$25 Gift Card Giveaway
At Creative Prose Publishing (CPP), we've have had the honor of working with a really great group of authors. They're supportive, and freely offer encouragement to each other. It's a real joy working with this wonderful group! As a thank you to them for taking a chance with CPP, we are offering a $25 gift card to one lucky reader. But, we ask that you not just enter to win, we ask that you look over these incredible books and try a few. You will not be disappointed!
ELEMENTAL PRINCESS by M.M. Roethig *Prequel to Raine
Raine by M.M. Roethig
As the struggle for knowledge unfolds and the beginning of a pending war looms closer, Raine and Kaden must lean on each other to discover the truth and survive.
Elise's Choice by Rachel M. Stiber
The village is leery of this stranger and wants nothing more than for him to leave. Elise pays no mind to the silly legend, and is shocked to discover that he's no ordinary peasant as everyone first thought. Before the stranger is strong enough to leave Petheralm, she is forced to make a startling choice between following her dreams and following her heart. Although Elise feels strongly that she made the correct choice, the day soon comes when she and everyone she loves must deal with the repercussions of her choice.
Find all of Debra's work on Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Website
A hundred years earlier, Sophia’s disappearance sparked a national mystery that remained unsolved. Jamie knows the legends surrounding Sophia’s disappearance, but she never dreamed she would find out what really happened . . . or that her family might have had something to do with Sophia’s disappearance.
Determined to set Sophia free, Jamie blows the dust off her family’s past and unearths clues to discover what she must do to save Sophia’s soul. She enlists the help of childhood friend—and secret crush—Peter Ashby as she sets off on a dangerous quest to find a missing map. Spending the night in a graveyard, crawling through a dilapidated barn, and staring down the barrel of a gun aren’t enough to deter Jamie from helping Sophia. But can she find the answers she needs before another ghost gets revenge on her and Sophia?
Dissidence by Jamie Canosa
But, even inside the camps, Kaleigh’s fiery spirit refuses to be extinguished. In a single moment of defiance, she manages to spark a riot that ignites into a full-blown rebellion.
With growing numbers counting on her, not just for their freedom, but for their very lives, two different boys vying for her heart, and trouble brewing from within the camp itself, can Kaleigh find a way to step up and become the leader everyone is counting on her to be, or will even the most carefully laid plans come crashing down around her?
Find all of Stephanie's work here: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Website
If you enjoy a romance mingled with fantasy we recommend:
Our newest release!
The Gift of Lies by Norma T. Rudolph
Our newest release!The Gift of Lies by Norma T. Rudolph
The locals call the place Jake’s Hell after Summer McCalister’s crazy uncle Jake who claims to have seen impossible things there. It’s a badlands of rugged rock cliffs and sharp pinnacles that no sane person would attempt to enter.
The Ahtomalian's call it Daneye, a secret alien city of unequaled beauty, masked behind illusion. Ahtomalian's believe that natives of Earth must never know about them and their powers of the mind or it will destroy the Ahtomalian’ peaceful lives. When Summer is drawn out of bed and pulled to Jake’s Hell by an urge she can’t control, she fears she’s crazier than her uncle. But when the young Ahtomalian, Bentri, steps out of thin air, she knows she’s either crazy—or dead. Taking her to his unbelievably beautiful city doesn’t erase the fact that he’s keeping her hostage in a room with no door and no way out.
Bentri’s world is suddenly and completely devastated by the appearance of the native Earth girl. If she’s discovered within the city, law decrees she be destroyed. As Bentri is bonded with her, that means he would also die. Their only chance might be to escape—but can Bentri survive in her world?
Kaesen, an elemental princess, lives on a distant star called Maia. She loves Alwen, but as her sworn protector they're forbidden to be together. Promised to a cruel man, Kaesen will do whatever is necessary to change the stars and be allowed to love her Alwen.
Raine by M.M. Roethig
Starting her senior year of high school, Raine Patterson is content with being invisible. That is, until the mysteriously handsome Kaden transfers in and turns her world upside down. Drawn to him in ways she can’t understand, Raine finds herself falling for him, regardless of his harsh stares and mixed signals. When she discovers a hidden ability to control the elements, she finds herself the target of a madman, and Kaden is the only one who can help her. Can she trust him?
Kaden Williams has hated Elementals from the time he lost his father to them as a young boy. Chosen to protect Elementals, Kaden turned his back on his duty, swearing to rid the world of them instead. Meeting Raine was no accident, but his feelings for her throw him into turmoil and threaten to change the way he feels about Elementals. When Raine becomes the target of an unknown aggressor, Kaden is forced to decide which path he will follow.
Kaden Williams has hated Elementals from the time he lost his father to them as a young boy. Chosen to protect Elementals, Kaden turned his back on his duty, swearing to rid the world of them instead. Meeting Raine was no accident, but his feelings for her throw him into turmoil and threaten to change the way he feels about Elementals. When Raine becomes the target of an unknown aggressor, Kaden is forced to decide which path he will follow.
Elise's Choice by Rachel M. Stiber
A stranger. A legend. A choice that will change Elise's world. Elise and her best friend Anton grew up in the medieval village of Petheralm, where life, though hard, is good.
When a stranger arrives in her village injured and unconscious, Elise is taken in by his handsome face and sweet demeanor. However, according to ancient legend, the forest surrounding their small town is enchanted, and any stranger unworthy to enter the village would be stopped there. The village is leery of this stranger and wants nothing more than for him to leave. Elise pays no mind to the silly legend, and is shocked to discover that he's no ordinary peasant as everyone first thought. Before the stranger is strong enough to leave Petheralm, she is forced to make a startling choice between following her dreams and following her heart. Although Elise feels strongly that she made the correct choice, the day soon comes when she and everyone she loves must deal with the repercussions of her choice.
If you like ghost or supernatural stories we recommend the following:
A Soul's Kiss by Debra Chapoton
When a tragic accident leaves Jessica comatose, her spirit escapes her body. Navigating a supernatural realm is tough, but being half dead has its advantages.
Like getting into people’s thoughts.
Like taking over someone’s body.
Like experiencing romance on a whole new plane - literally.
Jessica learns an amazing truth as she struggles to return to her body before the doctors pull the plug, only she can’t do it alone. Now the only two people willing to help Jessica’s splintered soul are the two she’s hurt the most. They must find a way to guide her soul back to her body . . . before it’s too late.Find all of Debra's work on Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Website
Shadow of a Life by Tifani Clark
Book one of the Soul Saver Series
Jamie Peters plans to spend the summer before her junior year with her nose stuck in a book—not saving lost souls. Usually the girl that blends into the crowd, Jamie’s world is turned upside down when a mysterious ghost begins to follow her.
But Sophia isn’t just any ghost. A hundred years earlier, Sophia’s disappearance sparked a national mystery that remained unsolved. Jamie knows the legends surrounding Sophia’s disappearance, but she never dreamed she would find out what really happened . . . or that her family might have had something to do with Sophia’s disappearance.
Determined to set Sophia free, Jamie blows the dust off her family’s past and unearths clues to discover what she must do to save Sophia’s soul. She enlists the help of childhood friend—and secret crush—Peter Ashby as she sets off on a dangerous quest to find a missing map. Spending the night in a graveyard, crawling through a dilapidated barn, and staring down the barrel of a gun aren’t enough to deter Jamie from helping Sophia. But can she find the answers she needs before another ghost gets revenge on her and Sophia?
Haven by Tifani Clark
Book two of the Soul Saver Series
Fifteen-year-old Jamie Peters is a Soul Saver. She helps ghosts finish their business and move on. When a mysterious map comes into her possession, she knows a new adventure is waiting. With the help of her friends Peter and Camille, she follows the map. Her friends hope to find treasure, but Jamie suspects there is more to the map than riches. She never imagined the map would lead her to Haven—and a book of spells.
Haven Mills was accused of practicing witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Unlike the other women hung during the trials, Haven wasn’t as innocent as she claimed to be. In one moment of weakness and desperation, she did something sinister—something that has been bringing evil to the world for centuries.
Jamie promises to help Haven, but the reality of what that promise entails comes back to haunt her as she fights not only for Haven’s soul, but for her own as well.
If you prefer contemporary or dystopian we recommend:
Dissidence by Jamie Canosa
In dystopian America, sixteen-year-old Kaleigh finds out quickly what having a big mouth and not enough brains to keep it shut can earn you. A one-way ticket to the work camps that no one even knows exists.
Nuclear war has ravished the nation, and a century later, the survivors are living in an entirely new world. In a society where everything is decided for you, from where you work to who you marry, dissidence is not taken lightly. But, even inside the camps, Kaleigh’s fiery spirit refuses to be extinguished. In a single moment of defiance, she manages to spark a riot that ignites into a full-blown rebellion.
With growing numbers counting on her, not just for their freedom, but for their very lives, two different boys vying for her heart, and trouble brewing from within the camp itself, can Kaleigh find a way to step up and become the leader everyone is counting on her to be, or will even the most carefully laid plans come crashing down around her?
Honorable Disgrace by Stephanie N. Pitman
Angie Adams joins the powerlifting team her junior year, but she has more in mind than just toning up—like getting closer to her crush, football star Cory Jacob, who, as luck would have it, is assigned as her spotting partner. When Angie’s feelings are unexpectedly returned, her life is suddenly filled with the giddy electricity of first love. But why, then, does Angie get a little flutter when her older and very hot boss, Brad, looks at her?
Angie seems to have everything going her way, until her world is torn apart by her sister’s betrayal which leads to a brutal rape. Heartbroken and reeling in the aftermath, Angie has to find an internal strength to rival her record-breaking power lifts if she ever wants to feel worthy of love again. Find all of Stephanie's work here: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo | Website
Please check out these awesome books by some really awesome authors!
12 Christmas Songs: A Christ Centered Christmas
For unto you is born this day . . . a
Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
~ Luke 2:11
For
me, Christmas is 100% about Christ. It’s
in the name. And you can’t have
Christmas without the joy of music. As a
teen, I dreamed of one day making it big as a singer. That did not happen, but my love for music
and singing has not changed. Narrowing
down only twelve Christmas songs was quite difficult, as I could sing Christmas
songs for hours, until I go hoarse, but the following twelve songs reflect my most
favorite and the reasons why. And the
order has no bearing on which is the top, as that can change on any given day.
1. Away in a Manger
This was one of the first Christmas songs I remember learning as a child and I remember lovingly swaddling my own baby doll as was the Christ child. Our Lord and Savior came to this earth in the humblest of circumstances, as the song states “…no crib for a bed,” and it is this reason I place this one first on the list.
This was one of the first Christmas songs I remember learning as a child and I remember lovingly swaddling my own baby doll as was the Christ child. Our Lord and Savior came to this earth in the humblest of circumstances, as the song states “…no crib for a bed,” and it is this reason I place this one first on the list.
2.
The First NoelNoel is an Old French word meaning Christmas. It can also refer to a carol or hymn sung in honor of The First Noel sings of the shepherd, also in humble circumstances, that recognized right away the magnificent meaning of the star “..Shining in the East beyond them far.”
3. What Child is
This?
Set to the familiar tune of Greensleeves, this is one I sing and hum throughout the year. I recently was blessed to sing this for members of my church Sunday, the 14th with a good friend of mine. I sang the melody, the soprano part while she sang the alto. The arrangement was slightly different than standard, and it was a great joy to sing it and feel the spirit deep in my heart. You can listen to and download this version for yourself by following this link.
Set to the familiar tune of Greensleeves, this is one I sing and hum throughout the year. I recently was blessed to sing this for members of my church Sunday, the 14th with a good friend of mine. I sang the melody, the soprano part while she sang the alto. The arrangement was slightly different than standard, and it was a great joy to sing it and feel the spirit deep in my heart. You can listen to and download this version for yourself by following this link.
4. Oh, Come All Ye
Faithful
Meant to be sung majestically and joyfully, this hymn is in reference to verses in Luke chapter 2. In verse 9 and 10 it says, “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them. . . and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” And those tidings were the birth of Christ, an event people had been awaiting for some time. I can only imagine the joy of being a part of that, and I am grateful I have the light of Christ in my life today.
Meant to be sung majestically and joyfully, this hymn is in reference to verses in Luke chapter 2. In verse 9 and 10 it says, “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them. . . and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” And those tidings were the birth of Christ, an event people had been awaiting for some time. I can only imagine the joy of being a part of that, and I am grateful I have the light of Christ in my life today.
5. Joy to the World
One of the 53 arias in Handel’s Messiah,
which he wrote in only 24 days, this is one sung annually in home and church,
and one I look forward to each year.
6. Handel’s Dream
This is a beautifully arranged piece, composed by Michael Mclean, that tells a
poignant fictional story of Handel. It
is a dream, and perhaps Handel had such a dream as his inspiration for the Messiah.
It is partly sang and partly narrated.
Young Handel is auditioning for the choir of angels to sing at Christ’s
birth. But he doesn’t make it. Told he has a different voice, one that will
be brought to the world in his own time, and that more orchestras and choirs
than he can now imagine will be giving voice to his feelings leaves me with
tears in my eyes every time I listen to it.
One you must hear, if you haven’t already. And if you have, give it a listen again.
7. Were You There?
Composed by Natalie Sleeth, this is a treasured song. I have sang this many times for others since
I was a teenager and played my flute as well.
With many thought provoking questions throughout. Were you there on that first Christmas night?
Were you there when the wonder foretold came to earth? Did you hear how the
choirs of angels sang? Did you see how
they bowed? Did you know if was God’s
own son, the salvation of the world begun?
Did you know it was love that was sent from above to the earth? These are but a few of the glad, powerful
messages in this song. To learn more
about this great American composer, follow this link.
8. Jingle Bells
& 9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
You have to have the classics. And
though the focal point of these songs is not the Savior, they are about Santa
Claus and what a great example of goodness was Saint Nicholas. If we all spread the goodness and cheer, the
true spirit of Christmas, like St. Nick does, the world would be a fantastically
better place to be. I believe in Santa
Claus. In the goodness and cheer and
love and service of his name.
10. Angels We Have
Heard on High
Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Latin for “glory to God in the
highest,” in this French carol, the single word ‘Gloria’ is carried through
four full measures, for a total count of sixteen beats, with the rest less than
half that. Beautifully arranged and fun
to sing the ups and downs of the Gloria, is why this is on my top 12 most loved
Christmas songs.
11. It Could Happen
Again
Part of Colin Raye’s Christmas CD The
Gift, this song has touch me from the first time I listened to it. Even during the devastation of war, this is a
retelling of the well known story during WWI when opposing sides came together
to celebrate Christmas, only returning to fight against each other after they
were ordered to. This portrays the true
meaning of Christ-like love, that men could put up their arms, share what
little they had, sing Christmas carols and bring the spirit to an otherwise
bleak time. Find the CD here. This CD also happens to be the giveaway item
for today. Don’t forget to enter below.
12. O Holy Night
Many, many versions of this song are out there.
Rearrangements, numerous singers, wonderful song. Cantique
De Noel, or as we know it O Holy
Night, was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847 and later the words were added,
written by Placide Cappeau, a wine merchant and poet who was also a professed
atheist. Over 150 years later this song is still bringing joy to those who know
Christ.
As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the
Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion
always.
~Thomas S. Monson
I
wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I hope you enjoyed reading this as much
as I enjoyed writing it. May we remember to keep Christ the center of our
Christmas celebrations and try to bring the feelings and actions surrounding
Christmas throughout the year.
Written by Stephanie
N. Pitman
Author of Honorable Disgrace due out Feb 2, 2015
Available for pre-order http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QPCYIIC
11 Elves
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Every year my house as a kid was visited by elves. The sneaky Santa helpers would leave tokens, gifts, candies, and oral hygiene treasures in our homemade stockings, the 12 days leading up to Christmas.
The highlight of any cold December morning would be to reach my grubby little hands into my stocking and pull out the delivered bounty.
One gift per day would be the norm. However, sometimes the elves would be
lost in a blizzard, slept-in, or just down right forgetful and our stockings would be bare. This tragic occurrence would be promptly echoed in the house, as all five of us kids would voice our let down to our loving parents. Double gifts would find their way into our empty stockings the next day, a king’s loot, and joy would be established once more..jpg)
This tradition has remained forever endeared in my heart. When first married, I tried to surprise my husband with such elfish tokens. Jerky, chips, soda, all made their loving way into his stocking, mine, however, remained bare. Sadness, and self-present-giving soon replaced tradition. Bahumbug!
With luck and joy renewed, the arrival of my first born, Christian, the elves have found their way through the blizzard and gifts will be given once more. Hazaah!
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I am excited to start this tradition with my babe, for many Christmases to come. Merry Christmas!
Candace's humorous short story, Train Station: 3:00 p.m. can be found in the Beginnings anthology.
10 Favorite Christmas Movies
“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…”
How I loved singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song in elementary school chorus and high
school glee club. For Creative Prose Publishing’s special event celebrating The
Twelve Days with their authors, I won’t have to sing so I decided on something
better. I have the tenth day which is 10 Lords a Leaping and I’m going to share
my Top 10 Christmas movies. Here they are and I hope you’ll share your
favorites as well.
Laurie’s Top 10 Christmas Movies
Every year my family and I watch these classics and they
never get old. From finding the right love, to simply believing in something (like magic or the power of love) or someone (like Santa), these titles truly highlight something special about the
holiday season.
10. TIE: While You Were Sleeping, Love Actually and Bridget Jones’s Diary
Sorry, but I couldn’t choose between these three zany holiday love
stories. Who can escape the charm of Sandra Bullock in While You Were Sleeping? Just because we may 'crush' on someone, doesn't mean that's 'the right one' for us. By the time Lucy shows Jack that
snow globe, I’m tearing up. As for Love Actually, what’s not to love
about this movie? There’s the stellar cast with the wide variety of love stories stemming from young to old, each sharing the backdrop of the holiday season. And we can’t forget the music! I love to watch Renee Zellweger
and Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’s Diary. So comical with sprinkles of truth, these two leads showcase the best of 'opposites attract'. That ending scene with a scantily clad Bridget with Mr. Darcy on
the sidewalk in the snow is hysterical and yet endearing, just like these three movies.
9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Each holiday season I play this DVD and giggle like crazy at the hilarious
antics of the Griswold family. Who can forget the squirrel in the Christmas
tree? Clark trying to put lights on the outside of his house? The holiday meal? The sewer scene? The list
goes on and on….
8. A Christmas Carol (Alastair Sim,
1951)
The version of this holiday classic I adore features
Alastair Sim as Scrooge. In glorious black and white, Sim truly embodies
everything 'Scrooge' from his glare to his biting voice, even down to the
way he walks. When he's a changed man, he's a delight to behold. The lack of color helps dramatize the scenes even more. The
holidays are not complete without one viewing of this classic.
7. The Dead
Based on my favorite James Joyce short story, this movie directed by the late great John Huston, is film-making brilliance. Married couple Gabriel and Gretta attend Christmas dinner and enjoy the company of friends and family. With lively conversation, dancing, singing and music, we are privy to how music invokes different emotions in each person, particularly in Gretta as she reminisces about her first love. Anjelica Huston steals the film with her revealing speech which captures my heart every single time.
6. Prancer
There's a special place in my heart for Prancer. Some may find this movie corny but I don’t care, I love it. When twelve year old Jessica thinks the injured reindeer she found belongs to Santa, no one believes her. She’s just a kid, right, but this determined girl will show the non-believers how wrong they are. With each repeated viewing, I’m always drawn in by her story and her voice and by the end I'm tearing up as that reindeer disappears off that cliff. Talk about magic.5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
What’s this you say?
I say this movie is a unique tale about the unforgettable Jack Skellington and friends all done up in
typical eerie cool Tim Burton style. Funny, bewildering, with songs to hum along to, who would
think something so ghoulishly creepy could be so much fun to watch in December? Me!
4. The Polar Express
While we’re on the subject of ‘believing’, what better movie
encompasses kids growing older and not having faith in Santa any more than The
Polar Express? Based on Chris Van Allsburg's beautiful picture book, director Robert
Zemekis (who also wrote the screenplay) transfers the magic of the story into an animated wonder. A nameless young boy gets to go on an adventure (on a wonderful train with Tom Hanks as a cool conductor) which helps him believe once again in Christmas.
3. The
Santa Clause trilogy
I never thought Tim Allen--the droll tool guy from the hit comedy TV show Home Improvement--could ever make me believe in his portrayal as a divorced dad who takes over as Santa Clause. He did. The first movie
was humorous, engaging and totally captivating. The first film is a classic, making this trio a wonderful series to watch with the family.
2. TIE: A Christmas Story & A
Miracle on 34th Street (1947, b&w)
It's a battle of the kids! Ralphie and Susan rule these enchanting family gems. All
Ralphie wants for Christmas is a BB gun. But he'll shoot his eye out! All Susan wants is a family. Stern mom Kate is set in her chilly, independent ways. Each
story captures the magic of the holidays through the eyes of a child. Both are filled with poignant moments, lots of humor, and lovable kids.
1. It’s A Wonderful Life
I never tire of watching this film in its original black and
white splendor (keep that creepy colorized version away from me). When James Stewart and Donna Reed are on screen, I can’t look
anywhere else. "Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight..." Director Frank Capra created a true holiday classic with this endearing film. For me, each Christmas isn’t complete without one or two viewings. “Merry Christmas Bedford
Falls!” George Bailey has become synonymous with everything good
about Christmas and Clarence the angel, well, he gives the movie tremendous heart and leaves a bell as his calling card.
They may not be movies, but these television specials will forever hold their own special places in my heart and in the hearts of many.
Honorable mentions:
They may not be movies, but these television specials will forever hold their own special places in my heart and in the hearts of many.
About the author:
Laurie Treacy is a fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary YA and NA romance writer. A graduate of Marist College, she lives in New York's picturesque Hudson Valley with her husband, three children, and various pets. When not writing or book blogging, she’s a proud Whovian, loves reading, photographing abandoned places, frozen Goobers, and watching anime. A member of the SCBWI and RWA, Laurie can be found at local writer's events and online at www.laurietreacy.com and www.readergirlsblog.com.
Laurie Treacy is a fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary YA and NA romance writer. A graduate of Marist College, she lives in New York's picturesque Hudson Valley with her husband, three children, and various pets. When not writing or book blogging, she’s a proud Whovian, loves reading, photographing abandoned places, frozen Goobers, and watching anime. A member of the SCBWI and RWA, Laurie can be found at local writer's events and online at www.laurietreacy.com and www.readergirlsblog.com.
Find Laurie here: Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Beginnings anthology
ENJOY THE SILENCE by Laurie Treacy Young fae Zander only wishes to live in the human realm, and leave Ashwoulde behind. But his reckless actions in one night might forever change his world - and that of those who love him.
ETERNITY CRUX by Jamie Canosa
Aurelia and Sayer are on the run from the Legion, who would have them killed for what they know. In a moment of desperation, Aurelia is forced to leave Sayer behind, and manipulate the bounds of time itself to save him.
ELEMENTAL PRINCESS by M.M. Roethig
Kaesen, an elemental princess, lives on a distant star called Maia. She loves Alwen, but as her sworn protector they're forbidden to be together. Promised to a cruel man, Kaesen will do whatever is necessary to change the stars and be allowed to love her Alwen.
TRAIN STATION: 3:00 P.M. by Candace Gleave
A ball of gold the size of a cow's eyeball and a man worth his weight in fortune bring together a motley group of criminals, all who will do anything and everything to obtain both treasures.
Pick up Beginnings here:
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