Christmas Book Bash with BELINDA BORING Giveaway #7

Please help me welcome erotic romance
author Belinda Boring as our seventh guest author and giveaway!

One of the things I love most about Christmas is the memories I get to honor and create each year. The season is filled with magic for me and there's definitely traditions I enjoy - christmas crackers, caroling, family getting together to enjoy great food, and finding the perfect gift to make a loved one smile. It's what made writing a memory collection novella for my Mystic Wolves series so much fun! I wanted to capture the excitement I feel and show readers those precious moments of laughter, swoon, and heartfelt sincerity from their most beloved characters. Adding recipes from my childhood and dear friends was just an added bonus! Being an Aussie living in America, here's one I MISS terribly ... so much I can almost taste it now--pavlova!

Australian Pavlova

Ingredients

1/2 cup egg whites, at room temperature (from about 4 eggs)

1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch

1 Tbs. raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

2 Tbs. light brown sugar, packed

2 kiwi fruits, peeled and thinly sliced or 1 cup of another ripe fruit, such as peaches.

10 strawberries, green parts trimmed off, thinly sliced or other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries

Directions

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

    In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), whip the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt in a clean, dry bowl until foamy.

    Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, and vanilla and continue whipping until stiff, smooth and glossy, about 8 minutes more.

    On a sheet of parchment paper cut to fit a sheet pan, use a pencil to draw or trace a circle 9-inches in diameter. Line the sheet pan with the parchment, pencil side down (you should still be able to see the circle).

    Spoon the egg whites into the circle, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top and sides of the disk.

    Bake in the center of the oven for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake until the meringue has puffed up and cracked on the top and the surface is lightly browned, about 45 minutes more.

    Turn off the oven, prop the oven door open, and let the pavlova cool in the oven at least 30 minutes, to room temperature. This ensures a gradual cooling, which protects the delicate meringue.

    Whip the cream and brown sugar together until stiff. Spoon it in the center of the cooled pavlova and spread out to within 1/2-inch of the edge. Arrange the slices of kiwi around the edge. Arrange the slices of strawberry in the middle.

    To serve, slice into wedges with a serrated knife.

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Snippet from "Elf on the Shelf."

“Who have you been kissing?” I ordered.
“None of your business.”
“You’d better believe it’s my business.”
It was her turn to raise her eyebrows at me. “Maybe I’ll share that secret with you in exchange for a pranking pardon.”
“No, you’ll tell me.” I stared hard at her.
“You’re as big a pig as my brother. A girl doesn’t kiss and tell.”
“He mustn’t have been any good then.” I smirked. My comment caused her skin to flush with indignation. I’d struck a nerve. “Maybe it’s a good thing we’re standing underneath mistletoe. Maybe you need to know what it’s like to really be kissed.”
“You wouldn’t!” she stammered, nervously
“You’re the one who offered. I’m just looking to collect.” I closed the distance between us, encircling her waist with my arm. Tugging her against my body, she squeaked again and I tried not to laugh. This was too easy.
“Daniel.”
“Sssh, don’t worry, honey. I’ve got you. I’ll be gentle.” Cupping her face, she closed her eyes, moistening her lips.
© A Very Mystic Christmas by Belinda Boring


A message from the characters in the front of the book...

Dear Reader,

We were having dinner one evening, talking about what an amazing year it’s been for the Mystic Wolves and how much we love and appreciate all the support you’ve shown.

That’s when we decided . . . what better way to say thank you than this—a special collection of some of our favorite Christmas memories and recipes. At the beginning of a new book, there is sometimes a void of those things that aren’t necessarily vital to the storyline, but are important to us, as characters—little snippets, glimpses into our hearts, if you will.  Here are some of ours.

We hope you enjoy this collection of our holiday histories. We’re all about the magic—and that includes the magic of Christmas. Embrace that inner part of you that still believes in Santa and good will to all men. Spread some festive cheer, give the gift of time, share a sincere smile and lend a helping hand. Nothing is so important in the chaos of the season that we lose sight of the meaning of Christmas . . . love.

That’s our wish for you—that you love and are loved.

Keep being amazing!
Your friends,
Mason, Darcy, Jasmine, Daniel, Devlin, and Vlad.

A Very Mystic Christmas
Buy links: 99 cents!!

Amazon | B&N | Smashwords

In this heartfelt Christmas novella, readers can enjoy tender, funny, and swoon worthy moments with characters they've grown to love--memories such as "Ho, Ho, Who?", "Wish Upon A Star," and "Love, Santa." Also included are delicious recipes of treats that are guaranteed to make your mouth water!

So, snuggle under a blanket before the fire, pour yourself a cup of steaming hot chocolate, and reminisce with Mason, Darcy, Devlin, Daniel, and Vlad.

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Belinda it's a pleasure having you here with us today! Thank you, readers, for stopping by! Please share this giveaway with your friends! Send them over so they can get a chance at awesome prizes.  :) Stop back in at 10 a.m. for our next guest author and giveaway!