TUESDAY TIT BITS WITH ...........AMY CLIPSTON!!!!!!!!!!

Hi all and thanks for joining me in the Nook today.  I have the almighty great pleasure, and yes I am gushing here to introduce the very gorgeous and talented author of the Kauffman Bakery Series set in Amish county............AMY CLIPSTON.  Seriously how wonderful is this? 

Amy welcome to the Nook and thank you so much for taking time out of your busy life to agree to do this interview.  I am honoured that you accepted my invitation.

Amy, it is an absolute honour and pleasure to have you here in the Nook. Your Kauffman bakery series is such a unique and beautifully written series, how did you decide to write about the Amish?

The Amish are such a unique community, and even more the fascinating because in the UK we don’t have them here. Is there anything about the UK that particularly intrigues you Amy?

You’re going to laugh, but I’ve loved the Beatles since I was in middle school. I also enjoy hearing about William and Kate.

When did you start writing and what/who are your biggest influences?

As a child and young adult, I wrote for fun. I remember penning my first story in elementary school. Writing was something I did to cope with stress and also escape to my own little world. However, I didn’t consider becoming an author or pursuing a writing career until I accidentally found a local chapter of Romance Writers of America chapter in 2001. After going to a meeting, I realized that writing was a passion I wanted to pursue as a possible career. Through the writers’ group, I learned how to polish my work and find an agent.

My biggest influences as a child were S.E. Hinton and Judy Blume. When I began writing Christian fiction, I was inspired by Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter.

I know from experience that writing and raising a family, especially when there are little ones around is not easy. How do you manage and do you have any hints or tips you would be able to share?

My situation is unusual because I work a full-time job along with writing and raising a family. I’ve learned to be flexible. I work four 10-hour days in order to have Fridays off for writing, running errands, and volunteering at my boys’ school. I’m also blessed to have my mother living with my family. She handles most of the housework, including food shopping, cleaning, and doing laundry. Thanks to her help, I’m able to spend any free time at home writing. If the boys are busy playing outside on the weekend, I’ll work on my current book project. I also burn the midnight oil and write until late at night. I live on caffeine and very little sleep when I’m on deadline. When I complete a book deadline, I do something special with my boys, such as going to the movies, going ice skating, or just spending time together at home. My schedule is not ideal schedule, but I make it work. My family is very supportive.

Do you have a particular writing style? I mean does it have to be in absolute peace and quiet or can you write in amongst chaos and noise....if you can I would have to say you are amazing!

I sometimes write with music on a very low volume. I also have this strange habit of putting the television on without the sound. If I get stuck with the book, I look up at the screen for a break. I know I’m strange!

I read you are from Charlotte, North Carolina. I probably sound really uneducated, but the only thing I know about Carolina is that it featured a great deal in the TV series North and South with Patrick Swayze. Can you tell us more about where you live and what it’s like living in the US especially at the moment with the upcoming Presidential election please? I can only think that is probably a manic time there as it is for us Brits with the Diamond Jubilee being celebrated in a matter of months.

I have to admit I’m not a Southerner by birth, but I always felt my heart belonged to the South. I grew up in northern New Jersey and moved to Virginia Beach after high school. We came to the Charlotte area in 2006.

Charlotte is a wonderful place. We have the city feel with tall buildings and sports arenas in Uptown, but we also have farmland. I work in Uptown but live in a more rural part of the area where I pass by farmland on the way to my sons’ school. Although we aren’t on the coast, we have the beach and also the mountains within a day’s drive.

The Presidential election is all over the news, both on the Internet and on television. There are debates, speeches, and advertisements. Some folks get into it and follow every news story, but it’s only background noise to me. Although my father was very politically astute, I stopped paying much attention after he became ill. There are issues that are important to me, but I keep my opinions to myself. Politics separates people, and I avoid heated arguments and debates. I don’t want to risk losing a friendship by getting into an emotional political debate.

What are you planning on writing after the Kauffman Bakery have finished? Will you be basing more novels in Amish country?

I have another series coming next year, and it will also be based in Lancaster County. I’m really excited about it. I can’t tell you much now, but I promise I will soon!

I have to say that I personally am such a HUGE fan of yours, and enter the competitions as having an autographed copy of your book/s would be the icing on the cake for me. Is there a particular author who you would love to have a signed book by?

Thank you for your kind words! I would pass out if I received an autographed book from S.E. Hinton, Judy Blume, Kristin Hannah or Janet Evanovich.

Do you have any plans to come to the UK at all?

Unfortunately, no. I hope to someday be in a position to travel, but we’re not there yet.

I am more than a bit of a foodie. Do you munch on anything when you are writing?

Popcorn! I crave popcorn and Diet Coke when I’m stressed. My wonderful husband made me my favorite air-popped delight last week when I was very stressed about a book edit. I was so happy to smell that delicious treat when he brought it upstairs for me. J

In your books, of which I find the covers are stonkingly beautiful, there are many recipes in there. Are you planning to release an Amish Cookbook or can you share with us your all time favourite recipe please?

My publisher hasn’t mentioned a cookbook, but it would be fun to do one. Thank you for complimenting the recipes. Here’s a delicious recipe for soft pretzels. Yum!

Soft Pretzels

1 ½ c warm water

1 1/8 tsp active dry yeast

2 Tbs brown sugar

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 c bread flour

3 c regular flour

2 c warm water

2 Tbs baking soda

coarse salt

2-4 Tbs melted butter

Sprinkle yeast on warm water in mixing bowl. Stir to dissolve. Add brown sugar and salt. Stir to dissolve. Add flours and knead dough until smooth. Let it rise for 30 minutes.

While dough is rising, mix 2 c warm water with 2 Tbs baking soda. Stir often.

After dough has risen, roll pieces of dough into a long rope (no more than a ½ inch thick). Shape into a pretzel or keep in strips. Dip in baking soda solution and place on greased baking sheet. Let dough rise again. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt. You can also sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Finally Amy, could you leave us with a teaser of a book please?

I’m really excited about my upcoming book, Reckless Heart, which is a Kauffman Amish Bakery young adult book. Although it’s not part of the series, it’s a story about Lydia Bontrager, one of the Kauffman granddaughters. The novel will be available in April.

Here’s a teaser for you:

Book Description

Lydia Bontrager's youngest sister is frighteningly ill, and as a good Amish daughter, it falls to Lydia to care for her siblings and keep the household running, in addition to working as a teacher's assistant and helping part time at her grandmother's bakery. Succumbing to stress, Lydia gives in to one wild night and returns home drunk.

The secret of that mistake leaves Lydia feeling even more restless and confused, especially when Joshua, the only boy she's ever loved, becomes increasingly distant. When a non-Amish boy moves in nearby, Lydia finds someone who understands her, but the community is convinced Lydia is becoming too reckless. With the pressures at home and her sister's worsening condition, a splintering relationship with Joshua, and her own growing questions over what is right, Lydia could lose everything that she's ever held close.

The Making of Reckless Heart

Reckless Heart gave me the opportunity to create a story about Lydia Bontrager, who is one of the granddaughters in my Kauffman Amish Bakery series. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to write a young adult book based on my Kauffman novels.

This story is close to my heart because it's dedicated to Jimmy O'Brien, a dear family friend who lost his life to leukemia at the age of ten.

Amy Clipston
Bestselling Author of Inspirational Fiction
2011 Selah Award Winner for Fiction
Kauffman Amish Bakery Series
www.amyclipston.com
Donate life! http://www.donatelife.net/

I can not tell you how much of a pleasure it was to have Amy here today.  Her books are beautifully written and the 6 of them are on my bookshelf. 

Seriously everyone, check out the Kauffman Bakery Series on Amazon.  They immerse the reader into the plain and simple life of the Amish, yet they have the same issues with love and romance that we do. 

Until next week everyone, KEEP IT KOOKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kook's Nook: ROBYN'S READING......THE NURSE'S NOT-SO-SECRET SCA...

Kook's Nook: ROBYN'S READING......THE NURSE'S NOT-SO-SECRET SCA...: This book is completely the opposite to what I would class as a M&B Medical Romance. It's not soft and fluffy, with the nurse/doctor p...

ROBYN'S READING......THE NURSE'S NOT-SO-SECRET SCANDAL BY WENDY S MARCUS

This book is completely the opposite to what I would class as a  M&B Medical Romance.  It's not soft and fluffy, with the nurse/doctor portrayed as an insipid person who flutters her eyelashes.  Whilst waiting for Dr Dreamy to grow a pair and make the first move.  Not at all.  Wendy has taken a major step forward in my opinion, and it is GREAT!

Her main characters Fig and Roxie are not the run of the mill M&B hero/heroine.  Fig has more issues than a parliamentary campaign, and when he is described in his full naked glory.  My eyes widened.  I won't spoil it for you.  This has to be read to be believed.  As for Roxie.  My word.  She has more guts and "moxie" than anyone I have ever read about.  She is wonderful and I have to say that the storyline and the characters were incredible.

The sex scenes are to be read to be believed.  They are HOT, HOT HOT.  I was fanning myself during certain scenes, and there are a LOT of tips too. 

Wendy has taken the M&B medical to a whole new level.  This is such a good read.  I know I haven't given away any of the story or plotline because I feel that if I do, well I don't want to spoil it.

In a nutshell, this is gutsy, in your face and above all Honest!

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did and thanks Wendy.  I hope to read more like this soon!

Love

Robyn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

MARCH MADNESS.....ITS HERO TIME

No, you aren't dreaming, it's me posting on a Thursday, wow!!!! I have been reading a LOT recently, hoping to inspire myself into finishing my book, and going back in time and re-reading the books that made me fall in love with romance in the first place. 

So here they are.  My first ever trilogy of books that I fell in love with.  They are currently on my beside table and go with me whenever I go on holiday.

They stand out to me for one reason.  The stories are great!.  They are funny, sad, and as a 12 year old reading these, well the way the sex was written about opened my eyes and I ended up basing my ideal man on them. 

Then of course Gina wrote a follow up,  Hotline, which was a brilliant read.  Its about two people that start talking after a wrong number is dialled.  It mentions the oldest sister Spring.  I like the way that Gina describes the hero as slightly shorter than the heroine.  Which does not in any way detract from his handsomeness.  Another Gina Wilkins one features a red haired geeky type, who falls in love with his personal assistant.  Red hair, hairy chest.....wow another favourite hero!!!   A Stroke of Genius.....Finally there was Could It Be Magic, about a magician called Jeremy falling for a quiet teacher called Gwen.  Wonderful stuff.  These are on my bedside table



How lovely are these covers?  The stories are just as great.  I bought the last three from amazon for a penny, and my darling husband bought me the trilogy for Valentines day a few years ago.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.  They can be the man you have dreamed about for such a long time, or the one that you married 6 years ago, and who makes you laugh, cry, pull your hair out. 
As a teenager I had a major crush on Jonesy from the Waltons.  For all those that have no idea who I am talking about, he was Mary-Ellen's second husband.  He made her laugh, was intense at times, but his character was deeply in love with her, and he showed it so much.  For me then, he was the man I wanted to marry.  Well, I may not have the man below, but I have my own Hero......Matthew Ward.

Theres the man himself.  There aren't a lot of similarities to Jonesy, but Matt makes me laugh, he looks after me, and he loves me.  In fact he tells me all the time that he does. 

Finally the one man that of course is most girl's hero, her daddy.  I lost mine when I was 11 years old.  I see him though in my children and think of him often, especially in April.  Yes I was blonde once!

So there you go. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. From the man you married, to your dad.  From the man that took you to the hospital when you were in labour, to the ones that run riot in your imagination.  I raise a glass to you all and say THANK YOU!

I hope you enjoyed this post, and look forward to reading about your heroes.  Enjoy MAD MARCH and above all KEEP IT KOOKY!!!!

TUESDAY TAKE OVER WITH TORY MICHAELS!

Hello everyone, and welcome to Kook's Nook.  This morning I am joined by the very delightful Tory Michaels who has recently had her first paranormal/fantasy novel published by Evernight Publishing.  I have read this myself and thoroughly recommend it.  It's amazing that this world has been created by a woman.  Especially a woman with a busy life twin baby daughters and a 5 year old.  Anyhoo, please give a huge round of applause to Tory, all the way from the good ol US of A!  Grab a hot/cold drink, some snacks and just relax and enjoy

Welcome Tory to Kook's Nook.
Thanks for having me Kooky, its a pleasure to be here.

 

First is there a book that sticks out in your mind, that you go back to time and time again?

Oddly, the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series (name escapes me right now). Incredibly hot. <cough> Yeah, so sue me.

How do you like to write? in the quiet or can you write amongst abject chaos?

Cannot write amidst a lot of chaos. I prefer music in the background, or TV. I need noise of some sort, but not the kind that you get from two babies and a 5 y/o. Heh.

Who is your inspiration?

Is it selfish to say I don’t really have one? I write because that’s what I love to do. I’ve never been the sort to say, “Oh, look at ‘X’, I must now write about it.” Maybe old role-playing games inspired me at times, but that’s about it.

Who would you most like to bring you your first drink of the morning?

I should probably say my husband, right? Necessary and loving wifely duty aside, if I could be sure I would emerge alive from it, I’d have to say Jordan. Yeah, I’m hung up on my sociopath. If we’re talking about people who really exist, probably David Boreanaz (Angel from the Buffy/Angel universe) or some other hot, mostly naked man.

What do you tend to snack on whilst writing (Im a foodie)

Pepperoni and cheese. Don’t ask.

Do you have a favourite recipe you could share with us?

Mexican lasagna. Unfortunately, I’m not sure where the cookbook is and I’m not sure of the exact recipe. I’m not the primary chef (thank God – I despise cooking).

Could you give some advice to aspiring authors?

Don’t give up, pay some attention to the market but only to a certain point. Everything comes into vogue from time to time, and then goes right back out again.

What advice do you have if you get blocked?

Drink prune juice? Oh, did you mean writer’s block? Hehehe, sorry, couldn’t resist. Don’t do what I did (have babies). They’re awfully cute, but once they get out of the sleeping lump phase, they’re awfully squirmy and demanding of attention. I read, go back and reread what I’ve been working on and try to find out what went wrong and then chop it out and build things back up. I had to chop over 100 pages of my upcoming release, Blood-Mage Rising, because I’d gone down the wrong path. Later, I chopped another 40 pages because I’d done it again. While I will never be an outliner/planner, I can see why that route might appeal to some (including Super Editor).

A big question? How do you like your heroes, hairy chested or smooth and sleek?

Smooth and sleek. If I wanted a bear, I’d go find a Kodiak (or a were-bear) cub and cuddle with that. Blech, body hair on men is right up there with heavy-duty veins in the arms and hands for major turn-offs.

Do you find it easy to write love scenes?

Only if you consider getting teeth pulled easy.

Is there a type of romance you have always wanted to write?

Yup, and I’ve written it (Blood Rage). Now I’m more into the urban fantasy side of things, with a heavy dose of potential romance for the leads (Jordan/Chris in Blood-Mage Rising and book 3, potentially titled In Dreams or Blood Dreams).

What are your favourite genres to read?

Regency romance, paranormal romance, and suspense/thriller-esque books (think Douglas Preston/Lincoln Childs).

How do you relax?

I swim or read a good book. I’m pretty boring.

Finally.....could you share a teaser from your latest release please?

Hrmm, from Rage?

1810 – Scotland

As he circled the clearing, staring down at the fire he smelled from miles out, Anthony let out an inaudible snarl. He could see the damnable leader of the pack calling themselves the Aristocrats off to one side watching the blaze. The Bloody Baron himself, Jordan MacNaught.

To Anthony’s horror, a little girl lay unconscious at the baron’s feet, a spot of blood marring the white flesh of her neck.

Upon landing, he shifted from falcon to man and stalked across the chilly clearing. He felt only the faintest stirring of life. He could do nothing for the humans inside. He couldn’t retaliate either, not as long as the other man limited his mischief to members not of the Blood. Neither Council nor Circle cared when humans got hurt.

Reaching Jordan, he asked, “What the devil are you doing so far north?”

“Enjoying a gorgeous, chilly night, old man. Lovely company, delicious meal. I generally don’t find that this far north.” Jordan smiled at Anthony, clearly gloating over the knowledge that he was untouchable. “Question is, what brings you here? Don’t tell me, let me guess. Are you chasing down the little whore? Do you regret letting her go?”

Anthony’s attention centered on the little girl, no more than eight, lying in only a thin night-rail. He tentatively touched her mind, found no sign the baron did more than snack on her. Thank the gods. The girl bore little resemblance to Athdara, instead favoring the shared mother, the courtesan L’Emeraude.

Assured the girl should survive the bite, he looked back to Jordan, and he ground his teeth. Anger served no purpose in this discussion, so he reined his in. “Hardly,” he said, and left it to Jordan to decide which question the response fit. When it came to avoiding an outright lie, it all depended on which question he chose to answer.

Anthony Caldwell, his current persona, carried one of England’s oldest and most noble titles. He would never condescend to chase a woman, no matter how much he enjoyed her. He did miss Athdara though, even though she’d left him only two weeks ago. For the first in centuries, he’d lain with the same woman exclusively for two years, and he still didn’t understand why she left. They’d enjoyed each others’ company so much.

“Your wife said you came this way. She wasn’t happy you left without her.”

The shorter man smirked, holding his hands up as if to warm them by the inferno. “The little dear could have come with me. Such bounty should be shared. Would you care for some, Your Grace?”

His stomach curdled at the notion of taking blood from one so young. Despicable. “Given you came in pursuit of a woman, are you surprised she refused to join you?” Anthony waved toward the fire. “What was the point of this?”

“Eliminating MacKechnie’s ties to this wretched wasteland, naturally. With this as a lure,” Jordan nudged the little girl with the toe of his boot, “She’ll come right back to London.” He moaned softly, as if in ecstasy from whatever sick images he was conjuring.

Anthony almost flattened him right there, Inner Circle and rules of propriety be damned. After two years of fantasizing about his human, Jordan seemed to think her fair game now. And to involve a child? Given her utter devotion to her younger siblings, Anthony harbored no doubt Athdara would do whatever she had to to get Caila back. That devotion would only end in death if she got caught up in MacNaught’s game.

“The nectar of the little ones was incredible, old man. Pity there was so little.”

“You drained them? Burning wasn’t enough?” Anthony might act as executioner for the Council and Circle as required, but he could never, would never cross that line and kill a child.

“Waste them like that?” Jordan gasped in mock horror and clapped a pale hand to his cheek. “Heavens, no! They were so ripe for the plucking. Surely you’ve tried the young at least once? The fear, the agony. It’s almost as exquisite as a woman’s final scream

You can contact Tory at these websites

www.torymichaels.com

www.facebook.com/authortorymichaels

www.facebook.com/thedreamwalkerwar

www.twitter.com/torymichaels

www.goodreads.com/torymichaels

Thanks for being here Tory, its been an absolute pleasure, and from all of us at the Nook, wishing you every success with your writing.

Ok, thats all there is for now.  Keep viewing, as I am doing a round up of some really great romance books during this week.

Have fun, be safe, and above all.........KEEP IT KOOKY!!!!!!!!!!!!

TUESDAY TIT-BIT WITH ME!!!!!

Hi everyone.  I hope you all had a lovely Valentines day and if you had the kids off for half term, I do hope it wasn't too manic.

Unfortuntately for me, life has a habit of pulling the rug from under me, and I've been struck down with influenza and bronchitis.  The doctor told me to rest, rest and oh yes..rest.  However, being ill did not stop me from fulfilling my promise to my daughter and not letting her down for her birthday.  As  I'm writing this, I'm still not great, but I have this thing about trying not to let anyone down. 

I haven't got an author of the week, so thought that today, I would let you read my failed entry for the Blaze Valentine competition.  I was 500 words over whooops.

Years ago, my sister had this thing for a group called Madness, and one of their songs "The Bed and Breakfast Man" triggered a story in me.  So here it is.  If you have any comments please, I would be grateful.
THE BED AND BREAKFAST MAN.......BY ROBYN A WARD

Tess's hand shook as she tried to insert the key into the front door. After several tries the key fitted and she unlocked it, falling inside. "Shhhh" Tess slurred after she put her finger to her lips and staggered down the hall that was dimly lit with a warm yellow glow. Past the reception desk towards the stairs. She looked up at the curved staircase. Putting one foot on the stair, she tried to climb them. Eventually reaching the first floor she saw her room number. Tess regained her balance by leaning on the door. It opened, Tess's balance went and she slid down the door. Crawling over to the sumptous bed, she managed to undress and got in under the thick duvet encompassing himself in its warmth. The long day travelling, combined with the alcohol she had drunk at the rehearsal meal had taken its toll and she slipped into unconciousness.

Rolling over in her sleep, an arm went instinctively around a large warm body. She snuggled up to it and then was jerked awake by a very masculine voice .

"What the hell are you doing?" the deep voice said . "This isn't a sodding Carry On film you know".

Tess sat up in bed next to the body. He had a voice, boy did he have a voice, and it was echoing in her head making it throb in pain. Tess clutched it.

"This is my room, what are you doing in here?" Tess countered. Through the fog of her sleep, she realised that being nude and in bed with a strange man, really was not the best of ideas. After grabbing the sheet, Tess shut her eyes, as there was a click and the room was flooded into light.
"Ouch" Tess groaned.

"Been hitting the alcohol a little too much tonight?" the voice asked. With her head throbbing in pain, Tess was barely able to nod.
"Hmm. Can you take paracetamol?". Again, Tess nodded. Within minutes she was drinking a cold glass of water. She opened her eyes and looked down at the two white capsules.

"Oh for heaven's sake, they are paracetamol. Do you want to see the packet?" the exasperation in the voice was clear. Too tired and in too much pain to care, Tess swallowed the capsules, and settled back against the pillows. As she closed her eyes, Tess's last image was of a man with an amused expression on his face and blazing amber eyes.

Gabe sat on the chair next to the bed and made a final attempt to get comfortable. There was no way he could leave her alone in the state she was in. He could see her wriggle about in the bed, and every so often there would be a soft snore, followed by snuffling noises. She sounded like a hedgehog, Gabe thought to himself with a smile. After realising that there would be no chance of getting to sleep on the chair, he gave into his instincts and carefully lifted the covers. Climbing into the softness, Gabe closed his eyes and attempted to drift off to sleep, his body painfully aware of the woman next to him.

Gabe's eyes snapped open as he felt a hand softly tease the soft thicket of hair on his chest, and work its way downwards. Think unsexy thoughts a voice repeated over and over in his mind. 'Margaret Thatcher in a thong, Margaret Thatcher in a thong'. Just as he felt his arousal start to abate, the hand moved downwards closer to his groin. As the hand closed over his rock hard penis, his mind screamed...."Hell. Dennis Thatcher in a thong". Gabe stayed perfectly still. Her hand moved up and down on his cock, over the smooth knit of his jockey shorts. Gabe's mind went into overdrive when it channeled underneath them, and through the dark thick bush of hair surrounding him. Fingers teased and pulled the hairs, Gabe wanted to howl with pleasure. His cock was hard and thrusting upwards, the hand closed around him, skin to skin. It moved over the velvety softness of the tip, squeezing gently, and then slowly, painfully slowly downwards. The fingers acted as if it was memorizing every swollen, inch of him. Stroking each ridge and fold of him. Gabe's head snapped back, he was in agony, all he needed was to feel her soft mouth on him and he would go into............hyperdrive, and off he went. Gabe felt a soft warm mouth on him, replacing the hand that had been stroking his cock. Now it was a soft tongue, lapping at his head much like a cat lapping the finest cream then, moving downwards. His sac was caressed and stroked as she moved down the bed and took him deeper. The suction was firm but gentle. Teasing the tip of him with her tongue. Gabe flexed his hips arching into the movements. He wanted her so much. Hell, Gabe needed to be inside her when he came, but first he had to know.

"Are you okay?" Gabe whispered

"Mmmmm, never better" came the sleepy reply, "Now quiet and let me love you". Her mouth and tongue resumed their kissing and licking of his rampant cock. Gabe gave himself up to the intensity of her caresses on him. Just as he thought he couldn't take any more of the caresses, he felt her nipple brush against his wide chest, grazing his painfully erect nipples. Gabe's head bent and, using one of his hands, lifted her soft breast to his mouth, his tongue laved the taut nipple. He suckled on her deeply. Gabe heard her moan out loud. His other hand moved over her silken skin, down towards the hair at the apex of her thighs. It was damp, moist from her arousal, and Gabe's fingertips brushed through the hair, and down towards her clitoris. He stroked it once, twice. Tess groaned out loud. Gabe realised that he was close to climaxing with this woman, but wanted to love her as much as she had loved him. Gabe managed to switch their positions, and she lay there on the bed, her thighs open. Inhaling the sweet sultry scent of her, Gabe lay down between them, and tentatively ran his tongue from the tip of her clitoris, down and into her opening. He tasted her, he loved her juices that were now flowing freely. Gabe could feel her muscles around his tongue, it swirled around her clitoris, flicking it. His hands were on her breasts, caressing them, bringing her nipples to hard points. As Gabe sucked on her clitoris one final time, he squeezed the hard points.

"In me" Tess breathed. "Please, I want you, now" She gasped.

Gabe reared up and his rock hard cock inched slowly, tantalisingly into her tight, warm channel. He felt her muscles tighten around him, welcoming him inside. They were one person, they moved together, creating the perfect symphony. The tempo changed. It increased, and Gabe moved faster, Tess meeting him thrust for thrust. Gabe felt the beginnings of his orgasm, and the start of hers. Hands entwined, they reached their crescendo, as their love and their bodies merged into one being.

Shouting out their love for each other, Gabe collapsed onto Tess. He kissed her gently, then moved away, bringing her into the circle of his arms. Together they fell asleep.

Just before the alarm went off, Gabe woke up and looked down at the woman snuggling in his arms. She was perfect and she was his. He kissed her mouth gently. Her eyes fluttered open and smiling at him stretched lazily.

"Time to get up" Gabe said drowsily. He stretched out, but was reluctant to leave her. Still, duty called. He got up and before padding towards the bathroom, leant down and again brushed her soft mouth with his.

"It's a good job you remembered in your drunken state, that we changed rooms last night" Gabe said with a grin.

Tess looked bewildered. Her eyes were still muzzy from their night of loving.

"Well, all I can say is that if you hadn't remembered. I think you would have given Mr Stevens a heart attack. At 83, it wouldn't be very good for business, to have the wife of the owner, in bed with a geriatric!" Gabe teased her. "Anyway, breakfast won't make itself" He announced and went off in the direction of the bathroom. "And....after a night like that, you can go out with my sister anytime you want" he turned and winked at her.

Tess smiled to herself as she stretched again in the sumptuous bed. It smelled of him, her husband, her very own Bed and Breakfast man.

Have a great week, and above all KEEP IT KOOKY!!!!!!!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy Valentines Day.....with KATIE CRABAPPLE

Happy Valentines day to you all and welcome to Kook's Nook.  Today, I have handed it over to a very lovely friend of mine from the USA.....KATIE CRABAPPLE. 

 

Before I disappear, I would like to wish my daughter a very happy 6th birthday.  Valentine's day is very special in our home because of that.  I am very lucky in that I have a rather wonderful husband who is downright romantic.  Anyway.  I shall sit down with a mug of Lempsip and hand over to the very delicious KATIE!

 

Why dont you start by telling us all a bit about you Katie.......

 

I'm a Christian homeschooling mom of one little boy who is eight years old. My husband was laid off eighteen months ago, and has just started his own travel business from home. He shares the homeschooling with me to free me up to write more. 

We've been married for thirteen years and are still as much in love as we were the day we married. I believe that marriage is as much of a job as anything else is. You have to work to keep your love for one another alive. We spend a lot more time together than your average couple, with both of us working from home, and sometimes things get tense, but working at our relationship is worth the effort it takes.

Valentine's Day has always been a fun holiday for me. We try to have a date night, just the two of us, usually consisting of dinner and a movie sometime during the weekend leading up to Valentine's Day. Neither of us enjoy crowds, so we try to go when there are less people out. I am, unfortunately allergic to flowers, perfume and jewelry. It's all down to chocolate. I'm not allergic to chocolate, and get it every year!

My goal with my stories for my Parkside Community Church is to portray churches as they actually are, but also to entertain people. I'm careful in my stories to not having my couples do anything to offend even the strictest Christian. I'd like my stories to be some that moms are happy to let their teenage daughters read.

What I've written for this blog is simply a Epilogue to the first story in my series "A Bride for Pastor Dan". In the story, Dan is a new pastor at the church Anna has attended her entire life. She loves her church, but is doing to much for it. Anna is not a pretty girl, and honestly never expects to marry. When Dan meets her, he's instantly struck by the type of person she is, not by her looks. Their love story is fast, but I've known many people who have met and fallen in love in the space of a day or two which is the case with Anna and Dan. This story takes place seven months after their wedding on their first Valentine's Day together. Join us in getting a glimpse of their lives after the wedding.

Here for your delight is the Epilogue of A BRIDE FOR PASTOR DAN.

As soon as Anna hit the front door on Tuesday afternoon, she started running around the house like a crazy woman. She changed from her work clothes into sweats and a t-shirt so she could accomplish her goal quickly. She’d been detained at work by a parent, and wasn’t sure she’d be able to get everything ready before Dan got home. It was their first Valentine’s Day together, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

She set the flowers Dan had sent to the school in the middle of the table, and found the long white candles she’d purchased just for tonight, setting them on either side of the flowers. She started the steaks in the oven, and took out the au gratin potatoes she’d prepped last night sticking them in the oven as well.

She put some broccoli in the microwave to steam, and got out the ingredients for a salad. She cut the vegetables quickly and efficiently throwing them into a bowl.

By the time Dan walked in the door, she had the table set with their new china they’d received as a wedding gift seven months before. The food was ready.

He stopped into the kitchen to kiss her and wish her Happy Valentine’s Day. "Dinner smells delicious. Do I have time to change or do you need to serve it now?"

"You have about three minutes while I get everything on the table."

"Three minutes? Does that mean you’ll eat without me if I don’t hurry?"

She grinned mischievously. "You never know. I might."

He laughed and hurried off to change out of the suit he’d worn to his office at the church.

The card she’d gotten him was tucked under the edge of his plate. She poured out tea for them both and put the food on the table. She was just lighting the candles as he walked into the room.

"You went all out, Anna. Thank you!"

"I wanted it to be special for our first Valentine’s Day together."

"You know, I can’t believe it’s our first. It feels like I’ve known you forever. How did I ever get through twenty-seven years without my other half?"

She smiled. "I feel the same way."

They sat down, and after he’d said the blessing over the meal, they ate. She tried to hide the excitement she felt at giving him her surprise at the end of the meal, but she was glowing with it.

He noticed the card peeking out from under his plate as he cut his first bite of steak. He set down his knife and fork. "May I read this now?" he asked, pointing to the card.

She nodded her eyes twinkling.

The card was a simple one, expressing love. The quick poem she’d added to the end was what made the card special. "Every day with you is special. I have a smile on my face all the time. I wanted to say this in a poem, but pregnant just doesn’t rhyme."

She watched his face as he read the card, and then what she’d written at the bottom. He sat and stared at it for a minute, and then jerked his eyes to hers. "Really?"

She nodded with a smile.

He jumped up from his chair and jerked her into his arms hugging her tightly. "How long have you known?"

"I took a test Saturday, and the doctor confirmed it yesterday. I almost told you on Saturday, but I thought it would be a great Valentine’s gift."

"How are you feeling?" His hands stroked over her back as he brushed his lips over the top of her head.

"Well, the poem almost read, ‘Roses are red. Grass is green. I think I’m pregnant, because I threw up my spleen.’ But I didn’t think that had quite the same ring to it."

He chuckled. "I’m sorry you’re not feeling well, but I’m thrilled you have a sense of humor about it. Are you sick just in the mornings? Or all the time?"

She sighed. "Just in the mornings. I’ve got a box of crackers in my nightstand I’ve been eating first thing to calm the morning sickness."

"What did the doctor say? You’re healthy?"

She nodded. "Healthy as a horse. With all my mom’s miscarriages, they’re going to watch me a little more closely than most. I’ll go in for a sonogram in two weeks."

"Is there a danger you’ll have as many miscarriages as she did?"

She shook her head. "There’s a slight chance, but the doctor doesn’t think so. She’s just going to watch me to make sure."

"When is the baby due?"

"Middle of September."

He sighed. "I have to wait that long to hold my baby?"

She grinned. "You can stop complaining now right. I’m going to be as big as a house in the heat of the Texas summer." She kissed him quickly. "We need to eat before dinner gets cold."

They slipped back into their seats. "Are you going to stop working?"

She nodded. "I told the principal this morning this would be my last year. I want her to have time to find someone. I want to be able to home school this one and any others who come along."

"Sounds good to me. When will we be able to find out the sex?"

"At twenty weeks. I’m only eight weeks now."

"Three more months? How will I know what color to paint the nursery?" When they’d purchased the house six months before, they had designated a room for the future nursery.

"You’ll have five months to paint it after we know."

He sighed. "I really want to know now."

She grinned. "Maybe you need to pray for patience."

He made a face at her. "Yeah, I guess I should do that. I’ll never get through the next seven months otherwise." He gripped her hand tightly. "I’m so happy."

Her face lit up. "I am too. I wasn’t sure I wanted a baby right away, but now that I’m pregnant, I can’t think of anything I want more."

"Do you want a boy or girl?"

She shrugged. "I’d be happy either way, of course, as long as the baby is healthy, but I think I want a little girl first."

He shook his head. "I want a boy first. I want him to help me fight off all the boys who are sure to swarm around her if she’s as beautiful as her mother."

Anna smiled. "You’re the only man in the world who thinks I’m beautiful."

He shrugged. "I can’t help it that all other men are blind idiots."

She laughed. "Only you would see it that way." She squeezed his hand. "I love you, Pastor Dan."

"I love you, Anna."

"Happy Valentine’s Day."

He brought her hand to his lips. "Thank you for the most wonderful Valentine’s gift a man has ever received."

 

Thanks Katie, that is  such a beautiful story.  Catch Katie on Facebook, Twitter and on Smashwords.

To everyone, have a lovely lovely day, and a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MISH!!!!

Above all...........KEEP IT KOOKY XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX