This year we flew to Utah to visit Kip's parents for Thanksgiving. His sister and her family flew in too. Plus we got to see our college kids and my nephew, niece, and almost-nephew-in-law. It was a solidly good time with solidly good food.

We arrived home after several delayed flights (not complaining--I thought we'd wind up stuck in Chicago or Dallas where they rerouted us, and we didn't--we made it home on the day we were supposed to, well, technically an hour past the day we were supposed to arrive home, since it was 1am. But I'm not complaining. I was so happy to see my bed!)

And the next day, my youngest daughter and I hauled out the Christmas stuff and got decorating. I didn't want to. I was so tired and there was so much catching up to do. (Lest you think I decorate all day, I assure you this is not the case; I am a very lazy Christmas decorator and usually just do one room, plus a few things. But we didn't start till 9:30 at night and I was beat.) Anyway, the point (did you forget there was a point? Oh, you never knew there was one in the first place?), yes, the point, is that I was so glad we did because it felt so festive and fun.

So...bring on the Christmas!!!

First off, this week I'm participating in a T.A.L.E.S. Reader Appreciation Event, hosted by the amazing and tireless Jamie Dalton. Every day this week dozens of writers are hopping on with giveaways and games. So go over, and CHECK IT OUT! I'll be there Thursday with my books.

Looking for books to give?

You can check out my entire list here on my linktree. If you're new here, I write in a few genres: fantasy (YA or Middle Grade), women's fiction (sweet), and non-fiction (essays).

Below are a couple that I'm highlighting, starting with my newest standalone.

Every Thirteen Years... in the month of May, a child disappears in the woods.

And this is the year.

A paranormal twist on Hansel and Gretel, where the real danger isn't just getting lost.

Another great book for teens/tweens is this standalone mystery novel, Click. There's no love story in it, but a lot of found family. (And, psssttt, the ebook is free today!)

Or if you're looking for cozier and wintrier... From Snow. Grab it if you haven't.

In case you missed it...

In addition to reading my own chapters of From Ashes on my Youtube channel (You can find the first chapter/prologue HERE!), I'm in the process of hiring a narrator to produce it! It will show up on Audible exclusively at first and then be available with other retailers later.

Plus, The Seer has released (currently, it's only in ebook, but the paperback is coming SOON!).

And, because it's Christmas, here's my peppermint brownie recipe. You can do loads of variations. If you don't have the candy, you just just flavor the topping with mint extract. Enjoy!

Peppermint Brownies

1 brownie recipe (see our homemade one below or use any one you want)

4 oz Andes mints (or other candy as long as it's chocolate-y or minty)

1 1/2 C chocolate chips

4 candy canes, chopped (or whizzed in a blender, which is so much better)

White Chocolate Ganache:

1 1/2 C white chocolate chips (a higher quality chip will incorporate better with the milk)

3/4 C milk or half and half

Brownie Recipe:

1 C butter (2 sticks)--we use salted; if you don't, you'll want to add 1/4 tsp salt

1 C cocoa

2 C sugar

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 C flour

Note: Feel free to add in chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or to sub 1/4 mint extract for the vanilla.

Beat or mix butter and sugar (we usually melt or significantly soften the butter). Beat or mix in eggs and vanilla. Add cocoa. Add flour.

Here's what you do:

1. Make the batter for the brownies.

2. Pour half of it (a largish half) into your 9x13 inch pan and spread around

3. Chop or break Andes mints (or other Christmas candy) and sprinkle over batter.

4. Pour remaining batter over candy and spread evenly.

5. Bake according to directions (note: brownies in metal pans bake quicker than brownies in glass; we use glass, so possibly cut some time if using metal). I bake ours at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

6. When brownies are done and HOT, pour chocolate chips over top of them. Allow to melt and spread the chocolate.

7. Let chocolate cool (I did this overnight, but you can always refrigerate or freeze if you need it that day).

8. Make white chocolate ganache by melting white chocolate chips with milk (I do this in the microwave). Pour over chocolate layer

9. Sprinkle chopped candy canes over top of this. I hate chopping candy canes because they shatter and go everywhere, so I put mine in my magic bullet and gave it a whiz. They chopped beautifully and even got kind of powdery. I didn't think I'd like this, but I loved it--it was delicious and made it so the candy cane didn't overpower the brownie or get stuck in clumps in your molars.