenly shatters the calm, Luke and his team must risk everything to save two of their own. And when the rescue attempt goes wrong, the consequences are more costly than they ever could have imagined.

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He’s the world’s most alpha Marine and the last man I should be letting jingle my bells this holiday season.

So why does Clint O’Dell keep running through my thoughts wearing nothing but a Santa hat? And why do I stupidly agree that we should be Christmas friends with benefits?

Someone must have spiked my eggnog.

I don’t do Marines.

Or Santas.

I learned my lesson about both the hard way.

But when Clint steps in to rescue me—from a murderous goose, a rogue reindeer, and the ghost of Christmas Right Now causing trouble in my bakery—I can’t help but wonder if we’re meant to be more than friends.

If maybe Clint is the holiday miracle I’ve been praying for…or if all the magic will disappear with the season.

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He knows how dark the world can be

Jack Prescott’s past is full of cruelty and darkness—until his wife Caroline wiped away the pain of the past, giving him light and love. Jack loves her passionately and all he asks is that she takes his training in self-defense seriously. He needs to know she will be safe from the darkness of the world.

On Christmas Eve, danger strikes

Caroline is reading a Christmas story to little children in her bookstore when a vicious criminal breaks in. Jack is rushing to her side, but right now she has to save herself, the kids in her bookstore, and the child growing inside her. She and Jack have everything to live for and only Jack’s relentless training can save her now.

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Happy holiday reading!

 

Read Chapter One of 'A May Day Code for Love'

The Honorable Miss Ella Evans tightened her grip on the carriage seat as the driver sped around the corner. Her companion, Lady Gwyneth Ashworth, laughed after the sudden lurch. “I can’t believe that my brother sent his driver to summon you. This must be urgent by the way Jenkins is driving.”

Unlike Gwyneth, Ella wasn’t amused by the manner in which she had been rushed out of her final May Day gown fitting and was now hurtling through the streets of Mayfair. She had been summoned by Lord Cordelier Rathbourne.

Lord Rathbourne, Gwyneth’s older brother, was reputed to be the most powerful man in England, next to the king, and rumor was that the king relied heavily on Lord Rathbourne’s counsel. What possible reason could he want with her?

A distinguished gentleman named Barter, with graying at his temple and a slight limp in his gait, had arrived unexpectedly at the modiste shop. He was polite but insistent that Lord Rathbourne demanded Ella’s immediate presence at his Mayfair residence. Within minutes, she and Gwyneth were whisked into the carriage. And despite Gwyneth’s prodding, the man who now sat with the Jenkins on the top of the carriage divulged nothing about the reason behind her summons.

“But why in heaven’s sake would Lord Rathbourne want to see me urgently? I only know him because of my acquaintance with you. And how did he know that I was at my fitting for my May Day gowns?”

“This must have to do with Ash. I told him this morning that I was meeting you for your final fitting for the May Day Ball in Southend-on-Sea. He was headed to a meeting with my brother. Nothing else makes sense.”

Ella and Gwyneth had debuted together. Gwyneth, a gorgeous and outrageous woman, had befriended Ella. Without Gwyneth’s friendship, Ella, the daughter of a country baron who preferred his horses and hounds, with no desire for lofty social connections, would have remained a wallflower.

Gwyneth was a whirling dervish of energy, and once one came under her care, she remained a steadfast and loyal friend. As soon as the women realized that neither were interested in making a match, they became allies and friends. They both were in love with their childhood neighbors and no other man interested them.

Without Gwyneth, Ella’s two seasons would have been a depressing affair. Once the gentlemen realized that Gwyneth and Ella weren’t interested in playing coy games or trying to marry any of them, they accepted the women into their inner circle as friends.

Gwyneth went on to capture the love of her childhood hero, the older and dashing Lord Ashworth. Unlike Ella, whose childhood love, Viscount Malden, hadn’t been as loyal or steadfast.

“Your brother works for the Crown. What possible reason could he have for wanting a meeting with me? My father barely leaves Watford. And I know nothing of the government workings. I spend my days writing. I barely venture into society.”

“Cord never solicits people for random reasons. He wants something from you. And it must have to do with your travel to Southend-on-Sea. It’s the only thing that is reasonable. If I weren’t enceinte”—Gwyneth patted her rounded abdomen, barely noticeable through her tangerine moiré pelisse on her tall, lean frame—“I’d join you.”

“You can’t make the journey in your condition. Although not a great distance, the roads to Southend-on-Sea are rough through the countryside.” Ella suppressed her envious feelings for her dear friend’s happy marriage and her upcoming child.

“Ash is acting medieval. He was upset by the idea of me accompanying you to this morning’s fitting. As if I’d endanger this little one.” Gwyneth’s long fingers encircled the curve of her belly. “But I had to make sure that you will be the most beautiful woman at the ball and that Algy will regret his stupidity in not pursuing you and marrying that codfish instead.”

“Lady Ethel is very sweet.” Ella had resigned herself to the idea that when the time came, Algy would marry a young debutante. Lady Ethel was the niece of a duke and her mother was a cousin removed to the king.

Gwyneth snorted. “She’s not sweet. She’s calculating, but you’re too nice to see what the woman is like underneath all those red curls. According to my Aunt Euphemia, who has the dit on everyone and everything, Lady Ethel placed herself in a compromising position to force your Algy to marry her. The delay in announcing the engagement may mean that Algy is negotiating with her father for a sum of money instead. I know that Lord Wolfson’s estate is failing.”

Ella couldn’t stop her heart whizzing at the idea that Algy might not marry. She also couldn’t prevent her disgust with herself that she still cared. For three years, she had hoped and pined while Algy went on his merry way, gambling and carousing.

“Your Aunt Euphemia is the best at ferreting out information. I’m glad that she was always on our side.”

During their two seasons, Aunt Euphemia had squashed any rumors when Ella and Gwyneth skated a bit too close to impropriety. Of course, Gwyneth was from one of the oldest and most respected families of the realm. She was allowed a certain amount of leeway.

Gwyneth’s chocolate brown eyes gleamed with appreciation.

“You would know if you ever left your townhouse. I’m glad that you’re attending the celebration. It is time to put your past behind you.”

“I hadn’t planned to attend. I’ve avoided the earl’s May Day celebration for the last few years.” She’d rather be anywhere than reliving the memories of the night she had lain in Algy’s arms, convinced they would marry. “My father has summoned me since my absence would be considered a slight to the earl. With a grand ball, everyone assumes that Algy’s engagement will be announced.”

“You will outshine every lady, including Lady Ethel. I wish I could see your Algy’s face when you make your entrance in your magnificent gown. Amelia outdid herself.”

“Amelia was so kind to take time away from her painting to design my dress. I’ll never be able to repay her.” Amelia had chosen a dusky pink silk fabric that celebrated spring and seemed to bring out the turquoise in Ella’s blue eyes. The low cut of the dress was a bit daring. With the encouragement of Gwyneth and Amelia, Ella decided to push the limits of propriety. Since she was considered a spinster, why not become a dashing spinster? And though her friends never said, she was sure they understood her need to make Algy regret his choice.

“Just make Algy green with envy.”

“He’s not my Algy. Never was. Only in my most naïve young girl’s dreams.”

Gwyneth patted Ella’s hand. “I know it will be difficult to have all the memories stirred up, but revenge is sweet.”

Ella didn’t want to discuss Algy any longer. She had wasted too much time on the insufferable man already. “What business could your brother have in Southend-on-Sea? Except for the Earl of Essex’s summer estate, there is little there of interest but beach-strolling and fishing.”

“We shall soon find out. But you’d better prepare yourself for my brother and my husband. They are both overpowering men who aren’t used to having anyone say ‘no’ to them. My sister-in-law has helped soften my imperious brother, and I was making headway with Ash until my pregnancy, but now he is back to his bossy, overbearing ways. They will try to bend you to their will. Remember, you always have a choice. And I’ll stand by you.”

Chills went up her spine. “You’re hinting at something. What can they ask me to do? You seem to have some sense of this. Please explain.”

“Southend-on-Sea is on the southeast coast across from France. We are at war with France. My brother works for the war effort. I expect that whatever he plans to ask will involve fighting the French.”

“Fighting the French?” Ella choked. Even for Gwyneth, this was a jump of imagination.

“That is what we’re about to find out.” Gwyneth chuckled. “This is the most excitement I’ve had in months. The pregnancy has made me so tired and out of sorts that I’ve been napping endlessly. But the idea of you embarking on adventure is very good for my spirits, even if I can’t accompany you.”

Her unabashed friend had no fears. Ella could imagine Gwyneth brandishing a sword to fight off the French invaders. Ella liked writing heroines who battled danger but wasn’t sure if she was up for the task in real life. But she would never shirk her responsibility to her country. She would do what she could to the best of her abilities to keep the land safe and free against the French. But what could she possibly offer to battle their enemies?

Get your copy of A May Day Code for Love to keep reading.

No pumpkin pie? Discover what was on the first Thanksgiving menu

Thanksgiving is synonymous with a bounty of wonderful, delicious food items, many of which we only enjoy this time of year. While our tables are loaded with Butterball turkeys, green bean casseroles, stuffing and pumpkin pie topped with Cool Whip, the “feast” prepared by early settlers and Native Americans was a much simpler meal.

 

Thanksgiving, as we know it, dates back to November 1621 when Pilgrims newly arrived on the shores of America gathered with Wampanoag Indians for a fall harvest celebration.

While they might have consumed turkey at their feast, they may have also consumed  ducks, geese or swans. Herbs, onions and/or nuts were “stuffed” into the birds for flavor. Many culinary historians speculate that deer might also have been offered and agree that seafood, such as mussels, clams, lobster and bass, were likely served.

The meal also includes other bounty, such as blueberries, plums, grapes, gooseberries, raspberries, cranberries, onions, beans, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, carrots, peas, squash and cornmeal mush.

What did not appear on at that first Thanksgiving feast were potatoes, either white or sweet. These weren’t introduced outside of South America until the late 1500s.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving Day dish? Is there a single food item that defines this very American holiday for you?

(Source: History.com).

Now That's Entertainment, Grayce Walters Style

One of the things I enjoy most about the holidays are traditional theater performances, such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Handel’s Messiah. I’ve performed in the Nutcracker many times, but even listening to the music infuses me with the spirit of the season.

Seattle is a diverse, multicultural city that offers a variety of seasonal performances. Here are a few of the highlights, as recommended by the cast of  characters from the Grayce Walters series.

The Nutcracker Ballet – Grayce Walters can’t wait to see this year’s new interpretation by the Pacific Northwest Ballet, featuring “new designs by celebrated author/illustrator Ian Falconer (Olivia the Pig), the mighty PNB Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, and PNB’s incredible Company of 48 dancers.”

 

nut-elizabeth

 

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – The Tacoma Musical Playhouse presents a vibrant, high energy performance based on the story written by Ian Fleming, and my good friend Stephen Bucheit plays the lead. As a child, Hollie Thomas didn’t get to enjoy traditions such as this so she is looking forward to making new memories with Nick Welby at her side.

 

Chitty Chitty

 

Holiday of Errors – This spoof about William Shakespeare in the spirit of A Christmas Carol and Twelfth Night tickles Aunt Aideen’s quirky sense of humor. A winner of two Seattle Times Footlight awards!

 

HOE-STC-Web

 

KPC’s Campy Christmas – Hilarious holiday fun with drag performers, the Seattle Men’s Chorus group Captain Smartypants, and the Seattle Women’s Chorus group Sensible Shoes. Guests are invited to compete in three contests: Ugly Sweater, Lip Synching and Dancing. James, Grayce’s best friend, has a front row seat and picked out a Christmas sweater so horrendous he’s sure to win the Ugly Sweater contest.

 

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What local holiday performances do you enjoy during the holidays?

Fun facts about St. Patrick's Day

nyc-st-patricks-day-parade_HD__008385_still_624x352Saint Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays where everyone is an honorary Irishman (or Irishwoman). You might be interested to learn a few fun facts about this international celebration and its namesake.

  • Saint Patrick’s color is actually a light blue. The green now associated with the holiday came about after the Irish movement for independence in the late 1800s.
  • Saint Patrick was British, not Irish. He came to Ireland in the year 432 to introduce Christianity. And his birth name was Maewyn Sucatt; he changed it to Patricius after entering the priesthood.
  • The NYC Saint Patrick’s Day parade is one of the world’s largest, with more than 250,000 marchers. No floats or cars are allowed in the parade.
  • The phrase “Erin go Bragh” is a derivative of Irish Éirinn go Brách, which translates to “Ireland Forever.”

Happy St. Paddy’s Day to One and All!

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