Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love
the holiday music and movies, the twinkling lights, and those gorgeous Christmas
trees you see in malls, parks and friends’ and family’s homes.
And when it comes to Christmas ornaments, well,
let’s just say I’m hopelessly addicted to them. Seriously. I have a ten foot
tree with nary an empty branch. (Which is the way I like it. :)
In fact, we have tradition in the DiPasqua
household. Whenever we go on vacation, we make sure to buy an ornament from each
new city we visit.
These are a sample of our vacation ornaments:
There’s a magically feeling about Christmas. It’s a
time when miracles can happen and wishes can come true. I guess that’s why I
love fairy tales so much. They have that same quality and feel to them—all year
round.
My latest book in my critically acclaimed the Fiery
Tales series, UNDONE, is a spicy retelling of Rapunzel. Though the love scenes in my books are
erotically charged, that doesn’t mean you won’t find a romance that will sweep
you up. Readers of UNDONE have been reporting that they found the book so
moving, it’s made them cry. They say miracles come in threes. That’s exactly
what Simon Boulenger needs. Three rather impossible miracles to change his
life, and Angelica’s life for the better. But sexy privateer, Simon has some
big hurtles standing in the way of those miracles. And his happily ever after.
UNDONE
A Fiery Tale, Historical Romance
ISBB: 0988035014, Available now
Inspired by the tale
of Rapunzel, Lila DiPasqua offers a new steamy, emotionally charged historical
romance in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series . . . Rescuing this beauty from the
‘tower’ is only the beginning . . .
Maintaining her ruse as a commoner, and trusting no one has kept Angelica safe.
But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands her right where danger
lies. Now, this sinfully handsome man with arresting blue eyes and a polished
manner thinks he’s saved her life, when in fact he’s placed her in great peril.
She’s intent on keeping him and everyone else at arm’s length. Yet, the
smoldering attraction between them is difficult to deny. And impossible to
ignore . . .
As commander of a number of privateer ships, Simon Boulenger dresses and speaks
like an aristocrat, and has obtained wealth. But he is still not a noble. Or an
officer in the King’s Navy. His lifelong dream to elevate himself from his
station of birth and attain a respectable place in society is dead. Worse, he’s
ensnared in a deadly scheme, and must get out. But how is he to stay focused on
his dangerous mission when the mysterious beauty has him utterly intrigued? He
can’t afford the distraction any more than he can resist the carnal hunger she
stirs. Simon soon discovers that she’s not only a passionate soul mate, but a
woman born into privilege. A woman he can never have. But they’re in too deep.
Their hearts are at risk . . . as well as their lives.
Adding to the Fiery Tales series soon is THE DUKE’S
MATCH GIRL. Hans Christian Andersen’s The
Little Match Girl has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. I’m
taking this wonderful tale and giving it my own grown up steamy, romantic
twist. This novella is all about a second chance at first love. Leo, Duke of
Mont-Marly is going to need a miracle of his own to in order to reclaim
Suzanne’s heart. Add some fun, quirky secondary characters, and you have a
holiday romance great for any time of the year.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you about my latest
Christmas ornament! Yes, dear readers, we have a new ornament this year that
has nothing to do with our travels. We recently adopted a black Labrador mix
named Rocky. He may think it’s a miracle he got adopted out of the pound he
found himself in. But in truth, we’re the ones who lucked out. He’s a real love
bug. And this is my new favorite ornament. *smiles*
Do you have a holiday tradition in your family?
Or do you have a special ornament that has sentimental value to you?
Answer either question, or both! One lucky commenter will win a copy one book
from the Fiery Tales series. Winner’s choice. Giveaway
open worldwide.
Lila DiPasqua writes wicked & witty historical
romance for Penguin/Berkley as well as self-published novels. She is best known
for her acclaimed Fiery Tales series. To learn more about Lila and her books,
visit www.LilaDiPasqua.com
***Lila's winner is Linda! Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your full name and mailing address!***
***Lila's winner is Linda! Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your full name and mailing address!***
61 comments:
Every single ornament my kids make go on my tree. I love collecting ornaments especially rocking horses. Thanks for sharing with us!
evjochum AT aol DOT com
My favorite ornament is a little white and silver Venetian mask, one of the first ornaments I bought.
We have plenty of Christmas tradition. My favorite is "Simbang Gabi". It's a mass held during 4 A.M. in the morning, usually starts every 16th of December to the 25th. We, with my family attend the mass together. It's our way of bonding with each other. Anyway, my favorite Christmas ornament that has been with us ever since I could remember is our Christmas tree. It's about 5 feet tall, it was our first time to have a tree that tall. It's special to us since my mom bought it after working hard, sewing clothes to her customer.
We have ornaments that are from our parents and new ones that the kids have created. All ere precious and special.
My sister and I always share a room on the night of Christmas Eve, even though we're way too old now haha. We always have a very colour coordinated tree, with lots of silver and glass ornaments.
Thanks for the giveaway!
My brother still makes some of the same Christmas cookies my mother made for us growing up.
Carole (carole720@msn.com)
As a kid me and momma used to make lady fingers every year, even when I got older. Now I make them with my kids and it makes me smile, my momma is now in heaven. So it would not be Christmas without making her lady fingers :)
I find it hard to continue holiday tradition, since my kids are adults now and they lived far away from us. But, when they come over with the grand-children, we bake cookies with them. You will find this funny! but the grand-childen love to decorate their own pizza. My husband does his pizza dought and the kids make weird shapes and make funny face. That's one of our holiday fun.
We do the christmas tree and cookies every year because my daughter loves it!
So far, the only tradition was the one that my aunt started a couple years ago - her and my uncle have a bunch of envelopes with various amounts and it's put in a hat (or a bowl or whatever) and we all draw an envelope. The lucky one would get the highest amount:D So far, twice in a row, it's been his son and my other aunt (her sister) thinks it is a conspiracy. I think it's just divine intervention - he is the only one with kids ;)
My favorite ornaments are these beautiful silver and purple tinsels and these huge socks with furry animals sticking out from the top that my parents bought from Australia a long time ago. I used to have this maid who would hang them up during Christmas on our stair's railings, and I would come home a few days before Christmas to all these stunning decors. She went home just a few weeks ago, so this is the first Christmas without her. I'll really miss her, but she's gone back to marry this guy she's loved for some time now, so I'm not that sad. ;)
Anyway, that's another really beautiful cover!! I loved the fiery, eye-catching tee of Undone's (even tho I haven't read it yet, so I was waiting till I get my hands on The Princess in His Bed and A Midnight Dance before I read all of 'em together! Guess I'll wait for The Match Girl to be out now. :P
Thanks for this amazing giveaway, and hope you're enjoying winter so far!
CYP
cypsays_hi @ hotmail.com
I try to get ornaments when I go somewhere. I call my Christmas tree my memory tree because there are so many memories attached to each ornament. They all have a story to tell.
We make potato latkes with my grandmother's grater which she inherited from her grandmother.
Our main tradition is a gathering of all
my parent's children, grands, and great-
grands where we share fun, food, and
fellowship.
As for ornaments, my favorites are those
made by our children and grandchildren
over the years. They go on the tree every
year. Also love the ornaments my dear MIL
gave us, lovely old-style ornaments.
Pat C.
A mass cookie baking session with a Mah Jong game running concurrently so that those who are tired of baking can switch with one of the players.
My favorite two decorations, are the white dove of peace, and a pink butterfly, that were on my Dad's funeral flowers (from me). I still think about him almost every day, but Christmas is really the time of year that I miss him the most. I find these two items extremely comforting to me.
Thanks for a great post! My mom has kept all of the ornaments that my brother and I made in school (we're in our 30's now). So it's fun to see them on her tree :)
Somehow in a move, I had lost both my daughter's "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments. My heart ached, since these hold special memories. My marriage was horrible, but their births made my life worth living. Well...after five years, my DH (Knight in Shining Armor who came to my rescue thirty years ago) found these buried in a bin.
They are my special holiday ornaments, and I now feel like my Christmas is complete.
Oh, YAY! A chance to win another Lila DiPasqua book? *happy dance* I just purchased "A Midnight Dance" and I can't wait to start it!
My Christmas tradition is to watch the movie White Christmas every year while I wrap presents. It's my favorite holiday movie, probably for the romance. :-)
Hi Lila, I love your new little ornament. :) How precious.
My son and his wife do the same thing Lila. Whatever country or state they go to they buy an ornament. And a work of Art by a local Artist. Their tree looks amazing though.
In my family one of traditions is we all get together on Christmas Eve so we can attend midnight mass. I've been doing this from before I had my own 7 kids with my own siblings.Then we have Christmas dinner together and share the love. :) It gets quite loud having 7 grown kids now along with their own families.I have so many ornaments
from the kids growing up but my favorite is a Angel my late Mom gave me years ago. Thanks for this opportunity.
Happy Holidays to you and Mr. D and the family.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Love the dog ornament... our groomer made little personalized stockings for our dogs... We still hang them on our tree in their memory!
Oh, I've been collecting ornaments for over 42 years. I have many that are dear to me from a few from my childhood and some from my husband's and from trips and friends and family and especially the homemade ones. I have a tree trimming part every year and everyone gets to enjoy trimming my live tree but I always take it down by myself where I get to see each and every ornament!
catslady5(at)aol.com
A lot of our ornaments are cheap and/or made by kids. But we do have the tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve, and just generally food. Thanks!
jessicamariesutton(at)msn(dot)com
Undone was one of the three books that brought me to tears this year. I love those stories that are so emotionally charged they bring tears of sadness and happiness. It sure speaks volumes about the author's talent when they do that to me.
Our Christmas tradition has been going to the candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve.
We like to open 1 gift on Christmas Eve and then the rest the next day.
yadkny@hotmail.com
Oh, I love rocking horses! And those treasures our children make are the best ornaments of all! Glad you stopped by. :)
Sound beautiful, Stefanie! Those Venetian masks are just gorgeous, aren't they?
I have a pink sequined felt angel ornament that my aunt gave me when I was six. I still have it and it is on my tree every year. My mother made sure I had it for my tree the first year I moved out. I didn't have a Grandma and my Aunt was the substitute for me. She bought me makeup and painted my nails. She was a huge fan of anything sparkly and she made me that way too.
Ann(dot)sheiring(at)gmail(dot)com
I love your special tradition and tree, Lory. I'm so glad you shared with me! :)
Sounds wonderful! So full of sentimental value! Thank you for sharing with me. :)
I love your sister Christmas Eve bonding, Cerian! Your Christmas tree sounds beautiful. :)
I bet they taste just as great, Carole! :) I'm so glad you stopped by to share!
Oh, that's sounds wonderful, indeed. And it's the true meaning of Christmas, isn't it? I'm so happy you stopped by to share. :)
How special! What a lovely tradition, Chris! I'm so glad you shared it with me. :)
Oh, it does sound like a lot of fun, Nicole! We used to do something similar with our kids when they were younger. Those are very special memories for us---as I'm sure they are for you, too. Thank you for stopping in to share! :)
Who can blame her? That sounds pretty great to me, too. :) Thank you for sharing, May!
LOL. That sounds like fun, Arianne! Good luck! I hope you draw the best envelope this year. :)
Thanks so much for the wonderful comment! How romantic that your maid is marrying the man of her heart. :) That touches my romantic soul. I'm so glad you like the cover of UNDONE. You can read my books in any order you wish, so no worries about you happen to get first. All the best to you this holiday season!
Oh, we are kindred spirits, Julia! We do the same. Isn't it wonderful decorating the tree? Each time you pick up an ornament, it triggers a lovely memory. :)
Oh how wonderful---and delicious! I love potato latkes! Thank you for sharing with me. :)
What great traditions you have, Pat! And the sentimental ornaments make your tree so special! I'm so glad you dropped by to share. :)
Oh, how great is that?! I love it! Thank you, Lil. I enjoyed reading about your tradition. :)
I completely understand that, Diane. I have a beautiful statue of Mary that was in my grandmother's funeral flowers from me, too. I've kept it and it makes me feel as though she's near. (Which I believe she is.) Thank you for sharing such a touching tradition with me. ((hugs))
I'm so glad you like the post, Erin! And I love your tradition! Thank you for stopping in to share. :)
Oh, Mary, I'm so glad you found those ornaments---or rather your DH found them. (He really is a Knight in Shining Armor!) Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
*MUAH* Thank you! :) I hope you enjoy A MIDNIGHT DANCE! It's been nominated for a number of awards including Best Erotic Historical Romance. As for your tradition--I love it! I actually just finished watching White Christmas. Such a great movie. I'm so glad you stopped by. :)
I'm Asian & our major holiday/festive season is Chinese New Year. I always make a jelly that my mum taught me; it has bread, brown sugar & loads of coconut milk (very creamy & unhealthy!). It's probably the only time of the year we hv it & every1 in the family loves it.
I read Undone recently & loved it! Can't wait to read the rest in the series.
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
What an amazing place your house must be at Christmas time. It's a blessing to have a big loving family. Happy Holidays to you and yours, dear Carol! :)
Oh, that's so lovely! And thank you! I'm delighted you like my Lab ornament. :) Merry Christmas!
That's a great tradition! I'm so glad you stopped by and shared with me. :) Merry Christmas!
Love your tradition, Jess! And I'm sure your tree is lovely to behold. :) Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas!
Oh, thank you, Leah! What a lovely comment to make about UNDONE! *smooches* Your tradition is wonderful--and so are you. Merry Christmas!
That's a great tradition! I'm delighted you stopped in to share it with me. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
What a touching story about your Aunt and her ornament. Thank you very much for sharing it! Have a Merry Christmas, Ann! (By the way, I love sparkly things, too. :)
That's a great tradition, Linda! And it sounds delicious! I'm so delighted you enjoyed UNDONE. :) Thank you for stopping by.
My most precious ornaments are those made by my children when they were very little. They may be faded & tatty, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Christmas Eve we drive around looking at all the pretty lights with our kids who are grown now. Lisagk(at)yahoo
I try to do the same thing. Get a Christmas tree ornament every where we go. Often times, we make something a Christmas tree ornament no matter what it was intended to be. haha But even if we forget, I am a voracious picture taker. So I can make an ornament from a picture too. Love all Christmas traditions!! And I also love allll my ornaments. I never have two the same of any kind on there and most have a story. I love the memories they bring up.
lisakhutson @ cox. net
On Christmas Eve we usually go to the town carole sing around the green followed by a candlelight church service.
My Dad loved birds, particularly cardinals, so over the years we were always giving him cardinals of every sort. So now I have his collection and they are the primary decoration on my
Christmas tree.
sallans d at yahoo dot com
Hi Lila!
It's New Years Eve and time tomorrow to take down our Christmas tree and the ornaments will be tucked in their box after celebrating a holiday bring special remembrances to us of Christmases present and past.
Each ornament we hang bring special memories first from our childhoods as remembrances of Christmas's past return while we hang ornaments from our ancestors and parents followed by those lovingly made by our now grown children when they were young and finally the new ones we add each year crafted by our grandchildren that carry that special joy of youth.
Because of that they are all special because of the wonderful times they bring us back to and the future they make us think of with joy and thanks.
Each one brings us joy as we hang them and later we talk far into the night remembering not only the struggles encountered but the joy and love we've enjoyed and hope for not only our children and grandchildren but for those all over the world that they grow in peace and harmony in the years to come.
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