Twelve Books for Christmas: Day Twelve ~ Purely Paranormal by Patti Larsen

Five Books. Five new worlds to explore.

Welcome to the work of Patti Larsen.

She will lead you:

Into a world where unusual family magic abounds

To Victorian London fraught with danger and dark power
To explore the darkness of a sparkling but deceitful diamond city
To a dying civilization, the only hope a clone who can’t remember anything
To a place where you must run, hide, fight, or die

And so much more!

Come inside. Pull up a chair. And hold on tight. Magic and danger await.

Patti Larsen: Purely Paranormal.

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I am an award-winning young adult author with a passion for the paranormal. Now with multiple books in happy publication, I live on the East Coast of Canada with my very patient husband and six massive cats.

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~ Interview ~

Konstanz: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Patti: I love being with my family, seeing cousins who don't live close by. It's not about presents anymore--it's about reconnecting after a long, amazing year.

Konstanz: If you were to give your Main Character a Christmas present, what would it be?

Patti: Syd: A huge hug and a kick in the pants.
Burdie: A new top hat--hers has been misplaced...
Fresco: A solid meal and a shower.
Trio: A model statue of Liberty.
Reid: New sneakers. And a gun.
Konstanz: Do you prefer to be surrounded by Snow or Sun on Christmas?

Patti: SUNSUNSUNSUN... Sorry, what was the question?

Konstanz: What is the craziest, funnest, best, or worst present you've ever received for Christmas?

Patti: The worst present was also the craziest--and kind of cool at the same time. One of my sisters got me a freaky floor lamp in the shape of a crooked pyramid made of some kind of hide. There was still hair sticking out of the leather. It was... interesting. But I had it for years.

Konstanz: What is your favorite Christmas food?

Patti: OMNOMNOM...

Your questions are very distracting... I'd have to say all of it--turkey dinner, home made bread and gravy, my mom's biscuit pudding with chocolate sauce...

Now I'm starving.

Konstanz: What do you want most of all for Christmas this year?

Patti: Peace, love and to hit the New York Times Bestseller list. :)

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Twelve Books for Christmas: Day Eleven ~ Double Star by Cindy Saunders

When Cepheus, a dark god, forces seventeen-year-old Ally Ashworth off an isolated overlook, she has no idea she's falling into his world, or that the necklace she’s wearing is actually a key - one with the power to ignite the next world war. But she’s carried beyond his reach and into the one place where he’s powerless ... the forest of Gilgamesh.

Ally’s never been Miss Popularity, but her outsider status takes on new meaning when she’s rescued by Liam Cheveyo and his peculiar friends. After seeing them shape-shift into their freaky humanimal counterparts, Ally smacks hard into a few truths: magic really does exist and, although getting here took no effort, finding her way back might be impossible. Feelings between her and Liam begin to grow along with the realization that, in this world, she’s stronger, better ... until she’s caught in a trap set by the creepy spider-boy Cepheus sends to retrieve her. But Ally’s not going down without a fight, not after learning the horrible truth about the passageways.

The survival of both worlds depends on it.

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Cindy Saunders was born in Lowell, MA. She moved to Rhode Island in her twenties and considers The Ocean State her home. She graduated from Bryant College with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance and currently lives with her family in Exeter, RI. Double Star is her first novel and was published in November, 2012. 

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~ Interview ~

Konstanz: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Cindy: My favorite thing about Christmas is decorating the house. There's nothing like the smell of a real tree ...until the needles begin to fall! Once it's up and decorated, I love sitting near it when the lights are on and remembering all the great Christmas' I enjoyed as a child. It's very magical!

Konstanz: If you were to give your Main Character a Christmas present, what would it be?

Cindy: I would give Ally the key to a door that would allow her and Liam to travel freely between their worlds.

Konstanz: Do you prefer to be surrounded by Snow or Sun on Christmas?

Cindy: Snow, of course!! I'm from New England!

Konstanz: What is the craziest, funnest, best, or worst present you've ever received for Christmas?

Cindy: My familly has a running joke where we've regifted the same sweater back and forth over the past few years. We seem to forget about it until one of us opens it and tries to act like we love it. And the person doing the giving that year is trying not to roll on the floor in a fit of laughter. I think it's probably my year to get the sweater again!

Konstanz: What is your favorite Christmas food?

Cindy: Fruit cake .. KIDDING! My daughter and I make Christmas cookies every year and no matter how they turn out, we eat everyone one!

Konstanz: What do you want most of all for Christmas this year?

Cindy: No bills after the holidays!

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Twelve Books for Christmas: Day Ten ~ The Charlie Sullivan Series by DC and Michael McGannon

 Monsters are real. They have always been here, even when we choose not to see them.

Now, for the residents of Hunter’s Grove, the choice is no longer theirs. As a power-hungry varcolac—a Greater—tries to break through the magic holding him back and lead his army of monsters to vengeance against human-kind, there are five who unknowingly possess the power to finish what centuries of humans before them have been unable to do. Charlie Sullivan and his band of new friends will be tested as they attempt to strengthen the magic that can lock the monsters and their evil prince away for good—even if the cost is their lives.This is the story of five unlikely friends who uncover the sinister past buried under their sleepy hometown of Hunter’s Grove. This is a story about looking past differences, overcoming fears, and rediscovering what is truly important in this life. This is the story of Charlie Sullivan and the Monster Hunters of Hunter’s Grove.

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Across an ocean the portal village of Drakauragh suffers under dark magic and vengeful gods. An ancient terror threatens our world once again. If the rising darkness has its way, the light of day will fail.

A plea has been sent to the Monster Hunters of Hunter's Grove. Hope is dim.

These are dark times indeed. The light is fading.

The Witch Moon rises.

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D.C. & Michael McGannon are authors of several titles, including their most recent, acclaimed series, Charlie Sullivan and the Monster Hunters (Book 1: The Varcolac’s Diary; Book 2: Witch Moon; Book 3: The Council of the Hunters). They are the humorous father/son duo known as The Monster Guys, mixing humor, horror, and all manner of comedic improv to special events. D.C. and Michael are founders at The McGannon Group Ltd. Co., a publishing and entertainment group based in Tulsa, OK.

They have also added to their list of credits as creators of the table-top card game based on their “Monster Hunters” series of novels. Their writing has inspired an Advocacy Project to support libraries across the country, and their voices serve the voiceless addressing issues such as bullying and child literacy. They are consistently hired out to do voice-acting for themselves, and are known to infiltrate their neighbors’ back yards and local parks in search of terrifying monsters in order to protect innocent civilians.

Neither D.C. nor Michael have ever actually caught a terrifying monster, but people regularly smile at them and thank them for their efforts. When The Monster Guys are not writing, hunting monsters, or voice-acting for themselves, they are travelling to exciting conventions to meet new friends.

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~ Interview ~

Konstanz: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Family. Spending time with family and a lot of time hand-crafting gifts for people. We love spending the holidays close to home and simply enjoying time with each other as much as possible. We used to do a lot of parties and events, but those days are long gone. It became a realization that too many events and extra curricular activities just increase the stress that so many feel during this time of the year. So...we spend a lot of time with each other.

Konstanz: If you were to give your Main Character a Christmas present, what would it be?

It may sound crazy, but probably a book. Haha! A book or a newly crafted weapon of some sort.

Konstanz: Do you prefer to be surrounded by Snow or Sun on Christmas?

Snow. We've lived most of our lives in Florida and it's just not the same as having that "feeling in the air." The crisp, cold air. Snow on the ground. The whole white Christmas thing is definitely preferable.

Konstanz: What is the craziest, funnest, best, or worst present you've ever received for Christmas?

The best gifts have always been what my children make for me (D.C.). I did receive a set of hand-crafted long bows a few years ago that were splendid. Probably the worst is a package of cow tongue that someone kept circulating each year for a company "white elephant" gift party. Every year, we knew someone was going to get it, and you just hoped it wasn't your year. Lol.

Konstanz: What is your favorite Christmas food?

There's a veggie casserole that Holly (D.C.'s wife/Michael's mother) makes every year that is just amazing. We could eat it forever! Other than that, probably cider and cookies. :)

Konstanz: What do you want most of all for Christmas this year?

Again, this may sound lame to so many, but just simple time with the family. We are very content with who we are and what we have. It's always a goal for us to look around for others we can serve during this time of the year, but as for "wants"...time with the family. And, ok...perhaps also to hit the best-seller list somewhere!

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Twelve Books for Christmas: Day Nine ~ A Fantasy Christmas: Halfling by Cindy Bennet

Banished from the South Pole, Kara tries to carve out a new life among the elves of the North. It’s not easy with a secret to protect—a secret she's cursed with by the unusual circumstances of her heritage: half-elf, half-fairy. In the North, she’s assigned to work with Seb on a special project. He's the most gorgeous elf she’s ever seen - and the orneriest.

As if being banished wasn’t punishment enough.

Seb introduces her to Trystin, a fairy from the nearby fairy forest. Trystin discerns her secret right away and promises to teach her how to use the powers given to her by the very thing she’s fighting to keep hidden.

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Bennett is the YA author of several books. She lives in Utah with her two daughters. Both of her sons have married, giving her two more daughters (in-law). She loves gooey cookies, dark chocolate, and cheese popcorn. She hates housework and cooking, and has no plans to become a domestic goddess. She occasionally co-hosts a geek podcast with her son, called Geek Revolution Radio. Her favorite pastime - other than writing - is riding her Harley.

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~ Interview ~

Konstanz: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Cindy: It might be cliche, but the spirit of Christmas is my favorite thing. Everything is so festive, people are usually cheerful and in a giving mode, and the smells of yummy Christmas treats.

Konstanz: If you were to give your Main Character a Christmas present, what would it be?

Cindy: Kara: Her own reindeer and sleigh.

Konstanz: Do you prefer to be surrounded by Snow or Sun on Christmas?

Cindy: Snow!

Konstanz: What is the craziest, funnest, best, or worst present you've ever received for Christmas?

Cindy: My parents gave me a huge eraser when I was a kid that was imprinted "For a Big Mistake". I took it literally and thought they considered me a mistake! It was some time before I understood the joke of it and could appreciate it.

Konstanz: What is your favorite Christmas food?

Cindy: Gingerbread cookie.

Konstanz: What do you want most of all for Christmas this year?

Cindy: To be with all of my kids at one time (some are married so this is sometimes difficult).

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Twelve Books for Christmas: Day Eight ~ The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan

Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian. Seventeen-year-old Violet Fairdale knows this better than anyone—she’s about to become the best guardian the Guild has seen in years. That is, until a cute human boy who can somehow see through her faerie glamor follows her into the Fae realm. Now she’s broken Guild Law, a crime that could lead to her expulsion.

The last thing Vi wants to do is spend any more time with the boy who got her into this mess, but the Guild requires that she return Nate to his home and make him forget everything he’s discovered of the Fae realm. Easy, right? Not when you factor in evil faeries, long-lost family members, and inconvenient feelings of the romantic kind. Vi is about to find herself tangled up in a dangerous plot—and it’ll take all her training to get out alive.

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Rachel Morgan was born in South Africa and spent a large portion of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making. After completing a degree in genetics, she decided science wasn't for her—after all, they didn’t approve of made-up facts. These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults.

~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~

~ Interview ~

Konstanz: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Rachel: Family time. Definitely! It's that one time in the year when everyone comes together. The house gets decorated, everyone's on holiday, there's glorious summer sun (in my part of the world!) so everyone hangs out by the pool, and we all get to eat delicious food together!

Konstanz: If you were to give your Main Character a Christmas present, what would it be?

Rachel: Hmm. Tough one. What do you give someone who has magic and can create their own awesome stuff? Okay, I think I'd send Violet to watch a movie. Having lived her whole live in the fae realm, she's obviously never been to one, so that would be an entirely new experience for her. And it would probably have to be The Lord of The Rings. Then she'd finally know what Nate was talking about when he said halflings were small people with hairy feet!

Konstanz: Do you prefer to be surrounded by Snow or Sun on Christmas?

Rachel: Well, I've only ever been surrounded by sun (except for a holiday or two overseas to the UK), and I have to say I prefer being warm! Chilling in a summer dress or bikini and lazing around the pool after Christmas lunch is perfect :-)

Konstanz: What is the craziest, funnest, best, or worst present you've ever received for Christmas?

Rachel: Ha ha! The worst presents are always something like a soap or a toiletry bag when you're eight years old and all you want is a BARBIE! (Or whatever the cool equivalent of Barbie is these days!)

Konstanz: What is your favorite Christmas food?

Rachel: Glazed gammon and my mom's Christmas cake (not together!). I know we could technically eat gammon all year round, but we only ever seem to have it at Christmas! And then there's some Christmas cake that is truly awful and dry, but I love my mom's one!

Konstanz: What do you want most of all for Christmas this year?

Rachel: Hmm. I can't often think of STUFF that I want ... Ooh, I would really LOVE to have an iMac with a MASSIVE screen so that I can properly see all the Photoshop and After Effects stuff I work on :-)

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Twelve Books for Christmas: Day Seven ~ Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae

Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise. As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm, and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered. Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she's never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now...she doesn't even know who or what she is. A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously, captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.

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Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, CA, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and recently moved with her husband and children to Alaska.
She loved reading from as long as she can remember, and it was C.S. Lewis' - Chronicles of Narnia - which sparked a fire in her soul and made her want to create her own wondrous, magical worlds and awesome characters to go on adventures with.
In My Dreams & Hidden Wings were both recently published through Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing earlier this year. Descent (A Hidden Wings novella) was released May 15, 2013, and Broken Wings (Book 2 in the Hidden Wings Series) was released June 1, 2013.
One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe, and ride away on her magical unicorn... Until then... she'll keep writing!

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~ Interview ~

Konstanz: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Cameo: That is a hard question because I am a HUGE Christmas freak. I love everything about Christmas. If I had to choose one thing...I'd say the feel of Christmas. When Christmas is coming, there seems to be a buzz in the air. A very happy buzz. It's the spirit behind the day that I love. All the beautiful lights, decorations, gatherings, food, celebrating, giving of gifts...is a bonus.

Konstanz: If you were to give your Main Character a Christmas present, what would it be?

Cameo: I would probably give her a warm, warm jacket, with gloves and winter boots. She lives in Alaska. I know how cold it can get!!!

Konstanz: Do you prefer to be surrounded by Snow or Sun on Christmas?

Cameo: SNOW!!! I was raised in Hawaii and lived there for over 30 years. The sun was nice, but Christmas never felt like Christmas. I loved when it rained on Christmas day.

We now live in Alaska, the complete opposite. There is nothing more wonderful than a White Christmas

Konstanz: What is the craziest, funnest, best, or worst present you've ever received for Christmas?

Cameo: My best present came a few years back, when we were still living in Hawaii. I didn't expect anything from my family. My husband and I would get gifts for the kids and grand-kids, but told them not to get us anything. We were happy to have them around us.

Well, after everyone opened their gifts, and we were cleaning up the wrapping, they came and brought me a box. I was shocked, and carefully unwrapped it. The box said Amazon on it...and then, I had a feeling I knew what it was. I peeled the lid open and saw a Kindle. I'd wanted one, but couldn't afford one at the time.
I cried like a baby!!! I've never cried over a present before. It was embarrassing...but the greatest present ever. It even came with a cover that had a built in light.

Konstanz: What is your favorite Christmas food?

Cameo: Another hard question. Gosh!!! Do we only get to choose one? I would have to say the spiraled ham. I love ham, but I also love stuffing with gravy.

Konstanz: What do you want most of all for Christmas this year?

Cameo: To finish my next Hidden Wings book, BEFORE Christmas. haha

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Twelve Books for Christmas: Day Six ~ Indigo by Kate Marie Robbins

Ava is your typical teenage girl, hoping to spend her summer doing the usual: shopping, concerts, skateboarding, and hanging out with her friends. Her best friend Sera has other plans for them, learning how fly her uncle Mat’s hot air balloon. Their first solo flight turns out to be the adventure of a lifetime.

By magical forces, they are pulled into a world that is unlike their own: the world of Indigo, steeped in myths, legends, and prophecy. Where nothing is what it seems. Where good and evil are not easily distinguished. Will the two teens be able to figure out whose side they are really on before it’s too late and find their way home?

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From the makings of her fabulous tennis hits, from the inspiration of her waggish pets, from the riotous air of Minnesota, comes Kate Marie Robbins...
She lives in a VERY small town in southeastern Minnesota with her family and her three pets. She is currently working in a nursing home but has for long dreamed of being a published author- which since you are reading this, has come true. She likes to read, sing, paint and is very proud of her music & book collections. She also wants to travel the world. When she travels the world of Indigo, she would like to learn sword fighting from Bradan, or be a tailor.
Kate once waited to get into a concert for ten hours, in a snow storm. She dyes her hair a different color every few months, and once went to Walmart wearing a black cape and cat ears. She never got into trouble at school, and has not yet achieved her ambition of drinking her way through all twelve pubs pictured on her Irish calendar.

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~ Interview ~

Konstanz: What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Kate: Spending time with my friends and family.

Konstanz: If you were to give your Main Character a Christmas present, what would it be?

Kate: Ava, because she would be super easy to shop for. I would definitely buy her some kind of band merch or something from Hot Topic.

Konstanz: Do you prefer to be surrounded by Snow or Sun on Christmas?

Kate: Sun, I absolutely hate snow.

Konstanz: What is the craziest, funnest, best, or worst present you've ever received for Christmas?

Kate: Wow, I can't even remember all of the presents I've received over the years. Best, probably my first cd back when I was 13. It was a boy band, I just can't remember which. lol

Konstanz: What is your favorite Christmas food?

Kate: We're a predominantly Swedish in heritage, so it wouldn't be a Christmas dinner without lefse and potato sausage. It's what I look forward to every year.

Konstanz: What do you want most of all for Christmas this year?

Kate: The only thing I want is to be able to see my boyfriend for Christmas.

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