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Sunday, December 31, 2017

Weird Christmas Doings at Mentink Manor



I would like to tell you that here at Mentink Manor, we experience the picture perfect, Martha Stewart  Christmas. I’d like to tell you that...but I’d be lying. Here in my cozy home, we have two teenage bear cubs coming and going. Add to that a naughty terrier, a crusty box turtle and a schedule that will boggle the mind and you’re beginning to get the picture. So let me just take a moment to share my top three Mentink Christmas factoids.

#1) Our tree is weird. It’s artificial, the same one next to which Papa Bear proposed to me some twenty three years ago. It’s sentimental...but it’s not pretty. As a matter of fact, it’s got a decided lean to the left. We don’t put on the rear branches because it takes up too much room, so it’s a little...um...unnatural looking. Add to that the fact that we only put ornaments on the top half because Junie the Terrier has been known to eat ornaments and the Jesus candle, and you get an idea. Not pretty....but the source of many Christmas memories.



#2) If you’re a friend of mine, you’re getting one cent stamps for Christmas, and the wrapping isn’t going to be grand. I’ll just let this video explain how I happen to come into possession of 20,000 one cent stamps. http://bit.ly/2AjWA6e

#3) Watch out for appliance crashes. Making Christmas Eve pizza is a tradition here at Mentink Manor and we go all out. Papa Bear makes the dough in a bread machine while we’re at church. You know what we learned? That bread machines wiggle...they do this shimmy thing and even at times launch themselves off the kitchen counter. Uh huh. Bye bye bread machine and hello therapist for the traumatized dog.

So you see, we don’t have the picture perfect Christmas here at Mentink Manor, but our home is filled with love, fur, frolic and faith and that’s the most important thing, don’t you think? God bless you and your family, all!







Friday, December 29, 2017

Mary Ellis's Christmas Memory and Favorite Cookie Recipe

When I think back to Christmas as a child, I remember gathering at the home of one of my aunts on Christmas Eve. We would enjoy a potluck dinner and catch up on family news—coming babies, recent graduations and other milestones. Before the families separated to attend church services, the children anxiously awaited the arrival of one special guest—Santa Claus. My uncle would dress up in full costume and arrive with great fanfare down the staircase. He carried a velvet sack filled with gifts for good girls and boys from infants through college-aged. Since I was the youngest of my generation, I was the last child who still believed in Santa Claus. When I finally discovered the truth about the man-in-red, I played along with the subterfuge for years. I didn’t want to spoil the fun for my mother and aunts. Finally when I was in the sixth grade and Santa passed out his gifts, I said, “Hi, Uncle Louie. Thanks for the gift.” My mother and aunts looked broken-hearted, but all good things must come to an end.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the joy they preserved for me because of their love. And because of God’s unending love and the gift of His son…once again I have something to believe in. Merry Christmas! May God’s blessings rain down on your family during this special season.

Snickerdoodles
1 cup butter, softened (do not use margarine)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
¼ cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 ¾ cups flour
¾ tsp. baking powder
cinnamon sugar

Cream together the butter and sugar. To this mixture add the eggs, milk, and vanilla, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together the flour and baking powder; then add the creamed mixture. Roll dough into little balls and then roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.


Need a Christmas novella to get you in the Christmas spirit? Sarah’s Christmas Miracle is available in all electronic formats for $2.99.


Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Merry Christmas and Texas Christmas Defender



Hope you had a wonderful Christmas! We're repeating some of the posts made for Christmas. After the first of the year, the Suspense Sisters will be back with great new posts, interviews, book reviews and contests! We're looking forward to a wonderful 2018!

Here is Elizabeth Goddard's post about her exciting Christmas book. If you got a Kindle for Christmas, this would be a great addition!

Merry Christmas, friends!


I'm so honored to have been part of the Suspense Sisters blog since its inception years ago. (I'll have to check on how many years we've been together and get back to you.)


Since we have such an excellent contest going for you, our readers, I'll make this post short and sweet.


Do you love Christmas books? How about a Christmas story with romance, suspense and a Texas Ranger? Ha!


Well, Texas Christmas Defender released this previous weekend. I hope you'll grab yourself a copy and one for a friend as a Christmas gift, as well. Thank you for your encouragement over the years--and for supporting authors by buying our books! It's what keeps us going (and writing!)



TARGETED AT CHRISTMAS

After earning the wrath of her brother, a notorious drug kingpin, Adriana Garcia has been in deep hiding on a remote Texas llama ranch. But when Texas Ranger Brent McCord manages to find her—leading her brother’s men right to her—Adriana discovers she’s a suspect in the murder of a border patrol agent. The handsome, principled ranger, whose life she once saved during a dangerous sting operation, intends to bring her in for questioning…and protection. To prove her innocence, Adriana has to trust Brent with the truth, her heart and her life. Because her brother and his henchman have the ranch surrounded, and Brent’s all that’s keeping this Christmas from turning deadly.

To see purchasing options go HERE! 

Be very blessed and have a Merry Christmas! 






Sunday, December 24, 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE SUSPENSE SISTERS!


Thank you for being part of the Suspense Sisters in 2017. We're looking forward to a great 2018!

Praying you will have a blessed, blessed Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year!

God bless you. 

The Suspense Sisters

Friday, December 22, 2017

WE HAVE A WINNER!


CONGRATULATIONS TO CAROL ALSCHEFF! SHE'S THE WINNER OF THE SUSPENSE SISTERS CHRISTMAS CONTEST!

Friday, December 1, 2017

THE 2017 SUSPENSE SISTERS CHRISTMAS CONTEST!






Here’s a list of prizes one person will win: 

A gorgeous handmade Christmas lap quilt
$75.00 in Amazon gift cards
Candy
Christmas ornaments
A variety of teas
A Christmas mug

And…lots of books!


From E.E. Kennedy: A 4-Book set of Miss Prentice Mysteries
From Patricia Bradley: Justice Delayed and Justice Buried
From Nancy Mehl: Fatal Frost and Dark Deception
From Elizabeth Goddard: Wilderness, Inc. Series (4 books)
From Dana Mentink: Cowboy Christmas Guardian
From Roxanne Rustand: A trilogy of Christmas novellas: An Irish Christmas Blessing, A Scottish Christmas, and A London Christmas

From Mary Ellis: Magnolia Moonlight
From Dr. Richard Mabry: Cardiac Event
 
                                 
                                 Enter below. We’ll pick a winner on December 22nd!


Merry Christmas from the Suspense Sisters!