A word from Tena Stetler...
Mystic Maples is my contribution to the multi-author series The Deerbourne Inn and embraces the paranormal, with a bit of mystery and time-travel for the reader’s pleasure. I love being a part of a multi-author series. If you haven’t read any of the series, I highly recommend them. Each story is written by a different author and share scenes within Willow Springs, Vermont centering on The Deerbourne Inn and its cast of quirky characters. The books run the gambit from historical and paranormal romance to mysteries and time travel.
The hero of Mystic Maples owns a Sugar Maple grove on the edge of Willow Springs. Before writing the book, I had to do research into the process of maple sap being turned into maple syrup. Here are a few fun facts about the process.
Fun Facts:
- It takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of pure maple syrup.
- Sugaring season for maple syrup is from early February through late March.
- Pure maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids – making it good for your health and a great alternative to refined sugar (in moderation of course).
- REAL maple syrup is 100% fat free and contains no preservatives.
- Buy extra! You can keep maple syrup in the freezer for a very, very long time (like forever)! It will never freeze solid. Always keep your open bottle of syrup in the refrigerator.
- There is actually a law in Vermont making it illegal to label a product on a restaurant menu or food package as “maple” if it is not pure maple syrup. Vermonters take this stuff seriously!
Blurb:
Earth/Fire witch Mercy Rose's insatiable curiosity always gets her in trouble. After a break-in at her Colorado flower shop, and a court battle that comes to a screeching halt in her favor, she arrives at Deerbourne Inn for a much-needed getaway. Looking for peace and quiet, she finds just the opposite in a startling handsome but mysterious man and his dog.
Silvanus Forrest's gypsy/fae heritage is a double-edged sword. The land he inherited from his parents is rumored to be enchanted. But when Mercy discovers the truth, his well-ordered life unravels, and they're catapulted into the past to right a wrong. Along the way their lives intertwine, and they discover the true meaning of family and love. Will they change the past in time to save their future?
Excerpt:
It was a beautiful summer evening lit by a full moon. What harm could come from simply popping over to Mystic Maples, digging my toes into the earth and see if there is any truth to the rumors? She shrugged. Sis wouldn't have told me about it, if she hadn't thought it worth investigating. Right?
She toed off her shoes, pulled off her socks and straightened. With a snap of her fingers she left the room without a sound and landed smack dab at the edge of the maple trees. Glancing around, she could see the house in the distance and the outline of the sign. "Good, I'm in the right place." She wandered farther in among the trees, the dirt beneath her feet was cool. Wiggling her toes deeper into the earth, she felt the warmth of the day and something else—a connection.
Several trees had a slight glow to them, then it was gone. Am I imagining…She raised her arms out from her sides and turned her face to the starlit sky letting the magic surge through her. It had been almost a year since magic of any kind called to her. It felt so good, she was lost in the moment.
Suddenly a male voice broke through her revelry. "What are you doing here?"
Her heart thundered in her chest. She hadn't heard a sound. Yet, there he was standing not three feet from her, hands on hips, and glaring at her.
The aura around him flashed red. Not good. Saving grace at the moment was the calm Caribbean ocean blue simmering below the rage red—what’s this—a spark of magic? Where’d that come from? He’s no witch or… Once again her insatiable curiosity overwhelmed her good sense.
He reached out. It all happened like slow motion, he grabbed her arm pulling her out of her thoughts. Reflex action on her part caused a jolt of magic spark to snap from her palm. A direct hit to his solar plexus. Uh-oh…
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About the Author:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance novels. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends.
With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and strong mystical males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Author Contact Information:
Thanks for hosting Mystic Maples! I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Feel free to contact me at any time. :)
DeleteLove those maple syrup facts. Reading and reviewing all the Deerbournes...congratulations on yours Tena.
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte! I found the facts interesting. Glad you stopped by!
DeleteInteresting, Tena. Enjoyed learning about maple syrup. All the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Mary! I really appreciate it!
DeleteInteresting facts on maple syrup. I love it on pancakes. Yum! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHey CB! Happy you stopped by! I too love it on pancakes!!
DeleteCan't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for the next book. Good luck, Tena.
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by Sandy! It' going to be fun, I can tell you that!
DeleteLoved learning those maple syrup tips! Makes me want to dash to the store to pick up a bottle :)
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara! Thanks for stopping by! I love real Maple Syrup on pancakes!
DeleteI love this book! And I didn't know you could freeze maple syrup, that's handy. I like to use it in place of sugar when I can.
ReplyDelete