Happy Endings

I believe in happy endings. I believe in the power of love and that this power can and does last beyond the grave. There is a spirit that lingers after a loved one has passed that we feel in our hearts. It may be a brush of air or a ray of sunlight on a shadowed path. But it is there and it gives comfort.

My husband was recently in a terrible accident. And I thought as I stood beside his hospital bed, holding our 10 month old daughter in my arms, while our other children huddled near me with fear beginning to edge across their faces, that the spirit of his life would be all we would have left. That we would remember his smile in flashes of memories. That his arms holding us would be the fleeting brush of a breeze. That his love for me would shine through the darkness to light my path. And I was afraid.

Soon, though, he opened his eyes. When he smiled up at us, our happy ending began.


In honor of happy endings everywhere, I've giving away one of my favorite happy ending stories and a $10.00 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble.  See below to enter!  May your day be filled with romance and mystery!

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Do you have a happy ending?

Win a Piece of Montana - December Giveaway!

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Big Sky, Montana

All across this great state of mine there are craftsmen and women who carve their livelihoods from their imaginations. They do this to illustrate the love they have for the state they live in, and the pride they have for the people who are their neighbors. I would like to share some of that pride with you.

Thank you for sharing the beautiful Montana with me.  And Good Luck!!

Memories of a Western Christmas

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A Tumbleweed Christmas and more is featured at my dear friend Andrea Downing's blog.  Drop by for more Christmas stories from the West and more chances to win!  

Memories of a Western Christmas with Andrea Downing

Blessed be to you and yours this holiday season.

Rionna 

The Black Friday Blog Hop!

I know you're super busy and can't stay long...so I'll keep it short!  What I'm about to tell you is not my story.  It is one a dear friend of mine told me.  But, I just have to share.

Years ago on Black Friday, my boyfriend and I were all set to buy a new game console.  We'd gotten up super early.  Traipsed out in the snow, foregoing breakfast, and huddle against the edge of the store waiting for the doors to open.

Hours passed.  We were starving, but thrilled to have our spot in the line. First Place!!  A few minutes before the opening time, four little old ladies hobbled up.  With their sweet eyes and shivering limbs, we felt sorry for them and let them go ahead of us.  

The doors opened, and I helped the littlest, oldest lady near me into the warm light, feeling so good about my big heart and giving soul.

As soon as she was inside, she ripped her arm away, grabbed the nearest shopping cart, nodded to her three other friends...and they were off like a crazed pack of wolves. Their white hair swishing, their glass chains clinking.  

They beat us to the electronic section, barricaded the aisle and loaded two consoles each into their carts.  By the time we got there, anything we wanted was gone and so were they.  Only their Wind Song perfumed scent lingered.

So while you're out there searching for the best deals to be found...beware of four little old ladies.




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Want more hopping??  More Blogs Here!!

Six Sentence Sunday!

From Love's Justice
Available Now! from Crimson Romance.

Purchase Link on Amazon

“What if I didn’t go as a snoopy reporter?” Justin closed the small space, successfully trapping Sarah between the refrigerator and the counter. “And just went as a man with you on vacation?” With a smooth shift of his body, he slid into an amazing fit against her.

Sarah drew in a quick breath. The air-cooled kitchen suddenly became a furnace. 

If you are a writer--aspiring or published--and would like to be involved with Six Sentence Sunday, 

feel free to visit the Six Sentence Sunday Home.

We All Have One

Life Lessons From a Rodeo Queen

Growing up, I always felt like I was special. When people would ask me where I was from, I would proudly announce that I was an Army Brat, thinking that was unique.  I’m from all over.

But, as I’ve traveled and lived and made friends all over, I’ve realized that I’m not the only one to have a soldier in my life. We all have one.

This thought comes to mind today especially because I recently traveled to Washington DC to bury one of my soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Source: flickr.com via Rionna on Pinterest

This soldier is a Marine, a brave, strong man who fought for his country and continued to give his life in so many ways—long after the war in Vietnam was over. I don’t really know how to find the words to express the loss we all feel over his passing. 

The only way I know how, is to honor his life, his dedication. He dedicated his life to the men and women who wear the uniform. He understood, that it is a difficult thing to go from carrying a gun, following orders and protecting a nation to sitting at a family picnic on a sunny Sunday afternoon. He tried in every way he knew how to assist those men and women who come back home, but still fight the battle in their mind, in their heart, everyday. 

And we all have one: a brother, a sister, a friend, a mom, a dad…a somebody who wears our country’s colors with pride. I know I have many readers from other parts of the world…and I’m sure you have one too: the soldier, your soldier who wears the colors of your country with pride. The one who marches the paths we will never have to. The boy in boots, the girl in camouflage…the people who stand at the gates and keep us safe from harm. 

  And to my soldier, I say, “Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of courage. Ooh-rah!!”

Papa's Brick at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

Win a Piece of Montana - November Giveaway

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Big Sky, Montana

All across this great state of mine there are craftsmen and women who carve their livelihoods from their imaginations. They do this to illustrate the love they have for the state they live in, and the pride they have for the people who are their neighbors. I would like to share some of that pride with you.

Thank you for sharing the beautiful Montana with me.  And Good Luck!!

The Tombstone

The epitaph is the inscription on a tombstone—you could say it's a person's last words.

Today, I'll quote the last line of five books. (I won't spoil anything!)

Nora Roberts Tribute
"And home."

Diana Gabaldon Outlander
"Or, will by now."

Heather Graham Ghost Shadow
"And so they were."

Robyn Carr Hidden Summit
"Our beginning."

David Baldacci The Collectors
"Here comes big, bad Jerry"

Would you share a final line, final last words from a book you love?

From the Web

You never know what's going to creep onto the web. Sometimes, however, you get a pleasant surprise.

Today's feature links to five amazing book blogs I've found recently.

Ravishing Romances
Book Hounds
Flurries of Words
Book Fever
The Secret Writer

I love reading and sharing thoughts on books...what book blog have you found recently?

Back from the Grave

Get ready to dig up your past and bring some of your old friends back to life:

Today I will feature five books I read and loved as a kid.

• The Black Stallion
• King of the Wind
• The Hobbit
• The Nancy Drew Books
• Misty of Chincoteague

What book did you love as a kid...or what books??

Six Sentence Sunday...

From Love's Justice
Coming November 12, 2012 from Crimson Romance.

Pre-Order on Amazon!

“So where do you want it? Head or heart?”

Justin had no time to think. He knew his life was over. It didn’t really matter to him where he was shot. The heart would be best, though; then he wouldn’t have to feel it break. 

If you are a writer--aspiring or published--and would like to be involved with Six Sentence Sunday, 

feel free to visit the Six Sentence Sunday Home.

Halloween Blog Hop!!

Hello!  And Happy Halloween!!!  

I am so excited to share a copy of The Wanting Heart with one lucky winner!!

See below to enter:

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Skeletons in My Closet...urrr Bookshelf

Supposedly, everyone has a few skeletons in their closet—I think everyone has a few on their bookshelves, too. 

Today I am featuring five books I've owned for a long time but never read.

• The Little House on the Prairie Series
• The Yearling
• Jurassic Park
• The Firm
• Carrie

How about you...what books have you owned for years, but never read?

Bats in the Belfry

Even the biggest book enthusiasts have some bats in their belfries about things in books that drive them insane.

Five things that drive me insane in books...

* Cruelty animals or children.
* The author talking to the reader.
* Cover doesn't match the content.
* Ends with no resolution.
* End with the main characters dead or soon to be dead.


What drives you insane?? In books...

Haunted Week!!

Ever had the feeling that someone was watching you? It just might be the spirit of a book you haven't put to rest.

Today I'll feature five books I began, but never finished.

* The Shining
* Portrait of An Artist as a Young Man
* Pet Sematary
* Gone with the Wind
* Where the Red Fern Grows


How about you...what book is haunting you?

Letting Go of the Reins

Life Lessons of a Rodeo Queen
Lesson #4

Many of you know, I have four kids.  They amaze me on a daily basis.  I am moved to tears of pride so often because of their talents and wonderful hearts.

Lately though, this mother has been having a hard time letting go.  Recently, I took my oldest daughter to audition for a play. Normally, this would not be a big deal.  I have been a theatre director for almost 10 years.  I love the theatre and am so excited for her to be involved with it.  Yet, I had so many worries.  What if she doesn't get a part she likes?  What if they're mean to her?  What if she trips? What if she doesn't get a part at all!

I was so worked up that I almost went back inside and got her.  Or at the very least, sat with her.

But, I didn't.  And everything turned out just fine!  She was a beautiful member of The Secret Garden cast, and we cheered for her with roses and all--for she was the Star of the Night in our family.

And I learned that it's okay to let go of the reins.  To let life teach and let my kids step out on their own.

You'll have to remind me of this soon...we have the Nutcracker coming up!

What have you done lately where you've let go of the reins?

Make Breakfast

Life Lessons of a Rodeo Queen

Lesson #3

I am busy person. Four kids, husband, cats, horse—well soon to be horse. We’re fixing her fence as we speak. I’ve heard all of my life that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When I was growing up, we always had breakfast.

I’ve always cooked breakfast. We have all manner of things: scrambled eggs, spinach omelets, whole-wheat toast, protein fruit smoothies, scones etc…

But, this summer, we were so busy, I tried the cold cereal route. I thought tossing a couple boxes of cereal on the table with a few bowls and spoons would do the trick for breakfast.

Not so.

I learned pretty fast that the best way to have happy, smiling children at 10 am is to make breakfast. Same goes for a happy, smiling husband.

So I thought I’d share a recipe that is a hit at our house: Sunday Morning Cinnamon Waffles with homemade Buttermilk Syrup.

Cinnamon Waffles

2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 egg whites
½ tsp of ground cinnamon

Preheat your waffle iron.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk and butter until well
blended. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt and cinnamon; stir into
the buttermilk mixture. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites and vanilla with an electric
mixer until stiff. Fold into the batter.

Spoon batter onto the hot waffle iron, close, and cook until golden brown. Top with homemade buttermilk syrup.

Buttermilk Syrup

1 1/2 cups white sugar
 3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

In a large saucepan, stir together the sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup. Bring to a boil on medium heat and cook for 7 minutes.

Remove from the heat. Add the baking soda. *Warning—this will make the mixture foam. I add the baking soda and then quickly stir with a whisk lifting the whisk up and back in a circular motion—almost like scrambling eggs. This will dispel the foam so it doesn’t overflow over the edges of the pan.

Stir in the vanilla.

Pour over warm Cinnamon Waffles.

Add in a nice cup of coffee or tea and you’ve got happiness all around.

What breakfast menu is a hit in your house?

Rionna Morgan with M.V. Freeman

M.V. Freeman is stopping in a visit today.  We are fellow Crimson Romance writers, but more importantly friends.  M.V. is a joy to chat with.  She has an elegance about her that makes one feel comfortable and listened to.  And you should read her writing!  Wow!  She is here with us talking about Incandescent, the first in an amazing new trilogy!

Where are you from? 

 I am originally from Minnesota, but I am happily ensconced in the southeast. I love the weather better (I don’t miss the sub-zero temperatures). I do miss a white Christmas.

Tell us your latest news? 

My first book, Incandescent is out, and I am currently working on the second book. Sounds very short…but this is huge for me.

Buy on Amazon!

Incandescent 

Some gifts are unwanted, and Laurie’s Hudson’s affinity for fire is one she hates. It has destroyed her relationship with her family and she has few friends. She’s fought hard to keep the fire inside suppressed, living a low key life as a bartender, until a brutal and charming man blows into her life.

Around Mikhail Petrov, her careful control disintegrates. She is at once drawn to his urbane, cool demeanor and irritated by his overbearing manner. Her options are taken away when he kidnaps her, forcing her into a fight she wants nothing to do with.

As she learns to survive, Laurie faces the hardest choice of all, her freedom or the destruction of the frustrating man she’s come to care for.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

The main thing is I want the reader to enjoy the story. But it’s also about dealing with the hand you are dealt and responsibility.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would they title it? 

Probably: Adventure: Another name for –Graphic Training Aid.

What is the ultimate dream vacation? 

I would love to live for a year (I’d take a month—even a week) in a Castle or Bed and Breakfast in Ireland. I’d explore all the castles—talk to the locals and drink the beer. I love the weather there—cool and misty most of the time. Granted I only know this by research.

Follow MV on Twitter!

What person in history would you most like to meet? 

I’d love to talk to Margaret Thatcher. Now that is a woman with strength and character.

If you could design a refrigerator magnet, what would it say? 

“Everyone Has a Story.” Or “Never Forget the Coffee.”

M.V. Freeman is a native of Minnesota, but calls North Alabama her home. She is a member of RWA,
and the chapters: Georgia Romance Writers, Southern Magic, and Heart of Dixie. By day her mind is filled with medical jargon at the local health clinic, but at night she finds herself exploring alternate worlds within our own. Heavily influenced by Slavic languages and culture, you will find she weaves these elements into her stories. Her award winning current story INCANDESCENT is the first in a series. She is currently working on the second book in the series while plotting another project. When she is not writing, she's reading, cooking, throwing around kettle bells, or making coffee.   www.mvfreeman.com

My Blog Been Nominated for an Award!!

Great news, my blog has been nominated for another award!

I would like to say a big thank you to Cat from:

Catherine Garnell's Blog

Who so kindly nominated me!

There are a few rules one must follow before accepting the award and they are as follows: 

Nominate 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.
Let the nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated for this award.
Share 7 random facts about yourself.
Thank the blogger who has nominated you.
Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post.


7 Random Facts About Me:

I love the color green.
I write in the middle of the night.
I love glitter and all things sparkly...ooh me too!!
I own far too many books...yes here too!
I love to dance.
I try to always have my toenails painted RED!
My coffee generally tastes like mocha ice cream.

My Nominees are:

http://spewsofmyviews.blogspot.com

http://lynnthompsonbooks.blogspot.com

http://montanaromancewriters.blogspot.com

http://heatherthurmeier.com

http://www.taramillsromance.com/blog.html

http://kwana.com/

http://www.candacesamsbroomflying.com

http://nikkielocke.weebly.com/blog.html

http://elizabethpalmerauthor.wordpress.com

http://www.amandalvshalaby.wordpress.com

http://www.mollykategray.com/

http://www.bethyarnall.com/

http://www.melinenadeau.com/blog.html

http://katefellowes.wordpress.com/

http://erinrichards.blogspot.com

Scavenger Hunt for The Wanting Heart

I am sending my lovely friends on a scavenger hunt...

Drop by The Romance Reviews and tell me where you find the cover of The Wanting Heart and you'll be entered to win a copy of the book!!  

Just leave a comment below with your e-mail included!

I am so excited.  

I will be featured on the site until July 15th.

I am so excited!!  (Oh, I said that).  I just might give away a copy a day!

Have a beautiful day!

Happy Hunting!

Rionna