Valentines Blog Hop and Contest for free E-books Feb 14-16

 Eternal Press Authors for Eternal Love

Valentines Blog Hop and Contest!

Readers! Would you like to win free E-books from your favorite Eternal Press authors?

How?

Rules: Each time a "Hopper" leaves a comment and email address on a participating author's blog, the "Hopper gets another entry in the drawing (8 possible entries)!!

Comments will be tallied from February 14, 2013 through February 16, 2013 at midnight (eastern time). The winner will be drawn on February 17, 2013.

We've made it easy because we Love our Readers!

Welcome to my Valentine's blog today!

I took a bit of time to think about my favorite thing about Valentine’s Day and the romance that is usually associated with it. There were the long ago memories of being a kid and waiting for the teacher to let us dive into the bags or boxes of small valentine cards. Those that attached candy were the best. Of course, there was the secret hope that one of the cute boys had written a secret message professing love. It never happened that way, I mean after all, we were nine.

As I aged, the romantic expectations faded and it became more of a reminder to express my affection to my romantic partner. UNTIL Stud man! He takes romance very seriously. I am blessed with a variety of candies, a wonderful card with a sweet message scrawled inside and a delicious meal. As I plan my display of affection this year, it reminded me of a past Valentine’s Day I wanted to share with you. I didn’t come across very well with my drama queen moment but I’ve improved since then.

It was the Saturday before Valentine’s day, I was overly tired and feeling defeated that I gained a few pounds over winter and it was still too cold to do much outside. Disgusted and pouting I plopped in the middle of the couch and focused on playing battleship on the Xbox. Whining to my man as he watched about us eating too much red meat, I want to become a vegetarian and if I had a bicycle all my problems would be solved.

My Stud teased me a little, kept giving me a kiss or squeeze and patiently tolerated my snippy comments, crappy attitude, and general bad behavior. As I’m regaling him about the unfairness placed on women’s weight, he grabbed the car keys and casually stated he was going for a haircut. I nearly hissed at him over abandoning me in my time of need.

Now keep in mind he goes every week to the same barber and gets a haircut. He is picky about his hair and always has been. It’s one of my favorite things about him. A haircut shouldn’t have come as any surprise to me but at that moment, the fact that he was going for a haircut and I was moody without a bicycle sent me over the top and into self-pity. (I really should have slept in that morning; it had been a long week with a ton of overtime) I got teary eyed, left the living room, and sniffled my way to the bathroom to sulk.

I finished with my pout about a minute later and decided I really needed a nap. With my tail between my legs, I slinked out of the bathroom. I glanced around and then I saw the front door wide open and no one in sight. I stomped to the door and shoved it shut. I stomped to the couch and plopped myself down again all the while loudly giving my opinion of my Studs manners since he left the door open.

Not a minute later, Woosh the door opened and in a loud racket, my gorgeous loving man set my brand new bicycle down and smiled, "Happy Valentine’s Day Baby!"

I sobbed and hugged him while I apologized for being such a hag. He explained he knew I wanted a bike and bought it the night before. He hid it at the neighbors to wait for Valentine’s Day but decided I needed it today. I adore him for that and I took a ride, then a nap and was much more pleasant for the rest of the weekend.

The moral to my little recitation is this...even though it isn't brand new love, romance comes in all sorts of ways. To some a bicycle for Valentine’s Day may not be the perfect romantic gift but my man knew it was for me. That is what romance is all about, knowing what makes your partner tingle. The important thing for us to remember is it goes both ways. I think our partners like a little attention too.

Everyone enjoy their Valentine’s Day and a romantic read!

Lots of Love

Em

Remember to visit all the authors below and leave a comment and email address

for an entry to the

Eternal Press Authors for Eternal Love Valentines Blog Hop and Contest

Barbara Winkes - Winter Storm (sequel to Autumn Leaves) www.barbarawinkes.blogspot.ca

Em Epe – Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy http://www.emeperomances.blogspot.com/

Gianna Bruno - The Journey or Hot Chocolate Kiss (winner's choice) http://giannabruno.blogspot.com

Jacqueline Paige – Salvation http://jacqpaige.blogspot.com/

Leanna Harrow - Killing the Desire http://authorteasereadings.wordpress.com

Linda Hays-Gibbs - Angel in My Heart, Devil in My Soul http://www.lindahaysgibbs.blogspot.com
Maeve Alpin - Conquistadors In Outer Space http://maevealpin.wordpress.com/

Stephanie O'Hanlon - Affaire de Coeur www.stephanieohanlonwriter.blogspot.ca

 ***

Winners!

The Big Bash E-book winners are....................

Melissa Snark-First Prize

Hilary-Second Prize

Congratulations Ladies!

AND

Winner's choice of any of my E-books is...........

Shannon Bereza

Congratulations Shannon!!

Thank you for all the participation and comments!

Happy New Year!

Lots of Love

Em

Big Group Contest for Free e-Books!

Romancing Your E-Reader Book Bash

25 romances, Two Grand Prizes

Welcome my Exquisite readers! Did you find a new e-reader under the tree? 

Well, have we got a sweet prize opportunity for you.

25 Authors – 25 E-book Romances – Two Grand Prize Winners!

That’s right. Two lucky winners will be filling their new toys with free romance e-books. 

First prize 15 titles. Second prize 10 titles. 

How do I win, you ask? Simple. 

1.  The contributing authors have posted the blurb from their book at their websites (links below) and have asked a question about the blurb. 

2.  Answer the question in a comment at each site. (Don't forget to include your email address)

Each question answered on each site is another entry toward one of the two grand prizes. 

And that’s not all. Many of the hops along the way are offering individual prizes as well. So be sure to visit as many as you can. 

 ( Grand prize winners will be announced on the 30th.)

Here is my Blurb and Question!

Threat to Our Forever

By Em Epe

Finding the unknown threat… 

Lilly and Sam Kendells’ marriage is strained to the point of breaking when their daughter becomes a victim of a brutal attack for unknown reasons. Angry and feeling betrayed, Lilly doesn't understand why Sam won't use his skill as a hired militia to exact revenge for the atrocity committed against them. Sam focuses on facts and protecting Lilly from holding the wrong culprits responsible. Will their marriage survive as they search for the unknown assailant and try to stop the threat to their forever? 

All right, here is my question......

What doesn't Sam's wife understand?

Psssst! Any one who enters the big contest with an answer about my book "Threat to Our Forever" below in the comments with their email address will be entered into a drawing for any of my books they choose!!

Mac Crowne~ Mac Crowne

Calisa Rhose

Vonnie Davis .~vintagevonnie.blogspot.com

Linda Carroll Bradd

Susan Illis

Denise Moncrief

Lisa Wells ~memorymakerscreator.blogspot.com

Maggie Toussaint

Alison Henderson ~AliceHenderson.com

Carol Henry

Beth Trissell  ~ bethtrissel.wordpress.com

Silver James

Babbett James

Barbara Edwards

Katherine Grey

Krista Ames ~ apassionforromance.blogspot.com

Dani-Lyn ~ danilynalexander.com

Georgie Lee ~  georgielee.blogspot.com

Carolyn Sullivan

Joanne Stewart ~ jm-stewart.blogspot.com

Karen Michelle Nutt

Ceri Hebert ~ cerihebert.wordpress.com

Em Epe

Jennifer Eaton ~jennifermeaton.com

Tessa Berkley

Rolynn Anderson ~Rolynnanderson.com

Santa

When I was around the age of deciding my thoughts about the realism of Santa I remember seeing a look of concern in my father's gaze. As I explained to he and my mother that the other kids at school said Santa and the north-pole were just a myth, they listened but were very quick to quash those "silly notions".
I was still somewhat unsure but as Christmas approached I pondered the question, "if I didn't believe in Santa, would that affect my gift haul?"
As always, Christmas Eve came, all the family arrived and as usual, my dad disappeared for the night. Since it had always been the case that he had to work, I didn't question it. In fact I couldn't remember a time when he didn't have to haul a run (semi truck) on the night before Christmas.
While we unwrapped our gifts, I slipped into my bedroom for a minute to get my moms gift I'd made for her. My bedroom was dark but the curtains were still open. I glanced out into the back yard and against the white snow glowing from the moon, Santa stepped out of our travel trailer!
Ohhhhh my dad was going to be so mad! No one was allowed in there without his supervision!
I wanted to warn the jolly man but just as I tugged on my window, he stopped and looked at me. His head bowed for a moment and felt utter guilt at catching him. He slowly walked toward me and I tingled in anticipation.
I finally got my window open and he stood face to face with me.
"Why aren't you with everyone in the living room?" He spoke quietly.
"I was getting my present for my mom."
"Do you know who I am?"
I looked him over carefully. There wasn't any mistaking the crinkled brown eyes staring back at me.
"Dad?"
He nodded, "Yes."
"You're Santa?"
His head lifted and a glitter twinkled in his eyes.
"Yes I am."
"Does anyone else know?"
"Just you and me."
"Why don't we live at the north-pole?"
His brow furrowed for a long moment and then it lifted, "Schools. The schools are better here."
Since I went to a private Catholic school, it seemed reasonable. After all, when I brought home less than stellar grades, my parents reminded me about the tuition they paid for me to attend and how blessed I should feel at the opportunity they gave me.
He promised we'd talk tomorrow and jogged away into the night. That was many years ago and I still believe as I did then. I'm Santa's daughter and we didn't live at the north-pole so I could attend my wonderful school. Over the years, I've helped the jolly old man with his Christmas clothes and bells. It always excited me. I even saved the newspaper article of Santa being pulled over in our pickup truck for speeding. There wasn't enough snow that year for the sleigh:)
My Santa dad has given of himself many times over his life. Each year he gave part of his Christmas to make a large handful of families happier. He donned his outfit to accompany children on  make a wish helicopter rides. Special needs children lit up when he knelt next to them or picked them up from their bed or chair to sit on his lap. Foster kids of all ages whispered their wishes for a family in his ear. I could go on but you see what he has contributed to the season.
I think Santa is pretty special.
Lots of Love
Em

How about 25% off my books as a Christmas Treat?!

 25% off of your ebook order 

when you buy directly from

 Eternal Press 

use coupon code

129BHMVNZH1F

at check out!

Remember: log in to read excerpts and add my books to your cart! 

because my books are a little hot and spicy:):)!

The discount code is valid until 12.31.2012

Formats available:

epub (Nook compatible), pdf, mobi (Kindle compatible), lit (Microsoft Reader), and pdb (Palm)

Running toward December and new book contract!

November has been an exceptionally busy month for me. Of course there is Thanksgiving but I've had a plethora of other things to attend to.

I am excited to announce that Eternal Press has contracted my book, All of Me, A McRaidy son! I don't have a release date but I'll be sure to let you know when it's scheduled.

I know that you see the McRaidy's in most of my stories. I'd love to explain the arc that I'm working through. For the McRaidy Clan series, beginning with Her McRaidy Chieftain, this is my historical highlanders. These are the historical McRaidy's. These are stand alone books but the family thread is thick.

Beginning with Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy, I have introduced the contemporary members of the McRaidy family. Gus is the patriarch and has 5 adopted sons. All of Me is about Den McRaidy, his oldest. These are stand alone books but there is the family thread with the contemporary books.

I enjoy watching the family traits appear in each book. They are definitely their own people, but there are small details that carry through.

Does this mean all I write is my McRaidy series? Absolutely not. I currently have a work in progress that is a historical fiction/historical fantasy that I'm enjoying immensely  I'm anxious for its completion and polishing so I can sit back and read it for enjoyment.

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday:) I spent it with my sister, nephew, step dad and mom. I haven't done that in a good number of years and it was treat. I had a great visit with my mom and I have to say, I forget sometimes how pretty she is. She has the sweetest giggle that makes me smile when I think about it. I love my mom.

I missed my sons and daughter but some years schedules just don't mesh. We will sit down and enjoy a nice meal together when we can. I did have coffee with my oldest son yesterday and it was precious time. My daughter is such a graceful young woman and our phone call was warm and heartfelt. My youngest son called as well and I wished he could have been home.

As we get closer to concluding this year, don't forget to take the time to share of yourself. Even if you can't be together for the holidays  be sure to set aside for a nice phone call or even a pot of coffee. I love the phrase, Your presence is my present. Remember, someones time is a gift just for you and vice versa.

Enjoy your holidays!
Lots of Love
Em

Still Moment Publishing Halloween Blog Hop

Hi All and Happy Halloween!

To add a little spook to Still Moments Halloween Blog Hop, I decided to share the scariest event I’ve ever experienced. Be sure to leave a comment and submit your email address so you can be entered into a drawing for a wonderful prize from Still Moments. ALSO I will hold a drawing for any commenter’s for a free copy of my e-book, Threat to our Forever in the Moonlight Mysteries series. Okay, on to my true story.

Some years ago, my boyfriend at the time, Ames, was in the mountains fighting fires one summer. I brought his vehicle and met him in a local town for a night off. Though he’d been camping for weeks, we decided to find a secluded spot and snuggle in the back of his pickup truck on a thick cushion. We stopped at a convenience store for snacks and asked for directions to the backside of a secluded lake. The clerk made a point of mentioning a certain alcove to stay away from. She didn’t mention why so we shrugged off her suggestion.

We found our way over an almost impassable trail in the truck and thought we were in heaven. Thick pines towered overhead, a sandy beach instead of mud and big stone pit for a fire. We unpacked and spread our bedding out. Careful of animals, we tucked the food in the cab and lit a fire. As dark descended, we waded into the tepid water and floated around for a while. Randomly, the flames from the fire would disappear and then flame again. As I was with a wildfire firefighter, he assured me that flames did unpredictable things. I couldn’t quite relax and that chill along my spine of being watched wouldn’t go away. Keep in mind, Ames was quite capable of defending us no matter what occurred. Not only was he an experienced firefighter, during the off-season was a martial arts instructor. I was safe.

The water-cooled quickly and we headed to shore. Earlier the ground had been more sandy and fairly firm but as we tried to trudge out, we sunk into silt. Again Ames calmed me and gave a recitation of nature, temperatures and the effect on the soil etc. I wouldn’t have been so iffy except now the fire was in a full blaze and it had an acrid smell. Finally, on solid ground again, I headed to the bush we draped towels over and they were gone. In case you hadn’t guessed, we were skinny dipping and now our covering and flip flops had disappeared. At this point, I was freaked out but Ames shrugged it off and said an animal probably drug them off and we’d find them in the morning. Did I mention he spent months camping out because of his job? Nothing fazed him…ever. He’d had bears and every other imaginable creature around him at some point or another. Me on the other hand, I didn’t calm so easily.

We made it back to camp and it was a mess. Our bedding, clothes, pillows other items were all strung around. Ames response was, it must have been a bear looking for food. He gathered everything and I went to throw wood on the fire. The cause of the acrid smell caused me to shriek! There was thick black goo bubbling up through the stone pit. Ames grabbed a bucket and doused the fire. In the dark, the moon was bright but filtered as it came through the pine boughs overhead. Exhausted and still prickling all over because of the sensation of someone watching us, I went to bed.

I couldn’t sleep but lay quietly and stared into the darkness over head. Splotches of black seemed to jump from limb to limb. My stomach knotted and I closed my eyes to block out the images. Within a minute, an eerie howling wind circled around. I cracked open my eyes when Ames lifted to his elbows. A black haze swirled around the tree trunks. Ames told me to look at the water, which I did. It was still as glass. A complete contradiction to what was going on in our camp.

At this point, I began to sweat and shake. Dirt, dust, pine needles, twigs and a few stout sticks flew at us in the wind. Ames jumped over the side of the truck, grabbed me, and hauled me over too. My feet barely touched the ground before he tossed me in the cab and he slammed the door behind us. The truck began to rock back and forth and I couldn’t contain my scream any longer. Especially when I looked out at the water and it was so still, the light from the moon reflected perfectly. Ames started the ignition and shoved the truck in gear. On the roof of the cab, a constant banging followed us out the trail. The further away from camp we got, the less noise, and flying debris we encountered. Finally back on the main road, he stopped. We jumped out to tie down everything in the back and but it was gone. We drove back to the small lake town and stayed at a local motel. Neither of us slept much but we didn’t discuss the night’s events.

The next morning, Ames, being a naturist, insisted we return to clean up our mess. He was sure our equipment had bounced out. I wanted to wait at the café but he insisted I go. During the drive, I watched for any of our items but nothing appeared. We made it all the way back to our camp and still nothing. Not even the burnt coals or ash from our fire. Without a word, Ames grabbed my hand and hauled me into the truck. We barely spoke and drove an extra thirty miles out of the way to get breakfast just to leave that area. Ames asked around when he went back to the fires and said rumor was it had been a burial ground for criminals but no one knew for sure. I’ve never been back but I’ve never forgotten something was there and we weren’t welcome.

Tomorrow is October. Summer is gone and we are fully into Fall. I love the change in the season. First we'll watch the leaves turn a variety of colors, then the remaining branches form spooky outlines in the dark. Halloween comes and we indulge in candy, cookies and society's permission to don a costume for the day. LOL

October will be a busy month for me. The free cookbook, Passionate Cooks, from All Romance Ebooks will be available. I have a yummy Hot Shrimp Dip recipe in there. Remember, it's free so you have to get one!!

Also, October is breast cancer awareness month. A fellow author, Mackenzie Crowne, released a book titled, "Where do you want your nipple" about her journey through breast cancer. Do Not dally around. Take a few minutes to do a self exam and remind everyone around you to do the same. I will have a deeper post this month in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Take a minute and send energy to those battling breast cancer. Regardless of your "maker" beliefs, hold these precious women in your heart and share you power with them. Don't forget their families need love too. It affects everyone.

I'm participating in a Halloween blog hop with my publisher Still Moments Publishing! Be sure to catch up with all the authors and their stories!! Mine is a spooky doozy. This is a great month to read my suspense release in the Moonlight Mysteries series, "Threat to our Forever"!

Keep your fingers crossed for me! I'm finishing self edits and the polishing my current WIP. I've set a goal to have it ready to sub by the end of October. Earlier if I stay on track. It's a contemporary and is sexy hot with beautiful romance! I'll keep you posted!

Have an outstanding day and wave hello to October!

Lots of Love
Em

Doin' some braggin'

NEW FUN AT USA TODAY HEA:

What a good time! I fessed up in USA Today HEA's to "The Devel made me do it" along with a wonderful list of other authors! Join me in the fun!

http://books.usatoday.com/happyeverafter/post/2012-09-13/free-books-romance-round-robin/844117/1

Don't forget: There are free give away drawings for all those who comment! Make sure to stop by!

USA Today HEA asked: What has the devil made you do? Get your blackmail material here. Giveaways!

 

Be sure to show me some love and leave a comment at USA Today for our fantastic group of authors today:)

Lots of Love

Em

**********
I had the opportunity to do a review for Romance Reviews Submitted by Authors this week. I read the Halloween anthology Just Another Paranormal Halloween. It has 8 different stories all wrapped up in one book. Take a minute to have a look!

At the same time, my newest release, Somer's Rising, Book Two of the McRaidy Clan received a review at Romance Reviews Submitted by Authors. I was thrilled my book made an impact. Here are the reviewers thoughts:

After just finishing Somer’s Rising by Em Epe, I can only say wow. Not often am I moved to fighting tears by fictional words or vision. 

Other awesome news is I had a recipe for "Hot Shrimp Dip" accepted for the All Romance ebooks, Passionate Cooks FREE cookbook. There are recipe's for everyone in there and its FREE! Did I already mention that:):) Click on the pretty pink logo on my sidebar and check it out! I think my favorite thing about a group project is meeting new people. There are over a 150 authors included. Many of whom I am a tremendous fan. This will be so fun and I can't wait. Join in and make sure to let us know if you find a favorite recipe in there!

You'll notice the Halloween Blog Hop button from Still Moments Publishing. A spooky good time will be coming in October. Make sure to catch the all the blogs!

Also I want to point out a newly released book by Mackenzie Crowne. Its called "Where would you like your nipple". Mac is a breast cancer survivor and has written this book for all of us. Show her some love and every one who has been touched by this beast. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I'll have a blog to share but lets make sure we all reach out!

That's it for now for my updates...whew there are a lot of links:):)

I shall now go back to working on a contemporary that should be ready for submission next month. Shhhhh it's about the son of Gus McRaidy from Only because it was you....I think you're going to like Den McRaidy!! The name of the book is still tumbling around. Originally I named it Her Ultimate Bad Boy but I'm thinking to change it..and have twice. If you have any suggestions, Let me Know!

Lots of Love

Em

My personal thoughts:Friendships

I've had a variety of ups and downs over the last couple of weeks. I was privileged to do an article for Romance Reviews by Authors and had an interview with USA Today with my two co-authors in the Anthology, Life's a Beach from Still Moments Publishing. In addition, I've done some promoting for Somer's Rising from Eternal Press.

I was in full mode of juggling it all when everything screeched to a stop.

Not because of anything with my writing but aspects of life snapped my head back and forth. First, my long time friend moved to another state. It wasn't that we managed to see each other here as much as we should have and in fact we both spent our face to face time with other friends. I regretted that the minute her car turned left and mine turned right. It made me wonder why if we were really "BFF's" we didn't make more of an effort. Situations like that make you look at the overall cause and affects. We promised to visit but logically I know we will rarely see each other, very much like we have for years. I concluded that our friendship functioned on texting as we very infrequently called or even got together for a drink or coffee. Maybe we had both let it evolve to a "chatting" friendship because technology made it easier.

As I evaluated the status of that friendship, I truly had my feet knocked out from under me. Another friend was in a coma and died because of a tragic accident. As I wrote that sentence just now, my eyes teared up. The details aren't as necessary as being faced with the fact we didn't keep in touch as we should have. I do know this world is a far lesser place because of her absence. She had the prettiest smile, gentle demeanor and love of her family. I'll always hold her in my heart.

Now that I feel capable of putting words down, I am taking a closer look at the relationships around me. I have a man in my life that I don't spend as much time with as I want. I let other things clog up my day. I'm rectifying that. He is important to me and I won't forget to show him that by making sure I spend time in the same space as him. My son's are older now but I'm still their mom. They still want my attention and I want theirs. Instead of making an excuse the other night when the youngest suggested a milk shake, I got in the car and away we went. I won't always have that kind of opportunity. I also nagged the older son to take time for a quick visit but I also stopped in at his house yesterday while he was home with a cold and spent a little time.

I moved down my list and worked on the details of my cousin coming to visit me at Christmas. Plane tickets and other scheduling needed to be done and there are some loose ends but it will happen. We've tried to do this for years since we live across the country from each other. I admit, I took tremendous comfort knowing she was working with me on this and it was "we" want to spend time together. More importantly, when I spoke with her about my regrets of not spending more face time with those close to me, she understood. We rarely text and make the effort to actually call. We further make our best attempts to save money to buy plane tickets. Yes we are related but we are close friends.

There are a few more on my list that I care about and I'm working on those.

Overall I now see that though technology has made so many things much easier and better, I for one may have let it become too convenient. A phone full of texts or even emails will never replace "in person" time. My books don't have the center of the relationships revolve around electronic communication, they are together. My life should be the same.

With all of the above said, I've promised myself this. If I need to talk, I'm dialing the phone. If they don't pick up, so be it. Texting will be for quick comments, not conversations. I also accept that friendships evolve and change. Much like a poem I am particularly fond of says: Friendships are for a Reason, Season or a Lifetime.
Perhaps I should focus on those in my life for a "Lifetime" and appreciate that other wonderful people have come for a "Reason" or a "Season" and say thank you.

I shall now end my deep thoughts on this subject and get in my car and go annoy my younger sister. She may not realize it but she's missed me. I'm going to tell her:)

Lots of Love
Em