Year in Review!

As the final minutes of 2008 tick away, I thought I'd look back over the year. It was an exciting year for me, both personally and professionally.

January 1st saw the release of The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke by Samhain Publishing. That same month, Overtime, Under Him was released by Pocket Books. It was exciting to see my Ellora's Cave Quickie, Unmasking Kelly, in print. Amethyst Moon, a time-travel/menage a trois quickly followed.

Then there was a quite a break in new releases for me due to an editor change. It was sad to see an editor leave, but luckily I have a wonderful new editor!

July heated up to be an exciting month. A Legal Affair was released from Samhain Publishing and a few days later Ellora's Cave released Jackson's Jewel, book 5 in the Awakening Desires series. I also had a print release that same month--Enticements, a two-book anthology, which contained Capturing Carly and Craving Candy, books 3 & 4 from the Awakening Desires series.

Another release followed in August. Lily Blossoms is a very sexy younger man/older woman story.

November saw two more releases--Beyond Shadows, a very hot paranormal/shapeshifter story from Ellora's Cave and By The Book, a sexy, suspense book from Samhain Publishing. The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke was released in Print too!

The year closed out with the release of my story "Moon Magic" in the Ellora's Cavemen: Jewels of the Nile IV anthology in both e-book and print.

All in all, not a bad year--8 e-books and 4 print books were released with my name on them in 2008. I couldn't be happier.

Thank you to everyone who read one of my books this past year. You've all helped make my dreams a reality.

May 2009 bring all of you health, happiness and everything good!

Happy New Year!

NJ

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all a safe and Happy Holiday with family and friends!

Thanks for all your support this past year. I'm looking forward to an even better year in 2009!

NJ
Emotional~Sensual~Satisfying Reads!
http://www.njwalters.com/

Jewels of the Nile IV--Now Available

Jewels of the Nile IV, which contains my story “Moon Magic” is now available from Ellora's Cave.

Under the light of the full moon, Meghan Flynn stands before an ancient stone well and wishes for a lover.

Watching from the shadows, Rory Shaunnessey is entranced. When she returns the following night, he steps forward, offering himself as her lover. But a hot summer fling can only last so long. Or can it be something more?

Jewels of the Nile IV is available today from Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice to you all. It officially arrives at 7:04 AM EST.

Today is the shortest day of the year, which means it's the longestnight of the year. After today the days will start to get a little bit longer.

Welcome to the official start of winter.

May the season bring light and happiness to your life.

4.5 Blue Ribbons for Lily Blossoms

Romance Junkies has given Lily Blossoms 4.5 Blue Ribbons. Here's a snippet of what the reviewer had to say:

"Ms. Walters has once again taken us back to small town Summerville, with its hot, sexy men and more than resourceful women. Lily Blossoms is a sweetheart of a story with two people who are tired of the usual and want a whole lot more than the average....N.J. Walters at her best."

You can check out the entire review at Romance Junkies!

Five-Minute Fudge

Here's a simple, fast, and absolutely delicious recipe for fudge that comes from a Carnation Cookbook we had when I was a kid. Enjoy!

RECIPE FOR FIVE-MINUTE FUDGE

Place 2/3 cup of Carnation Evaporated Milk and 1 2/3 cups of sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to boil. Boil for five minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips (semi-sweet dark are my favorite), 1 1/2 cups of white mini marshmallows, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring. Stir until smooth and then pour into greased 8x8-inch square pan. Cool and cut into squares. Eat and enjoy!

December Issue of The Samhellion

The December issue of The Samhellion is out. Be sure and check out my cranberry sauce recipe if your looking for an easy and delicious new recipe.

Also, check out the Samhellion website for the free Christmas reads offered by Samhain authors. There is something there for everyone!

Scrooge

It's not what you think.

I'm not in a bah humbug mood. But I was. *g*

Hubby and I took in a local production of Scrooge this past Friday evening. I watch the movie every year--several versions. But it's different live. No matter how many times you see it performed, each one is special.

The children have such fun and are so into their performance. They combine the traditional story with songs from the musical versions to create something special. I have to say that Jacob Marley was particularly good in this year's version. A lot of energy for a ghost.

Taking in local performances, plays or Christmas pageants is a good way to get into the holiday spirit.

Holiday Decorating

Yesterday, hubby and I finally bought a tree. It's not a real one, because the new company that took over our apartment building sent around notices letting everyone know they can't have a real one. Bah humbug!

The old company never minded at all. There was more of a feeling of community here back then. The superintendent knew most of the residents by name. But since they took over, the superintendent has changed about three times.

Anyway, hubby and I bought a tiny artificial tree. I didn't want to spend a fortune on one because, I know if we move next year, I'll want a "real" tree. Still, to quote Charlie Brown, "It's not a bad little tree."

It is sitting on a box in the living room because it's only about 4' tall. There was no way all the decorations were going on it, so we had to pick and choose our favorites, which was kinda nice. Hubby put on the lights and I sat and made popcorn and cranberry strings to wrap around it. Just like in Charlie Brown's Christmas, it morphed from a skinny little thing into a full, pretty tree. *g*

It didn't take long to put the tree up, but it does add a homey glow to the room.

It's the spirit that counts and this little tree has plenty of that!

Hope all of you are decorated for the holidays. Have fun!

Contest Reminder!

If you'd like a chance to win free books, check out my HOLIDAY MADNESS Contest!

I've already given away 2 Print copies of White Hot Holidays, Volume 3, which features my story, Jessamyn’s Christmas Gift.

I've still got 1 print copy of White Hot Holidays 3 to give away, as well as a download copy of the Ellora's Cavemen: Jewels of the Nile IV Anthology, due out on December 21st.

Check out my website, and click on the "contests" page for details.

Nick of Time by Elle James

This time of year, I like to treat myself to a Christmas book or two or three. *g* And this year, one of my favs so far is NICK OF TIME by Elle James.

It's fast-paced, funny, and heart-warming. You'll fall in love with Nick and Mary and all the folks of North Pole, Alaska. Do yourself a favor this year and treat yourself to Nick of Time.

BLURB:

Nick St. Claire had come to North Pole, Alaska, with a few questions for Santa, only Claus had gone AWOL. Clearly, someone was trying to ruin the holidays, though the clever cowboy never had much use for them. Until he met Mary Christmas…

Santa's only child, Mary, was left to tend shop in his absence—suddenly making her a killer's next target. Nick volunteered to protect her, but he was also a stranger with a bundle of his own not-so-saintly secrets. Could Mary enlighten him on the joys of the season, or would a missing Santa squash her holiday spirit?

First Snow

Hubby and I went for a walk early yesterday morning. We usually go on one of the city walking trails, one that goes around a small pond with plenty of ducks and swans and other birds. It's a wonderful break from the bustle of city life and we both enjoy it.

As we walked, it began to snow. There was barely any wind so the snow fell almost straight down in big, fluffy flakes. The world was quiet and the path was almost empty. At many points during the walk there was no one but us around.

What is it about that first snow of the year that's magical? The air was so still when we stopped to watch the snowflakes drift over the pond. It was utterly beautiful.

Now I'm the first one to tell you I'm not fond of snow and that by February I'll be sick of the snow. But that doesn't matter during the first snowfall of the season.

It's all gone now. Washed away by the torrent of rain that fell yesterday afternoon and last night. For that matter, it's still raining.

But the first snow fell. And it was magic. I'm glad hubby and I were out and about to enjoy it.

Book-A-Day Giveaway!

I'm one of the authors giving away a free book today over at The Romance Studio Book-a-Day Giveaway.

Check out the details for a chance to win a PDF download copy of my latest Samhain Publishing release--By The Book!

Print Book Sale!

Ellora's Cave is having a huge end-of-year print book sale! There are literally hundreds of print books for sale, including some of mine. This is a great time to do some holiday shopping or maybe even buy a book or two for yourself.

To check out this fabulous sale, go to Ellora’s Cave Print Book Sale and start shopping. You can also check out N.J.’s books at Ellora’s Cave. My print books are at the bottom of the page. Not all of them are on sale, but quite a few of them are. If you've ever wanted Dalakis Embrace, Tapestry Dreams, Summersville Secrets, or the Dreams of the Oasis IV anthology (which includes the prequel to Beyond Shadows), or any other one, now is the time to buy.

Please have patience if the site is slow due to the huge amount of folks taking advantage of the sale.

Eppie Finalists!

I'm thrilled to announce that THREE of my books are finalists for the 2009 EPPIE Awards!

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The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke is a finalist in the Contemporary Romance category. Eternal Brothers finaled in the Fantasy/Paranormal Erotic Romance category and Jackson's Jewel in the Mystery/Suspense/Horror Erotic category.

Talk about excting!

Congratulations and good luck to all the other EPPIE Nominees.

Awakening Desires Newsletter--December Issue Now Available

If you’re not already receiving Awakening Desires—the Newsletter of Romance Author N.J. Walters—then you’re missing out on all the latest news, author interviews, excerpts and tons more! You’re also missing out on a chance to win every month!

The December 2008 issue is now available!

This month, many of the author's drop by to offer holiday greetings!

As well, each month, some lucky newsletter subscriber wins a prize. All you have to do to be eligible to win next month is to go to Awakening Desires Newsletter to join and read back issues.