When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

  

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Separated, but still joined, they strive for freedom.

Left behind at the sept son’s compound, Zezilia Ilar struggles with the after effects of her prolonged commisceo-link with Hadrian. She devotes herself to caring for the wounded arriving almost daily from the battlefields. Pressed to perform procedures and make decisions far beyond her training, Zez grows in confidence and skill. All the while, she wonders if she’ll see Hadrian again, fearing the worst possible news will arrive any day.

Sept Son Hadrian Aleron fights to bring peace to his home nation. Allied with the new high king, he and a small army of Talented struggle to retake the capital city. Elitists, though scattered, continue to pick off the strongest of his men. As he battles the remnants of the commisceo-link and tries to organize the campaign, he begins losing himself to exhaustion. Only a miracle will keep him alive.

~ Amazon ~ 

  

Hadrian

 

Dawn broke in a torrent of rain. Hammering the tents, drowning my cot, and swamping the mess tent, it overwhelmed our already soggy resources.

“We have to win the battle now,” Korneli declared as he surveyed our sagging tent. “Either we will sleep in the mud or in the city tonight.”

“Or eternally with Him who holds our all of our futures in the balance.”

“There you go weaving death into the conversation.” Korneli adjusted his ferrum belt beneath his oilskin cloak. “Must you always be so grim?”

“Surely on the morning of a battle is the perfect time to add a reminder to my speech. Each of us needs to make sure our accounts are short with the Almighty.”

“Done and done.” Korneli offered his hand to me. “May the Lord give grace that we will meet again this side of glory, my brother.”

I grabbed his forearm and pulled him into an awkward embrace around our weapons and armor. Then he was gone, pulling his hood down over his eyes as he strode off into the driving rain.

My chest ached and the day had barely begun. “Please spare us or make it swift so that we might step instantly into your waiting arms, Almighty. Guide us that we may glorify you, Creator of all.”

“Pardon for my tardiness.” Renato squelched to a stop next to me. He shook out his cloak and cursed. “If only this wretched rain would stop.”

“It might turn to snow by evening,” I observed as one of Cayphis’ aides approached.

“Esteemed Sept Son, I bring a change in plans.” The aide bowed deeply to me. “The high king wishes you to meet your men behind the southwestern hill. You are to be the surprise reserve.”

“What about the western assault?” Renato demanded.

“Clovis is commanding a group of new arrivals.”

“Manvel’s men?” Hope lightened Renato’s voice.

The man nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, they rode in last night. Your men have been notified of the change.” He bowed again and left.

“At least we know where he is.” 

Renato’s relief swept over me.

I smiled warmly in an attempt to encourage him. Something nagged me as being wrong. I peered in the direction the man had left.

“Where are those horses?” Renato muttered and rubbed his hands together to warm them against the dropping temperatures.

As though summoned by his words, the jangle of the approaching horses reached our ears. Three defenders approached leading five horses. After exchanging greetings and rechecking our gear, harnesses, and saddles, we mounted. Renato mentioned the change of plans to our escort. They had already been informed. 

Satisfied that all was in order, I mentally withdrew and began the process of preparing for battle. Erecting temporary barriers took concentration. After months of conflict, Renato knew my routine. The defenders’ energy shields hummed on the outer borders of my energy sight, protecting all of us.

“Something isn’t right.” Renato straightened in his saddle and craned around to look behind us. “We should be hearing the drums by now.”

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1. What is your favorite Wintertime Activity?

a) My favorite Wintertime activity is playing in the snow. We don’t have much snowfall in Scottsdale, Arizona, but I can drive just two hours north and see plenty!!

2. How many unpublished / half-finished books do you have in progress?

a) There are 7 unpublished/half-written novels stored on my computer. Someday, maybe, they’ll see the light of day!

3. What was the most surprising thing you learned when creating your book (in research or in yourself?)

a) Christmas at Thorncliff Towers is mainly about the Roma people…Gypsies. During my research of their culture, I learned a great deal about their fascinating superstitions and strong family bonds.

4. Tell us about the greatest Christmas gift you ever received.

a) The greatest Christmas gifts I ever received were actually 2 gifts: my daughters. My eldest was born 4 days after Christmas and my youngest 1 day after.

5. What did you edit out of your book? (Such as a cut scene or an idea that just wouldn’t fit?)

a) Originally, I wrote a scene involving a playful snow-fight between my characters, but then I decided that it echoed Beauty and the Beast too much.

6. What inspired you to write this novel?

a) What inspired me to write this novella was the grandeur, joy, and festive trimmings of a nineteenth-century, English Christmas.

  

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Tina has written numerous articles for a local newspaper and worked as a newspaper editor for a time. She was also a contributor of non-fiction articles for The Beehive, and the Desert Saints Magazine. She is currently doing her best to fill the world with quality fiction that involves sweet romance and happily-ever-afters. 

Tina doesn’t usually enter contests but has won first place in the American Mothers Association for her article titled, Just Call Me Mom, and second place for her poem, A Part of Me. In the LDStorymakers’ First Chapter Contest, she won second place for her novel, Menopausal Fairy Mischief. She is also pleased that one of her children’s picture book reviews was published in the Arizona English Bulletin.

Can former high school sweethearts have a second chance at love? Phoenix property manager Millie Crump returns to her dusty hometown, the week before Christmas to prepare the local haunted hotel for sale. Her boss doesn’t know it, but her secret agenda is to keep her childhood promise to the ghost. Unfortunately, the guy who broke her heart fourteen years ago is the only one who can help with her plans.When his old crush roars into town behind the wheel of a fancy red Miata, Lonny Medina is blindsided by the city girl she’s become. Sure, he’ll help her with hotel cleanup and even dabble in some ghost-hunting, but he can’t risk his heart again. Together, they unravel clues, ward off danger, and fight to uncover the mystery of the old hotel while attempting to help the elusive ghost pass on. In doing so, Lonny and Millie discover the misconceptions that have kept them apart all these years, but both are unsure whether it will be enough to rewrite their futures into a happily ever after.

1.What is your favorite Wintertime Activity?

Driving around to see Christmas lights because, as a child, my dad drove my brother and I to see the lights. It brings back good memories. I also love opening the windows at night and wearing my warm pajamas. Other than that, I enjoy family get-togethers and peppermint ice cream

2.How many unpublished / half-finished books do you have in progress?

I have at least 6 partly written books. One of those 6 is actually planned as a trilogy. I have one fully written one that’s time has passed and I have no plans to publish. Some of the others and even some that are merely an idea, I hope to publish.

3.What was the most surprising thing you learned when creating your book (in research or in yourself?)

I learned about Las Posadas from a friend, and after researching it, I loved the idea and celebration. I feel that it is a perfect Christmas touch to Millie’s Christmas Spirit.

Also, the first thing I did in the planning stage was to research Arizona outlaws. It was a perfect coincidence to discover Bronco Bill and his connection to Solomon.

4.Tell us about the greatest Christmas gift you ever received.

To me, the greatest gifts at Christmastime are the feelings of love and family. Gifts purchased with money are incidental. I hope that one thing readers get from reading Millie’s Christmas Spirit is that their greatest gift and the miracle they desired, was the gift of each other. Love and family are the greatest gifts we can receive.

5.What did you edit out of your book? (Such as a cut scene or an idea that just wouldn’t fit?) 

I had Len Begay take Millie to his home to feed his “hens.” Being from the small town of Solomon, she knew they were roosters. It was another clue to the reader that Len was up to something. In the end, the more important scene was letting Len meet the ghost.

6.What inspired you to write this novel?

I watched the made for TV movie, The Spirit of Christmas, and knew I just had to write my own Christmas ghost story. I adore that movie, and if you get a chance, you should watch it.

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