Around the Fire end of year wrap up.

Why hello! You've got me today. Just you and me. Cozy, huh? What shall we chat about. The big holidays for me are over an I hope you had an excellent one. We celebrate Christmas at my house.
We took several trips to nearby towns to see the lights. Many of you know my husband Pete does an amazing display both indoors and out and we wanted to see what other were up to. People are so creative. From tradition wreaths and candles in the windows, to lighting displays and blowups. Even tech is getting fancier. We both enjoyed it so much not to mention Hali looked through the window too.
On Christmas morning for years we've hosted a brunch for any family, friends and neighbors who want to pop in. Pete mans the omelet bar. On the eve we prep all the food. A flat of eggs gets whipped up in the Kitchen-Aid. Peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham, sausage, bacon and cheese are the choices. Bob our neighbor like his with everything. He also contributed one of my favorite things. An almond stolen from a local bakery. This year I made a bread pudding. Others bring things too. From a tasty quiche to sausage stuffed mushrooms and homemade cookies. 
At around noon, the last of the first wave had gone on to other places and people and we started prepping for the second wave. Dinner with my son and his family and Pete's brother and daughter. I will say (yep, I'm bragging) my mashed potatoes and stuffing came out fabulous. Usually there are a lot of leftovers. Not this year. What was your favorite holiday eat?
Afterward, we all played UNO by the correct rule of Take 2s and 4s and being able to add on to it with other. At one point I believe my niece had to pick twelve cards from the pile. When I lived in Brooklyn playing cards was the thing. along with my aunt, uncle and cousins we often played not only UNO but Pinochle long into the night. Now on to New Year's Day.
What family traditions carry on in your home?  

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​Just before Christmas I received a great present. Both Rock House Grill and Jazz House were award recipients from the Mid-Atlantic Authors Society.

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​​ Writing and blogging continued through the holidays as well. Starting in January, I'll have information about a new independent, multi author series I'm working on. It's quite exciting and I can't wait. My book is the middle and will be released on March 16th. If you signup for my newsletter I'll be sending out a link to get a free series sample download. 

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​Then in April, another book, similar to Rainbow Sprinkles will be released by my publisher The Wild Rose Press.  It's titled Sophia's Magic Beans  here's a bit about it.
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Back cover
Calliope Novak’s candy store made it through the shutdowns, but she still struggles with everyday costs. She juggles chores, work, and making time for Sophia—her six-year-old. Personal life? Non-existent. Luke O’Brian confronts his boss and mentor after discovering his law firm’s involvement with a crooked politician and is reminded of the non-disclosure agreement he’d signed. He can’t break it without evidence—evidence that he can’t access after he’s escorted out of the building by security. Devastated, he reluctantly returns to his hometown to regroup. Lake Unami in Northern New Jersey is a magical place. Rainbows and unexplained coincidences seem more normal than not. Guardian angels, bookstore owners, and an endearing cast of characters all come together to bring happiness and love to Calliope, Sophia, and Luke.
 
Here's a bit more
“Boardwalk Books. Can I help you?” 
“Sophia Rose Baylor, what are you doing answering the phone?” Calliope held the phone out and glared at it like her daughter could see the mother’s look. “Where’s Mrs. Booker?” 
“She’th right here. Aren’t you, Mithus Booker.” That toothless lisp was hysterical, and if Calliope wasn’t so startled to hear her kid answering the phone at another business, she would’ve died laughing. “I’m in training.” 
Calliope bit her cheek. “May I speak with your boss, please?” 
“Wanths to talk to you.” 
“Calliope, dear. Everything is fine, and my newest employee has been charming customers all afternoon.”

From the publisher:
This is a small town, friends to Lovers, second chance, contemporary romantic fantasy, that is sweet as jellybeans.

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      Well that's it for 2022. I plan on spending NYE like this➡️ 
      See you next year.

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