Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

It’s that time againâ€� #Ìýtime. This week, we’re talking about words we always spell wrong.ÌýI had to go to the spell-check to make sure they were right this timeâ€�

Exercise (Excercise)
Ceiling (Cieling)
Carabiner (Caribeener)
Playwright (Playwrite)
Calendar (Calander)
Independence (Independance)
Camaraderie (Cameraderie)

UGH. Just writing those words out gives me hives. I have inherited that “must be right at all times� gene from� well, somewhere� and I don’t even spell things wrong in my notes to myself. I hate mis-spelling. But for some reason, I just can’t figure out how to remember these seven words.

What about you? Do you have words that you consistently spell wrong?

My name is Becca and I am addicted to sugar.

#hiBecca

I was listening to an interview with JJ Reddick this morning on sports radio and the hosts of the show were razzing him a little about how controlled and meticulous he is. He said something that made me stop and think hard about my life. He basically said, “I control every one of my choices. If there’s something that’s not going to aid in me being a better basketball player, I’m not going to do it.�

Food is fuel, he said.

Deep down inside, every one of us knows that food is fuel, of course. We understand the basic concept. But for many of us, food is more than fuel. Somewhere along the line, some wires got crossed in our head, and food became primarily about comfort or love or pleasure, instead of just fuel.

I have long known the dangers of over-consumption of white sugar, and I did do Whole30 last year (during which time there were several near-misses in the homicide department), but I went back to sugar after the 30 days was up.

You see, for me, sugar is about more than just good tasting food. Sugar is comfort. Sweets, specifically, are comfort. I have some wiring crossed in my brain somewhere, because when I was a kid, I learned that food was the best way to seek comfort. I’ve known this about myself for a long time. I went through a couple of years of therapy trying to unravel and re-program all those wires in my brain. I learned how to be gentle with myself, because that’s what I had learned about life as a kid.

But it’s time to start saying no. On some level, that gentleness is leading me back down the sugar path over and over again, and I need to learn some new habits.

So my friend Krystal and I are going to be doing a #deathtosugar challenge. We’re committing to two things:

Walk 20 minutes a day
Don’t eat refined sugars

Baby steps. What I don’t want is to make some giant, huge, over-arching commitment that I’m not going to be able to keep. I can tackle other health issues later. But for right now, I need to get moving and I need to get off sugar. So this is my commitment.

Krystal and I are going to report to each other every day. We’re going to tweet and blog our way through this. I know I’m going to HULK-OUT and be short-tempered, because I’ve done a sugar fast before, and I know I’m addicted. But I’ve got to do this.

I am going to walk every day. I am going to cut out refined sugars. I’m going to learn how to live a healthier life, and apply the things I know to be true.

I’m choosing the Highway to Health.

This is my first exit�. will you take it with me?

Stephen King is famous for telling writers to read more.ÌýAs I was flipping through my rapidly growing TBR pile, I realized just how little I read now, compared to how much I used to read. Not only that, but I’m always reading the same things. So I’m going to challenge myself this year to a Summer Reading Challenge. I’m going to start on May 1st and go through the end of August.

But I’m not just going to read things I already know I want to read. This year, I really want to challenge myself. I want to read books that I might not have “run across� without going and looking for them. So this is going to be my summer reading Scavenger Hunt.

If you would like to participate with me, I will be issuing a challenge next week. If you meet that challenge, you will be entered to win our Summer Reading Scavenger Hunt giveaway.

What about you? What kinds of books do you want to challenge yourself to read?

It’s Monday again and time to showcase the books of authors who write in the wonderful world of Medieval romance. This week I’d like to introduce you to Bambi Lynn and her intriguing series of historical romance books with a twist of paranormal. This second book in her Gods of the Highlands series is calledÌýSirona, and it features a heroine with unholy healing powers and a tortured hero. ÌýHere’s a peek at the story:

Sirona Cleary tries to hide her unholy healing powers from everyone around her, denying her divine heritage even as she saves those who would see her punished. When she is kidnapped by a rival clan, she is sure her execution is near. Rhain Comyn is dying from a mysterious disease, and he couldn’t be more glad of it. After the atrocities he has committed, Rhain believes he has no right to a decent life and welcomes the ailment that leaves him with unquenchable thirst and hunger, extreme fatigue, blurred vision and ultimately drives him into a deep slumber from which no healer can awaken him. Can a witch from the clan of his enemy save him?

You can find out more about Bambi’s books on here Amazon author page here. Grab a copy of Sirona and step in the mystical world of the Gods of the Highlands series today:

Amazon US:

Amazon UK:

iTunes:

Nook:

Kobo:

Happy reading!

Ìý

Ìý

It’s that time again� time. This week, we’re talking about the little things. There are a lot of little things that make me happy. Here are a few of mine. What are yours?

Open spaces
Whole leaf white tea, properly brewed
My Plum Paper Planner
Word Count stickers
Watching old movies with my family
Perfectly baked bread
A really good sandwich
The Montana night sky

It’s Medieval Monday again and time to meet another fabulous author, Ruth Casie. This collection of short stories is a wonderful blend of romance, fantasy and time travel—and you can get it free right now for a limited time.

Here’s a peek at the story:Ìý

After a year of searching, Maximilian, the druid Grand Master, finds the sacred mistletoe destined for his soul mate shriveled and dead. He must journey to the Otherworld and tell the Ancestors of his failure.

Ellyn of Brodgar is an exceptional healer. But each healing kiss depletes her energy and brings her closer to death. Ellyn needs to find her own healing power before it’s too late.

Max and Ellyn are tossed into the Otherworld and have until the third sunset to appeal to the Ancestors or be lost forever. Together they find love, and as the last rays of the third sunset slip away, both are willing to sacrifice their hopes, dreams, and lives for the other. Do they have what it takes to escape the Otherworld and begin their life together?

Amazon:

BN:

iBook:

KOBO:

Here’s an excerpt from the collection:

He stood by the stone altar. The mist thickened in deep pools and drifted to the bottom of the great sarsen stones. Churning like a phantom stew, fingers of mist crept up the stones, leaving a shimmering outline in its wake. The silhouette thickened, revealing the hooded forms of the Ancestors.

“Grand Master, who do you bring to the sacred circle?�

“The healer—� his voice boomed.

“Only you, the Grand Master, are permitted to approach us for our guidance.� The angry voice of an Ancestor reached his ears. “But we are forgiving.�

“I come to seek—�

“Before you tell us what you seek, tell us of your quest.�

A flicker of apprehension pulsed through him. He was certain Ellyn didn’t have much time and the full red moon hung large in the sky. Only a thin arc of sun remained on the horizon.

He removed the wrapped cloth from his pouch and laid the package on the altar stone. “I have passed your test.� He did not expose the mistletoe. He didn’t want the Ancestors to see the dead plant, not until he had Ellyn safely back to Avebury. After that he didn’t care.

“You have found your mate?�

Max hesitated. “Perhaps. I have much to tell you, but before I begin I ask for a boon.� He glanced over his shoulder. She waited for him.

“What do you seek?� the Ancestors rumbled with a cold, hard voice.

“Ellyn of Brodgar is ill. I ask you to help her. She is honorable and has served the people well and denies no one at her own expense.�

“You are the people’s Grand Master. She is your responsibility. We can only guide and help those who have passed on to our world.�

“No,� he insisted, pounding his fist on the stone altar. How could this be? For the first time in his life he felt helpless. He could not lose her. He knew if he did he would lose a part of himself. “She has done everything—�

“It is not for us to interfere.� The voice was calm and without empathy.

“You do not interfere? You demanded I find a mate.�

There was no response.

He tried to keep his control. “She told me she was compelled to come here. Why?�

Still they did not respond.

Anger surged through him. “You brought her here. She needs your help. She’s dying.� He pointed to where he left her.

“Only you can help her, Grand Master.�

“Me?� He stopped short. “How? If I could she’d already be cured.�

“Why do you care what happens to her? She is just a simple Orkney witch. Nothing else.�

Ideas flashed across Max’s mind. If he was the only one that could help her the answer must lie in his greatest gift. His magick. He must get her back to Avebury, back to his magick, before the sun set.

“Here.� He unrolled the mistletoe. “Here is your talisman. Send us back to Avebury,� he demanded.

“So, you found your mate,� the Ancestor said with a satisfied voice.

Max looked at the healthy mistletoe and gaped in astonishment. The plant was dead when he’d last looked. How could it now be alive? Icy fear raced up his back. He glanced at Ellyn on the far side of the circle. Her kisses. He had teased her and it was her kiss all along.

“You hold her destiny in your hands.�

Be sure and pick up your free copy today in one of the links above!

It’s Medieval Monday again and ÌýI’d like to introduce you to author Cathy MacRae.ÌýHer stories feature strong heroes and feisty heroines in pursuit of their happy-ever-afters in medieval Scotland. Let’s start off with an excerpt from her book, The Highlander’s French Bride.

Melisende’s arms fell to her sides. “Why would you go back to such a life?�

“To the parties,� Lucienne answered, “and the gowns of fabrics so fantastic they make you cry from the sheer pleasure of them. Laces so delicate they can scarcely withstand the needle. Embroidery so fine it takes four seamstresses a week just to produce one sleeve.� Her eyes closed and rapture lit her face. “The men so courteous, so eager to woo me. Dancing, stealing kisses behind the fountain. They tell me how beautiful I am, how much they desire me.� She opened her eyes, settling her gaze on Melisende’s shocked face.

“Once Raul began annulment proceedings, their interest increased a hundredfold. I will have no lack of sponsors once I return.�

“That is a shameful way to live, and you know it, Lucienne.� Tears burned in Melisende’s eyes. “How can you do this to yourself?� She swept a hand toward the bed. “To her?�

The scorn returned to Lucienne’s face, casting ugly shadows beneath her high cheeks. “You think you know what is right for me. That I should be exactly like you, drowning behind your polite façade. You believe everything is perfect in your little world with your adorable new husband who loves you?� Her eyes narrowed as she slid her gaze to Arielle. “Have you not wondered why she looks like him?�

Melisende immediately looked at the child asleep on the bed. Her dark hair spilled across the pillow like a shadow in the dimly lit room. She glanced back at her sister. “Why do you say that? I think she looks just like you.�

“She has my nose and eyes, oui. But her dark hair comes from her father.�

â€Áè²¹³Ü±ô.â€�

“Non. From your oh-so-sweet husband.�

Melisende’s gaze bounced from Lucienne back to the child. Lucienne’s parting words so many years ago loosed themselves from the depths of her mind. What do you think went on whilst he slept in our house—only me and him? He would be unable to look you in the eye if you knew everything that happened.

She shook her head. Non! It is impossible to think of it!He has already assured me there was nothing between himself and Lucienne. But her heart grew cold in her breast.

Lucienne strolled to the bed and stroked her daughter’s hair. “She looks so much like me. But she has Kinnon’s hair.� Her smile set an arrow in Melisende’s heart.

Brushing aside her doubts, Melisende stepped forward. “Do not be absurd, Lucienne. Her hair is much like mine, and Raul’s is dark as well.�

Lucienne tossed her head. “You do not seem to recall Arielle was born early—or so I told Raul.�

“Lucienne, did you have relations with someone whilst we lived in Randon?� Melisende demanded. “Did you marry Raul knowing you were already enceinte?�

Lucienne sent her a mocking look. “You would love to believe that, wouldn’t you? To keep your lover innocent of the deed.

“I do not believe you,� Melisende replied firmly, against the reservations that gnawed at her.

Lucienne’s eyebrows raised, a lofty smile taunting Melisende. “Yet you see the resemblance, non? No matter what you tell yourself, you will always know there is the possibility. We spent an entire week together, unchaperoned. You know how insatiable he is, n’ai-je pas raison?� Her eyes glittered. “No matter what you try to believe, you will always wonder if he shared his body with me first.�

A Peek Into the Story:

Heir to a lairdship, Kinnon Macrory is driven to prove his worth by fighting the English on the battlefields of France. His dreams of heroic valor are destroyed by the realities of war—the atrocities visited by fellow soldiers on the very people he is sworn to protect. Three years in a French prison for a crime he did not commit leave Kinnon longing for the one thing of beauty in his war-torn life—a young woman of great kindness and wisdom named Melisende.

Melisende de la Roche struggles to stay one step ahead of soldiers who would imprison her for helping an injured Scotsman wrongly accused of treason. She finds refuge in her uncle’s shop—until a chance encounter sends her fleeing into the unknown once again, haunted by the beguiling friendship with the troubled young Scotsman she is certain she will never see again.

Determined to find the woman of his dreams, Kinnon returns to France, only to discover a trail of clues to Melisende’s whereabouts. Their reunion will open the doors to passion, but half-truths and lies from the past could destroy the one thing they both are willing to fight for—each other.

You can grab Cathy’s book on Amazon right here:Ìý

Happy reading!

It’s Medieval Monday again. This week’s recommendation is the Time Enough For Love series by Jenna Jaxon. ÌýHere’s a peek:

Abruptly, he gripped her face, pulling it up until she peered into the dangerous dark eyes of her husband. Terror surged through her at the sight of his snarling countenance.

“Why so amorous this morning, my sweet?� he growled, his eyes snapping with anger. “Were Geoffrey’s kisses not as satisfying as you remembered?�

Ìý

Oh, God. Oh, God. He saw�

Ìý

Thomas flung her toward the bed. She huddled at its foot in a heap, shivering, while he strode to where she lay, towering over her. Alyse cringed before him, head bowed, too frightened and ashamed for tears.

Ìý

“I believe I may have misspoken earlier, madam.� His voice dripped sarcasm. “I had, in fact, gone in search of you, to invite you to an intimate breakfast with your husband. Imagine my dismay to find you engaged in one already, albeit with someone else’s husband. From the exchange I saw, I can scarce credit that you hunger still. Yet you enter our chamber apparently unsatisfied. Pray tell me, how many more husbands would you devour ere the day begins?�

Ìý

His voice rose to an excruciating volume, and Alyse clamped her hands to her ears lest she be deafened.

“I have played the tender lover these past weeks. Petted and cajoled you, like some simpering green boy in an effort to remain true to the vow I made you, despite my right as your husband to demand your obedience in bed. I have been patient, kind, and true, madam, and I am repaid in treachery!�

Ìý

“Nay, Thomas!� Quite suddenly, she found her tongue and raised a resolute face to her livid husband. She rose from the floor and stood facing him, breasts heaving in indignation. “Whatever you saw, whatever you think, I did not betray you with Geoffrey.�

Ìý

“You were in his arms, your mouths locked together as though nothing could pull them asunder. Do you deny that?� He spat the words at her.

Ìý

“Nay.� She pitched her voice low, her resentment of his accusation ebbing. “God forgive me, I kissed him and held him, and he held me. And the world ceased to exist for a little while.�

Want to hear more about the series? Here’s another peek at the four books:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

How can you resist a story about having to pick between two loves? You can get your copy of all four books in the Time Enough For Love series right now at Amazon:

#ListifyLife: Spring, For Me, Is:

Taking off my snow tires.
Days and days (and DAYS) of basketball�
Thinking about a garage sale.
Corned beef and cabbage.
Getting ready for summer camps.
Reading outside.
Road Trips!

What is spring for you?

I found my people. List nerds.

If you’ve been reading my blogs over the years (I’ve been blogging in some form since 2004), then you know how much I LOVE LISTS. Typically, lists not divisible by five, and the randomer, the better.

So when I found , I had a mini moment of ecstasy and decided to join right in. So I’m going to participate. I hope you will, too. The first day is on the 20th of March (first day of Spring). . I’ll be blogging and pinning, starting on March 20th. Join me. Or do your own #ListifyLife challenge. Or do both!

Next up: “Spring for Me is…� (coming March 20th)